What is the primary purpose of using economizers on boilers?

The primary purpose of using economizers on boilers is to heat the feedwater. Economizers are heat exchange devices that capture waste heat from the flue gases exiting the boiler and transfer that heat to the feedwater before it enters the boiler. This pre-heating process reduces the energy required to bring the feedwater to its boiling point, improving the overall efficiency of the boiler system. By utilizing waste heat, economizers help in conserving energy and reducing fuel consumption, leading to cost savings and minimized environmental impact.

This function fundamentally supports the operation of the boiler, ensuring that it operates at optimal efficiency levels. Other options, while related to boiler operations, do not accurately define the primary objective of economizers. For example, reducing noise is not a significant factor in their design or functionality, and while increasing steam pressure can be a result of improved efficiency, it is not the main function. Enhancing combustion efficiency is also an important aspect of boiler operation, but it is secondary to the specific role of economizers in feedwater heating.