What role does an economizer play in a boiler system?

In a boiler system, the economizer plays a crucial role in enhancing energy efficiency by recovering waste heat from flue gases. This process allows the economizer to preheat the feedwater before it enters the boiler. By utilizing heat that would otherwise be lost to the atmosphere, the economizer increases the overall thermal efficiency of the boiler system, resulting in reduced fuel consumption and lower operational costs.

The preheating of feedwater not only improves energy efficiency but also contributes to better performance and reliability of the boiler by helping to maintain optimal operating temperatures and reducing thermal shock to the boiler components when cold water enters the system. This energy recovery process is essential in modern boiler designs for maximizing efficiency and sustainability in industrial applications.