What is condensate in the context of boilers?

In the context of boilers, condensate refers specifically to the water that results from the cooling and condensation of steam. When steam is generated in a boiler and then used in a heating process or for power generation, it often loses heat and transitions back to liquid form. This liquid is what we identify as condensate.

Understanding this is crucial because managing condensate effectively can have significant implications for the efficiency of a boiler system. Proper handling of condensate can lead to energy savings, reduced water usage, and improved overall system performance. The other options, while related to boiler operation in some way, do not capture the specific meaning of condensate; for instance, boiler water loss refers to overall water management, steam produced is simply the output from the boiler, and air bubbles in the water pertain to impurities or aeration, which are not the same as condensate.