Steamfitter Pipe Systems and Materials

Question 1

What does the schedule number of a pipe (e.g., Schedule 40 or Schedule 80) indicate?

Accepted Answer

The pipe's wall thickness relative to its outer diameter

Answer

Pipe schedule numbers indicate wall thickness — a higher schedule number means a thicker wall for the same nominal pipe size (NPS).

Question 2

Which pipe material is most commonly specified for steam distribution systems operating above 300°F?

Accepted Answer

Carbon steel

Answer

Carbon steel is the standard material for high-temperature steam systems because it maintains strength and integrity well above 300°F, unlike plastics or soft copper.

Question 3

What does the Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) designation represent?

Accepted Answer

An approximate reference dimension historically related to inner diameter

Answer

NPS is a nominal (approximate) designation that historically referenced the inner diameter; for NPS 14 and larger, the NPS actually equals the outer diameter in inches.

Question 4

A steamfitter needs to change the direction of a pipe run by exactly 45 degrees. Which fitting is used?

Accepted Answer

45-degree elbow

Answer

A 45-degree elbow changes pipe direction by 45 degrees and is a standard fitting used to offset pipe runs at that angle.

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of a union fitting in a piping system?

Accepted Answer

To allow the piping to be disconnected without cutting

Answer

A union allows a section of pipe or component to be easily removed and reconnected by unthreading the union nut, without cutting or unthreading long pipe runs.

(Steamfitter) Steamfitter Pipefitter Exam Practice Test

(Steamfitter) Steamfitter Pipefitter Exam Practice Test

Steamfitter Pipe Systems and Materials