Podcast
Questions and Answers
EASY What temperature reading on a deaerator operating at 100 kPag might not be acceptable?
EASY What temperature reading on a deaerator operating at 100 kPag might not be acceptable?
What should you check in a sodium zeolite softener's brine tank?
What should you check in a sodium zeolite softener's brine tank?
What should the boiler temperature be at or near?
What should the boiler temperature be at or near?
What is the ideal level of water in the expansion tank?
What is the ideal level of water in the expansion tank?
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What should you check for in hot water circulating pumps?
What should you check for in hot water circulating pumps?
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What may cause excessive draft loss in a boiler?
What may cause excessive draft loss in a boiler?
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What is the primary goal of the handover discussion between shift members?
What is the primary goal of the handover discussion between shift members?
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How often should a Power Engineer review the log book after a set of days off?
How often should a Power Engineer review the log book after a set of days off?
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What is a sign of a properly functioning boiler?
What is a sign of a properly functioning boiler?
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What is essential for boiler rooms?
What is essential for boiler rooms?
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What is the purpose of 'rounds' in a boiler plant?
What is the purpose of 'rounds' in a boiler plant?
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What should you check in the flue gas temperature?
What should you check in the flue gas temperature?
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How often should critical equipment be checked during a shift?
How often should critical equipment be checked during a shift?
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What should be consulted to determine the frequency of checks during rounds?
What should be consulted to determine the frequency of checks during rounds?
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What should you ensure when the boiler fires?
What should you ensure when the boiler fires?
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What senses should be used during rounds to assess the operating condition of the plant?
What senses should be used during rounds to assess the operating condition of the plant?
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Who can perform rounds in a boiler plant?
Who can perform rounds in a boiler plant?
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What is the primary purpose of log sheets during rounds?
What is the primary purpose of log sheets during rounds?
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What is the frequency of performing boiler plant rounds?
What is the frequency of performing boiler plant rounds?
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What is the ideal boiler water level?
What is the ideal boiler water level?
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What is the objective of blowing down the water column and gauge glass?
What is the objective of blowing down the water column and gauge glass?
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What should the boiler pressure be?
What should the boiler pressure be?
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Why should the lube oil temperature be checked?
Why should the lube oil temperature be checked?
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What should be checked in the condensate receiver?
What should be checked in the condensate receiver?
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What is the purpose of the deaerator?
What is the purpose of the deaerator?
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What should the deaerator water level be?
What should the deaerator water level be?
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What should the deaerator pressure be?
What should the deaerator pressure be?
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What is the correlation between the deaerator water temperature and steam pressure?
What is the correlation between the deaerator water temperature and steam pressure?
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What may block air from entering the boiler room?
What may block air from entering the boiler room?
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Who typically conducts plant rounds?
Who typically conducts plant rounds?
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What is the importance of checking the air compressor?
What is the importance of checking the air compressor?
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Why is it essential to check the air receiver pressure?
Why is it essential to check the air receiver pressure?
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What should be checked on the air dryer?
What should be checked on the air dryer?
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Why is it necessary to check the standby generator?
Why is it necessary to check the standby generator?
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What is the primary goal of housekeeping during routine rounds?
What is the primary goal of housekeeping during routine rounds?
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What should be done with spilled materials?
What should be done with spilled materials?
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What should engineers observe during ongoing maintenance?
What should engineers observe during ongoing maintenance?
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Why is it essential to check the electrolyte levels in the batteries?
Why is it essential to check the electrolyte levels in the batteries?
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What should be stored in a safe place to prevent damage?
What should be stored in a safe place to prevent damage?
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What is the purpose of monitoring feedwater level controllers?
What is the purpose of monitoring feedwater level controllers?
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What is an indication of a failed steam trap?
What is an indication of a failed steam trap?
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What should be checked regularly to ensure proper operation?
What should be checked regularly to ensure proper operation?
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What is the result of a steam trap that passes steam?
What is the result of a steam trap that passes steam?
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What is the purpose of a direct method of checking a steam trap?
What is the purpose of a direct method of checking a steam trap?
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What is used to compare the trap inlet temperature to the trap outlet temperature?
What is used to compare the trap inlet temperature to the trap outlet temperature?
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What is the result of a steam trap that is plugged?
What is the result of a steam trap that is plugged?
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What should be done at the beginning of every shift?
What should be done at the beginning of every shift?
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Why should the water column be blown down every shift?
Why should the water column be blown down every shift?
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What should be checked first when taking charge of a boiler?
What should be checked first when taking charge of a boiler?
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What should be done to prevent tripping hazards?
What should be done to prevent tripping hazards?
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What should be done when the gauge glass becomes obscured by internal corrosion or deposits?
What should be done when the gauge glass becomes obscured by internal corrosion or deposits?
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What is the purpose of the procedure for clearing the passages on the water column and gauge glass?
What is the purpose of the procedure for clearing the passages on the water column and gauge glass?
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How often should the water column and gauge glass be blown down on smaller high-pressure boilers?
How often should the water column and gauge glass be blown down on smaller high-pressure boilers?
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What should be checked to ensure the water column is not obstructed?
What should be checked to ensure the water column is not obstructed?
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Why should frequent blowdown be avoided on large boilers with mica gauge glasses?
Why should frequent blowdown be avoided on large boilers with mica gauge glasses?
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What should be done when the water column is being put back in operation?
What should be done when the water column is being put back in operation?
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What should the boiler feed pumps be checked for?
What should the boiler feed pumps be checked for?
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What should be checked in the condensate receiver?
What should be checked in the condensate receiver?
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Why should the lube oil temperature be checked?
Why should the lube oil temperature be checked?
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What should the deaerator pressure be?
What should the deaerator pressure be?
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What is the purpose of the deaerator?
What is the purpose of the deaerator?
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MEDIUM What should the boiler water level be?
MEDIUM What should the boiler water level be?
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What should the boiler pressure be?
What should the boiler pressure be?
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Why should the pump packing be adjusted?
Why should the pump packing be adjusted?
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What is the correlation between the deaerator water temperature and steam pressure?
What is the correlation between the deaerator water temperature and steam pressure?
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What should be ensured when checking the condensate transfer pumps?
What should be ensured when checking the condensate transfer pumps?
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What is the main purpose of reading the log book before starting a shift?
What is the main purpose of reading the log book before starting a shift?
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How often should a Power Engineer review the log book after a set of days off?
How often should a Power Engineer review the log book after a set of days off?
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What is the purpose of doing 'rounds' in a boiler plant?
What is the purpose of doing 'rounds' in a boiler plant?
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What should be used to assess the operating condition of the plant during rounds?
What should be used to assess the operating condition of the plant during rounds?
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What should be consulted to determine the frequency of checks during rounds?
What should be consulted to determine the frequency of checks during rounds?
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Who may perform rounds in a boiler plant?
Who may perform rounds in a boiler plant?
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What is the primary purpose of the handover discussion between shift members?
What is the primary purpose of the handover discussion between shift members?
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How often should critical equipment be checked during a shift?
How often should critical equipment be checked during a shift?
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What is the primary purpose of checking the linkage on the intake louvres?
What is the primary purpose of checking the linkage on the intake louvres?
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What is the importance of checking the air receiver pressure?
What is the importance of checking the air receiver pressure?
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What should be checked on the air dryer?
What should be checked on the air dryer?
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Why is it essential to check the electrolyte levels in the batteries?
Why is it essential to check the electrolyte levels in the batteries?
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What is the primary goal of housekeeping during routine rounds?
What is the primary goal of housekeeping during routine rounds?
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What should be done with spilled materials?
What should be done with spilled materials?
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What is the purpose of checking the brine tank level in a sodium zeolite softener?
What is the purpose of checking the brine tank level in a sodium zeolite softener?
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What should engineers observe during ongoing maintenance?
What should engineers observe during ongoing maintenance?
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What is the primary reason for checking the flow totalizer in an ion-exchange softener?
What is the primary reason for checking the flow totalizer in an ion-exchange softener?
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What is the purpose of checking the air inlet on the air compressor?
What is the purpose of checking the air inlet on the air compressor?
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What is the ideal temperature of the boiler during operation?
What is the ideal temperature of the boiler during operation?
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What should be ensured when the compressor is fed with outside air?
What should be ensured when the compressor is fed with outside air?
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What is the purpose of monitoring the expansion tank level?
What is the purpose of monitoring the expansion tank level?
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What should be checked on the standby generator?
What should be checked on the standby generator?
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What should be checked during hot water circulating pump operation?
What should be checked during hot water circulating pump operation?
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Why is it important to check the furnace draft gauges?
Why is it important to check the furnace draft gauges?
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What may cause an abnormally high flue gas temperature?
What may cause an abnormally high flue gas temperature?
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What should be ensured when the boiler fires?
What should be ensured when the boiler fires?
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Why is it essential to supply fresh air to boiler rooms?
Why is it essential to supply fresh air to boiler rooms?
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What should be checked regularly to ensure proper system operation?
What should be checked regularly to ensure proper system operation?
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What should be checked to ensure the water column is not obstructed, thereby giving a false level indication?
What should be checked to ensure the water column is not obstructed, thereby giving a false level indication?
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What is the purpose of blowing down the water column and gauge glass?
What is the purpose of blowing down the water column and gauge glass?
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What should be done to prevent tripping hazards during plant rounds?
What should be done to prevent tripping hazards during plant rounds?
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What should be checked first when taking charge of a boiler?
What should be checked first when taking charge of a boiler?
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What should be done to prove the steam connection is clear in the water column?
What should be done to prove the steam connection is clear in the water column?
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Why is it necessary to blow down the gauge glass less frequently on large boilers?
Why is it necessary to blow down the gauge glass less frequently on large boilers?
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What should be done to prove the water connection is clear in the water column?
What should be done to prove the water connection is clear in the water column?
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What should be checked to ensure the gauge glass is not obstructed?
What should be checked to ensure the gauge glass is not obstructed?
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What should be done to put the water column back in operation after blowdown?
What should be done to put the water column back in operation after blowdown?
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What should be done to prove the lower gauge glass connection is clear?
What should be done to prove the lower gauge glass connection is clear?
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Why should gauge glasses be stored in a safe place?
Why should gauge glasses be stored in a safe place?
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What should be monitored regularly to ensure the boiler water level is at set point?
What should be monitored regularly to ensure the boiler water level is at set point?
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What is a sign of a failed steam trap?
What is a sign of a failed steam trap?
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How can the operation of a steam trap be checked indirectly?
How can the operation of a steam trap be checked indirectly?
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What is the result of a steam trap that is plugged?
What is the result of a steam trap that is plugged?
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What is the purpose of testing the feedwater control valve?
What is the purpose of testing the feedwater control valve?
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Why should washers or packing rings be stored with gauge glasses?
Why should washers or packing rings be stored with gauge glasses?
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What should be done to check a steam trap directly?
What should be done to check a steam trap directly?
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What is a crucial aspect of the handover discussion between shift members?
What is a crucial aspect of the handover discussion between shift members?
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How often should a Power Engineer review the log book after a set of days off?
How often should a Power Engineer review the log book after a set of days off?
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What is the primary purpose of 'rounds' in a boiler plant?
What is the primary purpose of 'rounds' in a boiler plant?
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Who is responsible for performing rounds in a boiler plant?
Who is responsible for performing rounds in a boiler plant?
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What senses should be used during rounds to assess the operating condition of the plant?
What senses should be used during rounds to assess the operating condition of the plant?
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What is the primary purpose of log sheets during rounds?
What is the primary purpose of log sheets during rounds?
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What should a Power Engineer do at the beginning of every shift?
What should a Power Engineer do at the beginning of every shift?
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Why is it essential to have a comprehensive set of rounds?
Why is it essential to have a comprehensive set of rounds?
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What is the primary purpose of checking the flow totalizer in an ion-exchange softener?
What is the primary purpose of checking the flow totalizer in an ion-exchange softener?
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What is the ideal condition for the furnace draft in a boiler?
What is the ideal condition for the furnace draft in a boiler?
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What is the purpose of checking the expansion tank level in a hot water boiler plant?
What is the purpose of checking the expansion tank level in a hot water boiler plant?
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What is the result of a high flue gas temperature in a boiler?
What is the result of a high flue gas temperature in a boiler?
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What should be checked to ensure proper ventilation and combustion air supply in a boiler room?
What should be checked to ensure proper ventilation and combustion air supply in a boiler room?
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What is the purpose of checking the pumping packing in hot water circulating pumps?
What is the purpose of checking the pumping packing in hot water circulating pumps?
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What should be done if the safety valves on the boilers or heating system are lifting?
What should be done if the safety valves on the boilers or heating system are lifting?
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What is the purpose of checking the operation of the system safety valves in a hot water boiler plant?
What is the purpose of checking the operation of the system safety valves in a hot water boiler plant?
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What is the ideal condition of the flame in a boiler?
What is the ideal condition of the flame in a boiler?
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What should be checked to ensure proper combustion air supply in a boiler room?
What should be checked to ensure proper combustion air supply in a boiler room?
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What is the primary purpose of checking the air compressor?
What is the primary purpose of checking the air compressor?
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What is the purpose of checking the dew point of the compressed air?
What is the purpose of checking the dew point of the compressed air?
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What is the primary purpose of conducting plant rounds?
What is the primary purpose of conducting plant rounds?
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What is the purpose of checking the electrolyte levels in the batteries?
What is the purpose of checking the electrolyte levels in the batteries?
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What is the primary goal of housekeeping during routine rounds?
What is the primary goal of housekeeping during routine rounds?
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What is the purpose of checking the air receiver pressure?
What is the purpose of checking the air receiver pressure?
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What is the primary purpose of checking the standby generator?
What is the primary purpose of checking the standby generator?
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What is the purpose of checking the compressor lube oil pump pressure?
What is the purpose of checking the compressor lube oil pump pressure?
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What is the primary purpose of observing changing conditions during ongoing maintenance?
What is the primary purpose of observing changing conditions during ongoing maintenance?
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What is the purpose of checking the block heater on the standby generator?
What is the purpose of checking the block heater on the standby generator?
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What is the primary purpose of checking the boiler firing rate during rounds?
What is the primary purpose of checking the boiler firing rate during rounds?
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What is an indication of corrosion in the condensate return system?
What is an indication of corrosion in the condensate return system?
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What is the purpose of checking the lube oil temperature during boiler plant rounds?
What is the purpose of checking the lube oil temperature during boiler plant rounds?
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What is the normal operating pressure range of a deaerator?
What is the normal operating pressure range of a deaerator?
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What should be done to the condensate tank float switch during rounds?
What should be done to the condensate tank float switch during rounds?
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What is the correlation between the deaerator water temperature and steam pressure?
What is the correlation between the deaerator water temperature and steam pressure?
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What is the purpose of checking the boiler feed pumps during rounds?
What is the purpose of checking the boiler feed pumps during rounds?
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What should be done to the pump packing if shaft leakage is excessive during boiler plant rounds?
What should be done to the pump packing if shaft leakage is excessive during boiler plant rounds?
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What is the purpose of checking the steam pressure during boiler plant rounds?
What is the purpose of checking the steam pressure during boiler plant rounds?
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What should be done to the standby pump during boiler plant rounds?
What should be done to the standby pump during boiler plant rounds?
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What is the primary purpose of monitoring feedwater level controllers?
What is the primary purpose of monitoring feedwater level controllers?
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What is the result of a steam trap that passes steam?
What is the result of a steam trap that passes steam?
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What is used to compare the trap inlet temperature to the trap outlet temperature?
What is used to compare the trap inlet temperature to the trap outlet temperature?
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What is the result of a steam trap that is plugged?
What is the result of a steam trap that is plugged?
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What should be stored in a safe place to prevent damage?
What should be stored in a safe place to prevent damage?
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What is the purpose of a direct method of checking a steam trap?
What is the purpose of a direct method of checking a steam trap?
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What should be checked regularly to ensure proper operation?
What should be checked regularly to ensure proper operation?
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What is an indication of a failed steam trap?
What is an indication of a failed steam trap?
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What is the primary purpose of isolating the water column during maintenance?
What is the primary purpose of isolating the water column during maintenance?
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Why is it necessary to blow down the gauge glass steam valve and drain valve?
Why is it necessary to blow down the gauge glass steam valve and drain valve?
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What is the recommended procedure for blowing down the water column when equipped with isolation valves?
What is the recommended procedure for blowing down the water column when equipped with isolation valves?
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What is the purpose of the water column blowdown procedure?
What is the purpose of the water column blowdown procedure?
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What should be done to prevent tripping hazards during maintenance?
What should be done to prevent tripping hazards during maintenance?
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Why is it necessary to check the water column connections before blowing down the water column?
Why is it necessary to check the water column connections before blowing down the water column?
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What should be done to the water column drain valve after blowing down the water column?
What should be done to the water column drain valve after blowing down the water column?
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Why is it recommended to blow down the water column every shift?
Why is it recommended to blow down the water column every shift?
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What should be checked first when taking charge of a boiler?
What should be checked first when taking charge of a boiler?
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Why is it necessary to check the steam side and waterside isolating valves when equipped?
Why is it necessary to check the steam side and waterside isolating valves when equipped?
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Study Notes
Operator Rounds
- Before starting a shift, operators must have a handover discussion with the previous shift members, read the log book, and review log sheets to become familiar with the operating condition of all plant equipment.
- Operator rounds involve using all senses to assess the operating condition of the plant, including testing and formal log sheet entries.
- Rounds may be done by the shift engineer, assistant shift engineer, or both, and may take one to two hours to complete.
Boiler Plant Rounds
- The shift engineer usually performs the boiler plant rounds.
- Checks to be performed during boiler plant rounds include:
- Water level: ensure the boiler water level is at set point (about half way up the gauge glass).
- Blow down the water column, gauge glass, low water cut-offs, water feeders, feedwater flow transmitter, and drum level transmitter.
- Steam pressure: ensure the main steam header pressure is normal and the boiler pressure is at or near set point.
- Boiler firing rate: ensure the boiler firing rate varies with steam demand to maintain steam pressure at set point.
- Boiler feed pumps: check for vibration, unusual noise, leaks, and discharge pressure.
- Condensate receiver: check the level, pH, and hardness of the condensate.
- Condensate transfer pumps: check for vibration, unusual noise, leaks, and discharge pressure.
- Deaerator: ensure the deaerator water level is normal, and the deaerator vent valve is open.
Hot Water Boiler Plant Rounds
- Checks to be performed during hot water boiler plant rounds include:
- Hot water temperature: ensure the boiler temperature is at or near set point.
- Expansion tank: check the level of water in the expansion tank.
- Circulating pumps: check for vibration, unusual noise, leaks, and discharge pressure.
Common Boiler Plant Rounds
- Checks to be performed during common boiler plant rounds include:
- Boiler draft: check the furnace draft gauges and ensure the draft is correct.
- Flue gas temperature: observe the flue gas temperature when the boiler is warmed up and firing.
- Flame condition: ensure the flame is bright, free of soot, and does not impinge on any heat transfer surface.
- Ventilation and combustion air supply: ensure the air openings into the boiler room are unobstructed.
- Plant rounds: the assistant shift engineer usually conducts the plant rounds.
Air Compressor
- Checks to be performed during air compressor rounds include:
- Pressure: ensure the compressed air pressure is at or near set point.
- Blow off water from the base of the air receiver.
- Cooling water flow: ensure adequate cooling water flow through the aftercooler.
- Compressor lube oil pump pressure: ensure it is operating according to manufacturer's specifications.
Air Dryer
- Checks to be performed during air dryer rounds include:
- Dew point: ensure the dew point is adequate according to the air dryer design and plant requirements.
- Coalescing filter: ensure the pressure drop across the coalescing filter is not too great.
Standby Generator
- Checks to be performed during standby generator rounds include:
- Battery charger: ensure the battery charger is working correctly.
- Electrolyte levels: ensure the electrolyte levels in the batteries are adequate.
- Block heater: ensure the block heater is operating and the engine is warm or hot.
- Lube oil pressure and temperature: ensure they meet manufacturer specifications.
Housekeeping
- Overall housekeeping during routine rounds helps to promote a safe work environment.
- Checks to be performed during housekeeping rounds include:
- Look for spills and leaks, and clean them up immediately.
- Ensure chemicals are correctly stored and labelled.
- Look for tripping hazards and return tools to their proper locations.
- Assess lighting and report any areas that need replacement lamps.
Ongoing Maintenance
- Engineers must be aware of changing conditions due to ongoing power plant maintenance.
- Checks to be performed during ongoing maintenance rounds include:
- Look for leaks and clean them up.
- Be aware of tripping hazards created by drain hoses or power cords.
- Check for open floor grates that were removed to facilitate maintenance.
Water Column Blowdown
- A water column blowdown should be completed at the beginning of every shift.
- The procedure for blowing down the water column includes:
- Isolate the water column.
- Blow down the water column.
- Place the water column back in service.
- Blow down the gauge glass.
- Place the gauge glass back in service.
Water Level Control
- Feedwater level controllers must be monitored regularly to ensure they maintain the boiler water level at set point.
- The procedure for testing the operation of the feedwater control valve includes:
- Close the isolation valve downstream of the feedwater valve.
- Observe changes in the valve position as the boiler level drops.
- Confirm that the feedwater control valve is responding correctly.
- Re-open the downstream isolating valve.
- Ensure the boiler water level returns to set point.
Steam Traps
- Steam traps should be observed for proper operation on a regular basis.
- The procedure for checking steam traps includes:
- Close the isolation valve downstream of the trap.
- Open a test valve located downstream of the trap.
- Observe steam flow from the test valve.
- If there is a constant flow of steam, the trap has failed.
- If there is intermittent condensate flow, the trap is functioning correctly.
Operator Rounds
- Before starting a shift, operators must have a handover discussion with the previous shift members, read the log book, and review log sheets to become familiar with the operating condition of all plant equipment.
- Operator rounds involve using all senses to assess the operating condition of the plant, including testing and formal log sheet entries.
- Rounds may be done by the shift engineer, assistant shift engineer, or both, and may take one to two hours to complete.
Boiler Plant Rounds
- The shift engineer usually performs the boiler plant rounds.
- Checks to be performed during boiler plant rounds include:
- Water level: ensure the boiler water level is at set point (about half way up the gauge glass).
- Blow down the water column, gauge glass, low water cut-offs, water feeders, feedwater flow transmitter, and drum level transmitter.
- Steam pressure: ensure the main steam header pressure is normal and the boiler pressure is at or near set point.
- Boiler firing rate: ensure the boiler firing rate varies with steam demand to maintain steam pressure at set point.
- Boiler feed pumps: check for vibration, unusual noise, leaks, and discharge pressure.
- Condensate receiver: check the level, pH, and hardness of the condensate.
- Condensate transfer pumps: check for vibration, unusual noise, leaks, and discharge pressure.
- Deaerator: ensure the deaerator water level is normal, and the deaerator vent valve is open.
Hot Water Boiler Plant Rounds
- Checks to be performed during hot water boiler plant rounds include:
- Hot water temperature: ensure the boiler temperature is at or near set point.
- Expansion tank: check the level of water in the expansion tank.
- Circulating pumps: check for vibration, unusual noise, leaks, and discharge pressure.
Common Boiler Plant Rounds
- Checks to be performed during common boiler plant rounds include:
- Boiler draft: check the furnace draft gauges and ensure the draft is correct.
- Flue gas temperature: observe the flue gas temperature when the boiler is warmed up and firing.
- Flame condition: ensure the flame is bright, free of soot, and does not impinge on any heat transfer surface.
- Ventilation and combustion air supply: ensure the air openings into the boiler room are unobstructed.
- Plant rounds: the assistant shift engineer usually conducts the plant rounds.
Air Compressor
- Checks to be performed during air compressor rounds include:
- Pressure: ensure the compressed air pressure is at or near set point.
- Blow off water from the base of the air receiver.
- Cooling water flow: ensure adequate cooling water flow through the aftercooler.
- Compressor lube oil pump pressure: ensure it is operating according to manufacturer's specifications.
Air Dryer
- Checks to be performed during air dryer rounds include:
- Dew point: ensure the dew point is adequate according to the air dryer design and plant requirements.
- Coalescing filter: ensure the pressure drop across the coalescing filter is not too great.
Standby Generator
- Checks to be performed during standby generator rounds include:
- Battery charger: ensure the battery charger is working correctly.
- Electrolyte levels: ensure the electrolyte levels in the batteries are adequate.
- Block heater: ensure the block heater is operating and the engine is warm or hot.
- Lube oil pressure and temperature: ensure they meet manufacturer specifications.
Housekeeping
- Overall housekeeping during routine rounds helps to promote a safe work environment.
- Checks to be performed during housekeeping rounds include:
- Look for spills and leaks, and clean them up immediately.
- Ensure chemicals are correctly stored and labelled.
- Look for tripping hazards and return tools to their proper locations.
- Assess lighting and report any areas that need replacement lamps.
Ongoing Maintenance
- Engineers must be aware of changing conditions due to ongoing power plant maintenance.
- Checks to be performed during ongoing maintenance rounds include:
- Look for leaks and clean them up.
- Be aware of tripping hazards created by drain hoses or power cords.
- Check for open floor grates that were removed to facilitate maintenance.
Water Column Blowdown
- A water column blowdown should be completed at the beginning of every shift.
- The procedure for blowing down the water column includes:
- Isolate the water column.
- Blow down the water column.
- Place the water column back in service.
- Blow down the gauge glass.
- Place the gauge glass back in service.
Water Level Control
- Feedwater level controllers must be monitored regularly to ensure they maintain the boiler water level at set point.
- The procedure for testing the operation of the feedwater control valve includes:
- Close the isolation valve downstream of the feedwater valve.
- Observe changes in the valve position as the boiler level drops.
- Confirm that the feedwater control valve is responding correctly.
- Re-open the downstream isolating valve.
- Ensure the boiler water level returns to set point.
Steam Traps
- Steam traps should be observed for proper operation on a regular basis.
- The procedure for checking steam traps includes:
- Close the isolation valve downstream of the trap.
- Open a test valve located downstream of the trap.
- Observe steam flow from the test valve.
- If there is a constant flow of steam, the trap has failed.
- If there is intermittent condensate flow, the trap is functioning correctly.
Operator Rounds
- Before starting a shift, operators must have a handover discussion with the previous shift members, read the log book, and review log sheets to become familiar with the operating condition of all plant equipment.
- Operator rounds involve using all senses to assess the operating condition of the plant, including testing and formal log sheet entries.
- Rounds may be done by the shift engineer, assistant shift engineer, or both, and may take one to two hours to complete.
Boiler Plant Rounds
- The shift engineer usually performs the boiler plant rounds.
- Checks to be performed during boiler plant rounds include:
- Water level: ensure the boiler water level is at set point (about half way up the gauge glass).
- Blow down the water column, gauge glass, low water cut-offs, water feeders, feedwater flow transmitter, and drum level transmitter.
- Steam pressure: ensure the main steam header pressure is normal and the boiler pressure is at or near set point.
- Boiler firing rate: ensure the boiler firing rate varies with steam demand to maintain steam pressure at set point.
- Boiler feed pumps: check for vibration, unusual noise, leaks, and discharge pressure.
- Condensate receiver: check the level, pH, and hardness of the condensate.
- Condensate transfer pumps: check for vibration, unusual noise, leaks, and discharge pressure.
- Deaerator: ensure the deaerator water level is normal, and the deaerator vent valve is open.
Hot Water Boiler Plant Rounds
- Checks to be performed during hot water boiler plant rounds include:
- Hot water temperature: ensure the boiler temperature is at or near set point.
- Expansion tank: check the level of water in the expansion tank.
- Circulating pumps: check for vibration, unusual noise, leaks, and discharge pressure.
Common Boiler Plant Rounds
- Checks to be performed during common boiler plant rounds include:
- Boiler draft: check the furnace draft gauges and ensure the draft is correct.
- Flue gas temperature: observe the flue gas temperature when the boiler is warmed up and firing.
- Flame condition: ensure the flame is bright, free of soot, and does not impinge on any heat transfer surface.
- Ventilation and combustion air supply: ensure the air openings into the boiler room are unobstructed.
- Plant rounds: the assistant shift engineer usually conducts the plant rounds.
Air Compressor
- Checks to be performed during air compressor rounds include:
- Pressure: ensure the compressed air pressure is at or near set point.
- Blow off water from the base of the air receiver.
- Cooling water flow: ensure adequate cooling water flow through the aftercooler.
- Compressor lube oil pump pressure: ensure it is operating according to manufacturer's specifications.
Air Dryer
- Checks to be performed during air dryer rounds include:
- Dew point: ensure the dew point is adequate according to the air dryer design and plant requirements.
- Coalescing filter: ensure the pressure drop across the coalescing filter is not too great.
Standby Generator
- Checks to be performed during standby generator rounds include:
- Battery charger: ensure the battery charger is working correctly.
- Electrolyte levels: ensure the electrolyte levels in the batteries are adequate.
- Block heater: ensure the block heater is operating and the engine is warm or hot.
- Lube oil pressure and temperature: ensure they meet manufacturer specifications.
Housekeeping
- Overall housekeeping during routine rounds helps to promote a safe work environment.
- Checks to be performed during housekeeping rounds include:
- Look for spills and leaks, and clean them up immediately.
- Ensure chemicals are correctly stored and labelled.
- Look for tripping hazards and return tools to their proper locations.
- Assess lighting and report any areas that need replacement lamps.
Ongoing Maintenance
- Engineers must be aware of changing conditions due to ongoing power plant maintenance.
- Checks to be performed during ongoing maintenance rounds include:
- Look for leaks and clean them up.
- Be aware of tripping hazards created by drain hoses or power cords.
- Check for open floor grates that were removed to facilitate maintenance.
Water Column Blowdown
- A water column blowdown should be completed at the beginning of every shift.
- The procedure for blowing down the water column includes:
- Isolate the water column.
- Blow down the water column.
- Place the water column back in service.
- Blow down the gauge glass.
- Place the gauge glass back in service.
Water Level Control
- Feedwater level controllers must be monitored regularly to ensure they maintain the boiler water level at set point.
- The procedure for testing the operation of the feedwater control valve includes:
- Close the isolation valve downstream of the feedwater valve.
- Observe changes in the valve position as the boiler level drops.
- Confirm that the feedwater control valve is responding correctly.
- Re-open the downstream isolating valve.
- Ensure the boiler water level returns to set point.
Steam Traps
- Steam traps should be observed for proper operation on a regular basis.
- The procedure for checking steam traps includes:
- Close the isolation valve downstream of the trap.
- Open a test valve located downstream of the trap.
- Observe steam flow from the test valve.
- If there is a constant flow of steam, the trap has failed.
- If there is intermittent condensate flow, the trap is functioning correctly.
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Description
This chapter covers the fundamental and necessary checks that operators must perform on a boiler plant during their shift, including handover discussions and log book reviews.