Who invented the first safety valve for steam boilers?
- Thomas Savery
- Denys Papin
- James Watt
- Hero of Alexandria
Correct Answer: Denys Papin
Correct Answer Explanation: Denys Papin, a French physicist, invented the first safety valve for steam boilers around 1680. This invention was crucial for preventing dangerous pressure build-up within boilers, significantly improving safety in early steam engines.
What is the approximate energy equivalence of a cubic foot of heated water at 60-70 pounds pressure?
- One pound of coal
- One pound of gunpowder
- One gallon of gasoline
- One horsepower-hour
Correct Answer: One pound of gunpowder
Correct Answer Explanation: The textbook states that a cubic foot of heated water at 60-70 pounds pressure has the same energy as one pound of gunpowder. This comparison highlights the substantial amount of energy contained in pressurized steam, emphasizing its potential for both power generation and safety hazards.
What was the key innovation introduced by James Watt in the steam engine?
- The use of high-pressure steam
- The development of a separate condenser
- The invention of the water-tube boiler
- The implementation of a safety valve
Correct Answer: The development of a separate condenser
Correct Answer Explanation: James Watt’s most significant contribution to the steam engine was the invention of a separate condenser. This invention dramatically improved efficiency by preventing steam waste and allowing for the use of steam expansively, making the steam engine more practical and powerful.
What is the primary function of the “dry pipe” in a Babcock & Wilcox boiler?
- Restricting water from priming
- Preventing steam from escaping
- Collecting and transporting steam
- Regulating steam pressure
Correct Answer: Collecting and transporting steam
Correct Answer Explanation: The “dry pipe” in a Babcock & Wilcox boiler functions primarily as a steam collecting pipe. It is designed to separate steam from water droplets, ensuring a dry and consistent steam supply to the steam turbine or engine. It does not act as a restrictor against priming, which is the carrying of water droplets with steam.
What is the approximate theoretical amount of air required per pound of fuel for complete combustion?
- 5 pounds
- 10 pounds
- 34.56 pounds
- 100 pounds
Correct Answer: 34.56 pounds
Correct Answer Explanation: The theoretical amount of air required for complete combustion of one pound of fuel is given as 34.56 (C/3 + (H-O/8) + S/8) pounds, where C, H, O, and S represent the proportions of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and sulfur in the fuel. This equation emphasizes the importance of proper air supply for efficient and complete combustion, ensuring maximum heat release and minimizing emissions.
What is the main reason behind the superior performance of the Babcock & Wilcox boiler?
- Its use of high-pressure steam
- Its unique header system and suspension method
- Its implementation of a separate condenser
- Its ability to burn multiple fuel types
Correct Answer: Its unique header system and suspension method
Correct Answer Explanation: The Babcock & Wilcox boiler is known for its superior performance due to its unique header system and suspension method. This design feature allows for efficient water circulation, which enhances safety, economy, capacity, and quick steaming, making it a preferred boiler type for many applications.
What is the approximate specific heat of water at 130 degrees Fahrenheit?
- 0.5
- 0.9979
- 1.0000
- 1.0101
Correct Answer: 0.9979
Correct Answer Explanation: The specific heat of water varies with temperature. At 130 degrees Fahrenheit, it is approximately 0.9979. This information is essential for calculating heat transfer in steam generation and understanding the energy required to raise the temperature of water.
What is the approximate weight of water at 39.2 degrees Fahrenheit in pounds per cubic foot?
- 62.43 pounds
- 100 pounds
- 120 pounds
- 200 pounds
Correct Answer: 62.43 pounds
Correct Answer Explanation: Water at 39.2 degrees Fahrenheit, its point of maximum density, weighs approximately 62.43 pounds per cubic foot. This information is crucial for various engineering calculations related to water volume, density, and weight in steam systems.
Which of the following is NOT a benefit of superheated steam?
- Increased engine efficiency
- Reduced condensation in steam lines
- Decreased turbine blade erosion
- Increased fuel consumption
Correct Answer: Increased fuel consumption
Correct Answer Explanation: Superheated steam offers numerous advantages, including increased engine efficiency, reduced condensation in steam lines, and decreased turbine blade erosion. However, it does not lead to increased fuel consumption. Superheated steam actually reduces fuel consumption by improving overall thermodynamic efficiency, allowing for more efficient power generation.
What is the approximate calorific value of carbon in B.t.u. per pound?
- 4050 B.t.u.
- 62,000 B.t.u.
- 14,500 B.t.u.
- 14,600 B.t.u.
Correct Answer: 14,600 B.t.u.
Correct Answer Explanation: The calorific value of carbon, a primary component in many fuels, is approximately 14,600 B.t.u. per pound. This value represents the amount of heat released when one pound of carbon is completely burned to carbon dioxide. This information is crucial for understanding the energy content of fuels and calculating combustion efficiency.
What is the approximate amount of solid matter that can be deposited by a 100 horse-power boiler per month from water containing 7 grains per gallon of impurities?
- 10 pounds
- 100 pounds
- 300 pounds
- 500 pounds
Correct Answer: 300 pounds
Correct Answer Explanation: A 100 horse-power boiler can deposit approximately 300 pounds of solid matter per month from water containing 7 grains per gallon of impurities. This illustrates the significant impact of water impurities on boiler efficiency and the importance of water treatment in steam generation systems.
What type of furnace design provides flexibility for different fuels and stokers?
- The “Webster” furnace
- The “wagon boiler” furnace
- The “dry pipe” furnace
- The “header system” furnace
Correct Answer: The “Webster” furnace
Correct Answer Explanation: The “Webster” furnace, a patented design, offers flexibility for various fuels and stokers. This adaptability allows for greater fuel options and efficient combustion, enhancing the overall performance of the boiler system.
What was the name of the notorious ship that experienced a boiler failure due to improper circulation?
- The “Idalia”
- The “Montana”
- The “Titanic”
- The “Lusitania”
Correct Answer: The “Montana”
Correct Answer Explanation: The “Montana” ship, in the 1890s, experienced a catastrophic boiler failure due to improper circulation. This incident served as a stark reminder of the importance of proper water circulation in boiler design, emphasizing its impact on safety and efficiency.
What is the approximate water rate reduction for a large steam turbine per 12 degrees of superheat up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit?
- 0.5 percent
- 1 percent
- 2 percent
- 5 percent
Correct Answer: 1 percent
Correct Answer Explanation: The water rate of a large steam turbine, which is the amount of steam consumed per unit of power output, is reduced by approximately 1 percent for every 12 degrees of superheat up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. This demonstrates the significant efficiency gains achieved by using superheated steam in steam turbine applications.
What is the name of the widely used device for analyzing flue gases?
- The Orsat apparatus
- The Babcock & Wilcox analyzer
- The steam turbine analyzer
- The dry pipe analyzer
Correct Answer: The Orsat apparatus
Correct Answer Explanation: The Orsat apparatus is a widely used device for analyzing flue gases, which provides insights into combustion efficiency and heat losses. By analyzing the composition of flue gases, engineers can optimize combustion processes and minimize energy waste.
What is the phenomenon of incomplete combustion where carbon monoxide ignites with air after leaving the furnace?
- Secondary combustion
- Primary combustion
- Superheating
- Priming
Correct Answer: Secondary combustion
Correct Answer Explanation: Secondary combustion refers to the phenomenon of incomplete combustion where carbon monoxide ignites with air after leaving the furnace. This process occurs when there is insufficient oxygen present in the furnace, leading to energy losses and increased emissions.
What is the approximate safe working pressure for a No. 10 gauge tube in pounds per square inch?
- 200 pounds
- 500 pounds
- 870 pounds
- 1000 pounds
Correct Answer: 870 pounds
Correct Answer Explanation: The safe working pressure for a No. 10 gauge tube, a common size used in boiler construction, is approximately 870 pounds per square inch. This information is essential for ensuring the safe operation of boilers and preventing catastrophic failures.
What is the approximate plate thickness required for a 60-inch diameter cylinder at 200 pounds gauge pressure?
- 0.25 inches
- 0.5 inches
- 1 inch
- 2 inches
Correct Answer: 0.5 inches
Correct Answer Explanation: The plate thickness required for a 60-inch diameter cylinder at 200 pounds gauge pressure is approximately 0.5 inches. This calculation ensures the structural integrity of the cylinder and prevents it from failing under pressure, ensuring the safe operation of the steam system.
What was the approximate capacity increase achieved by the Babcock & Wilcox boiler compared to its rated power?
- 10 times
- 20 times
- 32 times
- 100 times
Correct Answer: 32 times
Correct Answer Explanation: The Babcock & Wilcox boiler is known for its exceptional capacity. It can be forced to operate at 32 times its rated power, demonstrating its remarkable ability to generate steam efficiently and meet high power demands.
Who built the first sectional water-tube boiler with well-defined circulation?
- Stephen Wilcox
- Joseph Eve
- Julius Griffith
- Goldsworthy Gurney
Correct Answer: Joseph Eve
Correct Answer Explanation: Joseph Eve, in 1825, constructed the first sectional water-tube boiler with well-defined circulation. This design breakthrough improved water circulation within the boiler, enhancing its efficiency, safety, and durability.
What is the term used to describe the process of boiling where a liquid changes to a vapor?
- Ebullition
- Condensation
- Superheating
- Priming
Correct Answer: Ebullition
Correct Answer Explanation: Ebullition is the term used to describe the process of boiling where a liquid changes to a vapor. This phase change is crucial in steam generation, where water is converted into steam for power production.
What is the term used to describe steam that is heated above the saturation temperature at the corresponding pressure?
- Saturated steam
- Superheated steam
- Latent steam
- Sensible steam
Correct Answer: Superheated steam
Correct Answer Explanation: Superheated steam is steam that is heated above the saturation temperature at the corresponding pressure. This process increases the energy content of the steam and offers numerous advantages, such as increased engine efficiency and reduced condensation.
What is the term used to describe the percentage by weight of steam in a mixture of steam and water?
- Quality of steam
- Factor of Evaporation
- Specific heat
- Latent heat
Correct Answer: Quality of steam
Correct Answer Explanation: The quality of steam refers to the percentage by weight of steam in a mixture of steam and water. It is a crucial parameter for evaluating steam quality and ensuring efficient steam system operation.
What is the term used to describe a correction factor used to compare boiler performance under different conditions of steam pressure and feed water temperature?
- Factor of Evaporation
- Quality of steam
- Specific heat
- Latent heat
Correct Answer: Factor of Evaporation
Correct Answer Explanation: The Factor of Evaporation is a correction factor used to compare boiler performance under different conditions of steam pressure and feed water temperature. This factor accounts for variations in steam generation efficiency and allows for accurate comparisons across different operating conditions.
What is the term used to describe the heat absorbed or released during a phase change, such as melting, freezing, boiling, or condensing, without a change in temperature?
- Sensible heat
- Latent heat
- Specific heat
- Factor of Evaporation
Correct Answer: Latent heat
Correct Answer Explanation: Latent heat is the heat absorbed or released during a phase change, such as melting, freezing, boiling, or condensing, without a change in temperature. This heat is essential for understanding the energy required for phase transformations in steam generation processes.
What is the term used to describe the heat that causes a change in temperature of a substance?
- Latent heat
- Sensible heat
- Specific heat
- Factor of Evaporation
Correct Answer: Sensible heat
Correct Answer Explanation: Sensible heat is the heat that causes a change in temperature of a substance. This heat is absorbed or released as a substance warms up or cools down without undergoing a phase change, and it is an essential component of heat transfer calculations in steam generation systems.
What is the term used to describe the process of burning, which involves the rapid chemical reaction between a substance and oxygen, releasing heat and light?
- Combustion
- Ebullition
- Superheating
- Priming
Correct Answer: Combustion
Correct Answer Explanation: Combustion is the process of burning, which involves the rapid chemical reaction between a substance and oxygen, releasing heat and light. This process is fundamental to steam generation, where fuel is burned to generate heat that converts water into steam.
What is the term used to describe the minimum temperature at which a substance will ignite and burn?
- Kindling point
- Combustion point
- Ignition point
- Boiling point
Correct Answer: Kindling point
Correct Answer Explanation: The kindling point, also known as the ignition point, is the minimum temperature at which a substance will ignite and burn. This temperature is critical for understanding the flammability of fuels and ensuring safe combustion processes in steam generation systems.
What is the name of the steam-powered device with a hollow sphere rotating due to the reaction of steam escaping through pipes, demonstrating the concept of a steam turbine?
- Savery’s engine
- Hero’s engine
- Newcomen’s engine
- Watt’s engine
Correct Answer: Hero’s engine
Correct Answer Explanation: Hero’s engine, dating back to approximately 150 BC, is a steam-powered device with a hollow sphere rotating due to the reaction of steam escaping through pipes. This early invention demonstrates the fundamental concept of a steam turbine, showcasing the potential for steam power to create rotary motion.
What is the name of the early steam engine that used two copper receivers alternately filled with water and then forced out by steam pressure, demonstrating early steam pumping technology?
- Hero’s engine
- Savery’s engine
- Newcomen’s engine
- Watt’s engine
Correct Answer: Savery’s engine
Correct Answer Explanation: Savery’s engine, invented in 1699, was one of the earliest commercially successful steam engines. It used two copper receivers alternately filled with water and then forced out by steam pressure, demonstrating the potential of steam power for pumping liquids.
What is the name of the steam engine that utilized steam to raise a piston in a cylinder, followed by condensation to create a vacuum and allow atmospheric pressure to force the piston down, providing power for pumping?
- Hero’s engine
- Savery’s engine
- Newcomen’s engine
- Watt’s engine
Correct Answer: Newcomen’s engine
Correct Answer Explanation: Newcomen’s atmospheric engine, developed in 1690, was a significant improvement over Savery’s engine. It used steam to raise a piston in a cylinder, followed by condensation to create a vacuum and allow atmospheric pressure to force the piston down, providing power for pumping water.
What is the name of the steam yacht that was used in tests to demonstrate the significant fuel savings achievable through superheated steam by comparing steam consumption with saturated and superheated steam?
- The “Montana”
- The “Titanic”
- The “Idalia”
- The “Lusitania”
Correct Answer: The “Idalia”
Correct Answer Explanation: The “Idalia” steam yacht was used in tests in 1909 to demonstrate the significant fuel savings achievable through superheated steam by comparing steam consumption with saturated and superheated steam. This experiment highlighted the efficiency advantages of superheated steam, showcasing its potential to reduce fuel consumption and improve steam engine performance.
What is a common approach to prevent scale formation in boilers, using chemicals like soda and tannic substances?
- Boiler compounds
- Superheating
- Priming
- Condensation
Correct Answer: Boiler compounds
Correct Answer Explanation: Boiler compounds are chemicals used to prevent scale formation in boilers. They typically include substances like soda ash and tannic substances, which react with water impurities and prevent them from accumulating on boiler surfaces, improving efficiency and extending boiler life.
What is the name of the steam engine that introduced a separate condenser to reduce steam waste and the use of steam expansively to improve efficiency?
- Savery’s engine
- Hero’s engine
- Newcomen’s engine
- Watt’s engine
Correct Answer: Watt’s engine
Correct Answer Explanation: James Watt’s significant improvement to the steam engine introduced a separate condenser to reduce steam waste and the use of steam expansively to improve efficiency. This innovation made the steam engine much more practical and efficient, revolutionizing power generation and leading to its widespread adoption in industries.
Who was the pioneer of the use of inclined water tubes connecting water spaces in boiler design?
- Stephen Wilcox
- George H. Babcock
- Joseph Eve
- Goldsworthy Gurney
Correct Answer: Stephen Wilcox
Correct Answer Explanation: Stephen Wilcox, in 1856, pioneered the use of inclined water tubes connecting water spaces in boiler design. This innovation improved water circulation within the boiler, enhancing its efficiency, safety, and durability, contributing to the development of the Babcock & Wilcox boiler.
Who introduced the first sectional water-tube boiler?
- Stephen Wilcox
- Joseph Eve
- Julius Griffith
- Goldsworthy Gurney
Correct Answer: Julius Griffith
Correct Answer Explanation: Julius Griffith, in 1821, built the first sectional water-tube boiler. This design introduced the concept of dividing the boiler into sections, allowing for easier assembly, maintenance, and expansion.
Who built boilers for his steam carriages, using U-shaped tubes?
- Stephen Wilcox
- Joseph Eve
- Julius Griffith
- Goldsworthy Gurney
Correct Answer: Goldsworthy Gurney
Correct Answer Explanation: Goldsworthy Gurney, in 1826, built boilers for his steam carriages, using U-shaped tubes. This innovative design was crucial for the development of steam-powered vehicles and laid the groundwork for future advancements in steam engine technology.
Who designed a boiler with large horizontal tubes connected to a drum above?
- Jacob Woolf
- Stephen Wilcox
- Joseph Eve
- Goldsworthy Gurney
Correct Answer: Jacob Woolf
Correct Answer Explanation: Jacob Woolf designed a boiler with large horizontal tubes connected to a drum above. This design concept contributed to the development of water-tube boilers, enhancing their efficiency and safety.
Who successfully used water-tube boilers for steam navigation?
- James Rumsey
- John Blakey
- Jacob Woolf
- Goldsworthy Gurney
Correct Answer: James Rumsey
Correct Answer Explanation: James Rumsey, in 1788, successfully used water-tube boilers for steam navigation. His pioneering work paved the way for the use of steam power in marine applications, revolutionizing transportation and maritime industries.
Who built the first water-tube boiler?
- John Blakey
- James Rumsey
- Jacob Woolf
- Goldsworthy Gurney
Correct Answer: John Blakey
Correct Answer Explanation: John Blakey, in 1766, built the first water-tube boiler. His innovation introduced the concept of using tubes to circulate water through the boiler, which improved efficiency and safety compared to earlier shell boiler designs.
Who promoted the use of high-pressure steam in the United States?
- Richard Trevithick
- Oliver Evans
- James Watt
- John Blakey
Correct Answer: Oliver Evans
Correct Answer Explanation: Oliver Evans, in the early 1800s, promoted the use of high-pressure steam in the United States. He recognized the potential of high-pressure steam for increased power output and efficiency, advocating for its adoption in various industries.
Who introduced high-pressure steam engines?
- James Watt
- Richard Trevithick
- Oliver Evans
- John Blakey
Correct Answer: Richard Trevithick
Correct Answer Explanation: Richard Trevithick, in 1800, introduced high-pressure steam engines. His innovation paved the way for more powerful and compact steam engines, leading to significant advancements in steam power technology.
Who patented significant improvements to the steam engine, including a separate condenser and the use of steam expansively?
- Thomas Newcomen
- James Watt
- Richard Trevithick
- Oliver Evans
Correct Answer: James Watt
Correct Answer Explanation: James Watt, in 1769, patented significant improvements to the steam engine, including a separate condenser and the use of steam expansively. These innovations dramatically improved steam engine efficiency, making them more practical and powerful, leading to their widespread adoption in various industries.
Who developed the first cylinder and piston steam engine, known as the atmospheric engine?
- Thomas Savery
- Thomas Newcomen
- James Watt
- Richard Trevithick
Correct Answer: Thomas Newcomen
Correct Answer Explanation: Thomas Newcomen, in 1690, developed the first cylinder and piston steam engine, known as the atmospheric engine. This invention marked a significant advancement in steam engine technology and laid the foundation for future steam engine designs.
Who built and exhibited the first commercially successful steam engine?
- Thomas Newcomen
- Thomas Savery
- James Watt
- Richard Trevithick
Correct Answer: Thomas Savery
Correct Answer Explanation: Thomas Savery, in 1699, built and exhibited the first commercially successful steam engine. His invention, though relatively simple, demonstrated the potential of steam power for practical applications, paving the way for further developments in steam engine technology.
Who proposed, if not built, the first useful steam engine?
- Edward Somerset
- Thomas Savery
- Thomas Newcomen
- James Watt
Correct Answer: Edward Somerset
Correct Answer Explanation: Edward Somerset, in 1663, proposed, if not built, the first useful steam engine. His design, though not fully realized, showcased early ideas about utilizing steam power for practical purposes, contributing to the development of steam engine technology.
Who described steam-powered devices for raising water and creating rotary motion?
- Thomas Savery
- Thomas Newcomen
- James Watt
- Hero of Alexandria
Correct Answer: Hero of Alexandria
Correct Answer Explanation: Hero of Alexandria, a Greek engineer and inventor who lived around 150 BC, described steam-powered devices for raising water and creating rotary motion. His inventions, though not fully realized, demonstrated early understanding of steam power and its potential for practical applications, laying the groundwork for future steam engine development.