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

The function of an economizer in a boiler system is to recover waste heat from flue gases. This design allows the economizer to capture thermal energy that would otherwise be lost in the exhaust. By utilizing this recovered heat to preheat the feedwater entering the boiler, the economizer increases the overall efficiency of the system. As a result, less fuel is needed to reach the desired steam temperature and pressure, which leads to cost savings and a reduction in emissions.

The role of an economizer is particularly crucial in enhancing boiler performance because the efficient transfer of heat maximizes energy utilization and mitigates thermal losses, contributing significantly to energy conservation in industrial applications. This energy efficiency is vital, especially in large-scale boiler operations where fuel costs represent a substantial portion of total operational expenses.