Piping Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield Piping facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which ASME code governs the design of process piping in chemical and refinery plants in the US? → ASME B31.3 — Process Piping
2. What does the term 'dead leg' mean in piping design? → A pipe segment with no flow that can accumulate stagnant fluid
3. What does 'deadleg inspection' specifically look for in process piping? → Corrosion, pitting, and deposits in stagnant zones where process fluid does not flow
4. What grade of stainless steel is known as acid proof steel? → AISI 316
5. What does 'NPS' stand for in pipe specifications? → Nominal Pipe Size
6. Which symbol on a P&ID typically represents a control valve? → A bow-tie or butterfly symbol with an actuator circle on top
7. Which code is applied to the design of process piping? → ASME B31.3
8. What is the primary reason for using a pipe shoe (saddle) on insulated piping? → To lift the pipe off the support so insulation can pass underneath without being crushed
9. What does the term 'cold load' refer to in pipe hanger design? → The hanger load at ambient temperature before the system is pressurized or heated
10. Which document defines the overall piping layout showing all pipe lines, equipment, and instrumentation? → Piping and Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID)
11. What nondestructive method is best suited for detecting stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in stainless steel piping? → Eddy Current Testing (ET) or Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT)
12. What is the primary limitation of cast iron piping in process plant applications? → It is brittle and susceptible to sudden fracture under mechanical shock or thermal stress
13. Which standard specifies the dimensions of stainless steel pipes? → ASME B36.19
14. Which kind of pipe is used for ASTM A106 Grb Pipe Material Grade? → Seamless
15. The actual drilling and raising of oil and gas resources to the surface are examples of exploration. → Upstream
16. Which of the following support types is best suited to prevent pipe sag between two fixed points on a long horizontal run? → Resting support (saddle)
17. What does ASME B16.11 standardize? → Forged fittings including socket weld and threaded fittings
18. According to ASME B31.3, when calculating maximum span between supports for liquid-filled process piping, the designer must consider: → Both the pipe weight and the weight of fluid, insulation, and allowable sag
19. The maximum support spacing for 6-inch Schedule 40 carbon steel pipe carrying water, as typically provided in support span tables, is approximately: → 17 feet
20. What does isometric indicates' cloud marking mean? → Change occurred in Revision
21. A 'trapeze hanger' is typically used when: → Multiple parallel pipes are grouped and hung from a common horizontal beam
22. Most common type of pipe material → Steel
23. What is the primary advantage of using austenitic stainless steel (e.g., 316L) over carbon steel in piping? → Superior corrosion resistance, especially in chloride and acidic environments
24. What is 'hi-lo' in pipe welding terminology? → The mismatch in inner diameter alignment between two pipe ends being joined
25. What is the primary use of chrome-moly (Cr-Mo) alloy piping such as P91? → High-temperature, high-pressure service in power and refinery applications
26. Double random pipes have a minimum length of 4.8 meters. → TRUE
27. What minimum clearance is typically required between insulated pipes running in parallel in a pipe rack? → 50 mm
28. What does 'pipe class' or 'piping specification' define for a given line? → The allowable materials, fittings, and pressure-temperature ratings for a service
29. A spring hanger is typically used when: → Vertical pipe movement due to thermal expansion must be accommodated
30. What kind of pipe is made using the steel coil? → Helical SAW Pipe