Coast Guard Exams
Question 235Steam Plants - 1st Asst/Chief70% to pass

On a steam vessel, if a centrifugal main feed pump were operating at shutoff head with the recirculating line closed, which of the following conditions could occur?

AI Explanation
The correct answer is C) Flashing at the suction side of the pump. When a centrifugal main feed pump operates at shutoff head with the recirculating line closed, the pressure at the suction side of the pump will drop significantly. This can cause the water to flash into steam, leading to cavitation and potential damage to the pump. The other answer choices are incorrect because they do not directly result from the specific operating conditions described in the question.