Avery turbine

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June 18, 2026

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The Avery turbine, developed by William Avery in the United States after 1837, was an early type of steam turbine. It featured two hollow arms attached to a hollow shaft, through which steam was supplied. Nozzles at the ends of the arms released steam tangentially, causing the turbine to rotate through reaction. Approximately 50 of these turbines were constructed for various industrial applications, including sawmills and cotton gins. While their efficiency was comparable to contemporary steam engines, issues such as high noise levels, challenging speed regulation, and frequent repairs ultimately led to their discontinuation.1

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turbine
Early precursors
In one such Avery turbine two hollow arms, about 75 centimetres long, were attached at right angles to a hollow shaft through which steam was supplied. Nozzles at the outer end of the arms allowed the steam to escape in a tangential direction, thus producing the reaction to…
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In one such Avery turbine two hollow arms, about 75 centimetres long, were attached at right angles to a hollow shaft through which steam was supplied. Nozzles at the outer end of the arms allowed the steam to escape in a tangential direction, thus producing the reaction to…
Read More