What is a primary function of a heat exchanger in a feedwater system?

The primary function of a heat exchanger in a feedwater system is to transfer thermal energy from one fluid to another. This process is critical in various applications within a feedwater system, as it allows for efficient heat transfer between streams or fluids at different temperatures.

In the context of a feedwater system, heat exchangers are often used to heat incoming feedwater using steam from a boiler or to recover heat from waste fluids. By effectively transferring heat, the heat exchanger ensures that the feedwater is at an optimal temperature for the steam generation process, enhancing the efficiency of the system and contributing to overall energy conservation.

This function plays a vital role in maintaining the desired temperatures and pressures within the system, which are necessary for optimal operation and safety. Other options, while related to systems in general, do not encapsulate the specific and primary role of heat exchangers within the context of feedwater systems.