Difference between Impulse and Reaction Turbine

Comparison Impulse turbine Reaction turbine

Steam flows Steam flows in the impulse turbine Steam flows in the reaction turbine
through nozzles and strikes the through fixed blades and then flows
moving blades. over moving blades.

Pressure drop Large pressure drop. Small pressure drop

Pressure drop Pressure drop takes place at nozzles, Pressure drop takes place in both stator
location and pressure remains constant all and turbine blades.
over the turbine blades.

Blade passage cross- The blade passage is of constant The blade passage is of variable cross-
sectional area cross-sectional area. sectional area.

Blade manufacture The blade shape is profile type and The blade shape is aerofoil type and
easy to manufacture. difficult to manufacture.

Nozzles Nozzles are located in diaphragms. Fixed blades are attached to the turbine
casing, functioning as nozzles.

Rotor construction Impulse turbine rotor construction is Reaction turbine rotor construction is
disc or wheel type. drum type.

Steam admission Steam admission is partial over the Steam admission is full over the whole
turbine circumference. turbine circumference.

Number of stages The number of stages is less due to A larger number of stages are required
the large pressure drop. due to the small pressure drop.

Velocity of steam and The velocity of steam and turbine The velocity of steam and turbine
turbine blades blades is higher due to the large blades is lower due to the small
pressure drop. pressure drop.

Power application Impulse turbines are used for small Reaction turbines are used for medium
power applications. and higher power applications.
 Size Impulse turbine occupies less space Reaction turbine occupies more space
per unit power. per unit power.

Degree of reaction The degree of reaction is zero. The degree of reaction is greater than
zero (between 0~1)

Energy conversion The entire energy is converted into No energy conversion takes place in
kinetic energy. the reaction turbine.
   

How it works The work is done by the change in the The work is done partly by the change
kinetic energy of the jet in the impulse in velocity but almost entirely by the
turbine. change in the reaction turbine’s
pressure.

Newton’s Law Newton’s second law applies to the Newton’s third law applies to the
impulse turbine. reaction turbine.

 
 
Turbine Classification
 
Turbines are classified as impulse-type turbines or reaction turbines based on how the steam expands through the nozzle and impact a
blade. However, there are several different ways to classify the turbine as follow:
By the action of steam: Impulse or Reaction.
By the direction of steam flow: Axial, Radial, Mixed, Tangential, Helical, or Reentry.
By the inlet steam pressure: High Pressure, Medium pressure, or Low pressure.
By the final steam pressure: Condensing or Non-condensing.
By the source of steam: Extraction or Accumulator.