Minnesota Special Engineer Boiler License Practice Exam

On a steam boiler, what action does the control named operator take when pressure decreases?

1. Stop

2. Start

3. Maintain

4. Open

The correct answer is: Start

When pressure decreases in a steam boiler system, the action taken by the control known as the operator is to start the boiler or activate additional heating elements to restore pressure. This is because a reduction in pressure often indicates that the steam generation is below the demand level, or that the boiler has lost pressure due to steam leaks, condensation, or increased load on the system. The operator is designed to maintain the boiler's pressure at an optimal level, ensuring sufficient steam is generated to meet the system's requirements. By starting or increasing the boiler's operation, the control helps to elevate the pressure back to the setpoint, thus effectively managing the boiler system's performance and efficiency. This response is critical in keeping the processes that rely on steam running smoothly.