Study Guide Questions (LA Steam
Engineer License Exam)
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? ✔✔ correct
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? ✔✔ correct
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? ✔✔ correct 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? ✔✔ correct 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? ✔✔ correct 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.
How do you test a safety valve to see if it operates at the proper set pressure? What is the difference
between a safety valve and a relief valve? How often do you test these valves? How is leaking safety
valve repaired? ✔✔ correct answer Pressure valves can be tested hydrostatically (boiler filled up
with water pressure).Safety valves open instantaneously and relief valves do not open fully with a set
pressure.Safety valves are tested manually once a month and pressure tested once a year.Safety
valves can be only repaired by a manufacturer or an authorized company.
What causes heavy black smoke from the firebox of an oil-burning boiler? ✔✔ correct answer Most
likely it is incomplete combustion caused by either improper air/fuel ratio or dirty burners.
Engineer License Exam)
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? ✔✔ correct
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? ✔✔ correct
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? ✔✔ correct 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? ✔✔ correct 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? ✔✔ correct 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.
How do you test a safety valve to see if it operates at the proper set pressure? What is the difference
between a safety valve and a relief valve? How often do you test these valves? How is leaking safety
valve repaired? ✔✔ correct answer Pressure valves can be tested hydrostatically (boiler filled up
with water pressure).Safety valves open instantaneously and relief valves do not open fully with a set
pressure.Safety valves are tested manually once a month and pressure tested once a year.Safety
valves can be only repaired by a manufacturer or an authorized company.
What causes heavy black smoke from the firebox of an oil-burning boiler? ✔✔ correct answer Most
likely it is incomplete combustion caused by either improper air/fuel ratio or dirty burners.
