Name of the process using bled steam to heat feedwater What is the process called when steam is extracted from intermediate turbine points during expansion, used to heat feedwater in feedwater heaters, and then the warmed feedwater is returned to the boiler?

Introduction / Context:
Large steam power plants improve cycle efficiency by raising the average temperature at which heat is added in the boiler. A standard method is to preheat the feedwater using steam extracted (bled) from the turbine. Understanding the terminology distinguishes component actions from the overall thermodynamic strategy.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Steam is extracted from turbine stages at controlled pressures.
• Feedwater heaters (open or closed) transfer heat from bled steam to feedwater.
• Heated feedwater returns to the boiler, reducing required boiler duty for a given cycle output.

Concept / Approach:

The overall process is called regenerative heating (or regeneration). The act of withdrawing steam is commonly termed bleeding. Reheating is different: it reheats partially expanded steam between turbine sections to reduce moisture and increase work, not to warm feedwater. Intercooling and desuperheating are also distinct processes used in other contexts (gas turbines, conditioning steam, etc.).

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Rankine cycle T–s diagrams with multiple feedwater heaters show increased mean temperature of heat addition and improved thermal efficiency due to regeneration.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Reheating of steam: reheats main flow between turbine stages, not feedwater.Intercooling: used in multi-stage compressors, not in steam Rankine feedwater preheating.Desuperheating: reduces steam superheat, not the same as feedwater preheating.

Common Pitfalls:

Using “bleeding” as the name of the thermodynamic improvement. Bleeding is the action; the process goal and cycle strategy is regeneration (regenerative heating).

Final Answer:

regenerative heating