Boiler protection on dangerously low water level — identify the device Name the device used to automatically extinguish the furnace fire when water level in the boiler falls to an unsafe limit.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: none of these

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Low-water conditions are among the most serious boiler hazards. A dedicated device exists to protect the furnace and heating surfaces when water level drops below a safe value, preventing metal overheating and potential failure.

Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Standard shell or fire-tube boiler with a furnace crown exposed to flame.
  • Water level monitoring and safety devices installed.


Concept / Approach:
The correct device is the fusible plug, which melts at a predetermined temperature when it is no longer covered by water, releasing steam/water into the furnace to quench the fire and alert operators. Since “fusible plug” is not listed among the options provided, the correct selection here is “none of these.”


Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify the hazard: low water causes furnace plate overheating.Match the protective device: fusible plug (missing from the list).Therefore, among given choices, select “none of these.”


Verification / Alternative check:
Boiler mountings list includes: safety valve, stop valve, water-level gauge, pressure gauge, blow-off cock, and fusible plug—the last of which handles low-water hazards.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Blow-off cock: drains sludge/water, not automatic fire extinction.
  • Stop valve: isolates steam line.
  • Superheater/economiser: heat exchangers; no protective role for low water.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing blow-off cock with an emergency dump; believing the safety valve responds to low water—it does not.


Final Answer:

none of these

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