How should a feedwater regulator respond to a sudden drop in steam demand?

• A. It maintains the same flow
• B. It reduces feedwater flow to prevent boiler water level from rising excessively
• C. It vents steam
• D. It increases feedwater flow

Answer: (B)

When steam demand falls suddenly, the boiler isn’t producing as much steam, so the water level tends to rise if feedwater keeps coming in at the same rate. The feedwater regulator’s job is to keep the water level within a safe range, so it responds by reducing the feedwater flow. This lowers the amount of water entering the boiler to match the reduced steam output, preventing the water level from rising excessively and avoiding problems like carryover or high-water conditions. Vented steam isn’t a relief for the level issue, and increasing feedwater would push the level higher, not lower.