Question 253Steam Plants - 1st Asst/Chief

The correct answer is D) The turbine gland seal steam to ensure proper pressure. When the turbines are slowed for a slow ahead bell on a steam vessel, the condenser vacuum will decrease. This is likely due to a decrease in the turbine gland seal steam pressure. The turbine gland seals prevent air from entering the condenser, and if the gland seal steam pressure is not maintained, air can leak into the condenser, causing the vacuum to decrease. Checking the turbine gland seal steam pressure is the appropriate step to take in this scenario. The other options are incorrect because they do not directly address the issue of the decreasing condenser vacuum. Checking the main circulating pump (A) or the condensate pump (B) would not address the root cause of the vacuum decrease. Checking the air ejector (C) may be relevant, but the primary issue is likely with the turbine gland seal steam pressure.