Florida Certified Gas Line Specialty Contractor Exam

A Florida Certified Gas Line Specialty Contractor is licensed to perform which scope of work?

• AInstallation, modification, alteration, testing, repair, and maintenance of natural gas t…
• BInstallation of interior fuel gas piping, gas appliances, and venting systems within buil…
• CDistribution and dispensing of liquefied petroleum gas (LP-gas) containers and cylinders
• DInstallation of water, sewer, and storm drainage mains within public rights-of-way

Which federal regulation establishes the minimum safety standards for transportation of natural and other gas by pipeline?

• A49 CFR Part 192
• B49 CFR Part 193
• C29 CFR Part 1926
• D40 CFR Part 60

Under the Florida Public Service Commission rules, safety of gas transported by pipeline is addressed in which chapter?

• AChapter 25-12, Florida Administrative Code
• BChapter 556, Florida Statutes
• CChapter 25-30, Florida Administrative Code
• DChapter 489, Florida Statutes

When specifying steel pipe for a buried gas distribution main, the required wall thickness must include an allowance for which factor?

• AExternal and internal corrosion over the design life of the pipeline
• BOnly the hydrostatic test pressure at the time of installation
• CThe weight of the pipe during transport only
• DThe color coding required for underground utility marking

What is the primary purpose of the Florida Department of Transportation Utility Accommodation Manual referenced on the Gas Line exam?

• ATo establish criteria for locating utilities within state highway rights-of-way, includin…
• BTo set the pressure test requirements for distribution mains and service lines
• CTo specify the chemical composition of polyethylene gas pressure pipe
• DTo define the wage rates for gas pipeline construction crews

Which ASTM standard governs polyethylene gas pressure pipe, tubing, and fittings used in gas distribution systems?

• AASTM D 2513
• BAPI Spec 5L
• CNFPA 54
• DASME B16.5

API Spec 5L is an approved reference for the Gas Line exam. What does this specification cover?

• ARequirements for the manufacture of steel line pipe used in gas transmission and distribu…
• BInstallation of household gas appliances and their vent connectors
• CPolyethylene heat-fusion joining procedures
• DOSHA excavation safety and sloping requirements

On a pipeline construction plan, a station label reads '7+50.' What distance does this represent from the starting station?

• A750 feet
• B75 feet
• C7,500 feet
• D705 feet

A steel gas distribution main has an outside diameter of 8.625 inches and a wall thickness of 0.250 inches. What is the inside diameter, in inches?

• A8.125 in
• B8.375 in
• C8.625 in
• D8.875 in

A new steel gas line will operate at a maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP) of 80 psig. Federal pipeline safety rules require the strength test pressure to be at least 1.25 times the MAOP. What is the minimum test pressure?

• A100 psig
• B80 psig
• C64 psig
• D160 psig

On a gas distribution system, what is the function of a pressure-limiting device installed in the pipeline?

• ATo prevent the downstream pressure from exceeding a safe predetermined maximum if the reg…
• BTo measure the total volume of gas flowing through the main over time
• CTo add odorant to the gas stream before it enters the distribution system
• DTo reduce the pipe wall thickness required by the code

When selecting a regulator for a gas service line, the correct choice depends primarily on which factors?

• AInlet pressure range, required outlet pressure, gas flow demand (capacity), and gas type
• BPipe color code, soil resistivity, and ambient temperature only
• CThe contractor's truck size and the distance to the supply yard
• DThe customer's billing rate class only

Before a new gas distribution line is placed in service, federal rules require which of the following?

• AThe line must be pressure tested to demonstrate strength and leak tightness, with the tes…
• BThe line must be pigged with a smart pig before any pressure test
• CThe line must be backfilled and the surface restored before testing
• DThe line must be odorized before the pressure test begins

Which statement correctly compares pressure test requirements for gas transmission lines versus distribution lines under 49 CFR Part 192?

• ATransmission lines operating at higher hoop stress generally require higher test pressure…
• BDistribution lines must be tested at a higher pressure than transmission lines because th…
• CNeither transmission nor distribution lines require pressure testing before service
• DTransmission lines are tested only with air, while distribution lines are tested only wit…

A gas service line pressure test starts at a gauge reading of 60 psig. The test specification requires the pressure to hold within 2 psig for the test duration. What is the lowest acceptable reading at the end of the test?

• A58 psig
• B60 psig
• C62 psig
• D30 psig

What is a 'valve insertion' as performed on an operating gas main?

• AInstalling a new valve into an existing pressurized main without shutting off gas flow to…
• BRemoving an existing valve and capping the open pipe ends after depressurizing the line
• CWelding a new branch tee onto a main that has been taken out of service
• DInserting a squeeze-off tool to collapse and seal a PE service line

A 'pressure line stop' is performed on a gas main in order to:

• ATemporarily or permanently plug the line downstream of a tap so work can be done on an is…
• BMeasure the static pressure at a service regulator outlet
• CStop the flow of odorant into the gas stream
• DSet the pipe on supports to prevent movement during welding

When fabricating and installing a live connection to an existing steel gas main, what must be done before the actual hot tap is cut?

• AA full-encirclement split tee or fitting must be welded onto the main and pressure-tested…
• BThe entire main must be shut down, purged of gas, and ventilated before any cutting
• CThe main must be excavated and left unsupported so it can flex during cutting
• DAn odorant injection must be added at the tap location before cutting

Which of the following is correct regarding a new gas service line that has been installed but is not yet placed in use?

• AIt must be capped or plugged and identified so it is not inadvertently connected or struc…
• BIt must be left open to the atmosphere to vent continuously until used
• CIt must be odorized at the street main before any capping
• DIt must be backfilled without any marking so future locates are not affected

Equipment used for hot taps on gas mains typically includes which combination of items?

• AA tapping machine, full-encirclement fitting, and temporary or permanent valve
• BA backhoe, hand shovel, and compactor
• CA smart pig, pig launcher, and pig receiver
• DA voltmeter, reference electrode, and data logger

What is the primary purpose of pigging a gas pipeline?

• ATo clean the interior of the line, remove liquids or debris, and inspect the pipe wall us…
• BTo raise the operating pressure of the line above its MAOP
• CTo inject odorant evenly throughout the gas stream
• DTo weld a new branch connection onto a live main

When purging a gas line with air before introducing gas, why is the procedure controlled and monitored?

• ATo avoid creating a flammable gas-air mixture within the pipe during the transition
• BTo increase the pipe wall thickness during the purge
• CTo test the cathodic protection system while the line is empty
• DTo freeze the pipe so it can be cut without flow

Which type of pig is used primarily to remove accumulated liquids from a gas transmission line?

• AA cup or scraper (brush) pig
• BA smart (intelligent) in-line inspection pig
• CA gauge pig
• DA mandrel pig with no cups

Which gas is most commonly used to purge a natural gas line safely when transitioning it out of service?

• AAn inert gas such as nitrogen
• BPure oxygen
• CA compressed flammable gas-air mixture
• DChlorine

Pig launcher and receiver (trap) assemblies are installed on a gas pipeline to:

• AProvide a means to insert and retrieve pigs without depressurizing the entire line
• BMeasure the odorant concentration in the gas stream
• CRegulate the downstream pressure delivered to customers
• DBond the pipe for electrical grounding

A bolt-on leak repair clamp is used on a gas distribution main to:

• ASeal a small pinhole or crack in the pipe wall without cutting out the damaged section
• BPermanently replace a full joint of corroded pipe
• CIncrease the MAOP of the line above its designed pressure
• DAdd a new branch service connection to the main

Which technique is appropriate for repairing a circumferential weld crack on a steel gas main that is to remain in service?

• AInstalling a full-encirclement repair sleeve and sealing it per qualified procedures
• BGrinding out the crack and filling it with a fillet weld while the line stays in service
• CPumping concrete around the pipe to encase the crack
• DIgnoring the crack if it does not leak at the moment

Which of the following is a common method for detecting leaks on a buried gas distribution system?

• ASurface surveys using combustible-gas indicators (CGI) or flame-ionization detectors alon…
• BListening for ultrasonic noise from inside the pipe with a stethoscope only
• CMeasuring the pipe-to-soil voltage with a clamp-on ammeter only
• DReviewing the customer's gas bill for unusual usage

Cathodic protection is applied to buried steel gas mains to:

• AReduce external corrosion of the steel pipe by making it the cathode of an electrochemica…
• BIncrease the gas flow rate through the main
• CAdd odorant to the gas inside the pipe
• DPrevent the pipe from freezing in cold weather

Which factor limits whether a bolt-on leak repair clamp can be used on a gas main?

• AThe size and type of defect, pipe diameter and condition, and whether the damage is withi…
• BThe color of the pipe coating
• CThe distance to the nearest customer's meter
• DThe contractor's preferred schedule

For steel gas transmission and distribution piping, what is the preferred method of joining lengths of pipe?

• AWelding using a qualified welding procedure specification (WPS) performed by qualified we…
• BThreaded malleable iron fittings
• CRubber couplings with hose clamps
• DSolvent cement

When pipe welding in the 1G (flat) position for a steel gas main, the pipe is:

• AHorizontal and rotated so the weld is deposited on the top surface
• BFixed vertically with the weld deposited horizontally around it
• CFixed at a 45 degree angle with the weld deposited overhead
• DLaid on the ground and not tacked before welding

Which electrode selection factor is critical when welding steel gas pipe to API 5L grade material?

• AMatching the electrode's tensile strength and chemistry to the base metal grade and the q…
• BChoosing the brightest colored electrode coating available
• CUsing the largest diameter electrode regardless of weld position
• DSelecting an electrode designed only for aluminum

Before welding two steel gas pipe ends together, what joint geometry is typically prepared on the pipe ends?

• AA beveled end with a root face and root opening that allow a full-penetration weld
• BA square cut with no bevel and no gap
• CA threaded tapered end
• DA flanged face with bolt holes

What does 'misalignment' (hi-lo) refer to when fitting two pipe ends for welding?

• AThe offset between the inside surfaces of two pipe ends joined for welding
• BThe angle of the bevel on the pipe end
• CThe gap left between the root faces before the root pass
• DThe distance from the pipe to the trench wall

Federal pipeline safety rules limit misalignment between pipe ends with a nominal wall thickness of 1/8 inch or greater to a maximum of:

• A1/8 inch
• B1/4 inch
• C1/2 inch
• D1 inch

Which restriction applies to joints between plastic (PE) gas pipe and metallic gas pipe?

• AA transition fitting designed for plastic-to-metal transition must be used; the materials…
• BPE pipe may be directly butt-welded to steel pipe
• CPE pipe may be threaded directly into a steel coupling
• DPE and steel may be joined with a standard rubber hose and clamps

In butt fusion of polyethylene gas pipe, the pipe ends are joined by:

• AHeating the ends to the manufacturer's specified temperature, then pressing them together…
• BApplying a solvent cement to both ends and letting it cure
• CScrewing a threaded PE coupling onto the pipe ends
• DWrapping the joint with a steel band clamp

Electrofusion joining of PE gas pipe uses which of the following?

• AA fitting with built-in heating wires that melts and fuses the pipe to the fitting when c…
• BA gas torch to melt the pipe ends together
• CAn adhesive tape wrap applied to the joint
• DA mechanical bolt-on clamp only

Why is threading not an acceptable joining method for polyethylene (PE) gas pressure pipe?

• AThreading cuts into the pipe wall, reduces pressure rating, and creates stress concentrat…
• BPE pipe threads are too expensive to manufacture
• CThreading requires a power source not available in the field
• DPE pipe is too heavy to lift onto a threading machine

Which nondestructive examination method is commonly used to verify the soundness of completed welds on steel gas transmission lines?

• ARadiographic (X-ray) inspection of the weld according to the referenced procedure
• BPainting the weld and visually checking the paint
• CTapping the weld with a hammer and listening only
• DSubmerging the weld in water and watching for bubbles only

Under 49 CFR Part 192, who is permitted to weld on a steel gas pipeline?

• AOnly a welder who has been qualified under the applicable welding standard and whose qual…
• BAny construction laborer on site
• CAny welder with a general shop welding certificate regardless of process
• DThe project inspector

A Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) for a steel gas main defines which of the following?

• AThe essential variables (base metal, electrode, joint design, preheat, current, travel sp…
• BThe color of the pipe coating
• CThe depth of burial for the pipeline
• DThe route of the pipeline shown on a map

Why is preheating specified before welding thick or cold steel gas pipe?

• ATo slow the cooling rate and reduce hydrogen-induced cracking and hard heat-affected zones
• BTo melt the pipe so it can be cast into a new shape
• CTo add odorant to the pipe interior
• DTo paint the pipe surface for corrosion protection

Which weld defect appears as small gas voids trapped in the weld metal?

• APorosity
• BUndercut
• CCrack
• DMisalignment

Per 49 CFR Part 192, what longitudinal joint factor (E) applies to furnace lap-welded steel pipe in the design formula?

• A0.80
• B1.00
• C0.60
• D0.85