Difference between impulse turbine and reaction turbine

The basic difference between impulse and reaction turbine is that in impulse turbine steam flows through the nozzle, while in reaction turbine Steam flows initially from guide mechanism and then from moving blades.
Following are some points of comparison between an impulse and a reaction turbine.

Impulse Turbines

• In an impulse turbine steam flows through the nozzle and impinges in moving blades.
• The steam hits on the buckets with Kinetic energy.
• The steam pressure remains constant.
• Their relative velocity remains constant.
• Blades are symmetrical.
• The number of stages required is less for the same power developed.

For Related Topics visit our Page: Thermodynamics

Reaction turbines:

• Steam flows initially from the guide mechanism and then from moving blades.
• Steam glides over moving blades.
• Steam pressure is reduced during its flow.
• Relative velocity is increased.
• Blades are not symmetrical.
• The number of stages required is more for the same power developed.

Difference between reaction and impulse turbine (Video)