API 570 Closed Book Questions

API 570 Closed Book Questions

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of API 570?
A) To provide guidelines for designing new piping systems
B) To establish requirements for inspection, repair, alteration, and rerating of in-service piping systems
C) To specify materials for piping construction
D) To outline welding procedures for new installations
Answer: B
Explanation: API 570 focuses on the inspection, repair, alteration, and rerating of in-service metallic piping systems to ensure their integrity and safety.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a type of inspection defined in API 570?
A) External visual inspection
B) Internal visual inspection
C) Thickness measurement inspection
D) Hydrostatic testing
Answer: D
Explanation: API 570 defines inspection types such as external visual, internal visual, and thickness measurement. Hydrostatic testing is a pressure test, not an inspection type.

Question 3

What is the minimum qualification for an API 570 inspector?
A) High school diploma
B) Bachelor’s degree in engineering
C) Certification as a welding inspector
D) As specified in API 570, based on education and experience
Answer: D
Explanation: API 570 specifies qualifications based on a combination of education and experience, such as 1 year of experience with a bachelor’s degree or 5 years without formal education.

Question 4

Which code governs the design and construction of process piping?
A) ASME B31.1
B) ASME B31.3
C) API 570
D) ASME Section VIII
Answer: B
Explanation: ASME B31.3 is the standard for process piping design and construction, while API 570 addresses in-service inspection.

Question 5

What is the term for the calculated thickness required to contain the design pressure?
A) Nominal thickness
B) Minimum required thickness
C) Actual thickness
D) Retirement thickness
Answer: B
Explanation: The minimum required thickness is the calculated thickness needed to safely contain the design pressure, per code requirements.

Question 6

Which of the following is a corrosion mechanism affecting piping systems?
A) Fatigue
B) Creep
C) Galvanic corrosion
D) Thermal shock
Answer: C
Explanation: Galvanic corrosion occurs when dissimilar metals are in contact in an electrolyte, causing material degradation.

Question 7

What is the purpose of a pressure test in piping systems?
A) To check for leaks
B) To verify system integrity
C) To determine maximum operating pressure
D) All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: Pressure testing ensures the system is leak-free, structurally sound, and capable of withstanding design pressure.

Question 8

Which NDE method is commonly used for detecting surface cracks in welds?
A) Radiographic testing
B) Ultrasonic testing
C) Magnetic particle testing
D) Eddy current testing
Answer: C
Explanation: Magnetic particle testing is effective for detecting surface and near-surface cracks in ferromagnetic materials.

Question 9

What does WPS stand for in welding?
A) Welding Procedure Specification
B) Welder Performance Qualification
C) Welding Process Standard
D) Weldment Preparation System
Answer: A
Explanation: A Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) outlines the specific procedures for performing a weld.

Question 10

In API 570, what is the definition of a “repair”?
A) Work to restore a piping system to safe operation at design conditions
B) A modification changing the design parameters
C) Replacement with an identical component
D) A temporary fix until permanent repair
Answer: A
Explanation: A repair restores the piping system to a safe condition without altering its design parameters.

Question 11

What determines the frequency of external visual inspections for above-ground piping?
A) Every 6 months
B) Annually
C) Every 5 years
D) Inspection interval based on risk assessment
Answer: D
Explanation: Inspection intervals are set based on piping class, corrosion rate, and risk, typically not exceeding half the remaining life or 10 years.

Question 12

Which is NOT a requirement for an API 570 inspector?
A) Knowledge of codes and standards
B) Ability to perform NDE
C) Understanding of corrosion mechanisms
D) Certification as a welder
Answer: D
Explanation: Inspectors need welding knowledge but are not required to be certified welders.

Question 13

Why is the remaining life of a piping system calculated?
A) To determine replacement timing
B) To schedule inspections
C) To decide repair methods
D) All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: Remaining life calculations guide maintenance, inspection scheduling, and repair decisions.

Question 14

Which document provides guidance on damage mechanisms for fixed equipment?
A) API 570
B) API RP 571
C) ASME B31.3
D) API RP 574
Answer: B
Explanation: API RP 571 details damage mechanisms, including corrosion and mechanical damage, affecting equipment.

Question 15

What is the minimum number of thickness measurement locations (TMLs) for a piping circuit?
A) 1
B) 2
C) 4
D) As determined by the inspector
Answer: D
Explanation: TMLs are selected based on the system’s complexity and risk, per API 570 and API RP 574.

Question 16

In ultrasonic testing, what does “A-scan” refer to?
A) A type of probe
B) A display mode showing amplitude vs. time
C) A calibration standard
D) A testing technique for welds
Answer: B
Explanation: A-scan displays amplitude versus time or distance, used to detect defects.

Question 17

What is the difference between a flaw and a defect?
A) They are synonymous
B) A flaw is any imperfection; a defect exceeds acceptance criteria
C) A defect is detected by NDE; a flaw is not
D) A flaw is in welds; a defect is in base metal
Answer: B
Explanation: A flaw is any imperfection, but it becomes a defect if it exceeds code acceptance criteria.

Question 18

Which is a volumetric NDE method?
A) Visual testing
B) Magnetic particle testing
C) Radiographic testing
D) Liquid penetrant testing
Answer: C
Explanation: Radiographic testing detects internal defects, making it a volumetric method.

Question 19

What is the purpose of preheating before welding?
A) To reduce cooling rate and prevent cracking
B) To increase welding speed
C) To clean the weld area
D) To improve arc stability
Answer: A
Explanation: Preheating slows cooling, reducing the risk of hydrogen-induced cracking.

Question 20

What does MAWP stand for in piping systems?
A) Maximum Allowable Working Pressure
B) Minimum Allowable Wall Pressure
C) Maximum Applied Working Pressure
D) Mean Absolute Working Pressure
Answer: A
Explanation: MAWP is the maximum pressure at which a piping system can safely operate.

Question 21

What is the formula for calculating the long-term corrosion rate?
A) (Initial thickness – Current thickness) / Time in service
B) (Current thickness – Minimum thickness) / Time to reach minimum
C) (Design thickness – Current thickness) / Design life
D) (Initial thickness – Minimum thickness) / Time in service
Answer: A
Explanation: Long-term corrosion rate is calculated as the thickness loss over time in service.

Question 22

What is the significance of the half-life concept in corrosion rate calculation?
A) Determines replacement timing
B) Helps schedule inspections
C) Calculates remaining life
D) Indicates when half the thickness is corroded
Answer: B
Explanation: Inspection intervals are often set to half the remaining life or less, per API 570.

Question 23

Which factor affects the corrosion rate in piping systems?
A) Fluid velocity
B) Temperature
C) pH of the fluid
D) All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: Corrosion rates are influenced by fluid velocity, temperature, pH, and other factors.

Question 24

What is the purpose of a deadleg in piping systems?
A) To provide inspection access
B) To reduce pressure drop
C) To trap sediments
D) Deadlegs are undesirable and should be avoided
Answer: D
Explanation: Deadlegs, with little or no flow, can lead to corrosion and should be minimized.

Question 25

In API 570, what is “small bore piping”?
A) Piping with diameter less than 2 inches
B) Piping with diameter less than 1 inch
C) Non-critical process piping
D) Piping for instrumentation
Answer: A
Explanation: Small bore piping is defined as NPS 2 (2 inches) and smaller.

Question 26

Which valve type is commonly used for isolation in piping systems?
A) Gate valve
B) Globe valve
C) Ball valve
D) All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: Gate, globe, and ball valves are used for isolation, depending on the application.

Question 27

What is the purpose of a spectacle blind in piping?
A) To provide temporary flow diversion
B) To indicate if a line is open or closed
C) To reduce pressure
D) To filter particulates
Answer: B
Explanation: Spectacle blinds indicate whether a line is open or closed for isolation.

Question 28

Which is a destructive testing method?
A) Radiographic testing
B) Ultrasonic testing
C) Tensile testing
D) Magnetic particle testing
Answer: C
Explanation: Tensile testing destroys the specimen to determine mechanical properties.

Question 29

What does PMI stand for in piping inspection?
A) Positive Material Identification
B) Piping Material Inspection
C) Preventive Maintenance Interval
D) Piping Mechanical Integrity
Answer: A
Explanation: PMI verifies the chemical composition of materials.

Question 30

What is the difference between a weld discontinuity and a weld defect?
A) They are the same
B) A discontinuity may be acceptable; a defect is not
C) A defect is in the base metal; a discontinuity is in the weld
D) A discontinuity is detected by NDE; a defect is not
Answer: B
Explanation: Discontinuities are imperfections; defects exceed acceptance criteria.

Question 31

What is the typical test pressure for a hydrostatic test on piping?
A) 1.5 times the design pressure
B) Equal to the design pressure
C) 1.25 times the design pressure
D) As specified in the code
Answer: D
Explanation: Test pressure varies by code and piping type, often referencing ASME B31.3.

Question 32

What is the purpose of a pneumatic test?
A) To test for strength
B) To test for leaks
C) Both A and B
D) To simulate operating conditions
Answer: C
Explanation: Pneumatic tests verify strength and check for leaks.

Question 33

What is an advantage of hydrostatic testing over pneumatic testing?
A) Lower cost
B) Safer in case of failure
C) Can be performed on any system
D) Faster to set up
Answer: B
Explanation: Hydrostatic testing is safer due to water’s incompressibility.

Question 34

What is the process of determining a new maximum allowable working pressure called?
A) Rerating
B) Alteration
C) Repair
D) Inspection
Answer: A
Explanation: Rerating changes the design pressure or temperature based on inspection.

Question 35

Who is responsible for establishing inspection intervals in API 570?
A) The owner/user
B) The inspector
C) The regulatory authority
D) The manufacturer
Answer: A
Explanation: The owner/user sets inspection programs with input from inspectors.

Question 36

What is the typical method for measuring pipe wall thickness?
A) Calipers
B) Micrometer
C) Ultrasonic thickness gauge
D) Visual estimation
Answer: C
Explanation: Ultrasonic thickness gauges provide accurate, non-destructive measurements.

Question 37

Which is NOT a common type of flange facing?
A) Flat face
B) Raised face
C) Ring joint
D) Threaded face
Answer: D
Explanation: Threaded refers to connection type, not flange facing.

Question 38

What is the purpose of a gasket in a flanged joint?
A) To provide electrical insulation
B) To seal the joint and prevent leaks
C) To reduce vibration
D) To align the flanges
Answer: B
Explanation: Gaskets ensure a leak-tight seal between flange faces.

Question 39

Which material is commonly used for piping in corrosive environments?
A) Carbon steel
B) Stainless steel
C) Copper
D) PVC
Answer: B
Explanation: Stainless steel resists corrosion in harsh environments.

Question 40

What is the effect of increasing temperature on piping material strength?
A) Increases strength
B) Decreases strength
C) No effect
D) Depends on the material
Answer: B
Explanation: Higher temperatures generally reduce metal strength.

Question 41

What is the heat-affected zone (HAZ) in welding?
A) The area where weld metal is deposited
B) The base metal altered by welding heat
C) The area where preheat is applied
D) The zone for post-weld heat treatment
Answer: B
Explanation: The HAZ is base metal altered by welding heat without melting.

Question 42

Which welding process is commonly used for field welding of piping?
A) Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW)
B) Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW)
C) Submerged arc welding (SAW)
D) Flux-cored arc welding (FCAW)
Answer: A
Explanation: SMAW is versatile and portable for field welding.

Question 43

What is the purpose of post-weld heat treatment (PWHT)?
A) To increase weld strength
B) To relieve residual stresses
C) To improve corrosion resistance
D) To clean the weld surface
Answer: B
Explanation: PWHT reduces residual stresses to prevent cracking.

Question 44

In NDE, what does RT stand for?
A) Radiographic testing
B) Remote testing
C) Resonance testing
D) Radiant testing
Answer: A
Explanation: RT uses X-rays or gamma rays to inspect welds.

Question 45

What is a disadvantage of radiographic testing?
A) Cannot detect surface defects
B) Requires access to both sides of the weld
C) Safety hazards due to radiation
D) All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: RT has limitations in detecting surface defects, requires access, and poses radiation risks.

Question 46

What is the typical acceptance criterion for porosity in welds?
A) No porosity allowed
B) Porosity up to 1 mm in diameter
C) As specified in the applicable code
D) Porosity is acceptable if not clustered
Answer: C
Explanation: Acceptance criteria for porosity are defined by the relevant code.

Question 47

What is a “hot tap” in piping systems?
A) A method to connect a new branch while in operation
B) A welding process
C) A pressure test at elevated temperature
D) A repair technique for leaks
Answer: A
Explanation: Hot tapping allows branch connections without system shutdown.

Question 48

What is the purpose of a corrosion allowance in piping design?
A) To account for expected corrosion over the design life
B) To provide extra strength for pressure
C) To compensate for manufacturing tolerances
D) To allow for future modifications
Answer: A
Explanation: Corrosion allowance adds thickness to account for material loss.

Question 49

Which is a type of mechanical joint for piping?
A) Welded joint
B) Flanged joint
C) Threaded joint
D) Both B and C
Answer: D
Explanation: Flanged and threaded joints are mechanical, unlike welded joints.

Question 50

What is the role of the authorized inspector in API 570?
A) To perform all inspections personally
B) To ensure inspections comply with the code
C) To design the piping system
D) To operate the piping system
Answer: B
Explanation: The authorized inspector ensures compliance with API 570.

Material Welding is run by highly experienced welding engineers, welding trainers & ASNT NDT Level III bloggers. We strive to provide most accurate and practical knowledge in welding, metallurgy, NDT and Engineering domains.