What Does
Economizer Mean?
An economizer refers to a piece of mechanical equipment used in industrial processing applications to reduce the amount of energy that is consumed to facilitate an operation. Economizers run on the principle of introducing a temperature gradient between water or air samples in differing environments. However, they are prone to sulfur corrosion due to reactions between oxygen, water and soot.
Corrosionpedia Explains Economizer
Economizers improve operational efficiency because they recycle energy produced within a system. This is primarily the recycling of process parameters like pressure and temperature.
The two main types of economizers are air-side and water-side.
- Air-side economizers import lower temperature outdoor air directly into a facility to reduce rates of overheating.
- Water-side economizers use cold air to cool exterior towers. The chilled water is then re-purposed from the tower for applications such as air conditioning instead of using mechanically chilled water.