01.

What is a supercritical boiler

A supercritical boiler burns pulverized coal and is
a once-through boiler, meaning that it doesn’t
require a drum to separate steam from water.
Rather than boiling water to produce steam and
then using that steam to turn a plant’s turbine, a
supercritical boiler operates at such high pressure
(3,208 psi/221.2 bar or above) that the fluid
matrix in it ceases to be liquid or gas. Instead, it
becomes what is known as a “supercritical fluid.”
02. Reason to go supercritical
• Supercritical boilers offer benefits in the three
interrelated areas that mean the most to plant owners
and operators today: efficiency, emissions, and cost.
While supercritical boilers cost more than comparably
sized subcritical boilers, the larger initial capital
investment can be offset by the lifecycle savings
yielded by the technology’s improved efficiency,
reduced emissions, and lower operating costs —all due
to its higher steam temperature and pressure
parameters.
01.Improve efficiency
• Supercritical and ultra-supercritical boilers’ ability to
operate at much higher pressures and temperatures than
subcritical boilers translates into noticeably better
efficiency ratings.
• Subcritical boilers typically run at 2400 psi/1000°F. By
way of contrast, modern supercritical units can go as
high as 3900 psi/1100°F. The even more advance ultra-
supercritical units reach pressures and temperatures as
high as 4600 psi/1120°F. Current research goals are set
as high as 5300 psi/1300°F and seem to be on the
horizon.
02.Reduced emission
• Improved plant efficiency also translates into reduced
emissions, particularly of CO and mercury, which are difficult to
manage otherwise. The general rule of thumb is that each
percentage point of efficiency improvement yields 2–3% less
CO.
03.Lower of operating costs
• For all fossil fuel–fired plants, fuel represents the largest
operating cost. By reducing the amount of fuel needed to
yield the requisite energy, supercritical plants make a
noticeable dent in bottom lines when compared to
subcritical plants.
03. What it takes to go supercritical
• You’re probably wondering: How much does a supercritical
boiler really cost? Some estimates put it at 2–5% more than a
subcritical unit, but the truth is, it’s impossible to say because
the price is really dependent on project scope and specifications.
More and more plants are employing the technology, though,
which is making it more and more affordable. It’s also becoming
more of a necessity as emissions regulations continue to tighten.
04.What is a Subcritical Boiler?
• Subcritical boilers are boilers that work at temperatures up to
374°C and at a pressure of 3,208 psi (the critical point of water).
These boilers compose a system with
constant evaporation endpoint. A typical example for a subcritical
boiler is the drum-type steam generator.
• Inside the boiler, the natural circulation of the fluid is generated by
heating the risers. The water and steam mixture that is leaving
this riser is then separated into water and steam in the drum.
Water is circulated, water returns to the evaporator inlet through
down corners while steam flows into the super-heater chamber.
• Figure 02: A Thermal Power Station
What is a Supercritical Boiler?
• Supercritical boiler (supercritical steam generator)
is a type of boiler that works under supercritical
pressure conditions. This type of boilers is often
used in generating electricity. Unlike in subcritical
boilers, there is no bubble formation in
supercritical boilers, and liquid water immediately
converts into steam.
What are the similarities Between
Subcritical and Supercritical Boiler?
• The basic operational mechanism/cycle of both
Subcritical and Supercritical Boiler is same.
• Except for the drum-less evaporators in
supercritical boilers, other constructional features
are also same.
• The techniques of both Subcritical and
Supercritical Boiler use similar equipment and
strategies in operation. i.e. air preheater,
economizer, turbines, condensers, boiler feed
What is the Difference Between
Subcritical and Supercritical Boiler?

Subcritical boilers are boilers Supercritical boiler

that work at temperatures up (supercritical steam generator)
to 374°C and at a pressure of is a type of boiler that works
3,208 psi (the critical point of under supercritical pressure
water). conditions.
B.

Subcritical boilers are Supercritical boilers are

operated at temperatures operated at temperatures
up to 374°C. around 538–565°C.
C.

Subcritical boilers are Supercritical boilers are

operated at a pressure operated at a pressure
of 3,208 psi. above 3,200 psi.
D.
Bubble formation is a There is no bubble
major drawback in formation supercritical
subcritical boilers. boilers.
Summary – Subcritical
vs Supercritical Boiler
• Subcritical and supercritical boilers are two forms of
steam generators that are used for electricity
generation. These are categorized as such, based on
their operating conditions. The difference between a
Subcritical and supercritical boiler is that Subcritical
boilers work at a subcritical pressure of the fluid
whereas supercritical boilers work at a supercritical
pressure of the fluid.
•Thank You