Final Exam (Closed Book)

Note: Choose only one answer which you think is most appropriate. Write your answers in a separate
answer sheet.

1.

Post weld heat treatment of vessel welds generally results in:

a.
b.
c.
d.

Improvement in ductility
Increase of tensile strength
Increase of strength and ductility
None of the above

2.

The __________ shall be responsible to the owner-user for determining that

the requirements of API 510 for inspection, and testing are met.

a.
b.
c.
d.

Vessel engineer
Authorised inspector
Repair organisation
Operating personnel

3.

Vessels that are known to have a remaining life of over __________ years or
that are protected against external corrosion need not have insulation
removed for the periodic external inspection.

a.
b.
c.
d.

10
15
5
20

4.

After an inspection interval is completed and if calculations indicate that an

inaccurate rate of corrosion has been assumed initially, how do you
determine the corrosion rate for the next inspection period?
Check the original calculations to find out what the error is in the original
assumption.
Unless the corrosion rate is changed by Jurisdiction, the initial rates shall be
used.
The corrosion rate shall be adjusted to agree with the actual rate found.
Call in a corrosion specialist

a.
b.
c.
d.
5.

If a vessel is made up of unknown materials and computations must be made

to determine the MAWP what can the inspector or the vessel engineer do to
establish the MAWP?

a.
b.
c.
d.

The vessel of unknown material shall be subjected to hydrostatic tests while

having strain gages on it to determine its yield strength and thus allowable
stress.

6.
a.
b.
c.
d.

An RBI assessment can be used to alter the inspection strategy provided:

The degradation methods are identified and evaluated
The RBI is fully documented.
A third party conducts the RBI
Both A and B above

7.

What climatic area may require a very active program for corrosion under
insulation?
Cooler dry locations.
Very cold locations with year round temperature less than 25F
Warmer, wet locations
Warmer dry locations

a.
b.
c.
d.
8.

a.
b.
c.
d.
9.

a.
b.
c.
d.
10.

The lowest grade material and highest joint efficiency in the applicable code
may be assumed for calculations.
Assume MOC as SA 283 Gr.C and joint efficiency = 0.7
The vessel made of the unknown material must be removed from service and
vessel of known material must be installed.

Soil-to-air (S/A) interfaces for partially buried vessels are a location where
localized corrosion may take place. If the buried part is excavated for
inspection, how deep should the excavation be to determine if there is
hidden damage?
12 to 18 inches
6 to 12 inches
12 to 24 inches
6 to 18 inches
Environmental cracking of austenite stainless steels is caused many times
by:
Exposing areas to high-velocity and high-turbulence streams
Excessive cyclic stresses that are often very low
Exposure to chlorides from salt water
Creep of the material by long time exposure to high temperature and stress

Where can fatigue cracking typically be first detected?

a.
b.

At points of low-stress intensification such as reinforced nozzles

At points of high-stress intensification such as branch connections

c.
d.
11.

a.
b.
c.
d.
12.

At points where cyclic stresses are very low

At points where there are only the primary stresses
The term away from weld for recalculating the required thickness (Vessels
with E<1), means area lying away from weld __________ on either side of
the weld or __________ times the minimum measured thickness on either
side of the weld, whichever is greater.
1, 4
1", 2
2", 2
2, 4
Minimum Design thickness for a vessel shell is 10 mm. Following four plates
were received with actual thickness equal to: 10.2 mm, 9.7mm, 10.3mm,
and 9.6 mm. As per ASME Sec. VIII Div.1, how many plates will you
release for vessel fabrication?

a.
b.
c.
d.

1
2
3
All 4

13.

a.
b.
c.

What type of repairs and procedures may the inspector give prior general
authorisation to continue (provided the inspector is satisfied with the
competency of the repair organization)?
Major repairs and minor procedures
Limited or routine repairs
Major alterations and re-ratings

d.

Minor re-ratings and alterations

14.

a.
b.
c.
d.

Brittleness due to low temperature operation

Brittleness due to Hydrogen Sulphide attack at high temperatures (exceeding 700F)
Loss of ductility in Crsteels due to incorrect PWHT and High temperature service
None of above
15.

a.
b.

Temper embrittlement is:

Sour crude is more corrosive than sweet crude because:

Sour crude is heavier than is sweet crude

Sweet crude has more waxing tendency (compared to sour crude) which forms
protective layer on metallic surfaces hence sweet crudes are less corrosive.

c.
d.
16.
a.
b.
c.

Sour crude contains high content H 2S and sulpher compared to sweet crude which lead to
several types of corrosion
None of the above
HCl is more corrosive in refining sour crudes because:
In presence of H2S, corrosion of iron by HCl becomes cyclic reaction regenerating HCl.
HCl liberates chlorine in presence of sulpher which causes stress corrosion cracking
HCl liberates Hydrogen in presence of sulpher causing Hydrogen embrittlement.

d.

None of the above

17.

In planning for an internal inspection of a vertical vessel that has acidic corrodents, what
type of corrosion would you expect to find on the vessel shell from inside?

a.
b.
c.
d.

18.
a.
b.
c.
d.
19.

Hydrogen blistering near liquid level

Hydrogen blistering on top dished head
Hydrogen blistering near the bottom of vessel
None of above

H2S is in sour crude is more harmful in presence of:

Oxygen
Water (i.e., Wet H2S)
Sulphur
a and c above
The leak tightness of the relief valves is tested on the test block at a
pressure equal to:

a.
b.
c.
d.

Same as set pressure

90% of the set pressure
Same as reseat pressure
None of the above

20.

The principal reason for inspecting a pressure relief device is to determine:

a.
b.
c.
d.
21.

Condition of pressure relief device and if it is functioning properly

The remaining life of pressure relief device.
The spring coil diameter.
The body thickness.
Which of the following tests must be conducted on a valve as soon as it has been
received in the shop for inspection?

a.
b.
c.
d.

Visual inspection
Hydrotesting of valve body
Radiographic testing
Check set-pressure

22.
a.
b.
c.
d.

23.

a.
b.
c.
d.
24.

API 576 does not address:

Valve testing on test benches in shop

Application of rupture discs
Training requirements for mechanics involved in inspection and repair of pressure
relieving devices
All of the above

For vessels which are supported on concrete saddles and working in an area
where the humidity is high which areas on them are typically susceptible to
external corrosion?
At the anchor bolts in the foundation
At the Points of contact of the metal surface with the concrete
All of the above
None of the above
Inspection records contain the following information for a particular
measurement location (TML) on a dished head. (Thk. in inches)

thickness

On the basis of this information, the long-term corrosion rate for the location is:
Thickness
0.500
0.425
0.400
a.
b.
c.
d.
25.

a.

Year
0
5
10

1 mils per year.

5 mils per year.
10 mils per year.
100 mils per year.

A certain C.S. vessel which required impact testing was required to have PWHT initially
according to code requirement. After 10 years when repaired by welding PWHT is to be
carried out. Performing PWHT is found to be impracticable. Which of the following is
relevant (as per API-510)?
PWHT may be exempted, if proper NDE is carried out.

b.
c.
d.
26.

a.
b.
c.

Carry out temper-bead welding as alternative to PWHT.

Carry out both hydro-testing and pneumatic testing in lieu of the PWHT.
Carry out preheating to minimum 200F
A cylindrical shell with thickness = 4.0, ID=96, S=17100 and E=0.85 and C.A. = 1/8
showed metal loss of 1/4 in areas 8 on either side of the longitudinal welds. You
analysis of situation is:
Recalculate shell thickness tminimum considering E=1.0
The thinned area is on or within weld area hence (a) above can not be adopted
Prepare repair procedure and restore the metal loss as per API -510

d.

b and c above

27.

Materials used for making repair by welding in carbon steel vessels shall
have the following limitations?

a.
b.
c.
d.
28.

a.
b.
c.
d.
29.

a.
b.
c.
d.
30.

a.

They shall meet the requirements stipulated in NACE Standard.

The carbon content shall not be over 0.35%
Welding repair shall be done by using only the GTAW process
All of the above
For non-continuous corrosive service with remaining life 25 years, external
inspection shall be performed not later than:
10 years
12.5 years
5 years
None of above
An ellipsoidal head has an internal diameter of 76 inches and depth of 21
inches (including a straight face dimension of 2 inches). What should its
spherical (crown) radius be?
76.9 inches
15.6 inches
68.4 inches
All of the above
For carrying out temper bead welding technique in lieu of PWHT, apart
from other requirements, which of the following is acceptable?
The root and final pass of weld shall be radiographed.

b.

c.
d.
31.

Weld metal shall be deposited for second pass while the first pass below the
second pass is still not cooled down and its cooling rate is retarded due to
the heat of second pass
After depositing each layers of the weld, the weld shall be DP checked.
Both b and c
Calculate the remaining life and external insp. interval of a vessel given the
following data:
Actual thickness = 0.955 inch
Minimum thickness required = 0.755 inch
Thickness at previous inspection 5 years prior to present inspection = 1.025
inch

a.
b.
c.
d.
32.
a.
b.
c.
d.
33.

a.
b.
c.
d.
34.

20 years, 10 years
14 years, 5years
28 years, 10 years
None of the above
Vessel containing lethal substance with shell thickness of 20mm requires:
Spot radiography (RT-3)
Full length radiography (RT-1)
No radiography (RT-4)
Penetrant is sufficient if radiography testing is not available
A vessel which was inspected six years ago and had shell thickness = 0.870. As on
today the thickness as reported by filed inspection is 0.786. What was the corrosion
rate over last six years?
10 mpy
12 mpy
14 mpy
none of above
If the vessel in above question has minimum permissible thickness = 0.618 for the
present design conditions. What will be estimated remaining life of the vessel if
corrosion rate remains same?

a.
b.
c.

10 years
12 years
14 years

d.

None of above

35.

a.
b.
c.
d.

36.

For a vessel, remaining life is estimated as 22 years from now, next planned internal and
external inspection shall not be later than:
11 Years, 5 Years
10 Years, 5 Years
5 Years, 5 Years
None of the above

What is the maximum defect permitted on the convex surface of a welder

qualification bend test after bending?
a.
b.
c.
d.

37.
a.
b.
c.
d.
38.

inch
1/8 inch
1/16 inch
3/16 inch

Certification of contaminants shall be obtained for all PT materials used on:

Carbon steels
Ferritic stainless steels
Austenitic stainless steels
None of the above
The scope of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel, Code, Section V includes:
a.
b.
c.
d.

NDE acceptance criteria

How to perform NDE to achieve a desired result
Where to do NDE (i.e. what welds to examine)
All of above.

39. For Ammeter calibration for magnetizing equipment, the allowable tolerance
is:
a.
b.
c.
d.
40.

+5%
+10%
+15%
+20%
Which of the following are commonly preferred to know the process side
degradation of pressure vessels?

a.
b.

On stream inspection.
Internal inspection

b.
c.

External inspection as alternative to internal inspection

Any of above is OK
41.
For MT examination by Prod technique the magnetizing current
required depends on:

a.
b.
c.
d.

Prod Spacing
Thickness of item under Inspection
a & b above
None of above

42.

a.
b.
c.
d.

While deciding the governing thickness for crown portion for corroded 2:1 ellipsoidal
head, API 510 stipulates that & crown thickness shall be calculated:
According to relevant ellipsoidal dished head formula
According to code formula for spherical heads with head radius equal to 0.9 D, where D
is shell dia meter.
Thickness of crown shall be same as knuckle thickness.
None of the above.

43.

For a vertical column, Int. dia. = 48'' and height (T-T) = 80ft, The vessel
MAWP is 60 psi. The vessel part MAWP for bottom dished head (2:1 Ellip
type) will be:

a.
b.
c.
d.

94.6 psi
82.8 psi
95.5 psi
None of above

44.
a.
b.
c.
d.
45.
a.
b.
c.
d.

How is hammer testing utilized?

As a preliminary survey for thinned areas.
As a independent test method for which ASNT Certification in NDT is available
As a important tool in the hands of the Authorized inspection only
To carry out Carpy impact test
Which of the following represent grouping of weld-metals in ASME
P Nos.
F Nos.
S Nos.
A Nos.

IX?

46.

a.
b.
c.
d.
47.
a.
b.
c.
d.
48.

a.
b.
c.
d.
49.

a.
b.
c.
d.

Which is/are advantage of magnetic particle testing over penetrant

testing?
It can detect surface discontinuities with foreign material imbedded in them.
It is faster on individual parts.
It can detect near-surface discontinuities.
All of the above.
Double wall Double image technique is used for the radiography of:
Plate welds
Tubular products with outer diameter less than 3.5 inch
Large pipes with outer diameter 200 mm and above
Heavy castings
As per ASME Sec. VIII Div. 1, if permanent deformation is observed due to
over pressure during hydrotesting:
The inspector should ask for re-test using proper test pressure and new
pressure gauges.
Follow-up the hydro-testing by a pneumatic test at proper pressure, taking
suitable precautions as given in code
The inspector may ask for providing additional stiffening rings around vessel
and carry out re-hydro test at proper test pressure.
The inspector may reject the vessel.
The size of a properly deposited equal fillet weld is shown as 10 mm. The
throat dimension for this weld will be approximately:
10 mm
8 mm
7 mm
9 mm
50.

a.
b.
c.
d.

If any setting is noticed on a vessel, which of the following should be

done:

Conduct RT after 48 hours of observing the defective condition

Nozzles and adjacent shell areas should be inspected for distortion and
cracking
Use acoustic emission monitoring
All of the above

51.
a.
b.
c.
d.

The rate of erosion varies as:

Square of fluid velocity

Linearly with velocity
Varies as cube of velocity
Varies as square root of velocity

52.
a.
b.
c.
d.

Cracks and laminations look similar from surface however, generally:

Cracks run normal to vessels surfaces
Lamination runs slant or parallel to surface
a and b above
None of above

53.
a.
b.
c.
d.

The pH of an acidic solution is:

Less than 7
Greater than 7
It is 7
Greater than 10

54.

The nonmetallic coating disbonding in a vessel can be better detected by:

a. Eddy current testing
b. Holiday detection
c. Ultrasonic testing
d. Acoustic emission testing

55.
a.
b.
c.
d.
56.

a.
b.
c.
d.

External inspection of a pressure vessel starts with:

Ladder, stairs, walkway and platforms of the vessel

Insulation, skirt and foundation
The external surfaces, of vessel
Dimensional check of the vessel
Before carrying out an inter service inspection on a vessel put in-service for
quite some time what the inspector should do first
Check the material in which it is constructed.
Check the permanent file of the vessel.
Check the progressive history file of the vessel.
Check the original thickness report.

API 510 PREPARATORY

Final Exam Closed Book
Answer Key
Q.

ANS.

2
3

B
A

REFERENCE
General
Knowledge
API 510, 4.4
API 510, 6.3

Q.

ANS.

5
6

B
D

10

11

29

API 510, 5.7 (e)

30
31

B
B

API 510, 6.4

32

API 510, 6.7

API 510, 6.2
API 572,
8.2.1
API 572,
8.2.9
IRE II,
202.064

33
34

C
B

API 510, 3.19

API 510, 6.3, 6.4
ASME VIII, UG 11
(a)
API 510, 6.4
API 510, 6.4

35

API 510, 6.3, 6.4

36

ASME IX, QW - 163

37

API 510, 5.2

38

39

12

40

13

41

14

42

15

43

16

44

17

45

18

46

19

47

20

48

21

49

22

50

API 572, 10.38

23

51

IRE II, 203.02

24

52

API 572, Page 31

API 510, 5.7

(d)
ASME VIII,
UG 16 (c)
API 510,
7.11
API 510, 5.2
IRE, Ch. II,
202.023
IRE, Ch. II,
Page 12
API 572,
Page 29
API 572,
Page 28
API 576,
6.2.15
API 576, 6.1
API 576,
6.28
API 576,
Scope
API 572,
10.3.5
API 510, 6.4

REFERENCE

ASME V, Art. 6,
App. II
ASME V, Art. 1,
Scope
ASME V, Art. 7, T761
API 510, 6.1
ASME V, Art. 7, T752.2
API 510, 5.7 (e)
BOK, 80 + 82 x
0.433
API 572, 10.8.1
ASME IX, Table QW
- 442
ASME V, Art. 7,
Scope & Gen.
Knowledge
ASME V, Art. 2, T271 (b)
ASME VIII, UG - 99
BOK, 10 x 0.7 = 7
mm

25

26

27

28

API 510,
7.2.3.2
API 570, 5.7
(d)
API 510,
7.2.8
API 510, 6.3

53

IRE II, Page 10

54

API 572, 10.4.6

55

API 572, 10.3.2

56

API 572, 10.4.3