Equipment Maintenance & Operations Flashcards
7 cards from real CPA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Equipment Maintenance & Operations flashcards as text
What is the purpose of a 'pigging' operation in a petroleum pipeline?
Answer: To clean, inspect, or separate products inside the pipeline using a pig device
Pipeline pigs are devices propelled through the pipe by product flow to clean deposits, separate batches, or carry inspection sensors.
Vibration analysis on a rotating machine shows a dominant frequency at exactly 1× running speed. This pattern MOST likely indicates:
Answer: Imbalance in the rotating element
A 1× running speed (1X) vibration signature is the classic indicator of rotor imbalance, where the center of mass doesn't align with the rotational axis.
A double block and bleed valve arrangement provides isolation by:
Answer: Closing two block valves with a bleed valve between them to verify and vent any leakage
Double block and bleed uses two in-line block valves with a bleed (vent) valve in between; opening the bleed confirms both blocks are holding and releases trapped pressure.
What is the function of a vapor recovery unit (VRU) at a petroleum storage facility?
Answer: To capture and recover hydrocarbon vapors displaced during tank filling operations
VRUs capture hydrocarbon vapors displaced from tanks during filling, recovering saleable product and reducing emissions instead of venting to atmosphere.
When performing laser shaft alignment on a pump-motor set, the acceptable tolerance for angular misalignment in a high-speed machine (>3600 RPM) is typically:
Answer: Less than 0.5 mils/inch
High-speed machines require tighter alignment tolerances — typically under 0.5 mils/inch angular — because misalignment forces increase with rotational speed.
Which type of corrosion appears as small pits or craters on a metal surface and is particularly dangerous in petroleum piping?
Answer: Pitting corrosion
Pitting corrosion creates localized deep holes that can penetrate a pipe wall much faster than the average metal loss rate suggests, causing unexpected leaks.
What is the purpose of conducting a 'Management of Change' (MOC) review before modifying petroleum processing equipment?
Answer: To systematically evaluate the safety, environmental, and operational impacts of a proposed change
MOC is a formal process to assess all risks and impacts before implementing changes to equipment, processes, or procedures, preventing accidents caused by unreviewed modifications.