Arkansas Boiler Operator Practice Exam

What is the role of a feedwater heater in a boiler system?

1. To cool the water before entering the boiler

2. To increase the temperature of feedwater prior to boiler entry

3. To filter impurities from the water

4. To recycle steam back into the system

The correct answer is: To increase the temperature of feedwater prior to boiler entry

The role of a feedwater heater in a boiler system is to increase the temperature of feedwater prior to its entry into the boiler. This process is crucial because preheating the water enhances the overall efficiency of the boiler. By raising the temperature of the incoming feedwater, it reduces the amount of fuel required to bring the water up to the boiling point, thus optimizing the heat exchange process. When feedwater is preheated, it minimizes thermal shock to the boiler components and helps maintain a more consistent operating temperature throughout the system. As a result, the boiler can operate more efficiently, leading to energy savings and improved performance. The other choices relate to different functions that are not associated with a feedwater heater. For example, cooling the water before it enters the boiler would be counterproductive and would not aid in efficient boiler operation. Filtering impurities is typically handled by separate filtration systems rather than a feedwater heater, and recycling steam is also a distinct process which may involve condensate return systems but does not define the primary purpose of a feedwater heater.