Turbine blading erosion is usually limited to which area?

Turbine blading erosion typically occurs most significantly at the blade or nose tips of the last few rows of the low-pressure turbine. This area is particularly vulnerable to erosion because it is exposed to the highest velocity and pressure drop as steam or gas passes through the turbine. The leading edges of the blades face a barrage of particles and droplets that can lead to wear and erosion, but the last rows of low-pressure turbine blades experience this more acutely due to their exposure to the flow conditions and potential contaminants in the exhaust.

The tip of the blades, while subject to some wear, does not generally experience the same level of erosion as the last few rows of low-pressure turbines, which often also have to handle moisture from steam that can exacerbate erosion. The entire surface of the blades may see some form of wear over time, but the erosion is not uniform across all areas; concentrated wear tends to occur in the high-energy zones, making the stated area the most susceptible to significant erosion. Thus, focusing on this specific region helps highlight the operational challenges faced in turbine maintenance and design.