Piping Interview Questions and Answers - Part 01 Which standard specifies trim numbers for valve?

Answer: API 600.

Piping Interview
Question No. 11
Question No. 01 What are wetted parts of valve?
What is preferred location for drain? Answer: All parts that come in contact with surface fluid
Answer: Must be located at the bottom section of drum. are called wetted parts.
Question No. 02 Question No. 12
What are the steps in selection of valve? What is wire drawing?
Answer: What to handle, liquid, gas or powder, fluid Answer: This term is used to indicate the premature
nature, function, construction material, disc type, stem erosion of the valve seat caused by excessive velocity
type, how to operate, bonnet type, body ends, delivery between seat and seat disc, when valve is not closed
time, cost, warranty. tightly.
Question No. 03 Question No. 13
What are functions of valves? What is straight through valve?
Answer: Isolation, regulation, non-return and special Answer: Valve in which the closing operation of valve is
purposes. achieved by 90 degrees turn of the closing element.
Question No. 04 Question No. 14
What are isolating valves? What pressure tests are carried out on valves?
Answer: Gate, ball, plug, piston, diaphragm, butterfly, Answer: Shell-hydrostatic, seat-hydrostatic, seat-
pinch. pneumatic
Question No. 05 Question No. 15
What are regulation valves? What are available valve operators?
Answer: Globe, needle, butterfly, diaphragm, piston, Answer: Hand-lever, hand-wheel, chain operator, gear
pinch. operator etc.
Question No. 06 Question No. 16
What are non-return valves? What is the full form of ASME?
Answer: check valve, Answer: American Society for Mechanical Engineers.
Question No. 07 Question No. 17
What are special valves? Which Piping code is used for Power piping and which
Answer: multi-port, flush bottom, float, foot, pressure code is used for Process Piping design?
relief, breather. Answer:
Question No. 08  Power Piping: ASME B 31.1
What materials are used for construction of valves?  Process Piping: ASME B 31.3
Answer: Cast iron, bronze, gun metal, carbon steel, Question No. 18
stainless steel, alloy carbon steel, polypropylene and What are the main differences between ASME B 31.1
other plastics, special alloys. and ASME B 31.3?
Question No. 09 Answer: The main differences are listed below:
What is trim? 1. Material allowable stresses are different in both
Answer: Trim is composed of stem, seat surfaces, back codes.
seat bushing and other small internal parts that normally 2. Stress increases due to occasional loads are
contact the surface fluid. different in each code.
Question No. 10
 3. B 31.3 neglects torsion while calculating 3. Sometimes when piping is connected to
sustained stresses, but B 31.1 includes it. strain sensitive equipment like steam turbines,
4. Sustained stress calculation is specific in B 31.1 centrifugal compressors etc and it becomes very
but undefined for B 31.3. difficult to qualify nozzle loads by variable spring
5. B 31.1 intensifies torsion but B31.3 does not hangers, constant spring hangers can be used.
intensify it. Question No. 21
Question No. 19 What do you mean by variability? What is the industry
How to calculate the basic allowable stress for a approved limit for variability?
material? Answer: Variability= (Hot Load-Cold load)/Hot load =
Answer: The basic allowable stress is defined in (Spring Constant × displacement)/Hot load.
respective code. For example as per B 31.3 the basic Limit for variability for variable spring hangers is 25%.
allowable stress for a material is the minimum of the Question No. 22
following: What are the major parameters you must address while
1. 1/3rd of tensile strength at design making a Spring Data-sheet?
temperature. Answer: Major parameters are: Spring TAG, Cold
2. 2/3rd of yield strength at design load/Installed load, Vertical and horizontal movement,
temperature. Piping design temperature, Piping Material, Insulation
3. 100% of average stress for a creep rate thickness, Hydro-test load, Line number etc.
of 0.01% per 1000 hours. Question No. 23
4. 67% of average stress for rupture at the How to calculate the height of a Variable Spring hanger?
end of 100000 hours. Answer: Select the height from vendor catalog based on
5. 80% of minimum stress for ruptures at spring size and stiffness class.
the end of 100000 hours. For base mounted variable spring hanger the height is
6. For austenitic stainless steel or nickel mentioned directly. It is the spring height.
alloys the lower of yield strength and 90% of For top mounted variable spring hanger’s ass spring
yield strength at temperature. height with turnbuckle length, clamp/lug length and rod
7. For structural grade materials 0.92 times length.
of the lowest value of point (a) to (f) Question No. 24
Question No. 20 Can you select a proper spring hanger if you do not
What is the main difference between Constant and make it program defined in your software?
Variable Spring Hanger? When to use these hangers? What is the procedure?
Answer: In Constant Spring hanger the load remains Answer: In your system first decide the location where
constant throughout its travel range. But In variable you want to install the spring. Then remove all nearby
spring hanger the load varies with displacement. supports which are not taking load in thermal operating
Spring hangers are used when thermal displacements case. Now run the program and the sustained load on
are upwards and piping system is lifted off from the that support node is your hot load. The thermal
support position. Variable spring hanger is preferable as movement in that location is your thermal movement for
this is less costly. your spring. Now assume variability for your spring. So
Constant springs are used: calculate
1. When thermal displacement exceeds 50 Spring constant = (Hot load × variability)/displacement.
mm Now with spring constant and hot load enter any vendor
2. When variability exceeds 25% catalog to select spring inside the travel range.
Question No. 25 Ans) ASME Section V (ASME B31.3: 343)
What is the software available for performing piping 37) What is the Design code for fabrication of piping
stress analysis? relief devices?
Answer: Caesar II, AutoPipe etc. Ans) ASME VIII (ASME B31.3 322.6.3)
26) When mating flanges, the maximum amount of 38) Welder and Weld Procedure Qualification are done
unparallel allowed (per diameter of flange in feet) is? in accordance with?
Ans) 1/16" per foot (ASME B31.3: 335.1.c.1) Ans) ASME Section IX (ASME B31.3: 328.2.1.a)
27) On flange what is the maximum offset for bolt holes 39) What Standard defines NDE Personal
for mating flanges?
Qualification for NDE personal working on Piping
Ans) On a flange the maximum bolt hole offset
Systems?
is 1/8" when mating (ASME B31.3: 335.1.c.3)
Ans) ASNT SNT-TC-1A (ASME B31.3 342.1 Note)
28) What is the distance of the Preheat-Zone from the
toe of the weld?
40) As per ASME B31.3 the recommended minimum
Ans) The Preheat zone shall extent at least 1" beyond preheat temps are required when?

each edge of the weld (ASME B31.3: 330.1.4) Ans) If the ambient temperature is below 32°F (B31.3

29) What is the distance of the PWHT zone from the toe 330.1.1)

of the weld? 41) The PWHT temperature for Carbon Steel are?

Ans) 1" is the distance of the PWHT zone from the toe of Ans) 1100-1200°F (ASME B31.3: tbl 331.1.1)

the weld (ASME B31.3: 331.2.6) 42) What is the minimum duration for a pressure test?

30) When performing NDE inspection what is the Ans) 10 Mins (B31.3: 345.2.2.a)

minimum length of spot RT? 43) What is the Minimum years of experience for

Ans) when performing spot RT a min of 6" shall be Owner's Inspector during new fabrication?

examined (ASME B31.3: 344.5.2.c) Ans) 10 Years (B31.3: 340.4.b)

31) The NDE maximum length of a crack, incomplete 1. Can you explain in detail three or more major

fusion allowed in a new weld is? differences between code ANSI B31.1 and code ANSI

Ans) 0" Cracks, incomplete fusion are not allowed in B31.3?

new welds (ASME B31.3: Table 341.3.2) Answer: There is only one major difference between the

32) When using multiple heats for PWHT the minimum two, B31.1 is for Power Piping and B31.3 is for

overlap is? Refinery/Chemical Plant Piping.

Ans) Min overlap is 12" for PWHT (ASME B31.3: 2. There is a power plant inside a Process refinery.

331.2.5) Where exactly the ANSI B31.1 & ANSI B31.3 scope

33) When performing NDE, what is the number of break occurs?

additional welds or joints to examine when a defect is Answer: Based on my experience there were two cases.

found during a random examination? Case #1, B31.1 stopped at the Power Plant Unit block

Ans) 2 (B31.3: 341.3.4.a) valves. Thus all piping inside the Power Plant was

34) When performing a Impact Test , what is the # of test B31.1. Case #2, B31.1 stopped at the equipment (Boiler)

bars required in each set? isolation block valves and then all other piping was

Ans) 3 (B31.3: 323.3.3) B31.3. This is normally the choice of the

35) Whats the # of Stress Cycles needed to become owner/operator/client.

rated as Severe Cyclic Stress? 3. Which of the following piping system is more health

Ans) 7000 (B31.3: 300.2) hazardous. A) Fuel oil piping b) Process piping with

36) Where would you find NDE Procedure Guidelines?

Caustic c) process piping with HF acid d) Sulphuric acid
piping.
Answer: c) process piping with HF acid
4. There is a steam piping with low pocket but without
steam trap. What will be worst consequence of this
layout?
Answer: There will be a build up of condensate to the
point that a slug will be pushed by the steam flow. This
slug of condensate will cause “water hammer” and could
rip the piping apart.
5. In what circumstance, the reducer of a pump suction
piping will be in bottom flat position. Explain why the
reducer should be so.
Answer: When reducers are placed in pipe Rack they
are generally bottom side flat to maintain BOP to
facilitate supporting. (Answer Credit: Samir Kumar)
6. A P&ID shows a spec break (at Flange) between
carbon steel & stainless steel specification. What
additional arrangements you have to make for that
dissimilar material flange joint?
Answer: Use the Gasket and bolts from the SS spec.
7. A stainless steel piping specification mentions
Galvanized carbons steel bolts. What is your first
reaction ti this and how do you rectify it?
Answer: If that is what the Spec call for then that is what
I am supposed to use. But, I would ask the Piping
Material Engineer (PME) why he/she specified
galvanized bolts.
8. How many types of piping specialty items do you
know? Why it is called a piping special? Why not we
include them in standard piping specification.
Answer: I could possibly count 50 or more depending on
the PME and how the piping material specs were
developed. They are called them SP items because they
are NOT written into the normal Piping Material (Line
Class) Specifications. They are not included because
they are normally of limited use, purchased from a
limited product line vendor and are often after thoughts.
9. Draw a typical steam trap station layout and explain
why the existence of a by-pass line around the trap is
not a good idea, when the condensate is returning to a
condensate header?
Answer: (No drawing) It is not advisable to have a
bypass around a steam trap because the block valve
could be left open and defeat the purpose of the trap.
10. Explain what is a “Double block & Bleed” valve? Why
we need a bleed valve? When do we use this?
Answer: The primary purpose of a “Double Block &
Bleed” is Safety. However it is not fail safe. The next
better “Safety” set-up would be Double Block Valve with
a Spec Blind between the valves. The higher level of
safety would be double block valves with a removable
spool for absolute isolation.
11. In a typical tie-in where should the spectacle blind be
inserted? a) after block valve and towards existing plant
b) before block valve and towards new plant. Explain
why.
Answer: The Spec Blind shall be placed on the Unit side
of the Unit Block valves. This placement allows for the
closing of the Unit isolation block valve, the unit side is
depressured and drained. Then the spec blind can be
installed for isolation of the unit.
12. “Stress intensification factor (SIF)” Where do we use
this? Explain this term. How many types of these SIF’s
exist?
Answer: Stress Intensification Factor (SIF) is a multiplier
on nominal stress for typically bend and intersection
components so that the effect of geometry and welding
can be considered in a beam analysis. Stress
Intensification Factors form the basis of most stress
analysis of piping systems. As for the quantity, ask a
Stress Engineer.
13. When all design parameters are same, whose
thermal expansion is higher among the following? A)
Carbon steel b) Stainless steel c) Duplex steel d) Cast
Iron e) Galvanized Carbon steel.
Answer: b) Stainless steel
14. In a hose station the hose couplings used for water,
air & steam should be different type. Do you agree?
Explain your view.
Answer: I agree. If they are all the same then the hoses
can be connected to the wrong services and could result
in the injury of an operator (i.e.: thinking the hose is
connected to water when it is connected to steam).
15. What is your view on the usage of Metallic expansion
joints? When they become necessary and when they
could be avoided?
Answer: I do everything I can as a piping designer to
avoid the use of all types of expansion joints. Expansion
joints are always the weakest point in any system where
they are used.
16. A water cooler heat exchanger, located on a 20 m
high structural platform. Water header is located u/g.
What precaution do you take, in case of Pressure loss in
cooling water header?
Answer: I do not understand this question it does not
appear to be a piping issue. I would assume that the
cooling water system has a (loss of) pressure sensor
and the plant shut-down alarms and sequence would be
activated.
17. In what order do you arrange the pipes in the Pipe
rack and why? How much % of area should be reserved
for Future expansion? Specify a range.
Answer: The largest hottest lines on the outside edge of
the pipe rack working in with cooler lines in towards the
middle of the rack. This allows the longer loop legs as
you lay the loops back over the other lines to the other
side of the rack and back. The lower temperature loops
would be “nested” inside the larger, hotter loops.
“Future rack space” is normally at the direction of the
Client. It may be anything from 0% to as much as 25%.
18. When a utility line (like condensate or water etc) is
connected permanently to a process piping what
precaution we have to take to avoid cross
contamination?
Answer: Option #1, double block valve with a drop-out
spool.
Option #2, Double block valve with a spec blind.
Option #3, double block valves with a bleed valve.
19. A air fin cooler (2 air coolers with each having 2 inlet
nozzles) needs a Typical piping arrangement. How many
types of piping arrangement is possible.
Answer: There are a number of ways to pipe a Fin-Fan
cooler depending on what the P&ID call for?
1. What is the ASME code followed for design of piping
systems in Process piping (Refineries
& Chemical Industries)?
(i) B 31.1
(ii) B 31.3
(iii) B 31.5
(iv) B 31.9
Answer (II)
2. Which American institute standard does piping
engineer refer?
Answer: -
A. The American Petroleum institute (API).
B. The American Iron & Steel institute (AISI).
C. The American Society for Testing and materials
(ASTM).
D. The American National standard institute (AISI).
E. The American welding society (AWS).
F. The American Water Works Association (AWWA).
G. The American Society for Mechanical Engineers
(ASME).
3. What is the different ASME 31 code for pressure
piping?
Answer: -
A. ASME B31.1 - Power piping.
B. ASME B31.2 - Fuel Gas Piping.
C. ASME B31.3 - Process piping.
D. ASME B31.4 - Pipeline Transportation system for
liquid hydrocarbon & other liquid.
E. ASME B31.5 - Refrigeration Piping.
F. ASME B31.8 - Gas transmission & distribution piping
system.
G. ASME B31.9 - Building services piping.
H. ASME B31.11 - Slurry transportation piping system.
4. What are the different sections of ASME code? Where
these sections are reffered?
Answer: -
A. ASME section I : - Rules for construction of power
boiler.
B. ASME Section II : - Materials.
Part A – Ferrous materials.
Part B – Non-Ferrous materials.
Part C – Specification for electrodes & filler wire.
Part D – Properties.
C. ASME Section IV : - Rules for construction of Heating
Boiler.
D. ASME Section V : - Non- destructive Examination.
E. ASME Section VI : - Recommended rules for care &
operation of heating boiler.
F. ASME Section VII : - Recommended guidelines for
care of power boiler.
H. ASME Section VIII : - Rules for construction of
pressure vessels. (Division I & II)
I. ASME Section IX : - Welding & Brazing qualification.
1. What is the pipe size range, per Fluor Daniel
standard, for pipe spools that are to be shop fabricated?
3” diameter and larger <2.1/2” and larger>
2. What is the pipe size range, per Fluor Daniel
standard, for pipe spools that are to be field fabricated?
2” diameter and smaller
3. Define what piping is considered field assembly.
Off-the-shelf components that make-up a piping
assembly and do not require cutting and / or welding
<If no field fabrication is required>
4. Define what piping is considered rack loaded, per
Fluor Daniel standard, and what pipe size ranges is
involved.
Piping in the PIPERACK that crosses two or more
supports.
3” and larger.
5. All shop fabricated piping spools (mark pieces) are
shipped from the fabrication shop in a geometry that is
defined by length, width, and height. Assuming it to be a
box, there are two situations that you must avoid in
regard to the box and the mark pieces within. Describe
these two situations and describe the undesirable result
if you do not avoid them.
Piece mark must fit within the shipping box otherwise it
may not be transported.
Skewed placement of the piece mark within the shipping
box could result in crowding out other piece marks.
<Press fit should be avoided to ensure piece mark fits
shipping box>
6. Define a field weld (FW) and when it is used.
Field Weld is made somewhere other than the
fabrication shop. Used to connect two mark pieces (or
components) together.
Describe three things you must consider when locating a
field weld and why they must be considered.
Accessibility:
The weld must be in a place that is accessible to the
welder
Constructability:
The weld must be placed so the constructors can
position the piece mark prior to welding.
Size of spool piece to ensure it fits shipping box and can
be transported.
Economics:
Made in a location that would lessen or eliminate the
need for additional scaffolding.
Piping QA
Self-supporting so temporary supports are not required
during construction.
Made on the smaller side of a reducer.
Preferably made in the horizontal
8. Describe a field fit-up weld (FFW) and when it is used.
Field Fit Weld is a weld made somewhere other than the
fabrication shop. The fabrication shop adds additional
length of material to the spool piece. This additional
length gives the field variance for adjustment when the
location of the connecting point is not known.
<May require field alteration>
9. Per Fluor Daniel standard, what is the construction
(fitting type) of:
Pipe size range 2 ½” and larger? Butt-weld
Pipe size range 2” and smaller? Socket Welded
Pipe size range 2” and smaller? Screwed or Threaded 17. What are the pressure ratings of forged steel Socket
10. What is the minimum (not absolute minimum) Weld Fittings?
distance between welds that Fluor Daniel likes to use?
3000#
3 inches 6000#
11. What is the absolute minimum distance between 18. What are the pressure ratings of forged steel
welds (used only as a last choice)? threaded fittings?

Pipe Size (NPS) Min. distance b/w welds 2000#

1/8” 3/16 3000#
1 /4” 1/4 6000#
3/8" 5/16 19. What are the pressure ratings of malleable iron
1/2" 7/16 threaded Fittings?
3/4" 1/2
150#
1" 11/16
300#
1 1/4" 13/16
20. What are the pressure ratings of cast iron threaded
1 1/2" 15/16
fittings?
2" 1 3/16
2 1/2" 1 9/16 125#

3" 1 3/4 250#

3 1/2" 2 List the wall thickness for pipe, starting with the thinnest

4" 2 1/4 wall to the heaviest wall:

5" 2 3/4 Carbon Steel & Alloy steel (13 schedules)

Half the outside diameter of pipe (6” and larger) Sch 10,
12. What do the letters HAZ mean? Sch 20,

Heat Affected Zone Sch 30,

Kavimagi Page 3 of 13 13. What is the effect of the Sch 40,

HAZ? StdWt,

Weakens the material (pipe wall) Sch 60,

Piping QA Sch 80,

XS,
14. How far from the weld, is the HAZ?
Sch 100,
¼” or 1” Sch 120,
15. Why do piping designers care about the HAZ? Sch 140,
Sch 160,
If two HAZ’s overlap each other it may result in failure of
XXS
the pipe
Stainless Steel (4 schedules)
16. When is the HAZ considered in threaded
Sch 5S,
construction?
Sch 10S,
When threaded connection is seal welded Sch 40S,
Sch 80S
Piping QA
22. What is the technical term used for the sag in pipe
caused by gravity and how does affect piping design?
Deflection
It govern the amount of pipe span
<causes leakage at flanges>
<causes stress on pipe>
23. If one 4” carbon steel pipe is schedule 40 and
another 4” carbon steel pipe is schedule 80….
Which has the greater sag and why?
4" sch 40 has the greater sag because its wall thickness
is less than the wall thickness of the sch 80 - the thinner
the wall, the shorter the length the line will span.
Which weighs more and why?
4" sch 80 because it's wall thickness is more than that of
the sch 40, more material= more weight
Which requires fewer support point and why?
4" sch 80 because it's thicker wall allows it to span
farther, reducing the number of times support is needed.
<more rigid / stiffer>
24. Pipeway/Piperack loading/stuffing drawings.
Which lines qualify for loading/stuffing
Lines 3" and larger that cross two or more pipe supports.
Why is loading/stuffing done (the advantages)?
It provides an early start for construction.
It reduces the amount of ground area taken by storage
of pipe
25. Line size changes
When is swage used for a line size change?
When reducing from or to socket welded or threaded
construction on at least one end.
When is a butt-weld reducer used for a line size change?
When reducing from or to butt welded construction on
both ends.
When/where do you use eccentric, bottom flat swages or
reducers and why?
In any horizontal run of pipe, that has two or more
supports within that run.
To maintain a common bottom of pipe elevation for the
two line sizes.
When/where do you use eccentric, top flat swages or
reducers and why?
Used at the final reduction on a pump end suction line.
Piping QA
To prevent cavitation of the pump.
When/where do you use eccentric, side flat swages or
reducers and why?
Used when two equipment connections are so close that
the two connecting, adjacent lines interfere with each
other after the line size change.
If they are side flat toward each other, the lines may
clear.
<Used on vertical pipe to maintain common back of
pipe>
When do you use butt-weld reducing 90 degree elbows
and why?
Normally it is not FLUOR piping practice to use reducing
butt-weld 90 degree reducing elbows.
If they are used, it will be where a size change is
required and there is insufficient space available for an
elbow and a reducer or an elbow and a reducing flange -
or if the client requires it.
Why would a short radius butt-weld 90-degree ell be
used?
To adhere to FLUOR piping practice 000 250 2650
where it states 10" and larger elbows at a nozzle of a
vertical vessel are short radius (decreases the "l"
dimension so a standard vessel pipe support can be
used).
<Space limitations>
Why would a short radius butt-weld 90-degree ell not be Fluor piping does not use the stub-in construction. A
used? stub-in connection is the same as a stub-on connection
as far as the resulting geometry and material goes, but
It is easy to "lose" a short radius elbow if shipped to the
the construction is different. The branch pipe may or
jobsite or fabrication shop with long radius elbows of the
may not be contoured to match the inside diameter of
same size.
the header - if it is not, then it is a straight cut. The
Additional tracking effort may result to keep the short
header will have a hole cut in it that nearly matches the
radius elbow from being "lost" or used inadvertently
outside diameter of the branch pipe. The branch pipe is
where it was not intended to be used.
inserted into the hole in the header and is connected via
Often the use of a short radius elbow requires client
a fillet weld. Like the stub-on, the stub-in is generally 90
approval, or process review, or stress approval - all
degree and other angles are possible.
taking time that would not be taken for a long radius
Client request
elbow.
29. Describe a reinforcing pad and when it is used?
<when pressure drop is a concern – short radius elbow
has more pressure drop. Reinforcing pads are made from the same size, wall
26. What is a trimmed ell and when is it used? thickness and material as the pipe header to which they
are welded.
A trimmed elbow is a butt weld 90 degree long radius
Reinforcing pads are used at stub-on and stub-in branch
elbow that is cut and beveled to match the original bevel,
connections and occasionally at support trunnions when
the resulting change of direction is no longer 90 degrees
specified by the stress sketch, if required per the line list
but is a non-standard angle suited for the piping
or if required per the branch chart in the piping material
geometry requiring it.
specification.
Trimmed elbows are used when a line routing must have
30. What document (name and 5-diget number) does a
a change of direction that is not satisfied by a 90 or 45-
piping designer refer to determine what branch
degree elbow or by elbows being rolled or offset.
connection to use?
Describe a stub-on connection and when it is used?
Piping material specification
A stub-on connection is a branch connection made to a
31. What are the two documents (not specifications) that
header without the use of fittings - the connection is
will tell a piping designer when branch reinforcement is
made from pipe. the branch pipe is contoured (fish-
required?
mouthed) to match the curvature of the header to which
it will be connected (a fillet weld). A hole is made in the Stress sketch
header that should match the inside diameter of the Line list
branch pipe. The stub-on connection is not the same <Branch chart>
construction as a 32. What is the pipe size range in which all flanges are
Piping QA standard?

stub-in connection - but the resulting geometry is the 24 inch and smaller
same as a stub-on. Stub-on connections are generally 33. What is the pipe size range in which all flanges are
90 degree, but can be other angles. not?
Branch table
26 inch and larger
28. Describe a stub-in connection and when it is used?
List the information to be placed on the isometric that will Flange can be rotated to aid in bolthole alignment.
fully describe a non-standard flange and what is the 39. What fitting (not flange) must be used in lap joint
reason we would include this information? construction and what are the names of two the types of
these fittings?
Reason for including the information.
Stub end <Lap joint stub end>
To guarantee, without failure, the flanges are
ANSI & MSS
compatible.
40. What is the difference between a van stone flange
Information to be placed on ISO.
and a slip on flange?
Piping QA
The shape of the contact point where the face of flange
ANSI number or other industry number (API, MSS) contacts the lip of the stub end is rounded on the van
Size stone flange and is square on the slip on flange.
Rating 41. In lap joint construction, how many welds are on a
Facing slip flange?
Outside diameter of flange
Zero.
Bolt circle diameter
In lap joint construction, how many welds are on a van
Bolt hole diameter
stone flange?
Number of bolt holes
Flange bore Zero.
Material Piping QA
Bolt hole orientation
43. List the types of steel flanges.
Flange thickness
35. What facing is required on a steel flange that will be Weld neck

bolted to a cast iron flange and why? Slip on

Threaded
Flat Face
Socket welded
There is a risk of breaking the cast iron flange if it is
Van stone
bolted to a raised face steel flange.
Reducing
36. What are two pressure ratings of cast iron flanges
Expanding
and what are the ratings of compatible steel flanges?
Blind
125# Cast iron to 150# steel, <Lap joint>
250# cast iron to 300# steel. <Orifice>
37. How is cast iron flange attached to steel pipe? <Slip on reducing>
44. List the faces of steel flanges.
The flange is threaded on.
38. What are two reasons for using lap joint Raised face
construction? Flat face
Ring joint
To reduce the cost of components - a less expensive
Tongue and groove
carbon steel flange may be used in lieu of a stainless
Male & Female
steel flange.
45. List the ratings of steel flanges.
150# Too low - EXTENSION STEM
300# 52. What is the minimum clearance between the outside
400# diameter of a valve hand wheel and the next
600# obstruction?
900#
Three inches
1500#
53. If a valve hand wheel projects into an aisle way, to
2500#
what elevation must the bottom of the hand wheel be
46. How are flange boltholes oriented on flanges on
raised above HPFS (High Point Finished Surface) or
vertical line?
platform?
Boltholes straddle the north-south-east-west flange
6'-6" plus or minus 3" (6'-3" to 6'-9")
centerlines
54. What manually operated item is added to a valve
47. How are flange boltholes oriented on flanges on
that is either to large or is to high a pressure to operate
horizontal line?
and how do you know it will be required (give the name
Boltholes straddle the vertical and horizontal flange of the specification)?
centerlines
- A GEAR OPERATOR
Valves are used for three basic flow functions (not
- MATERIAL SPECIFICATION
control valves or pressure safety valves). List three
55. If a pressure safety valve has a block vale upstream
functions and the type of valve used for each function.
of it, what note must appear on the P&ID relating to this
Function block valve and why?
BLOCK THROTTLE CHECK
• CSO (car sealed open) or LO (locked open).
<Start / stop><prevent back flow>
• To help ensure that the valve is open during normal
Type
plant operation so that if a condition resulting in
GATE/BALL/PLUG/BUTTERFLY <needle> – BLOCK
overpressurization occurs, the valve is open and the
GLOBE <plug or butterfly or needle> – THROTTLE
relief valve can function properly.
CHECK – CHECK
56. If a pressure safety valve downstream of it, what
Piping QA
note must appear on the P&ID relating to this block valve
49. What are the two styles of butterfly valves in flanged and why?
piping and their associated type of bolt?
• CSO (car sealed open) or LO (locked open)
A. WAFER - STUD BOLT/MACHINE BOLT • To help ensure that the valve is open during normal
B. LUG TYPE - CAP SCREW plant operation so that if a condition resulting in over
50. What are the two main styles of check valves in pressurization occurs, the valve is open and the relief
flanged piping and their associated type of bolt? valve can function properly.
57. The piping downstream of a pressure safety valve
A. SWING - STUD BOLT/MACHINE BOLT
that discharges to a closed system must be routed in a
B. WAFER/SPLIT DISC - STUD BOLT/MACHINE BOLT
specific direction, what is this direction and why?
51. Not using a ladder or platform, how is a valve
operated that is: • Routed in such a manner as to free drain into the
collection header.
Too high - CHAIN OPERATOR
So no liquid can collect and possibly obstruct the free
release of pressure.
Piping QA
58. If a pressure safety valve has a downstream block
valve, excluding accessibility, how is the vale hand
wheel to be oriented and why?
• The hand wheel is to be located within the lower 180
degrees - horizontal to horizontal. <horizontal or
downward>
• This is to prevent the disc falling into the port if the
stem corrodes - thereby closing the valve and preventing
the free release of pressure.
59. If a pressure safety valve has a rupture disc
upstream, what is the purpose of the rupture disc?
The rupture disc isolates the relief valve from the
potentially corrosive atmosphere of the system to be
protected - protecting the stem from corrosion.
60. When a pressure safety valve discharges vertically
to atmosphere, what must be added to the lowest part of
the tail pipe, what size is it and why is it added?
• A weep hole.
• 1/4" diameter
• To drain the collection of rain water in the open tailpipe
that if allowed to collect could obstruct the free release of
pressure
61. What is the end preparation for the end tailpipe of a
pressure safety valve discharging vertically to
atmosphere and why?
• Square cut/plain end
• There is no need to bevel or 45-degree chamfer
because it is unnecessary cost.
62. What is the formula for calculating the free standing
(unguided) length of a tailpipe of a pressure safety valve
discharging vertically to atmosphere?
1.67 x outside diameter (in inches) of the Tail Pipe = the
height in feet.
63. If a pressure safety valve has a small, valved and
plugged connection in the area between the block valve
and the pressure safety valve, describe the purpose and
operation of this valve.
For bleeding pressure and venting any trapped
commodity so, the relief valve can be safely removed for
maintenance.
64. Per Fluor Daniel Standard, what is the rule for
establishing the height of a tailpipe of a pressure safety
valve that discharges to atmosphere?
The top of a tailpipe discharging to atmosphere must be
a minimum of 8'-0" above any platform within a 25'-0"
radius of the tailpipe.
65. The spring on a pressure safety valve must be
oriented in which direction and why?
• Vertically upward.
To keep the spring out of any liquid that could corrode
the spring.
Piping QA
66. Cooling water piping at the channel side of a shell
and tube heat exchanger that is located outside in the
sunlight will typically have a THERMAL RELIEF
VALVE located between the exchanger nozzle and the
block valve. Why is this done?
To protect the tubes of the exchanger from splitting due
to over pressurization of the system when the valves
upstream and downstream of the exchanger are closed.
Sunlight can cause a temperature rise of the trapped
liquid, causing a rise in pressure.
67. What is the most common body style for control
valves?
Globe
68. In a control valve manifold with block valves
upstream and downstream of the control valve, what is
placed between the upstream block valve and the
control valve and what is its purpose?
• 3/4" valve& plugged bleed valve.
• To drain and depressurize the volume of trapped liquid • A 6"-300# GLOBE VALVE OR PIPING PRACTICE 000
for the safe removal of the control valve for 250 2701
maintenance. • <17 ½ inches>
69. If a control valve manifold has a bypass line what is 76. When a control valve and its downstream block valve
the distance between the bypass valve and the main line are the same size and rating, they can be bolted
and why? together. What possible problem can occur when these
two valves are bolted together?
• Minimum distance.
• To prevent a dead leg in the bypass line. The hand wheel of the block valve may interfere with the
70. What is the minimum clearance between the top of top works of the control valve.
the diaphragm on a control valve and the nearest Also give me two solutions that could correct the
obstruction above it? problem.

1’-0” (12 inches)
71. In a control valve manifold with upstream and down
stream block valves
A. What is the breakout spool piece for?
Easy removal of the control valve.
B. What is the preferred configuration of the breakout
spool piece and why?
• If the bolt holes permit - rotate the block valve so the
interference is gone.
• Add two flanges back to back, and, if necessary add a
spool piece to give the necessary clearances.
• <place valve in the vertical>
77. There are three things that establish the height of a
valued drain (bottom of drain top of finished surface).
One thing that sets this height is Fluor Daniel standard

• Preferred configuration is with an elbow. (6”), what are two others?

• It is easier to remove than a straight spool piece that • Clearance for rodding out the drain.
requires a flange spreader. The "l" shape allows gravity • Clearance required for the addition of a bucket to catch
to aid in its removal. the liquid.
72. Who determines the size of the control valve? 78. What are two industry terms when a threaded

Process connection is also welded?

73. Who determines the size of the bypass valve? Seal welding

Process Back welding

Who determines the upstream and downstream block 79. What must be used on a threaded connection if it is

valves? to receive the weld referred to in question 69, and why

Process
Piping QA
75. If you are establishing the overall length of a control
valve main fold for allocation of space and you do not
have a vendor drawing giving the face to face dimension
of the control valve, what valve will you use as a
substitute face to face dimension (assume the control
should it not be used?
• Thread compound or "pipe dope."
If thread compound/pipe dope is present and the
connection is to be seal welded, the heat could cause a
small explosion, injuring the welder.
1. In piping when design consideration is needed as a
miter?

valve is 6”-3003RF)? Ans: An angular offset of 3 deg or less does not require
design consideration as a miter bend.
[Clause 304.2
3. When dimensioning piping drawings, you give the
.3; ASME B 31.3 Ed: 2004] lengths of all runs of this type:
A. Straight
2. Can we use more than one gasket in a flange?
B. Angular
Ans: No more than one gasket shall be used between
contact faces in assembling a flange joint C. Filleted
[Clause 335.2.4; ASME B 31.3 Ed:2004]
D. Transverse
3. If a threaded joint is leaked during hydrostatic leak
test can it be welded? Answer: Option A
Ans: A joint containing thread compound which leaks
during leak testing may be seal welded provided, 4. In this type of drawing, vertical pipes may be
a) All compound uses in the threaded joint is revolved into the horizontal plane:
removed from exposed threads A. Standard view
[Clause 335.3.2; ASME B 31.3 Ed:2004]
b) Seal welds shall cover all exposed threads B. Elevation view
[Clause 328.5.3; ASME B 31.3 Ed:2004]
c) Seal welding shall be done by a qualified welder C. Transverse piping
[Clause 328.5.3; ASME B 31.3 Ed:2004]
D. Developed piping
4. Is welder qualification required for welding
Thermocouple (TC) using capacitor discharge method? Answer: Option D
Ans: No. WPS and PQR also not required. After
removing the TC the areas shall be visually examined for 5. This type of drawing shows two lines representing
evidence of defects to be repaired. [Clause 330.1.3(b); the pipe diameter:
ASME B 31.3 Ed:2004]
A. Single-line
5. What are the methods that can be used for B. Double-line
temperature verification of preheat in welding?
Ans: a) Temperature indicating crayons C. Standard piping
b) Thermocouple pyrometers
c) Thermocouple D. Centerline piping
[Clause 330.1.3(a) & (b) ; ASME B 31.3 Ed:2004]
Answer: Option B

1. This type of pipe is commonly used for water,

steam, oil, and gas: 6. This is used in applications for nonferrous
construction:
A. Wrought iron or copper
A. Copper tubing
B. PVC or steel
B. Steel pipe
C. Steel or wrought iron
C. PVC pipe
D. Copper or PVC
D. Iron tubing
Answer: Option C
Answer: Option A
2. These types of pipes are generally connected
with bell and spigot joints or flanged joints: 7. This type of pipe is commonly used for water or
gas service, and also as soil pipe:
A. Soil and waste
A. PVC
B. Water and gas
B. Copper
C. Water and steam
C. Steel
D. Gas and soil
D. Cast-iron
Answer: Option B
Answer: Option D