Which of the following describes a function of feedwater treatment in a power plant?

• A. To increase water temperature.
• B. To cool the incoming air.
• C. To remove impurities and protect boiler and turbine components.
• D. To add minerals to water.

Answer: (C)

Feedwater treatment is all about cleaning and conditioning the water that will become steam so the boiler and its downstream parts stay safe and efficient. Impurities in feedwater—like dissolved minerals, hardness, silica, and oxygen—can form scale on boiler tubes, reducing heat transfer and risking local overheating, as well as cause corrosion and erosion in boiler and turbine surfaces. By removing these impurities and controlling gases and alkalinity, the treatment protects the boiler internals and downstream equipment, minimizes maintenance, and keeps the plant running smoothly. That’s why the best description is removing impurities to protect boiler and turbine components. The other options don’t fit because they describe changing temperature, cooling air, or adding minerals, which aren’t the goals of feedwater treatment.