🔍 Key Concepts

• Function of a deaerating feed tank in a steam plant • Role and operating characteristics of main condensate pump vs main feed pump vs booster and circulating pumps • What kind of pump operation would keep pressure nearly constant even when demand changes

💭 Think About

• Think about which system the deaerating feed tank is part of in the steam cycle and which pump normally discharges directly to it • Consider which pump must work steadily regardless of small changes in steam demand to maintain proper water level and pressure at the deaerator • Ask yourself which pump is most associated with moving relatively cool condensate, and which ones handle high‑pressure feedwater to the boiler

✅ Before You Answer

• Identify which listed pump normally discharges directly into the deaerating feed tank in a typical marine steam plant diagram • Confirm which pump usually operates at a constant speed with only small pressure variations at its discharge • Eliminate pumps whose primary function is high‑pressure boiler feed or seawater circulation rather than supplying the deaerating feed tank