What is the function of an economizer?

The function of an economizer is to recover waste heat from flue gases to preheat feedwater. This process improves the overall efficiency of the boiler system by utilizing energy that would otherwise be lost in the exhaust. By preheating the feedwater, less energy is required from the boiler to reach the desired temperature for steam generation, leading to reduced fuel consumption and lower operating costs. Economizers typically consist of a series of tubes or coils located in the flue gas path where the heat exchange occurs, effectively increasing thermal efficiency and contributing to more sustainable operations by minimizing waste heat generation.