Question 47Steam Plants - Assistant Engineer

The correct answer is A) Closing the water seal line to the packing gland. Closing the water seal line to the packing gland of a centrifugal condensate pump would prevent the pump from developing its rated capacity. The water seal line is critical for maintaining the proper sealing and lubrication of the packing gland, which helps to prevent air from entering the pump suction. If the water seal line is closed, the packing gland will not be adequately lubricated, leading to increased friction and reduced pump performance. The other answer choices are incorrect because: B) Venting the pump to the vacuum side of the condenser would not prevent the pump from developing its rated capacity, C) Flooding of the main condenser hotwell would not directly impact the pump's performance, and D) Operating the pump with a positive suction head would not cause the pump to fail to develop its rated capacity.