Study Guide Questions and Answers (LA Steam
Engineer License Exam) 2025
What are the precautions to be observed when starting any boiler that has been closed dow
overnight? Are there any special precautions required starting a gas burning boiler? - ANSWER
Make a physical observation of the boiler and its systems, walk around the boilerto check for
any abnormal conditions such as flammable material at the dampers, fuel leaks,damaged
electrical conduits, etc. Check all boiler systems (feedwater, fuel, etc). Very important issue in
starting a gas firing boiler is a furnace prepurge. It is never has to be altered or bypassed.
How do you determine whether feedwater check valve for the boiler is not closing? - ANSWER
Check the temperature differential at the check valve when feedwater pump is not in operation.
What causes foaming in the boiler? How would you know when a boiler is foaming? How do
you stop foaming in a boiler? - ANSWER High TDS, organic matter and oil in the boiler cases
foaming. If the water level in the gage glass fluctuates, the most probable cause of thisis
foaming. We reduce amount of TDS by continuous and bottom blowdowns;we use anti-foaming
chemicals to prevent foaming.
What is boiler priming? What causes priming? How can priming in a boiler damage an engine or
pump? - ANSWER When the liquid water from the boiler drum gets to the steam lines it called
priming. Priming can be caused by boiler drum level excessively high, by foaming, sudden
pressure drop,and firing ratebeing to high. Priming causes water hammer that could destroy or
shorten the life expectancy of a load (mechanical damage)
What would you do if the pressure gauge on the boiler registers 150 psi and you knew that the
safety valve was set to open at 100 psi? - ANSWER Most likely pressure gage failed. In order to
get such excessive pressure both operating and high pressure limit controls have to fail also,
plus the safety valve. Also, if the boiler was over pressurized to such extent, it would give some
indications such as excessive vibration and abnormal sounds.Pressure gage can be quickly
isolated and changed.
Engineer License Exam) 2025
What are the precautions to be observed when starting any boiler that has been closed dow
overnight? Are there any special precautions required starting a gas burning boiler? - ANSWER
Make a physical observation of the boiler and its systems, walk around the boilerto check for
any abnormal conditions such as flammable material at the dampers, fuel leaks,damaged
electrical conduits, etc. Check all boiler systems (feedwater, fuel, etc). Very important issue in
starting a gas firing boiler is a furnace prepurge. It is never has to be altered or bypassed.
How do you determine whether feedwater check valve for the boiler is not closing? - ANSWER
Check the temperature differential at the check valve when feedwater pump is not in operation.
What causes foaming in the boiler? How would you know when a boiler is foaming? How do
you stop foaming in a boiler? - ANSWER High TDS, organic matter and oil in the boiler cases
foaming. If the water level in the gage glass fluctuates, the most probable cause of thisis
foaming. We reduce amount of TDS by continuous and bottom blowdowns;we use anti-foaming
chemicals to prevent foaming.
What is boiler priming? What causes priming? How can priming in a boiler damage an engine or
pump? - ANSWER When the liquid water from the boiler drum gets to the steam lines it called
priming. Priming can be caused by boiler drum level excessively high, by foaming, sudden
pressure drop,and firing ratebeing to high. Priming causes water hammer that could destroy or
shorten the life expectancy of a load (mechanical damage)
What would you do if the pressure gauge on the boiler registers 150 psi and you knew that the
safety valve was set to open at 100 psi? - ANSWER Most likely pressure gage failed. In order to
get such excessive pressure both operating and high pressure limit controls have to fail also,
plus the safety valve. Also, if the boiler was over pressurized to such extent, it would give some
indications such as excessive vibration and abnormal sounds.Pressure gage can be quickly
isolated and changed.
