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 piping symbol on a P&ID represents a gate valve? → Two triangles pointing toward each other at their tips
2. What is the purpose of a pressure relief valve (PRV) in a piping system? → To automatically release pressure when it exceeds a preset safe limit
3. Which pipe component is specifically designed to isolate sections of piping for maintenance while allowing the rest of the system to remain operational? → Isolation valve
4. Which ASME code governs the design of process piping in chemical and refinery plants in the US? → ASME B31.3 — Process Piping
5. What does the term 'dead leg' mean in piping design? → A pipe segment with no flow that can accumulate stagnant fluid
6. What distinguishes a wye fitting from a tee fitting in piping systems? → A wye has a 45-degree branch while a tee has a 90-degree branch
7. In isometric drawings for piping, what does a spool represent? → A prefabricated pipe assembly section
8. What does 'deadleg inspection' specifically look for in process piping? → Corrosion, pitting, and deposits in stagnant zones where process fluid does not flow
9. What grade of stainless steel is known as acid proof steel? → AISI 316
10. What does 'NPS' stand for in pipe specifications? → Nominal Pipe Size
11. What is the purpose of hydrostatic testing in piping systems? → To verify structural integrity and leak-tightness under pressure
12. Which piping schedule number indicates the thickest wall for a given NPS? → Schedule 160
13. Which symbol on a P&ID typically represents a control valve? → A bow-tie or butterfly symbol with an actuator circle on top
14. Which code is applied to the design of process piping? → ASME B31.3
15. 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
16. What is a 'flange' in piping, and what is its primary advantage? → A flat ring fitting that bolts two pipe sections together, allowing easy disassembly
17. What is a 'nipple' in the context of piping components? → A short length of pipe with male threads on both ends
18. What is the purpose of a check valve in a piping system? → To allow flow in one direction only and prevent backflow
19. 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
20. Which document defines the overall piping layout showing all pipe lines, equipment, and instrumentation? → Piping and Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID)
21. Which gasket material is typically used for flanged connections in high-temperature steam applications? → Spiral-wound stainless steel with graphite filler
22. 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)
23. 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
24. Which type of pipe joint uses a tapered thread to create a pressure-tight seal? → NPT threaded joint
25. What is the primary purpose of a pipe stress analysis in piping engineering? → To evaluate forces and moments on piping systems under load
26. What type of corrosion occurs when two dissimilar metals are in contact in the presence of an electrolyte? → Galvanic corrosion
27. Which standard specifies the dimensions of stainless steel pipes? → ASME B36.19
28. What is the purpose of a pipe coupling? → To join two pieces of pipe of the same diameter end to end
29. What material property makes stainless steel preferred over carbon steel in corrosive service? → Chromium content that forms a passive oxide layer
30. Which type of pipe end preparation is used for socket weld connections? → The pipe is inserted into a female fitting socket and fillet welded