HEAT POWER

ENGINEERING
(M–SCHEME)

N. IYANARAPPAN, M.E., M.I.S.T.E.

Principal
Sri Renugambal Polytechnic College,
Polur – 606 907.
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2 & 3 MARKS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Unit – I

BASICS OF THERMODYNAMICS
1. Define : a) Density b) Specific weight
 The density of a substance is defined as the mass per unit
volume of the substance.
mass m
Density,    ( kg / m3 )
volume V
 Specific weight of a substance is defined as the weight per
unit volume of the substance.
weight W mg
Specific weight, w    (N/ m 3 )
volume V V
2. Define : (i) Specific volume (ii) Specific gravity
 Specific volume of a substance is defined as the volume
occupied by unit mass of the substance.
volume V
Specific volume, v   ( m 3 /kg)
mass m
 Specific gravity of a substance is defined as the ratio of
the density (or specific weight) of that substance to the
density (or specific weight) of a standard substance.
Specific gravity,
density (or specific weight) of the given substance
s
density (or specific weight) of the standard substance
3. Define : pressure. What is atmospheric pressure?
 The pressure is defined as the normal force per unit area.
Force F
Pressure, p   (N/ m 2 )
Area A
 Atmospheric is the pressure exerted by the air on the
earth's surface. The value of atmospheric pressure at
Mean Sea Level is 1.03125 bar
4. What is absolute pressure and gauge pressure? Write
the relationship between them.
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 The actual pressure in any system is known as absolute pressure.
 Gauge pressure is the pressure recorded by the pressure gauge.
Absolute pressure = Atmospheric pressure + Gauge pressure
5. Define : Vacuum pressure. Write the relationship
between vacuum pressure and absolute pressure.
The pressure which is below the atmospheric pressure is
known as vacuum pressure or negative pressure.
Absolute pressure = Atmospheric pressure – Vacuum pressure
6. Define temperature? What are the two scales used for
measuring temperature?
Temperature is a thermodynamic property, which
determines the degree of hotness or the level of heat
intensity of a body.
1) Celsius or centigrade scale 2) Fahrenheit scale
7. What is Centigrade and Fahrenheit scale? Give the
relationship between them.
 In centigrade scale, the freezing point of water is taken as
zero and the boiling point of water is taken as 100oC. The
space between these two points has divided into 100 equal
divisions and each division represents one degree Celsius.
 In Fahrenheit scale, the freezing point of water is taken as
32oF and the boiling point of water is taken as 212oF. The
space between these two points has divided into 180 equal
divisions and each division represents one degree
Fahrenheit.
o
C  5 ( F  32)
9
8. What is absolute temperature?
Absolute zero temperature is the temperature below which
the temperature of any substance cannot fall.
9. Mention the S.T.P conditions.
The conditions of temperature and pressure of any gas under
standard atmospheric conditions are termed as Standard
Temperature and Pressure (S.T.P).
S.T.P Values are,
 Standard temperature = 15 o C = 288K
 Standard pressure = 760 mm of Hg = 101.325 kN/ m 2 .

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10. State the N.T.P conditions.
The conditions of temperature and pressure of any gas under
normal atmospheric conditions are termed as Normal
Temperature and Pressure (N.T.P). N.T.P Values are,
 Normal temperature = 0oC = 273K
 Normal pressure = 760 mm of Hg = 101.325 kN/ m 2 .
11. Define heat. Write the formula for heat transfer.
 The heat is defined as the energy transferred across the
boundary of a system due to the temperature difference
between the system and the surroundings.
 If m kg of substance is heated from an initial temperature
T1 to a final temperature T2 , then the heat transfer is
given by, Q  m.C.(T2  T1 )
where, C = specific heat of the substance (J/kg.K)
12. Define specific heat capacity.
The specific heat capacity of a substance is defined as the quantity
of heat transfer required to raise or lower the temperature of the
unit mass of the substance through one degree.
13. Define specific heat capacity at constant volume.
It is defined as the quantity of heat transfer required to raise
or lower the temperature of the unit mass of the substance
through one degree when the pressure remains constant.
14. Define specific heat capacity at constant pressure.
It is defined as the quantity of heat transfer required to raise
or lower the temperature of the unit mass of the substance
through one degree when the pressure remains constant.
15. Why Cp is always greater than Cv?
When a gas is heated at constant pressure, the volume of the
gas increases. Thus work is done by the gas by expanding.
Hence heating in constant pressure gives a higher value for
the specific heat than heating in a constant volume.
16. Define : Adiabatic index.
The ratio of the two specific heat capacities remains constant
and is called as adiabatic index. It is represented by the
symbol γ .

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Cp
Adiabatic index, γ 
Cv
17. Define : Work
 Work is defined as the product of force (F) and the
distance moved (x) in the direction of force.
 For any process, the mechanical work done is given by,
2
W   p.dV (N - m or J)
1

18. Define : (a) System (b) Surroundings

 System : The thermodynamic system may be defined as a
definite area or a space where some thermodynamic
process is taking place.
 Surroundings : Anything outside the boundaries which
affects the behaviour of the system is known as surroundings.
19. Classify the thermodynamic systems.
1. Closed system 2. Open system and 3. Isolated system
20. What is closed system? Give example.
 A closed system permits the transfer of heat and work
across its boundaries; but it does not permit the transfer
of mass. The mass of the working substance in a closed
system remains constant.
 The piston and cylinder arrangement is an example of
closed system.
21. What is open system? Give an example.
 In open system, the mass of the working substance crosses
the boundary of the system. Heat and work may also cross
the boundary. The mass within the system may not be
constant during the process.
 The compressor unit is an example of open system.
22. What is isolated system? Give example.
 A system which is not influenced by the surroundings is
called an isolated system. In an isolated system, there is
no mass, heat or work transfer takes place.
 An open system with an universe as its surrounding is an
example of an isolated system.

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23. Define state of a system.
The state of a system is the condition of the system at any
particular moment which can be identified by the statement
of its properties.
24. What are extensive properties? Give examples.
 The properties of system, whose value for the entire
system is equal to the sum of their values for the
individual parts of the system, are called extensive
properties. These are dependent on the mass of the
system.
 Example : Total volume, total energy, total mass, etc.
25. What are intensive properties? Give examples.
 The properties which are independent on mass of the
system. These properties remain same in all individual
parts of the system.
 Example : Temperature, pressure, specific volume, etc.
26. List out the different thermodynamic processes.
 Constant volume process
 Constant pressure process
 Constant temperature process
 Isentropic or reversible adiabatic process
 Polytropic process
 Hyperbolic process
 Free expansion process
 Throttling process
27. What is cyclic process?
When a process or processes are performed on a system in
such a way that the final state is identical with the initial
state, then it is said to be thermodynamic cycle of cyclic
process.
28. Differentiate closed cycle and open cycle.
 In a closed cycle system, the working substance is
recirculated again and again in the system.
 In an open cycle system, the working substance is
exhausted to atmosphere after expansion.

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29. Define point function. Give example.
 A function, whose value is independent of the path
followed by the system, is known as point function. The
values depend only on the initial and final state of the
system.
 Example : Pressure, temperature, volume, etc.
30. Define path function. Give example.
 A function, whose value depends on the path followed by
the system, is known as path function.
 Example : Work done, heat transfer, etc.
31. State the law of conservation of energy.
It states that, energy can neither be created nor destroyed,
but it can be transferred from one form to another form i.e.
the total energy in any system remains constant.
32. State zeroth law of thermodynamics.
It states that, when two systems are each in thermal
equilibrium with a third system, then the two systems are
also in thermal equilibrium with one another.
33. State first law of thermodynamics.
It states that, when a system undergoes a thermodynamic
cycle, then the net heat supplied to the system is equal to
the net work done by the system.
34. State Kelvin-Blank’s statement
It is impossible to construct a heat engine working on cyclic
process, whose only purpose is to convert all the heat energy
supplied to it into an equal amount of work
35. State Clausius’s statement
Heat can flow from a hot body to a cold body without any
assistance. But heat cannot flow from a cold body to a hot
body without any external work.
36. What is a perfect gas?
A perfect gas may be defined as a state of substance, whose
evaporation from its liquid state is complete, and strictly
obey gas laws under all conditions of temperature and
pressures.
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37. State Boyle’s law.
 Boyle's law states that, the absolute pressure of a given
mass of a perfect gas is inversely proportional to its
volume, when the temperature remains constant.
1
 Mathematically, p  or pV  Constant
V
38. State Charle’s law.
 Charles’s law states that, the volume of a given mass of
perfect gas is directly proportional to its absolute
temperature, when the pressure remains constant.
 Mathematically, V  T (or) V  Constant
T
39. State Gay-Lussac’s law.
 Gay-Lussac law states that, the absolute pressure of a
given mass of perfect gas is directly proportional to its
absolute temperature, when the volume of the gas
remains constant.
p
 Mathematically, p  T (or)  Constant
T
40. State Joule’s law.
 Joule's law states that, the change of internal energy of a
perfect gas is directly proportional to the change in
temperature.
 Mathematically, dE  dT
41. Write the general gas equation.
p1V1 pV
 2 2 = Constant
T1 T2
42. Write the characteristic gas equation.
p.V  m. R.T (or) p  RT
43. What is universal gas constant?
 The product of molecular weight (M) and the
characteristic gas constant (R) is same for all gases. This
constant is known as universal gas constant. It is
expressed as Rmole or Ru.
 M. R  Rmole  Ru
44. Write the relationship between C p and Cv

C p  Cv  R ; Cv  R
 1

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THERMODYNAMIC PROCESSES OF PERFECT GASES

45. Define enthalpy

 Enthalpy is the sum of the internal energy and the
product of pressure and volume (p.V). It is represented by
the symbol H.
 Mathematically, enthalpy, H  U  p.V
46. Write the expression for change in enthalpy during a
process.
H  Q  m.C p (T2  T1 )
47. Define entropy.
Entropy is defined as a function of quantity of heat with
respect to temperature. Entropy of a substance increases
when heat is supplied to it and decreases when heat is
rejected from it.
48. Write the expression for change in entropy during a
process.
dQ
dS 
T
49. Draw the p-V and T-s diagram for constant volume
heating.

p2 2
2
Temperaturre (T)
Pressure

V=C

p1 1 1 Q

V1=V2 S1 S2
Volume Entropy (S)

(a) P-V diagram (b) T-S diagram

50. Write the expression for change in entropy during

constant volume process.
T  p 
dS  m.Cv . ln 2   m.Cv . ln 2 
T
 1  p1 

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51. Represent the constant pressure process on p-V and
T-s diagram.
2

Temperaturre (T)
1 p1=p2 2
Pressure

1 Q
W

V1 V2 S1 S2
Volume Entropy (S)

(a) P-V diagram (b) T-S diagram

52. Write the expression for change in entropy during

constant pressure process.
T  V 
dS  m.C p . ln 2   m.C p . ln 2 
T
 1  V1 
53. Show the isothermal process on p-V and T-s diagram.

p2 1

pV=C
Temperaturre (T)

1 T1=T2 2
Pressure

p1 W 2
Q

V1 V2 S1 S2
Volume Entropy (S)

(a) p-V diagram (b) T-S diagram

54. Write the expression for work done during

isothermal process.
V  V 
 W  p1V1 . ln 2  (or) W  m. R.T1 . ln 2 
 V1   V1 
55. What is isentropic process?
Reversible adiabatic process is known as isentropic process.
During the adiabatic process, there is no heat transfer
taking place between the system and surroundings.
56. Write the relationship between temperature, volume
and pressure during isentropic process.
  1
p1  V2  T2  V1 
   
p2  V1  T1  V2 

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57. Draw the p-V and T-s diagram for isentropic process.
p2 1 T2 1

pV =C

Temperaturre (T)
No heat
transfer
Pressure
p1 W 2 T1 2

V1 V2 S1 = S2
Volume Entropy (S)
(a) p-V diagram (b) T-S diagram

58. Represent the polytropic process on p-V and T-s

diagram.
p2 1 2
n
pV =C
Temperaturre (T)
Pressure

p1 W 2 1 Q

V1 V2 S1 S2
Volume Entropy (S)
(a) p-V diagram (b) T-S diagram

59. Write the expression for work done during polytropic

process.
p .V  p2 .V2 m. R.(T1  T2 )
W 1 1 
n 1 n 1
60. What is throttling process.
When a gas or vapour expands and flows through a small
passage, the process is called throttling. During throttling
process, W  0 ; Q  0 ; U  0 .
61. Write the expression for polytropic index.
p 
log 10  2 
Polytropic index, n   p1 
V 
log 10  1 
 V2 
62. Write the expression for polytropic specific heat.
   n
Polytropic specific heat, Cn  Cv  
 n 1

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STEADY FLOW ENERGY EQUATION

63. What is steady flow system? Give examples.

 In a steady flow system, the rates of flow of mass and
energy across the control surface are constant.
 Example: The flow system in boiler, steam condenser,
steam nozzles and air compressors are examples of steady
flow system.
64. Write the general steady flow energy equation.
 C2   C2 
m g. Z1  1  h1  Q  m g. Z2  2  h2  W 
 2   2 
65. List out the applications of steady flow energy
equation.
a) Steam generators ( Boilers) b) Steam condensers
c) Steam nozzles d) Air compressors
e) Steam or gas turbines f) Air heaters, etc.
66. Mention the steady flow energy equation for boiler
and steam condenser.
Boiler  Heat transfer, Q  h2  h1 J/kg.
Steam condenser.  Heat transfer, Q  h2  h1 J/kg.
67. Write the steady flow energy equation for nozzle.
C1 2 C2
 h1  2  h2
2 2
where, C1 – Velocity at entry, C2 – Velocity at exit
h1 – Enthalpy at entry, h2 – Enthalpy of exit
68. Write the expression for final velocity of steam in
steam nozzle.
  1

 p  
Final velocity, C2  2  C p  T1  1   2
   C1
2
  p1  
 
69. Give the steady flow energy equation for rotary
compressor and reciprocating compressor.
Rotary compressor  Work input, W  h1  h2
Reciprocating compressor  Work input, W  Q  (h1  h2 )

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70. What is non-flow energy equation.
In a closed system, there is no mass transfer across the
boundary. Hence the flow energy, kinetic energy and
potential energies are neglected. Therefore for a closed
system, the energy equation is written as,
Q  W  u
It is known as non-flow energy equation.

Unit – II
THERMODYNAMIC AIR CYCLES
1. What is air cycles and air standard efficiency?
 The air in an engine cylinder may be subjected to series of
operations which cause the air to return to its original
state. This is called as air cycle.
 The thermal efficiency obtained using air as working fluid
is known as air standard efficiency.
2. Define thermal efficiency.
Thermal efficiency,
Output Heat supplied  Heat rejected
  Work done 
Input Heat supplied Heat supplied
3. Define relative efficiency.
Relative efficiency (or) Efficiency ratio,
Indicated thermal efficiency (or)
Actual thermal efficiency
rel 
Theoretica l (Ideal) theraml efficiency (or)
Air standard efficiency
4. What are reversible and irreversible processes?
 A thermodynamic process is said to be reversible, if the
system and surroundings are completely restored back to
their initial state when the process reversed.
 When the system and surroundings are not completely
restored by reversing the process, then the process is
known as irreversible process.

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5. List out the conditions for irreversibility.

 There should be no loss of energy during the cycle of
operation
 There should not be any free expansion process or
throttling process.
 The pressure and temperature of the working substance
should be same as that of the surroundings.
 The working substance must be a good conductor of heat.
6. List out important thermodynamic cycles.
1) Carnot cycle [constant temperature cycle]
2) Otto cycle [constant volume cycle]
3) Diesel cycle
4) Joule or Brayton cycle [constant pressure cycle]
5) Dual combustion cycle
6) Rankine cycle
7) Stirling cycle
8) Ericsson cycle
7. Draw the p-v diagram of Carnot cycle and mention
the processes.

2 Qs Isothermal Isothermal
3 2 3
T2
W Q Adiabatic
p Adiabatic T
1 4
Qr T1 1 4

V S1 = S2 S3=S4
S
(a) p-V diagram (b) T-S diagram
Carnot cycle consists of two isothermal processes and two
isentropic (reversible adiabatic) processes.
8. Write the expression for efficiency of Carnot cycles.
(T2  T1 ) T
carnot  1 1
T2 T2
where, T1  Minimum temperature of the cycle,
T2  Maximum temperature of the cycle
9. Define COP of refrigerator.
T1
COPref  Heat extracted 
Work input T2  T1

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10. Define COP of heat pump.

Heat rejected T2
COPhp  
Work input T2  T1
11. Draw the p-V and T-S diagram of Otto cycle.
3

Qs 3
Adiabatic
S=C
2 C
V=
4
4 2
p
Qr S=C
T C
1 V=
Vc Vs 1

V2=V3 V1=V4 S1 = S2 S3=S4

V S
(a) p-V diagram (b) T-S diagram

Otto cycle consists of two reversible adiabatic (isentropic)

processes and two constant volume processes.
12. Write the expression for efficiency of Otto cycle.
1
otto  1 
r  1
V1 Total cylinder v olume
where, r=compression ratio  
V2 Clearance volume
13. Draw the p-V and T-S diagram for Joule’s cycle.
p2 = p3 2 Qs 3
3
Adiabatic
C
p= S=C

p 2 4
p1 = p4 S=C
T p=C
1 Qr 4 1
S1 = S2 S3=S4
V S
(a) p-V diagram (b) T-S diagram

Joule’s consists of two adiabatic (isentropic) processes and

two constant pressure processes.
14. Write the expression for efficiency of Joule’s cycle.
1 1 1
 joule  1 
 
 1
Rp  (r) 1
Higher Pressure
where, Rp = Pressure ratio 
Lower Pressure

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15. Draw the p-V and T-S diagram of Diesel cycle.

p2 = p3 2 Qs 3

Adiabatic 3
S=C
C
p=
4
4 2
p
Qr S=C
T C
1 V=
Vc Vs 1

V1=V4 S1 = S2 S3=S4
V S
(a) p-V diagram (b) T-S diagram
Diesel cycle consists of two adiabatic processes, one constant
volume process and one constant pressure process.
16. Define cut off ratio.
Cutoff ratio is defined as the ratio of volume at point of
cutoff to the clearance volume.
Cut - off volume
Cutoff ratio,  
Clearance volume
17. Write the expression for efficiency of Diesel cycle.

diesel  1  1    1
 
 .(r) 1    1 
Cut - off volume  V3  V3
where,   Cut off ratio 
Clearance volume Vc V2
18. Draw the actual p-V diagram of Otto cycle.

p e
a b
Vc Vs

19. Define mean effective pressure.

The mean effective pressure of a cycle or heat engine is the
average pressure acting on the piston during the working stroke.
Work done during the cycle
pm 
Stroke volume

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20. Draw the actual p-V diagram of Diesel cycle.

c d

Adiabatic

e
p a b
Vc Vs

V
21. Write the expression for indicated mean effective
pressure and brake mean effective pressure.
Indicated Power
Indicated mean effective pressure, pmi 
n  Vs
Brake power
Brake mean effective pressure, pmb 
n  Vs
where, n = No. of strokes per second, Vs = Stroke volume

FUELS AND COMBUSTION OF FUELS

22. Define fuel. What are the types of fuels?

 A fuel may be defined as a substance which produces a
large amount of heat when burning with oxygen in the
atmospheric air.
 1) Solid fuels 2) Liquid fuels 3) Gaseous fuels
23. Give examples for solid fuels and liquid fuels.
Solid fuels : charcoal, coke, briquetted coal, pulverized coal, etc.
Liquid fuels : gasoline (petrol), paraffin, diesel, oil, etc.
24. What are the advantages of liquid fuels.
1) Higher calorific value
2) Lower storage space required
3) Better control of consumption by using valves
4) Better cleanliness and freedom from dust
5) Easy handling and transportation
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25. List out the advantages of gaseous fuels.

1) The gaseous fuels undergo complete combustion with
minimum air supply.
2) They do not produce ash or smoke.
3) They are free from solid and liquid impurities.
4) The high temperature can be obtained at a moderate cost.
5) The supply of gaseous fuel can be accurately controlled.
26. What are the requirements of a good fuel?
A good fuel should
1) have high calorific value
2) have a low ignition temperature
3) not produce any harmful gases.
4) burn freely with high efficiency, once it is ignited.
5) produce less smoke and gases
6) be economical
7) be easily stored and transported
27. What are the stages of combustion in SI engines.
1) Ignition lag stage
2) Flame propagation stage
3) After burning stage
28. What is ignition lag?
There is a certain time interval between instant of spark and
instant of noticeable rise in pressure due to combustion. This
time lag is called ignition lag.
29. What is combustion period?
The time during which propagation of flame takes place is
known combustion period.
30. What is after burning?
Combustion will not stop even after attaining peak pressure
and continue to a greater or less degree throughout the
expansion stroke. This combustion is known as after
burning.
31. List out the factors affecting flame propagation.
1) Mixture strength 2) Compression ratio
3) Load on Engine 4) Turbulence
5) Engine speed 6) Ignition timing

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32. What is auto-ignition and self-ignition temperature?
 A mixture of fuel and air can react spontaneously and
produce heat by chemical reaction in the absence of flame
to initiate the combustion or self-ignition. This type of
self-ignition in the absence of flame is known as auto-
ignition.
 The temperature at which the self-ignition takes place is
known as self-igniting temperature.
33. What is pre-ignition?
Pre-ignition is the ignition of the homogeneous mixture of
charge before the application of spark as it comes in contact
with hot surfaces.
34. What are the effects of pre-ignition?
1) It increase the tendency of denotation in the engine
2) It increases heat transfer to cylinder walls because high
temperature gas remains in contact with for a longer time
3) Pre-ignition in a single cylinder will reduce the speed and
power output
4) Pre-ignition may cause seizer in the multi-cylinder engines.
35. Define detonation or knocking in SI engine.
A very sudden rise of pressure during combustion
accompanied by a metallic hammer like sound is called
detonation or knocking.
36. What are the effects of detonation?
1) Noise and roughness
2) Mechanical damage
3) Carbon deposits
4) Increase in heat transfer
5) Decrease in power output and efficiency
6) Pre-ignition
37. List out the methods of controlling detonation.
1) Increasing engine speed
2) Retarding spark
3) Reducing pressure in the inlet manifold by throttling
4) Injection of water
5) Using high octane fuels
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38. Mention the various factors affecting detonation.
1) Type of fuel 2) Induction pressure
3) Ignition timing 4) Engine speed
5) Mixture strength 6) Compression ratio
7) Combustion chamber design 8) Cylinder cooling
39. Define Octane number.
Octane number is defined as the percentage of iso-octane
by volume in a mixture of iso-octane and n-heptane which
exactly matches the knocking tendency of a given fuel under
same operating conditions.
40. List out the advantages of high octane fuels.
1) The engine can be operated at high compression ratio.
Hence high efficiency can be obtained without detonation.
2) The engine can be supercharged to high output without
detonation.
3) The power and efficiency can be increased by providing
optimum spark advance.
41. What is performance number?
It is a useful measure of detonation tendency. It has been
developed from the concept of knock limited indicated mean
effective pressure (KLIMEP).
Performance number (PN)  KLIMEP of test fuel
KLIMEP of iso - octane
42. Define HUCR.
HUCR (Highest Useful Compression Ratio) is the highest
compression ratio employed at which a fuel can be used in a
specified engine under specified set of operating conditions,
at which detonation first becomes audible with both ignition
and mixture strength adjusted to give highest efficiency.
43. Give examples of anti-knock agents.
Tetraethyl lead, Aniline, Ethyl Iodide, Ethyl alcohol, Xylene,
Toluene, Benzene, etc.
44. Mention the stages of combustion in CI engine.
1) Ignition delay period
2) Period of rapid or uncontrolled combustion
3) Period of controlled combustion
4) Period of after burning
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45. What is delay period or ignition lag.
The delay period or ignition lag is the time between the start
of injection and start of combustion.
46. What are physical delay and chemical delay periods?
 During physical delay, the fuel is atomized, vaporized,
mixed with air and raised to its self-ignition temperature.
 During the chemical delay, reactions start slowly and
then accelerate until inflammation or ignition takes place.
47. List out the factors affecting delay period.
1) Air-fuel ratio 2) Fuel properties
3) Intake temperature 4) Intake pressure
5) Compression ratio 6) Rate of fuel injection
7) Injection timing 8) Presence of residual gases
9) Engine speed 10) Engine load
48. Define diesel knock.
Diesel knock is the violent gas vibration and audible sound
produced by the very rapid rate of pressure rise during the
early part of the uncontrolled phase of combustion.
49. List out the methods of controlling diesel knock.
 Using a fuel with higher Cetane number.
 Controlling the rate of fuel supply.
 Using knock reducing fuel injector
 By using Ignition accelerators
 Increasing swirl
50. Define cetane number.
The cetane number of a fuel is the percentage by volume of
cetane in a mixture of cetane and  -methylnaphthalene that
has same performance in the standard test engine as that of
the fuel.
51. What are the methods of generating air swirl in diesel
engine combustion chamber?
1) Induction swirl
2) Compression swirl
3) Combustion induced swirl

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52. Mention the types of combustion chambers used in CI
engines.
1) Open combustion chamber 2) Turbulent chamber
3) Pre-combustion chamber 4)Energy cell
53. List out the factors to be considered for combustion
chamber design.
1) Amount of heat lost 2) Injection pressure
3) Nozzle design 4) Ease of starting
5) Maintenance 6) Fuel requirement
7) Utilisation of air 8)Low exhaust emission
54. What is proximate analysis?
Proximate analysis is a method used to determine the
percentage of following in the fuel:
(1) Moisture content (2) Volatile matter
(3) Fixed carbon and (4) Ash
55. What it ultimate analysis?
Ultimate analysis is a method used to determine the
percentages of the following in the fuel :
(1) Carbon (2) Hydrogen (3) Oxygen
(4) Sulphur (5) Nitrogen (6) Ash
56. Write the expression of stoichiometric (minimum) air
required for complete combustion of fuel.

mmin  100  8 C  8 H2  S  O2  kg.

23  3 
where, C – Mass of carbon (kg); H2 – Mass of hydrogen (k)g,
O2 – Mass of oxygen (kg); S– Mass of sulphur( kg.)
57. What is excess air?
The theoretical air supplied may not be sufficient for the
complete combustion of the fuel. The amount of air supplied
above the the theoretical air required is known as excess air.
58. Write the expression of minimum volume of air
required for complete combustion of fuel.
Vair  1000.5CO  0.5H2  3CH4  3C2 H4  O2 
21

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59. Differentiate : Volumetric analysis and gravimetric
analysis.
 The analysis of the composition of a mixture of gases
based on volume is known as volumetric analysis. This
gives the percentage by volume of each of the constituents
of a gaseous fuel.
 The analysis of a mixture of gases based on mass or
weight is known as gravimetric analysis. This gives
percentage by mass or weight of each of the constituents
of a gaseous fuel.
60. Define calorific value of fuel.
The calorific value of a fuel is defined as the amount of heat
liberated by the complete combustion of unit quantity (1 kg
in case of solid and liquid fuel, and 1 m 3 in case of gaseous
fuels) of a fuel. It is expressed as kJ/kg for liquid and solid
fuels, and kJ/ m 3 for gaseous fuels.
61. What is Gross or Higher Calorific Value (HCV)?
It is defined as the amount of heat obtained by the complete
combustion of unit mass (or unit volume) of a fuel, when the
products of combustion are cooled down to the temperature
of the air (15 o C ) supplied.
62. Write Dulong’s formula for HCV.
 O 
HCV  33800C  144000 H2  2   9270S kJ/kg
 8 
where, H2  Mass of hydrogen (kg/kg of fuel)
O2  Mass of oxygen (kg/kg of fuel)
63. What is Net or Lower Calorific Value?
Lower calorific value is defined as the amount of heat
obtained by the complete combustion of unit mass (or unit
volume) of a fuel, when the heat absorbed by the product of
combustion is not recovered.
64. Write the expression for LCV of solid and gaseous fuels.
For solid fuels : LCV  HCV (9H2  ms )2466 kJ/kg
where, H2  Mass of hydrogen (kg/kg of fuel)
ms  mass of moisture or steam (kg/kg of fuel)
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m 
For gaseous fuels : LCV  HCV   s 2466 kJ/ m 3
V
 s 
where, ms  amount of steam condensed (kg)
Vs  Volume of gas used at S.T.P ( m 3 )
65. Define water equivalent.
The water equivalent of a substance (or an apparatus) is
defined as the quantity of water which requires the same
amount of heat as the substance to raise its temperature
through 1 o C .
66. What is the use of calorimeters? List out the various
types of calorimeters.
Calorimeters are used to determine the calorific value of
any fuel. The generally used calorimeters are :
1) Bomb calorimeter (for solid and liquid fuels)
2) Junker’s calorimeter (for gaseous fuels)
3) Boy’s calorimeter (for gaseous fuels)
67. What is the use of Orsat apparatus?
The constituents of the flue gases are determined for
checking the combustion efficiency of boilers. Orsat
apparatus is used to carry out the flue gas analysis

Unit – III
AIR COMPRESSORS
1. List out the uses of compressed air.
 To operate pneumatic drills, riveters, road drills, etc.
 Spray painting works
 Starting and supercharging of I.C. engines
 In gas turbine plants, jet engines and air motors
 Operation of lifts, rams, pumps, etc.
 To produce blast of air in blast furnaces
 Air operated brakes
 Sand blasting operation for cleaning of castings
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2. Classify the compressors based on the design.

1. Reciprocating compressors
(a) Single acting compressors
(b) Double acting compressors
2. Rotary compressors
(a) Steady flow compressors
(b) Displacement compressors
3. Give examples for rotary compressors.
Centrifugal compressor, axial flow compressors, roots
blower, vane blower, screw compressors, etc.
4. Mention the methods of compressing air.
(a) Isentropic or adiabatic compression
(b) Polytropic compression
(c) Isothermal compression
5. Write down the expression for work done by a
compressor in polytropic compression.
 n1 
n  p2  n
W p1 .V1 .   1

n 1  p1  
 
6. Write down the expression for work done by a
compressor in isothermal compression.
p  p 
W  p1 .V1 .ln 2   m.R.T1 .ln 2 
p
 1  p1 
7. Define isothermal efficiency of compressor.
Isothermal efficiency is defined as the ratio of isothermal
work input to the actual work input.
p
ln 2 
Isothermal work input  p1 
iso  
Actual work input  n1 
n . p2  n 1

n 1  p1 

 
8. Define adiabatic efficiency.
Adiabatic efficiency is defined as the ratio of adiabatic work
input to actual work input.

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  1

 p2 
.

1
  1  p1  
Adiabatic work input  
adi  
Actual work input  n1 
n . p2  n
1
n 1  
p1  
 
9. Define mechanical efficiency and overall efficiency.
Indicated power of compressor
Mechanical efficiency, m 
Power input (BP of prime mover)
Air power supplied
Overall efficiency o 
Power supplied by the prime mover
10. Define mean effective pressure.
Mean effective pressure,
Area of indicator diagram
pm   Spring scale
Length of indicator diagram
11. Write the expression for indicated power.
Indicated power, IP  pm .l.a. N.k
where, pm  Mean effective pressure; l  Stroke of piston
a  Area of cross section of cylinder;
N  Speed of crank; k  No. of cylinders
12. Define clearance volume.
When the piston reaches top dead centre (TDC) in the cylinder,
there is a space between the piston top and the cylinder head.
This space is known as clearance space and the volume
occupied by this space is known as clearance volume.
13. What are the effects of clearance volume?
 The suction volume is reduced
 Mass of air is reduced
 Heavy compression is required, if clearance volume is
increased.
 The mechanical losses increase
14. Define volumetric efficiency. Give its expression.
vol  Effective suction volume
Stroke (Swept) volume
1
1  p n
vol 1  C  C( Rp ) n 1  C  C 2 
 p1 
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15. What is clearance ratio and pressure ratio?
Clearance volume
Clearance ratio, C 
Swept volume
Delivery pressure
Pressure ratio, Rp 
Suction pressure
16. What are the advantages of multi-stage air compressors.
 The work done per kg of air is reduced.
 It improves the volumetric efficiency.
 The leakage loss is considerably reduced.
 It gives more uniform torque.
 Smaller size flywheel is required.
 It provides effective lubrication.
 It reduces the cost of compressor.
17. Define perfect intercooling.
When the temperature of the air leaving the intercooler is
equal to the original atmospheric air temperature, then the
intercooling is known as complete or perfect intercooling.
18. Write down the condition for maximum efficiency in
multistage compressor with perfect intercooling
Intermediate pressure, p2  p1.p3
19. Write down the ratio of cylinder diameters for
minimum work input and same stroke for a
multistage compressor.
d1 p2
Ratio of cylinder diameters, 
d2 p1
20. Differentiate between positive displacement and
dynamic compressors.
 In positive displacement compressors, the air is trapped
in between two sets of engaging surfaces. The pressure
rise is obtained by the back flow of air or by squeezing
action.
 In dynamic compressors, there is a continuous steady
flow of air. The energy is transferred from the rotor of the
compressor to the air. The pressure rise is primarily due
to dynamic effects.
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GAS TURBINES

21. Classify gas turbines according to path of working

substance.
a) Closed cycle gas turbine
b) Open cycle gas turbine
c) Semiclosed cycle gas turbine
22. List out the advantages of open cycle gas turbine.
 It is simple in construction
 It is best suitable for aircrafts due to the less weight.
 It occupies less space.
 Coolant is not required.
 The combustion efficiency is better.
 The initial cost is less.
23. Lis out the advantages of closed cycle gas turbine.
 Any type of fuel can be used.
 No need for internal cleaning.
 The power output of the system is more.
 The thermal efficiency is high.
 Low thermal stresses are induced.
24. State the methods of improvement of thermal
efficiency of open cycle gas turbine plant.
1) Intercooling 2) Reheating 3) Regenerating
25. State the effects of intercooling in gas turbines.
1) Specific volume of air is reduced.
2) Net work output is increased.
3) Increased heat supply reduces thermal efficiency.
4) More amount of water is required.
26. State the effects of reheating in gas turbines.
 Turbine output is increased for the same expansion ratio
than a single stage turbine without reheater.
 Increased heat supply reduces thermal efficiency.

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27. What are the advantages of using regenerators in gas
turbines.
(a) It improves fuel economy. The quantity of fuel required
per unit mass of air is less.
(b) It increases the thermal efficiency.
28. State the principle of jet propulsion.
The principle of jet propulsion involves imparting
momentum to a mass of fluid in such a manner that the
reaction of imparted momentum provides a propulsive force.
29. Classify the propulsion systems.
1. Air stream jet engines
i) Turbo-jet ii) Turbo-prop iii) Ram jet

2. Self contained rocket engines

i) Liquid propellant ii) Solid propellant
30. What is the difference between jet engines and rocket
engines.
 In air stream jet engines, the oxygen necessary for the
combustion is taken from the surrounding atmosphere.
 In rocket engines, the fuel and oxidiser are contained in
the body of the unit which is to be propelled.
31. List out the components in turbo-jet engine.
1) Diffuser 2) Axial flow rotary compressor
3) Combustion chamber 4) Gas turbine 5) Nozzle.
32. Mention the advantages of turbo-jet engines.
1) Simple in construction
2) Maintenance cost is less.
3) It runs smoothly without vibration.
4) It can be operated at higher speeds.
5) Low grade fuel can also be used.
33. List out the disadvantages of turbo-jet engines.
1) The cost of materials is high.
2) Life of the unit comparatively shorter.
3) It produces more noise.
4) Poor starting characteristics.
5) The fuel consumption is high.
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34. List out the advantages of turbo-prop engines.
1) Low specific weight and less frontal area.
2) Simple in construction
3) High power for takeoff and climb of the propeller.
4) High propulsive efficiency below 800 km/hr.
5) Lesser vibration and noise.
6) Easy maintenance.
35. What are the advantages of ram jet?
1) The weight is less compared with turbojet engine.
2) It produces more thrust than a turbojet engine
3) Simple in construction
4) Less moving parts and hence easy maintenance
5) The cost of the unit is low.
6) It can be operated at very high speeds.
36. How rocket engines are classified?
1. According to the type of propellant
i) Solid propellant rocket ii) Liquid propellant rocket
2. According to the number of motors
i) Single stage rocket ii) Multi-stage rocket
37. What are the two types of solid propellant rockets.
 Restricted burring type rocket : In this type, the propellant
is burnt only at the end surface and the burning of
propellant takes place progressively to the other end.
 Unrestricted burning type rocket : In this type, propellant
is burnt freely on all surfaces at the same time.
38. What are the limitations of solid propellant rockets?
1) Larger size of combustion chamber is required.
2) The thrust duration is short.
3) Control of engine is not possible.
4) It is difficult for cooling the engine.
39. What is bi-propellant?
A rocket propellant consisting of two substances is known
as bi-propellant or di-propellant. The commonly used
substances are the fuel and an oxidiser.

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40. Give1 examples of liquid fuels and oxidisers use in rockets.
 Liquid fuels: Liquid hydrogen, kerosene, alcohol,
hydrazine and its derivatives.
 Oxidisers: Liquid oxygen, liquid fluorine, nitric acid,
nitrogen tetroxide, etc.
41. State the requirements of a good rocket fuel.
 High calorific value
 Ease of handling and storage
 Reliable smooth ignition
 Low toxicity and corrosiveness
 High density
42. List out the applications of rockets.
1) Military operations
2) Jet assisted take-off (JATO)
3) Science and research works
4) Launching satellites
5) Launching spaceships
6) Rescue operations
7) Signaling
8) Sports and entertainment
43. list out the disadvantages of gas turbine.
1) The thermal efficiency of a gas turbine is low.
2) The fuel control is comparatively difficult.
3) It requires a speed reduction device.
4) The gas turbine blades need a special cooling system.
5) The manufacture of turbine blade is difficult and costly.
6) The exhaust gas produced from the gas turbine is more.
7) The life of the combustion chamber and blades is short.
44. List out the applications of gas turbines.
1) Air crafts
2) Power generation
3) Oil and gas industry
4) Marine propulsion
5) Thermal process industries
6) Gas compression and processing

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Unit – IV
FORMATION AND PROPERTIES OF STEAM
1. What is steam?
Steam is a vapour produced by the evaporation of water
when water is heated in a container.
2. Mention the various stages in the formation of steam.
1) Solid stage 2) Melting stage 3) Liquid stage
4) Vapourising stage 5) Superheating stage
3. What is saturation temperature?
The temperature at which the water begins to boil during
heat addition is known as saturation temperature or
generation temperature. At the atmospheric pressure, the
saturation temperature of water is 100oC.
4. Define enthalpy of water?
It is also called as sensible heat of water or liquid enthalpy.
Enthalpy of water is defined as the amount of heat required
to raise the temperature of unit mass of water from 0 oC to
saturation temperature ( t s ) under constant pressure.
5. What is latent heat of water or enthalpy of
evaporation.
Latent heat of water or enthalpy of evaporation is defined
as the amount of heat required to completely convert 1 kg of
water at saturation temperature into dry steam.
6. State the conditions of steam.
a) Wet steam : If the steam contains moisture or suspended
water particles, then it is called as wet steam.
b) Dry saturated steam : When the wet steam is further
heated, a stage will be reached when all the water
particles are converted into steam. This is called dry
steam or dry saturated steam.
c) Superheated steam : When heat is added to dry saturated
steam at constant pressure, the temperature rises above
saturation temperature. The steam thus obtained is
called superheated steam.

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7. Define superheat enthalpy and degree of superheat.

 The heat supplied to the superheated steam above the
saturation temperature is known as heat of superheat or
superheat enthalpy.
 The difference between the temperature of superheated
steam ( tsup ) and saturation temperature of dry steam ( t s ) is
called as degree of superheat.
8. State the advantages of superheated steam.
1) Thermal efficiency is increased due to the high
temperature of super heated steam.
2) More work can be obtained by using super heated steam
as it contains more heat energy.
3) A heat loss due to condensation of steam on cylinder
walls is reduced.
4) Erosion and corrosion of turbine blade is eliminated
while using super heated steam.
5) The plant capacity is increased.
9. Define dryness fraction.
The dryness fraction of steam is defined as the ratio of mass
of dry saturated steam to the total mass of wet steam
containing it. It is represented by ‘ x ’.
Mass of dry steam
Dryness fraction , x 
Total mass of wet steam
10. Define wetness fraction.
Wetness fraction is defined as the ratio of mass of water
particles to the total mass of wet steam containing it. It
represented by the letter ‘ y ’.
Mass of water particles
Wetness fraction, y 
Total mass of wet steam
11. Define enthalpy of wet steam.
Enthalpy of wet steam is the amount of heat required to
convert 1 kg of water at 0oC into wet steam at constant
pressure. It is denoted by the symbol ‘ hwet ’.
hwet  hf  ( x . hfg ) kJ/kg

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12. Define enthalpy of dry saturated steam.

Enthalpy of dry saturated steam is the amount of heat
required to convert 1 kg of water at 0oC into dry steam at
constant pressure. It is denoted by the symbol ‘ h g ’.
hg  hf  hfg kJ/kg
13. Define enthalpy of superheated steam.
Enthalpy of superheated steam is the amount of heat required
to convert 1 kg of water at 0oC into superheated steam at
constant pressure. It is denoted by the symbol ‘ hsup ’.
14. Write the formula for enthalpy of superheated steam.
hsup  hg  C ps . (tsup  ts ) kJ/kg
where,
h g = Enthalpy of dry steam (kJ/kg)
C ps = Specific heat of superheated steam (kJ/kgK)
tsup = Temperature of superheated steam (oC)
t s = Saturation temperature (oC)
15. Define critical point.
The critical point is the point at which the water is directly
converted into dry steam without taking latent heat.
16. Define critical temperature and critical pressure.
 The critical temperature is defined as the temperature
above which a substance cannot exist as a liquid.
 The critical pressure is define as the pressure above
which a substance cannot exist in liquid state when it is
at critical temperature.
17. Write the critical conditions of water.
1. Freezing temperature of water
at atmospheric pressure = 0oC = 273.15 K
2. Boiling temperature of water
at atmospheric pressure = 100oC = 373.15 K
3. Critical temperature of water = 373.946 oC = 647.1096 K
4. Critical pressure of water = 220.64 bar

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18. State the changes in volume and temperature of

water during steam formation.
 During melting stage and vapourising stage, the
temperature remains constant. The temperature
increases during solid stage and superheating stage.
 The volume increases during solid stage, liquid stage,
vapourising stage and superheating stage. The volume
decreases during melting stage.
19. Draw the phase diagram for water.

Solid -
liquid line

Solid Liquid
Pressure, p (bar)

p1 1 2 Vapour

pt Liquid -
3 Vapour line
p4 Triple point
4
tt B
Temperature, t (°C)

20. What it triple point? State its condition for water.

Triple point is a point at which a substance exists in three
forms such as solid, liquid and vapour.
For water :
 Triple point pressure, pt  4.58 mm of Hg (611.2 Pa)
 Triple point temperature , tt  0.1oC (273.16 K)
21. Define specific volume of water.
Specific volume of water is defined as the volume of unit
mass of water at the given pressure and temperature. It is
denoted by the symbol ‘ v f ’ and is expressed in m3/kg.

22. Define specific volume of steam.

Specific volume of steam is defined as the volume occupied
by unit mass of steam at the given pressure and temperature.
It is expressed in m3/kg.

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23. Write the formula to determine the specific volume of

superheated steam.
Tsup
vsup   vg
Ts
where,
v g = Specific volume of dry steam (m3/kg)
Ts = Saturation temperature (K)
Tsup = Temperature of superheated steam (K)

24. Define density of steam.

Density of steam is defined as the mass of unit volume of the
steam at the given pressure and temperature. It is the
reciprocal of specific volume. It is denoted by the symbol ‘  ’
and is expressed in kg/m3.
25. What do you mean by external work of evaporation?
The heat supplied during evaporation increases volume of
steam by overcoming the external resistance. i.e. work is
done externally. This work is called external work done or
external work of evaporation.
26. What is internal energy of steam?
Internal energy of steam is define as the heat energy
actually stored in steam (wet, dry or superheated) above the
freezing point of water.
27. Write down the formula for entropy of superheated
steam.
 Entropy of superheated steam,
 Tsup 
ssup  s g C ps . ln  kJ/kgK
 Ts 
28. What are steam tables?
The value of the properties of steam are determined
experimentally at different pressures. These values are
entered in a tabular form known as steam tables. These are
available either on pressure basis or temperature basis.

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29. State the uses of Mollier charts.

Mollier chart is the graphical representation of the values
in steam tables. In this diagram, X-axis represents the
entropy in kJ/kgK and Y-axis represents enthalpy in kJ/kg.
Mollier chart is commonly used to directly find out the
values of enthalpy and entropy for specified temperature
and pressure of the steam.

EXPANSION OF STEAM

30. List out the methods of heating and expanding the steam.
1) Constant volume process (v = C)
2) Constant pressure process (p = C)
3) Constant temperature (isothermal) process (t = C)
4) Hyperbolic process ( p.v C )
5) Reversible adiabatic (Isentropic) process ( s1  s2 )
6) Polytrophic process ( p.vn  C )
7) Throttling process ( h1  h2 )
31. Show the constant volume heating of steam in p-v and
T-s diagram.

2 2

1
p

1 Q

v s
32. Write down the expression for work done during
hyperbolic expansion of steam.
v
W  100. p1 . v1 . ln 2  kJ/kg
 v1 
33. Write down the expression for heat transfer during
polytropic expansion of steam.

Q  (h2  h1 )   n 100( p1 .v1  p2 .v2 )

 n 1 

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34. Mention the process in which the entropy remains
constant. Show that process in p-v and h-s diagram.
Isentropic (reversible adiabatic) expansion ( s1  s2 )
p1
p1
p2 p2
1
1

2
2
p

h
v s
35. What is throttling process? State its effects.
When steam is allowed to flow through a small opening, the
processing is called throttling. During this process :
(1) Pressure is reduced ( p2  p1 )
(2) No work is done ( W  0 )
(3) No heat transfer ( Q  0 )
(4) Enthalpy remains constant ( h1  h2 )
36. What is the use of calorimeter? State its types.
Calorimeters are use to determine the dryness fraction of
steam. The types are :
1) Bucket calorimeter
2) Separating calorimeter
3) Throttling calorimeter
4) Combined separating and throttling calorimeter

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Unit – V
STEAM BOILERS

1. Mention the difference between fire tube boilers and

water tube boilers.
 In fire tube boilers, the hot flue gases pass through the
tubes which are surrounded by water.
 In water tube boilers, water is circulated through number of
tubes and the hot flue gases flow over these tubes.
2. Give examples for fire tube boilers and water tube
boilers.
 Fire tube boilers: Lancashire boiler, Cornish boiler,
Locomotive boiler, etc.

 Water tube boilers: Babcock & Wilcox boiler, Stirling

boiler, LaMont boiler, etc.
3. Give examples for low pressure and high pressure
boilers.
 Low pressure boilers: Cochran boiler, Cornish boiler,
Locomotive boiler, etc.
 High pressure boilers: Velox boiler, LaMont boiler,
Benson boiler, BHEL boiler, etc.
4. What are the main features of high pressure boilers?
1) Positive circulation of water
2) Parallel system of tubing
3) Improved method of heating
4) Less floor space
5) Economical
5. List out the important parts in LaMont boiler.
1. Feed pump 2. Circulating pump
3. Steam separating drum 4. Radiant evaporator
5. Convection evaporation 6. Superheater
7. Economiser 8. Air pre-heater
9. Blower

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6. List out the important parts in BHEL boiler.

1. Boiler drum 7. Pulveriser
2. Feed water line 8. Furnace
3. Main steam line 9. Electrostatic precipitator
4. Radiant super heater 10. Forced draught fan
5. Convective super heater 11. Induced draught fan
6. Air preheater 12. Chimney
7. List out the advantages of high pressure boilers.
1. Efficiency of the power plant is increased.
2. Scale formation is eliminated.
3. The weight of the boiler is les.
4. It occupies less floor space.
6. More freedom in the arrangement components.
7. Bubble formation is avoided.
8. Uniform heating of all the parts.
9. High rate of steam formation.
10. Can be quickly started from cold condition.
8. What is meant by boiler mounting?
The fittings and devices necessary for the safety of the boiler
and for complete control of the process of steam generation
are called boiler mounting.
9. List out the important boiler mountings.
1. Two safety valves 5. Steam stop valve
2. Two water level indicators 6. Feed check valve
3. Fusible plug 7. Blow off cock
4. Pressure gauge
10. What is the function of safety valve?
The safety valve allows the steam to escape when the
pressure of steam inside the boiler exceeds the working
pressure. Thus safety valve is used to maintain a constant
safe pressure inside the boiler.
11. What are the types of safety valves commonly used?
1. Lever safety valve
2. Dead weight safety valve
3. Spring loaded safety valve
4. High steam and low water safety valve
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12. State the functions of fusible plug.

The fusible plug extinguishes the fire in the boiler furnace,
when the water level in the boiler shell falls below the safe
limit. Thus it prevents the explosion of the boiler due to over
heating of the furnace plate.
13. What are the functions of steam stop valve?
1) To control the flow of steam from the boiler to the main
steam pipe
2) To completely shut off the steam when required.
14. State the functions of feed check valve.
1) To allow the feed water to enter into the boiler
2) To prevent the escaping of water from the boiler when the
feed pump is stopped or failed to work
15. What are the functions of blow-off cock?
1) To empty the boiler for cleaning and inspection
2) To remove the mud and sediments collected at the bottom
of the boiler
3) To decrease the level of water when the water level
becomes too high
16. What are boiler accessories?
The components provided to increase the efficiency of the
boiler plant and to help in proper working of the boiler unit
are known as boiler accessories.
17. List out the important boiler accessories.
1. Economizer 5. Feed pump
2. Air preheater 6. Steam separator
3. Super heater 7. Steam trap, etc.
4. Injector
18. What is the function of economizer? Where it is placed?
 The function of an economizer is to preheat the feed water
by the hot flue gases coming out from the furnace.
 The economizer is placed in the path of flue gases in
between the boiler and the air preheater.
19. What are the advantages of economizer?
1. The fuel consumption for heating is reduced.
2. The heat of flue gases is effectively utilized.
3. The thermal efficiency of the plant is increased.

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20. What is the function of air preheater? Where it is

installed in boiler?
 The function of air preheater is to preheat the air
supplied to the furnace with the help of hot flue gases
coming out from the furnace.
 Air preheater is installed between the economizer and the
chimney.
21. Mention the advantages of air preheater.
1. The evaporative capacity of fuel is increased.
2. Combustion is accelerated with less soot, smoke and ash.
3. It enables a low grade fuel to be burnt with less excess air.
4. Boiler efficiency is increased.
22. Write down the functions of superheater? Mention its
location in boiler.
 The function of a super heater is to super heat the steam
generated by the boiler and increases the temperature of
the steam above saturation temperature at constant
pressure.
 Super heaters are placed in the path of hot flue gases
from the furnace.
23. State the function of injectors and feed pump.
 The function of the injector is to lift and force the feed
water into the boiler drum.
 The function of the feed pump is to deliver the feed water
into the boiler drum.
24. What is the function of steam separator? Whet it is
placed in boiler?
 The function of steam separator is to separate water
particles from steam before it is supplied to a steam
engine or turbine. Thus, it prevents the turbine blades
from damaging due to moisture present in steam.

 Steam separator is placed in the main steam supply line

near the turbine or engine.

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25. Mention the function of steam trap? Where is is

located in boiler plant?
 The function of the steam trap is to remove the condensed
water, without allowing the steam to escape out.
 Steam trap are located on the steam main pipes, header, etc.
26. List out the impurities present in natural water.
 Undissolved and suspended materials such as mud,
sediment sand, sodium and potassium salts, iron,
manganese, silica, etc.
 Dissolved salts and minerals such as calcium and
magnesium salts in the form of chlorides, bicarbonates
and sulphates.
 Dissolved gases such as oxygen, carbon di-oxide, etc.
 Other materials such as mineral acid, oil, etc.
27. What are the effects of impurities?
 Scale formation
 Corrosion
 Foaming - formation of small and stable bubbles.
 Priming - the escape of more water particles with steam
 Carry over - the escape of water particles in the form of mist
 Caustic embrittlement
28. What is the difference between internal and external
treatment of boiler feed water?
 If impurities are removed by treating the water in the
boiler itself during evaporation, it is known as internal
treatment.
 If of impurities present in water are removed before it is
supplied to the boiler, it is known as external treatment.
29. What are the common internal treatments given to
boiler feed water?
(a) Sodium carbonate treatment (b) Phosphate treatment
(c) Colloidal treatment (d) Blow down
30. Mention the common external treatments given to
boiler feed water?
(a) Sedimentation (b) Coagulation
(c) Filtration (d) Thermal treatment
(e) Chemical treatment (f) Demineralisation

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PERFORMANCE OF BOILERS
31. Define actual evaporation.
Actual evaporation is defined as the quantity of water
evaporated (or quantity of steam generated) per kg of fuel used.
Water evaporated/hr (or) Steam generated/hr
ma 
Fuel used/hr
32. Define evaporation per grate area.
The evaporation per grate area is defines as the ratio of
mass of water evaporated (or mass of steam generated) per
hour to the total grate area. It is denoted as m ga .
Mass of water evaporated/hr
mga 
Grate area
33. Define factor of evaporation or generation factor.
Factor of evaporation is defined as the ratio of heat required
to product 1 kg of steam at the working pressure to the heat
required to produce 1 kg of steam at standard condition.
h  hw
Factor of evaporation, F 
2257
34. Define equivalent evaporation.
Equivalent evaporation is defined as the evaporation which
would be obtained by supplying the feed water at 100 oC and
converting it into dry saturated steam at the same 100 oC
under the standard atmospheric pressure of 1.01325 bar.
m (h  hw )
Equivalent evaporation, me  a
2257
35. Define boiler efficiency.
Boiler efficiency is defined as the ratio of heat energy used
in steam formation to the heat energy supplied by burning
of fuel in the same period.
m (h  hw )
b  a  100
CV
36. What is boiler power?
The boiler power is the evaporation of 15.653 kg of water
per hour from and at 100oC.
mw (h  hw ) m (h  hw )
BP   w
15.6532257 35328

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37. Define economiser efficiency.

Economiser efficiency is defined as the ratio of heat utilised
in the economiser for heating the feed water to the heat
energy available in flue gases entering economiser.
38. What is effectiveness of superheater?
The effectiveness of superheater or the efficiency of
superheater is defined as the ratio of heat absorbed by
steam in superheater to the heat supplied in the flue gases
in the same period. This is also known as conducting
capacity.
39. What are purposes of boiler trial?
1) To test the efficiency of the boiler working at a certain
pressure and
2) To prepare the heat balance sheet.
40. List out the various heat losses in boiler.
1) Heat carried away by flue gases, Q g
2) Heat lost due to moisture present in fuel, Qm
3) Heat lost due to unburnt coal falling through grate bars, Qu
4) Heat lost due to incomplete combustion, Qic
5) Heat lost due to radiation, Qr
6) Heat carried away by excess air, Qa
7) Heat lost due to hydrogen present in fuel, Qh
41. What are accounted and unaccounted heat losses?
 The heat losses which can be determined by the
observations made during the trial are known as
accounted heat losses.
 The heat losses which cannot be determined accurately
are known as unaccounted heat losses.

 

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