Patent ID: 8568090

Claim:
A system for removing moisture from a steam/water mixture engaging a stationary component of a steam turbine, the system comprising: an airfoil disposed in a group of airfoils located within a flow path of a steam turbine, wherein the airfoil is configured for removing moisture from a steam/water mixture traveling in the flow path, the airfoil comprising: first and second longitudinal ends and an outer peripheral wall that integrates the first and second longitudinal ends, wherein the first and second longitudinal ends and the outer peripheral wall collectively define: a leading edge, a trailing edge, a suction-side face, and a pressure-side face; an extraction cavity laterally extending between a portion of the leading edge and a portion of the trailing edge, wherein the extraction cavity comprises an inlet opening in flow communication with the flow path, and an outlet opening in flow communication with the flow path; and a cavity configured for substantially separating the steam/water mixture into steam and water, wherein the cavity longitudinally extends within a portion of the airfoil; the cavity comprising a top end integrated with the extraction cavity, and a bottom end configured for allowing water to exit the airfoil; wherein operatively as the steam/water mixture travels in the flow path, the inlet opening draws in a portion of the steam/water mixture, then a pressure drop across the leading edge and the trailing edge allows for the portion of the steam/water mixture to enter the cavity, and densities of the steam and water allow for the water to separate from the steam, wherein the water then flows towards the bottom end, and the steam flows through the outlet opening and returns to the steam path.