First Class Steam License Practice Test

Separators operate on the principle of changing the direction of the steam flow. This method effectively utilizes centrifugal force or gravitational separation to remove moisture and impurities from steam. When steam changes direction, the heavier liquid droplets are forced to the outer walls of the separator, allowing the dryer steam to rise toward the center and exit the separator clean and free of water.

Reducing the temperature of the steam, increasing steam pressure, or filtering steam through a mesh are methods that do not directly apply to the fundamental operation of a separator. While temperature and pressure management are important in steam systems, the primary function of a separator is the mechanical separation of steam from water, achieved through the manipulation of flow direction. Thus, the operation of separators relies on this change in flow direction to ensure effective separation and maintain the quality of the steam used in various applications.