Inserting Stainless steel blades into a Nodular Iron turbine diaphragm

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the challenges of inserting stainless steel blades into a nodular iron turbine diaphragm during the casting process. It highlights the risk of blade melting when pouring nodular iron and emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate manufacturing methods. The recommended methods for diaphragm fabrication include welding, casting, pinning, and machining from a solid plate, with welding being the most reliable and cost-effective option. The discussion also references a tutorial from Texas A&M University that provides further insights into these manufacturing techniques.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of nodular iron casting processes
  • Familiarity with stainless steel properties and melting points
  • Knowledge of diaphragm fabrication methods
  • Experience with welding techniques in metalworking
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of temperature on stainless steel during casting
  • Explore advanced welding techniques for turbine components
  • Learn about the mechanical properties of nodular iron and its applications
  • Investigate alternative materials for turbine diaphragms
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, metal fabricators, and manufacturing professionals involved in turbine design and production, particularly those focused on material selection and fabrication methods.

Osvaldo
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TL;DR
Blades are part of a steam turbine diaphrams, and should be inserted into the casting part.
Would need some advise on how to prevent the blades from melting when pouring the nodular iron into the piece mold. If somebody has experience on the matter or can recommend literature that could help in developing a successful .
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
I found this. They recommend against it.

“To accommodate installation of the rotor, the diaphragm is split into equal halves creating a horizontal joint. The outer ring supports the diaphragm in the case while the inner ring hangs free. The solid structure can be achieved by one of the following manufacturing methods:
 Welding
 Casting
 Pinning
 Machining from a solid plate
Welding is the most common, reliable, and cost effective method of diaphragm fabrication. Casting a diaphragm, consisting of cast iron rings and stainless steel vanes, is inaccurate and does not have sufficient strength. “

https://turbolab.tamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/METS2Tutorial2.pdf

page 5.
 
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