661-LA 661 LOUISIANA (NEW ORLEANS) SECOND CLASS STATIONARY
BOILERS PRACTICE EXAM Complete 200-Question Practice Exam with
Correct Answers & Detailed Rationales 2026 Edition – Based on ASME BPVC
Section I & Louisiana Revised Statutes §33:4814
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EXAM TYPE: 661-LA Second Class Stationary Boiler Operator Certification
REGULATORY AUTHORITY: City of New Orleans Board of Examiners of Steam Boilers (pursuant to
LA R.S. 33:4814)
CODE REFERENCES: ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) Section I – Rules for
Construction of Power Boilers , National Board Inspection Code (NBIC), Louisiana Revised
Statutes Title 33
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IMPORTANT EXAM INFORMATION
| Item | Details |
|----------|-------------|
| License Type | Second Class Stationary Boiler Operator |
| Governing Body | New Orleans Board of Examiners of Steam Boilers |
| Legal Authority | LA R.S. §33:4814 |
| License Requirement | Must be posted conspicuously in engine room |
| Exemptions | Locomotive engineers; steam vessel engineers under federal jurisdiction |
,| Primary Code | ASME BPVC Section I – Power Boilers |
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SECTION 1: BOILER WATER TREATMENT & FEEDWATER SYSTEMS (Questions 1-40)
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QUESTION 1
In water treatment for boilers, which chemical is most commonly used to control scale
formation?
A) Sodium bicarbonate
B) Calcium chloride
C) Phosphates
D) Chlorine
ANSWER: C) Phosphates
RATIONALE: Phosphates are added to boiler water to bind hardness ions (calcium and
magnesium) and prevent scale deposition on heat transfer surfaces .
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QUESTION 2
What is the primary purpose of water softening in feedwater systems?
,A) Increase water pH
B) Remove dissolved oxygen
C) Eliminate hardness-causing minerals
D) Boost electrical conductivity
ANSWER: C) Eliminate hardness-causing minerals
RATIONALE: Water softening removes calcium and magnesium ions that contribute to scaling,
ensuring efficient boiler operation .
---
QUESTION 3
Which process is used to remove suspended solids from boiler feedwater?
A) Ion exchange
B) Coagulation and flocculation
C) Reverse osmosis
D) Electrolysis
ANSWER: B) Coagulation and flocculation
RATIONALE: Coagulation and flocculation cause suspended particles to clump together, making
them easier to filter out of the water .
---
, QUESTION 4
What parameter is most critical when monitoring boiler feedwater quality?
A) Turbidity
B) pH level
C) Color
D) Odor
ANSWER: B) pH level
RATIONALE: Maintaining the proper pH is essential to prevent corrosion and scaling in the boiler
system .
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QUESTION 5
In feedwater systems, which component is used to remove dissolved gases from the water?
A) Demineralizer
B) Deaerator
C) Sedimentation tank
D) Clarifier
ANSWER: B) Deaerator
RATIONALE: A deaerator is used to remove oxygen and other dissolved gases that can cause
corrosion in boiler systems .
BOILERS PRACTICE EXAM Complete 200-Question Practice Exam with
Correct Answers & Detailed Rationales 2026 Edition – Based on ASME BPVC
Section I & Louisiana Revised Statutes §33:4814
---
EXAM TYPE: 661-LA Second Class Stationary Boiler Operator Certification
REGULATORY AUTHORITY: City of New Orleans Board of Examiners of Steam Boilers (pursuant to
LA R.S. 33:4814)
CODE REFERENCES: ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) Section I – Rules for
Construction of Power Boilers , National Board Inspection Code (NBIC), Louisiana Revised
Statutes Title 33
---
IMPORTANT EXAM INFORMATION
| Item | Details |
|----------|-------------|
| License Type | Second Class Stationary Boiler Operator |
| Governing Body | New Orleans Board of Examiners of Steam Boilers |
| Legal Authority | LA R.S. §33:4814 |
| License Requirement | Must be posted conspicuously in engine room |
| Exemptions | Locomotive engineers; steam vessel engineers under federal jurisdiction |
,| Primary Code | ASME BPVC Section I – Power Boilers |
---
SECTION 1: BOILER WATER TREATMENT & FEEDWATER SYSTEMS (Questions 1-40)
---
QUESTION 1
In water treatment for boilers, which chemical is most commonly used to control scale
formation?
A) Sodium bicarbonate
B) Calcium chloride
C) Phosphates
D) Chlorine
ANSWER: C) Phosphates
RATIONALE: Phosphates are added to boiler water to bind hardness ions (calcium and
magnesium) and prevent scale deposition on heat transfer surfaces .
---
QUESTION 2
What is the primary purpose of water softening in feedwater systems?
,A) Increase water pH
B) Remove dissolved oxygen
C) Eliminate hardness-causing minerals
D) Boost electrical conductivity
ANSWER: C) Eliminate hardness-causing minerals
RATIONALE: Water softening removes calcium and magnesium ions that contribute to scaling,
ensuring efficient boiler operation .
---
QUESTION 3
Which process is used to remove suspended solids from boiler feedwater?
A) Ion exchange
B) Coagulation and flocculation
C) Reverse osmosis
D) Electrolysis
ANSWER: B) Coagulation and flocculation
RATIONALE: Coagulation and flocculation cause suspended particles to clump together, making
them easier to filter out of the water .
---
, QUESTION 4
What parameter is most critical when monitoring boiler feedwater quality?
A) Turbidity
B) pH level
C) Color
D) Odor
ANSWER: B) pH level
RATIONALE: Maintaining the proper pH is essential to prevent corrosion and scaling in the boiler
system .
---
QUESTION 5
In feedwater systems, which component is used to remove dissolved gases from the water?
A) Demineralizer
B) Deaerator
C) Sedimentation tank
D) Clarifier
ANSWER: B) Deaerator
RATIONALE: A deaerator is used to remove oxygen and other dissolved gases that can cause
corrosion in boiler systems .
