The purpose of turbine glands is to prevent:

• A. Shaft movement due to axial thrust
• B. Steam escaping from the turbine
• C. Steam from entering the lubrication system
• D. Cool and lubricate the shaft

Answer: (B)

Gland seals around the turbine shaft are there to keep the high‑pressure steam contained inside the turbine and prevent it from leaking along the shaft to the outside or into the bearing area. When the seal is tight, the steam stays where it’s supposed to be, preserving turbine efficiency and protecting the lubrication system from steam intrusion. Thrust control is handled by thrust bearings, not the gland, and cooling or lubricating the shaft comes from separate systems. So the main purpose is to stop steam from escaping the turbine.