Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling fluid velocity exhausting from an elastic fluid turbine within a predetermined range. Elastic fluid flow rate and velocity is measured through the turbine's exhaust stage and coolant flow rate to heat exchange tubes situated downstream from the exhaust stage is regulated so as to maintain exhaust pressure and, thus, fluid velocity through the exhaust stage within a predetermined range. Pressure measuring devices situated upstream and downstream from the turbine exhaust stage provide flow rate and velocity measurements for the elastic fluid passing thereby while the coolant flow rate through the heat exchange tubes is regulated by a variably restrictive valve or variable speed coolant pump.

Abstract: A pressure-fed journal bearing for a steam turbine is shown having a generally tangentially oriented oil inlet discharging at the horizontal centerline of the supported shaft to utilize the pressure head of the oil and retain laminar flow in the direction of rotation of the shaft. Seals are disposed in the axial ends of the bearing to minimize end leakage and confine the oil flow to an outlet channel generally opposite the inlet and likewise tangentially oriented to receive the discharged oil with minimal bearing losses. The oil flow rate through the bearing can be regulated by an orifice in the outlet or inlet channel.

Abstract: An extraction system for extracting steam from the blade path of an axial flow turbine apparatus in a circumferentially uniform manner. Steam is extracted through an extraction orifice having a circumferentially-varying throat portion, the throat communicating with a diffusing passage leading into a circumferentially-extending extraction manifold. The manifold is connected to an extraction pipe of predetermined cross-section area. Steam extracted from the blade path is conducted through the extraction pipe to an associated user apparatus. The dimension of the throat in the longitudinal plane relative to the axis of the shaft and the radial dimension of the manifold in a plane normal to the shaft axis are sized and cooperatively related such that steam is uniformly extracted from the blade path without creating significant pressure variations at various circumferential locations therewithin.