Question 70General Subjects - 1st Asst/Chief

The correct answer is A) a reduction in distillate production. When the strainer in line "4" becomes fouled, it will restrict the steam flow to the system, which in turn will reduce the amount of steam available for the distillation process. This will result in a decrease in the production of distillate, as the system will not be able to generate the same amount of steam-powered distillation as it would with a clean strainer. The other options are incorrect because: B) the temperature regulated by "L" may be difficult to maintain, but this is a secondary effect of the reduced steam flow; C) the strainer in line "4" is a necessary component for the proper operation of the system; and D) the pump "K" would not become vapor-bound, as the reduced steam flow would not affect the pump's operation.