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4A practice exam › Unit A-7

4A A-7: Introductory Fluid Handling Technology

13 practice questions in this unit. Each practice set pulls 20 at a time, so you keep seeing new questions as you go.

What this unit covers: Pipe types, connections, supports and drains, plus the common valve designs on plants and boilers.

Exam theme: Materials, piping and valves. Commonly reported share of the 100-question 4A exam: about 7 questions (unofficial; SOPEEC and ABSA do not publish per-unit counts). See the 4A exam breakdown.

2 free 4A A-7 questions, explained

Original exam-style questions written to the public syllabus, from our free public sample. They are not questions from a real exam.

1. Which of the following correctly pairs the two systems used to designate nominal pipe size?

  • A. Schedule Numbers (imperial) and Wall Thickness Ratings (metric)
  • B. Standard/Extra Strong/Double Extra Strong (imperial) and ISO Class (metric)
  • C. NPS expressed in inches (imperial) and DN expressed in millimetres (metric)
  • D. Outside Diameter in inches (imperial) and Inside Diameter in millimetres (metric)
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C. Nominal pipe size is designated by two systems: the imperial NPS (Nominal Pipe Size) number, which indicates inches, and the equivalent metric DN (diametre nominal) number, which indicates millimetres. Schedule Numbers relate to wall thickness, not nominal pipe size designation.

Question ID KE-A07-C01-Q001 · Unit A-7: Introductory Fluid Handling Technology · Report an error

2. When a valve stem is leaking and the existing packing still has sufficient material, what is the correct first action?

  • A. Tighten the packing gland as firmly as possible to guarantee all leakage stops
  • B. Remove all packing from the stuffing box and install new packing rings
  • C. Shut the valve completely and leave it closed until the packing can be replaced during a planned outage
  • D. Slightly tighten the packing nut or gland, ensuring bolted glands are tightened evenly
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D. The correct first action for a stem leak when sufficient packing remains is to slightly tighten the packing nut or gland; bolted glands must be tightened evenly to avoid binding the stem. Over-tightening causes extra friction and wear, so the gland should only be snugged enough to stop the leak. Replacing all packing is only necessary when insufficient packing remains. Leaving the valve shut without corrective action is not the recommended procedure.

Why the other options are not the answer

  • A. Over-tightening adds friction and wears the stem and packing; snug it only enough to stop the leak.
  • B. Repacking is only needed when too little packing remains; here there is enough.
  • C. Leaving the valve shut with no corrective action is not the recommended first step.

Question ID KE-A07-C02-Q006 · Unit A-7: Introductory Fluid Handling Technology · Report an error

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