BAT Inspection & Quality Control 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An RPBA is tested and check valve #2 shows a differential pressure of 1.0 psid. What is the correct determination?
- Pass; check valve #2 has no minimum differential requirement
- Fail; check valve #2 must hold a minimum of 2.0 psid (Correct answer)
- Pass; 1.0 psid is within the acceptable range for check valve #2
- Fail; check valve #2 must hold at least 3.0 psid
Correct answer: Fail; check valve #2 must hold a minimum of 2.0 psid
Check valve #2 on an RPBA must hold a minimum differential of 2.0 psid; a reading of 1.0 psid is a failing result.
Question 2: During inspection, a tester finds that the relief valve on an RPBA opens at 1.5 psid differential. The minimum acceptable opening point is:
- 1.0 psid differential below inlet pressure
- 2.0 psid differential below inlet pressure (Correct answer)
- At zero differential (when zone equals supply pressure)
- 3.0 psid differential below inlet pressure
Correct answer: 2.0 psid differential below inlet pressure
The RPBA relief valve must open at no more than 2.0 psid below inlet supply pressure to provide adequate protection.
Question 3: A spill-resistant pressure vacuum breaker (SRPVB) differs from a standard PVB in that it:
- Requires a higher minimum test pressure to operate
- Contains an internal check valve to prevent spillage during testing and operation (Correct answer)
- Does not require an air inlet valve
- Can be installed below the highest point of the downstream piping
Correct answer: Contains an internal check valve to prevent spillage during testing and operation
An SRPVB incorporates an internal check valve designed to prevent water spillage during testing and minor backpressure events.
Question 4: Which of the following installation conditions would automatically disqualify a PVB from use, regardless of test results?
- Installation outdoors without a protective enclosure
- Installation downstream of a chemical injection point without adequate clearance
- Any downstream piping connected to irrigation heads below grade
- Installation where the air inlet is less than 12 inches above the highest downstream outlet (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Installation where the air inlet is less than 12 inches above the highest downstream outlet
A PVB must be installed so the air inlet is at least 12 inches above the highest downstream outlet; failure to meet this clearance is a disqualifying condition.
Question 5: A tester discovers rust and corrosion on the external body of a DCVA but test results are within acceptable limits. The proper action is:
- Pass the assembly since test results are acceptable
- Fail the assembly solely based on external corrosion
- Note the corrosion on the test report and recommend evaluation by the owner (Correct answer)
- Require immediate replacement of the assembly
Correct answer: Note the corrosion on the test report and recommend evaluation by the owner
External corrosion that does not affect test results should be documented on the test report as an observation and referred to the owner for evaluation.
Question 6: When should a BAT tester close the outlet shutoff valve before performing a field test on an RPBA?
- Never; the outlet shutoff must remain open during all tests
- After attaching test equipment and before opening the test cocks (Correct answer)
- Before attaching test equipment to prevent water hammer
- Only when the assembly is installed on a fire line
Correct answer: After attaching test equipment and before opening the test cocks
The outlet shutoff valve is closed after attaching test equipment to isolate the downstream system and allow proper testing of the assembly's check valves.
Question 7: What hazard classification requires the use of an RPBA rather than a DCVA as the minimum level of protection?
- Low hazard — aesthetic water quality issues only
- High hazard — the contaminant could cause illness or death (Correct answer)
- Moderate hazard — minor taste or odor impact
- Non-health hazard — only equipment damage possible
Correct answer: High hazard — the contaminant could cause illness or death
High-hazard applications involving substances that could cause illness, injury, or death require the superior protection provided by an RPBA.
BAT Inspection & Quality Control 3
An RPBA is tested and check valve #2 shows a differential pressure of 1.0 psid.
What is the correct determination?