Equipment and Tools Knowledge Flashcards
7 cards from real STEAMFITTER practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Equipment and Tools Knowledge flashcards as text
When selecting a pipe hanger for a high-temperature steam line, which type compensates for axial thermal expansion?
Answer: Pipe roller support
A pipe roller support allows the pipe to move axially as it expands thermally, reducing stress at fixed points and connected equipment nozzles.
A pressure gauge calibration tester (dead-weight tester) works by:
Answer: Balancing known weights on a piston to generate a precise reference pressure
A dead-weight tester uses calibrated masses on a piston of known area; the resulting pressure (F/A) is traceable and used to verify gauge accuracy.
What is the correct procedure when a pipe threading die becomes dull and produces torn rather than clean threads?
Answer: Replace or resharpen the die before continuing
A dull die tears metal rather than cutting it, producing threads that will leak or fail; the die must be replaced or resharpened to produce structurally sound threads.
Which instrument is used to verify that a steam trap is functioning and not passing live steam (blowing through)?
Answer: Ultrasonic leak detector or infrared thermometer
An ultrasonic detector picks up the turbulent noise of live steam passing through a failed-open trap, while an IR thermometer shows abnormal temperature on the condensate side.
A pipe beveling tool (end prep machine) is used before butt welding because:
Answer: It creates a precise bevel angle on the pipe end to ensure full-penetration weld joint geometry
A consistent bevel angle (typically 37.5°) gives the welder a properly shaped groove for full-penetration fusion, which is required on pressure piping.
When using a magnetic drill (mag drill) to drill holes in a steel structural member for pipe support installation, the operator must ensure:
Answer: The base magnet has full, flat contact with the steel and the interlock light confirms adhesion before drilling
A mag drill's safety interlock requires confirmed magnetic adhesion (indicated by a light or lock-out release) before the drill can run, preventing the tool from being thrown if contact is lost.
A pneumatic impact wrench is preferred over a manual torque wrench for initial flange bolt run-down because:
Answer: It speeds up bringing all bolts to snug-tight before sequential torquing begins
An impact wrench quickly runs all bolts to snug-tight, reducing the time before the controlled cross-pattern torquing sequence with a calibrated torque wrench begins.