🔍 Key Concepts

• Steam reciprocating pump operation – how steam acts on the steam side vs. water/air on the liquid side • Steam cushion valves – their purpose in smoothing piston movement and preventing shock loads • Air charge in discharge chambers – how trapped air affects pulsations and noise in reciprocating pumps

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself which option directly affects what happens inside ONE CYLINDER during each stroke, creating a sharp pounding or knocking sound • Think about whether the problem would cause a sudden change in pressure at the end of the stroke (water hammer / shock) rather than a smooth deceleration • Consider which component is specifically designed to soften the end-of-stroke impact of the piston or liquid column

✅ Before You Answer

• Identify whether the noise source is likely on the steam side or the liquid side of the pump • Decide which options (if faulty) would create intermittent impact or hammering in a single cylinder, not just overall low efficiency • Eliminate any options that would mainly cause slow, general performance changes (like reduced capacity or slower operation) rather than a distinct pounding noise