4B Older Practice questions Heating Flashcards
The most important rule in safe operation of boilers is to:
a. Watch the steam pressure
b. Not overheat the boiler
c. Ensure an adequate air supply
d. Ensure a fuel supply
e. Keep the correct water level
e. Keep the correct water level.
It is very important that boilers should be:
a. Warmed up quickly to prevent condensation
b. Warmed up quickly to prevent scale build-up
c. Warmed up at a rate of one degree every five minutes
d. Warmed up slowly to prevent thermal shock
e. Lit only when cool.
d. Warmed up slowly to prevent thermal shock
Before starting up a new boiler or one that has been out of service the following must be ensured:
a. The manufacturer’s recommendations are read
b. The boiler has a valid inspection certificate
c. The fuel is shut off
d. The boiler control is in the off position
e. The boiler is cold
b. The boiler has a valid inspection certificate
A gradual increase in stack temperature is an indication of:
a. Poor burner operation
b. Too much excess air
c. Unclean heating surfaces
d. Poor damper operation
e. All of the above
e. All of the above
If your low, pressure steam boiler was in service and you found that there was no water level showing in the gage glass, your first action would be to:
a. Lift the easing lever on the safety valve
b. Cut off the fuel and air to the furnace
c. Start the standby feed pump
d. Send for the Boiler Inspector
e. Call a reliable plumber
b. Cut off the fuel and air to the furnace
- During the warm up period of a heating boiler the main burner goes out. The operator should:
a. Shut down the boiler immediately purge the boiler and restart it
b. Shut down the boiler, close the fuel valves and determine the cause of the problem
c. Try to re-light the burner immediately
d. Check the altitude gage to ensure there is enough water in the system
e. Clean the burner, purge the boiler and restart it.
b. Shut down the boiler, close the fuel valves and determine the cause of the problem
If the safety relief valve on your hot water boiler was opening up, the cause could be:
- Steam collecting in the water space
- Expansion tank completely filled with water
- Faulty automatic fill valve
- Circulating pump running too slow
a. 2, 3, 4
b. 1, 3
c. 2, 3
d. 2, 4
e. 1, 2, 3.
c. 2, 3
Slight smoking during the start-up of a cold oil-fired boiler is caused by:
a. Dislodging soot from the gas passes
b. Having the initial fire too hot
c. Over purging of the furnace
d. Oil and furnace temperatures not yet up to operational parameters.
e. Under purging of the furnace
d. Oil and furnace temperatures not yet up to operational parameters.
If there is any question as to the accuracy indicated by a gage glass and the true level cannot be determined:
a. The boilers should be fired harder to raise the pressure in the glass, thus forcing out any obstruction in the connections.
b. The boiler should be removed from service and all water level indicating attachments checked.
c. More chemicals should be added to the boiler to dissolve solid obstructions.
d. The boiler should be operated at a slightly lower pressure to be safe.
e. The boiler should be shutdown, drained and inspected
b. The boiler should be removed from service and all water level indicating attachments checked
It is vitally important to slowly heat up a cold boiler to prevent:
a. Uneven heating.
b. Uneven expansion.
c. Even expansion.
d. Even heating.
e. Cavitation in the boiler feedwater pump.
b. Uneven expansion
Rust in the water gage glass is an indication that:
a. Suspended solids are high
b. Raw water is leaking into the boiler
c. The copper and brass seats of the valves are deteriorating
d. Corrosion is occurring in the system
e. Total dissolved solids in the boiler are high.
d. Corrosion is occurring in the system
When cutting in an additional boiler into the heating system the:
a. Stop valves in the supply and return lines are both closed
b. Supply valve is open slightly and the return line is closed
c. Supply and return lines are open
d. Supply and return line valves are both open slightly
e. Supply valve only is closed.
a. Stop valves in the supply and return lines are both closed
How often would you test the low, level fuel cut-off on a low, pressure steam heating boiler by blowing out the float chamber?
a. Daily
b. Monthly
c. Semi-annually
d. Annually
e. Bi-weekly.
a. Daily
Thermal shock to boilers can be reduced by:
a. Warming up boilers slowly
b. Keeping the boiler free of scale build-up
c. Covering the tube sheets with refractory
d. Not allowing full flow of cold water into a warm hot water boiler
e. All of the above
e. All of the above
Upon starting a cold gas-fired boiler water initially may leak from the reversing chambers due to:
a. The fire tubes not expanding into the tube sheets
b. A fire tube has failed
c. Combustion gasses are condensing on cold boiler surfaces
d. There is boiler water on the fire side of the fire tubes
e. The fireside was just hydro tested
c. Combustion gasses are condensing on cold boiler surfaces
The most important rule in safe operation of a steam heating boiler is:
a. Operate the burner properly
b. Keep the water level in the boiler at the proper level
c. Maintain the proper operation of automatic controls
d. Maintain the correct level in the altitude gage
e. Ensure air is kept out of the system
c. Maintain the proper operation of automatic controls
Routine testing of the low water fuel cutoff is done by:
a. Shutting down the boiler
b. Blowing down the float chamber.
c. Blowing down the boiler.
d. Blowing sown the float chamber while holding the shutdown bypass switch.
c. Blowing down the water column.
d. Blowing sown the float chamber while holding the shutdown bypass switch.
The most efficient way to keep oxygen out of the boiler water system is to:
a. Add sufficient oxygen scavenger.
b. Keep water make-up to a minimum.
c. Operate the deaerator at a higher pressure.
d. Increase boiler blowdown.
e. Maintain a higher pH balance
. Keep water make-up to a minimum.
A frequent means of heating large facilities such as factories, warehouse and garages is to use a:
a. Fin fan
b. Unit heater
c. Convector
d. Radiator
e. Space heater
b. Unit heater
A radiator valve is used to control the amount of:
a. Air leaving the radiator
b. Condensate leaving the radiator
c. Steam leaving the radiator
d. Air entering the radiator
e. Steam entering the radiator
e. Steam entering the radiator.
The purpose of the metal fins attached to the copper tubes in a convector is to:
a. Increase the steam flow
b. Protect the tubes from damages
c. Increase the heat transfer
d. Direct the heat
e. Direct the steam flow
c. Increase the heat transfer
Large areas such as warehouses are usually heated by:
a. Unit heaters
b. Radiators
c. Convectors
d. Open heaters
e. Space heaters
a. Unit heaters
The level in the condensate receiver may be automatically controlled by a:
a. Float switch
b. Pressure reducing valve
c. Gate valve
d. Drain valve
e. Sight glass.
a. Float switch
The packless radiator valve has a bronze diaphragm that completely seals off the valve body, this to prevent:
a. Air to enter into the radiator
b. Condensate collection on the valve body
c. Air leaking out around the valve stem
d. Steam leaking out around the valve stem
e. Steam pressure become excessive.
d. Steam leaking out around the valve stem
An/a _____ is used to expel air from the risers and main heaters of the steam heating system.
a. Deaerator
b. Air condenser
c. Air ejector
d. Automatic air vent
e. Air vacuum.
d. Automatic air vent
An air vent is partially filled with volatile liquid so that:
a. When hot steam surrounds cylinder, it causes the needle valve to open.
b. When relatively cool air surrounds the cylinder, it causes the needle valve to open
c. When relatively cool air surrounds the cylinder, it causes the needle valve to close
d. Steam will flow in one direction only
e. The air will flow in one direction only
b. When relatively cool air surrounds the cylinder, it causes the needle valve to open
In heating systems in large complexes such as shopping centers and schools, the resistance to the flow of condensate in the return piping of steam heating systems is quite high, therefore _____ are often used to aid in the condensate flow.
a. Vacuum ejector
b. Vacuum injector
c. Pressure controls
d. Vacuum pumps
e. Vacuum breakers
d. Vacuum pumps
Unit heaters differ from convectors in that they use _____ to increase heat transfer.
a. Metal fins
b. Natural circulation
c. Blowers
d. Copper tubes
e. Brass tubes
c. Blowers
In newer steam heating systems, the condensate discharged by the steam traps from radiators, convectors, or other heating equipment drains by gravity through the return piping to:
a. The boiler
b. A condensate tank
c. The condensate scrubber
d. The deaerator
e. The condensate separator
b. A condensate tank
Air can be removed from steam heating systems by:
a. Air vents
b. A steam trap
c. An air separator
d. An air header
e. A dip tube
a. Air vents
A radiator trap is a device that is used to:
a. Allow only air to leave the radiator
b. Vent steam from the radiator
c. Depressurize a radiator
d. Allow only steam to leave the radiator
e. Allow only water to leave the radiator.
e. Allow only water to leave the radiator
Convectors use _____ to increase heat transfer
a. Metal fins
b. Radiators
c. Blowers
d. Copper tubes
e. Brass tubes.
a. Metal fins
Radiators can be classified as:
a. Floor, window or ceiling
b. Window, duct or floor
c. Wall-hung, floor, and window
d. Legless, ductless and floor
e. Ceiling, floor, window and legless
c. Wall-hung, floor, and window
In fin coil type heater, individual room temperature is controlled by
a. Switches
b. Automatic valves
c. Dampers
d. Air relays
e. Supply ducts
c. Dampers
Hand operated pet cocks on heating systems used for expelling air have been superceded by:
a. Steam traps
b. Diverters
c. Automatic air vents
d. Check valves
e. Pipe siphons
c. Automatic air vents
The purpose of a radiator trap is to:
a. Stop the flow of steam
b. Assist circulation within the radiator
c. Control the temperature of the radiator
d. Enable the radiator to be isolated
e. Pass condensate and retain steam in the radiator
e. Pass condensate and retain steam in the radiator
Unit ventilators are:
a. Ceiling suspended unit heaters
b. Baseboard type heaters
c. Cabinet type heaters
d. Ceiling mounted unit heaters
e. Floor radiators.
c. Cabinet type heaters
The radiator trap is a device that allows:
a. Debris to collect
b. Steam to collect
c. Water and steam to collect
d. Steam to be discharged but prevents water from discharging
e. Water to be discharged but prevents steam from discharging
e. Water to be discharged but prevents steam from discharging.
Radiators are usually made of:
a. Steel
b. Cast iron
c. Stainless steel
d. Copper
e. Brass.
b. Cast iron
When air is forced through a heating coil where the fan and coil are within the same unit, the unit is known as:
a. A unit heater
b. An injector
c. A diverter
d. An air vent
e. A convector
a. A unit heater
Push nipples are:
a. Devices used to connect radiator sections together
b. Air release devices on radiators
c. Used to connect pipes together in a heating system
d. A connection used for pressure gauges
e. Greasing devices for furnace fans.
a. Devices used to connect radiator sections together
One of the main considerations in the construction of radiators suitable for steam heating systems is:
a. Large heating surface area
b. Small heating surface area
c. Attractiveness
d. Modern in appearance
e. Light weight.
a. Large heating surface area
The purpose of a radiator trap is to:
a. Control steam flow into the radiator
b. Control steam flow leaving the radiator
c. Drain condensate from the radiator
d. Remove the air from the radiator
e. Trap the radiant heat in the system
c. Drain condensate from the radiator
Unit ventilators use:
a. Only outside air for heating
b. Only inside air for heating
c. Natural draft
d. A mixture of inside and outside air for heating
e. Fin coil heaters.
d. A mixture of inside and outside air for heating
The difference between a convector and a radiator is:
a. The way they transfer heat
b. The way the heating medium goes through
c. The method of control
d. That one is made of cast iron and the other of steel or copper
e. The way the heating and cooling is distributed.
d. That one is made of cast iron and the other of steel or copper
Radiators and convectors should be placed:
a. Against inside walls
b. Closed to the boiler
c. In a central location
d. In an enclosed area and away from windows
e. Against outside walls and preferably under windows.
e. Against outside walls and preferably under windows
Another name for a unit ventilator is:
a. Radiator
b. Exhauster
c. Convector
d. Register
e. Univent.
e. Univent
Air vents are used to:
a. Trap excess air
b. Expel the air from heating systems
c. Trap volatile liquids
d. Expel impurities from boilers
e. Expel the moisture from heating systems.
b. Expel the air from heating systems
The vacuum pump performs the following function:
a. Supplies water to the condensate receiver
b. Supplies steam to the boiler
c. Returns the condensate (water) back to the boiler
d. Returns the steam to the condensate receiver
e. None of the above.
c. Returns the condensate (water) back to the boiler
The piping and heating units of a steam heating system must be so arranged that the:
a. Condensate can be circulated back to the heating units
b. Steam can flow freely from the heating units and returned to the boiler
c. Air can be expelled from the heating units and piping
d. Air can be kept on top of the heating units
e. Condensate can flow freely to the heating units
c. Air can be expelled from the heating units and piping
In all systems, the horizontal steam supply pipes between boiler and heating units are called the:
a. Mains
b. Risers
c. Banks
d. Racks
e. Downcomers
a. Mains
Finned convectors should be kept free of:
a. Air
b. Steam
c. Corrosion
d. Dust
e. All of the above
d. Dust
The Hartford Loop prevents the water in the boiler from:
a. Exceeding the maximum temperature
b. Exceeding the highest safe level
c. Dropping below a safe level
d. Contamination by impurities in the returning condensate
e. Flowing out through the steam main
c. Dropping below a safe level
In a gravity return system, the boiler should be placed:
a. Well above the highest radiator
b. Well below the lowest radiator
c. On an elevated platform
d. At the same level as the radiators
e. In a central location.
b. Well below the lowest radiator
Which one of the following steam heating systems can be used to overcome the difficulty of returning condensate back to the boiler due to inefficient static head?
a. One pipe, gravity return system
b. Two pipe, gravity return system
c. One pipe, free flow return system
d. Two pipe, return trap system
e. Two pipe, free drain return system
d. Two pipe, return trap system
A pressure balancing device that prevents the boiler pressure from forcing the water in the boiler into the return lines is called a:
a. Relief valve
b. Check valve
c. Pipe siphon
d. Pressure reducing valve
e. Hartford loop.
e. Hartford loop
In the two, pipe variable vacuum steam heating system, the steam temperature can be varied from:
a. 200°C to as low as 100°C
b. 150°C to as low as 100°C
c. 150°C to as low as 55°C
d. 105°C to as low as 55°C
e. 105°C to as low as 45°C.
d. 105°C to as low as 55°C
Which of the following would you expect to find in a steam heating system?
- Convectors
- Return traps
- Condensate tank
- Cushion tank
a. 1, 2, 3
b. 2, 3, 4
c. 1, 2, 4
d. 1, 3, 4
e. 1, 2, 3, 4.
a. 1, 2, 3
- When starting up a steam heating boiler, it should be filled to:
a. The maximum level
b. 3/4 of the gauge glass
c. 1/2 of the gauge glass
d. 1/4 of the gauge glass
e. The very bottom of the gauge glass
c. 1/2 of the gauge glass
After a steam heating system has been operating for some time, you notice that some sections of the system are still cold. Which one of the following could be the cause of this?
a. Air is trapped in the affected sections
b. Boiler water pressure too low
c. Boiler water temperature too low
d. Steam does not contain enough heat
e. Condensate temperature too low
a. Air is trapped in the affected sections
The piping and heating units of a steam heating system must be so arranged that:
a. The condensate can flow freely to the heating units
b. The air can be kept at the top of the heating units
c. Steam can flow freely to all heating units
d. All of the above.
e. None of the above.
c. Steam can flow freely to all heating units
When the return main of a gravity return steam heating system is located below the level of the water line in the boiler, it is called:
a. Flooded return
b. Dry return
c. Wet return
d. Upfeed return
e. Downfeed return
c. Wet return
When a single main is used to carry both the steam supply from the boiler to the radiators and the steam condensate from the radiators back to the boiler, the system is called a one pipe:
a. Condensate return system
b. Gravity return system
c. Return trap system
d. Vacuum pump system
e. Variable vacuum system
b. Gravity return system
- The two pipe gravity return steam heating system, now obsolete, had the disadvantage that during startup, some steam could pass through a radiator without condensing and could enter other radiators via the return main, thus trapping:
a. Water in the center
b. Steam in the center
c. Condensate in the center
d. Debris in the center
e. Air in the center.
e. Air in the center.
If the water level falls too low during operation of a steam heating boiler, the operator should:
a. Tell his or her supervisor
b. Add more water immediately
c. Lower the flame and add water to bring it up to a safe level
d. Shut the boiler down
e. Operate the safety valve.
d. Shut the boiler down
- In the case of radiators and convectors, the main sources of trouble are the:
a. Air vents
b. Air traps
c. Push nipples
d. Connecting rods
e. Valves and traps
e. Valves and traps.
Slow or insufficient heat in one or more rooms in a steam, heated building can be caused by a faulty:
a. Steam trap
b. Float switch
c. Heater
d. Vacuum switch
e. Sight glass
a. Steam trap
Slow or insufficient heat throughout a building heated by steam can be caused by:
a. Too high a firing rate
b. Too low a firing rate
c. Air leaks
d. The feedwater being too cold
e. Oversized piping
b. Too low a firing rate
All supply and drain lines of a steam heating system must be pitched to:
a. Allow for drainage of condensate
b. Allow collection of air at the highest points
c. Prevent corrosion
d. Allow for temperature expansion
e. All of the above
a. Allow for drainage of condensate
A _____ for a steam heating system will reduce the possibility of heating problems occurring when the system is in service.
a. Heat monitor
b. Thermostatic controller
c. High capacity boiler
d. Air/fuel controller
e. Good preventative maintenance program
e. Good preventative maintenance program
In a hot water system compared to a steam heating system, if there is a leak, damage will:
a. Be greater in the steam system
b. Be greater in the hot water system
c. Be about the same in either system
d. Depend on where the boiler is located in the system
e. Be minimal due to the automatic drain system.
b. Be greater in the hot water system
In a radiant panel heating system, changes are:
a. Difficult to make
b. Easy to make
c. As easy to make as in any other heating system
d. Dependent on availability of materials
e. Dependent on location
a. Difficult to make
Because of the different circuit lengths to each convector, the direct return hot water system is difficult to:
a. Construct
b. Circulate water
c. Return water to the boiler
d. Balance
e. Maintain heat
d. Balance
A hot water boiler of the same output is:
a. Larger than a steam boiler
b. Smaller than a steam boiler
c. The same size as a steam boiler
d. Taller than a steam boiler
e. Shorter than a steam boiler
b. Smaller than a steam boiler
In a one pipe hot water system, the fitting that directs the water to each converter is called the:
a. Diverter
b. Trap
c. Vent valve
d. Separator
e. Lead.
a. Diverter
Which of the following use a boiler in the heating system?
- Steam heating
- Electric heating
- Steam to hot water system
- Hot water heating system
a. 1, 2
b. 2, 3
c. 1, 4
d. 3, 4
e. 1, 3, 4.
e. 1, 3, 4.
A hot water system which circulates water through the pipes with a pump is known as a:
a. Circulating system
b. Forced system
c. Pumped system
d. Gravity system
e. Return system.
b. Forced system
One of the disadvantages of the gravity hot water system is:
a. The water temperature must be very high to compensate for heat losses
b. Piping used must be rated for high temperature services
c. There is a slow response to changes in heat demand
d. The maximum water temperature is limited to approximately 100°C
e. High maintenance.
c. There is a slow response to changes in heat demand
One of the advantages of the hot water heating as compared to steam heating is:
a. More piping is needed
b. Hot water boilers are more fuel efficient
c. Lower maintenance cost
d. Water treatment is almost eliminated
e. Less damage for leakage.
c. Lower maintenance cost
A hot water heating system is also known as a _____ heating system.
a. Warm air
b. Circulation
c. Loop
d. Hydronic
e. Radiant panel
d. Hydronic
Automatic snow melting systems can use:
a. Hot water and antifreeze mixed
b. Electric resistance heating
c. Infrared lamps mounted above sidewalks and ramps
d. Hot water and ethylene glycol mixed
e. All of the above.
e. All of the above.
The two pipe reverse return hot water heating system has the advantage of:
a. All circuits have the same length
b. Low cost
c. No circulating is needed
d. Elimination of an expansion tank
e. Elimination of air vents
a. All circuits have the same length
Advantages of the forced circulation hot water heating systems are:
a. Reduction in pipe size and greater heat storage capacity
b. High pressure piping and controls
c. High vacuum in the return lines and pump
d. Higher make-up and better chemical control
e. Low water make-up and better chemical control.
a. Reduction in pipe size and greater heat storage capacity
Snow melting systems are usually filled with:
a. Water only
b. Methanol and water
c. Ethylene glycol and water
d. Steam
e. Warm air.
c. Ethylene glycol and water
In a forced circulation system, the closed expansion tank allows the system to operate at:
a. A vacuum
b. A pressure well above atmospheric pressure
c. Pressures above sea level
d. The lower floors
e. Absolute pressures
b. A pressure well above atmospheric pressure
The disadvantage of a loop hot water heating system is:
a. High cost piping system
b. High water consumption
c. High fuel consumption
d. Individual convectors cannot be shut off
e. Temperature of the system too high
d. Individual convectors cannot be shut off
The system which allows the highest water temperature is the:
a. Oil fired system
b. Gas fired system
c. Closed expansion tank system
d. Open expansion tank system
e. Steam to hot water converter system.
c. Closed expansion tank system
The advantage of radiant panel heating is:
a. A more even heat distribution throughout rooms
b. More comfort on feet when floors are heated
c. That the heating elements are out of sight
d. All of the above.
e. None of the above
d. All of the above.
Advantages of the high temperature hot water systems are:
a. Reduction in pipe size and greater heat storage capacity
b. Low water make-up and better temperature control
c. High vacuum in the return lines and pumps
d. Higher make-up and better chemical control
e. High-pressure piping and controls.
a. Reduction in pipe size and greater heat storage capacity
The maximum temperature of water in a gravity hot water system is:
a. 65°C
b. 70°C
c. 77°C
d. 87°C
e. 67°C.
c. 77°C
Open type expansion tanks:
a. Must be located below the heating system
b. Must be located above the heating system
c. Are used with large hot water boilers only
d. Are used with small hot water boilers only
e. Must be located indoor.
b. Must be located above the heating system