RMGA Pipeline Operations and Maintenance 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of cathodic protection on buried natural gas pipelines?
- To increase gas flow rate
- To prevent corrosion of the metal pipe (Correct answer)
- To reduce pipeline pressure
- To detect gas leaks
Correct answer: To prevent corrosion of the metal pipe
Cathodic protection prevents electrochemical corrosion by making the pipeline the cathode of an electrochemical cell.
Question 2: Which federal regulation governs the safety of natural gas pipelines in the United States?
- 49 CFR Part 192 (Correct answer)
- 29 CFR Part 1910
- 40 CFR Part 60
- 10 CFR Part 50
Correct answer: 49 CFR Part 192
49 CFR Part 192 establishes minimum federal safety standards for the transportation of natural gas by pipeline.
Question 3: What does the term 'MAOP' stand for in pipeline operations?
- Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure (Correct answer)
- Minimum Approved Operating Procedure
- Maximum Annual Output Performance
- Mandatory Assessment of Pipeline
Correct answer: Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure
MAOP, Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure, is the highest pressure at which a pipeline segment may be operated.
Question 4: How often must operators perform patrols on transmission pipelines in Class 1 locations under 49 CFR Part 192?
- At least once each calendar week
- At least once each calendar month
- At least once each calendar year (Correct answer)
- At least twice each calendar year
Correct answer: At least once each calendar year
For Class 1 locations, 49 CFR Part 192 requires transmission pipeline patrols at least once each calendar year.
Question 5: What is a 'pigging' operation in the context of natural gas pipelines?
- Installing animal deterrents near pipeline markers
- Running a device through the pipeline for cleaning or inspection (Correct answer)
- Pressurizing a new pipeline segment for the first time
- Adding odorant to the gas stream
Correct answer: Running a device through the pipeline for cleaning or inspection
Pigging involves sending a device called a pig through the pipeline interior to perform cleaning, inspection, or gauging.
Question 6: What type of valve is typically installed at a pipeline's mainline to allow full bore flow with minimal restriction?
- Globe valve
- Needle valve
- Ball valve (Correct answer)
- Butterfly valve
Correct answer: Ball valve
Ball valves provide full bore flow with minimal pressure drop and are widely used as mainline isolation valves in gas pipelines.
RMGA Pipeline Operations and Maintenance 1
What is the primary purpose of cathodic protection on buried natural gas pipelines?