Arkansas Boiler Operator Practice Exam

Which valve is located between the boiler and the return pump?

1. Safety valve

2. Check valve

3. Relief valve

4. Control valve

The correct answer is: Check valve

The correct choice is the check valve. This valve plays a crucial role in a boiler system by preventing backflow from the boiler to the return pump. In a typical setup, the return pump circulates water back to the boiler after it has been used for heating. A check valve ensures that this return flow moves in the intended direction, especially when the pump is off or if there's a pressure change in the system. This is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and safety of the boiler operation. In contrast, the safety valve is designed to release pressure from the boiler to prevent an explosion, while the relief valve also serves a pressure-relief function but may be found in different locations depending on the system design. The control valve is typically used to regulate the flow of water or steam in the system based on temperature or pressure settings, rather than serving as a backflow prevention mechanism.