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

The purpose of an economizer in a boiler system is to preheat the feedwater using heat recovered from flue gases. This process significantly enhances the overall energy efficiency of the system. By utilizing waste heat that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere, the economizer increases the temperature of the water before it enters the boiler. This means that less fuel is required to heat the water to the desired temperature for steam generation, leading to fuel savings and reduced emissions.

In addition, preheating the feedwater helps to increase the efficiency of the boiler by minimizing the energy input needed to achieve the necessary operating temperatures. By capturing and repurposing energy that would be wasted, the economizer plays a crucial role in optimizing fuel use, lowering operational costs, and improving the sustainability of the boiler system.