Question 101Steam Plants - Assistant Engineer

The correct answer is D) avoid running the feed pump 'dry'. During cold ship start-up, it is important to open the feed water outlet and condensate valves to a DC heater in order to avoid running the feed pump 'dry'. This prevents damage to the feed pump, as the pump requires a sufficient supply of water to operate properly and avoid cavitation. Allowing water to flow through the system helps prime the pump and ensures a steady supply of water is available. The other answer choices are incorrect because: A) expelling non-condensable vapors is not the primary purpose of opening these valves during start-up; B) preventing excessive pressure is not the main concern, as the focus is on ensuring proper water flow; and C) thoroughly atomizing incoming condensate is not necessary for the initial start-up process.