A boiler economiser is used to increase the temperature of the water entering the boiler. It is also known as a feedwater heater. Here are some benefits of using an economiser:
- Increases Boiler Efficiency: The economiser improves the overall efficiency of the boiler by recovering waste heat from the flue gasses.
- Prevents Thermal Shock: By preheating the feedwater, the economiser prevents the risk of thermal shock that could occur when cold water enters a hot boiler.
- Captures Waste Heat: The economiser captures the waste heat from the stack gases and transfers it to the boiler feedwater, thereby utilizing the otherwise wasted energy.
- Increases Feedwater Temperature: By raising the temperature of the feedwater, the economiser reduces the amount of energy required to heat the water to the boiling point.
- Reduces Firing Rates: With the feedwater preheated, the amount of fuel needed to achieve the desired steam output is reduced, leading to lower firing rates and fuel consumption.
- Lowers Stack Temperature: By transferring heat from the flue gasses to the feedwater, the economiser reduces the stack temperature, which minimizes energy loss.
Additional Information About Economisers:
- Functions as a Heat Exchanger: The economiser acts as a heat exchanger, transferring heat from the exhaust gasses to the cooler feedwater.
- Heats Cold Fluids Using Boiler Gasses: It heats the cold fluid (typically water) using the hot gasses exiting the boiler.
- Placement After Superheater: Economisers are generally placed after the superheater in the boiler system.
- Used in HVAC Systems: Economisers are also employed in heating, refrigeration, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to enhance their energy efficiency.
Overall, economisers are vital components in a boiler system, contributing to energy savings, increased efficiency, and reduced operational costs by optimizing heat recovery from exhaust gasses.