Abstract: A casing half shell for a turbine system, a steam turbine system and related method are provided. The casing half shell includes a body having an open interior for enclosing parts of the turbine system; a first inlet in the body for delivering a first working fluid flow into the open interior in a first direction; and a second inlet in the body for delivering a second working fluid flow into the open interior in a second direction that is opposed to the first direction. A working fluid dam extends radially and axially in the body between the first inlet and the second inlet, the working fluid dam includes a stress-mitigating slot extending radially therein. A fill member may be mounted in the stress-mitigating slot to provide full functioning of the working fluid dam.

Abstract: A casing half shell for a turbine system, a steam turbine system and related method are provided. The casing half shell includes a body having an open interior for enclosing parts of the turbine system; a first inlet in the body for delivering a first working fluid flow into the open interior in a first direction; and a second inlet in the body for delivering a second working fluid flow into the open interior in a second direction that is opposed to the first direction. A working fluid dam extends radially and axially in the body between the first inlet and the second inlet, the working fluid dam includes a stress-mitigating slot extending radially therein. A fill member may be mounted in the stress-mitigating slot to provide full functioning of the working fluid dam.

Abstract: A bolt tensioning assembly includes a bolt having a through-hole extending longitudinally through the bolt. A ram is inserted into the through-hole. A top cap is configured to be attached to a first end portion of the bolt. A load distributing member is configured to engage the ram at a location adjacent a second end portion of the bolt to distribute a force exerted thereon by the ram, and an actuator is connected to the top cap to exert a force on the ram to cause the ram to engage the load distributing member such that the bolt is placed under tensile stress.

Abstract: A bolt tensioning assembly includes a bolt having a through-hole extending longitudinally through the bolt. A ram is inserted into the through-hole. A top cap is configured to be attached to a first end portion of the bolt. A load distributing member is configured to engage the ram at a location adjacent a second end portion of the bolt to distribute a force exerted thereon by the ram, and an actuator is connected to the top cap to exert a force on the ram to cause the ram to engage the load distributing member such that the bolt is placed under tensile stress.

Abstract: A method for monitoring non-rotating turbomachine parts includes the step of measuring displacement of at least one turbomachine part. A monitoring step monitors displacement of the turbomachine part with a non-contact type sensor. A collecting step collects data regarding the displacement of the turbomachine part. An analyzing step analyzes the data to determine if the displacement exceeds a predetermined threshold range. The non-contact type sensor may be attached to the turbomachine by a rod formed of a material having a low coefficient of thermal expansion, and a target may be attached to a stationary structure in close proximity to the non-contact type sensor.

Abstract: Heating systems for a rotor in-situ in a turbomachine are provided. In contrast to conventional systems that merely heat from an external turbine casing, embodiments of the disclosure heat the rotor. In one embodiment, a heating system includes a heating element to heat a portion of an exterior surface of the rotor. In another embodiment, the heating system may include a heating element(s) at least partially positioned within the rotor, and the rotor including the heating system. Each embodiment may include a controller to control operation of the heating element(s).

Abstract: Heating systems for a rotor in-situ in a turbomachine are provided. In contrast to conventional systems that merely heat from an external turbine casing, embodiments of the disclosure heat the rotor. In one embodiment, a heating system includes a heating element to heat a portion of an exterior surface of the rotor. In another embodiment, the heating system may include a heating element(s) at least partially positioned within the rotor, and the rotor including the heating system. Each embodiment may include a controller to control operation of the heating element(s).

Abstract: Heating systems for a rotor in-situ in a turbomachine are provided. In contrast to conventional systems that merely heat from an external turbine casing, embodiments of the disclosure heat the rotor. In one embodiment, a heating system includes a heating element to heat a portion of an exterior surface of the rotor. In another embodiment, the heating system may include a heating element(s) at least partially positioned within the rotor, and the rotor including the heating system. Each embodiment may include a controller to control operation of the heating element(s).

Abstract: A valve includes a valve stem assembly including at least one wall and at least one passage at least partially defined within the valve stem assembly. The at least one passage defines a first opening. At least one portion of the at least one wall defines an erosion site that is configured to undergo contact with solid particles such that a second opening of the passage is defined. The valve also includes at least one sensing device coupled in flow communication with the at least one passage through the first opening. The at least one sensing device is configured to transmit a signal representative of an increased fluid flow through the at least one passage.

Abstract: A valve includes a valve stem assembly including at least one wall and at least one passage at least partially defined within the valve stem assembly. The at least one passage defines a first opening. At least one portion of the at least one wall defines an erosion site that is configured to undergo contact with solid particles such that a second opening of the passage is defined. The valve also includes at least one sensing device coupled in flow communication with the at least one passage through the first opening. The at least one sensing device is configured to transmit a signal representative of an increased fluid flow through the at least one passage.

Abstract: A steam turbine apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the steam turbine apparatus comprises: an exhaust shell portion including: a first section having a semi-circular cross-section; an exhaust section contiguous with the first section, the exhaust section including an intermediate-pressure exhaust outlet; and a second section having an oblate spherical cross-section including a substantially flattened portion, the second section configured to fluidly connect with the first section, wherein the first section and the second section form a continuous steam flow path.

Abstract: A steam turbine valve having an integral pressure chamber is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, the valve for supplying steam includes a valve body; and a pressure chamber substantially contained within a wall of the valve body, the pressure chamber having an inlet for receiving a pressurized fluid.

Abstract: A steam turbine apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the steam turbine apparatus comprises: an exhaust shell portion including: a first section having a semi-circular cross-section; an exhaust section contiguous with the first section, the exhaust section including an intermediate-pressure exhaust outlet; and a second section having an oblate spherical cross-section including a substantially flattened portion, the second section configured to fluidly connect with the first section, wherein the first section and the second section form a continuous steam flow path.