Feed water in a steam power plant refers to the water that is provided to the boiler for conversion into steam. Feed water is actually the condensate from the condenser that is used as feed water to the boiler. Feed water is subjected to a treatment process so as to eliminate impurities and minerals that may cause scaling or corrosion in the boiler and other components of the steam cycle.
Once treated, the feed water is heated in the boiler. The steam produced in the process drives the turbine generator, which ultimately generates electricity. The condensate from the steam cycle is then recycled back to the boiler as feed water to undergo heating and steam conversion once again. Proper management and treatment of feed water are vital for ensuring the efficient and safe operation of a steam power plant.
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