Steam turbines are one of the most versatile and oldest prime mover technologies still in general production used to drive a generator or mechanical machinery. Power generation using steam turbines has been utilised for over 100 years.

When steam is allowed to expand through an orifice then heat energy (enthalpy), is converted into kinetic energy. The kinetic energy of steam is changed to mechanical energy through the impact (impulse) or reaction of steam against the blades.

The force of steam is used to spin the turbine blades which turn the generator, producing electricity.

The capacity of steam turbines can range from 50 kW to several hundred MWs for large utility power plants.

Steam turbines are widely used for CHP applications across the world. The energy is transferred from the boiler to the turbine through high pressure steam that in turn powers the turbine and generator. This separation of functions enables steam turbines to operate with an enormous variety of fuels, varying clean natural gas to solid waste, including all types of coal, wood, wood waste, and agricultural by-products.

Steam turbines offer a wide array of designs and complexity to match the desired application and/or performance specifications. Steam turbines for utility service may have several pressure casings and elaborate design features, all designed to maximize the efficiency of the power plant. For industrial applications, steam turbines are generally of simpler single casing design and less complicated for reliability and cost reasons. CHP can be adapted to both utility and industrial steam turbine designs. Because SPML specialise in “Power Island” construction, we are very familiar with not just the construction and maintenance but in the necessity to maintain high quality and recording standards on any work we do.