At what steam pressure does a feedwater heater typically operate?

Feedwater heaters are designed to preheat the water that will be used in the boiler system, improving efficiency and reducing fuel consumption. Typically, these heaters operate at low steam pressures because their primary function is to raise the temperature of feedwater to a level that promotes efficient boiling in the boiler without significantly increasing the pressure within the heater itself.

Operating at a pressure around 10 psi allows the feedwater heater to utilize steam effectively while maintaining a balance between heating efficiency and preventing excessive pressure that could complicate the system. The low pressure also helps to minimize the risk of issues related to high-pressure steam, making it suitable for applications in many industrial systems.

Higher pressures, like those found in other components of a boilers' steam system (such as 20 psi or above), may not be necessary for the heating process within feedwater heaters as they can effectively transfer heat at lower pressures without risking damage or inefficiency in heating. Thus, the choice of 10 psi accurately reflects the common operational pressure for feedwater heaters in many systems.