How does a deaerator mainly function?

A deaerator primarily functions by injecting steam across sprayed water. This process is critical in the removal of dissolved gases, particularly oxygen and carbon dioxide, from boiler feedwater. When steam is injected, it creates a turbulence that aids in the separation of these gases from the water. The injected steam heats the water, helping to facilitate the desorption of the gases, which can be detrimental to boiler operation, leading to corrosion and other issues.

The efficiency of this method lies in its ability to combine heat and agitation, which effectively enhances the removal of gases as they are driven out of the water and vented away. This is a fundamental operation in maintaining the quality of boiler feedwater, ensuring that the system operates safely and efficiently.

Other methods, such as filtration or compression, do not directly address the issue of dissolved gases in water and are therefore not the primary functions of a deaerator. The primary goal is to achieve as low a level of dissolved oxygen as possible in the boiler feedwater, which is accomplished through the steam injection mechanism.