Oilers/Plant Tenders (HHC) Civil Service Practice Exam

What action is required to clean a knife edge strainer during normal operation?

1. Replacing the strainer

2. Rotating the cleaner blades

3. Washing with water

4. Removing debris manually

The correct answer is: Rotating the cleaner blades

The action of rotating the cleaner blades is essential for maintaining the efficiency of a knife edge strainer during normal operation. Knife edge strainers are designed to filter out particles from liquid flowing through them. Over time, debris can accumulate on the strainer's surface, potentially hindering the flow and reducing the strainer's effectiveness. Rotating the cleaner blades allows for the automatic or manual movement of these blades against the debris collected on the strainer. This action helps dislodge and break up the accumulated material, allowing it to be pushed away and preventing blockages without the need for complete strainer removal. This method facilitates continuous operation, as it minimizes downtime that could arise from more invasive cleaning methods. In contrast, other options involve actions either not necessary during normal operation or that would require more significant interventions. For example, replacing the strainer is not typically required during routine maintenance, and washing with water may not adequately address the buildup. Manually removing debris might be effective but can be more labor-intensive and time-consuming than simply rotating the cleaner blades. Therefore, rotating the cleaner blades is a practical and efficient method to keep the strainer functioning effectively during its normal operation.