USCG Exam PracticeBoiler and steam propulsion fundamentals
In the basic steam propulsion cycle, what function does the main condenser serve?
- A. It raises feedwater pressure back to boiler operating pressure
- B. It removes dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide from the condensate
- ✓ It removes latent heat from exhaust steam and condenses it back to water, while producing a vacuumCorrect
- D. It superheats steam above saturation temperature to protect turbine blades
Why C is correct
The main condenser uses seawater-cooled tubes to remove the latent heat of the low-pressure exhaust steam, condensing it to water (condensate). The condensing process also produces a vacuum that allows the engine to extract significantly more work from the steam. Feed pumps raise pressure; the deaerating feed tank removes dissolved gases; the superheater raises steam temperature. (NAVEDTRA 14104 §3-1)
Cited:NAVEDTRA 14104 §3-1