The transition to more gas-fired generation and the need to preserve much of America's coal-fired power means there will be a lasting demand for the rehabilitation of steam turbines in the U.S. Since the late 19th century, steam turbines have been used for the generation of electricity. A prototype steam turbine, designed by Charles Parsons in 1890, had 15 expansion stages and was one of the first steam turbines to be connected to an electric generator for the generation of electricity. At the turn of the 20th century, steam turbines were designed for an inlet pressure of about 200 psi and a temperature of 500 F. Today, steam turbines are available with steam conditions of 4,500 psi, inlet temperatures of 1,200 F and reheat temperatures of 1,250 F.
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