Which statement best describes the effect of high temperature in the open feedwater heater on the feedwater pump?

• A. Oxygen pitting in the boiler
• B. The feedwater pump to become steambound
• C. The boiler drum becomes overloaded
• D. The condenser backpressure increases

Answer: (B)

High temperature in the open feedwater heater can cause the feedwater to flash into steam as it moves toward the pump. That steam in the suction line prevents the pump from fully filling with liquid, so it can’t develop the required flow and head. The pump effectively becomes steambound, moving vapor instead of water, which reduces or stops feedwater delivery to the boiler. The other issues listed don’t directly describe this pump problem: oxygen pitting is a corrosion concern, boiler drum overload relates to boiler load, and condenser backpressure is controlled by the condenser, not the heater temperature.