Oilers/Plant Tenders (HHC) Civil Service Practice Exam

Which type of lubricator is fully automatic and delivers positive oil pressure to the main turbine bearings?

1. Hydrostatic lubricator

2. Force-feed lubricator

3. Manual lubricator

4. Mechanical lubricator

The correct answer is: Force-feed lubricator

The choice of a force-feed lubricator is correct because this type of lubricator operates by utilizing a pump to deliver a continuous flow of lubricant under pressure directly to the components that require lubrication, such as the main turbine bearings. The automatic aspect is crucial, as force-feed lubricators often have automatic controls that regulate the amount of lubricant delivered based on specific operational conditions or needs, ensuring that components receive the necessary lubrication consistently without manual intervention. Additionally, the positive oil pressure delivered by a force-feed lubricator is important for maintaining optimal operating conditions. It helps ensure that the lubricating oil reaches critical areas efficiently, thereby reducing the risk of wear, overheating, and potential mechanical failures. This characteristic makes force-feed lubricators particularly suitable for applications involving high-speed machinery such as turbines, where reliable lubrication is vital for performance and longevity. Hydrostatic lubricators are typically used in different contexts and rely on pressure generated by a column of liquid rather than a mechanical pump. Manual lubricators, as the name implies, require operator intervention for lubrication, making them less efficient for continuous operation. Mechanical lubricators may rely on gravity or inertia to deliver lubricant, which may not provide the consistent pressure needed for high-demand applications like turbine bearings. Thus, the capabilities of a force