Question 71General Subjects - 1st Asst/Chief

The correct answer is C) a malfunctioning brine pump. A higher than normal water level in the inspection port of a flash evaporator typically indicates an issue with the brine pump. The brine pump is responsible for circulating the concentrated brine solution through the evaporator, and a malfunction in this pump can lead to improper brine circulation, resulting in the observed higher water level. The other answer choices are incorrect because they do not directly relate to the symptoms described. A leak in the feed water heater (A) or a clogged desuperheater water strainer (B) would not necessarily cause a higher water level in the evaporator. Similarly, improper vacuum (D) is not the primary cause of the observed issue.