Question 395Steam Plants - 1st Asst/Chief

The correct answer is A) prevent the external leakage of oil out of the bearing housing. Oil deflector rings in the adjustable spherically seated self-aligning bearing housings of main turbines function to prevent the external leakage of oil from the bearing. This is a critical role as it helps maintain the proper lubrication of the bearing and prevents oil from escaping the housing, which could lead to equipment damage or environmental contamination. The other answer choices are incorrect because: B) preventing steam leakage into the oil is not the primary function of the oil deflector rings, C) directing the flow of oil through the bearing is more the role of the bearing design itself, and D) ensuring efficient lubrication is an indirect result of preventing oil leakage, not the direct function of the oil deflector rings.