Baffles, as key components inside steam turbines, directly affect the turbine's performance and safety through their material selection. Common steam turbine diaphragm materials include:
1. Cast Iron: Cast iron diaphragms were widely used in the past due to their good casting properties and low cost. However, with technological advancements and increasing performance requirements, their application in some high-performance steam turbines has gradually decreased.
2. Forged Steel: Forged steel diaphragms possess high strength and toughness, meeting the high performance and safety requirements of modern steam turbines. Therefore, forged steel diaphragms are widely used in many large and efficient steam turbines.
3. Other Alloy Materials: Depending on the specific operating conditions and performance requirements of the steam turbine, other alloy materials, such as stainless steel and nickel-based alloys, may be used to manufacture diaphragms. These materials have good corrosion resistance and high-temperature stability, making them suitable for specific application environments.