Question 539Steam Plants - Assistant Engineer

The correct answer is B) decreasing the thickness of the adjusting ring. Explanation: Decreasing the thickness of the adjusting ring in the thrust bearing assembly will reduce the total oil clearance. This is because the adjusting ring is used to control the clearance between the thrust bearing and the thrust surfaces. Reducing the thickness of the adjusting ring will bring the thrust bearing closer to the thrust surfaces, thereby decreasing the overall oil clearance in the assembly. The other options are incorrect because increasing the thickness of the filler piece (A) or decreasing the thickness of the filler piece (C) would not directly affect the oil clearance in the thrust bearing assembly. Increasing the thickness of the adjusting ring (D) would have the opposite effect and increase the oil clearance, rather than decrease it.