In a steam system, what does “blowdown” refer to?

In a steam system, "blowdown" refers specifically to the process of removing accumulated impurities from the boiler. Over time, minerals and other contaminants can build up in the water used within the boiler. If these impurities are not managed, they can lead to scaling, corrosion, and reduced efficiency of the boiler system. Blowdown is implemented in order to maintain water quality, help control the concentration of dissolved solids, and ensure optimal operation of the boiler. By regularly removing a portion of the water from the boiler and replacing it with fresh water, operators can mitigate these issues and extend the life of the equipment, while also ensuring safe and efficient steam production.