The economizer is a heat exchanger equipment which utilizes heat recovery of flue gases to heat feedwater. It can increase boiler efficiency, reduce the temperature of flue gas and save the fuel by absorbing recovery of flue gases. Besides, the feedwater is heated through the economizer before it is supplied into steam drum to decrease the thermal stress of the steam drum wall caused by temperature difference, which can improve the operating conditions of steam drum and prolong the service life of the steam drum.
The primary purpose of the boiler is to supply energy to the facility's operations – for comfort heating, manufacturing process, laundry, kitchen, etc. The nature of the facility's operation will dictate whether a steam or hot water boiler should be used. Hot water is commonly used in heating applications, with the boiler supplying water to the system at 120°F to 220°F. The operating pressure for hot water heating systems usually is 30 psig to 125 psig (hydrostatic). Under these conditions, there is a wide range of hot water boiler products available. If system requirements are for hot water of more than 250°F, a high-temperature water boiler should be considered.
In a water tube steam boiler, unlike a fire tube, water circulates inside the tubes. The heat that is generated and the combustion gases that surround the tubes heat the water that circulates inside them. Many water-tube boilers operate according to the principle of natural water circulation.
The capacity of this type of boiler can be enhanced by increasing the number of tubes in the boiler.