Practice Test Geeks(SPED) Society of Piping Engineers and Designers Certification Practice Test
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Valve & Fitting Selection Flashcards

7 cards from real SPED practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Valve & Fitting Selection flashcards as text

  1. A control valve is sized using the valve flow coefficient (Cv). What physical relationship does Cv represent?

    Answer: The flow rate in GPM of water at 60°F that produces a 1 psi pressure drop across the valve

    Cv is defined as the number of US gallons per minute of 60°F water that flows through a valve with a 1 psi pressure differential across it.

  2. Which flange face type is used with ring-type joint (RTJ) gaskets in high-pressure, high-temperature applications?

    Answer: Ring type joint (RTJ) groove

    RTJ flanges have a precision-machined groove in the face that accepts a metallic ring gasket, providing superior sealing under high pressure and temperature.

  3. When selecting a valve for a steam system with frequent cycling, which packing type is best to minimize fugitive emissions and maintenance?

    Answer: Live-loaded graphite packing with spring followers

    Live-loaded packing uses Belleville spring washers to maintain constant compression on graphite rings, accommodating thermal cycling and reducing fugitive emissions.

  4. A piping designer needs to make a branch connection equal to the run pipe size (e.g., 6-inch on 6-inch). The preferred fitting is:

    Answer: Equal tee per ASME B16.9

    An equal tee per ASME B16.9 is the standard fitting for same-size branch connections and provides full code-compliant reinforcement for the opening.

  5. What does the term 'fire-safe' or 'fire-tested' mean when applied to ball valves?

    Answer: The valve maintains shutoff capability after its soft seats have been damaged by fire

    Fire-safe valves are designed with secondary metal-to-metal seats so the valve can still isolate flow even if the primary soft (elastomeric or PTFE) seats are destroyed by fire.

  6. Which type of reducer fitting maintains a common centerline between the two pipe sizes?

    Answer: Concentric reducer

    A concentric reducer has both pipe ends centered on the same axis, whereas an eccentric reducer offsets one end to keep a flat bottom or top.

  7. For steam trap selection in a drip leg application on a steam main, which trap type is most appropriate?

    Answer: Inverted bucket trap

    Inverted bucket traps are robust for steam mains and drip legs because they handle large slugs of condensate and resist water hammer, common in steam main drainage.