Abstract: A support arrangement for an exhaust hood. The inner casing in the inventive arrangement is supported directly by the curb foundation. As a result, the effect of pressure changes in the exhaust hood are eliminated and the effect of temperature changes of the exhaust hood are reduced relative to the positioning of the inner casing and the rotor within it. Shaft bearings may be outside the exhaust hood located in a standard directly on the foundation. Rotor end packing may also be attached to the standard. The exhaust hood can be a much simpler design with less structural supports and less fabrication time. Easier maintenance is facilitated because the shaft bearings are not tucked under the exhaust hood and the end packing can be removed without removal of a large section of the exhaust hood.

Abstract: A support arrangement for an exhaust hood. The inner casing in the inventive arrangement is supported directly by the curb foundation. As a result, the effect of pressure changes in the exhaust hood are eliminated and the effect of temperature changes of the exhaust hood are reduced relative to the positioning of the inner casing and the rotor within it. Shaft bearings may be outside the exhaust hood located in a standard directly on the foundation. Rotor end packing may also be attached to the standard. The exhaust hood can be a much simpler design with less structural supports and less fabrication time. Easier maintenance is facilitated because the shaft bearings are not tucked under the exhaust hood and the end packing can be removed without removal of a large section of the exhaust hood.

Abstract: An axial flow steam turbine flow path that includes a rotor and a casing defining the axial steam flow path; and a toroidal diffuser for diffusing the exhaust steam and turning the exhaust steam from a generally axial flow direction to a generally transverse or vertical and tangential direction; wherein the toroidal diffuser comprises a diffuser that, at least in part, incorporates the shape of a toroid or a section of a toroid; and wherein a toroid comprises the shape generated by revolving a circular or oval shape in three dimensional space about an axis coplanar with the circular or oval shape, which does not touch the circular or oval shape.