Power Eng 3rd Class study plan

Explain the four phases of the steam cycle and compute enthalpy changes across each using steam tables

Distinguish the three modes of heat transfer and calculate conduction and convection rates for a simple boiler wall

Identify the major boiler types (fire-tube, water-tube, packaged, waste-heat) and state one operating characteristic of each

Describe the combustion stoichiometry of a common fuel and compute theoretical vs. excess air from flue gas data

Trace the feedwater-to-steam flow path through a boiler and its auxiliaries and annotate each component's function

Classify the common valve types (gate, globe, check, safety, control) by function and typical application

Explain draft systems (natural, forced, induced, balanced) and identify which boiler configurations use each

Compute boiler efficiency using both the input-output and heat-loss methods and compare the results

Explain how a safety valve is set, tested, and why it must be the final overpressure protection

Describe steam trap types and diagnose a failed-open versus failed-closed trap from symptoms

Differentiate centrifugal, positive-displacement, and reciprocating pump operating principles and select one for a stated duty

Interpret a pump performance curve and locate the operating point against a system curve

Explain cavitation causes and NPSH considerations for a feedwater pump

Identify the required safety devices on a boiler (safety valve, low-water cutoff, flame safeguard, high-limit) and state the protective action of each

Explain how a low-water fuel cutoff is tested and the consequence of a stuck float or probe

Describe the sequence of a flame safeguard/burner management program from pre-purge to main flame

Explain how transmitters, controllers, and final control elements form a feedback loop and define proportional, integral, and derivative action

Compare prime movers (steam turbine, gas turbine, reciprocating engine) by application and efficiency trade-offs

Explain three-phase power relationships (voltage, current, power factor) and compute apparent vs. real power for a motor load

Describe motor starting methods and the purpose of overload and disconnect protection

Distinguish the causes and treatments of scale, corrosion, and carryover in boiler water

Explain the purpose of blowdown, deaeration, and chemical treatment (oxygen scavengers, scale inhibitors, pH control)

Interpret typical boiler water and steam purity limits and the tests used to verify them

Explain the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle and locate each state point on a pressure-enthalpy diagram

Compute refrigeration capacity and coefficient of performance from given enthalpies

Describe the function of the compressor, condenser, expansion device, and evaporator and diagnose one common fault in each

Explain how HVAC air handling, ventilation, and humidity control relate to plant auxiliary systems

Summarize the code and regulatory framework governing boiler construction, inspection, and operation and the role of the authority having jurisdiction

Explain the purpose and frequency of internal and external inspections, hydrostatic tests, and operator certification requirements

Describe a lockout/tagout and confined-space entry procedure for a boiler or pressure-vessel task

Outline a preventive maintenance schedule for a boiler, burner, and feedwater system

Explain how to log operating data and use trends to detect degradation before failure

Complete a timed full-length practice exam under exam conditions and record the score by domain

Review every missed question and write the underlying principle rather than just the correct answer

Re-drill the two weakest domains with targeted calculation practice

Rehearse safety-device and code questions until answered without hesitation