Question 266Steam Plants - 1st Asst/Chief70% to pass
While underway, the boiler water level in a steaming boiler begins dropping rapidly and cannot be kept at the normal level by standard practices. The engineer's next action should be to _______________.
AI Explanation
The correct answer is B) secure the fires and then secure the main feed stop-check valve to the boiler.
This is the correct action because a rapidly dropping boiler water level indicates a serious issue that requires immediate action to prevent damage to the boiler. Securing the fires stops the generation of more steam, and closing the main feed stop-check valve isolates the boiler from the feed system, preventing further loss of water. This allows the engineer to investigate and address the underlying cause without risking a catastrophic boiler failure.
The other options are incorrect because blowing down the gage glass (A) would only confirm the low water level but not address the root problem, speeding up the feed pump (C) could potentially overfill the boiler, and securing the steam stop and then the fires (D) would cut off steam supply without first isolating the boiler.
Related Questions
#264 If the salinity indicator periodically registers high salinity in the main hotwell, the cause may be _______________.#265 Dissolved oxygen in the condensate can result from _______________.#267 Your vessel is steaming full ahead and operating on both boilers. If the boiler water level of one boiler drops out of sight low in the sight glass and the burners have been secured, besides slowing down the main engine, what further action should be taken? #268 Which of the casualties listed is apt to occur immediately after a high water casualty? #269 If a major flareback occurs to a boiler, which of the following actions should be immediately taken?