The condensate returned by the HP Steam Drain System is directed into which tank or system?

• A. Deaerating Feed Tank (DFT)
• B. Main Condenser
• C. Fresh Water Tank
• D. Boiler Drum

Answer: (A)

Condensate from the high‑pressure steam drain is returned to the Deaerating Feed Tank so it can be conditioned before being fed back to the boiler. This tank acts as both a condensate reservoir and a deaerator: it removes dissolved gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide that would cause corrosion, and it heats the water toward boiler feed temperature. From there, the conditioned condensate is pumped by the boiler feed pump to the boiler drum, completing the feedwater loop. Directing HP drain to the main condenser isn’t how this drain is used, since that condenser handles cooling of exhaust steam rather than returning hot HP drain. The Fresh Water Tank stores makeup water, not condensate, and the Boiler Drum receives conditioned feedwater through the deaerated stream, not untreated condensate.