Which corrosion prevention method is specifically designed to protect the boiler system?

The correct answer focuses on the use of a sacrificial anode as a corrosion prevention method specifically designed for boiler systems. Sacrificial anodes work by being composed of a more reactive metal that corrodes in place of the metals used in the construction of the boiler. This process ensures that the essential components of the boiler system remain intact while the sacrificial anodes undergo oxidation. As the anodes corrode, they provide cathodic protection to the boiler's metallic surfaces, thereby significantly reducing the rate of corrosion in the system.

In contrast, the other methods mentioned serve different purposes or may not effectively target the specific corrosion challenges faced in boiler systems. The application of chemical inhibitors can provide corrosion protection, but they work through a different mechanism, predominantly by forming a protective film on metal surfaces. Increasing the water temperature may reduce the solubility of gases like oxygen, potentially reducing some aspects of corrosion but does not inherently provide protective actions against all types of corrosion specifically related to boiler systems. Regular maintenance is vital for the overall health of the boiler but does not specifically prevent corrosion in the way a sacrificial anode does. Thus, the most effective option for preventing corrosion in boiler systems is indeed the use of a sacrificial anode.