USCG Exam PracticeBoiler and steam propulsion fundamentals
In a marine steam propulsion plant operating on a closed cycle, what is the primary purpose of the main condenser?
- A. To superheat steam before it enters the main turbine
- ✓ To remove latent heat from exhaust steam and condense it back to waterCorrect
- C. To deaerate feedwater and strip dissolved oxygen
- D. To preheat incoming feedwater using flue gas
Why B is correct
The main condenser receives low-pressure exhaust steam from the main engine, seawater-cooled tubes remove its latent heat, and the steam condenses back to water (condensate). Condensing also produces a vacuum that allows the engine to extract more work from the steam. Deaeration is performed in the deaerating feed tank, and feedwater preheating with flue gas is the function of the economizer.
Cited:NAVEDTRA 14104 §3-1