Pipefitter Pipe Testing and Inspection 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which NDE method is best suited for detecting surface and near-surface defects in ferromagnetic pipe materials?
- Liquid penetrant testing (PT)
- Magnetic particle testing (MT) (Correct answer)
- Ultrasonic testing (UT)
- Radiographic testing (RT)
Correct answer: Magnetic particle testing (MT)
Magnetic particle testing induces a magnetic field in ferromagnetic material; disruptions caused by surface or near-surface flaws cause iron particles to cluster and reveal the defect.
Question 2: What does the abbreviation PMI stand for in the context of pipe inspection?
- Pipe Material Identification
- Positive Material Identification (Correct answer)
- Pressure Measurement Inspection
- Pre-weld Material Inspection
Correct answer: Positive Material Identification
Positive Material Identification (PMI) verifies through chemical analysis that the correct alloy material was actually installed in the piping system.
Question 3: Which NDE method applies a colored or fluorescent dye to a surface, allows it to seep into defects, then draws it out with a developer for examination?
- Magnetic particle testing (MT)
- Radiographic testing (RT)
- Liquid penetrant testing (PT) (Correct answer)
- Eddy current testing (ET)
Correct answer: Liquid penetrant testing (PT)
Liquid penetrant testing uses capillary action to draw dye into surface-breaking defects; the developer then pulls the trapped dye back out, making the defect visible.
Question 4: What must be done with pressure relief valves in a piping system before performing a hydrostatic pressure test?
- Open them fully to monitor pressure
- Remove or isolate them from the test circuit (Correct answer)
- Adjust them to the hydrostatic test pressure
- Replace them temporarily with check valves
Correct answer: Remove or isolate them from the test circuit
Relief valves must be removed or isolated because their set pressure is typically at or near the design pressure, and they would open before the required test pressure is reached.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of visual testing (VT) in piping inspection?
- To detect internal corrosion and wall thinning
- To measure pipe wall thickness accurately
- To identify surface defects, misalignment, and improper installation (Correct answer)
- To verify the chemical composition of welds
Correct answer: To identify surface defects, misalignment, and improper installation
Visual testing is the most fundamental NDE method and is used to identify visible surface defects, improper weld profiles, misalignment, and installation non-conformances.
Question 6: Which document is required to officially record the results of a piping pressure test, including hold times and inspector sign-off?
- Weld Procedure Specification (WPS)
- Material Test Report (MTR)
- Pressure test record or test report (Correct answer)
- Isometric drawing
Correct answer: Pressure test record or test report
A pressure test record documents the date, test medium, pressure, hold time, temperature, results, and inspector's signature as required by ASME B31.3 and other piping codes.
Question 7: According to ASME B31.3, what is the maximum allowable temperature of the test water used for hydrostatic testing?
- 100°F (38°C)
- 120°F (49°C) (Correct answer)
- 150°F (65°C)
- 200°F (93°C)
Correct answer: 120°F (49°C)
ASME B31.3 limits hydrostatic test water to a maximum of 120°F (49°C) to prevent potential vaporization and ensure accurate pressure readings.
Pipefitter Pipe Testing and Inspection 2
Which NDE method is best suited for detecting surface and near-surface defects in ferromagnetic pipe materials?