Steam remains one of the most efficient and widely used mediums for power generation. In thermal power plants, including coal-fired, gas-fired, biomass, and waste-to-energy facilities, boiler and steam systems form the core of the power cycle. High-pressure steam drives turbines to generate electricity, and the entire process relies heavily on precision-engineered valves to control pressure, temperature, and flow.
With the global shift towards higher efficiency and reduced emissions, many countries are investing in supercritical (SC) and ultra-supercritical (USC) power plants. These operate at extreme conditions—above 22.1 MPa pressure and 600°C temperature—posing significant demands on all equipment, particularly valves.
Furthermore, with the rise of flexible power dispatch to support renewable energy integration, modern power plants are increasingly required to handle frequent cycling, partial load operation, and rapid start-up/shutdown sequences. These conditions make valve reliability, sealing integrity, and thermal stability more critical than ever.
Boiler and steam systems present several unique challenges for valve selection and operation:
1. Extreme Temperature and Pressure: Materials must withstand thermal expansion, creep, and fatigue under high-pressure saturated and superheated steam.
2. Water Hammer & Flashing: Sudden changes in flow rate and phase transition can damage internal valve components.
3. Corrosive Feedwater and Erosive Steam: Impurities, oxygen, and high-velocity flows can corrode or erode sealing surfaces and valve trims.
4. Zero Leakage and Tight Shut-Off: Safety and operational integrity require valves that meet Class V or Class VI sealing standards under ASME and API specifications.
Yuanda Valve Group offers a complete portfolio of industrial valves to cover every stage of a power plant’s steam system, including:
1. Gate Valves – For Isolation in Main Steam & Feedwater Lines
Typical Locations: Main steam lines, start-up systems, boiler water inlets
Benefits: Low-pressure drop, bidirectional sealing, full bore
Recommended Models:
API600 Cast Steel Gate Valve
BS 1414 Carbon Steel Gate Valve
Power Station High-Temperature Gate Valve
2. Globe Valves – For Precise Flow Regulation
Typical Locations: Boiler feedwater control, pressure reducing stations, start-up drains
Benefits: Excellent throttling, tight shut-off, long seat life
Recommended Models:
API602 Forged Steel Globe Valve
Y-Type Globe Valves (for reduced pressure drop)
3. Ball Valves – For Auxiliary Steam & Blowdown Systems
Typical Locations: Boiler bottom blowdown, inter-stage steam lines
Benefits: Quick actuation, tight sealing, low maintenance
Recommended Models:
API6D Trunnion Ball Valve
Floating Ball Valve with Fire-Safe Design
4. Butterfly Valves – For Cooling Water & Low-Pressure Steam
Typical Locations: Condensate systems, cooling towers
Benefits: Compact, light weight, easy automation
Recommended Models:
API609 Double Eccentric Butterfly Valve
Triple Offset High-Performance Butterfly Valve
5. Check Valves – To Prevent Backflow
Typical Locations: Steam extraction lines, pump discharge
Benefits: Protects equipment from reverse flow and pressure surges
Recommended Models:
API594 Swing Check Valve
Piston and Tilting Disc Check Valves
Yuanda Valve Group manufactures valves in a wide range of materials suited for power plant environments:
1. WCB / A105 (Carbon Steel) – For standard temperature & pressure service
2. WC6, WC9 (Chrome-Moly Alloy) – For superheated steam and high-pressure service
3. CF8 / CF8M (Stainless Steel) – For condensate and oxygenated water systems
4. F11 / F22 (Low Alloy Steel) – For long-term strength and creep resistance
All products comply with API, ASME, DIN, GB, and BS standards and undergo 100% pressure testing before delivery.
At Yuanda Valve Group, we understand that no two power plants are exactly alike—each has its own system pressure, temperature, fluid composition, and operational cycles. That's why we provide fully customized valve solutions tailored to the specific technical requirements of thermal, gas, biomass, and waste-to-energy power plants.
Our custom engineering capabilities include:
1. High-Temperature and High-Pressure Sealing Solutions
For boiler main steam lines, superheated steam, and feedwater systems operating under extreme temperatures and pressures, Yuanda designs and manufactures valves with:
● Hard-faced sealing surfaces using Stellite, CoCr alloy, or satellite overlays for extended wear life
● Flexible graphite, PTFE, or metal-to-metal seat configurations to ensure tight shut-off (Class V/VI sealing)
● Live-loading gland packing systems to maintain sealing performance during thermal cycling
These solutions are ideal for supercritical and ultra-supercritical (USC) power plants.
2. Thermal Shock and Pressure Surge-Resistant Designs
Boiler and steam valves are often exposed to rapid temperature and pressure fluctuations—especially during cold starts or load-following operation. To prevent failure or leakage:
● Valve bodies are designed with optimized wall thickness and stress-relief geometry
● Y-type and angle-type configurations are used to reduce erosion and pressure drop in high-velocity flow
● Pressure seal bonnet structures enhance safety and sealing under thermal expansion
Yuanda’s valves are widely applied in 1,000MW USC and cogeneration plants across China and abroad.
3. Advanced Actuation Systems
To meet the automation and safety demands of modern power stations, Yuanda provides a wide range of actuator options:
● Electric actuators (e.g., for main steam isolation or turbine bypass valves)
● Pneumatic actuators for fast-response applications like deaerator venting or pressure control
● Hydraulic and electro-hydraulic actuators for high-torque, high-speed requirements
● All actuators can be integrated with positioners, limit switches, solenoid valves, and digital control systems
Control valve packages are engineered for DCS/PLC integration, ensuring seamless plant automation.
4. On-Site Technical Support & Installation Services
Yuanda Valve Group doesn’t just manufacture valves — we provide turnkey support throughout the valve lifecycle, including:
● On-site technical consultation for valve selection and system layout
● Pre-installation guidance and training for contractors and plant operators
● Valve commissioning, maintenance planning, and troubleshooting
● Rapid response and spare parts support from a global network
With over 30 years of experience serving EPC contractors and utility providers, Yuanda is a trusted partner for complex and critical power plant valve systems.
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