🔍 Key Concepts

• Steam turbine gland sealing system purpose • Effect of air leaking into a condenser on turbine operation • Relationship between vacuum in the condenser and turbine efficiency

💭 Think About

• What happens at the turbine shaft seals if there is a pressure difference between the turbine casing and the atmosphere? • Which of the options, if lost, would most seriously reduce the condenser’s ability to condense steam and hurt turbine efficiency? • In a surface condenser, what must be maintained so exhaust steam can flow easily from the turbine into the condenser?

✅ Before You Answer

• Identify which option is directly tied to condenser performance and turbine efficiency. • Decide which item the gland sealing steam is specifically designed to protect or maintain at the shaft penetrations. • Ask yourself: which of these, if lost, would cause air to be drawn into the condenser and raise its pressure? The correct choice is tied to that condition.