Which part of a steam turbine typically wears out first?

The first part of a steam turbine that typically wears out is the high pressure areas due to the presence of wet steam. Wet steam contains liquid water droplets that can lead to erosion and damage when they impact the turbine blades. As the steam moves through the turbine, especially in the high-pressure stages where temperatures and pressures are elevated, the risk of encountering wet steam increases if the system is not effectively managed. This wet steam can cause pitting and wear on the blades, leading to efficiency losses and potential failure if not addressed.

High-pressure areas are critical since they are designed to handle the maximum energy conversion from steam to mechanical work. When wet steam is present, the inertia of the liquid droplets can cause more severe impacts than is experienced with just dry steam, exacerbating wear and leading to premature degradation of these components.

Understanding this concept in steam turbine operation is crucial, as maintaining operational conditions that minimize wet steam formation can extend the lifespan and efficiency of the turbine.