What is the typical warm-up period for a steam turbine?

The typical warm-up period for a steam turbine is indeed around 15 to 20 minutes. This duration is necessary to progressively increase the temperature of the turbine components, allowing the materials to expand uniformly and reduce the risk of thermal stress.

During startup, it is crucial to prevent rapid temperature changes that could lead to damage or failures, such as thermal cracking. The warm-up phase helps establish the appropriate operating conditions by circulating steam at lower pressures and temperatures before moving to full operational levels.

Achieving optimal temperature settings ensures not just the safety of the turbine but also its operational efficiency. Engineers often monitor temperature and pressure closely during this phase to ensure that the machine is ready for the demands of full-power operation.