Arkansas Boiler Operator Practice Exam

What device is used to check the accuracy of the glass gauge in a boiler?

1. Pressure relief valve

2. Safety valve

3. Gauge cocks

4. Cylinder gauge

The correct answer is: Gauge cocks

The glass gauge, often referred to as a gauge glass, is a crucial component in a boiler system, used to visually indicate the water level inside the boiler. To ensure that the readings provided by the glass gauge are accurate, gauge cocks are employed. Gauge cocks are small valves located near the glass gauge that allow operators to see if the water level corresponds with the glass gauge itself. By opening the gauge cocks, operators can align the water level reading in the glass with the actual water level within the boiler. This procedure helps verify that the glass gauge is functioning properly and providing an accurate reading. If the water appears in both the gauge and the opened gauge cock, it confirms that the gauge is working as intended. Using gauge cocks is an essential practice to maintain the integrity and safety of the boiler operation, ensuring that operators have reliable information to prevent situations such as low water levels, which can lead to dangerous conditions. The other devices mentioned, although important in their own right, do not serve the purpose of checking the accuracy of the glass gauge specifically.