COVER PAGE DESIGN BY ANAND VIVEK

HELLO DEAR CADET AND SEAFARERS , THIS IS VIKASH

KUMAR FIRST OF ALL I WOULD LIKE TO THANKYOU FOR
BEING A PART OF MARINE ETUTOR PLATFORM.
MARINE ETUTOR IS A PLATFORM FOR MARINE
ENGINEERING ASPIRANTS THOSE WHO WANTS LEARN &
GROW AND STRENGTHEN THEIR MARINE , MECHANICAL
& ELECTRICAL TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE.
HERE YOU WILL FIND CONTENT RELATED OF VARIOUS
SUBJECTS OF MARINE ENGINEERING WHICH WILL HELP
YOU TO CLEAR YOUR UPCOMING EXAMS , PLACEMENTS
INTERVIEW.
FINALLY THE MISSION OF MARINE ETUTOR IS TO
PROVIDE A QUALITY EDUCATION PRIMARILY FOCUSED
ON MARINE ENGINEERING SUBJECTS.
LETS LEARN & GROW
TOGETHER WITH MARINE
ETUTOR
CONTENTS
Marine
Boiler.........................................................................
........
Marine Auxiliary
Machine……………………………………….
MARINE BOILER
MARINE BOILER INTERVIEW QUESTION
ASKED BY T.M.E INTERVIEWER OR
SURVEYOR

Q.1 Difference between water tube and smoke tube boiler

Ans – Interviewer frequently asked this type of question so you know the
basic difference between these

Smoke tube boiler

1 .Gases passes through tubes and water surrounds tube.

2. It is a low pressure type of boiler.
3. More storage Capacity of steam so that’s why it was timed boiler.
4. Lower rate of evaporation.
5. Less compact boiler.
6. Mainly used where low steam demand.

Water tube boiler

1. Water passes through tubes, hence smoke surrounds tubes

2. It is a high pressure type boiler.
3. Require good control over quality of water and water treatment
4. Higher rate of evaporation.
5. Compact in size.
6. Mainly used where steam demand is high.

NOTE: Again this question can be asked by interviewer in

different number of ways so I try to cover all the important point
in this.

Q.2 why water tube boiler is used onboard ship?

Ans – reason for adopting water tube boiler onboard ship

1. Saving in weight for same heating area.
Scotch boiler: water tube boiler = 3:1 (weight ratio)
2. Water tube boiler is smaller and lighter than scotch type of boiler; it is
possible for the ships to carry more cargo.
3. Stress = pd/2.t

As Pressure increases, the diameter should decrease in order to keep

the thickness minimum. Due to the diameter of the drum being relatively
small, water tube boiler may be constructed for very high pressure boiler.
4. The flexibility of water tube boiler.
5. Increase power/weight ratio.
6. Reduce refractory.
7. Can have thinner tubes which results to better heat transfers.
8. Many small diameter pipes, hence surface area increases which
results to quick steam formation.

FOR MORE DETAIL PLEASE GO THROUGH THIS VIDEO

https://youtu.be/D5Nce0L3hnU

Q.3 what are the different boiler water test onboard ship?

Ans- The different boiler water test carried out onboard ship are as
follows

1. Phenopthelin test (P-Alkalinity Test)

2. Total alkalinity test
3. Chloride test
4. Phosphate Test
5. P-H test
6. Hardness test
7. Conductivity test
8.Hydrazine test

NOTE – Sometimes interviewer ask you how much value we have to

maintain in boiler water, the correct value which is been fully accepted
by the interviewer are as follows

P alkalinity = 150PPM
T alkalinity = 300PPM
Chloride = should not more than 300PPM
Phosphate = 50-60 PPM
P-H = 10-11

NOTE : FOR MORE DETAILS ON CALCULATION PLEASE GO

THROUGH THIS VIDEO

https://youtu.be/20mwa7WViaU

Q.4 what is boiler mounting? What are the different types of boiler
mountings?

Ans – boiler mounting are a set of safety device installed for the safe
operation of a boiler.

All marine boilers are required to be fitted with certain essential

mountings.

1. Boiler safety valve

2. Main steam stop valve
3. Auxiliary steam stop valve
4. Water gauge
5. Salinometer indicator
6. Pressure gauge
7. Blow down valve
8 .Scum valve
9. Air vent valve.
10. Feed check valve
11. Soot blowers
12. Automatic feed water regulator.
13. Low level alarm
14. Hydrokineter (fire tube boiler)

Q.5 what are internal mounting in the boiler?

Ans – This question is very frequently asked by interviewer so, be aware

both external (refer Q.4) as well as internal mounting.

1. Distributor and Ring: through which the water enter into the boiler from
main feed check valve to avoid stress in boiler.
2. Demister: The purpose of demister is to prevent any carry over from
the boiler and to protect different steam machineries.
3. Funnel: Through which the scum blow down is been taking place.

Q.6 what are the different reasons for carry over in boiler?

Ans – 1. Excessive Phosphate

2. Boiler water level is too high.
3. Rolling and Pitching.
4. If the demister is not functioning properly.

Q.7 what could be the consequences of carry over in boiler?

Ans – After Q.NO.6 Interviewer always asked this question.

1. Erosion
2. Scale formation
3. Corrosion

Q.8 what are the different types of safety valve?

Ans – Types of safety valve in boiler

1. Ordinary safety valve.

2. High lift safety valve.
3. Improved high lift safety valve.
4. Full bore safety valve.

FOR DETAIL EXPLANATION OF SAFETY VALVE , PLEASE GO

THROUGH THIS VIDEO

https://youtu.be/tha0NQlTbeY
Q.9 how many number of safety valve are fitted? At what pressure
the safety valves are lifts?

Ans- Generally requirement is at least TWO safety valves but normally

THREE are fitted, TWO to the steam drum and ONE to the superheater.

The pressure at which the safety valves lifts is based on PRESSURE

RULE:
There must be set to a maximum of 3% above operating pressure of
boiler.

Q.10 Explain the difference between Attemperators and

Desuperheaters? Is any constructional difference between these
two?

Ans – An Attemperators which controls the steam temperature/which

controls the degree of superheat. While a Desuperheaters removes
whatever superheat there is in steam or reduces the temperature to a
point at or nearly at saturation temperature.
In simple word Attemperators just control the degree of superheat in a
superheated boiler, but Desuperheaters brings the superheat steam
temperature to saturation temperature.

Desuperheaters are fitted after the final superheat stage.

NOTE: All Desuperheaters are Attemperators, but not all Attemperators

are Desuperheaters.

There is no any constructional difference between Desuperheaters and

Attemperators.

Q.11 what are different types of Attemperators?

Ans – 1. WATER COOLED ATTEMPERATORS.

2. AIR COOLED ATTEMPERATORS.

Q.12 what are different types of Desuperheaters?

Ans – EXTERNAL DESUPERHEATER SURFACE TYPE and SPRAY

TYPE

Q.13 what are the different types of tubes in water tube boiler and
its REMARKS?
Ans - TYPES OF TUBES IN BOILER

Diameter (mm) Types of tubes Remarks

50 SCREEN TUBES Tsat + 50 DEGREE
CELSIUS
ADJACENT TO FURNACE
LARGER
DIAMETER>STEAM/WAT
ER RATIO
RADIATION +
CONVECTION
50 WATER WALL Tsat + 50 DEGREE
TUBES CELSIUS
RADIANT HEAT
ABSORPTION

38 GENERATING Tsat+50 DEGREE

TUBES CELSIUS
SMALL DIAMETER
CONVECTIVE
NOT IN RADIATIVE ZONE
100-130 DOWN COMER Tsat
UNHEATED ,LARGE DIA
100-130 RISER/RETURN Tsat
TUBE UNHEATED, LARGE DIA
38 SUPERHEATER STEAM- LOW SPECIFIC
TUBE HEAT
HIGH LARGE METAL
TEMPERATURE
50 SUPERHEATER Tsat + 25 DEGREE
SUPPORT TUBE CELSIUS
DIAMETER
WATER COOLED

Q 14 what is the reasons for having the external down comers?

Ans – It is known that as the pressure and temperature increases, the
density of water decreases. Thus the density differences between water
and the steam reduces and thus at higher pressure, the natural
circulation of water-steam is impaired.

Thus to maintain the NATURAL CIRCULATION, EXTERNAL,

UNHEATED DOWN COMERS ARE FITTED.

Q.15 what could be the reason if you will not able to maintain level
of water in boiler?
Ans – This question can be asked in several ways that you are on the
watch low boiler water level alarm came what could be your action and
what could be the reason for that so the answer to these type of
question is common to all;

1. Boiler feed water multistage centrifugal pump efficiency drop.

2. Internal accessories in the main line if distributor ring holes are

chocked.

3. At the same time hot well level also falling down, it is clear cut
indication of blow down overboard valve is leaking or valve is in open
condition.

4. If all above condition is functioning satisfactorily, then it was the

condition your tubes inside the boiler are leaking.

NOTE: if tubes are leaking then you find out white smoke at the
funnel because of the evaporation of the water.

4. Controller itself malfunctions.

5. Cavitations occur in feed water multistage centrifugal pump.

6. Vapor lock – Pump itself looses suction

Q.16 what is Easing gear in safety valve?

Ans – The purpose of easing gear is basically to allow for manual

operation of the safety valve, in case of failure to open when the boiler
has been over pressurized. It make sure that all the part are lifted
properly means it was not stuck inside the safety valve.

Q.17 what are the safety of gauge glass in boiler?

Ans - In gauge glass we have TWO important safeties;

1) Cock of water side and steam side to the gauge glass from the
boiler open vertically downward not horizontal else due to vibration there
may be the possibilities that it will automatically close. (Due to gravity).

2) Hollow steel ball is there in the water side if gauge glass break
in between then water start falling out with the full force (6 bar pressure),
because 6 bar is acting on the top surface of the water.

Q.18. what is the standard procedure of gauge glass blow through

in boiler?
Ans – Gauge glass blow through process in daily basis;

In normal operational condition (working condition) the steam

cock A and water cock B are open (open denotes O i.e.
vertically downward) and drain cock (C) is closed.

NOTE: OPEN – O

CLOSED- C

PROCEDURE STEAM COCK WATER COCK DRAIN COCK

1 C C O
2 C O O
3 O C O
4 O O C
(OPEN
FIRST)

PROCEDURE;

1) Shut steam and water side and open drain at the bottom, and then
gauge glass become empty.

2) Then open the steam side the steam start coming out from the drain it
means steam side is clear.

3) Then close steam side and open the water side then water coming
out from the drain it means the water side is clear, Now both sides are
clear then shut the drain cock

4) After that FIRST OPEN THE WATER COCK then water completely
rises in the gauge glass then OPEN STEAM COCK to see the accurate
water level in the boiler.

NOTE: Refer to table we open water cock first why? INTERVIEWER

MOSTLY ASKED WHY WE OPEN WATER SIDE FIRST NOT STEAM
SIDE so the answer to this question is if we open steam side first then it
may break the gauge glass because the LATENT HEAT of steam is
comparatively higher with respect to water.

Q.19 what are the different types of boiler gauge glass with their
pressure rating?
Ans – Different types of boiler gauge glass are as follows;

1) TUBULAR GAUGE GLASS – Pressure rating up to 17 bars.

2) REFLEXIVE GAUGE GLASS- Pressure Rating 17 – 30 bars.
3) PLATE TYPE GAUGE GLASS – Pressure Rating > 30 bar.

NOTE: INTERVIEWER might be asking you which type of gauge

glass are used onboard ship?
Now days we are using PLATE TYPE GAUG GLASS because
from the long distance you can able to see the level of water inside
the boiler/gauge glass.

Q.20 what are Different types of boiler burner?

Ans – Basically there will be three typed of boiler burner;

1) Pressure jet type of burner.

2) Rotary cup type of fuel oil burner.

3) Steam assisted/Y jet type of burner.

Q.21 Explain TURN DOWN RATIO for the burner?

Ans – The TURN DOWN RATIO for any burner is one of the most
important terms because TURN DOWN RATIO means the maximum
pressure to minimum fuel oil pressure in which burner work satisfactorily
that was called the TURN DOWN RATIO for burner.

Q.22 Specify the TURN DOWN RATIO for main burner and pilot
burner used onboard ship?
Ans – Rotary cup type of fuel oil burner is used as MAIN BURNER
onboard ship. TURN DOWN RATIO for this type of burner is 12 to 13.

Pressure jet type burner is used as PILOT BURNER onboard ship.

TURN DOWN RATIO for this type of burner is 2 to 3.5.

Q.23 Why Pressure jet type burner is not used as MAIN BURNER
onboard ship?
Ans – The TURN DOWN RATIO for pressure jet type of burner is 2 to
3.5(very low) so we cannot use this type of burner at that place where
modulating control is there means without stopping the boiler we
increase or decrease the fuel oil pressure but in this type of burner
atomization and penetration is done by fuel oil pressure only.
Q.24 Explain Rotary cup type of fuel oil burner?

Ans – In this type of burner fuel is put inside the high spinning rotary cup
so the rotary cup burner forms a film of fuel oil by the centrifugal power
of the cup rotation. By giving high air pressure to this film spread fuel,
the rotary cup burner creates very fine oil mist which is necessary for
good combustion/which helps in atomization.

In this type of burner we cannot able to control the speed but we can
control the quantity i.e. without stopping the boiler we can increase or
decrease the fuel oil pressure (Modulating control is possible) that’s why
this type of burner is used as a MAIN BURNER.

TURN DOWN RATIO for this type of burner is 12 to 14.

Q.25 How to check the boiler burner is working fine or not?

OR

How to determined improper air-fuel mixture in boiler burner?

Ans – Check the exhaust of boiler if black smoke it means less air if
white smoke it means more air or water in the fuel and if possible also
check the colour of flame.

Q.26 what is BLOWDOWN of safety valve?

Ans – The difference between lifting pressure and reseating pressure is

known as the blow down.

Q.27 Explain the term BLOWDOWN RING and FLOATING RING of

safety valve?
Ans – BLOWDOWN RING – The purpose of BLOWDOWN RING is to
make sure that boiler will not act like the relief valve (for example when
boiler is lift up at 10 bar at that time when valve lid sit back on the seat
pressure should be 9.5 bar. So with this we set the BLOWDOWN
pressure.

If setting is too high we lose excess steam, if setting is too low chattering
effect will be there.

FLOATING RING – To provide free movement to exhaust steam

piston. In previous type of safety valve there is no such floating ring.
After a long term of use, exhaust steam piston stuck and safety valve
pressure setting will be affected. This was the reason now FLOATYING
RONG is in usage so that the exhaust steam piston move freely with the
help of FLOATING RING.

Q.28 what is purpose of blowing down a boiler? Which blow down

valve is open first and why?
Ans – following purpose of blowing down a boiler;

1) Reduce water level to prevent carry over or priming or to remove

excess water in case of emergency.

2) Reduce TDS (Total dissolved solid) TSS (Total suspended solid), also
to remove precipitate formed as result of chemical addition to the boiler
water.

3) Chloride level reduces.

4) Remove sludge

5) Remove oil, foam from the boiler water and this is mainly done by
scum blow down and this procedure is known as” SCUMMING”.

Ship side blow down valve is open first and close last because to
prevent unnecessary pressure build up in blow down line.

NOTE: BOILER BLOW DOWN WHICH HAS TO BE PERFORMED AT

REGULAR INTERVAL OF TIMES IN ORDER TO INCREASE THE
PERFORMANCE OF THE BOILER.
Q.29 you are on the watch with competent 2nd engineer and every
time when 2nd Engineer fires the boiler, flame failure alarm came
what could be the possible reason/causes for that?
Ans – NOTE: Sometime INTERVIEWER asked you this type of question
to check your INTELLECTUAL level of knowledge.

1)Improper air fuel mixture – Check the exhaust of boiler if black smoke
it means less air if white smoke it means more air or water in the fuel
and if possible also check the colour of flame.

2) Improper pilot burner electrode gap.

3) Insufficient primary air is supply to the pilot burner.

4) Swirling action is not proper due to improper burner maintenance.

5) Swirl port of pilot burner chocked.

6) Main fuel oil pump filter chocked.

Q.30 what do you understand by term water hammering and types

of water hammering?
Ans – water hammer occurs when water accelerated by steam pressure
or a low pressure void, is suddenly stopped by impact on valve fitting
such as bend or tee, or on a pipe surface. Water velocities can be much
higher than the normal steam velocity in the pipe, especially when the
water hammering is occurring at startup, and thus the kinetic energy in
the water is converted into pressure energy and pressure shock is
applied.

There are two types of water hammering;

1) A steam flow driven water hammer.

2) Condensate induced water hammer.

Q.31 what do you understand by the term back fire in the boiler?
And precaution to prevent back fire in the boiler?
Ans – If any reasons fuel is accumulated inside the boiler furnace which
is mostly occur due to repetitive fail of starting. So some time that oil
catches fire suddenly and results in a huge rise of pressure in the boiler
furnace and pressure is so much that the gases will come out from the
burner side.

Precautions to prevent boiler back fire;

1) Maintain burner in good condition.

2) Sometime burner leak at the time of boiler firing.

3) make sure not to bypass pre purging and post purging at the time of
boiler start and stop.

Q.32 Why purging is necessary in boiler?

Ans – The forced draft fan supplying air to furnace in order to remove oil
vapor and waste exhaust gas is called as purging.

NOTE: Every time before starting the boiler we are going to do PRE-
PURGING, so sometimes INTERVIEWER might ask you what is the
need of POST-PURGING so there could be the strong reason behind
this that we need to remove the exhaust gases from the boiler furnace
which later on give corrosion effect and may decrease the tensile
strength of the boiler furnace.

Q.33 what do you understand by the term accumulation of pressure?

Ans – Accumulations of pressure means that your safety valve lift up still
pressure in the boiler keep on increasing slightly that was called
Accumulations of pressure.

NOTE –If the pressure exceed more than 10% of the working pressure
in 7minute in case of water tube boiler and 15 minute in case of smoke
tube boiler then your accumulation test will be fail in that case you have
to check the setting of blow down ring and internal of safety valves like
drain, exhaust steam piston.

Q.34 what are the different reasons of carbon deposits on

economizer tube?
Ans – Reason for carbon deposit on the economizer tube;

1) Improper combustion in the main engine (In economizer we

just heat the water with the help of main engine exhaust gas.)

2) Leaky fuel injectors (injectors drip, or no maintenance of

injectors)

3) Leaky exhaust valve.

4) Incorrect lube oil feed setting.

5) Maneouvring for long time.

Q.35 Fire in the Economizer? Comment.

Ans – In economizer we just heat the water with the help of main engine
exhaust gas; we recover the heat from the exhaust gases to increase
the overall efficiency of the main engine propulsion plant.

Carbon in dry condition is not harmful its ignition temperature is 1000

degree centigrade but if this carbon becomes wet due to the unburnt
lube oil or fuel oil then its ignition temperature drop to 200 degree
centigrade and suddenly it catches fire also called exhaust gas boiler
(EGB) fire.

Q.36.what is the different methods for soot blowing?

Ans – steam soot blowing

Water soot blowing

Q.37 what is purpose of soot blow? And its interval?
Ans – The purpose of soot blow is

1) To remove soot deposited on the furnace tube of a boiler during

combustion

2) The soot which sticks to the heating surface insulates them from heat,
efficiency soot must be blow off to maximize heat transfer in the boiler.

3) Cleaning point of view.

The frequency of soot blowing is depending upon type of fuel is used.

In case of oil and gas fired boiler ash percentage in fuel is very less soot
blowing is required once 10-12 days.

NOTE: DON’T CARRY IMMEDIATE SOOT BLOWING DURING

EXHAUST GAS BOILER FIRE.

Q.38 what is priming of boiler? What are its effects?

Ans – When water level increase above working level of the boiler then
this condition is known as priming of boiler.

Effects;

1) Carry over water along with steam

2) Water hammering will take place.

Q.39.Explain the purpose of steam drums in boiler?

Ans –1) The steam drum act as reservoir - feed water is supplied from
hot well/cascade tank with the help of multistage centrifugal feed water
pump into the steam drum.

2) Helps to get recirculations – A natural circulation of water takes

place during the production of steam in water tube boiler.

3) Reserve for steam space and also act as a water reservoir.

4) Collects steam and steam separators- The drum then provides
the space for the separation steam and water mixtures as it return.

Q.40 Describe the methods of tube attachments used in water tube

boiler?
Ans – Tube can be attached to drums and headers by expanding or by
welding. In most cases the generating, screen and water wall tubes are
expanded into plain seats, and then bell mouthed.

The bell mouthing is to be 1mm for every 25mm of outside diameter plus
1.5 mm.

Q.41. Action to perform in case of exhaust gas boiler fire?

Ans – steps to be taken in case of exhaust gas boiler fire are;

1) Don’t carry out soot blow immediately.

2) Inform wheel house and stop the main engine.

3) Stop auxiliary boiler, close the turbocharger drain, and put canvas on
blower side of turbocharger. (TO PREVENT TURBOCHARGING
SURGING).

4) Close all the scavenge drains; if your boiler is running then stop the
boiler also.

5) Never ever stop the boiler water circulating pump but if your level of
hot well keep on decreasing it means your tube burst out then only stop
boiler water circulating pump else it leads to hydrogen or metal fire .

Q.42. How to make boiler water test on your ship?

Ans – The boiler test is carried out as follows:

Firstly take the boiler water sample from salinometer cock or test cock
and cool down.
The test is carried out by using makers supply test kit, chemicals,
instruments and instructions.

Q.43.What is two different types of fire mostly occur in exhaust gas

boiler?
Ans – 1.MINOR FIRE

2. MAJOR FIRE – A) HYDROGEN FIRE B) METAL FIRE

Q.44 Define the term shrinkage of the boiler?

Ans – shrinkage of boiler means that if suddenly your boiler steam
demands go down then steam pressure at the top increase and it force
down the liquid downward due to which level of water goes down but in
actual it was not, then sensor sense that level and start feeding the
water inside the boiler but in actual we don’t want this water so that term
is called shrinkage of boiler.

Q.45. Define the term swelling of the boiler?

Ans – swelling of boiler means that if suddenly your boiler steam
demand goes high then pressure of the steam at the top become less
and water start expanding due to which its level increase but in actual it
was not then sensor sense that level and stop feeding any water inside
the boiler that term is called swelling of boiler.

Q.46. what is three element control method in boiler?

Ans – A three element boiler water level control system is one which
typically uses the water measured water level, the steam flow rate from
the boiler, and water flow rate into the boiler to regulate the flow of water
into the boiler.

So in three element control method we sense three element that was;

1) Water level.
2) steam flow rate.

3) water flow rate.

So with this three element control method we more preciously get to

know out the exact level of water inside the boiler and we also avoid
swelling and shrinkage of boiler.
MARINE AUXILIARY MACHINE
MARINE ENGINEERING INTERVIEW Q & A ASKED BY T.M.E
INTERVIEWER

CHAPTER 01 – FRESH WATER GENERATOR

Q.47 what are different types of fresh water generator that you have
onboard?

Ans – There will be three types of fresh water generator;

1) Low pressure evaporation.

2) Reverse Osmosis.
3) Flash Evaporation.

Onboard we mostly use Low pressure evaporation method.

Q.48 Explain the basic principle of low pressure evaporation type of

fresh water generator?

Ans – Basic principle of all low pressure fresh water generators is that,
boiling point of water can be reduced by reducing the pressure of the
atmosphere surrounding it. By maintaining a low pressure, water can be
evaporating at low temperature say 45-48 degree Celsius.

NOTE: FOR MORE DETAIL PLEASE GO THROUGH THIS VIDEO

https://youtu.be/VvFpa_EVTCY

Q.49 working principle of low pressure evaporation type of fresh water

generator?

Ans – The Basic principle of all low pressure fresh water generators is
that, boiling point of water can be reduced by reducing the pressure of
the atmosphere surrounding it. By maintaining a low pressure, water can
be evaporating at low temperature say 45-48 degree Celsius.

Working
Main engine jacket water passes through the evaporator at 80 degree
Celsius. Feed sea water enters the evaporator through the orifice at the
feed inlet. Due to low pressure in the chamber, sea water boils and get
converted to steam. The carry over water droplets is removed by
demister. The separated water droplets get collected as brine which is
extracted by brine ejector. The steam then enters into the condenser,
where it gets cooled down to form fresh water.distilate pump help to
pump out this fresh water from the condenser.

Q, 50 suppose you are on the watch and your 2nd engineer observe that
fresh water production less. Why fresh water production less in fresh
water generator?

Ans – NOTE - This question is related to the cause of malfunction

of any machinery because this type of question helps the
interviewer to judge your intellectual level of thinking.

1. Scales formation – The scales formation in fresh water generator

reduces the heat transfer efficiency which leads to less production.

2. Filter chocked.

3. Ejector pump may be faulty.

4. Condenser chocked.

5. There will be chances of flow meter faulty itself.

6. Feed inlet valve wrongly set.

7. Jacket cooling water temperature dropped.

8. Brine ejector chocked.

9. Cause of loss of vacuum in fresh water generator.

Q.51 what could be the reason for loss of vacuum in fresh water
generator?

Ans –NOTE - Again this question is related to malfunction of

machinery. Always ready for these types of question.

1. Condensate level is too high.

2. Excessive backpressure on the overboard side due to high draft of
ship.
3. Condensation not taking place properly because condenser tube may
be fouled, or chocked with mud.
4. Condenser or evaporator tubes are leaking.
5. Ejector pump pressure is low.
6. Vacuum ejector nozzle partially chocked.
7. Air leakage in the system which deteriorates the vacuum inside the
unit.
8. Ejector pump efficiency drops due to improper maintenance.

Q. 52 Water boiled fresh water generator at what temperature and

sources?

Ans – water can be boiled at 45-55 degree Celsius.

The source of heat for the fresh water generator could be waste heat
rejected by main engine jacket cooling water.

Q.53 At what inlet and outlet temperature of jacket cooling water which is
use of heat source for fresh water generator?

Ans - Specification - The source of heat for the fresh water generator
could be waste heat rejected by main engine jacket cooling water.

JCW (INLET TEMPERATURE ) – 80 DEGREE CELSIUS.

JCW (OUTLET TEMPERATURE) – 72 DEGREE CELSIUS.

Q.54 Explain the reasons for jacket cooling water temperature increase
or fluctuating in fresh water generator?

NOTE – This type of question forced you to think and relate two
different topics. The Interviewer ask you the malfunctioning related
to fresh water generator but you have to think and response
quickly and relate with main engine topics.
Ans - The source of heat for the fresh water generator could be waste
heat rejected by main engine jacket cooling water.

1. Overload engine.
2. Piston running hot.
3. Crack in liner cylinder head and exhaust valve.
4. Bearing clearance increased.

Q. 55 what could be the reason of high salinity in fresh water generator?

Ans – 1. Mechanical damage takes places in demister or demister
element may be torn out.
2. Leakage in the condenser tube.
3. Evaporation rate is much faster than rated capacity.
4. Sea water feed rate is too low.
5. Excessive vacuum.
6. Brine level is too high/brine flooded in evaporator-condenser
unit.
7. Carryover of sea water droplets.
8. Fresh water generator produced distilled water more than its
capacity.
9. The reading of salinity indicator is faulty and has to be checked
using the indicator test switch.

Q.56. Reasons for dropping of evaporation temperature in fresh water

generator and its correction?

Ans –1. The temperature of hot water is low and needs to be increased
to the specified level.
2. Hot water flow rate is low and needs to be increased to the
specified level.

Q. 57 what are the problems specific to pumping system of fresh water

generator?

Ans - NOTE – This type of question forced you to think and relate
two different topics. The Interviewer ask you the malfunctioning
related of fresh water generator but you have to think and response
quickly and relate with Pumping system.

1. Pump fails to start.

2. The pump does not operate at the required head or capacity.
3. overloaded motor.
4. overloaded bearing.

Q. 58 How to regulate the capacity of fresh water generator?

Ans – Capacity of fresh water means the quantity of fresh water

produced by it per day. The capacity of fresh water generator can be
varied by reducing or increasing the amount of jacket cooling water to
the evaporator.
Q.59 what are the different scales formation occurs in fresh water
generator?

Ans – The different scales formation occurs in fresh water generator are
as follows;
1. Calcium carbonate.
2. Magnesium hydroxide.
3. Calcium sulphate.

Q.60 How to minimize scales formation in fresh water generator?

Ans – scales formation in fresh water generator can be controlled and

minimized by continuous chemical treatment.
POLYSULPHATE compounds like sodium polysulphate with antifoam
are preferred by marine engineers and are extensively used in ship. But
their trade name is different;
1. Vaptreat
2. Ameroyal.

CHAPTER 02 MARINE AIR

COMPRESSORS
Q.61 what is Marine Air Compressor?

Ans – Marine Air Compressor is externally important auxiliary machinery

on ships and other ocean going vessels. It is used for producing
compressed air which has a number of applications on board both in
engine and deck department.

Q.62Explain the application of Air compressor onboard ship?

Ans – marine air compressors which has a number of application

onboard ship;
Main air compressor: It is used to supply highly pressurized air to start
main and secondary engines. Air compressor has an air storage bottle
which stores the pressurized air. There are available different capacity
main air compressors, but this capacity should be adequate for starting
the main engine. The minimum air pressure required is 30 bars to start
the main engine. A pressure valve is provided which reduces pressure
and supplies controlled air from the storage air bottle. The control air
filters controls the input as well as output air in the air bottle.

Deck air compressor: Deck air compressor is used for deck use and as
a service air compressor and might have a separate service air bottle for
the same. These are lower capacity pressure compressors as the
pressure required for service air is in between the range of 6 to 8 bar.

Q.63 Emergency Marine Air compressor?

Ans - Emergency air compressor: An emergency air compressor is

used for starting the auxiliary engine at the time of an emergency or
when the main air compressor has failed for filling up the main air
receiver. This type of compressor can be motor driven or engine driven.
If the motor is driven, it should be supplied from an emergency source of
power.

Q.64 Explain adiabatic compressors?

Ans - Whatever heat produced during compression is kept inside the gas
only, or heat transfer is zero in an adiabatic compression. For a perfect
adiabatic process, process must be very fast. All the thermodynamic
process resembles adiabatic process. It can be seen from the indicator
card that, work of compression is maximum in adiabatic compression

Q.65 Advantages of multi-stage compressor?

OR
Q.66 why multi-stage compressors are used onboard ship?
OR
Q.67 why we cannot use single stage air compressors onboard ship?

Ans – NOTE: Three different questions 65, 66, 67 can be ask by

different way which is shown above;
It is clear that single stage compressors cannot contribute to high
delivery pressure demands, this was the main reason that why we do not
use single stage compressors onboard.
A multistage compressors is one in which there are several cylinder of
different diameters. The intake of air in the first stage gets compressed
and then it is passed over a cooler to achieve a temperature very close
to ambient temperature air. This cooled air is passed to the intermediate
stage where it is again getting compressed and heated. This air is again
passed over a cooler to achieve a temperature as close as ambient as
possible. Then this compressed air is passed to the final or the third
stage of the compressor where it is compressed to the required pressure
and delivered to the air receiver after cooling sufficiently in an after
cooler.

Advantages;
1. The work done compressing the air is reduced hence power can be
saved.
2. Prevents mechanical damage as air temperature is controlled.
(Intercooler is provided at each stage which brings the hot temperature
air to the ambient temperature air with constant pressure.)
3. Compression approaches near isothermal.
4. Compression ratio at each stage is lower when compared to single
stage.
5. Effects from moisture can be handled better by draining at each stage.

Q. 68 why cylinder diameter reduces as pressure increases in multistage

compressors?

Ans – In multistage compressors the diameter of cylinder reduces as

pressure increases. To be more elaborate, the first stage cylinder
diameter is biggest and the intermediate stage is the second biggest and
the third or final stage is smallest.

As the pressure of compression increases, the cylinder diameter

decreases the mass flow rate and the amount of air passing through
each stage is same. Thus as the pressure increase with the same mass
flow rate. Volume occupied by air must reduce.

Mathematical understanding
According to gas law equation;
PV =MRT
As M= mass flow rate (constant)
But compression pressure increases at each stage with same mass flow
rate.
According to Boyle’s law: As pressure increases with same mass flow
rate the volume occupied by air must reduce this is accomplished by by
reducing the diameter and thus volume of cylinder.

Q. 69 Define term volumetric efficiency in air compressors?

Ans – A compressor’s volumetric efficiency is defined by the ratio of

actual volume of air that it could suck if there was no such thing as
clearance volume. Therefore a compressor with less clearance volume
should be more volumetrically efficient.
Mathematical formula
Volumetric efficiency = swept volume /clearance volume.

Q.70 why intercooler and after cooler in multistage air compressors?

Ans – Advantage OF INTERCOOLING of air compressor;

1. The intercooler in between 2 stages to save the work done.

2. Volumetric efficiency is increased.
3. It can reduce the air temperature with constant pressure.
4. It can avoid danger of an explosion takes place in compression
cylinder.
5. Drain moisture at each stage.

Advantages of after cooler in air compressor;

1. To reduce the final discharge air temperature thus air bottle size can
be reduced.
2. Greater amount of air can be stored in air receiver.
3. Increase volumetric efficiency.

Q.71 what is bumping clearances and its significance?

Ans – Bumping clearance is the space between the top of the piston and
the cylinder head of air compressors.

Significance of bumping clearance;

1. If the bumping clearance is less the volumetric efficiency would
increase. But clearance is not much less then there is a risk of piston
hitting the cylinder head.
2. If the bumping clearance is more the volumetric efficiency of
compressors would decrease, the free air delivery will fall and there will
be fall in pressure.

Q.72 Specifications of Main air compressors various parameters?

Ans – This type of question is asked by interviewer and interviewer judge

your practical understanding on such topics. Be prepared for such
practical question.

1. Low Pressure discharge pressure – 4-5 bar

2. High Pressure discharge depends on the air bottle filling.
3. Intercooler inlet air: 125-130 degree Celsius.
4. after cooler inlet air: 110-115 degree Celsius.
5. Intercooler and after cooler outlet: 30-35 degree Celsius.

Q.73 what are the different safeties provided in marine air compressors?

Ans – safeties;

1. Atmospheric relief valve.

2. Spring loaded safety valve.
3. Compensation ring.
4. Pressure gauge.
5. Fusible plug.
6. Access door.
7. Manual drain or automatic drain valve.
8. Bursting disc.
9. Intercooler and after cooler.
10. Water high temperature trip.
11. Water no-flow trip
12. Lube oil low pressure alarm and trip.
13. High air temperature trip.
14. Motor overload trip.

CHAPTER 03 MARINE PUMPS

Q.74 explains the term suction and discharge pressure in centrifugal
pump?
Ans – 1.suction pressure: It is pressure of the suction which is measured
in pressure gauge. If the suction pressure is not good then its leads to
cavitations.

2. Discharge pressure: It is pressure of the discharge which is

measured in pressure gauge.

Discharge Pressure = Suction Pressure + Total Pressure developed by

p/p.

Q.75 Define the term Absolute Pressure?

Ans – The pressure measured it from the Zero reference.

At sea level = 14.7 psia.

Q. 76 Define gauge pressure?

Ans – Pressure indicated on simple pressure gauge.

GAUGE PRESSURE = ABSOLUTE PRESSURE – ATMOSPHERIC

PRESSURE.

NOTE: NUMERICAL ON GAUGE PRESSURE , ABSOLUTE

PRESSURE AND ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE ( MOSTLY ASKED IN
SYNERGY ENGINE EXAM)

FOR ABOVE PLEASE REFER TO BELOW LECTURE

https://youtu.be/QB5oWQ_K9_Y?t=31

Q.77 Is vacuum pressure is negative pressure?

Ans – Vacuum pressure is absence of atmospheric pressure but it is not

a negative number.

Q.78 what is the relation between head pressure and specific gravity?
Ans – Case 1. Specific gravity is directly proportional to pressure if head
is constant.

Case 2. Specific gravity is inversely proportional to head if

Pressure is constant.

PRESSURE = HEAD * SPECIFIC GRAVITY/2.31

NOTE: That’s why we can’t specify the pump with pressure psi only,
there is concept of head is also necessary.

Q.79 Explain Net Positive Suction Head?

Ans – Net Positive Suction Head is the energy of fluid entering into the
suction nozzle of the pump.

The pump has its own Available Net Positive Suction Head (NPSHa) and
Net Positive Suction Head Required (NPSHr).

Q. 80 Difference between NPSHa and NPSHr?

Ans – NPSHr – It is the energy in the liquid required to overcome the

friction losses from the suction nozzle to the eye of the impeller without
causing vaporization.

NPSHr changes with change in flow.

NPSHr = atmospheric pressure+ suction pressure gauge reading+

velocity head – vapor pressure of the fluid.

Net positive suction head Available (NPSHa): It is the energy in the fluid
at the suction connection of the pump over and above the liquid vapour
pressure.

NPSHa is the characteristics of the pump.

NPSHa should be minimum 10% above the NPSHr or 3 feet above the
NPSHr. This is in order to required to prevent pump cavitation.

Q.81 Define Cavitation?

Ans – If the pressure in the eye of impeller falls below the vapor
pressure of the fluid, then cavitation occurs. Cavitation is the formation
and subsequent collapse or implosion of vapor bubbles in the pump.

Q.82 If the pump operates under cavitating condition for enough

time,what are the following causes can occur?

Ans – NOTE: Sometime INTERVIEWER asked you this type of question

to check your INTELLECTUAL level of knowledge.

1) Pitting marks on the impeller blades and the internal volute casing
wall of the pump.

2) Premature bearing failure.

3) Shaft breakage and fatigue.

4) Pump failure.

5) Premature mechanical seal failure in pump.

Q. 83 Methods to prevent cavitation in the pump?

Ans – I hope u fully understand about the concept of cavitation , so the

method to prevent pump cavitation are as follows ;

1)Reduce motor speed RPMs , slowing the pump down will reduce flow
rate and head pressure.

2) Ensure you are not exceeding your pump manufacturer performance

guidelines, such as pump characteristics curve relationships.

3) NPSH AVAILABLE shall be higher than the NPSH REQUIRED by the

pump.

4) The ABSOLUTE PRESSURE must not be allowed to drop below the

vapour pressure of the fluid, this will prevent boiling and which will cause
cavitation.

5) Ensure proper fluid velocity at the pump suction side.If increase the
fluid velocity in the pump suction side. As per BERNOULLIs theorem
higher liquid velocity means higher velocity and lower pressure head.

6) Ensure the proper temperature of the pumped liquid.

7) There should be minimum sharp elbow,valves,other fitting because
these all elements cause undesirable flow condition caused by
obstructions and sharp elbow in suction line leads to more frictional
losses in pump.

Q.82 Why Centrifugal pump cant handle air or vapour?

Ans – Please Refer to my lecture (MARINE ETUTOR). Marine Pump

lecture series.

PLEASE GO THROUGH BELOW LECTURE

https://youtu.be/ps7Al-yXsE0?t=21

Q.83) What is PRIMING in centrifugal pump? Explain different method of

priming the pump?

Ans – Pump Priming is the process of removing air from the pump
casing, suction line and delivery line. Priming reduces the risk of pump
damage during start up as it prevents the pump impeller to become gas
bound or to prevent AIR LOCK at the eye of impeller.
Different methods of priming the pump are as follows ;

1)Manual method.

2) jet/vacuum pump method.

3) Air separation method.

NOTE: FOR MORE DETAIL TO KNOW THE WORKING PRINCIPLE

OF ALL 3 METHODS ABOVE PLEASE PREFER MARINE ETUTOR
PUMP LECTURE SERIES.

LECTURE : https://youtu.be/N06sjZR36zc?t=59

Q.84 Why priming is required in centrifugal pump ?

Ans- Ans – Pump Priming is the process of removing air from the pump
casing, suction line and delivery line.

Suppose if air is present inside the pump casing, suction line and
delivery line then the pumping operation wont work properly ,its
deteriorates the pull(Power required to lift the liquid or just say suction
pressure) and push( delivery pressure) analog of pumping operation.So
we need to remove the air from the pump.
I will try to explain in a mathematical way ;

As per pumping operation of the Pump the Power required to lift up the
liquid is called EULER /IMPELER/LIFTING/INPUT POWER .

INPUT POWER = DENSITY(P) *FLOW RATE(Q) * OUTLET WHIRL

VELOCITY(Vw2) * IMPELLER VELOCITY (U2)

INPUT POWER air = Pair * Q* Vw2 *U2 ( density of air is 1kg/m3)

INPUT POWER water = Pwater * Q * Vw2* U2 ( density of water is

1000kg/m3).

As per above equation you may conclude that the lifting power of air is
much less than the lifting power of water ,If air is getting sucked into the
casing , suction line then the lifting power become much less ( lesser
than 1000 factor) and air is act as hindrance to the water and water is
not able to sucked into the eye of impeller.

NOTE: FOR MORE DETAILS REFER TO ABOVE LECTURE

Q.85. Explain the working principle of centrifugal pump ?

LECTURE SERTIES ON CENTRIFUGAL PUMP

https://youtu.be/X59sW3Bb0iw
OTHERS LECTURES ON CENTRIFUGAL PUMP

AFFINITY LAW ( MULTIPLE TIMES ASKED IN SYNERGY ENGINE EXAM )

LECTURE ON AFFINITY LAW

https://youtu.be/PeebtiGy6M4
Q.86 WHAT IS THE FUNCTION OF WEAR RING IN CENTRIFUGAL
PUMP ?

Ans – Wear ring are replaceable ring that are attached to the impeller or
pump casing to allow a small running clearance between the between
the impeller and pump casing. Without causing wear of the actual
impeller or the pump casing material. These wearing ring are designed
to be replaced periodically during the life of the pump.

Q.87 What is the purpose of lantern ring in centrifugal pump?

Ans – The lantern ring distributes the liquid uniformly around the shaft to
provides cooling and lubrication. The fluid entering the lantern ring and
cools the shafts and packing, and seals the joint between the shaft and
packing against air leaking into the pump.

Q.88 How to check different alignment in centrifugal pump?

Ans – Generally there are 2 types of alignment ;

1.Horizontal misalignment : Check with the help of trisquare.

2. Angular Misalignment : Put dial gauge on the coupling of motor

and its pin on the pump coupling side and rotate it and then record the
deflection on the dial gauge.

Q.89 Comment Pump in series and pump in parallel ?

Ans – When 2 or more pump are arranged in series their resultant pump
performance curve is obtained by adding their head at the same flow
rate.
PUMP IN PARALLEL : Adding their flow rate at the same head.

Q.90 Why pump characteristics curve is important to know?

Ans - The pump characteristic curves can be defined as 'the graphical

representation of a particular pump's behavior and performance under different
operating conditions'. The operating properties of a pump are established by the
geometry and dimensions of the pump's impeller and casing.

For example ;Assume Pump is coupled with electrical motor,now the

running rpm of pump depends on rpm of motor and rpm of motor
depends upon the frequency.

CASE1 : YOUR SHIP ANCHORED IN PORT UNITED STATES OF

AMERICA :

As soon as we start the pump you may observe the characteristics curve
of pump is not same as when your ship was anchored in UNITED
KINGDOM. WHY?? Because the difference in frequency. In US the
frequency is 60Hz so the flow rate, operational characteristics,pressure
head,Breakhorse power is different as compared to UK,BECAUSE IN
UK the applied frequency is only 50Hz.(FOR MORE CONCEPTUAL GO
TO MARINE PUMP PLAYLIST)

Q.91 What are the advantages of reciprocating pump?

Ans – Advantages of reciprocating pumps are ;

 1) This pump does not require priming.

2) Smooth flow,No churning effect.

3) It can deliver water at high pressure.

4) This pump can operate in wide pressure range.

5) It has a constant rate of discharge.

6) It gives a high suction lift.

Q.92 What is the role of Air vessels at the outlet of Reciprocating Pump?

Ans – An air vessels fitted in the suction and discharge side of

reciprocating pump to dampen out the pressure variations during
discharge and also to ensure the continuous supply of liquid at uniform
rate. As the discharge pressure rises the air is compressed in the
vessel,as the pressure falls the air expands.

Q.93 Explain the basic principle of gear pump ? Importance of backlash?

Ans - A gear pump comes under the category positive displacement pump which
has a continuous delivery rotary pump. With the help of gear meshing, mechanical
energy is converted into fluid energy and this creates void suction. Space which is in
between the gear meshing pull in the high-level of viscous liquids by letting them flow
towards the wall surface and then to the output. This pump works effectively for an
extended level of viscous liquid like oil because it does not need any priming.

The fluid is carried by the gears to the discharge side of the pump, where the
meshing of the gear displaces the fluid. The tight clearance along with the speed of
rotation effectively prevent the fluid leaking from backwards.
For Example ; Generator and attached lube oil pump are of this type.

IMPORTANCE OF BACKLASH : Backlash is important because of little

heat expansion of teeth will be there.
If u don’t have backlash so the time when your pump rotate in opposite
direction by mistake so sudden load come on the motor and it will trip on
overload.

Q.94 Explain the basic principle of SCREW PUMP and importance of

timing gear in it ?

Ans - Definition: It is considered as the subcategory of a positive displacement

pump that operates either with one or more screws to function pump activity in its
spindle direction. This pumping machine functions effectively for the liquids which
have minimal turbulence, less vibration, self-primed and which hold the ability to
function with less air pocket having less functioning noise. The invention of a screw
pump has directed to numerous multiple axis machinery where screws revolve in the
opposite axis or they continue to be in a static position internal to the cavity.
CHAPTER 04 OILY WATER
SEPARATOR
.94 Q Explain the rules and regulations regarding OWS as per MARPOL?

Ans – Regulations are as follows;

1) As per Annex 1 of MARPOL under regulation 4 specified under paragraphs

2, 3, and 6, any direct discharge of oil or oily water mixture into the sea
shall be prohibited. The regulation further explains how an oily water
mixture can be treated onboard and can be discharged out at sea.

For a ship with 400 GT and above, discharge of oil mixture can be done under
the following conditions:

1. The ship is en route

2. The oily mixture is processed through an oil-water separator filter meeting

the requirements of regulation 14 of this Annex.

3. After passing the oil-water separator system, the oil content of the effluent
without dilution does not exceed 15 parts per million;

4. The oily mixture doesn’t originate from cargo pump room bilges on oil
tankers.

5. In oil tanker ship, the oil water mixture is not mixed with oil cargo residues.
Q.95 Explain the working principle of oily water separator onboard ship?

Ans – Please refer to diagram above and try to understand;

The whole process of separations starts with pumping of bilges water

from bilges by the bilge pump.

The discharge of this pump goes to the first compartment.Here there are
several plates are arranged called catchers plates or sometimes it is
reffered to as baffles plates,they act as the surface of accumulation of
very small oil droplets to accumulate and make large mass oil.

But in the first compartment oil is only taken out till the 100ppm content
but our requirement is to drop the oil content in the water to 15ppm.So
for this purpose we pass the remaining liquid into the second chamber.

In second chamber we have a separate mechanism to taking out the

remaining oil.Now as oil is entering to the second chamber from the
bottom,as oil passes upwards to the chamber oil particles getting
absorbed and the oil quantity in the water get decreases as it got
upwards. As the outlet we get the oil which has the oil content less than
15 ppm.

This water is not directly thrown into the sea, at the outlet line we have
an oil monitoring device. Actually oil monitoring is set as a 15ppm and it
allows the liquid to go through till it has oil content less than 15ppm.Any
amount more than this will leads to bypass action of the signal of control
valve and whole discharge divert back to the first chamber. And alarm is
also sounded automatically as this conditions occurs.

NOTE : FOR MORE DETAILS PLEASE REFER BELOW LECTURE ON

OILY WATER SEPARATOR

https://youtu.be/ecJFDboSdeM?t=30

Q.96 What is the use of capacitance probe in OWS?

Ans – Capacitance probe senses the oil and open the valve. (For more
details watch my OWS LECTURE)
Q.97 What could be the reason if your OWS is not working properly?

Ans – 1) Baffles plate or catchers plates are dirty.

2)coalersence filters are dirty.

3) capacitor probes are not working properly.

CHAPTER 05 - MARINE OIL

PURIFIER
Q.98 Explain the basic principle of Marine Purifier onboard ship?

Ans – Centrifugal purifier is used on a ship to separate unwanted

contaminants from lube and fuel oil. Separation actually means of
removing impurities from a fuel can be undertaken by means of gravity in
a settling tank or by means of centrifuging the fuel.

The basic Principle of Marine Purifier is Centrifugal separator.

The separation force is the law in which Purification takes place.

Separation force = pie/6*D3*(density of water-density of oil)*w2r

Where D= diameter of water droplets ; w2r=angular acceleration.

Centrifugal separators is used for the separation of two liquids of

different densities( fuel and water) are known as Purifier.

The principle of purifier is simple, when a bowl containing impure fuel

( which contain solid as well as liquid contaminants) is rotated centrifugal
force will throw any item with density greater than the fuel oil density
such as solid sludges and liquid accumulated to the periphery of the
bowl.

The untreated fuel contain a mixture of oil,solids and water,which the

centrifuge separators into three layer. During the operation quantity of oil
remains in the bowl to form a complete seal around the oil within the
outside diameter of the top disc. As Marine fuel oil contain a small
quantity of water, it is necessary to prime the bowl each time that it is run,
otherwise all the oil will pass over the water outlet side to waste.

NOTE: The water outlet side is at greater radius than that of the
fuel,within the water outlet there is a gravity disc,which controls the radial
position of the fuel water interface.

Gravity disc is a part of purifier which set the location of oil and water
interface line which is variable because it depends on different
parameter as discussed in Q.

( For more detail discussion please refer to my marine purifier lecture

series)

( The whole basic Principle of marine purifier refer to my youtube

channel.)

Q.99 Sometime surveyor/Interviewer might ask you what is the

difference between purifier and clarifier ?

Ans – Be perfect while giving the answer of this question

Centrifugal separators is used for the separation of two liquids of

different densities( fuel and water) are known as Purifier.

Centrifugal clarifier is used for the separation of solid contaminants from

a liquid medium .

Q.100 Again Surveyor/ Interviewer might ask you how to change Purifier
into clarifier?

Ans – Again this type of Question is Always,Frequently and Mostly

asked question.

1.First shut the sealing water; No such requirement of sealing water in

centrifugal purifier.

2. Put lower disc without hole and there is just one outlet at the top for oil.
3. Remove Gravity disc ; No gravity disc in the system.

Q.101 Why oil centrifugal separators is used in onboard ship?

NOTE: This is very Basic Question asked by Surveyor/Interviewer, But

still I observed that some marine engineering students failed to giving
answers for such Question.

Ans – If fuel oil contains contaminants then possible below

damages takes place

1. Fuel Injector worn out.

2. Piston ring damage.
3. Liner worn out.
4. Exhaust valve worn out.
5. Sulphur corrosion might be occur. But how? Impure fuel contain
water and if water is present in the fuel then sulphur corrosion will
occur.

Q.102 How to select gravity disc and factors on which E-line depends?

Ans – During Purifier operation it is necessary to hold the interface

between oil and liquid in the bowl within a definite range.

The gravity disc of various inside diameters are provided such that the
outlet of of heavy liquid can be altered for interface position adjustment.

NOTE : Frequently asked Question relation between size of gravity disc

and interface ;

Gravity Disc of larger diameter moves the interface outwards.

Gravity disc of smaller diameter moves the interface inwards .

FOR BETTER VISUALISATION GO TO PURIFIER LECTURE SERIES

IN MY CHANNEL .

The Gravity disc is selected from the nomogram;

Three PARAMETER we need to required

1.Specific Gravity of oil

2. Treating Temperature.

3. Feed Rate.

Factors at which E-line depends ;

Case A: E-Line shift outwards

1.Specific gravity of oil increases

2. Density of oil increases.

3. Decrease in Temperature

4. Feed rate is too high.

5. Greater radius of gravity disc size

Case B: E- line shift inwards

1.Specific Gravity of oil decreases

2. density of oil decreases.

3. Increase in temperature of feed oil.

4. low feed rate

5. small gravity disc size

Q.103 Sometiume surveyor might be ask you about the position of

interface that gives you fullest advantage during purifier operation?

Ans – At the Periphery or at the end of the top plate.

Q.104 As You are a Junior Engineer onboard a ship and Purifier starts
overflowing what could be the probable cause for it?

NOTE FAVOURITE QUESTION OF ALL SURVEYOR/INTERVIEWER.

Ans –1. First of all be ensured that bowl is closing properly or not,
sometimes what happened because of improper bowl closing leads to
purifier overflowing.

2. check the throughput of the oil, if throughput is high leads to purifier

overflowing.

3. Improper size of gravity disc.

4. By mistake if bowl opening water is feeded.

5. seal ring is damaged another probable cause for overflowing of

purifier.

6. There is a provision of Teflon seal ring in purifier,if that sealing is not

properly then sealing water gone out from the purifier.

7. Increasing the specific gravity of oil will tend to push the interface
oulet and cause overflow from the water outlet.

Q.105 Where centripetal pump is used in onboard ship?

Ans – Centripetal pump is used in Purifier onboard ship , centripetal

pump is also called paring disc in purifier. Paring disc have the very
important role in discharging the oil out from the purifier,when oil come
from the stationary impeller that oil have centrifugal action means oil
have kinetic energy and paring disc convert that energy to the pressure
energy due to which oil come out from the purifier.

Q.106what are the various Reason for Purifier vibration ?

Ans – 1.The foundation bolt of purifier may be loose.

2. There are too much sludge accumulation at the outside

periphery of purifier.

3. shaft motor coupling is not properly align.

4. damaged frictional clutch due to appropriate RPM not

reached.
Q.107 After successfully giving answer to above question most of time
surveyor/interviewer might be ask you that at the time of purifier stopping
its vibrates heavily what could be reason for that ?

NOTE: Again this type of question is come under Intellectual question.

Ans – 1. At the time of Purifier starting a Big gear drive the small gear
and at the time of stopping opposite action will take place that small gear
drives the big gear and due to which that worm and worm wheel
arrangement may break due to generation of intense stresses on the
small gear.

2. sometimes due to uneven sludge distribution inside the purifier

it vibrates heavily

Q.108 Explain the characteristics curve of Purifier Motor onboard ship ?

PURIFIER CHARACTERISTICS CURVE LECTURE

https://youtu.be/CdCAoSDWmVw

NOTE : OTHER LECTURES ON MARINE PURIFIER.

PLEASE REFER TO BELOW LINK

https://youtu.be/zXtDvqSlsXg
Q.109 Why leaf spring is provided in purifier?

Ans – Leaf spring is provided at the radial direction on the vertical shaft
to compensate/absorb the horizontal vibration.

Q.110 Why Friction clutch is provided in purifier?

Ans – 1.Friction clutch is provided to ensure the smooth rotation of the

purifier.

2. So that gradual load come on the motor because at the time of

starting very high torque is required to rotate the bowl.

3. Sometime bowl is heavily loaded and to prevent the motor

from burning clutch slip and prevent the motor to trip on overload.

Q.111 What are the different types of water in purifier on ships ?

Ans : The different types of water in purifier on ships are as follows;

1)Sealing water
2) operating water a) Bowl opening water b) Bowl closing
water
3) displacement water

Sometimes surveyor might be ask you about the application and use of
all these water

1)Sealing water: Before oil is feed to the purifier,sealing water is

provided so that the interface can be created between oil and water.

2) a) Bowl opening water : The water comes from the operating water
tanks or sometimes it is also from the hydrophore tank and it has more
pressure than bowl closing water because the bowl opening water
pressure or just say Hydraulic power must be exceed the centrifugal
power of purifier then only it helps the sliding bowl to push down so that
desludging port be open.

2) b) Bowl closing water : It is used for close the sliding port.

3) Displacement water : Before the desludging,there is oil inside the

purifier so we simply provide the water through the additional water to
the purifier so that the oil will lift up to the service tank and hence there
will be no wastage of oil at all.

Q.112 What are safety detectors provided in the purifier?

Ans – Important safety detectors provided in the purifier are as follows:

1)Leakage Monitor : This detector is provided in the purified oil outlet

side. It has a pressure sensor which monitors the pressure of purified oil
at all time and when pressure drops from a normal rate for example due
to improper bowl closing and if pressure is dropped from a preset value
alarm is delivered.

2) Water detector: Fitted on the purified oil outlet line.This detector is an

electrostatic type.As water content in oil rises the capacitance( dielectric
constant) increases.It sends a signal to the control panel ,if the water
content in the purified oil has exceeded the trigger value for sludge
discharge.

3) Discharge detector: It monitors the sludge discharge from the purifier

and if abnormal alarm is delivered.

Q.113 As a Junior Engineer working onboard, your senior 4th Engineer

going to overhaul the purifier and your senior officer ordered you to bring
required tools for overhauling the purifier from workshop. Please specify
some special tools used in purifier overhauling ?

Ans – A list of required tools are as follows :

1)Dismantling stand

2) cap nut spanner

3)jack 4) Bowl nut handle

5) Main sealing cutter

6) Hook spanner 7) Disc clamp plate 8) shackle

9) push bolt 10) Disc nut handle

11) protective plate

CHAPTER 06 HEAT
EXCHANGER
Q.114 What is heat exchanger and where it is used onboard ship?

Ans – Heat exchangers are a kind of thermal machine, where they

provide cooling of engines and hydraulic oil, In order to ensure the
perfect lubrication and working conditions of each transmission and
power system onboard.

It is widely used onboard ship such as

1)Lube oil system

2) jacket water system

3) Fuel oil system

4) Auxiliary power generation system

5) Starting Air system

6) Fuel injection system ( For proper atomization fuel is heated up.)

7) Refrigeration system ( For meat, fish room and vegetables room

evaporator act as a phase change heat exchanger)

8) Air conditioning system

9) Fresh water generator

Q.115 What type of heat exchanger is used in Air starting system and
fresh water generator onboard ship?

Ans – 1)For Air starting system ;

Actually high pressure air is produced in the compressors which is

further cooled in intercooler sand bring the compression curve towards
isothermal point ( reached towards ambient temperature) which act as
heat exchanger
Shell and tube type of heat exchanger is popularly used for this purpose.

2)Fresh water generator : Both shell and tube and plate types of
heat exchanger is used, But most of the ship Plate type of heat
exchanger is used for FWG. WHY?? Explained in Q.NO.

Q.116 Explain the advantages and disadvantages of shell and tube type
of heat exchanger ?

ALWAYS,MOSTLY AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION BT

SURVEYORS

Ans – shell and tube type of heat exchanger ;

ADVANTAGES

1)Low expensive as compared to plate type of heat exchanger.

2) Tube leaks are easily located and plugged since pressure test is
comparatively easy.

3) It can be used in system with higher operating temperature and

pressure.

4) Pressure drop across a tube cooler is less in shell and tube type of
heat exchanger.

DIADVANTAGES

1)The biggest disadvantages is the capacity of tube cooler cannot be

increased.

2) Heat transfer efficiency is less as compared to plaqte type of heat

exchanger

3) Require more space in comparison to plate coolers.

4) cleaning and maintenance is difficult .

PLATE TYPE OF HEAT EXCHANGERS

ADVANTAGES
1)The biggest advantage is capacity can be increased by introducing
plates in pairs.

2) Simple and compact in size.

3) Heat transfer efficiency is more in plate type of heat exchanger

4) Easy cleaning process and simple maintenance

5) No extra space is required for dismantling.

6) Turbulent flow helps to reduce deposits which would interfere with

heat exchanger.

DISADVANTAGES

1)Leakage finding is difficult which means pressure test is difficult in

case of plate type of heat exchangers.

2) Limits operating temperature, cant be used in high temperature

application.

3) Over tightening of the clamping bolts results in increased pressure

drops across the cooler.

4) cost is high, because titanium plates are expensive.

5) Pressure drops across the cooler is higher than shell and tube types
of heat exchangers.

Q.117 As you are a Junior Engineer onboard ship and you may
observed that jacket cooling water system is utilize to heat the Fresh
water generator evaporator , what do you think what is the driving force
for heat transfer between jacket cooling water system and evaporator?

NOTE : This type of question judge your intellectual level of thinking.

Ans – Temperature gradient (Temperature difference) is the driving force

for heat transfer.

According to second law of thermodynamics heat will flow from high

temperature region to low temperature region under normal condition

Q.118 How to detect the leak in shell and tube type of heat exchanger?
Ans – To find out the leak for that there will be 2 methods;

1)Remove the end cover, start the lube oil pump and oil will start coming
out from the leaky tube.

2) Take out the complete stag of tube and put it in one bucket and then
fill the bucket with water but full tube should not be dipped in water one
end should be out from the water then take the hose and one by one put
the compressed air in each of the tube. The time when you find out the
bubbles in water that was the leaky tube for which you are looking for.

CHAPTER 07 MARINE

REFRIGERATION
Q.119 Define term Refrigeration?

Ans – A refrigeration system is the process of cooling a space or

substances to lower or maintain a certain temperature below the regular
room temperature.

Q.120 How refrigeration differs from cooling ?

Ans – Refrigeration is the process of lowering down the temperature of

the body than its surrounding temperature, by extracting an amount of
heat from it.

The Cooling process is the spontaneous process where the final

temperature of the body need not be lower than the surrounding
temperature.

Q.121 Explain the general vapor compression cycle for the refrigeration
system ?

NOTE: 1)ALWAYS,MOSTLY AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

2)REFRIGERATION CYCLE IS ALWAYS WORK ON THE

PRINCIPLE OF SECOND LAW OF THHERMODYNAMICS.

Ans – The vapor compression refrigeration cycle involves 4 components;

1)Evaporation stage : from point 1-2 Low pressure liquid refrigerant in
the evaporator absorbs heat from its surrounding environment. The
evaporating liquid absorbs heat from the surrounding. This is where
refrigeration actually occurs.

2) Compression stage: From point 2-3 the superheated vapor from

evaporator enters the compressors where its pressure is increased due
to compression.

3) Condensation stage : From point 3-4 the pressurized and

superheated gas from compressor outlet is sent to a condenser. The
condenser or cooler consists of coil of pipe in which the high pressure
and temperature vapor refrigerant are condensed. The refrigerant while
passing through the condenser gives up its latent heat to the
surrounding condensing medium which is normally sea water onboard
ship.

After that the condensed liquid refrigerant from the condenser is stored
in a vessel known as a receiver from where it is supplied to the
evaporator through a expansion valve.

4) Expansion valve : From point 4-1 . Expansion valve is also called a

throttle valve. The main function is to allow the liquid refrigerant under
high pressure and temperature to pass through it where it reduces its
temperature and pressure.
Q.121 Name the different types of Expansion valve in refrigeration
system?

Ans – There are basically 4 types of valves that are in used. These
valves are also refer to as metering devices.
1)Automatic Expansion valve.
2) Thermostatic expansion valve
3) capillary tube
4) Float valve,

Q.122 Sometime surveyor or interview might ask you that which type of
expansion valve is used onboard ship?

Ans – Mostly used Expansion valve is Thermostatic Expansion Valve.

NOTE: FOR MORE DETAIL PLEASE REFER TO BELOW LECTURE

https://youtu.be/JLQdZA71wQk?t=16

Q.123 Explain the different safety in Refrigeration system?

Ans – The main important safety adopted for refrigeration plants are as
follows ;

1)Relief valve : It is fitted in discharge side of compressors and will lift

the safeguard the safeguard the compressor in the event of
overpressure. One relief valve is also fitted in the discharge side of
condenser.

2)High Pressure Cut out : The High pressure cut out activates and trips
the compressors when the discharge side pressure is increases above
the limit value.
H.P CUT OUT – AUTOMATICALLY
H.P RESET - MANUALLY

3)Low Pressure Cut Out : This is again a compressor safety which cut
off the compressors in the event of pressure drops in the suction line.

4) Oil differential cut out system : In the event of low supply or no supply
of lube oil to the bearing, the differential pressure will increase and
activates a trip signal to safeguard the bearing and crankshaft.
5) Oil heater : for the safety of crankcase oil

6) Master solenoid valve : To prevent liquid being entered into

compressor, when the plant is standstill.
Q.125 What is the function of Thermostatic Expansion valve?

Ans –1) To maintain the constant degree of superheat at the outlet of

evaporator coil.

2)It allow the metered quantity of refrigerant to sent into the

evaporator

3) Maintaining appropriate amounts of refrigerant in the high

pressure side and in the low pressure side in the system.

Q.126 Why Reefer compressors are belt driven ?

Ans –1) All Refrigeration compressors are belt driven because if in any
case liquid comes to the compressors , then belt slips out and prevent
the compressors from damage.

2)The rate of heat addition is also controlled by Belt drive which

means heat of compressions is to be added unlike gear drive which is
fixed and cannot adjust on its own.

Q.127 Suppose you are a Junior engineer onboard ship , you are sitting
in your cabin and you observed that your room Air conditioning of 2 ton ,
so as an Engineer what do u understand by this term?

OR

Define 1 ton of Refrigeration?

NOTE : Again this is Intellectual question.

Ans – It means whenever we talk about the 1 ton of refrigeration it

means such kind of system would be continuously absorbing the heat of
3.517KJ per seconds from the required space.

As per this question if we having an A.C of 2 ton that 2 ton of A.C would
be removing the heat from the room equivalent 3.517*2=7.034 KJ in 1
seconds from the room, so that 2 ton of A.C is only called refrigeration
effects.
CHAPTER 08 SEWAGE TREATMENT
PLANT
Q.128 What is the use of sewage treatment plant ?

Ans – The main aim of sewage treatment plant is to treat the raw
sewage to acceptable levels so can be discharged at sea as per
regulation.

The several process required such as disintegrate, treat and disinfect

the waste water.

Q.129 How will sewage stored in holding tanks be discharged?

Ans – Sewage that has been stored in holding tanks shall be discharged
at a moderate rate when the ship is in route and proceeding at not less
than 4 knots.

Q.130 What is the rules of discharging disinfected, disintegrate sewage

treatment ?

Ans – Treated sewage may only be discharged at a distance of between

3NM and 12NM , but at a moderate rate when the ship is en route
and proceeding at a speed of not less than 4 knots.

Q.131 List at least 5 rules regarding discharge of sewage as per

regulation 11?

Ans 1. The ship is discharging comminuted and disinfected sewage

using a system approved by the administration in accordance with
regulation of this annex at a distance of 3 NM from the nearest land or
sewage which is not comminuted or disinfected at a distance of more
than 12 NM from the nearest land, provided that in any case, the
sewage that has been stored in holding tanks shall not be discharged
instantaneously but at a moderate rate when the ship is en route and
proceeding at not less than 4 knots.

2. The ship has in operation an approved STP which has been

certified by the administration to meet the operational requirements.
3. The test results of the plant are laid down in the ship’s
International sewage pollution prevention certificate.

4. The effluent shall not produce visible floating solids nor cause
discoloration of the surrounding water.

5. The provision of paragraph 1 shall not apply to ship’s operating in

the water under the jurisdiction of a state.

Q.131 Explain the working principle of sewage treatment plant?

Ans – The most preferred type of sewage treatment plant is that

involving aerobic bacteria.

First of all the biological sewage treatment plant consist of 5

interconnected compartments ;

Through a vacuum pump the raw sewage or affluent passes through a

screen filter, where some big and inorganic materials are filtered out
that could clog the system such as toilet paper, plastics , and unmask
rated sewage , and from where it passes into the primary component.

When the level in this compartment rises sufficiently, overflow of the

liquid takes place into the aeration compartment. This compartment
contains bacteria, which require oxygen and a nutrient to propagate, and
the oxygen is supplied by bubbling compressed air through the broken
waste. The sewage is broken down here by aerobic activation. The
aerobic bacteria need to continue liquefying the sewage this process is
constant and giving air very important. If no air is supplied then
Anaerobic bacteria will appear which also decompose sewage but
produce explosive vapors , hydrogen sulphide and other harmful gases.
Anyway Aerobic bacteria are helpful and we need to maintain them
satisfactorily.

The sewage from the aeration compartment passes to a settlement

compartment sometime refer to as a sedimentation tank , In this
chamber heavy sludge particle will sink to the bottom (refer as activated
sludge ) and with air from the blower will go back to the return line to the
Aeration chamber to continue decomposition and meanwhile lighter
sewage water which is present in settlement compartment will rise and
continue to the next chamber.
The next chamber is called activated carbon tank , light sewage water
passes through the a carbon filter which will stop floating solids from
rising as well as lower the chemical oxygen demands for the next tank
for the carbon absorption.

The final chamber is called the sterilization chamber which treats the
filtered sewage water with sodium hypochlorite to chlorinate the sewage
and disinfectant by means of the small capacity chemical pump. And
sewage is discharged depending on the level sensors , when the level is
high it will flow through the discharge line to the sewage discharge pump
and finally discharge the sewage to either the sewage holding tank or
send it overboard as per MARPOL regulations.
SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT IN SHIP IMAGE

https://images.app.goo.gl/YoyEutCYuWLCEG7F7

SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT LECTURE

https://youtu.be/iYe0jSUnciE
Q.132 Why chlorination is required at the last chamber of sewage
treatment plant?

Ans – Actually we need to disinfected the liquid with the help of chlorine.
This is done because of the presence of the e-coli bacteria in the liquid.
To reduce the bacteria to acceptable level chlorination is done.

CHAPTER 09 MARINE INCINERATOR

Q.133. Shipboard incineration of the following substances shall be
prohibited. Explain ?

Ans – a) Annex 1,2 and 3 cargo residues of the present convention and
related contaminated packing materials.

b) Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

c) Garbage, as defined in annex 5 of the present convention

containing more than traces of heavy metals.

d) refined petroleum products containing halogen compounds.

Q.134. Explain the working principle of incinerators?

Ans – Please refer to my Incinerator lecture

NOTE: FOR DETAIL THEORY PLEASE GO THROUGH BELOW

LECTURE

https://youtu.be/hNQ9QqFcBoA
CHAPTER 10 STEERING GEAR ONBOARD SHIP
Q.135 What is Jumping clearance in ship ?

Ans – The rudder should come and touch the rigid hard surface metal
piece/jumping bar which is connected to the ships hull. The clearance
between rudder tip and a hard object on the hull which is going to the
first inline to stop the rudder is going to be much lesser than the
clearance available between in the tiller and the arm. So this is called
jumping clearance.

Q.136 Why jumping clearance is needed in ship?

NOTE: Always prepared such type of WHY question.

Ans – A ship during its operation can experience rough seas and when
the ship experiencing rough weather, so when the ship is coming down
the rudder is acted upon by a force which can be a quite great that
means buoyancy is trying to lift up the rudder but the resistance of the
water also tries to lift up the rudder. If rudder is lifted up , then rudder
stock is also lifted up and tiller is also connected with rudder stock so the
entire assembly is going to lifted up.
If tiller is being lifted up and then tiller is already touch the ram which
create great violence leads to ram is going to be bend, seals will leak
and sometimes ram will stops moving. So to ensure that before the tiller
is touching the ram and create a damage here the rudder should first
come and touch the rigid hard surface which is connected to the ships
hull.

Q.137 What is Rudder drop in ship ? Measurement device?

Ans – Rudder drop is the wear down of the rudder carrier bearing. It is
measured by trammel gauge.

Q.138 Can rudder drop be measured using trammel gauge only or is

there any other method also? If yes then mention any one.

Ans - Yes many more methods are there for example by using a feeler
gauge without lifting the rudder , we can measure the clearance using a
feeler gauge inserting between the bush and the sleeve.

Q.139 What is the purpose of steering gear in ship?

Ans – A steering gear is the equipment provided on ships to turn the

ship to Port side to starboard side while in motion during sailing.