Essential Steam Boilers & Engines Interview Questions For Freshers
1. What is the function of a Boiler?
A Boiler supplies dry and saturated steam at the required pressure.
2. Briefly explain the Boiler mounting, and name its classifications?
A particular apparatus or equipment is placed on the boiler to improve its safety, maintenance convenience and steam supply, is known as Boiler mounting.
Following are the different Boiler mountings,
Water level
Supply valves
Pressure gauge
Stop valve
Feed check valve
Blow off cock
Anti printing pipe
Fusible plugs etc
3. What is a valve?
A valve is used to control the flow of fluid inside the pipeline.
4. Discuss the function of Safety, Stop, and Feed check valves?
Safety valve. This type of valve is used to keep the boiler safe by controlling the working pressure in the boiler and resist the blasting due to the high pressure; the valve is mounted with boiler.
Stop valve. This type of valve is used to control the flow of steam from the boiler to the engine.
Feed Check valve. This type of valve is used to control the supply of feed water to the boiler. The water level always remains constant when it works.
5.What is meant by a piston and cylinder?
A piston is a cylinder piece of metal. It is moved within a hollow cylinder by the pressure of fluid (liquid, steam or gas).Pistons are easy fit in the cylinder and piston rings are used to prevent the leakage in between piston and cylinder.
6. Name the different types of materials used to made pistons?
Pistons are made by different materials such as cast iron, cast steel, aluminium ,bronze, forged steel, brass etc.
7. What is a locomotive piston?
Locomotive pistons are of disc type which are generally made of cast iron or steel. Its piston rings are made of cast iron and are located by dowels.
8.What is the difference between Plunger piston and Bucket piston?
Plunger piston is suitable when the fluid pressure is acting on one side of the piston only.
Bucket piston has one or more valves which permit the fluid to pass one side to the other.
9. What is a buck piston?
It is also known as trunk piston which is open ended and is generally made longer. Cross head or piston rod is not necessary for it.
10.What are piston rod and piston valve of steam engine?
Piston rod is fitted inside the piston. The diameter of this rod is inside the piston is reduced to about 3/4th of its diameter. Piston valve is tightened by a nut and locked out by a pin.
11.Write a short note on Steam engine piston?
Generally box type or hollow type steam engine pistons are used. These are generally made of cast iron. Box type pistons are cast in one piece with hollow core. This piston is secured by a nut to the piston rod. To prevent the leakage of the steam two piston rings are provided with the piston.
In the modern reciprocating steam engines the piston made of cast steel and of conical shape is used. The piston made of cast steel is costly than that of cast iron.
12.What is a cross head of a steam engine?
Cross head is used to connect the connecting rod and the piston rod. It is generally made of cast iron, cast steel or forged steel. The piston rod may be fastened to the cross head either by a screw or by a cotter pin.
13. Explain about a Crankshaft?
The crankshaft converts the rectilinear reciprocating motion into circular motion and vice versa. When the crankshaft moves through 180 degree, the crank travels over a semicircular path of the diameter. The crank travels one complete revolution and piston completes two strokes backwards and forwards, when the crankshaft moves through 360 degree.
14.What is a crank?
A Crank is a simple lever which receives the thrust of the piston through the connecting rod. Generally crank disc, eccentric crank, overhung crank, bell crank etc. are used.
15.Name the different types of packings used in steam engine?
Soft packing. Used for general purposes. It is not suitable for high pressures and temperatures.
Metallic packing. It is generally used where high pressures and temperatures exist because it is more desirable for this purpose.
Semi-metallic packing. It is used where medium pressures and temperatures exist.
16.Write the procedure for starting the power pump?
Clean the pump.
Check the correct quantity of the recommended grade of oil to the pump.
Check the drive rotation.
Check grease or oil to the coupling if necessary.
Turn the pump by hand(it should run freely)
Open the suction, vent, bypass and discharge valves.
Start the pump.
17.Explain briefly the metering pumps?
Generally these types of reciprocating pumps are relatively small and light in weight. Small reciprocating pumps are fixed on a light structural frame and other pumps have metal base bolted with the floor. Tank mounted pumps need no foundation but the tank is to be fixed.
18.Name different types of reciprocating pumps?
Steam pumps, Power pumps, Metering pumps, Axial piston pumps and Sucker rod pumps.
19.Write the operational steps of a steam pump?
Make sure that all the suction, discharge, steam and exhaust lines are open.
Open steam end drain valves.
Prime by opening air cock on liquid cylinder cap.
Crack steam valve to warm the pump.
Open the steam valve until the piston begins to move slowly.
Close the drain valve and open the steam valve until the pump comes up to the working speed.
To stop the pump close the steam valve first and then close exhaust, suction and discharge valves.
20.What are the reasons when piping vibrates in power pumps?
In a power pump the piping vibrates when discharge pipe is undersize or suction pipe is undersize.
21.Why a centrifugal pump will not start?
It is due to,
Impellers locked or not adjusted properly
Trash in casing
Faulty motor.
Too much bearing friction.
22.Explain about Hydraulic Ram?
It is an automatic pump. It is generally used to lift a water falling through a small height. i.e, water falling in large quantity through a small height is lifted to a greater height in small quantity. The automatic action of the ram takes place due to the inertia force.
23. Name different types of rotary pumps?
External gear pumps, Internal gear pumps, Sanitary type pumps, External screw pumps, Three screw pumps, Swinging and sliding vane pumps and Flexible rotor pumps.
24. Why a centrifugal pump does not deliver liquid?
The centrifugal pump does not deliver liquid due to:
Wrong rotation
Pump not primed
Speed too low.
25. What are the causes of reduced capacity or pressure in axial and radial piston pumps?
Clogged or leaking suction.
Oil is too thick.
Relief valve troubles.
Liquid lever is too low.
26.Name different types centrifugal pumps?
Multistage pumps, Process type pumps, Chemical process pumps, Canned motor pumps, Paper stroke pumps and Deepwell turbine pumps.
27.What is the main reason of steam pump breakdown?
Steam pump stops due to valve trouble. i.e, incorrectly set or worn steam valves may stop the steam pump.
28.Why a steam pump does not discharge?
It is due to ,
Suction air bound
Suction lift too high
Obstruction in suction line
Pump not primed.
29.What is a I.C Engine?
It is a heat engine in which the chemical energy of combustion is released inside the engine cylinder, thus fuel is fired inside the cylinder. It is more useful as compared to the other engines.
30.Write a short note about spark plug?
The spark plug is the main part of the engine. In the I.C engine having spark ignition, the fuel –air mixture in the cylinder is ignited through the medium of spark ignition electrical system which occurs at the electrode of the spark plug. The charge induced into the cylinder during its cycle’s first process.
In the spark ignition engine , the gases compressed in the cylinder during the compression stroke consists of the fuel and air.
31.What is connecting rod of an I,C Engine?
The connecting rod is made of forged steel. Its big end is connected to the crank and small is connected to the piston. The brass in the big end is die cast and lined with white metal. Separate connecting rods are used for petrol, diesel and gas engines.
32.Explain about a carburetor?
The control and regulation of the mixture strength can be obtained automatically in the engine by carburetor. In its operation air from the air cleaner enters the main air passage and passes through the choke. Fuel from the float chamber enters and flows to the fuel jet.
The depression in the choke causes petrol to flow from the jet where atomization of the fuel takes place. The mixture of the fuel and air passing into the induction system. The suction piston will rise and fall under the influence of engine suction which combined with the position of throttle control.
33.What is the purpose of fuel injector pump in the engine?
In the modern oil engines the injection of the fuel into the cylinder is accomplished not by an air blast but by means of injection pump. These pumps are built strongly and accurately. For preventing after drip and consequent burning of the fuel left on the spray nozzle tips, its pressure must drop as quickly and accurately as it rises.
34.What do you meant by a petrol engine?
It is a spark ignition engine. The induced charge in its cylinder consists of a mixture of air and fuel. The fuel used in it can be vaporized readily. The petrol engine can operated on the compression-ignition principle.
35.What is a two stroke petrol engine?
It is a simple engine having Piston, Connecting rod and Crankshaft. Valves and valve actuating accessories are eliminated because intake and exhaust gases accomplished by the opening in the cylinder wall which are controlled by the piston. This type of engine has a small horse power output.
36.What is a diesel engine?
It is a engine in which a low grade oil is used. The fuel is ignited by the heat of air in this engine.
37.Write a short note about Two stroke diesel engine?
It is an engine in which two strokes of the piston are required to complete one cycle to operate the engine.
The functions of both the strokes are as under:
First stroke compress the air in the engine to ignite the fuel oil.
Second stroke is the power stroke which is produced by the burning gases.
38. Explain about a Gas engine?
It is a slow speed engine in which gaseous fuel is used. Variety of gas fuels are used such as town gas, natural gas, blast furnace gas, oil gas, coke oven gas etc. This type of engines are generally of stationary type but portable gas engines are also available.
39.What is the difference between Single acting and Double acting Engines?
Single acting Engine. It is a engine in which the pressure producing power stroke is exerted only on one side of the piston. It works on both the two stroke and four stroke engines.
Double acting Engine. It is a engine in which the pressure producing power stroke is exerted first on one side of the piston and then on the other end. It makes each stroke of the piston a power stroke.
40. What is meant by Four stroke diesel engine?
It is an engine in which four strokes of the piston are required to complete one cycle to operate the engine.
The functions of each stroke is as under:
First stroke draws air to the cylinder.
Second stroke compresses the air.
Third stroke is the power stroke which is produced by the burning gases.
Fourth stroke drives out the burnt gases.
41.Define Static Electricity?
When a glass rod is rubbed with a silk cloth, it becomes positive charge and when a ebonite rod is rubbed with a woolen cloth, it becomes a negative charge. The change produced in glass or ebonite rod is known as Static electricity. There is no movement of electrons in this electricity.
42. What is Current Electricity?
The electrons move and flow along the conductor in this electricity. If direction of flow electrons is always the same, it is known as Direct Current (D.C). If the direction of flow of electrons is changed constantly, it is known as Alternative Current (A.C).
43. Define Volt?
Volt is the force which causes an electron flow of one ampere through a resistance of one ohm.
44.What are the advantages of A.C over D.C?
A.C is produced much more as compared to D.C.
An alternative voltage can be increased to a desired limit by a transformer while D.C can not be increased.
A.C is less expensive than that of D.C.
A.C induction motors are more useful for constant speed as compared to D.C motors.
A.C motors require less maintenance as compared to D.C motors.
A.C generators can be made in large size which can run at high speed also than that of D.C generators.
45. Define Ampere?
It is the amount of electron flow in the current . In one ampere 6.28*10/18 electrons has a given point in the conductor within a period of one second.
46.Write a short note about Fuse?
A fuse is a small piece of wire which is normally used in the circuit. It protects against the bad effects of short circuiting. When a current in the circuit rises above its desired limit, the fuse will be heated and melt which causes the circuit “Open” and saves the components and appliances from the possible damage.
47. What do you meant by a short circuit?
It has not resistor. It causes a high current flow which may heat up the wire. It may cause fire and damage the electrical appliances in the circuit.
48.What are the effects of electric current?
Heating effect. When a current flows in a wire and generators heat like filament lamp, electric heater, furnace etc. is called electric effect.
Chemical Effect. When electricity passes through a chemical solution , it can make chemical like cells, batteries, electroplating etc. it is called chemical effect.
Magnetic effect. When a current flows in a coil ,it makes a magnetic field like bell, motor, generator, transformer, tape recorder etc. called magnetic effect.
49. What is the difference between conductors and insulators?
Conductors. When a material allows electrons to flow through it known as conductors. Eg. Copper ,aluminium ,iron ,tin, gold .
Insulators. The materials which prevent the flow of electrons are known as insulators. Eg: Rubber ,asbestos ,plastics, mica.
50. What are the advantages of D.C?
It is suitable for traction work.
It is suitable for charging batteries.
It is suitable for variable speed motors used in printing machines.
It is useful lamps used in projectors.
51.Define Coulomb?
The quantity of electricity transported by one ampere in one second is called coulomb.
52. Explain about Ohm’s law?
Ohm’s law states that an electric current varies directly to the applied voltage and inversely to the resistance.
Current in ampere = Potential Difference in volts\ Resistance in Ohms/p>
I = V \ R
V = I * R
R = V \ R
53. What is Electromotive Force(E.M.F) ?
It impels electricity through a conductor connected across the terminals.
54. What do you meant by a Cell?
It is a unit which changes chemical to electrical energy. Generally two types of cells are used, Primary cells and Secondary cells. Primary cells consists of active chemicals which cannot be recharged like wet cells, mercury cells, dry cells etc. Secondary cells can be recharged after use. Commonly nickel iron cells, lead acid cells are used as these type of cells.
55. Define Potential Difference?
Potential difference (P.D) is the work done in moving a unit positive charge from the point of lower potential to the point of higher potential.
56.What are the advantages of A.C over D.C?
A.C is less expensive.
A.C motors requires less maintenance.
A.C is produced much more as compared to D.C.
A.C Generators can be made in large size which can run at high speed also than that of D.C generators.
A.C induction motors are more useful for constant speed .
Alternative voltage can be increased to a desired limit by a transformer while D.C can not be increased.
57.What is the principle of D.C Generator?
D.C Generator works on the principle of Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction. According to this law while magnetic flux linking a circuit is changing, an e.m.f which is proportional to the rate of change of flux, is induced in the circuit.
58. Explain about compound wound motor?
It contains series and shunt windings. It is found in two types_ 1) Commulation compound motor which is used fir coal coating machine and for those machines which take heavy cuts and 2) Differential compound motor which is used rarely.
59.What do you meant by Shunt generator?
In Shunt generator the field winding is parallel to the armature. This winding is done by a thin wire with more turns. It is commonly used for light and power supply and for charging of batteries.
60. Briefly explain about Shunt Wound motor?
In this motor the field winding is done by a thin wire with more turn which is parallel to the armature. Generally used with pumps, lathe , drilling machine, printing press etc.
61.What is a Series generator?
In this type of generator the winding is done by thick wire with less turns and in series with the armature. These are used on the line which has low voltage.
62.What is meant by Series wound motor?
In this motor the field wiring is done in series with the armature by a thin wire with less turns. It is generally used on crane , fans, trolley etc.