LA Steam Engineer License Exam Prep
Questions and Answers Latest Version
Top Rated
How do you determine whether feedwater check valve for the
boiler is not closing?
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?
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?
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?
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.
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?
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 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?
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?
Most likely it is incomplete combustion caused by either improper
air/fuel ratio or dirty burners.
What does heavy yellow smoke from the firebox of an oil-
burning boiler indicates?
It is most likely a good combustion of #6 oil.It typically gives
yellow or brownish haze from the stack.
Name some of the causes of an excessive amount of
accumulated soot in the firebox and tubes of an oil burning
boiler.
Improper air/fuel ratio.Dirty burner nozzles.Poor fuel atomization.
Questions and Answers Latest Version
Top Rated
How do you determine whether feedwater check valve for the
boiler is not closing?
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?
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?
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?
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.
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?
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 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?
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?
Most likely it is incomplete combustion caused by either improper
air/fuel ratio or dirty burners.
What does heavy yellow smoke from the firebox of an oil-
burning boiler indicates?
It is most likely a good combustion of #6 oil.It typically gives
yellow or brownish haze from the stack.
Name some of the causes of an excessive amount of
accumulated soot in the firebox and tubes of an oil burning
boiler.
Improper air/fuel ratio.Dirty burner nozzles.Poor fuel atomization.
