Kentucky Boiler Practice Exam

What is a necessary design feature for drainage in cylindrical vessels?

1. Must be flat to the ground

2. Must be concave to facilitate drainage

3. Must be convex

4. Must be wide and shallow

The correct answer is: Must be concave to facilitate drainage

A necessary design feature for drainage in cylindrical vessels is that it must be concave to facilitate drainage. This design allows any liquid within the vessel to effectively flow toward the drainage outlet due to gravity. When a surface is concave, it creates a sloped area that encourages the accumulation and movement of liquid towards its lowest point, thus ensuring that the vessel can be emptied efficiently. In contrast, a flat surface would not direct liquid toward a drainage point effectively and could lead to residual fluid remaining in the vessel. A convex shape would oppose the natural flow of liquid and would also create pockets where water could accumulate. A design that is wide and shallow might sound beneficial for capturing liquid; however, it could present challenges in ensuring complete drainage, especially if it does not utilize the principles of gravity effectively. Overall, a concave design optimizes drainage functionality, making it the best choice for cylindrical vessels.