Steam Turbine Rotor and Thrust Shaft Forging

Steam Turbine Rotor & Thrust Shaft Forgings for Thermal Power Plants

The steam turbine rotor shaft is the core rotating component of a thermal power steam turbine, directly responsible for converting thermal energy into mechanical rotational energy under high-temperature and high-speed operating conditions. These shafts are engineered to withstand extreme centrifugal forces, thermal stress, and long-term creep, ensuring reliable performance throughout the turbine’s service life.

The thrust and stub shafts are critical subcomponents integrated with the rotor system, designed to control axial loads, maintain rotor alignment, and support the thrust bearings in steam turbines. Together, rotor and thrust shafts ensure optimal mechanical performance and long-term stability of thermal power turbine units.

At Liaoyuan, we combine advanced open-die forging, precision Heat Treatment, and large-scale CNC Machining to deliver rotor and thrust shafts that meet the stringent requirements of coal-fired, gas-fired, and combined-cycle power plants worldwide.

Key Features & Advantages

Rotor Shaft Features

• High-Temperature Performance: Designed to operate at elevated steam temperatures and pressures without compromising structural integrity.
• Metallurgical Integrity: Advanced forging techniques optimize grain flow for superior toughness, fatigue resistance, and creep stability.
• Thermal Fatigue Resistance: Tailored heat treatment processes enhance performance under repeated thermal cycling.
• Dimensional Precision: Large-scale machining capabilities ensure rotor straightness and alignment within critical tolerances.

Thrust & Stub Shaft Features

• Axial Load Control: Precisely designed to transfer and absorb axial thrust loads from the rotor to the turbine bearings.
• Rotational Stability: Maintain alignment and minimize vibration during high-speed operation.
• Durable & Reliable: Forged from high-strength Alloy Steel and subjected to heat treatment to resist wear and deformation under extreme conditions.
• Integration with Rotor System: Seamlessly designed for compatibility with rotor ends, thrust bearings, and assembly interfaces.

Manufacturing Process and Quality Control

• Material Selection & Verification: Premium alloy steels (e.g., 18CrNiMo7-6) or carbon steels; rigorous inspection for chemical composition and mechanical properties.
• Precision Open-Die Forging: Optimized fiber flow and grain structure for rotor, thrust, and stub shafts.
• Tailored Heat Treatment: Quenching, tempering, or normalizing processes customized for thermal stress endurance.
• Machining & Surface Finishing: CNC Turning and milling of large-diameter shafts; critical tolerances and axial alignment for rotor-thrust system.
• Comprehensive Testing: Ultrasonic testing (PAUT / UT), metallographic inspection, and mechanical property verification.
• Final Inspection & Packaging: Full compliance with industry standards; safe delivery to EPCs or turbine OEMs.

Specifications

Applications

• Coal-Fired Thermal Power Plants
• Gas-Fired Combined Cycle Power Plants
• Large-Scale Steam Turbine Units

The rotor shaft forms the central rotating core, while thrust and stub shafts control axial load and rotor alignment, ensuring stable mechanical energy conversion and reliable operation under extreme operating conditions.

For inquiries about Steam Turbine Rotor & Thrust Shaft Forgings for thermal power plants, or for custom engineering solutions, contact our team for technical consultation, material selection guidance, and project collaboration.