Where can bulkhead isolation valves be operated from?

• A. Machinery room supplying steam
• B. Engine Room
• C. Bridge
• D. Pump Room

Answer: (A)

Bulkhead isolation valves are there to quickly shut off the steam supply to a section of piping for safety during maintenance or if a leak occurs. They’re placed in the machinery space that actually supplies and controls the steam distribution, so the operator can promptly isolate the line from the room that houses the steam-generating and distributing equipment. Operating them from the bridge isn’t standard because remote control of hot, pressurized steam isn’t practical or safe, and the pump room isn’t where the steam originates. So the valves are operated from the machinery room supplying steam.