Question 73Steam Plants - 1st Asst/Chief

The correct answer is B) reduced heating capacity in an operating heater. Condensate accumulation in the steam side of a fuel oil heater can lead to reduced heating capacity because the condensate acts as an insulator, reducing the heat transfer from the steam to the fuel oil. This decreased heating capacity makes it harder for the heater to effectively warm the fuel oil to the desired temperature. The other answer choices are incorrect because: A) Scale accumulation is a separate issue not directly caused by condensate. C) Water contamination of the fuel oil is a different problem not caused by steam-side condensate. D) Annealing of the heater tubes is not a likely outcome of condensate accumulation.