1 | Page
Study Guide Questions (LA Steam Engineer
License Exam) Questions and Correct
Answers
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? Ans: 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? Ans: 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? Ans: 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.
© 2025 All rights reserved
, 2 | Page
What is boiler priming? What causes priming? How can priming in
a boiler damage an engine or pump? Ans: 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? Ans: 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? Ans: 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.
© 2025 All rights reserved
Study Guide Questions (LA Steam Engineer
License Exam) Questions and Correct
Answers
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? Ans: 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? Ans: 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? Ans: 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.
© 2025 All rights reserved
, 2 | Page
What is boiler priming? What causes priming? How can priming in
a boiler damage an engine or pump? Ans: 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? Ans: 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? Ans: 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.
© 2025 All rights reserved
