Steam turbines are turbomachines. In practice, steam turbines are mainly used in power plants to generate electricity. A distinction is made between turbines depending on the flow direction and state of the steam, the working process, and steam supply and discharge.

The ET 851 experimental unit is a single-stage axial impulse turbine with a vertical axis. The steam required is generated by the steam generator ET 850. The turbine can be operated with saturated steam or superheated steam. The steam is expanded in the turbine and condensed via the water-cooled condenser. Load is applied to the turbine via an eddy current brake. The turbine has a non-contact labyrinth seal on the shaft with a sealing steam circuit. The turbine is fitted with various safety devices in order to prevent damage such as by excessively high speed or pressure in the system.

Sensors record the temperature, pressure, and flow rate at all relevant points. Turbine speed and torque are measured electronically at the eddy current brake. The measured values can be read on digital displays. At the same time, the measured values can also be transmitted directly to a PC via USB. The data acquisition software is included.

The ET 851 axial steam turbine, together with the ET 850 steam generator, forms a complete laboratory-scale steam power plant.