What is the primary purpose of combustion in a boiler?

The primary purpose of combustion in a boiler is to create steam. In a boiler system, combustion involves burning fuel to produce heat. This heat is then used to convert water into steam, which can be utilized for various purposes such as powering turbines in electricity generation, providing heat for industrial processes, or warming buildings.

While heating water is certainly part of the process, the overarching goal is to generate steam, which is a critical intermediate in many applications. Generating electricity can be a result of steam production, but it is not the direct purpose of combustion in a boiler. Producing carbon is a byproduct of combustion, especially when fossil fuels are burned, but it is not aimed at directly achieving the boiler's purpose. The focus on steam production is what ties together the operation of the boiler and the combustion process, making it the primary goal.