Minnesota Special Engineer Boiler License Practice Exam

What do tri cocks or gauge cocks indicate on a steam boiler?

1. The temperature of the water

2. The true water level inside the boiler

3. The pressure of the steam

4. The quality of the water

The correct answer is: The true water level inside the boiler

Tri cocks, or gauge cocks, serve a vital function in indicating the true water level inside a steam boiler. These fittings allow operators to physically check the water level at various heights in the boiler. By opening the tri cocks, users can observe if water is present at different levels; if water escapes from a certain level, it indicates that the water level is at or above that level. This method of verification is crucial for ensuring safe and proper operation, helping to prevent issues such as low water conditions, which can lead to severe damage or failure of the boiler. In contrast, the other options deal with different attributes of the boiler's operation. For instance, temperature gauges would indicate the thermal state of the water, pressure gauges would provide information about the pressure within the steam system, and water quality testing would focus on contaminants or characteristics of the water itself. Each of these other elements is essential to boiler operation, but they do not directly pertain to the specific function of tri cocks.