Question 260Steam Plants - 1st Asst/Chief

70% to pass

While underway the engineer on watch reports the vacuum in the main condenser has been gradually decreasing. Which of the following could be a possible cause?

ALow level in the boiler steam drum.
BLow sea water temperature.
CHigh level in the DC heater.
DHigh level in the condensate hot well.
AI Explanation

The correct answer is D) High level in the condensate hot well. A high level in the condensate hot well can cause a decrease in the vacuum in the main condenser. This is because a high level in the hot well restricts the flow of condensate out of the condenser, reducing the vacuum that the condenser is able to maintain. The other options are incorrect because: A) Low level in the boiler steam drum would not directly affect the vacuum in the main condenser. B) Low sea water temperature would actually improve the vacuum in the condenser. C) High level in the DC heater would not impact the vacuum in the main condenser.

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