ME307

Energy Conversion Devices

Assignment – 5
Topic – Reaction Turbines

Name – Awantika Singh

Roll No. – B18163
Question:
• How to avoid the problem of backflow of water
because the exit of turbine is placed near tale
race level and the pressure of water at the exit of
turbine is less than atmospheric pressure?
Answer:
• The exit of turbine is placed near tail race level and the
pressure of water at exit of turbine is less than the
atmospheric pressure. It can cause a backflow of water.
This happens because water flows from high pressure to
low pressure and pressure at exit of turbine is less than
atmospheric and at tail race there is atmospheric
pressure. Hence it is possible that water backflows.
Backflow of water can stop the turbine from working
properly. It’s a type of hindrance in the normal working
of turbine. Hence to avoid the problem of backflow in
turbines like Kaplan and Francis a draft tube is used
between the outlet of turbine and the tail race level.
• Draft tube increases the pressure of water to atmospheric
pressure. Then there will be no problem of backflow of water.
Using a draft tube I have shown how the pressure is less than
atmospheric pressure.
Symbols used:

P1 = pressure at inlet of draft

tube(at section 1)
P2 = pressure at outlet of draft
tube(at section 2)
V1= velocity at inlet of draft
tube
V2 = velocity at outlet of draft
tube
ƍ = density of fluid
G = gravity force
hf = loss of head
Pa = atmospheric pressure
h = distance of bottom of drat
tube from TRL
• Pressure head at inlet of draft tube or outlet of turbine is less
than the atmospheric pressure. So the net head on turbine
with draft tube increases.
Hence because of the draft tube the pressure at exit of
turbine increases to the atmospheric pressure.