Certified Pipefitter Blueprint Reading and Symbols Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: On a piping isometric drawing, what does the abbreviation 'EL' typically precede?
- A list of required elbow fittings
- The elevation of a pipe's centerline (Correct answer)
- An electrical grounding location
- The designated equipment layout number
Correct answer: The elevation of a pipe's centerline
In piping isometric drawings, 'EL' stands for Elevation. It is used to indicate the vertical distance of a pipe's centerline from a specific reference point or datum, such as sea level or a finished floor.
Question 2: A pipefitter is reviewing a P&ID and sees a valve symbol represented by two triangles pointing towards each other with a solid black circle in the middle. What type of valve does this symbol represent?
- Gate Valve
- Ball Valve
- Globe Valve (Correct answer)
- Check Valve
Correct answer: Globe Valve
The standard symbol for a valve is two triangles pointing at each other. The character in the middle specifies the valve type. A solid or filled-in circle indicates a Globe valve.
Question 3: While examining a welding symbol on a blueprint, a pipefitter notes a small flag at the junction of the reference line and the arrow. What does this flag signify?
- The weld requires special inspection.
- The weld should be completed in the fabrication shop.
- The weld must be performed on-site (field weld). (Correct answer)
- The weld is on the 'other side' of the joint.
Correct answer: The weld must be performed on-site (field weld).
A flag on a welding symbol indicates that the weld is a 'field weld,' meaning it must be completed at the construction or installation site rather than in a controlled shop environment.
Question 4: A blueprint shows a pipeline with the label '6"-CS150-A-1021'. Which part of this label most likely indicates the nominal pipe size?
- A-1021
- CS150
- 6" (Correct answer)
- There is not enough information
Correct answer: 6"
In standard pipe labeling conventions, the first number followed by an inch symbol (") denotes the Nominal Pipe Size (NPS). In this case, '6"' indicates a 6-inch nominal pipe size.
Question 5: Which of the following drawing types is NOT drawn to scale but provides a three-dimensional representation of a single pipeline, showing all fittings, dimensions, and elevations?
- Piping and Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID)
- Orthographic Drawing
- Plot Plan
- Piping Isometric Drawing (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Piping Isometric Drawing
Piping isometric drawings are unique in that they show a single pipe run in a 3D view. They are not drawn to scale; instead, dimensions are written directly on the drawing to ensure accuracy for fabrication and installation.
Question 6: On a blueprint, a symbol for a pipe fitting shows a circle with a dot in the center, connecting two perpendicular lines. This represents which type of fitting view?
- A 90-degree elbow shown from the side
- A tee fitting with the branch flowing towards the viewer (Correct answer)
- A concentric reducer
- A flanged joint
Correct answer: A tee fitting with the branch flowing towards the viewer
This symbol represents a tee fitting where the main pipe runs horizontally and the branch is directed straight out, towards the person viewing the drawing. The circle represents the end view of the branch pipe, and the dot signifies its center.
On a piping isometric drawing, what does the abbreviation 'EL' typically precede?