What is the primary function of a proportioning valve in a heat recovery system?

The primary function of a proportioning valve in a heat recovery system is to regulate fluid flow. Proportioning valves are designed to adjust the flow of thermal fluids within the system to achieve optimal performance and efficiency. By varying the flow rate of the fluid, these valves help in managing the heat transfer processes that occur in heat recovery systems, ensuring that the system operates within desired parameters.

This regulation of fluid flow is important for maintaining the balance between the heat being recovered and the heat being transferred to other components of the system, ultimately enhancing the system's overall efficiency. The correct flow rates also help in preventing issues such as overheating or operational instability, which could arise from either too little or too much fluid flow.

In contrast, temperature control and steam quality maintenance are secondary benefits that can result from effective flow regulation, but they do not define the primary role of the proportioning valve. Additionally, while pressure measurement is vital for monitoring system performance, it is not a function performed by a proportioning valve. Thus, the focus on regulating fluid flow accurately captures the essence of what a proportioning valve does in a heat recovery system.