Which of the following would you close in the event of a blackout?
A. The cooling water supply to engine coolers
B. The steam supply to fuel oil heaters
C. The engine room exhaust vents
D. The steam supply to tank heating
Answer (2)
In a blackout, the steam supply to fuel oil heaters should be closed to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards. This action ensures the safety and functionality of the engine room systems. Other systems should remain operational where possible to maintain cooling and ventilation.
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In the event of a blackout, you need to prioritize safety and the essential functions of systems to prevent further hazards. Let's go through each of the options mentioned:
Closing the cooling water supply to engine coolers: This is generally not advisable, as engine coolers rely on the cooling water supply to prevent overheating. Without proper cooling, engines may suffer from thermal stress or damage.
Closing the steam supply to fuel oil heaters: Fuel oil heaters use steam to maintain the viscosity of fuel oil for proper combustion. In a blackout, the demand for energy drops significantly. If no engines or boilers require fuel, it may be safe to close the steam supply temporarily to conserve energy and reduce potential risks, but it depends on the specific safety protocols in place.
Closing the engine room exhaust vents: These are crucial for ventilating potentially hazardous fumes and ensuring that the engine room remains safe for personnel. It is usually unwise to close these in a blackout situation, as proper ventilation must be maintained to prevent the accumulation of combustible gases or fumes.
Closing the steam supply to tank heating: Similarly to fuel oil heaters, tank heaters using steam may not be necessary in a blackout if the consumption of fuel or other materials heated by the tank heaters is reduced. However, consideration must be given to whether maintaining a certain temperature is critical to prevent solidification or damage to the stored materials.
In summary, the most appropriate action to take is likely to close the steam supply to fuel oil heaters , as this reduces unnecessary energy use during a period when engines may not be operating at full capacity, while maintaining safety. Safety protocols and operational manuals specific to the facility should always guide such decisions.
