GB/T10969-1996

National Standard of the People’s Republic of China

Specifications for Water Passage Components of Hydraulic Turbines

1. Scope

1.1 The standard only specifies the dimension control precision and the surface quality for water
passage components of prototype turbine with impact to hydraulic performance from the
requirement of geometrical similarity between model and prototype turbine.

1.2 This standard is applicable to Francis, axial flow, diagonal and Pelton turbines. Tubular, inclined jet
turbines and pump-turbine can use it as reference.

2. Quoted Standards

Text contained in the following standards is constituted into the standard through quotation in
the standard. All indicated versions are valid when the standard is published. All standards are
subject to modification, all users of the standard shall refer to the latest version of the following
standards whenever it is possible.

GB/T2900.45-1996 Electrotechnical terminology Hydraulic turbine, storage pump and pump-

turbine
GB/T15613-1995 Code for model acceptance tests of hydraulic turbines

GB8564-88 Specifications for installation of hydraulic turbine generator units

3. Definitions

The following definitions will be used in the standard:

3.1 Normal profile

Refers to the profile enlarged in proportion to the dimension of model drawing.

3.2 Tolerance of profile

Refers to the tolerance between prototype surface profile and normal profile.

3.3 Waviness
Refers to the tolerance between surface profile and the smooth curve formed by flexible ruler
along the profile. Waviness is indicated by the ratio X/U of maximum gap X and span U
between surface profile and the smooth curve. The maximum gap X shall be located within 1/3
of middle span U (U shall not less than 50mm) (Fig 1).

1
 GB/T10969-1996

Flexible ruler

Waviness Surface roughness

Profile tolerance Profile tolerance

Normal profile

Waviness

Fig 1 Definition of Profile Tolerance and Waviness

4. Composition of Water Passage Components

Water passage components include all components with water passing through it from the inlet
of turbine flume to the outlet of discharge component.

4.1 For Francis turbine, it is comprised of spiral case, stay ring, guide vane, head cover, bottom ring,
wearing ring, runner cone and draft tube.

4.2 For axial flow and diagonal turbine, it is comprised of spiral case, stay ring, guide vane, head cover,
bottom ring, inner head cover, runner, runner blade, discharge ring, runner cone and draft
tube.

4.3 For Pelton turbine, it is comprised of manifold, bifurcation, needle, runner and housing.

5. Similarity relationship

5.1 Similarity between prototype and model

The surface of all water passage components of prototype shall be geometrically similar with
model within the tolerance specified in Chapter 6-8.

For allotype component between prototype and model, it shall be consulted by both parties
through technical assessment or singular test to modify model efficiency.

5.2 Dimension tolerance system

All tolerances refer to the tolerance between measured prototype dimension and nominal
dimension. Prototype nominal dimension is derived from the dimension enlarged in proportion
to the dimension of model drawing. The tolerance of model dimension shall be conform to
GB/T15613.

The surface dimension of all water passage components shall also meet related requirements
in structural matching tolerance and GB8564 in addition to the tolerance specified in the
standard.

6. Specification on geometrical similarity between model and prototype reaction turbines

6.1 Spiral case

2
 GB/T10969-1996
Tolerance on spiral case dimension shall be ±1.5% 1). Where the tolerance between inlet
diameter Ds and center distance R of metal spiral case shall be ±1%1}(Fig 2)

Fig 2 Main Dimensions of Spiral Case

6.2 Stay ring

The number of fixed guide vane and profile shall be identical to the model in principle.
Structure change can be made in case of necessary subject to the specification regarding
allotype in Clause 5.1; Tolerance for D a, Db and R shall be ±2% 1); height H shall be highly
consistent with the height of distributor in Clause 6.3 (Fig 3)

Fig 3 Main Dimensions of Distributor

6.3 The number of guide vane in distributor and the relative diameter of distribution circle (D 0/D1) shall
be identical to the model in principle. Structure change can be made in case of necessary
subject to the specification in Clause 5.1.
Tolerance for the height of distributor B 0 shall be ±0.3%1}; tolerance for guide vane distribution
circle D0 shall be ±0.2%1}(Fig 3); tolerance of the maximum individual guide vane opening shall
be ±2% of the average; and the tolerance between prototype measured value and nominal
value shall not be negative.
Tolerance for R1 shall be ±2%1), tolerance for Ø1 shall be 0~+0.1%D1(hereinafter D1 refers to
the nominal diameter of runner) (Fig 3)

6.4 Profile of guide vane

Guide vane profile shall be checked by sample，each side of sample profile to nominal profile
shall be 2%da(hereinafter da refers to the diameter of inscribed circle at guide vane journal in
Fig 4), and the gap between guide vane profile and sample shall be 0~0.04d a;tolerance of
3
 GB/T10969-1996
guide vane outlet edge thickness T shall be ±20%T and the section within d a along exit edge
shall have smooth connection with guide vane profile; local surface waviness of guide vane
segment shall be less than 3/100 for low head and 2/100 for middle and high head.

Fig 4 Check of Guide Vane Segment

6.5 Seal gap

Gap between wearing rings of Francis runner, gap between blades and the individual side
between discharge ring and runner in axial flow shall be 0.05%~0.1% of the corresponding
diameter (not larger than 0.07% for Francis, 0.1% for axial flow); the total gap between guide
vane up & bottom ends shall be less than 0.1% of guide vane height (It can be 0.2%H for
small runner; When the total gap is less than 0.2mm, it shall be 0.2mm). Tolerance of
individual guide vane end gap shall not be larger than ±50% of the average. Prototype gap
shall be less or equal to the dimension enlarged in proportion to the dimension of model.
When labyrinth waering ring is adopted for high head Francis turbine, the gap ratio is relied on
the requirement in preventing self-excited vibration caused by seal.
Note: Small turbine refers to Francis and diagonal turbines with power less than 10MW and runner diameter
less than 1m as well as axial turbine with diameter less than 2m.

6.6 Francis runner

6.6.1. The number of blade in prototype and model shall be identical.

6.6.2. Main dimensions are shown in Fig 5, and their tolerances are listed in Table 1.

Fig 5 Main Dimensions of Francis Turbine

Table 1
Tolerance
Location
Individual Average
D1, D2, D5 ±0.3%D2 ±0.2%D2
D 3, D 4 ±0.35%D2 ±0.25%D2
H 1, H 2 ±0.25%

6.6.3. Blade inlet profile, at least 2 sections in each blade shall be checked for turbine with low
4
 GB/T10969-1996
specific speed, at least 3 sections in each blade shall be checked for turbine with high specific
speed. Extend the sample from the top of blade along its front/back by 0.1D 2 (Fig 6 Fig7), the
tolerance of profile shall be ±0.1%D 2(when check the front/back profile by combined samples,
the tolerance of profile shall be ±0.15%D2).

Fig 6 Check the Inlet and Outlet Profile of Blade

Inlet Section
(Head profile) Inlet angle

Outlet Section
(Outlet tail profile) Outlet angle

6.6.4. The head shape of blade shall be checked by sample at the same segment specified in
Clause 6.6.3. The length of sample shall not be less than 0.03D 2, and the tolerance for head
profile shall be ±0.05%D2(Fig 6, Fig7).

6.6.5. Tolerance of the inlet angle of blade:

Individual ±3º;
Average ±1.5º.

5
 GB/T10969-1996
Inlet angle of blade shall be checked by sample at the same segment specified in Clause
6.6.3. Extend the sample from the top of blade along its front/back by 0.05D 2 , and the gap
between blade and sample shall be kept even during the check (Fig 6 Fig7).
6.6.6. At least 3 sections in each blade shall be checked for the outlet profile of blade, the front outlet
profile shall be extended 0.1D2 from the end of blade along the blade, and 0.15D2 for the
back. The tolerance for outlet profile shall be ±0.1%D 2(Fig 6, Fig7). When checked by
combined samples, the same specification Clause 6.6.3 shall be followed.
Note: If the total length of blade inlet, outlet profile samples is larger than the length of blade section, it shall be
selected by the principle that the total length of sample shall not less than 2/3 of the length of blade section.

6.6.7. For runner blade with D1 larger than 2000m, it shall be checked at the same section of Clause
6.6.6 for outlet tail shape. The front length of sample shall not be less than 0.02D2, the back
length shall not be less than 0.04D2(Fig7), and tolerance of profile shall be ±0.05%D2.
Tolerance of thickness δ at the outlet side of blade shall be +0.5mm~-20%δ.

6.6.8. Outlet angle of blade shall be checked by sample at the same section specified in Clause
6.6.3. Extend the sample from the top of blade along its right back by 0.05D 2 , and the gap
between blade and sample shall be kept even during the check (Fig 6 Fig7). The tolerance of
blade outlet angle shall be:
Individual ±2º;
Average ±1º.

6.6.9. Outlet opening between adjacent blades a0, at least 5 points in each blade shall be checked
for turbine with high specific speed, and at least 3 points in each blade shall be checked for
turbine with low specific speed (Fig 3).
Tolerance for individual opening shall be -3%a 0~+5%a0, and the tolerance for average opening
in each section shall be -1%a0~+3%a0.

6.6.10. At least 2 sections shall be checked for inlet pitch P (Fig 7) , and the tolerance for pitch shall
be ±0.4%D1.

6.6.11. The local waviness at the front/back of blade as well as the water passage of upper crown and
lower band shall be less than 2/100, and the waviness at the back of blade where easy to
have cavitation shall be less than 1/100. Successive surface waves shall not be taken as one
wave during the check, and the flexible ruler used for waviness check shall be 1m long in
principle, it shall not be less than 1/2 of the bowstring for small turbines. The flexible ruler shall
be overlapped partially on checking area, and the overlap shall not be less than 10% of the
length of flexible ruler.

6.7 Runner of axial flow

6.7.1. The number of blade in prototype and model shall be identical.

6.7.2. At least 4 radical sections equispaced shall be checked for the front/back profile of blade (Fig
8) , and the tolerance for profile shall be ±0.15%D1. Blade profile can also be checked by
combined samples or other method with the same precision agreed by both parties. When
combined sample is adopted, the adjustable range of blade axis for combined sample shall be
±0.2%D1, and the adjustable angle shall not be over ±0.25º. However, no radical adjustment is
allowed, which shall be well adjusted in one time (Fig 9).

6
 GB/T10969-1996

b Straight Section
a Column Section
Fig 8 Check Locations for Blade Profile of Axial Flow

Allowable axial adjustment

Allowable angle adjustment

±0.25°

Combined sample to be
radically positioned at this side

Fig 9 Check of Blade Profile for Turbine of Axial Flow

6.7.3. Blade head profile shall be checked at 4 sections by sample not less than 0.03D1 in length ,
and the tolerance shall be ±0.05%D1(It can be ±0.1%D1 for small turbine).

6.7.4. Tolerance of thickness δ at the outlet side of blade shall be +5mm~-20%δ. Outlet tail profile
shall be checked at 2 sections by sample with length not less than 0.02D1 in front and 0.04D1
at back, and the tolerance of profile shall be ±0.05%D1(It can be ±0.1%D1 for small turbine).

6.7.5. Thickness of blade outer edge shall be checked for at least 8 points, with 4 points outside the
sample length specified in Clause 6.7.3 and Clause6.7.4 for both inlet side and outlet side.

7
 GB/T10969-1996
One maximum thickness point shall be measured near the flange, and the tolerance for
thickness T shall be -4%T~+8%T.

6.7.6. Note: When back profile of blade is checked as per Clause 6.7.2, this item can be ignored.

6.7.7. The waviness at the front/back of blade shall be less than 2/100, and the waviness at the back
of blade where easy to have cavitation shall be less than 1/100. The check method is the
same as per Clause 6.6.11.

6.7.8. When blade is furnished to the runner body, the maximum and minimum incidence of profile at
the outer edge among all blades shall not exceed 0.25º and the tolerance for runner with fixed
blade shall be 0~+0.5º.

6.8 Tolerance of diameters at discharge ring and throat shall be ±0.1%D1(It can be ±0.2%D1 for small
turbine).

6.9 Tolerance of water passage dimensions for inner head cover, runner body and the inlet of draft
tube shall be±1%1), and the tolerance for discharge cone and other water passage of draft tube
shall be ±2%1).

6.10No obvious disorder is allowed between parts, parts without requirement on waviness shall be
smooth on the surface of water passage and be free from any convex and recession.

7. Specification on geometrical similarity between model and prototype Pelton turbines

7.1. Nozzle and needle

7.1.1. The number of manifold shall be identical between prototype and model as shown below, and
be corrected in efficiency as per Clause 5.1.

7.1.2. Tolerance for the diameter of nozzle and needle shall be ±0.3%d n1)(hereinafter dn refers to the
diameter of nozzle)(Fig 10).

8
 GB/T10969-1996

Fig 10 Definition of Main Dimensions for Pelton Turbines

7.1.3. Tolerance for the profile of nozzle and needle shall be ±1%d n.

7.1.4. Tolerance on nozzle angle β1 shall be ±1º1).

7.1.5. Tolerance on needle angle α1 shall be ±1º1).

7.2 Runner

7.2.1. The number of buckets shall ensure no leakage loss in jet, the tolerance of pitch on the pitch
circle shall be ±1.5%P (P is the pitch of bucket).

7.2.2. Tolerance for bucket inner surface profile and watershed profile shall be ±0.5%W (hereinafter
W refers to the maximum width of the inner surface of the bucket), and at least 4 sections shall
be checked for each bucket both horizontal and vertical.

7.2.3. Tolerance on bucket outlet angle β shall be ±1º}, and at least 4 points shall be checked for
each side of each bucket.

7.2.4. Tolerance on bucket inclination angle α shall be ±1º.

7.2.5. Tolerance for bucket watershed axial disorder shall be ±0.25%W.

7.2.6. Tolerance for bucket watershed ridge angle shall be -3º~0º.

7.2.7. The cut edge of bucket must be well grinded.

7.2.8. No positive tolerance is allowed for the outer edge profile of back of bucket.

9
 GB/T10969-1996
7.2.9. Tolerance on pitch diameter of runner D1 and watershed tip diameter shall be ±0.2%D1.

7.2.10. No negative tolerance is allowed for the inner width of bucket.

7.3 Axial disorder between manifold jet centerline and bucket watershed as well as radical disorder
with runner pitch shall be ±0.5%W.

7.4 Tolerance on main dimensions of inner housing surface shall be ±2% 1）.

7.5 Tolerance on inner diameter of manifold shall be ±2%.

8. Surface roughness of water passage components

In order to have similarity between prototype and model surface roughness on water passage,
the prototype surface roughness is specified as per Table 2. For special requirements such as
rivers with heavy sediment, the surface roughness can be specifically defined through
consultation between both parties.

Table 2
Surface Roughness Ra, μm
Turbine type Component Description High, middle
Low head
head
Reaction turbine Head cover, bottom ring wearing plate 1.6-3.2 3.2-6.3
Francis runner 1.6-6.3 3.2-6.3
Axial flow runner blade 3.2-6.3 6.3
Discharge ring, runner body 6.3 6.3
Movable guide vane 3.2-6.3 6.3-12.5
Stay ring 6.3-12.5 12.5-25
Draft tube cone, discharge cone and welded spiral
12.5 25
case
Nozzle outlet, inner surface of bucket, conic surface
Pelton turbine 0.8-1.6 1.6-3.2
of needle head
Nozzle 3.2-6.3 6.3-12.5
Pilot bracket 12.5 25
Note: The thresholds for high, middle and low head (head means maximum head) in Table 2 are:
Axial turbine 30m
Francis turbine 100m
Pelton turbine 400m

10