Steam turbine, a steam turbine nozzle, and a method of managing moisture in a steam turbine

Abstract

A hydrophilic surface pattern on a removal surface of a steam turbine directs surface moisture in at least one predetermined direction to enhance moisture management by enhancing moisture removal or otherwise reducing erosion caused by moisture in the steam turbine. In some embodiments, the removal surface is located on the outer surface of the nozzle wall adjacent an extraction opening. In some embodiments, the removal surface is located on the surface of the bucket and directs moisture toward the turbine rotor. In some embodiments, the removal surface is located on the surface of the turbine casing or the surface of the nozzle and directs moisture toward a drain in the turbine casing. The hydrophilic surface pattern is preferably laser-etched as a nano-scale pattern to create the hydrophilic surface. In some embodiments, the hydrophilic surface pattern creates a superhydrophilic surface.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.