Tennessee Wastewater Operator Practice Exam

What component is used to slow down air and build pressure in a centrifugal blower?

1. Diffuser plate

2. Exhaust manifold

3. Intake valve

4. Pressure regulator

The correct answer is: Diffuser plate

The correct component used to slow down air and build pressure in a centrifugal blower is the diffuser plate. In centrifugal blowers, the diffuser is designed to convert the kinetic energy of high-velocity air, produced by the impeller, into pressure energy. As the air moves through the diffuser, its velocity decreases while the pressure increases, which is crucial for efficient operation. The shape and design of the diffuser plate play a significant role in maximizing the performance of the blower by ensuring that the air slows down appropriately before it is directed into the discharge piping. In contrast, the other options serve different functions. The exhaust manifold is typically related to directing exhaust gases away from an engine, the intake valve controls the entry of air into the system but does not affect pressure directly like the diffuser, and the pressure regulator is used to maintain a specific pressure level within a system rather than building pressure within the blower itself. Thus, the diffuser plate is essential for the pressure-building process in a centrifugal blower.