Energy and Utilities Oil and Petroleum Systems 2

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of a pipeline 'pig' in crude oil transmission systems?

Accepted Answer

To inspect, clean, or maintain the interior of a pipeline

Answer

To measure the flow rate at custody transfer points

Answer

To control pressure surges caused by pump shutdowns

Answer

To sample oil quality at metering stations

Question 2

What is the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR)?

Accepted Answer

The world's largest government-owned emergency crude oil stockpile stored in underground salt caverns

Answer

A network of federally owned oil refineries for emergency production

Answer

A regulatory program that limits domestic crude oil exports

Answer

A pipeline system maintained by PHMSA for emergency distribution

Question 3

Which federal agency is primarily responsible for regulating the safety of oil and gas pipelines in the United States?

Accepted Answer

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)

Answer

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Answer

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

Answer

The Department of Energy (DOE)

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of a LACT (Lease Automatic Custody Transfer) unit?

Accepted Answer

To automatically measure and transfer legal ownership of oil from producer to pipeline operator

Answer

To shut down production automatically during a pipeline leak

Answer

To monitor pipeline integrity using inline inspection tools

Answer

To filter contaminants and water from crude oil before storage

Question 5

What type of crude oil is characterized by high density, high viscosity, and difficulty flowing at room temperature?

Accepted Answer

Heavy crude

Answer

Sweet crude

Answer

Light crude

Answer

Condensate

Question 6

In oil well terminology, what is a 'Christmas tree'?

Accepted Answer

An assembly of valves, spools, and fittings used to control flow at a completed wellhead

Answer

A multi-well drilling platform used in offshore fields

Answer

A type of separator that removes liquids from gas streams

Answer

A pipeline junction connecting multiple producing wells to a gathering system

Question 7

What is the primary environmental concern with crude oil spills in water bodies?

Accepted Answer

Oil forms a surface slick that blocks oxygen exchange and coats wildlife, disrupting the ecosystem

Answer

Oil significantly raises water temperature, killing cold-water species

Answer

Spilled crude oil rapidly acidifies water and kills algae

Answer

Oil dissolves into water and creates toxic concentrations throughout the water column