Prepare for the Machinist’s Mate "A" School Test 3. Strengthen your skills with flashcards, multiple choice questions, and detailed explanations. Excel on your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is the basic function of the economizer?

The economizer’s basic function is to recover heat from the boiler’s exhaust and use it to preheat the feedwater before it enters the boiler. By transferring heat from the hot flue gases to the incoming water, it raises the water temperature, which lowers the energy needed to reach boiling and thus improves overall boiler efficiency and reduces fuel consumption. It may also help reduce thermal stress by delivering warmer water to the boiler. It isn’t meant to cool feedwater, filter contaminants, or remove condensate—that’s handled by other systems and devices.

The economizer’s basic function is to recover heat from the boiler’s exhaust and use it to preheat the feedwater before it enters the boiler. By transferring heat from the hot flue gases to the incoming water, it raises the water temperature, which lowers the energy needed to reach boiling and thus improves overall boiler efficiency and reduces fuel consumption. It may also help reduce thermal stress by delivering warmer water to the boiler. It isn’t meant to cool feedwater, filter contaminants, or remove condensate—that’s handled by other systems and devices.