Steam turbine moisture removal system

A method associated with a steam turbine, comprising:

• during a predetermined operational condition, opening a condensate bypass flow path and closing a condensate main flow path associated with a turbine stage;
• while the steam turbine is operational, replacing a first drain orifice plate in the main flow path with a second drain orifice plate having an orifice diameter different from an orifice diameter of the first drain orifice plate;
• and
• opening the condensate main flow path and closing the condensate bypass flow path.

A method for operating a steam turbine, comprising:

• selecting a first drain orifice plate defining a first opening having a first diameter;
• installing the first drain orifice plate in a condensate main drain line associated with a turbine stage;
• operating the steam turbine;
• responsive to an indication that water is not draining through the main drain line at a desired rate, opening a condensate bypass drain line and closing the condensate main drain line;
• while the steam turbine is operating, replacing the first drain orifice plate with a second drain orifice plate defining a second opening having a second diameter different from the first diameter;
• and
• opening the condensate main drain line and closing the condensate bypass drain line.