American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Practice Exam 2026 - Free ASME Practice Questions and Study Guide

A blowdown tank is primarily designed to safely handle and manage the blowdown process from a boiler system. The blowdown process involves the removal of a portion of the boiler water to control the concentration of impurities and ensure optimal water quality. When this hot blowdown water is discharged, it can contain high-pressure water mixed with steam.

The correct choice highlights that a blowdown tank provides a controlled environment where this hot water can safely flash into steam and subsequently cool. By flashing the blowdown water, it transforms some of the water into steam, which can either be reused in the system or vented safely. This process reduces the potential for damage or hazards that could occur if the hot water was discharged directly into a sewer or another drain without the appropriate management.

In contrast, filtering impurities is a function generally associated with water treatment rather than the direct function of a blowdown tank. Storing excess fuel for the boiler does not align with the blowdown process, which is concerned with water management rather than fuel storage. Lastly, while regulating pressure is vital in a boiler system, it is typically achieved through different components such as safety valves and pressure relief valves, rather than through the function of a blowdown tank. Thus, the blowdown tank's role in