Analysis of geometric errors of throat sizes of last stage blades in a mid-size steam turbine

Steam turbine technology with enhanced flexibility will continue to participate in electric power supply mixes. Last stage blades secure the reliability of a steam turbine and require high precision manufacturing and assembly. This case study presents a statistical analysis of geometric errors of the throat sizes of the last stage blades in a mid-size steam turbine. A 3D optical scanner is employed to capture detailed geometries of rotor blades and a half of assembled nozzle diaphragm. Unrolled cylinder cross-sections are used to evaluate 2D geometrical features such as blade throats and areas at three different diameters, and the results are compared to intended designs. In addition, linear correlations between the throat size and blade pitch, area and trailing edge thickness are established, and blade throat position shifts are quantified. Such a comprehensive study is presented for the first time, and some useful conclusions can be retrieved from this case study.