Air Preheater To Preheat Combustion Air by Recovering Heat From Hot Flue Gases

An air preheater is a heat exchanger that preheats combustion air by recovering heat from hot flue gases, improving the thermal efficiency of a system like a boiler.

Function and Purpose:

Heat Recovery: Air preheaters are designed to capture heat from exhaust gases (flue gas) and transfer it to the incoming air, which is then used in a combustion process.

Increased Efficiency: By preheating the air, less fuel is required to achieve the desired temperature, leading to increased efficiency and reduced fuel consumption.

Reduced Emissions: Lower fuel consumption also translates to reduced emissions.

How it Works:

Heat Transfer:

The air preheater acts as a heat exchanger, facilitating the transfer of heat from the hot flue gas to the cooler combustion air.

Types:

Air preheaters can be tubular (with tubes through which air flows), rotary (with a rotating heat transfer surface), or other designs depending on the application.

Applications:

They are commonly used in boilers, kilns, and other industrial processes where combustion air needs to be heated.

Benefits:

Increased Thermal Efficiency:

By preheating the combustion air, the overall efficiency of the system is increased.

Reduced Fuel Consumption:

Less fuel is required to achieve the same temperature, leading to cost savings.

Lower Emissions:

Reduced fuel consumption translates to lower emissions, contributing to environmental benefits.

Heat Recovery:

Air preheaters enable the recovery of waste heat, making the process more sustainable.