In a heat recovery system, what component regulates the flow of makeup water to the flash economizer?

In a heat recovery system, the component that regulates the flow of makeup water to the flash economizer is a proportioning valve. This valve is specifically designed to control the amount of water entering the system based on the needs of the economizer. It ensures that the right volume of water is supplied to maintain optimal system performance, particularly in adjusting for variations in steam demand or condenser operation.

Unlike other components such as a flow meter, which simply measures the flow rate but does not control it, the proportioning valve actively manages the flow to match operational requirements. An expansion tank is used to accommodate changes in volume and pressure in the water supply system, while a check valve only permits flow in one direction, preventing backflow but does not regulate flow rates. Therefore, the use of a proportioning valve is essential for efficient operation and maintaining desired conditions within the heat recovery system.