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Instrumentation & Equipment Maintenance Flashcards

7 cards from real CPT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Instrumentation & Equipment Maintenance flashcards as text

  1. What is the primary difference between a Type J and a Type K thermocouple?

    Answer: They differ in the metal alloy pairs used and their temperature measurement ranges

    Type J uses iron–constantan (range ~-40 to 750°C) while Type K uses chromel–alumel (range ~-200 to 1260°C), giving them different sensitivities and temperature ranges.

  2. In a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller, which tuning parameter eliminates steady-state offset (offset error)?

    Answer: Integral time (Ti or reset)

    The integral (reset) action integrates the error over time and continues to adjust the output until the error reaches zero, eliminating steady-state offset.

  3. A technician notices that a pump mechanical seal is leaking. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

    Answer: Notify supervision and prepare for planned seal replacement

    A leaking mechanical seal should be reported and scheduled for replacement; operating with a compromised seal risks seal failure, product release, and potential fire/environmental hazard.

  4. What effect does an increase in process fluid viscosity have on the flow measurement accuracy of a vortex flowmeter?

    Answer: At high viscosity, the meter may not shed vortices reliably, causing measurement errors

    Vortex flowmeters require turbulent flow (high Reynolds number) to shed vortices; high viscosity reduces the Reynolds number, potentially stopping vortex shedding and causing measurement failure.

  5. What is the purpose of performing a 'bump test' on a gas detector?

    Answer: Test the instrument's response to a known concentration of target gas to verify alarm functionality

    A bump test exposes the detector to a challenge gas at a known concentration to confirm the sensor responds and alarms activate, verifying functional readiness without full calibration.

  6. Which type of pump is best suited for handling high-viscosity fluids such as heavy oils or slurries?

    Answer: Positive displacement pump

    Positive displacement pumps (such as gear, progressive cavity, or piston types) maintain consistent flow regardless of viscosity and are better suited for thick or shear-sensitive fluids than centrifugal pumps.

  7. A digital indicating controller displays 'INPUT FAIL' or an open-input alarm. What has most likely occurred?

    Answer: The input sensor or wiring connection has failed or opened

    An 'INPUT FAIL' alarm indicates the controller is not receiving a valid signal from the field sensor, most commonly due to a broken wire, failed transmitter, or open thermocouple.