Steam turbine blades with butted integral shrouds and side entry roots

Steam turbine blades with butted integral shrouds and side entry roots are used by Westinghouse in all but the last two or three rows of new low pressure turbines and in all rows of new intermediate pressure turbines. Analytical models, design methods and manufacturing procedures have been developed which are unique to this design. Most blades with integral shrouds are machined by a fully automated system and are assembled with a process that was especially developed to obtain tightly butted shrouds without affecting the radial position of each blade. Riveting and welding are not necessary, and no special rotor alteration for closing blade fastening is required. The results of stationary, rotating, and field telemetry tests were used in the design verification process and in the development of design methods. Field experience has been extensive, and reliability has been excellent in both fossil and nuclear turbines