Turbine moisture removal system
AssigneeWestinghouse Electric Corp.
InventorGeorge J. Silvestri, Jr.
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus and method for improving moisture extraction from a steam turbine incorporates a collection slot adjacent a last rotating stage of the turbine with the collection slot being vented outside the turbine by bores through the turbine wall. Moisture removal is enhanced by the use of pumps connected to each of the bores for suctioning water from the collection slot. The pumps may be ejectors powered by subcooled water to minimize flashing potential. The suctioned moisture is returned to the system after passing to a condenser.
Claims8
A water extraction system for a steam turbine comprising:
- an annular channel circumscribing an inner wall of the turbine adjacent a low pressure blade row, said channel extending through the turbine wall and defining a wall face in one end of the turbine wall facing said channel;
- an annular water collection slot formed in said wall face;
- a plurality of bores extending through said wall from said collection slot to an outer surface of said wall;
- and
- pump means connected to said bores adjacent said outer surface of said wall for suctioning water from said collection slot.
In a method of draining water from the interior of a steam turbine casing, the method utilizing pressure head within the turbine to effect drainage of the water through an annular channel disposed between inner and outer surfaces of an inner cylindrical casing of a steam turbine, an improvement comprising the following steps:
- forming a slot in the turbine wall facing the channel and oriented transversely thereto;
- forming a plurality of drain bores between the slot and an outer surface of the turbine wall;
- and
- pumping water collected in the slot through the drain bores to outside the turbine wall.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.