engineer steam Interview Questions and Answers

1. What is the basic principle behind the operation of a steam turbine?

   • Answer: Steam turbines operate on the principle of converting the thermal energy of high-pressure steam into rotational mechanical energy. High-velocity steam jets impinge on the turbine blades, causing them to rotate. This rotational energy can then be used to drive generators or other machinery.

2. Explain the difference between a Rankine cycle and a Carnot cycle.

   • Answer: Both are thermodynamic cycles used for power generation, but the Rankine cycle is more practical and is used in steam power plants. The Carnot cycle is a theoretical, ideal cycle with maximum efficiency, but it's impractical due to the isothermal processes being difficult to achieve in real-world applications. The Rankine cycle uses isobaric (constant pressure) processes for heat addition and rejection, making it more practical.

3. Describe the different types of steam turbines.

   • Answer: Common types include impulse turbines (where steam expands primarily in nozzles before hitting the blades), reaction turbines (where steam expands both in nozzles and on the blades), and a combination of both. They can also be classified by their staging (single-stage, multi-stage), arrangement (axial, radial), and application (condensing, non-condensing).

4. What is the purpose of a condenser in a steam power plant?

   • Answer: The condenser converts the exhaust steam from the turbine back into water, creating a vacuum that improves the turbine's efficiency and allows for a lower operating pressure. This water is then recycled back to the boiler.

5. Explain the importance of superheating steam.

   • Answer: Superheating increases the temperature of the steam beyond its saturation point, preventing condensation within the turbine. This improves efficiency by reducing blade erosion and increasing the amount of work extracted from the steam.

6. What are some common problems associated with steam turbines?

   • Answer: Blade erosion and corrosion from impurities in the steam, vibration and imbalance, leakage past seals and glands, and scaling/fouling in the boiler are common issues.

7. How do you measure steam pressure and temperature?

   • Answer: Pressure is measured using pressure gauges (Bourdon tube gauges, diaphragm gauges), and temperature is measured using thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), or pyrometers.

8. What is the role of a boiler feedwater pump?

   • Answer: It pumps feedwater (demineralized water) from the condenser back into the boiler at high pressure to maintain the water level and supply the steam generation process.

9. Explain the function of a steam trap.

   • Answer: A steam trap automatically removes condensate (liquid water) from steam lines while preventing the loss of valuable steam. This maintains efficient steam distribution and prevents damage to equipment.

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