Abstract
Erosion test in a model counter-rotating radial flow turbine has been performed to assist in the design of a 460-MW radial flow turbine. Three rows of erosion specimens were inserted at different radial locations in the last blade ring upstream of the blades to investigate the influence of the radial distance between the stages. Results showed that small droplets were formed and that erosion diminished with increased radial spacing up to a certain distance.
A theoretical model for calculating droplet trajectories, sizes, and impact velocities has been derived, taking full account of wake velocity, variable droplet drag coefficient, and atomization. The calculations explained all the experimental facts and made it possible to convert the model test results to the full-size turbine showing no risk of erosion in the latter.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.