Effects of wetness in steam turbines

Courses in mechanical engineering usually introduce the theory of axial-flow turbo-machines in terms of simple velocity triangles representing the bulk flow of ideal compressible fluid through the blade passages. A distinctive practical difference, peculiar to steam turbines (ST), is the presence of liquid-water in the flow field. The steam wetness in such turbines is widely known to be doubly-damaging, leading to both loss of efficiency and to mechanical damage (erosion, etc.) of the machine components. Over recent decades, a whole new field of mechanical engineering science has evolved on the subject of wetness in steam turbines, and general practices have been established within the industry. This article reviews the general effects that are of major importance to the turbine designer/engineer, power plant operator, and especially to researchers in this field.