Question 148Steam Plants - 1st Asst/Chief

The correct answer is B) Lower than normal auxiliary steam temperature. A moderate leak in the desuperheater would indicate a loss of heat transfer, resulting in lower than normal auxiliary steam temperature. The desuperheater is responsible for reducing the temperature of the steam before it enters downstream equipment, so a leak would reduce its effectiveness and lead to lower than expected steam temperatures. The other options are incorrect because: A) Higher than normal auxiliary steam pressure would indicate a blockage or restriction, not a leak; C) Higher than normal fuel oil consumption would be due to increased steam demand, not a desuperheater leak; and D) Lower than normal fuel oil consumption would not be a symptom of a desuperheater leak.