Question 340Steam Plants - 1st Asst/Chief

The correct answer is A) Destruction of the jacking gear. When steam is admitted to the main propulsion turbine with the jacking gear engaged, the sudden influx of steam can generate excessive torque and force, which can lead to the destruction of the jacking gear. The jacking gear is designed to rotate the turbine shaft slowly during maintenance or startup, and it is not built to withstand the full power of the turbine under steam. Engaging the jacking gear while the turbine is under steam can cause the gear to fail or become severely damaged. The other options are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the primary risk of admitting steam to the turbine with the jacking gear engaged. Options B, C, and D may be potential issues, but they are not the most immediate and critical concern in this scenario.