Tools & Equipment Operation Flashcards

A crew is operating a directional boring machine (HDD) to install a new gas main under a road. What is the primary purpose of the drill fluid (drilling mud)?

Answer: To lubricate the pipe during pullback, stabilize the bore hole, and carry cuttings back to the surface

Drilling fluid (bentonite mud) performs three critical functions during HDD: lubricating the drill string, stabilizing the bore hole walls to prevent collapse, and transporting drill cuttings back to the entry pit.

An insulation resistance (megohmmeter) test is performed on a 600V distribution cable. A reading of 50 MΩ is obtained. This result indicates:

Answer: An acceptable insulation resistance for a 600V cable in good condition

A megohmmeter reading of 50 MΩ for a 600V cable generally indicates acceptable insulation integrity; values typically fall from hundreds of MΩ when new and are concerning only when dropping to single-digit MΩ or below.

A gas service technician uses a mechanical gas shut-off (curb stop) key to operate a valve buried 18 inches deep. The correct procedure after closing the valve is to:

Answer: Verify closure by checking for gas flow at the meter with a combustible gas detector

After closing a curb stop, the technician must verify that gas flow has actually ceased at the meter or downstream point using a combustible gas detector or by observing the meter index.

Which tool is used to measure the depth of burial of a previously installed PE gas main without excavation?

Answer: Ground penetrating radar (GPR) or pipe locator depth-reading mode

Ground penetrating radar or a pipe locator operating in depth-read mode can estimate burial depth non-invasively, though direct excavation remains the most accurate method.

A lineman is using a shotgun (disconnect) stick to operate a cutout fuse on an energized 13.2kV feeder. The lineman should stand:

Answer: At a 45° angle to the side of the cutout to avoid arc flash exposure

Standing at a 45° angle to the side positions the lineman out of the arc flash path and away from a falling fuse holder while maintaining control of the shotgun stick.

What type of wrench is required when connecting a stainless steel corrugated flexible gas connector to a brass valve to prevent galling?

Answer: Two wrenches — one to hold the valve body, one to turn the fitting

Using two wrenches — one holding the stationary fitting and one turning the connector — prevents torque from being transmitted into the valve body or flexible connector tubing, avoiding joint damage and galling.

During a scheduled meter change at a commercial customer, a technician discovers the existing meter has a corroded inlet union that may crack when disturbed. The correct action is to:

Answer: Notify the supervisor, isolate gas at the service valve, and replace the union before the meter change

A corroded union poses a leak risk; the safe procedure is to isolate the gas supply, replace the degraded component as part of the meter set repair, then complete the meter change.