Piping QC Interview Questions and Answers

This article is about Piping qc interview questions and answers of Aramco CBT Exams and can be used also international projects.

Piping QC Interview Questions and Answers

1. What are the main duties of the piping inspector?

The main duties of a piping inspector include:

1. Material Receiving Inspection: Inspecting and verifying the quality, quantity, and documentation of piping materials upon delivery.
2. Storage and Preservation: Ensuring proper storage and preservation of piping materials to prevent damage or deterioration.
3. Cutting, Assembly, and Fit-up: Monitoring and inspecting the cutting, assembly, and fit-up of piping components to ensure proper alignment and dimensional accuracy.
4. Pre-welding Inspection: Inspecting the cleanliness, fit-up, and preparation of piping joints before welding.
5. Visual Inspection of Socket and Threaded Joints: Conducting visual inspections of socket and threaded joints to ensure proper assembly and tightness.
6. Pneumatic Test for Reinforcing Pad: Conducting pneumatic tests on reinforcing pads to verify their integrity and suitability for service.
7. Pickling and Passivation: Overseeing the pickling and passivation process to remove impurities and ensure corrosion resistance of the piping.
8. Database Reporting: Maintaining accurate records and documentation of inspections, test results, and quality control activities.
9. Visual Inspection of Completed Spools: Inspecting completed spools to ensure compliance with design specifications, including dimensions, coatings, and labeling.
10. Piping Pre-inspection and Spool Erection: Inspecting the installation and alignment of piping systems during pre-inspection and spool erection stages.
11. Orifice Flange Inspection: Verifying the installation and alignment of orifice flanges, as well as ensuring proper gasket installation.
12. Pipe Support Inspection: Inspecting pipe supports to ensure proper installation, alignment, and load-bearing capacity.
13. Verification of Slope: Checking the slope of piping systems to ensure proper drainage and flow characteristics.
14. Internal Cleanliness: Inspecting the cleanliness and debris-free condition of piping internals before installation.
15. Valve Installation: Verifying the installation and proper functioning of valves, including proper alignment, tightness, and operation.
16. Piping Flange Joint Inspection: Inspecting flange joints for proper assembly, gasket installation, bolt tightness, and alignment.
17. Pre-test Punch Listing: Identifying and documenting any outstanding issues or deficiencies before conducting pressure testing.
18. Hydro Testing: Overseeing and conducting hydrostatic pressure testing of the piping system to ensure its integrity and leak-tightness.
19. Pre-commissioning: Assisting in pre-commissioning activities, such as flushing, cleaning, and purging of piping systems.

2. How many types of gaskets do you know?

There are several types of gaskets commonly used in industrial applications, including:

1. Full Face Gaskets: These gaskets cover the entire flange face and are typically made from materials like asbestos (although asbestos gaskets are no longer commonly used due to health concerns), non-asbestos, rubber, or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene).
2. Spiral Wound Gaskets: These gaskets consist of a combination of metal windings and filler material (such as graphite or PTFE) wound in a spiral pattern. They provide excellent resilience and sealing performance, particularly in high-pressure and high-temperature applications.
3. Ring Type Gaskets: Also known as RTJ (Ring Joint) gaskets, these gaskets are metal rings with an octagonal or oval cross-section. They are designed to fit specific groove configurations in RTJ flanges and are commonly used in high-pressure and high-temperature applications.
4. Metal Jacketed Gaskets: These gaskets consist of a soft filler material (such as graphite or PTFE) encased in a metal jacket. They provide excellent sealing performance and resistance to high temperatures and pressures, making them suitable for applications involving corrosive fluids or fluctuating conditions.
5. Inside Bolt Circle Gaskets: These gaskets are designed specifically for flanges with bolt holes that are located closer to the center than the outer edge of the flange. They are often used in flanges with raised faces and are available in different materials, including rubber, PTFE, or metal.

3. What are the different types of mating flanges?

The four most common types of mating flanges are:

1. Flat Face Flange: This type of flange has a flat mating surface without any raised features. It is typically used in low-pressure applications and where the flow of the fluid is non-critical.
2. Raised Face Flange: The raised face flange has a small raised surface around the perimeter of the flange face. It provides a more effective sealing surface and is commonly used in medium to high-pressure applications.
3. RTJ (Ring Type Joint) Flange: RTJ flanges have a specially designed groove in the face, into which a metal ring gasket is placed. The gasket is compressed between two RTJ flanges, creating a reliable seal. RTJ flanges are commonly used in high-pressure and high-temperature applications.
4. Tongue and Groove Flange: Tongue and groove flanges have a raised tongue on one flange that fits into a corresponding groove on the mating flange. This design ensures proper alignment and sealing. It is often used in applications where alignment is critical, such as in piping systems with thermal expansion.

4. What type of information do you get from Isometric drawings?

Isometric drawings provide various types of information related to the design and installation of piping systems. Some of the key information that can be obtained from isometric drawings includes:

1. Line Routing: Isometric drawings show the route and layout of the piping lines, indicating how they connect and navigate through the system.
2. Line Orientation: The drawings provide information about the orientation of the piping lines, including their vertical and horizontal positions.
3. Northing, Easting & Elevation: Isometric drawings often include coordinate information, such as northing and easting values, as well as elevation data to accurately position the piping lines in the physical space.
4. Bill of Materials (BOM): Isometric drawings may include a bill of materials, which provides a list of all the materials and components required for the piping system.
5. Insulation Type: The drawings may indicate the type of insulation to be used on the piping lines, specifying the insulation material and thickness.
6. NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) Requirement: Isometric drawings may specify the NDT methods and requirements for inspecting and testing the piping system, ensuring its integrity.
7. Revision Status: Isometric drawings often include revision information, indicating the version or status of the drawing to keep track of any changes or updates.
8. Material Classification: The drawings may indicate the material classification or specifications for the piping components, specifying the type and grade of materials to be used.
9. Design, Operating & Testing Conditions: Isometric drawings provide information about the design, operating, and testing conditions of the piping system, including temperature and pressure requirements.
10. Paint System: The drawings may include details about the paint system to be applied to the piping lines, specifying the coating materials and application methods.
11. P&ID (Piping and Instrumentation Diagram): Isometric drawings often reference the corresponding P&ID drawings, which provide additional details about the process and instrumentation associated with the piping system.
12. Slope: The drawings may indicate the slope or gradient of the piping lines, especially important for systems involving fluid flow or drainage.
13. Service Details: Isometric drawings provide information about the specific service or purpose of the piping lines, such as the type of fluid or medium they will transport.
14. Flow Direction: The drawings may indicate the flow direction of the fluid within the piping lines, ensuring proper installation and operation.
15. Support Details: Isometric drawings provide information about the required supports and hangers for the piping system, specifying their type, location, and method of attachment.
16. Notes: The drawings may include additional notes or specifications relevant to the piping system, providing further instructions or clarifications.

5. What type of codes and standards do you use as a piping inspector?

ASME B31.3, ASME B31.1, ASME B31.5, ASME B31.9; SAES-A-004, SAES-A-007, SAES-A-206, SAES-A-301, SAES-L-105, SAES-L-108, SAES-L-110, SAES-L-150, SAES-L-130, SAES-L-310, SAES-L-350, SAES-L-351, SAES-W-011, SAES-W-016.

6. What are the types of Valves?

Valves can be categorized into different types based on their design and function. Here are the common types of valves:

1. Gate Valve: Gate valves are used to control the flow of fluid by raising or lowering a gate or wedge-shaped disc. They provide a tight seal and are commonly used in applications that require full flow or shut-off.
2. Globe Valve: Globe valves have a globe-shaped body and a movable disc or plug that regulates flow. They offer good throttling capabilities and are often used for precise flow control.
3. Butterfly Valve: Butterfly valves have a disc that rotates on a shaft to control the flow. They are lightweight, compact, and commonly used for large-scale applications that require quick operation and low pressure drop.
4. Needle Valve: Needle valves have a long, tapered, needle-like stem that provides precise flow control. They are often used in applications that require fine adjustments and high resistance to flow.
5. Check Valve: Check valves allow flow in one direction and prevent backflow. They automatically close to prevent reverse flow and are commonly used to prevent flooding or protect pumps and equipment.
6. Control Valve: Control valves are used to regulate fluid flow based on signals from a control system. They can vary flow rate, pressure, or temperature to maintain desired process conditions.
7. Knife Gate Valve: Knife gate valves have a sharp-edged gate that cuts through thick media. They are commonly used in applications involving slurries or viscous fluids.

Based on Function:

• Non-Return Valve (Check Valve): These valves only allow flow in one direction and prevent backflow, ensuring the fluid flows in a single direction.
• Isolation Valve: Isolation valves are used to isolate or shut off a section of a pipeline or system for maintenance or repairs.
• Regulation Valve: Regulation valves are designed to control and regulate the flow rate, pressure, or level of fluid within a system.
• Special Purpose Valve: Special purpose valves are designed for specific applications or industries, such as high-temperature valves, cryogenic valves, or valves for corrosive environments.

These different types of valves cater to various industrial applications and provide control, isolation, regulation, and specialized functions as per the specific requirements of the system.

7. What are the main things you will check before Bolt torquing?

Before performing bolt torquing, there are several important factors to check. These include:

1. Size of Bolt: Ensure that the bolt size matches the specified requirements for the particular application. This includes checking the diameter, length, and thread type of the bolt.
2. Calibration of Torque Wrench: Verify that the torque wrench being used is properly calibrated and provides accurate torque readings. Regular calibration is essential to ensure reliable and consistent torquing.
3. Manual/Hydraulic Requirement: Determine whether manual or hydraulic torqueing equipment is required based on the size and specifications of the bolts. Large or high-strength bolts may necessitate the use of hydraulic torqueing equipment.
4. Lubricant: Apply an appropriate lubricant to the bolt threads and nut face to ensure smooth and consistent torquing. The lubricant helps to minimize friction and achieve accurate torque values.
5. Friction Factor for Threaded Lubricant: Consider the friction factor associated with the threaded lubricant being used. The friction factor affects the torque values required to achieve the desired bolt preload.
6. Torque Value: Refer to the specified torque value or tightening procedure provided in relevant standards, such as SAES-L-109 or SAES-L-351. Ensure that the torque value is appropriate for the specific bolt size, material, and application.

8. Write 3 Saudi Aramco piping standards (L-Series)?

he three Saudi Aramco piping standards (L-Series) are:

1. SAES-L-105: This standard provides guidelines for the design, fabrication, and installation of underground piping systems. It covers topics such as material selection, installation methods, and quality control requirements for underground piping.
2. SAES-L-108: SAES-L-108 outlines the requirements for the design, fabrication, and installation of aboveground piping systems. It includes guidelines for material selection, pipe routing, support design, and inspection procedures for aboveground piping installations.
3. SAES-L-110: SAES-L-110 focuses on the design and installation of piping systems for seawater cooling. It provides specifications and requirements for materials, design considerations, construction methods, and quality control for seawater cooling piping systems.

9. Write minimum ten hydrostatic test punch list items prior to commence hydrotest at site? Indicate which is YES item & NO item

YES Items:

1. All hot work completed.
2. Strainers removed.
3. NDT & DT completion.
4. PWHT completion.
5. Adequate attachment.
6. Coating on weld joint removed.
7. Equipment calibration checked.
8. Test blind MTC.
9. Test certificates of testing fluid.
10. Components interfering with filling, venting, draining, or flushing not installed.
11. Permanent flange joints inspected, gasket material verified & properly torqued.
12. Drains provided at all low points.
13. Vents and drain valves conform to piping class or rating.
14. Supports installed.
15. Temporary restraints provided for expansion joints and spring hangers/supports.
16. Arc strikes, gouges, and indications of careless workmanship removed and inspected.
17. Drains provided above check valves (vertical lines).
18. Threaded joints up to the first block valve of hydrocarbon pipeline seal welded.
19. Pressure testing manifold separately pressure tested.
20. Line compliance with isometrics regarding materials, flange and fitting rating, and construction tolerances.

NO Items:

• Permanent flange joints not inspected or improperly torqued.
• Drains, vents, and drain valves not conforming to piping class or rating.
• Supports not installed.
• Temporary restraints not provided for expansion joints and spring hangers/supports.
• Arc strikes, gouges, and indications of careless workmanship not removed or inspected.
• Threaded joints up to the first block valve of hydrocarbon pipeline not seal welded.
• Pressure testing manifold not separately pressure tested.
• Line not compliant with isometrics regarding materials, flange and fitting rating, and construction tolerances.