Boiler Operator Viva Questions and Answers

Q: What is a boiler?

A: A boiler is a closed vessel in which water or other fluid is heated. The heated or vaporized fluid exits the boiler for use in various processes or heating applications.

Q: What are the types of boilers?

A: There are several types of boilers, including fire-tube boilers, water-tube boilers, electric boilers, and steam boilers.

Q: What is the difference between a fire-tube and water-tube boiler?

A: In a fire-tube boiler, the hot gases produced by combustion pass through the tubes, which are surrounded by water. In a water-tube boiler, the water is inside the tubes, and the hot gases pass around them.

Q: What is a steam boiler?

A: A steam boiler is a type of boiler that produces steam for heating or power generation.

Q: What is a boiler feedwater pump?

A: A boiler feedwater pump is a type of pump used to pump water into a boiler to replenish the water supply.

Q: What is a boiler blowdown?

A: Boiler blowdown is the process of removing some of the boiler water in order to reduce the concentration of dissolved solids.

Q: What is a safety valve?

A: A safety valve is a valve that automatically releases pressure from a boiler or other vessel when the pressure exceeds a set limit.

Q: What is boiler efficiency?

A: Boiler efficiency is a measure of how effectively a boiler converts fuel into heat. It is expressed as a percentage.

Q: What is the purpose of a steam trap?

A: A steam trap is a device used to remove condensate and air from steam systems, while preventing steam from escaping.

Q: What is a boiler inspector?

A: A boiler inspector is a person who is responsible for inspecting boilers to ensure they are safe and in compliance with regulations.

Q: What is the purpose of the water treatment in a boiler system?

A: The purpose of water treatment in a boiler system is to remove impurities and prevent corrosion, which can lead to equipment failure and reduced efficiency.

Q: What is a pressure gauge?

A: A pressure gauge is an instrument that measures the pressure inside a boiler. It is an important safety device that helps ensure the boiler operates within safe limits.

Q: What is a boiler horsepower?

A: Boiler horsepower (BHP) is a measure of the boiler's output capacity. It is defined as the amount of steam produced by a boiler that has a capacity of 34.5 pounds of steam per hour at 212 degrees Fahrenheit and 0 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) of pressure.

Q: What is a low-water cutoff?

A: A low-water cutoff is a safety device that shuts off the burner or fuel source when the water level in the boiler drops below a safe operating level.

Q: What is a flame sensor?

A: A flame sensor is a device that detects the presence of a flame in a boiler's burner. It is an important safety device that helps prevent fires and explosions.

Q: What is a combustion analyzer?

A: A combustion analyzer is a tool used to measure and analyze the combustion process in a boiler. It is used to optimize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

Q: What is the purpose of the economizer in a boiler system?

A: The purpose of the economizer in a boiler system is to preheat the feedwater using the heat from the flue gas. This improves boiler efficiency and reduces fuel consumption.

Q: What is a deaerator?

A: A deaerator is a device used to remove dissolved gases, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, from the feedwater before it enters the boiler. This helps prevent corrosion and reduces the need for chemical treatments.

Q: What is a boiler water level gauge?

A: A boiler water level gauge is a device used to measure the water level in a boiler. It is an important safety device that helps prevent boiler damage due to low water levels.

Q: What is a soot blower?

A: A soot blower is a device used to remove soot from the boiler tubes. It is used to improve boiler efficiency and reduce emissions.

Q: What is a steam separator?

A: A steam separator is a device used to separate steam and water in a boiler system. It is used to prevent moisture from entering the steam supply and damaging equipment.

Q: What is a combustion air fan?

A: A combustion air fan is a device used to supply air to the boiler's burner. It is an important component of the combustion process that helps ensure efficient and clean combustion.

Q: What is a stack economizer?

A: A stack economizer is a device used to recover heat from the flue gas before it is released into the atmosphere. It is used to improve boiler efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.

Q: What is a superheater?

A: A superheater is a device used to increase the temperature of the steam produced by a boiler. It is used to improve the efficiency of steam turbines and other equipment that use high-temperature steam.

Q: What is a water softener?

A: A water softener is a device used to remove hardness minerals from the water supply. It is used to prevent scale buildup in the boiler and other equipment.

Q: What is a boiler tube?

A: A boiler tube is a tube that carries water or steam in a boiler. It is an important component of the boiler system that is subject to corrosion and wear.