Steam turbine singlet nozzle design for breech loaded assembly

Abstract

A steam turbine nozzle airfoil with integral inner and outer sidewalls is engaged with an inner ring and an outer ring in a nozzle assembly. Previous designs required large clearances between radial surfaces to permit simultaneous circumferential loading of the inner and outer sidewall into the inner and outer rings. The inventive arrangement provides for breech loading of the inner sidewall into the inner ring which allows near line-to-line radial contact on the hooks between the rings and the integral sidewalls of the Singlet nozzle airfoil. Tighter radial clearance overcome problems with loose assembly such as movement during welding, gaps leading to stress risers and performance issues associated with nozzle throat control.