What is one of the main roles of a deaerator?

One of the main roles of a deaerator is to remove dissolved gases from water, which is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and longevity of steam systems. When water is heated in a boiler, if it contains dissolved gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, these can lead to corrosion within the boiler and other components of the steam system.

The deaerator operates by heating the water and reducing the pressure, which allows the dissolved gases to escape. The removal of these gases minimizes corrosion and improves the overall performance of the boiler and steam systems. This process is essential because untreated water can cause significant damage and operational issues, making the deaerator a critical component in maintaining steam quality and system integrity.

While the other options have their roles, they do not specifically address the vital function of gas removal, which is pivotal in preventing corrosion and scaling in the boiler systems.