Plant Operation Practice Test

Which component must be covered with water before adding water safely?

1. Heating surface

2. Fuel line

3. Pressure gauge

4. Steam vent

The correct answer is: Heating surface

In a plant operation context, particularly when working with boilers or similar systems, it is crucial to ensure that the heating surface is adequately covered with water before adding more water. The heating surface refers to the areas in the boiler where heat is exchanged with water to generate steam. If these surfaces are exposed to air without sufficient water, they can overheat rapidly, leading to damage or failure of the components. By covering the heating surface with water beforehand, you ensure that it dissipates heat effectively, preventing any potential hazards such as thermal shock or overheating that can cause stress fractures or other failures within the system. This practice is essential for maintaining safety and operational integrity in plant operations. The other components mentioned, such as the fuel line, pressure gauge, and steam vent, do not require pre-coverage with water before the operation of adding water into the system. Their roles are different; for example, the fuel line delivers fuel to the combustion system, the pressure gauge monitors the pressure within the system, and the steam vent indicates the release of steam to balance pressure. Therefore, focusing on the heating surface is vital to maintaining safe operational procedures.