Differences between Impulse and Reaction Turbines:

S.No
Impulse Reaction
Turbine Turbine
In impulse turbine all hydraulic energy is
In reaction turbine only some amount of the available
converted into kinetic energy by a nozzle and it is
1 energy is converted into kinetic energy before the
is the jet so produced which strikes the runner
fluid enters the runner.
blades.

Both pressure and velocity changes as fluid passes

The velocity of jet which changes, the pressure
2 through a runner. Pressure at inlet is much higher
throughout remaining atmosphere.
than at outlet.

Water-tight casing is not necessary. Casing has

no hydraulic function to perform. It only serves The runner must be enclosed within a watertight
3
to prevent splashing and guide water to the tail casing.
race.

Water is admitted only in the form of jets. There

Water is admitted over the entire circumference of
4 may be one or more jets striking equal number
the runner.
of buckets simultaneously.

Water completely fills at the passages between the

The turbine doesn’t run full and air has a free
5 blades and while flowing between inlet and outlet
access to the bucket.
sections does work on the blades.

Reaction turbine are generally connected to the tail

The turbine is always installed above the tail race through a draft tube which is a gradually
6
race and there is no draft tube used. expanding passage. It may be installed below or above
the tail race.

The flow regulation in reaction turbine is carried out

Flow regulation is done by means of a needle by means of a guide-vane assembly. Other component
7
valve fitted into the nozzle. parts are scroll casing, stay ring runner and the draft
tub.

Examples of reaction turbine are Francis turbine,

8 Example of impulse turbine is Pelton wheel. Kaplan and Propeller Turbine, Deriaz Turbine,
Tubuler Turbine, etc.

9 Impulse turbine have more hydraulic efficiency. Reaction turbine have relatively less efficiency.

10 Impulse turbine operates at high water heads. Reaction turbine operate at low and medium heads.

Water flow is tangential direction to the turbine Water flows in radial and axial direction to turbine
11
wheel. wheel.

12 Needs low discharge of water. Needs medium and high discharge of water.

Degree of reaction is more than zero and less than or

13 Degree of reaction is zero.
equal to one.

14 Impulse turbine involves less maintenance work. Reaction turbine involves more maintenance work.
Difference between Impulse and Reaction Turbine:

Impulse Turbine Reaction Turbine

1. In impulse turbine only kinetic energy is 1. In reaction turbine both kinetic and
used to rotate the turbine. pressure energy is used to rotate the turbine.

2. In this turbine water flow through the 2. In this turbine water is guided by the guide
nozzle and strike the blades of turbine. blades to flow over the turbine.

3. All pressure energy of water converted 3. In reaction turbine, there is no change in

into kinetic energy before striking the vanes. pressure energy of water before striking.

4. The pressure of the water remains 4. The pressure of water is reducing after
unchanged and is equal to atmospheric passing through vanes.
pressure during process.

5. Water may admitted over a part of 5. Water may admitted over a part of
circumference or over the whole circumference or over the whole
circumference of the wheel of turbine. circumference of the wheel of turbine.

6. In impulse turbine casing has no hydraulic 6. Casing is absolutely necessary because the
function to perform because the jet is at pressure at inlet of the turbine is much higher
atmospheric pressure. This casing serves than the pressure at outlet. It is sealed from
only to prevent splashing of water. atmospheric pressure.

7. This turbine is most suitable for large head 7. This turbine is best suited for higher flow rate and lower
head situation.
and lower flow rate. Pelton wheel is the
example of this turbine.