Pipefitter Rigging, Hangers, and Supports 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of pipe support is specifically designed to allow pipe movement in one direction while restricting movement perpendicular to that direction?
- Anchor
- Guide (Correct answer)
- Rest
- Snubber
Correct answer: Guide
A pipe guide permits axial movement along the pipe run while restraining lateral (transverse) movement.
Question 2: What is the minimum safe working load (SWL) rating a shackle must have when used to lift a 4,000 lb pipe spool?
- 2,000 lb
- 3,500 lb
- 4,000 lb (Correct answer)
- 5,000 lb
Correct answer: 4,000 lb
The SWL of any rigging component must be equal to or greater than the total load being lifted; 4,000 lb is the minimum acceptable rating here.
Question 3: A three-point hanger rod assembly uses a turnbuckle primarily to:
- Increase the rated load capacity of the assembly
- Allow fine adjustment of rod length and pipe elevation (Correct answer)
- Prevent the rod from rotating under vibration
- Connect dissimilar metals to avoid galvanic corrosion
Correct answer: Allow fine adjustment of rod length and pipe elevation
Turnbuckles allow field adjustment of the hanger rod length to set the pipe at the correct elevation.
Question 4: When rigging a long horizontal pipe spool for lifting, spreader bars are used to:
- Increase the total load capacity of the crane
- Keep the sling legs vertical and prevent crushing the pipe (Correct answer)
- Connect the hook to two separate cranes simultaneously
- Measure the exact weight of the load before lifting
Correct answer: Keep the sling legs vertical and prevent crushing the pipe
Spreader bars maintain vertical sling legs, eliminating inward compressive forces on the pipe that could cause deformation.
Question 5: Which ASME standard governs the design and selection of pipe hangers and supports in power piping systems?
- ASME B31.1 (Correct answer)
- ASME B31.3
- ASME B16.5
- ASME B30.9
Correct answer: ASME B31.1
ASME B31.1 (Power Piping) includes requirements for pipe support design, spacing, and installation.
Question 6: A snubber (shock absorber) support is installed on piping to:
- Carry the static weight of the pipe
- Allow slow thermal movement but resist sudden dynamic loads (Correct answer)
- Guide the pipe along a single axis only
- Insulate the pipe thermally from the support steel
Correct answer: Allow slow thermal movement but resist sudden dynamic loads
Snubbers lock up under rapid dynamic loading (earthquake, water hammer) while remaining free to move under slow thermal expansion.
Question 7: When using a chain hoist (chain fall) to position heavy pipe, the rigger must verify that the:
- Chain links are painted for visibility
- Overhead attachment point is rated for the load (Correct answer)
- Hoist is operated at maximum speed for efficiency
- Chain is replaced with wire rope before each use
Correct answer: Overhead attachment point is rated for the load
The overhead structural attachment point must be rated to support both the load and the weight of the hoist itself.
Pipefitter Rigging, Hangers, and Supports 4
Which type of pipe support is specifically designed to allow pipe movement in one direction while restricting movement perpendicular to that direction?