3rd Class Stationary Engineer License Exam Practice Test Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
Q1 What is the primary purpose of a steam boiler?
- To circulate feedwater
- To store steam
- To convert water into steam
- To cool condensate
Rationale: Boilers apply heat to water to create steam for power, heating,
or process use.Q2 Which device prevents boiler pressure from exceeding safe limits?
- Steam trap 1 / 4
- Blowdown valve
- Safety valve
- Check valve
Rationale: The safety valve is the final protective device against
overpressure.Q3 What causes boiler corrosion?
- High pH
- Oxygen in the water
- Softened water
- High pressure
Rationale: Dissolved oxygen leads to pitting and metal loss inside boilers.
Q4 Which test measures boiler water alkalinity?
- Hardness test
- Conductivity test
- P-alkalinity test
- Silica test
Rationale: P-alkalinity identifies carbonate/bicarbonate levels controlling
scaling/caustic issues.
Q5 2 / 4
A steam trap removes:
- Oil
- Condensate
- Insoluble solids
- Water treatment chemicals
Rationale: Steam traps discharge condensate while retaining steam.
Q6 Which pump feeds water directly into a boiler?
- Sump pump
- Circulator pump
- Feedwater pump
- Lubrication pump
Rationale: Feedwater pumps maintain boiler water level under pressure.
Q7
Foaming in a boiler is most commonly caused by:
- High pressure
- High total dissolved solids
- Low alkalinity
- Excess blowdown
Rationale: High TDS causes unstable water surfaces leading to foam and
carryover.
Q8 3 / 4
What is the purpose of bottom blowdown?
- Reduce pH
- Remove scale
- Remove sludge and sediment
- Increase water level
Rationale: Bottom blowdown purges settled solids from the mud drum.
Q9 Which of the following best describes superheated steam?
- Moist steam
- Steam heated above saturation temperature
- Steam with water droplets
- Steam at low pressure
Rationale: Superheated steam contains additional heat with no moisture
present.Q10
A pressure gauge is connected to the boiler using a:
- Blowdown tank
- Fusible plug
- Siphon
- Injector
Rationale: Siphons protect gauges from high-temperature steam by
trapping water.
- / 4