What is the primary use of an economizer in a steam generation system?

The primary use of an economizer in a steam generation system is to enhance feedwater heating. An economizer is a mechanical device that captures waste heat from flue gases and uses it to preheat the feedwater before it enters the boiler. By raising the temperature of the feedwater, the economizer increases the overall efficiency of the steam generation process. This preheating means that less energy is required to convert the water into steam, resulting in reduced fuel consumption and lower operating costs.

The use of economizers is particularly important in industrial and commercial applications, where optimizing efficiency can lead to significant savings and improved performance. When the feedwater is fed into the boiler at a higher temperature, it reduces the energy demand on the boiler to produce steam, which can promote a more stable operation and improve the overall thermal efficiency of the system.