1. ) What is the basic difference between Curtis and Rateau turbine ?

2. ) What is the function of Shroud Band ?

A.) Blade Support: The primary function of a shroud band in a steam turbine is to
provide support and structural integrity to the turbine blades. It helps to maintain the
desired spacing and alignment between adjacent blades, ensuring their stability
during operation.

B.) Aerodynamic Efficiency: The shroud band helps to reduce the aerodynamic losses
in the turbine. It minimizes the leakage of steam flow between the rotating blades,
which can negatively impact the turbine's efficiency. By confining the steam flow and
reducing leakage, the shroud band improves the overall performance of the turbine.

C.) Vibration Damping: The shroud band also helps to dampen vibrations in the turbine
blades. Turbine operation can generate significant dynamic forces and vibrations,
which can lead to fatigue and damage over time. The shroud band acts as a damping
mechanism, absorbing some of the vibrations and reducing the stress on the blades.

D.) Protection: Additionally, the shroud band provides protection to the turbine blades
from external elements, such as foreign objects or debris that may enter the turbine.
It acts as a barrier, preventing contact between the blades and any external objects
that could potentially cause damage.

3. ) Reaction turbine blades have larger blade inlet angles than impulse blades ?

Yes, reaction turbine blades have larger blade inlet angles than impulse blades. This is
because reaction turbine blades rely on both the pressure and velocity of the steam to
generate thrust, while impulse turbine blades rely only on the velocity of the steam.
In an impulse turbine, the steam is directed at the blades at a high velocity, and the
blades deflect the steam to change its direction. The change in direction of the steam
creates a force on the blades, which turns the turbine. The pressure of the steam does
not change significantly as it passes through the turbine.

In a reaction turbine, the steam is directed at the blades at a lower velocity, and the
blades deflect the steam to change its direction and reduce its pressure. The
reduction in pressure of the steam creates a force on the blades, which turns the
turbine. The velocity of the steam also changes as it passes through the turbine.

The larger blade inlet angle of reaction turbine blades allows them to deflect the
steam more effectively and generate more thrust. This is why reaction turbine blades
are more efficient than impulse turbine blades.

4. ) What is the reason for preferring velocity over pressure compounding ?

The main reason for preferring velocity compounding over pressure compounding is
that it allows for a more gradual expansion of the steam, which results in a higher
efficiency.

In a velocity compounded turbine, the steam is expanded in a series of stages, with

each stage having a lower velocity than the previous stage. This allows the steam to
expand more gradually, which reduces the risk of shock and vibration. It also allows
the turbine to operate at a lower speed, which reduces wear and tear on the blades.

In a pressure compounded turbine, the steam is expanded in a single stage, with a

large pressure drop. This can cause shock and vibration, and it also requires the
turbine to operate at a higher speed.

As a result, velocity compounded turbines are generally more efficient and reliable
than pressure compounded turbines. They are also typically smaller and lighter, which
makes them easier to install and maintain.

5. ) What is the function of inter stage gland ?

Sealing: The interstage gland provides a sealing mechanism to minimize steam
leakage from one stage to another. Steam leakage can reduce the turbine's efficiency
and negatively affect its performance. By maintaining a tight seal, the interstage
gland helps maximize the steam's energy transfer within each stage.

Pressure Differential Management: The interstage gland helps manage the pressure
differentials between stages. The pressure drop across each stage of the turbine
creates a difference in pressure between adjacent stages. The interstage gland helps
equalize and control this pressure differential, ensuring efficient operation and
minimizing stresses on the turbine components.

Cooling: Interstage glands often incorporate cooling mechanisms to prevent

overheating of the gland components. The steam passing through the gland may have
high temperatures, and the cooling provisions help dissipate heat and maintain proper
operating temperatures.

Bearing Lubrication: In some turbine designs, the interstage gland can also serve as a
lubrication system for the turbine bearings. The gland may provide a controlled flow of
lubricating oil to the bearings, ensuring smooth rotation and reducing friction and
wear.

6.) Why a four row Curtis is not in use ?

Efficiency: The four-row Curtis turbine had limitations in terms of its overall efficiency.
The design involved multiple rows of moving blades with stationary nozzles, and the
energy extraction from the steam occurred gradually across each row. This led to
lower overall efficiency compared to other turbine designs that followed, such as the
reaction turbine or modern impulse-reaction turbines.

Complexity and Maintenance: The four-row Curtis turbine design was more complex
and required precise alignment and coordination of multiple rows of blades. This
complexity made it more challenging to manufacture, operate, and maintain
compared to other turbine designs, which could negatively impact reliability and
increase maintenance requirements.

Size and Cost: The four-row Curtis turbine design typically required a larger physical
size due to the multiple rows of blades. The larger size resulted in higher material and
manufacturing costs, making it less economically viable compared to other turbine
configurations

Advancements in Turbine Technology: Over time, advancements in steam turbine

technology led to the development of more efficient and compact turbine designs.
Reaction turbines, impulse-reaction turbines, and other advanced designs became
more prevalent, offering better efficiency and performance characteristics than the
Curtis turbine.

7.) Why a Pressure-velocity compounded turbine is used as Astern turbine ?

Reversibility: Astern propulsion requires the ability to change the direction of thrust
quickly. The pressure-velocity compounded turbine offers good reversibility
characteristics, allowing for efficient operation in both forward and reverse directions.
The turbine can efficiently handle the change in steam flow direction and provide the
necessary power for astern propulsion.

Compact Design: Pressure-velocity compounded turbines tend to have a compact

design compared to other turbine configurations. This compactness is advantageous
for marine propulsion systems where space is limited. It allows for easier integration
and installation of the turbine within the propulsion system.

Efficient Energy Conversion: The pressure-velocity compounded turbine design allows

for efficient energy conversion by extracting energy from steam at different pressure
and velocity stages. This improves the overall efficiency of the turbine, which is crucial
for marine propulsion systems where fuel efficiency and performance are key
considerations.

Controllable Power Output: Astern turbines need to provide variable power output
depending on the propulsion requirements. The pressure-velocity compounded turbine
can accommodate variations in power output by adjusting the steam flow rate and
controlling the number of stages in operation. This flexibility in power output control
makes it well-suited for astern propulsion applications.

Reliability and Durability: Pressure-velocity compounded turbines have been used in

marine propulsion systems for many years, proving their reliability and durability in
demanding marine environments. They have a robust design and are capable of
withstanding the operational stresses and conditions encountered in marine
applications.

8. ) When is a double flow turbine is used ?

Large Power Output: Double flow turbines are often employed in power generation
applications that require a high power output. Their design allows for a larger flow of
steam and increased turbine capacity compared to single flow turbines. By dividing
the steam flow into two paths, double flow turbines can handle a greater volume of
steam, enabling them to generate more power.

Low-Pressure Steam: Double flow turbines are particularly suitable for applications
where low-pressure steam is available. The design allows for effective utilization of
low-pressure steam by providing additional stages for energy extraction. The steam
flow is split into two paths, allowing for a more efficient conversion of energy in low-
pressure conditions.

Compact Design: Double flow turbines offer a compact design compared to other
turbine configurations for the same power output. This is beneficial in applications
where space is limited, such as in ship propulsion systems or certain industrial
installations.

Counteract Axial Thrust: In some cases, double flow turbines are employed to
counteract axial thrust forces. The symmetrical arrangement of the steam flow in
double flow turbines helps balance the axial thrust, reducing the forces acting on the
turbine and associated bearings. This can improve the overall reliability and longevity
of the turbine.

Thermal Efficiency: Double flow turbines can achieve high thermal efficiency due to
their design. By splitting the steam flow into two paths, the turbine can extract more
energy from the steam, resulting in better utilization of the available heat source.

9. ) What is the impact of bleed steam extraction on the turbine ?

Power Output Reduction: When steam is extracted from the turbine for other uses,
such as process heating or auxiliary equipment, it reduces the available steam flow
and energy available for power generation. This leads to a reduction in the turbine's
power output.

Efficiency Loss: Bleeding steam from the turbine affects its efficiency. The extracted
steam represents energy that could have been converted into useful work. By
extracting steam, the turbine's overall efficiency decreases as less steam is available
to pass through the turbine stages and extract energy.

Pressure Drop: Bleeding steam from the turbine causes a decrease in pressure at the
extraction point. This pressure drop can affect the performance and operation of the
turbine, particularly in cases where specific pressure requirements need to be
maintained in downstream processes or equipment.

Flow Distribution: The extraction of steam can impact the flow distribution within the
turbine. It alters the flow pattern and distribution of steam between the remaining
stages, potentially affecting the uniformity of energy extraction and turbine
performance

Temperature and Enthalpy Changes: Extracting steam at a particular stage removes a

portion of the steam at a specific temperature and enthalpy. This can impact the
thermodynamic characteristics of the steam remaining in the turbine, including its
temperature and enthalpy levels at subsequent stages.

Steam Conditions: Bleeding steam alters the conditions of the steam, such as its
pressure, temperature, and quality. Depending on the purpose of extraction, these
changes can be intentional and necessary for specific processes or equipment
downstream of the turbine.

10.) What is the effect of Bleed steam extraction on the Condenser ?

 Bleed steam extraction has a significant effect on the condenser. Bleed steam
extraction is the process of removing steam from a steam turbine at an intermediate
stage for use in another application, such as heating feedwater or driving a generator.
When bleed steam is extracted, the steam that is left in the turbine is at a lower
pressure and temperature. This lower pressure and temperature steam can cause the
condenser to operate less efficiently.

Here are some of the effects of bleed steam extraction on the condenser:

 Increased back pressure: The removal of steam from the turbine reduces the
amount of steam available to condense in the condenser. This reduced amount of
steam causes the condenser to operate at a higher back pressure.
 Reduced heat transfer rate: The higher back pressure in the condenser reduces
the heat transfer rate. This is because the steam has to expand more to reach the
same pressure as the condenser.
 Increased condensate temperature: The reduced heat transfer rate in the
condenser causes the condensate temperature to increase. This is because the
condensate has more time to absorb heat from the steam.
 Increased water carryover: The increased condensate temperature causes more
water to be carried over with the steam. This water can cause problems with the
steam turbine, such as erosion and corrosion.
Turbine Backpressure: Bleed steam extraction affects the pressure at which the
turbine exhausts steam to the condenser. This altered backpressure can influence the
performance of the turbine, including its efficiency and power output.

11.) Why is the main feed pump a turbo driven pump in a steam ship ?

The main feed pump in a steam ship is a turbo-driven pump because it is more
efficient and reliable than other types of pumps. Turbo-driven pumps use the steam
from the boilers to power the pump, which eliminates the need for an external power
source. This makes them ideal for use in steam ships, where space is limited and there
is no access to an external power grid.

Here are some of the benefits of using a turbo-driven pump as the main feed pump in
a steam ship:

 Efficiency: Turbo-driven pumps are more efficient than other types of pumps, such as
electric motors or diesel engines. This is because they can use the high-pressure
steam from the boilers to power the pump, which reduces the amount of energy that
is wasted.
 Reliability: Turbo-driven pumps are more reliable than other types of pumps. This is
because they have fewer moving parts and are less susceptible to damage from
vibration or shocks.
 Space-saving: Turbo-driven pumps are more space-saving than other types of
pumps. This is because they do not require an external power source, which frees up
space on the ship.
High Pressure Capability: Turbo-driven pumps are capable of generating high
discharge pressures, which is essential for feeding water into the steam boiler at the
required pressure. The high-pressure capability ensures efficient and reliable
operation of the steam boiler, maintaining the necessary steam conditions for
propulsion and other ship systems.

Constant Speed: Turbo-driven pumps operate at a constant speed, typically driven by

a steam turbine. This allows for consistent and continuous pumping of feedwater to
the boiler, ensuring a steady supply of water without fluctuations. The constant speed
of the pump helps stabilize the boiler operation and enhances overall system
performance.
 12.) Why a COPT usually a two row Curtis ?

A COPT (Combined Operation Pump Turbine) is a type of steam turbine that is used to
drive a main feed pump in a steam ship. It is a two-row Curtis turbine, which means
that it has two rows of nozzles and blades. The first row of nozzles reduces the steam
pressure, and the second row of nozzles reduces the steam velocity. This allows the
turbine to extract more energy from the steam and to operate more efficiently.

There are a few reasons why a COPT is usually a two-row Curtis turbine. First, the two-
row configuration allows the turbine to extract more energy from the steam. This is
because the first row of nozzles reduces the steam pressure, which allows the second
row of nozzles to extract more energy from the steam. Second, the two-row
configuration allows the turbine to operate more efficiently. This is because the first
row of nozzles reduces the steam velocity, which reduces the amount of friction and
heat loss in the turbine.

Finally, the two-row configuration is more reliable than a single-row configuration. This
is because the two rows of nozzles and blades help to distribute the load more evenly,
which reduces the risk of damage to the turbine.

As a result of these advantages, two-row Curtis turbines are the preferred type of
turbine for COPTs. They are more efficient, reliable, and durable than single-row
turbines, and they can provide the required power output for a main feed pump.

13. ) Why is the divergent part of the C-D nozzle longer ?

The divergent part of the CD nozzle is longer because it allows the gas to expand and
accelerate to supersonic speeds. The converging section of the nozzle is designed to
gradually decrease the cross-sectional area of the nozzle, which causes the gas to
accelerate as it passes through. The diverging section is designed to gradually
increase the cross-sectional area of the nozzle, which allows the gas to expand and
decelerate as it exits the nozzle.

The length of the divergent section is determined by the exit pressure of the gas. The
higher the exit pressure, the longer the divergent section must be in order to allow the
gas to expand and accelerate to supersonic speeds.

If the divergent section is too short, the gas will not be able to expand and accelerate
to supersonic speeds. This will result in a loss of thrust and efficiency.

If the divergent section is too long, the gas will expand and accelerate too much. This
can cause the nozzle to overheat and damage the internal components.

The optimal length of the divergent section is determined by a number of factors,

including the exit pressure of the gas, the ambient pressure, and the desired thrust.

14. ) In which direction does the turbine expand ?

Steam turbines expand in the axial direction. This means that the steam flows in a
straight line through the turbine, from the high-pressure side to the low-pressure side.
The axial direction is the direction of the turbine shaft, which is the long, rotating rod
that is connected to the generator.

The steam expands in the axial direction because it is the most efficient way to
extract energy from the steam. The steam flows through a series of turbine stages,
each of which consists of a row of nozzles and a row of blades. The nozzles reduce the
 steam pressure, and the blades convert the pressure energy into rotational energy.
The rotational energy is then used to drive the generator.

There are some steam turbines that expand in the radial direction. This means that
the steam flows in a circular path through the turbine. Radial turbines are typically
used in small applications, such as turbochargers. They are not as efficient as axial
turbines, but they are smaller and lighter.

15.) Why is the First row blades smaller than second row blades in Curtis Turbine ?

The first row blades in a Curtis turbine are smaller than the second row blades
because they need to be able to handle the higher steam velocity. The steam velocity
is highest in the first row because the steam is still under high pressure. As the steam
expands, its velocity decreases, and the second row blades are designed to handle the
lower velocity.

Making the first row blades smaller also helps to reduce the stress on the blades. The
steam velocity is highest in the first row, so the blades are subjected to the highest
amount of stress. By making the blades smaller, the stress on the blades can be
reduced.

Finally, making the first row blades smaller also helps to reduce the weight of the
turbine. The turbine weight is important because it affects the efficiency of the
turbine. By making the first row blades smaller, the weight of the turbine can be
reduced.

Here are some additional details about the first and second row blades in a Curtis
turbine:

 First row blades: The first row blades are the smallest blades in a Curtis turbine.
They are typically made of a lightweight material, such as aluminum or titanium. The
blades are also designed to be thin and flexible, so that they can handle the high
steam velocity.
 Second row blades: The second row blades are larger than the first row blades.
They are typically made of a stronger material, such as steel. The blades are also
designed to be thicker and stiffer, so that they can handle the lower steam velocity.

The first and second row blades in a Curtis turbine work together to extract energy
from the steam. The first row blades reduce the steam velocity, and the second row
blades convert the pressure energy into rotational energy. The rotational energy is
then used to drive the generator.