WorksheetsPUMPS
Total questions: 25
Worksheet time: 13mins
What is the primary purpose of monitoring vibration in pumps?
To check lubrication levels
To detect misalignment or cavitation
To measure motor speed and pump output
To control discharge pressure
Which of the following is a symptom of pump cavitation?
Smooth and quiet operation
Steady discharge pressure
Unusual rattling or “marbles in the pump” noise
Lower energy consumption and pump higher discharge pressure
A centrifugal pump shows a sudden drop in discharge pressure. Which should you check first?
Bearing wear and electric motor capacity
Suction blockage or air leak
Motor starter contactor
Packing gland tightness
A pump overheats even though lubrication is normal. What is the most likely cause?
Misaligned motor
Cavitation or dry running
Worn packing gland
Faulty suction and discharge pressure gauges
A pump is delivering below rated flow. The suction pressure is normal, but discharge pressure is low. What should be your conclusion?
Suction blockage
Worn impeller or internal wear ring
Motor power failure or low motor ampere reading
Incorrect lubrication
You are asked to propose a monitoring plan for a new pump installation. Which parameter is least critical for continuous monitoring?
Suction/discharge pressure
Bearing temperature
Paint condition on casing
Vibration level
Which valve type is best for throttling service?
Gate valve
Globe valve
Ball valve
Check valve
A gate valve is fully closed but fluid still leaks through. What is the most probable cause?
Stem misalignment
Seat damage or debris
Excessive lubrication
Over-tightened packing
A pneumatically actuated valve is not opening fully. Air supply pressure is normal. What should you check next?
Motor overload relay
Actuator diaphragm or seals
Packing gland
Valve bonnet and air filter is leaking
During inspection, you find a valve that requires excessive torque to operate. What should be your judgment?
Valve is operating normally
Valve stem is corroded or obstructed
The actuator is oversized and loose connection
Packing gland is too loose
You need to design a preventive maintenance schedule for critical valves. Which of the following should be included first?
Repainting body every 6 months
Regular seat leakage testing
Stem lubrication once a year
Full valve replacement every 2 years
Which of the following fittings is used to prevent leakage at pipe joints?
Elbow
Coupling
Gasket
Union
A flange joint is leaking despite proper bolt tightening. What is the likely cause?
Wrong gasket material
Over-sized bolts
Pipe misalignment
Loose supports
You notice vibration in a section of piping after a pump is started. What should be analyzed first?
Gasket material being used is too thick
Water hammer or support looseness
Bolt torque
Paint coating
A corroded pipe fitting shows minor leakage. Which action is most appropriate?
Keep monitoring only
Apply temporary sealant
Replace the fitting immediately
Increase operating pressure
You are asked to propose a solution to prevent frequent leakage at flange connections. Which idea is best?
Switch to welded joints where possible
Reduce number of bolts
Use cheaper gasket materials
Tighten bolts more than specified
Which general principle should always be followed before troubleshooting pumps, valves, or fittings?
Reduce flow to minimum before troubleshooting
Depressurize and isolate the equipment
Add more lubrication
Calibrate the instruments
A pipeline pressure suddenly drops. Which component should you inspect first?
Pump discharge
Valves for leakage
Fittings for cracks/leaks
All of the above
A pump is noisy, a valve is sticking, and pipe vibration is increasing. What is the most probable underlying cause?
Air entrainment or cavitation
Over-lubrication
Excessive gasket compression
Motor overload
You are asked to recommend the best monitoring method for a critical pump in continuous service. Which option is most effective?
Visual inspection once a week
Pressure and flow gauges only
Online vibration, temperature, and pressure sensors with alarms
Listening for noise daily
A centrifugal pump onboard shows a drop in efficiency over time. Which physical change inside the pump is most likely responsible?
Increase in suction head
Impeller erosion or wear ring clearance increase
Higher discharge valve opening and wear on suction valve
Decrease in pump speed
During ballast operations, the ballast pump cavitates at low draft. Which corrective action should the operator take first?
Close the discharge valve completely
Reduce pump speed or throttle discharge to improve suction conditions
Open the sea chest valve wider
Add more lubrication to bearings
A non-return valve in the bilge system is stuck open. Which sequence of events is most likely to occur if the pump is stopped?
Suction pressure rises → Pump bearings overheat
Backflow occurs → Bilge wells flood → Pump may lose prime on restart
Pump efficiency increases → Less energy consumption
Discharge pressure builds up → Relief valve opens → Suction pressure rises
You are designing a preventive maintenance plan for the fire main system. Which action provides the highest long-term reliability?
Repainting fire main pipes every 6 months
Weekly pressure and flow testing of fire pumps and hydrant valves
Adding extra flanges for easier maintenance
Reducing pump operating hours to extend service life
You are assessing two options to stop repeated leakage at a high-temperature fuel line flange: • Option A: Use a softer gasket for better sealing • Option B: Use a gasket material resistant to thermal cycling and fuel oil Which is the better choice, and why?
Option A, because softer gaskets always seal better
Option A, because high pressure requires softer gaskets
Option B, because material compatibility and temperature resistance prevent long-term leaks
Option B, because harder gaskets are cheaper
