Boiler Exam Class 1a

The low water fuel cut off is the unit that shuts off the burner in the event of low water. This safety feature is essential in preventing damage to the boiler and ensuring that it operates efficiently. If the water level in the boiler drops below a certain point, the low water fuel cut off automatically stops the burner to prevent overheating and potential hazards. It helps maintain the proper water level and protects the boiler from damage caused by low water conditions.

The purpose of a safety valve on a steam boiler is to prevent the pressure in the boiler from exceeding its maximum allowable working pressure. This is important because if the pressure exceeds the maximum limit, it can lead to a dangerous situation where the boiler may explode or cause damage. The safety valve acts as a safeguard by releasing excess pressure and maintaining a safe operating pressure within the boiler. It ensures the safety of the boiler and the people working with it.

Purging is the term used to remedy the condition of a build-up of combustible gases or vapors in the furnace. Purging involves removing or displacing these gases and vapors from the furnace to prevent the risk of explosions.

A backflow preventer is a device that is used to prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the domestic water supply. It ensures that water flows in only one direction, preventing any potential contamination from entering the clean water supply. This is important for maintaining the safety and quality of drinking water.

The correct answer is "lowest point of the waterside of a steam boiler." The bottom blowdown line is located at the lowest point of the waterside of a steam boiler to remove sediment and impurities that have settled at the bottom. This helps to maintain the efficiency and functionality of the boiler by preventing buildup and blockages in the system.

Make up water is the term used for replacing the water that has been lost in a steam boiler system. This water is added to the system to compensate for water that has been lost through blowing down the boiler or leaks in the system.

The safety relief valve is the most important safety device on a steam or liquid boiler. It is responsible for releasing excess pressure to prevent explosions or damage to the boiler. The gauge glass, water column, and steam or altitude gauge are also important components for monitoring and maintaining the boiler, but they do not have the same critical function as the safety relief valve in preventing catastrophic accidents.

An aquastat is a unit that controls the starting and stopping of the burner in a hot water boiler by sensing the temperature of the water. It is responsible for maintaining the desired temperature by turning the burner on when the water temperature falls below a certain set point and turning it off when the temperature reaches the desired level. The aquastat helps to ensure that the water in the boiler remains at the appropriate temperature for efficient and safe operation.

In addition to a code safety relief valve, a low water fuel cutoff should be installed on a hot water heating boiler. This safety device is important because it helps prevent the boiler from operating when the water level drops below a certain point. This can help prevent damage to the boiler and potential hazards caused by overheating.

When testing the low water fuel cutoff on a steam boiler, the burner should be firing to see if the burner shuts off. This is because the low water fuel cutoff is a safety device that shuts off the burner if the water level in the boiler drops too low. By testing this while the burner is firing, it can be determined if the cutoff is functioning properly and effectively shutting off the burner when needed.

In a fire tube boiler, the water surrounds the tubes. This means that the tubes carrying the hot gases produced by the combustion process are immersed in water. The heat from the gases is transferred to the water through the tube walls, heating it and producing steam. This design allows for efficient heat transfer and is commonly used in smaller, low-pressure boilers.

Furnace explosions can occur when there is a buildup of combustible gases or vapors in the furnace. To remedy this condition, the term used is "purging". Purging involves removing or flushing out the combustible gases or vapors from the furnace before igniting it, ensuring that the furnace is safe to operate.

The correct answer states that low-pressure steam boilers are defined as those that are not over 15 psi and liquid boilers are not over 160 psi and/or 250 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that if a steam boiler operates at a pressure below 15 psi or a liquid boiler operates at a pressure below 160 psi and/or 250 degrees Fahrenheit, it is considered a low-pressure boiler.

The term used for the evaporative capacity output of a steam boiler is expressed in pounds per hour. This means that the measure of how much steam the boiler can produce in one hour is given in pounds. This is a common unit of measurement for steam boilers as it provides a clear and standardized way to quantify the amount of steam that can be generated within a specific time frame.

If condensate is picked up with the steam as it travels through the main steam branch lines, it can result in water hammer. Water hammer is a phenomenon that occurs when a sudden change in steam flow direction or velocity causes a pressure surge in the pipes. This can lead to loud banging or hammering noises, as well as potential damage to the pipes and equipment.

The correct answer is aquastats or a remote temperature monitoring system. Aquastats are devices that monitor and control the temperature of the water in a hot water boiler system. They can be set to maintain a specific temperature by turning the boiler on or off as needed. A remote temperature monitoring system is another option for controlling the temperature. It allows the user to monitor and adjust the temperature remotely, providing convenience and flexibility. Both aquastats and remote temperature monitoring systems are effective methods for controlling the temperature in a hot water boiler system.

A hydrostatic test is a test used on a boiler to check for leaks after repair work. It involves filling the boiler with water and pressurizing it to a specific level. If there are any leaks, they will be detected by observing any drop in pressure. This test is commonly performed to ensure the integrity and safety of the boiler before putting it back into operation.

The flame safeguard performs the duty of shutting off the flame in case of a failure. This ensures safety by preventing any potential hazards that may arise from a flame failure. It acts as a protective measure to avoid any accidents or damages that could occur if the flame continues to burn without proper control.

Combustion refers to the rapid burning of fuel and oxygen that leads to the release of heat. It is a chemical reaction that occurs when fuel and oxygen combine in the presence of heat or an ignition source. During combustion, the fuel molecules break down and react with oxygen molecules, resulting in the production of carbon dioxide, water vapor, and heat energy. This process is commonly used in various applications, such as heating systems, engines, and power generation, to produce energy.

In a steam boiler system, the unit that turns the burner on and off based on steam pressure is the pressure control. This control device is responsible for maintaining a safe and efficient operation of the boiler by regulating the pressure inside the system. It ensures that the pressure does not exceed the predetermined limit, preventing any potential damage or accidents. The pressure control acts as a safety mechanism, allowing the burner to be turned on when the pressure drops below a certain threshold and shutting it off when the pressure reaches the desired level.

A steam trap is used to remove condensate from a steam boiler system. Condensate is formed when steam cools down and turns back into water. The steam trap is designed to automatically drain the condensate from the system while preventing the loss of steam. It operates based on the principle of temperature and pressure differentials, allowing condensate to be discharged while keeping steam inside the system. This helps to maintain the efficiency and performance of the heating equipment by ensuring that only steam is circulated, preventing water buildup which can cause damage or inefficiency.

City water and water from wells typically contain minerals. These minerals can include calcium, magnesium, potassium, and others. These minerals are naturally present in the water and can have various health benefits. They can also contribute to the taste and hardness of the water. Therefore, it is common for both city water and well water to contain minerals.

Vacuum pumps are used on some steam boiler systems to create a vacuum on the return lines, which helps in drawing back condensate to the vacuum tank. This is important because condensate contains heat energy that can be reused, and by drawing it back to the vacuum tank, it can be recovered and reused, increasing the overall efficiency of the system. Additionally, creating a vacuum also helps in preventing corrosion by minimizing the exposure of the system to oxygen. Moreover, the vacuum created by the pump helps in ensuring the proper operation of steam traps and zone valves, which are essential components in maintaining the functionality of the steam boiler system.

A pressure control attached to the steam space of a boiler controls the burner operation by starting the burner when there is a decrease in pressure and stopping it when there is an increase in pressure. This ensures that the burner is activated when the pressure drops below a certain threshold, indicating a need for more steam, and is deactivated when the pressure rises above a certain threshold, indicating that the desired pressure has been reached. This control mechanism helps maintain a stable pressure level in the boiler and prevents over-pressurization or under-pressurization.

One boiler horsepower is defined as the amount of energy required to evaporate 34.5 pounds of water per hour from and at a temperature of 212 degrees Fahrenheit. This unit of measurement is commonly used in the boiler industry to determine the power output of a boiler.

In a steam boiler system, water hammer refers to the banging or knocking sound caused by the rapid condensation of steam. Carry over refers to the phenomenon where water droplets are carried along with the steam. If there is excessive carry over in the system, it can lead to water hammer. Therefore, carry over is a possible cause of water hammer in a steam boiler system.

A flue gas analyzer is a device used to measure the percentages of volume of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and oxygen in flue gases. This is important in determining the efficiency of combustion processes and the presence of harmful gases. It helps to ensure that the emissions from a combustion system are within acceptable limits and that the system is operating safely. By measuring these gases, the analyzer provides valuable information for optimizing combustion processes and reducing environmental impact.

The quick opening valve is located closest to the boiler shell when two valves are used on the bottom blowdown line of a steam boiler.

If steam from a steam boiler system is blowing into the vacuum pump or condensate tank, the most likely problem is a malfunctioning steam trap. A steam trap is a device used to remove condensate and non-condensable gases from the steam system. It is designed to allow condensate to pass through while blocking the passage of steam. If the steam trap is malfunctioning, it may not be able to properly separate the steam from the condensate, causing steam to blow into the vacuum pump or condensate tank.

The breaching in a steam boiler system is located between the boiler and the chimney. This is the correct answer because the breaching is the section of the flue gas pathway that connects the boiler to the chimney. It allows the combustion gases to exit the boiler and flow towards the chimney for proper ventilation.

Baffles are used in boilers to direct the gases of combustion over the boiler heating surface. They are designed to create turbulence and increase the contact between the hot gases and the heating surface, maximizing heat transfer efficiency. Baffles also help to evenly distribute the gases and prevent them from bypassing the heating surface, ensuring that all areas are effectively heated.

In a hot water boiler system, a pressure reducing valve is installed to reduce the incoming city water pressure to the hot water boiler operating pressure. This valve helps to regulate and control the pressure in the system, ensuring that it does not exceed the maximum operating pressure of the boiler. By reducing the pressure, it helps to prevent damage to the boiler and other components of the system.

If a circulating pump fails, flow control valves can be manually opened to provide hot water to the heating units through natural circulation. Flow control valves regulate the flow rate of the water, allowing it to move through the system even without the circulating pump. By manually opening the flow control valves, hot water can still be supplied to the heating units, ensuring that the heating system continues to function properly.

The correct answer is thermostat. In heating unit systems, the circulating pump is controlled by a thermostat. The thermostat measures the temperature in the system and signals the pump to turn on or off based on the desired temperature set by the user. The thermostat helps maintain a consistent temperature by regulating the operation of the circulating pump.

The dial on a gauge on a low pressure boiler should be graduated one and one half to two times the max allowable working pressure. This means that the dial should have markings or divisions that cover a range from one and a half times the maximum allowable working pressure to two times the maximum allowable working pressure. This allows for better accuracy and visibility when monitoring the pressure levels in the boiler.

When a safety valve opens and closes rapidly, it is referred to as "chattering". This term is used to describe the rapid, repetitive movement of the valve as it tries to maintain the desired pressure within a system. Chattering can occur due to various reasons such as improper valve sizing, high system pressure, or a malfunctioning valve. It is important to address chattering issues promptly as it can lead to valve damage, reduced efficiency, and potential safety hazards.

The correct answer is "monthly" because safety valves are crucial components in a boiler system and need to be regularly tested to ensure they are functioning properly. Monthly testing allows for early detection of any potential issues or malfunctions, reducing the risk of accidents or damage to the boiler. Regular testing also helps to maintain the overall safety and efficiency of the boiler system.

A simple draft gauge is called a manometer. A manometer is a device used to measure pressure, typically by comparing it to the pressure of a fluid column in a U-shaped tube. It is commonly used to measure the pressure difference between two points in a system, such as the draft pressure in a chimney or the pressure drop across a filter. A pyrometer is used to measure high temperatures, a compound pressure gauge measures both pressure and vacuum, and a thermometer measures temperature.

When boilers have over 500 square feet of heating surface, two or more safety valves are required. This is because larger boilers with a larger heating surface area have a higher capacity to produce steam, and therefore require multiple safety valves to ensure the safe release of excess pressure.

The correct answer is draft. Draft refers to the difference in pressure between two points that causes air and gases to flow. It is commonly used in the context of ventilation systems or chimneys, where the draft helps to remove smoke, fumes, or other gases.

The correct answer is high limit control. The high limit control is designed to act as a safety backup in case the pressure control fails. It is responsible for monitoring and controlling the maximum pressure level in a system. If the pressure exceeds the set limit, the high limit control will activate and shut down the system to prevent any damage or safety hazards.

A hot water supply boiler is a type of boiler that provides hot water to be used externally to itself. This means that the hot water produced by the boiler is intended to be used for purposes other than heating the boiler itself. Unlike a heat exchanger or a cast iron sectional pork cop boiler, a hot water supply boiler is specifically designed to supply hot water for external use. A miniature boiler, on the other hand, is a small-scale boiler typically used for low-pressure steam or hot water applications.

The correct answer is 5170. To find the total weight of the boiler and water, we need to add the weight of the empty boiler (1000 lbs) to the weight of the water (500 gal). Since the weight of water is approximately 8.34 lbs per gallon, the weight of the water is 500 gal * 8.34 lbs/gal = 4170 lbs. Adding this to the weight of the empty boiler, we get 1000 lbs + 4170 lbs = 5170 lbs.

A slow opening blowdown valve requires 5 full 360-degree turns from fully closed to fully open. Each turn represents a 360-degree rotation, and since the valve is slow opening, it requires more turns to fully open compared to a fast opening valve. Therefore, the correct answer is 5.

When applying a hydrostatic test on a boiler, the water should be at a temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This is because the hydrostatic test is performed to check the integrity and strength of the boiler, and using water at this temperature ensures that the test is conducted under normal operating conditions. Water at this temperature provides a reliable baseline for evaluating the performance and safety of the boiler.

The correct answer is the national board inspection code. This code is recommended for the repair of boilers used in the state of Minnesota. It is a set of rules and regulations that ensure the safe operation and maintenance of boilers. The national board inspection code provides guidelines for inspections, repairs, and quality control procedures to ensure that boilers are in compliance with safety standards.

The water column is a unit used to reduce the movement of water in a steam boiler, allowing the boiler operator to obtain an accurate reading of the water level in the gauge glass. This is important for maintaining the proper water level and ensuring safe and efficient operation of the boiler. The water column acts as a buffer, stabilizing the water level and minimizing fluctuations caused by steam movement or other factors. By reducing the movement of water, the water column helps the operator to obtain a reliable and consistent reading of the water level in the gauge glass.

Absolute pressure is the sum of gauge pressure and atmospheric pressure. Gauge pressure is the pressure measured relative to atmospheric pressure, so adding atmospheric pressure to gauge pressure gives the total pressure exerted by a fluid. Therefore, the correct answer is absolute pressure.

The capacity of a safety valve used on a steam boiler is measured in the amount of steam that can be discharged in one hour. This means that the safety valve is designed to release a certain volume of steam per hour to prevent the pressure inside the boiler from exceeding safe levels. By measuring the capacity in terms of steam discharge per hour, it ensures that the safety valve can adequately handle the steam produced by the boiler and prevent any potential accidents or damage.

Excess air is used to ensure that all of the fuel is properly burned in a boiler, and thus attain a better efficiency in heat release. By introducing more air than is theoretically required for complete combustion, any unburned fuel or byproducts are given the opportunity to react and burn completely. This helps to maximize the efficiency of the combustion process and reduce the amount of pollutants emitted from the boiler.