What is the primary function of a boiler?

The primary function of a boiler is to generate steam or hot water. This process is essential in many industrial applications and heating systems. Boilers convert water into steam by utilizing a heat source, which can be from the combustion of fuels, electricity, or other energy sources. The steam produced can then be used for various purposes, such as driving turbines for power generation, providing heat for heating systems, or being used in industrial processes that require steam.

In contrast, while storing water is a function present in some systems, it is not the primary purpose of a boiler; it is instead a characteristic of how a boiler can operate. Cooling down industrial processes is accomplished through chillers or heat exchangers, not boilers. Lastly, while the collection of waste from combustion is a consideration in boiler operation, it is more accurately related to environmental control systems that manage emissions and not the primary function of the boiler. Thus, the generation of steam or hot water is fundamentally what defines a boiler's purpose and operation.