The main function of the draft tube in a hydraulic reaction turbine is...
The main function of the draft tube in a hydraulic reaction turbine is to increase the effective head across the turbine.Introduction
A draft tube is an essential component of a hydraulic reaction turbine. It is a conical or diverging section of the turbine that is situated immediately after the runner (the rotating part). The primary purpose of the draft tube is to improve the performance and efficiency of the turbine.
Increase in Effective Head
The draft tube helps in increasing the effective head across the turbine. The effective head refers to the energy available at the inlet of the turbine. It is the difference between the head at the inlet and the head at the outlet of the turbine.
Conversion of Velocity Energy to Pressure Energy
When the water passes through the runner of the turbine, it gains kinetic energy due to the high velocity of the water. This kinetic energy needs to be converted into pressure energy to generate useful work. The draft tube plays a crucial role in this conversion process.
Acceleration in the Runner
As the water flows through the runner, its velocity increases. This acceleration causes a drop in the pressure head. However, the draft tube allows the water to expand gradually, reducing the velocity and converting the kinetic energy back into pressure energy.
Pressure Recovery
The draft tube acts as a diffuser, gradually increasing the cross-sectional area of the flow path. This expansion helps in recovering the pressure head lost in the runner. As the velocity decreases and the cross-sectional area increases, the pressure energy of the water increases. Thus, the draft tube allows for pressure recovery and increases the effective head across the turbine.
Conclusion
In summary, the main function of the draft tube in a hydraulic reaction turbine is to increase the effective head across the turbine. By providing a gradual expansion path for the water, the draft tube helps in converting the kinetic energy into pressure energy and recovering the lost pressure head. This increase in effective head improves the performance and efficiency of the turbine, allowing for the generation of more useful work.