q537 Steam Plants I

National Maritime Center
Keep ’em Safe, Keep ’em Sailing
U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam
Third Assistant Engineer
Q537 Steam Plants I
(Sample Examination)
9/7/2022 Page 1 of 22
Q537 Steam Plants I
Q537 Steam Plants I
Illustrations: 6
Choose the best answer to the following Multiple Choice Questions:
1. Overheating of the generating tubes will occur when a boiler reaches its end point of __________.
o (A) moisture carryover

o (B) combustion
• (C) circulation
o (D) evaporation
If choice C is selected set score to 1.
2. Reaching which "end point" will result in the most severe damage to the boiler?
• (A) Circulation
o (B) Combustion
o (C) Carryover
o (D) Atomization
If choice A is selected set score to 1.
3. Proper bracing and support of the boiler safety valve escape piping is necessary to __________.
o (A) prevent scale from lodging on the valve seat

o (B) allow for back pressure formation in the line
o (C) prevent condensate from accumulating in lines
• (D) prevent stressing of the safety valves
If choice D is selected set score to 1.
4. A boiler safety valve must be capable of __________.
o (A) closing with a chattering motion to free scale deposits from the seats
o (B) opening gradually above a designated pressure
• (C) remaining open until a preset pressure drop occurs
o (D) remaining open until all pressure in the steam drum is relieved
5. Which of the listed refractory materials is capable of providing structural stability?
o (A) Insulating brick

• (B) Firebrick
o (C) Insulating block
o (D) Chrome castable
If choice B is selected set score to 1.
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Q537 Steam Plants I
Q537 Steam Plants I
Illustrations: 6
6. Arrow "B" shown in the illustration indicates the __________. Illustration SG-0008
o (A) regenerative air heater

• (B) combustion air inlet
o (C) retractable sootblower opening
o (D) uptakes
7. In most marine boilers, the primary reason the first few rows of generating tubes, called screen or
furnace row tubes, are made larger in diameter than the rest of the generating tubes is because
__________.
o (A) they must act as downcomers to ensure proper circulation

o (B) they must screen the superheater from the direct radiant heat of the burners
o (C) their main function is to retard combustion gas flow for maximum heat transfer rates
• (D) they require more water flow since they are exposed to the greatest heat
8. The advantage of installing waterwall tubes in a boiler furnace is to __________.
• (A) permit higher combustion rates

o (B) decrease the flow of gases through the furnace
o (C) increase the flow of gases through the furnace
o (D) increase heat transfer to the mud drum
9. Desuperheated steam can be found at the __________.
o (A) high-pressure turbine steam chest

• (B) spray attemperator outlet
o (C) main steam stop
o (D) generator steam stop
10. With an increase in the saturation pressure of a fluid, the value represented by line "5" on the graph
will __________. Illustration SG-0001
o (A) represent an increase in the specific heat of the vapor

o (B) represent virtually no change in the latent heat of vaporization
• (C) represent virtually no change in the specific heat of the vapor
o (D) represent a decrease in the specific heat of the vapor
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Q537 Steam Plants I
Q537 Steam Plants I
Illustrations: 6
11. Which of the following statements describes the effects that dissolved oxygen has on boiler internal
surfaces with changes in temperature and pressure?
o (A) It decreases the corrosive effect when both pressure and temperature are increased.
• (B) It increases the corrosive effect with increased pressure and decreases its corrosive effect
with increased temperature.
o (C) It increases the corrosive effect with lowered pressure and increases its corrosive effect with
increased temperature.
o (D) Temperature and pressure have no effect on the corrosive effect of dissolved oxygen.
12. Where is the "dry pipe" located in a boiler?
o (A) Below the generation tube bank

o (B) Behind the superheater screen tubes
• (C) In the top of the steam drum
o (D) At the superheater outlet
13. The purpose of the boiler drum air cock is to __________.
o (A) permit escape of air when the boiler is being filled

o (B) admit air when the boiler is being emptied
o (C) permit escape of air when steam is forming in the drum after lighting off
• (D) all of the above
14. A check valve is located between the economizer and the steam drum to __________.
o (A) assure a positive feedwater flow to the steam drum

• (B) prevent steam and water flow reversal from the drum should an economizer casualty occur
o (C) assure a positive feedwater flow through the economizer
o (D) prevent the feed pump from becoming vapor bound
15. Which of the conditions listed could cause steam formation in the economizer?
• (A) Sudden large increase in the firing rate.

o (B) An open main feed pump recirculating line.
o (C) Soot buildup on the gill rings.
o (D) Excessive water flow rates.
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Q537 Steam Plants I
Q537 Steam Plants I
Illustrations: 6
16. Scavenging air is supplied to steam sootblower elements to __________.
• (A) prevent back up of combustion gases into sootblower heads

o (B) provide cooling air when sootblower elements are rotating through blowing arcs
o (C) prevent buildup of soot on the element
o (D) prevent overheating of adjacent tubing
17. Boiler fuel savings gained by the use of an economizer can amount to __________.
o (A) one half percent for each 15°F rise in feedwater temperature
• (B) one percent for each 10°F rise in feedwater temperature
o (C) three percent for each 5°F rise in feedwater temperature
o (D) three percent for each 20°F rise in feedwater temperature
18. Which of the devices listed is shown in the boiler illustration? Illustration SG-0008
o (A) Separately fired superheater

o (B) Regenerative air heater
o (C) Retractable sootblower
• (D) Integral or interdeck superheater
19. The boiler superheater shown in the illustration is a/an __________. Illustration SG-0007
• (A) vertical U-type

o (B) horizontal U-type
o (C) overdeck integral-type
o (D) overdeck convection-type
20. Many steam plants are designed so that diesel oil can be provided to the burners when __________.
o (A) heavy smoking persists

o (B) a heavy fuel must be blended
o (C) overload capacity is required
• (D) lighting off a cold ship
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Q537 Steam Plants I
Q537 Steam Plants I
Illustrations: 6
21. Why should the fuel oil be recirculated before lighting off a cold boiler?
o (A) To ensure that all water is removed from the fuel.

o (B) To allow the fuel strainers to thoroughly clean the fuel.
o (C) To allow fuel pressure to buildup gradually.
• (D) To heat the fuel enough for proper atomization.
22. When raising steam on a cold boiler under normal conditions, you should always __________.
o (A) use a large orifice burner sprayer plate to start

o (B) raise steam within one hour or less
• (C) use a small orifice burner sprayer plate to start
o (D) take 24 hours to raise steam
23. When raising steam on a boiler, the superheater drains should __________.
• (A) remain open or partially open until steam blows through the lines, and then the valves should
be closed
o (B) be opened to remove condensate, and then closed when the first burner is lit
o (C) be closed until just before line pressure is reached, and then given a short blow period
o (D) be closed until after the air cock is closed, and then opened until the boiler is placed on line
24. Which of the actions listed should be carried out immediately after securing the fires in one boiler of
a two boiler ship?
o (A) Open the air registers wide to cool the furnace.

o (B) Secure the main feed pump.
o (C) Drain and refill the boiler with cold water.
• (D) Relieve all fuel oil service pressure to that boiler.
25. To avoid acid corrosion of the economizer tubes when blowing tubes __________.
o (A) lower water level

• (B) drain the sootblowers headers
o (C) lower boiler pressure
o (D) raise boiler pressure
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Q537 Steam Plants I
Q537 Steam Plants I
Illustrations: 6
26. If there is a sudden drop in the outlet temperature of an uncontrolled superheater, you should
__________.
o (A) increase the firing rate

o (B) reduce the forced draft fan speed
o (C) bypass the air heater
• (D) check for high water level in the drum
27. Which of the following items should be checked each time the firing rate or forced draft pressure is
adjusted?
o (A) Fuel oil heater inlet temperature

o (B) Atomizing steam pressure
• (C) Smoke periscope
o (D) Fuel oil suction pressure
28. To safely decrease the boiler firing rate, you should always reduce the fuel pressure __________.
o (A) after reducing the forced draft pressure

o (B) by opening the oil recirculating valve
o (C) by opening the fuel pump relief valve
• (D) before reducing the forced draft pressure
29. The boiler water gage glasses should be blown down __________.
o (A) twice each day on the midnight and afternoon watches

o (B) every 12 hours of steady boiler steaming operation
o (C) when the boiler water level changes in a steaming boiler
• (D) when you are in doubt about the water level
30. When a propulsion boiler is removed from service for an extended period, why should the firesides
be thoroughly dried after water washing?
o (A) Prevent flarebacks on lighting off.

• (B) Reduce the probability of corrosion.
o (C) Prevent cracking of the brickwork.
o (D) Reduce the possibility of thermal spalling.
9/7/2022 Page 7 of 22
Q537 Steam Plants I
Q537 Steam Plants I
Illustrations: 6
31. When installing new safety valve escape piping, precautions should include assuring that
__________.
• (A) no stress is transmitted to the valve

o (B) bends or elbows in the line do not exist
o (C) the quick-closing valve operates freely
o (D) the piping leads directly to the bilge
32. Improper water washing of the water-tube boiler firesides can cause __________.
o (A) decreased heat transfer capabilities

o (B) loss of ductility in boiler tubes
o (C) erosion of tubes and drums
• (D) sulfuric acid corrosion
33. To assure a long service life for boiler refractory materials after installation, the most effective
method is to __________.
o (A) maintain a high furnace temperature at all times

o (B) patch refractory with plastic chrome ore
• (C) avoid rapid temperature changes and follow recommended operating procedures
o (D) properly secure refractory with anchor bolts
34. What is the cause of "laning" in a boiler tube bank?
o (A) Insufficient air flow

o (B) Low fuel oil pressure
o (C) Reduced furnace volume
• (D) Excessive slag accumulation on the tubes
35. Insufficient combustion air supply to the furnace would cause __________.
o (A) high stack temperature

• (B) low superheater outlet temperature
o (C) the fires to sputter
o (D) high feedwater consumption
9/7/2022 Page 8 of 22
Q537 Steam Plants I
Q537 Steam Plants I
Illustrations: 6
36. Which of the following would indicate a moderate leak in the desuperheater?
o (A) Higher than normal auxiliary steam pressure

o (B) Higher than normal fuel oil consumption
• (C) Lower than normal auxiliary steam temperature
o (D) Lower than normal fuel oil consumption
37. While your vessel is underway at normal speed, a steam drum safety valve develops a significant
leak. Your first corrective action should be to __________.
• (A) attempt to reseat the valve using the hand releasing gear
o (B) inspect the escape piping for binding on the valve body
o (C) secure the boiler and check the valve spring compression
o (D) secure the boiler and blank off the valve flange
38. The MOST common cause of heat blisters developing on boiler generating tubes is due to
__________.
o (A) flame impingement

o (B) gas laning
o (C) insufficient water circulation
• (D) waterside deposits
39. The boiler feedwater control valve varies the unity relationship between steam and water flow during
periods of __________.
o (A) steady boiler load

o (B) overload operation
• (C) load change
o (D) minimum boiler load
40. A pneumatic dual element, main propulsion, boiler feedwater regulating system commonly used
aboard ship utilizes __________.
o (A) on off reset action

• (B) proportional plus reset action
o (C) two-position differential action
o (D) proportional action
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Q537 Steam Plants I
Q537 Steam Plants I
Illustrations: 6
41. Which of the listed conditions aids in directing gland leakoff steam from the low-pressure propulsion
turbine to pass through the gland exhaust condenser?
o (A) Steam pressure from the low-pressure turbine.

o (B) Steam pressure from the high-pressure turbine.
o (C) Compressed air in the air pilot.
• (D) The use of a gland exhauster fan.
42. A high water level in a deaerating feed heater will cause the automatic dump valve to divert
condensate to the __________.
o (A) atmospheric drain tank

• (B) reserve feed tank
o (C) auxiliary condenser
o (D) main condenser
43. If it is necessary to operate a turbine driven main feed pump at shut off head, or at less than 20% of
its rated capacity, what will prevent the pump from overheating?
o (A) A bypass or recirculating line led back to the pump impeller eye or suction.
o (B) Throttling of the steam supply valve.
o (C) Throttling of the liquid discharge valve.
• (D) A bypass or recirculating line led back to the source of suction supply.
44. A triple element, main propulsion, boiler feedwater regulating system commonly used aboard ship
utilizes __________.
o (A) proportional plus reset action

o (B) proportional action
o (C) two-position differential gap action
• (D) proportional plus reset plus rate action
9/7/2022 Page 10 of 22
Q537 Steam Plants I
Q537 Steam Plants I
Illustrations: 6
45. While underway on watch in the engine room of a steam vessel, the proper valve positions for
controlling feedwater to the boiler using the auxiliary feed system should be __________.
o (A) the auxiliary check valve fully open and the stop-check valve used to regulate the amount of
flow
• (B) the stop valve fully open and the auxiliary stop-check valve used to regulate the amount of
flow
o (C) the check valve fully open and the stop-check valve regulated by the feedwater regulator
o (D) the stop and stop-check valves fully open and the feed pump speed used to regulate the
amount of flow
46. In a closed feed and water cycle, which of the conditions listed could prevent vacuum from reaching
the desired level?
o (A) Steam pressure to air ejectors maintained at 10 psig above designed supply pressure.
• (B) Marine growth on the cooling water side of the main condenser.
o (C) Steam leaking from the turbine glands.
o (D) Condensate recirculating back to the condenser during maneuvering.
47. The function of item "E" shown in the illustration is to __________. Illustration GS-0099
o (A) pulse supply steam or air to chamber "M"

• (B) control the admission of steam into chamber "L" as part of the process to produce sound
o (C) act as a reed to enable the production of sound
o (D) allow steam/condensate or air to be evacuated from the unit as sound is produced
48. The loop seal connected to the main condenser returns the drains from the __________.
• (A) intercondenser
o (B) aftercondenser
o (C) vent condenser
o (D) all of the above
49. Which of the listed conditions will always result in dissolved oxygen being carried over from the main
condenser?
• (A) Taking on makeup feed

o (B) Excessive DC heater temperature
o (C) Dumping auxiliary exhaust steam to the main condenser
o (D) Priming in the boiler
9/7/2022 Page 11 of 22
Q537 Steam Plants I
Q537 Steam Plants I
Illustrations: 6
50. Air accumulated in the after condenser of the air ejector unit is discharged directly to the
__________.
• (A) atmosphere
o (B) inter condenser
o (C) high-pressure turbine
o (D) main condenser
51. Salt water contamination of condensate could occur at which component?
o (A) After condenser

o (B) Inter condenser
o (C) DC heater
• (D) Fresh water evaporator
52. Which of the listed systems would be a potential source for the high-pressure drain system?
o (A) Galley steam tables

• (B) Steam systems operating in excess of 150 psi
o (C) Laundry steam pressing machines
o (D) Fuel oil tank heating coils
53. The minimum temperature requirements for fuel oil in storage tanks is related to the _________.
o (A) fire point of the oil

• (B) pumpability of the oil
o (C) size of the vents
o (D) size of the containment area in case of overflow
54. Which combustible element in fuel oil is considered a significant and major source of air pollution?
o (A) Vanadium
o (B) Hydrogen
o (C) Nitrogen
• (D) Sulfur
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Q537 Steam Plants I
Q537 Steam Plants I
Illustrations: 6
55. In accordance with 46 CFR Subchapter D (Tank Vessels), what is the minimum flash point of oil to
be used as fuel for the boilers?
o (A) 80°F (26.7°C)

o (B) 110°F (43.3°C)
• (C) 140°F (60.0°C)
o (D) 150°F (65.6°C)
56. Which of the following chemicals is used in an Orsat apparatus to absorb carbon dioxide?
o (A) Cuprous chloride

• (B) Potassium hydroxide
o (C) Pyrogallic acid
o (D) Potassium chromate
57. When testing boiler flue gas with a chemical absorption apparatus, to obtain accurate results
__________.
o (A) run each analysis for at least 3 minutes

o (B) analyze for nitrogen content before oxygen content
o (C) purge the apparatus with air before use
• (D) prevent any air from contaminating the gas sample
58. If the stack temperature is higher than normal, this could indicate __________.
o (A) external boiler casing leakage

o (B) high feedwater pressure
o (C) low fuel oil back pressure
• (D) too much excess air
59. When you are transferring fuel oil to the settling tanks, precautions to be observed should include
__________.
o (A) plugging gooseneck tank vents to prevent accidental overflow

• (B) sounding the tanks frequently and reducing the transfer rate as the level approaches
maximum fill
o (C) maintaining a high transfer rate until a slight trickle of oil is observed flowing from the overflow
line
o (D) maintaining a supply of chemical dispersant to cleanup minor oil spills adjacent to the ship
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Q537 Steam Plants I
Q537 Steam Plants I
Illustrations: 6
60. Which characteristic of fuel oil is the most significant when determining the temperature to which the
fuel oil must be heated for proper atomization?
o (A) Flash point

• (B) Viscosity
o (C) Specific gravity
o (D) Pour point
61. According to the illustration, what part number identifies the "air door handle"? Illustration SG-0016
o (A) 4
o (B) 6
o (C) 7
• (D) 12
62. According to the illustration, what part number identifies the "igniter"? Illustration SG-0016
• (A) 2
o (B) 3
o (C) 7
o (D) 9
63. All oil-fired main propulsion burners with automatic safety control systems must automatically close
the burner valve when _________.
• (A) actuated by a boiler safety trip

o (B) the flame in boiler furnace is confirmed
o (C) the burner is properly seated
o (D) starting "trial for ignition"
64. Valve "H" shown in the illustration, functions to __________. Illustration SG-0009
o (A) recirculate fuel oil during start-up

o (B) regulate the amount of fuel burned
• (C) provide a quick shut off of fuel to the boiler
o (D) prevent a backflow from the manifold
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Q537 Steam Plants I
Q537 Steam Plants I
Illustrations: 6
65. In a steam assist atomizer, the fuel oil/steam mix takes place entirely within the __________.
o (A) tangential slots

• (B) mixing chamber
o (C) fuel oil swirlers
o (D) whirling chamber
66. Which of the terms listed represents the ratio between the highest and lowest fuel oil pressure at
which the burners will remain ignited?
• (A) Turndown ratio

o (B) Modulating band ratio
o (C) Air/fuel ratio
o (D) Firing range ratio
67. Which of the following procedures represents the proper care of unused burners during low load
conditions?
o (A) They should be removed, cleaned, refitted with smaller tips and reinstalled to be ready for
immediate use.
o (B) They may be left in place, with fuel and steam secured as long as they are not fouled.
o (C) They may be left in place, but only if they are clean and if fuel oil is recirculated to provide
cooling.
• (D) They should be removed, cleaned and stored in the rack on the burner bench.
68. A leaky fuel oil heater relief valve could be indicated by an increase in the __________.
o (A) sludge tank level

• (B) discharge piping temperature
o (C) contaminated drain tank level
o (D) fuel oil service pump pressure
69. Insufficient combustion air supply will cause an atomizer flame to appear as a __________.
o (A) pointed flame

o (B) ragged flame
o (C) light yellow flame with white streaks
• (D) dull red flame with black streaks
9/7/2022 Page 15 of 22
Q537 Steam Plants I
Q537 Steam Plants I
Illustrations: 6
70. Which of the conditions listed can cause the flame of a mechanically atomized burner to be blown
away from the burner tip when you are attempting to light off?
• (A) The diffuser is burned out.

o (B) Fuel oil viscosity is too low.
o (C) The secondary air cone is improperly adjusted.
o (D) Insufficient excess air is being supplied to the furnace.
9/7/2022 Page 16 of 22
Q537 Steam Plants I
GS-0099
Adapted for testing purposes only from Naval Auxiliary Machinery

Copyright © 1952 by United States Naval Institute
9/25/2018 Further reproduction prohibited without permission Page 17 of 22
Q537 Steam Plants I
SG-0001
Adapted for testing purposes only from Fireman

NAVEDTRA 14104
Further reproduction prohibited without permission
10/2/2018 Page 18 of 22
Q537 Steam Plants I
SG-0007
Adapted for testing purposes only from HUNT, Modern Marine Engineer’s Manual, Volume I
Copyright © 1999 by Cornell Maritime Press
Further reproduction prohibited without permission
10/2/2018 Page 19 of 22
Q537 Steam Plants I
SG-0008
Adapted for testing purposes only from Principles of Naval Engineering

NAVPERS 10788-B
Q537 Steam Plants I
SG-0009
Adapted for testing purposes only HARRINGTON, Marine Engineering

Copyright © 1992 by The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers
Q537 Steam Plants I
SG-0016
Adapted for testing purposes only from POLSEN, Fundamentals of Steam Generators as
Applied to Marine Propulsion Power Plants
(Known in the industry as “MEBA 2 Boiler Book”)
Copyright © 1969 by School of Marine Engineering & Navigation
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National Maritime Center

Keep ’em Safe, Keep ’em Sailing

U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam

Third Assistant Engineer

Q537 Steam Plants I

Choose the best answer to the following Multiple Choice Questions:

o (A) moisture carryover

If choice C is selected set score to 1.

If choice A is selected set score to 1.

o (A) prevent scale from lodging on the valve seat

If choice D is selected set score to 1.

4. A boiler safety valve must be capable of __________.

If choice C is selected set score to 1.

5. Which of the listed refractory materials is capable of providing structural stability?

o (A) Insulating brick

If choice B is selected set score to 1.

o (A) regenerative air heater

If choice B is selected set score to 1.

o (A) they must act as downcomers to ensure proper circulation

If choice D is selected set score to 1.

8. The advantage of installing waterwall tubes in a boiler furnace is to __________.

• (A) permit higher combustion rates

If choice A is selected set score to 1.

9. Desuperheated steam can be found at the __________.

o (A) high-pressure turbine steam chest

If choice B is selected set score to 1.

o (A) represent an increase in the specific heat of the vapor

If choice C is selected set score to 1.

If choice B is selected set score to 1.

12. Where is the "dry pipe" located in a boiler?

o (A) Below the generation tube bank

If choice C is selected set score to 1.

13. The purpose of the boiler drum air cock is to __________.

o (A) permit escape of air when the boiler is being filled

If choice D is selected set score to 1.

o (A) assure a positive feedwater flow to the steam drum

If choice B is selected set score to 1.

• (A) Sudden large increase in the firing rate.

If choice A is selected set score to 1.

16. Scavenging air is supplied to steam sootblower elements to __________.

• (A) prevent back up of combustion gases into sootblower heads

If choice A is selected set score to 1.

If choice B is selected set score to 1.

o (A) Separately fired superheater

If choice D is selected set score to 1.

• (A) vertical U-type

If choice A is selected set score to 1.

o (A) heavy smoking persists

If choice D is selected set score to 1.

o (A) To ensure that all water is removed from the fuel.

If choice D is selected set score to 1.

o (A) use a large orifice burner sprayer plate to start

If choice C is selected set score to 1.

If choice A is selected set score to 1.

o (A) Open the air registers wide to cool the furnace.

If choice D is selected set score to 1.

o (A) lower water level

If choice B is selected set score to 1.

o (A) increase the firing rate

If choice D is selected set score to 1.

o (A) Fuel oil heater inlet temperature

If choice C is selected set score to 1.

o (A) after reducing the forced draft pressure