What is the primary function of an economizer in a boiler system?

The primary function of an economizer in a boiler system is to preheat the feedwater using residual heat from the flue gases. By recovering heat from the exhaust gases that would typically be lost to the atmosphere, the economizer increases the temperature of the feedwater before it enters the boiler. This process improves the overall efficiency of the boiler, as warmer feedwater requires less energy to reach the boiling point than colder feedwater. As a result, the economizer plays a crucial role in reducing fuel consumption and enhancing the overall energy efficiency of the system.

While other components in a boiler system may contribute to aspects such as water pressure or the direct cooling of flue gases, these are not the primary roles of the economizer. Instead, the focus of the economizer is specifically on heat recovery and preheating, making it an essential component for efficient boiler operation.