Study Guide Questions (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.
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? - 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? - ANSWER-
Most likely it is incomplete combustion caused by either improper air/fuel ratio or dirty
burners.
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.
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? - 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? - ANSWER-
Most likely it is incomplete combustion caused by either improper air/fuel ratio or dirty
burners.
