Abstract: An axial flow elastic fluid turbine apparatus includes a rotor having an annular array of circumferentially spaced blades. A casing encircles the rotor and an annular array of circumferentially spaced stationary nozzle blades is fastened the casing and arranged to direct the elastic fluid against the blades of the rotor. An outer covering is disposed over the radially outermost half of at least one blade of the stationary array and a thermal insulating member is disposed between the surface of the blade and the outer covering. Electric heating means are provided for raising the temperature of the outer covering to the Leidenfrost point, i.e., the point at which the temperature of the covering exceeds the vaporization temperature of the elastic fluid corresponding to the prevailing ambient pressure by more than 200.degree. C., to evaporate water droplets which collect on the stationary blade and to prevent the accumulation of relatively smaller water droplets on the stationary blade.