Question 1

Name the primary difference between a pump and a compressor.
A) Compressors use steam turbines vs. electric motors
B) Pumps transfer fluids, compressors transfer gases.
C) Pumps are smaller than compressors.
D) Compressors transfer gases, pumps transfer liquids.

Accepted Answer

Pumps are used to transfer liquids, while compressors are used to transfer gases by increasing their pressure.

Question 2

Explain the purpose of bearings and seals.
A) Control radial and axial movement.
B) Support the rotating shaft
C) Prevent internal and external leakage.
D) All of the above.

Accepted Answer

Bearings and seals are used to support rotating shafts, control movement, and prevent leakage, making all options correct.

Question 3

What is the definition of a distillation column?
A) a cylindrical tower that uses trays or packing to provide a contact point between vapors and liquid to separate the components in a mixture by boiling point.
B) a mechanical device designed to accelerate or compress gases.
C) a cylindrical tower filled with a porous medium to separate components in a mixture.
D) an energy transfer device designed to transfer heat energy between the components in a mixture.

Accepted Answer

A distillation column is a cylindrical tower that uses trays or packing to provide a contact point between vapors and liquid to separate the components in a mixture by boiling point.

Question 4

What is the purpose of a steam turbine?
A) Produce high pressure steam.
B) Produce low pressure steam.
C) Provide rotational energy to a pump, compressor, or generator.
D) Convert high pressure steam into condensate.

Accepted Answer

A steam turbine is designed to convert high pressure steam into mechanical energy, which is then used to provide rotational energy to drive equipment like pumps, compressors, or generators.

Question 5

Identify common hand tools used by process technicians.
A) Pumps, compressors, steam turbines
B) Channel locks, wrenches, hammer
C) Radio, gloves, work boots
D) Screw driver, valves, valve wrench

Accepted Answer

Channel locks, wrenches, and hammers are common hand tools used by process technicians for maintenance and repair tasks.

Question 6

List four methods process technicians use to inspect equipment.
A) listen, touch, look, feel.
B) charts, video trends, records, alarms.
C) listen, touch, intuition, smell.
D) smell, log entry, sample results, frequent shutdowns.

Accepted Answer

Process technicians use their senses such as listening, touching, looking, and feeling to inspect equipment for any abnormalities or issues.

Question 7

The primary purpose of a valve is.
A) Direct the flow of fluid.
B) Block in and isolate equipment.
C) Stop the flow of fluid.
D) Start the flow of fluid.

Accepted Answer

Valves are primarily used to direct the flow of fluid by opening, closing, or partially obstructing passageways.

Question 8

Explain how a centrifugal pump operates.
A) Positively displaces fluid with a reciprocating motion.
B) Spins liquid from the suction eye into a volute.
C) Positively displaces liquid with a rotary motion.
D) Dynamically spins liquid axially into discharge.

Accepted Answer

A centrifugal pump operates by spinning liquid from the suction eye into a volute, where the kinetic energy is converted into pressure energy, allowing the fluid to be moved through the system.

Question 9

Examples of rotary equipment include all the following except:
A) pump
B) compressor
C) distillation column
D) fan

Accepted Answer

A distillation column is not rotary equipment; it is a static piece of equipment used for separating mixtures based on differences in volatilities.

Question 10

How is power transmission in rotary equipment classified?
A) speed-to-torque conversion or torque to speed conversion
B) Speed to RPM conversion
C) Torque and Shear limits
D) Gear and clutch control

Accepted Answer

Power transmission in rotary equipment is often classified based on the conversion between speed and torque, as these are the primary factors in mechanical power transmission systems.

Question 11

The basic principles that allow an electric motor to operate include all of the following except:
A) electric current creates a magnetic field.
B) magnetic poles attract and repel each other.
C) electric current closes the magnetic field.
D) current direction determines the magnetic poles.

Accepted Answer

Electric current does not "close" the magnetic field; it creates a magnetic field around the conductor. The other principles listed are fundamental to the operation of an electric motor.

Question 12

Describe how chain and belt drives are used to operate rotating equipment.
A) belts and chains provide torque and speed to operating equipment.
B) belts and chains are used to connect two parallel shafts; the drive shaft and the driven shaft.
C) belts and chains provide a bridge or a coupling between the motor and driven device.
D) a & c

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe how chain and belt drives are...

Question 13

What is the purpose of a fired heater?
A) Heat large quantities of hydrocarbons for commercial use.
B) Steam generation for commercial use.
C) Provide heat during winter months for control rooms.
D) Burn excess hydrocarbons safely and efficiently.

Accepted Answer

Fired heaters are primarily used to heat large quantities of hydrocarbons in industrial processes, such as in refineries and petrochemical plants, to facilitate chemical reactions or separation processes.

Question 14

Outside operators inspect all of the following except:.
A) equipment oil levels.
B) unusual smells or vibrations.
C) unit stationary and rotating equipment.
D) equipment from area outside your unit.

Accepted Answer

Outside operators typically inspect equipment within their designated unit, not equipment from areas outside their unit.

Question 15

What is the primary difference between a rigid and a flexible coupling?
A) the amount of movement the coupling will tolerate.
B) the total rpm the coupling will tolerate.
C) the strength of the coupling.
D) the amount of money each coupling costs.

Accepted Answer

The primary difference between a rigid and a flexible coupling is the amount of movement the coupling will tolerate. Rigid couplings do not allow for any movement between the shafts, while flexible couplings can accommodate some misalignment and movement.

Question 16

Explain the operation of a positive displacement pump.
A) accelerates a specific volume of liquid through centrifugal force.
B) uses a combination of displacement and centrifugal force to move liquid.
C) displaces a specific volume of liquid on every stroke or rotation of the transfer element.
D) axial movement that displaces a specific volume of liquid.

Accepted Answer

A positive displacement pump moves a specific volume of liquid with each stroke or rotation, ensuring a consistent flow rate regardless of pressure changes.

Question 17

What is the primary purpose of a mixing reactor?
A) blend chemicals into a homogenous mixture using a catalyst.
B) provide stirring action to create molecular friction.
C) to heat or cool a chemical mixture.
D) to mix two or more chemicals under specific conditions to make or break chemical bonds.

Accepted Answer

The primary purpose of a mixing reactor is to mix chemicals under specific conditions to facilitate chemical reactions, which may involve making or breaking chemical bonds.

Question 18

What is the primary purpose of a boiler?
A) Heat large quantities of hydrocarbons for commercial use.
B) Steam generation for commercial use.
C) Provide heat during winter months for control rooms.
D) Burn excess hydrocarbons safely and efficiently.

Accepted Answer

The primary purpose of a boiler is to generate steam for commercial use, which can be used for heating, power generation, or industrial processes.

Question 19

What is the purpose of a cooling tower?
A) Cool hydrocarbons and excess vapors
B) Emergency quench cooling for reactors
C) Provide cooling during summer months for control rooms.
D) Cool water for industrial applications.

Accepted Answer

Cooling towers are primarily used to cool water for industrial applications by removing heat from the water through evaporation.

Question 20

Water treatment requirements are linked to three factors;
A) OSHA permit system, state regulations, average rainfall
B) Time of year, available equipment, last OSHA inspection
C) Source water quality, how the water will be used, and environmental regulations.
D) PPM in air, PPM in water quality, EPA permit requirement.

Accepted Answer

Water treatment requirements are primarily determined by the quality of the source water, the intended use of the treated water, and the applicable environmental regulations. These factors ensure that the water is treated to meet safety and quality standards for its intended use.

Quiz 1: Introduction to Process Equipment

Name the primary difference between a pump and a compressor.

Explain the purpose of bearings and seals.

What is the definition of a distillation column?

What is the purpose of a steam turbine?

Identify common hand tools used by process technicians.

List four methods process technicians use to inspect equipment.

The primary purpose of a valve is.

Explain how a centrifugal pump operates.

Examples of rotary equipment include all the following except:

How is power transmission in rotary equipment classified?

The basic principles that allow an electric motor to operate include all of the following except:

Describe how chain and belt drives are used to operate rotating equipment.

What is the purpose of a fired heater?

Outside operators inspect all of the following except:.

What is the primary difference between a rigid and a flexible coupling?

Explain the operation of a positive displacement pump.

What is the primary purpose of a mixing reactor?

What is the primary purpose of a boiler?

What is the purpose of a cooling tower?

Water treatment requirements are linked to three factors;