If the main feed pump fails, which component ensures feedwater is supplied to the boiler?

If the main feed pump fails, which component ensures feedwater is supplied to the boiler?

• A. Emergency Feed and Feed Transfer Pump
• B. Main condensate pump
• C. Feedwater heater
• D. Boiler drain pump

Answer: (A)

Redundant feedwater supply is what keeps the boiler fed when the main pump fails. The emergency feed and feed transfer pump is designed for this situation. It automatically starts and delivers feedwater into the boiler, drawing water from the condensate return or storage and transferring it into the boiler feed system. This ensures continuous water supply and prevents low-water conditions that could damage the boiler. The main condensate pump moves condensate back toward the deaerator and feedwater heaters, but it does not by itself provide the necessary flow to the boiler if the primary feed pump is out. A feedwater heater preheats water but does not add water, and a boiler drain pump removes water for draining. Therefore, the emergency feed and feed transfer pump ensures feedwater reaches the boiler when the main feed pump fails.

Redundant feedwater supply is what keeps the boiler fed when the main pump fails. The emergency feed and feed transfer pump is designed for this situation. It automatically starts and delivers feedwater into the boiler, drawing water from the condensate return or storage and transferring it into the boiler feed system. This ensures continuous water supply and prevents low-water conditions that could damage the boiler. The main condensate pump moves condensate back toward the deaerator and feedwater heaters, but it does not by itself provide the necessary flow to the boiler if the primary feed pump is out. A feedwater heater preheats water but does not add water, and a boiler drain pump removes water for draining. Therefore, the emergency feed and feed transfer pump ensures feedwater reaches the boiler when the main feed pump fails.