Question 668Steam Plants - Assistant Engineer

The correct answer is D) the greatest gear ratio between the turning gear motor output and bull gear can be obtained. The main propulsion shaft turning gear is typically connected to the free end of the high-speed, high-pressure pinion because this arrangement allows for the greatest possible gear ratio between the low-speed turning gear motor and the high-speed main propulsion shaft. This higher gear ratio provides the necessary mechanical advantage to slowly rotate the large, heavy main propulsion shaft during maintenance or startup procedures. The other answer choices are incorrect because they do not directly address the primary purpose of the turning gear arrangement, which is to achieve the most advantageous gear ratio for slowly rotating the main shaft.