Question 266General Subjects - Assistant Engineer

The correct answer is C) The valve would fail in the fully open position, most likely resulting in a high fuel oil temperature alarm condition. This is correct because pneumatically operated diaphragm actuated control valves are designed to fail in the open position upon loss of pilot air. Without the air pressure pushing the diaphragm and closing the valve, the spring inside the actuator will move the valve to the fully open position. This would allow unrestricted steam flow to the fuel oil heater, resulting in the fuel oil temperature rising significantly and triggering a high temperature alarm. The other options are incorrect because A) the valve would not fail closed, B) the valve would not maintain its last position, and D) it is possible to predict the valve's response based on the design of pneumatic actuators.