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Supercritical Boilers

B&W's supercritical and ultra-supercritical boiler designs offer the flexibility and reliability to meet the most demanding steam generation needs of our customers.

At supercritical pressures, steam turbine efficiency improves significantly compared to the typical subcritical cycle. Ultra-supercritical steam conditions provide even greater efficiency improvements. The combination of utilizing supercritical throttle pressures along with an increase in throttle temperatures results in cost reductions in fuel usage and handling, flue gas treatment and ash disposal. B&W's supercritical and ultra-supercritical boilers are designed to take full advantage of variable pressure turbine operation.

Specific advantages include:

  • For a given output, lower fuel consumption, and thus lower carbon emissions, than other less efficient systems
  • The load change rate capability of the system is not restricted by the turbine
  • Steam temperature at the inlet and outlet of the reheater is nearly constant over a wide load range
  • The boiler feedwater pump power is significantly reduced at lower loads
  • Short startup times
  • Higher plant efficiency over the entire load range

Supercritical Boiler

Rapid Startup Systems

During startup of a once-through boiler, the waterside components must have a minimum water flow maintained to ensure adequate cooling. B&W startup systems are well proven to provide reliable flow to the waterside components to produce short startup times and low thermal stresses.

The main components of B&W’s startup system are the vertical steam separators, water collecting tank and boiler recirculation pump. The steam separator acts like a drum in a natural circulation boiler. The fluid from this separator is recycled to the economizer inlet where it mixes with feedwater to maintain the minimum flow through the boiler furnace. Once minimum load is achieved, the startup system is put in warm standby for quick use when required. The steam from the separator passes through to the superheater and then on to the turbine.

The startup operation parallels that of a drum boiler. This system provides the maximum amount of heat recovery back to the boiler during startup allowing for rapid startups with the least amount of thermal stress on the components.

The Experience of B&W


Having supplied more than 165 supercritical boilers, including the world’s first boiler using supercritical technology in 1957, you can trust B&W to deliver the highest quality steam generation equipment.

Our proven supercritical designs can meet today’s demand for highly efficient, variable pressure steam conditions.

Spiral Wound Universal Pressure Boiler (SWUP)

Supercritical boiler that is usually applied to 400 MW systems or larger; the design features a water-cooled dry-bottom furnace, superheater, reheater, economizer, and air heater components. Designed for both base load and full boiler variable pressure load cycling operation as well as on/off cycling operation.

SWUP Boiler Specifications

Universal Pressure Boiler (UP)

A once-through boiler for supercritical applications, usually applied to systems with a capacity of 400 MW or larger; the design features a water-cooled drybottom furnace, superheater, reheater, economizer, and air heater components — designed for variable superheater pressure load cycling and base load operation.

UP Boiler Specifications

Vertical Tube Universal Pressure Boiler (VTUP)

A once-through boiler for supercritical applications, usually applied to systems with a capacity of 400 MW or larger. Designed for both base load and full boiler variable pressure load cycling operation as well as on/off cycling operation.

VTUP Boiler Specifications

New Build

We consistently demonstrate the ability to successfully execute innovative solutions for our customers, from new equipment to large, complex full-scope engineering and construction projects.

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Upgrades / Retrofits

Modifying, improving and maintaining existing equipment are vital considerations for the long-term viability and profitability of all operations.

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Parts / Services

An extensive network of worldwide regional service centers, field service engineers and technical support personnel are available to provide the customized service and aftermarket solutions for your requirements.

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Project / Case Feature Item

John W. Turk Jr.

Arkansas, USA

B&W supplied and constructed the clean, highly efficient SWUP boiler, emissions control technologies and auxiliary equipment for AEP's SWEPCO John W. Turk, Jr. plant.

This is the first ultra-supercritical coal-fueled power plant in the United States.

See More Details On This Project