STEAM

Question 1

What water treatment do we use

Answer 1

Sodium Sulphite 
Reacts with Oxygen 
Reduces Alkalinity 
Increases TDS
Can measure reserve
Forms Sodium Sulphate 

Sodium Hydroxide:
Reacts with MgCl2
Strong Alkaline
Absorbs Co2

Both can be direct injection

Question 2

What pH level in the boiler should we have?

Answer 2

9 - 10 pH

Question 3

What pH level should we have in the hot well?

Answer 3

8 - 8.5 pH

Question 4

Blowdown a gauge glass

Answer 4

1. Turn off the water
2. Turn off the steam
3. Open the drain
4. Open the water
5. Close the water
6. Open the steam
7. Close the steam
8. Close the drain
9. Open the water, level should rise smartly
10. Open the steam, the level should drop to the true boiler level

Question 5

Draw a basic outline of a glass tube type gauge glass, describe features.

Answer 5

A

Question 6

The boiler gauge glass has no water. How do you determine if the level is above the heat generating surfaces?

Answer 6

1. Turn of the flame
2. Turn of the inlet
3. Turn of the outlet
4. Blow down the gage glass
5. Check 2nd gage glass
6. Check the Mowbray switch
7. If not concussive cool the boiler down and check
   through the man hole

Question 7

One boiler gauge glass is showing a normal level, the other is showing a high level. What do you do? What could be the likely problem?

Answer 7

1. Turn of the flame
2. Turn of the inlet
3. Turn of the outlet
4. Blow down the gage glass
5. Check 2nd gage glass
6. Check the Mowbray switch
7. If not concussive cool the boiler down and check
   through the man hole

Question 8

The water passage is blocked. What do you do?

Answer 8

1. Turn of the flame
2. Turn of the inlet
3. Turn of the outlet
4. Blow down the gage glass
5. Check 2nd gage glass
6. Check the Mowbray switch
7. If one gauge glass is reading the same as the
   Mowbray switch tag out of service the faulty gauge
   glass and record this in the engine room and vessels
   log book and enter a job in the PMS to repair the fault
   at the next opportunity.

Question 9

The watchkeeping engineer has just informed you that the boiler has an indication of oil in the water; it is visible in the gauge glass and hotwell, scumming shows a large quantity of oil. Explain what you would do.

Answer 9

1. Raise the Alarm
2. Turn of the flame
3. Turn of the inlet
4. Turn of the outlet
5. Identify the source of the oil and repair the fault
6. Risk asses the continual operation of the boiler by
   using OEM guide lines, boiler treatment guide lines,
   past experience, expert help.

Question 10

Safety features of a gauge glass

Answer 10

1. one way safety ball after the water valve, and or the
   steam valve.
2. Threaded cleaning plugs to safely access/clean the
   valves.
3. Protective shatter proof, tempered gauge glass
   material
4. Backing outline for visual aid of level observation

Question 11

Describe a boiler manhole door

Answer 11

1. Sealed against inside of the boiler. (internal boiler
   pressure aids in sealing)
2. Sealing clearing between manhole door and boiler
   1.0mm+/-0.5mm
3. Elliptical in shape with radial edges for added
   strength.

Question 12

Explain the boiler easing gear

Answer 12

1. Allows for safe system de-pressurisation in the event of an emergency.
2. There will be an attachment so that the easing gear
   can be operated from a safe distance
3. Allow for safe testing the safety valves

Question 13

What is the surveyor looking for with boiler safety valves

Answer 13

1. Clear valve drain, (small drain)
2. Clear valve drain to atmosphere
3. Valve seat corrosion and or cracking
4. Spring condition and set length or tension
5. Test and calibration dates, and certificates