Freshwater Generator Quiz

The ship's main engine is running, and the evaporator system is activated to generate freshwater. After a few hours, you notice no significant water output. Which of the following could be a likely cause?

• The vacuum in the evaporator chamber is too low

• The seawater intake is too high

• The steam supply temperature is too high

• The seawater salinity is too low

During operation, the brine pump fails, and the brine is not being properly removed. What is the most likely immediate consequence?

• The generator will produce more freshwater

• The seawater will start to cool the distillate

• Salinity in the evaporator will increase

• The vacuum pressure will increase dramatically

While monitoring the freshwater generator, you notice that the freshwater produced has a high salinity. What is the likely cause?

• The feedwater temperature is too low

• A leak in the condenser tubes

• The vacuum ejector is operating too efficiently

• The brine ejector is working too well

The steam temperature in the evaporator chamber is lower than expected. What could be the most probable reason?

• The seawater supply is too warm

• The vacuum is too high

• The engine load is low, and there is less available heat

• The brine pump is overperforming

After a maintenance check, the freshwater generator starts producing less freshwater. You suspect fouling in the system. Where would you check first?

• The ejector

• The condenser

• The heat exchanger

• The brine pump

The ship's reverse osmosis (RO) system has been producing less freshwater than usual. What could be the most likely cause?

• The seawater intake is too cold

• The pressure in the membrane chamber is too low

• The salinity of the feedwater is too high

• The vacuum system is not working

During a routine check, you notice that the freshwater generator is producing brackish water. Which of the following should be inspected first?

• The vacuum system

• The ejector

• The condenser

• The evaporator chamber temperature

The output from the freshwater generator is below normal levels. Which factor would you check to determine if it is causing this issue?

• Increase in feedwater pressure

• Reduction in engine waste heat

• Low seawater temperature

• High atmospheric pressure outside

You observe scaling inside the evaporator unit. What operational adjustment could you make to minimize future scaling?

• Reduce the steam supply to the evaporator

• Increase the frequency of cleaning

• Use warmer seawater

• Decrease the pressure in the vacuum chamber

The evaporator temperature has dropped significantly, and the production of freshwater is insufficient. What action should you take to resolve this?

• Increase the flow of seawater to the condenser

• Increase the heat input to the evaporator

• Decrease the vacuum

• Lower the seawater feed rate