System to control axial thrust loads for steam turbines
US6957945B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 27, 2002 |
| Grant date | Oct 25, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 27, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF01D3/04
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus (10) controls net thrust in a steam turbine (T) in response to changes in the operating condition of the turbine. The turbine includes a thrust bearing (B) positioned between low and intermediate pressure sections (LP, IP) of the turbine and a high pressure section (HP) thereof. Sensors (14) for sense thrust loads on the thrust bearing. A number of control valve (CV1-CV4) are used to balance pressures occurring at locations within the high pressure section of the turbine. A controller (16) is responsive to the sensors sensing a change within the turbine indicative of a significant change in net thrust to energize one or more of the control valves and to adjust the pressure within the high pressure section of the turbine so to maintain net thrust within an acceptable range of thrust values.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.