Mechanical Systems & Equipment Flashcards

Which bearing type is most appropriate for applications with combined radial and axial (thrust) loads?

Answer: Angular contact ball bearing

Angular contact ball bearings are designed with a contact angle that allows them to carry significant combined radial and axial loads simultaneously.

A pneumatic system uses a filter-regulator-lubricator (FRL) unit. What is the function of the regulator?

Answer: Maintain consistent downstream air pressure

The regulator reduces and stabilizes compressed air pressure to the set downstream value regardless of upstream pressure fluctuations.

When aligning a flexible shaft coupling, which type of misalignment involves the shaft centerlines being parallel but offset?

Answer: Parallel (offset) misalignment

Parallel misalignment occurs when two shaft centerlines are parallel but displaced laterally from each other.

The Affinity Laws state that when pump speed doubles, the pump head changes by a factor of:

Answer: 4 (quadruples)

Per the Affinity Laws, pump head varies as the square of the speed ratio, so doubling speed quadruples the head.

A compressed air receiver tank serves which primary function in a plant air system?

Answer: Stores air to buffer demand peaks and reduce compressor cycling

The receiver tank acts as an air reservoir, smoothing out fluctuating demand and reducing compressor start-stop cycling.

What does a high vibration reading at 2× running speed typically indicate in rotating machinery?

Answer: Misalignment of the coupling or bearings

A dominant 2× running speed frequency component is a classic vibration signature of shaft or coupling misalignment.

Which type of compressor is classified as a positive-displacement machine?

Answer: Reciprocating piston compressor

Reciprocating piston compressors trap and compress a fixed volume of gas per stroke, making them positive-displacement machines.