Chapter 11 Basic Boiler Operation

Question 1

1. Before a new boiler may be started up it must have:

A. A valid inspection certificate
B. An inspection by the manufacturer
C. The permission of the Plant Chief Engineer
D. An inspection by the Fire Commissioner E. The permission of the union

Answer 1

A. A valid inspection certificate

Question 2

2. The most important factor to be considered during steam boiler operation is:

A. Housekeeping 
B. Water level 
C. Steam pressure 
D. Combustion quality 
E. Pollution control

Answer 2

B. Water level

Water is main source steam boiler

Question 3

3. Two conditions which may occur during warm-up of a cold boiler are smoking and:

A. Fuel flow surging 
B. Flame pulsations 
C. Very high stack temperatures 
D. Flue gas condensation 
E. Pressure pulsations

Answer 3

D. Flue gas condensation

Question 4

4. The most common cause of boiler accidents is overheating the heating surfaces due to:

A. High fuel pressure 
B. Low combustion air 
C. A low water condition 
D. Water in the fuel oil 
E. High steam temperature

Answer 4

C. A low water condition

Question 5

5. If the water level in a steam boiler is found to be below the gauge glass, the boiler should be:

A. Filled immediately with cold water 
B. Reduced to minimum load 
C. Filled immediately with warm water 
D. Allowed sufficient time to return to normal 
E. Shut down immediately

Answer 5

E. Shut down immediately

Question 6

6. When a hot water boiler in a multi-boiler heating plant has the stop valve at the boiler outlet is closed the:

A. Stop valve in the return line of that boiler should be open
B. Vent valve in the return line of that boiler should be open
C. Stop valve in the return line of that boiler should be closed
D. Bypass valve in the return line of that boiler should be open
E. Bypass valve in the return line of that boiler should be closed

Answer 6

C. ‘‘Stop valve’’ in the return line of that boiler should be ‘‘closed’’

Question 7

7. The boiler certificate of inspection:

A. Must be kept in the log book
B. Should be conspicuously placed adjacent to the boiler or retained and safeguarded in a manner approved by the inspector
C. Must be displayed in the Chief Engineers office
D. Can be kept in a file cabinet
E. Need not be retained as the Boiler Inspector has a copy

Answer 7

B. Should be conspicuously placed adjacent to the boiler or retained and safeguarded in a manner approved by the inspector

Question 8

8. '’Flame failure’’ may occur during operation due to:

A. Overly high gas pressure 
B. Air in the fuel 
C. Excessively high fuel pressure 
D. High boiler load 
E. Insufficient fuel oil supply due to a plugged filter

Answer 8

E. ‘‘Insufficient fuel oil supply’’ due to a plugged filter

Note: Flame Failure is result of Insufficient FUEL

Question 9

9. When a steam boiler has to be taken out of service give it a good blowdown to remove as much sediment as possible stop when the drain runs clear. Refill the boiler to the top of the glass maintaining the boiler water temperature above _____ for about one hour to release all the dissolved gases.

A. 121°C (250°F) 
B. 50°C (98°F) C. 85°
C (185°F) 
D. 120°C (248°F) 
E. 77°C (170°

Answer 9

C (185°F)

Question 10

10. Should the water in the gauge glass of a steam boiler, show a higher than normal level or even climb out of sight the level should be brought back to normal to prevent:

A. Carry-over of the water with the steam 
B. Producing wet steam 
C. A pressure component failure 
D. The boiler water from foaming 
E. A decrease in steam production

Answer 10

A. Carry-over of the water with the steam