Fixed Blade Kaplan Runner Stainless Steel Hydro Turbine ZG0Cr13Ni4Mo 0.5-5m Diameter for Low Head Hydropower

Fixed Blade Kaplan Runner — Stainless Steel Hydro Turbine Runner

The Fixed Blade Kaplan Runner (also known as a propeller-type runner) is a core component of low head hydro turbine systems. Unlike adjustable blade Kaplan runners, the fixed blade design features blades cast integrally with the hub, providing a robust, maintenance-free solution ideal for hydropower plants with stable water flow conditions.

Manufactured by DSSD (Deyang Dongsen Hydropower Equipment Co., Ltd.), each runner is precision cast from high-grade stainless steel ZG0Cr13Ni4Mo and undergoes rigorous CNC machining, static balancing, and non-destructive testing to ensure optimal hydraulic performance and long-term reliability.

Key Features

• Fixed Blade Design — Blades integrally cast with the hub for maximum structural integrity, eliminating blade adjustment mechanisms and reducing maintenance complexity.
• Premium Stainless Steel — Constructed from ZG0Cr13Ni4Mo stainless steel with excellent cavitation resistance, corrosion resistance, and high tensile strength for demanding hydro environments.
• Wide Runner Diameter Range — Available from 0.5m to 5m to suit various flow rates and site conditions.
• Optimized Hydraulic Profile — CFD-optimized blade geometry achieves 85-92% efficiency at design point, maximizing energy conversion from low head water resources.
• Precision CNC Machining — All blade surfaces and hub interfaces machined to tight tolerances ensure smooth water passage and reduced vibration.
• Static & Dynamic Balancing — Every runner undergoes precision balancing to minimize shaft vibration and extend bearing life.
• 30-50 Year Service Life — Robust casting and premium materials ensure decades of reliable operation with minimal maintenance.

Technical Parameters

Application

The Fixed Blade Kaplan Runner is ideally suited for:

• Low head run-of-river hydropower plants
• Irrigation canal and dam outlet power stations
• Small to medium hydroelectric projects (100 kW - 20 MW)
• Water supply and wastewater treatment facilities with energy recovery
• Replacement runners for existing axial flow turbine upgrades

Why Choose Fixed Blade over Adjustable Kaplan?

• Lower Initial Investment — Simpler design eliminates blade pitch adjustment mechanisms, reducing manufacturing cost by 20-30%.
• Reduced Maintenance — No moving blade seals, linkages, or hydraulic servomotors to service, resulting in lower O&M costs.
• Higher Reliability — Fewer components mean fewer failure points, making it ideal for remote or unattended power stations.
• Faster Installation — Simplified runner design allows for quicker on-site assembly and commissioning.

Customization

Every Fixed Blade Kaplan Runner from DSSD is custom-engineered to match your site-specific hydraulic parameters. Our engineering team uses advanced CFD simulation to optimize blade profiles for your exact head, flow rate, and rotational speed requirements. Custom options available include blade count, hub diameter, shaft interface type, and material grade upgrades.

About DSSD

Deyang Dongsen Hydropower Equipment Co., Ltd. (DSSD) is a professional comprehensive engineering company specializing in the design, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of hydropower equipment. Located in Deyang, one of China’s three major heavy industry manufacturing bases, DSSD has supplied turbine components to over 500 hydropower stations worldwide, exporting to South America, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Contact us today to discuss your runner requirements. Send us your site parameters (design head, flow rate, unit capacity, and frequency) for a customized proposal and quotation.