Abstract: A positioning system for a steam turbine element includes a plurality of flex plates which support an inner cylinder of a steam turbine element with the rotating blades of a rotor and the stationary blades of the inner cylinder at a predetermined position. Sensors detect shifting of the rotor within the inner cylinder and provide control signals to a motor which drives the inner cylinder in an axial direction to account for shifting of the rotor.

Abstract: In a steam turbine having a first turbine element adapted to receive a flow of steam for operating at a first predetermined pressure, the first turbine element including an exhaust protion, a second turbine element adapted to receive the flow of steam for operating at a second predetermined pressure that is relatively lower than the first predetermined pressure, the second turbine element including an inlet portion, a method and apparatus for connecting the inlet portion to the exhaust portion by crossover piping which includes a pair of vaneless turning subsections each of which have a substantially long radius of curvature.

Abstract: A method of eliminating cracking between a steam turbine casing and a welded integral steam chest includes removing the integral steam chest from the steam turbine casing and replacing it with a separate and spaced apart steam chest having a plurality of steam exit ports. Steam inlet diffusers located in the turbine casing and normally connected to steam passageways in the integral steam chest are each connected to a corresponding steam exit port in the spaced apart steam chest. The connection between the spaced steam chest and the turbine casing is made by a plurality of relatively flexible steam pipes. Preferably, the integral steam chest is removed by cutting away the welded junction between the turbine and steam chest at a level corresponding to a radially outer end of the inlet diffusers in the turbine casing. The diffusers are each re-bored to a uniform diameter suitable for insertion of the flexible steam pipes. Each steam pipe is then welded to a corresponding diffuser.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus for converting steam energy into electrical energy. The apparatus includes a turbine capable of converting steam energy into mechanical energy. The apparatus also includes a generator for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. Additionally, there is a shaft disposed in and connecting the turbine and the generator along a center line. The shaft is capable of being turned by the steam energy of the turbine. There is also a single condenser connected to the turbine. The single condenser is capable of drawing steam out of the turbine and condensing steam to water. The single condenser is disposed alongside the turbine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for balancing a turbine rotor (10) is disclosed. The invention utilizes an existing equilibrium pipe (17) in the turbine, and changes the structure of the turbine in such a manner that the pipe (17) can be extended with a sleeve (17a), so that a linear passageway (21) is created from the turbine rotor (10), at a point where the rotor is to be balanced (11), to the exterior of the turbine (20). The sleeve (17a) is capped and plugged during operation of the rotor (10). To insert a balancing weight (25), the sleeve (17a) is uncapped and unplugged and the weight (25) is passed through the sleeve (17a) and positioned within the rotor (10).

Abstract: A multi-stage axial flow steam turbine having an inner and an outer casing. The inner casing being a pressure vessel having a first end which is enclosed by a nozzle ring disposed around a rotor in closely spaced, sealed relation therewith and having a second end which is open to the interior of the outer casing. Sealing between the inner casing and nozzle ring is provided by a structural hook seal which includes mateable flange portions which are integral with the inner casing and nozzle ring. A control stage and a first plurality of reaction stages are disposed within the inner casing. A second plurality of reaction stages are also disposed between the outer casing and the rotor so that steam leaving the inner casing's second end flows over the inner casing's outer surface and over the nozzle ring's outer surface to cool those outer surfaces before the steam enters the second plurality of reaction stages.

Abstract: A low pressure turbine apparatus having a single casing member surrounding a rotatable member. The casing comprises six pieces which, when joined, provide an integrated single casing member. Suitable flex plates are provided to accommodate differential thermal expansion of the casing yet avoid thermal distortion of the apparatus. The stationary blading and inlet and extraction flow spaces are incorporated in a center section. Exhaust hood end sections with integral bearing housings are bolted to the center section through vertical joints. Axial brace pipes integral with the center section tie the end sections together and prevent movement of the bearings due to expansion of the higher temperatures in the inlet and extraction zones. Axial alignment of the stationary blading is provided at the center plane of the turbine by the use of integrally fabricated flex plates. The center section is insulated and exposed to atmospheric conditions.