In a steam generating plant, the economizer is used to _______?

The role of the economizer in a steam generating plant is primarily to heat the feed water before it enters the boiler. By utilizing the waste heat from the flue gases leaving the boiler, the economizer effectively pre-heats the feed water, which serves multiple purposes.

Heating the feed water improves the overall efficiency of the steam generation process, as less energy is required to convert the pre-heated water into steam. This not only conserves fuel but also leads to reduced operational costs and lower emissions due to more efficient combustion.

In addition, the use of an economizer can enhance the safety of the boiler operation by reducing the risk of thermal shock that can occur when cold water is introduced into hot boiler components. Therefore, heating the feed water is essential for improving efficiency, safety, and operational economics in steam generating systems.