In the context of steam systems, what does 'deliming' refer to?

Deliming refers specifically to the process of removing mineral buildup, primarily limescale, from components of steam systems, especially the heating elements. Over time, as water is heated and converted to steam, minerals found in the water can precipitate and accumulate on surfaces within the system. This buildup can interfere with the efficiency of heat transfer, potentially leading to overheating and even failure of the heating elements if not addressed.

By performing deliming, the integrity of the heating elements is preserved, which ensures that the steam system operates effectively and safely. Regular deliming is an essential maintenance practice to prolong the life of the equipment and to maintain optimal performance.

The other options, while related to steam systems, do not accurately describe deliming. Adding water pertains to maintaining the water level in the boiler, calibrating pressure controls relates to ensuring that the steam system operates at the correct pressure settings, and cleaning and inspecting safety valves focuses on ensuring that safety mechanisms are functioning properly. Each of these actions is crucial for the overall operation of a steam system, but they do not involve the removal of mineral deposits as deliming does.