SPED Piping Design Principles & Standards 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which ASME code governs the design of process piping in industrial facilities?
- ASME B31.1
- ASME B31.3 (Correct answer)
- ASME B31.4
- ASME B31.8
Correct answer: ASME B31.3
ASME B31.3 is the Process Piping code that governs chemical, petroleum, and other process plant piping systems.
Question 2: What is the purpose of a spectacle blind (figure-8 blind) in piping systems?
- To reduce pipe vibration
- To allow full flow or complete isolation by rotating the blind (Correct answer)
- To measure flow rate through the line
- To absorb thermal expansion
Correct answer: To allow full flow or complete isolation by rotating the blind
A spectacle blind provides a visual indication of line status and allows operators to switch between full flow and complete isolation by rotating the figure-8 plate.
Question 3: In piping isometrics, what does the abbreviation 'BOP' stand for?
- Bottom of Pipe (Correct answer)
- Basis of Process
- Bottom of Platform
- Back of Pipe
Correct answer: Bottom of Pipe
BOP stands for Bottom of Pipe and is used as a reference elevation datum for pipe routing and support design.
Question 4: What is the minimum clearance typically required between insulated pipe surfaces and structural steel per standard practice?
- 1 inch
- 2 inches
- 3 inches (Correct answer)
- 4 inches
Correct answer: 3 inches
Standard practice requires a minimum 3-inch clearance between insulated pipe surfaces and structural members to allow for insulation installation and maintenance.
Question 5: Which type of valve is best suited for throttling service in process piping?
- Gate valve
- Globe valve (Correct answer)
- Ball valve
- Butterfly valve
Correct answer: Globe valve
Globe valves are specifically designed for throttling service because their disc and seat configuration allows precise flow regulation.
Question 6: What does the pipe schedule number indicate?
- The pipe's outer diameter in inches
- The wall thickness relative to pipe size (Correct answer)
- The maximum operating temperature
- The pipe material grade
Correct answer: The wall thickness relative to pipe size
The schedule number is a dimensionless number that, combined with nominal pipe size, determines the wall thickness of the pipe.
Question 7: What is the primary function of an expansion loop in a piping system?
- To increase flow velocity
- To filter particulates from the process fluid
- To accommodate thermal growth without overstressing pipe or equipment (Correct answer)
- To reduce pressure drop across long runs
Correct answer: To accommodate thermal growth without overstressing pipe or equipment
Expansion loops absorb the thermal expansion of pipe runs by flexing, preventing excessive stresses on pipe, fittings, and connected equipment nozzles.
SPED Piping Design Principles & Standards 2
Which ASME code governs the design of process piping in industrial facilities?