Advanced Boiler (BA) study plan

Map the boiler pressure-parts envelope and heat-absorption path from furnace to superheater, labeling each component's function on a hand-drawn one-page diagram

Compute steam enthalpy, sensible heat, and latent heat for three pressure cases using steam tables without reference notes

Derive combustion air requirements and flue-gas composition for natural gas and No. 2 oil from ultimate analysis

Explain the roles of drum internals, waterwalls, economizer, and air preheater in the overall energy balance

Identify the three T's of combustion and describe how each is controlled in a packaged industrial boiler

Calculate boiler efficiency by both input-output and heat-loss methods and reconcile the two results

Analyze the effect of excess air on efficiency, stack temperature, and CO formation

Describe fuel oil atomization, gas train components, and burner management sequence up to pilot light-off

Solve thermal-expansion and stress problems for a drum or tube under steady-state operation

Compare firetube and watertube designs on response rate, water volume, and pressure limits

Write the cold-start sequence for a watertube boiler from pre-purge through main flame and pressure stabilization

Explain drum level dynamics including swell, shrink, and false indication during startup and load change

Describe feedwater treatment goals for oxygen, hardness, silica, and conductivity control

Justify bottom blowdown and surface blowdown practices and their effect on chemistry limits

Identify the causes and consequences of carryover and priming

Diagnose five abnormal operating scenarios such as low water, high water, flame failure, and tube leak and state the correct operator response

Explain deaerator operation and the chemistry basis for oxygen scavenging

Describe the shutdown sequence including cooldown limits and layup methods for wet and dry storage

Interpret a water-analysis report and recommend corrective chemical action

Trace the feedwater and condensate path and identify each sample point

Explain centrifugal pump cavitation, NPSH, and affinity laws with worked numerical examples

Compare fan curves with system resistance curves and describe how dampers and VFDs shift the operating point

Identify the function of each instrument loop on a boiler: level, pressure, temperature, flow, and O2 trim

Describe the purpose of low-water cutoff, high-pressure limit, flame scanner, and safety valve in the safeguard chain

Explain how interlocks enforce purge, trial-for-ignition, and post-purge timing

Trace a burner management system sequence and identify every permissive and interlock in the path

Describe the difference between a safety interlock and an operating control and give examples of each

Plan a hydrostatic test and explain the test-pressure basis and acceptance criteria

Describe nondestructive examination methods used on boiler tubes and shells and what each detects

Outline a preventive maintenance schedule for safety valves, gauges, and low-water cutoffs

Identify the scope of ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section I and Section IV and how each applies to a given unit

Explain jurisdictional inspection intervals, certificate of inspection, and operator certification requirements in general terms

Distinguish code requirements from manufacturer recommendations and from good engineering practice

Describe recordkeeping obligations for repairs, alterations, and inspections

Prepare a compliance checklist for a routine annual inspection

Explain emergency procedures for low-water condition, overpressure, furnace explosion, and fuel-oil leak

Describe environmental controls for NOx, SOx, and particulate including low-NOx burners and flue-gas recirculation

Integrate design, operations, and safety knowledge by explaining why a low-water cutoff must be tested under actual load conditions

Complete timed practice sets across all nine domains and review every missed item to root cause

Build a personal weak-topic list with a remediation plan for each entry