Fluid Statistics and Dynamics

Question 1

The possibility of water hammer in a liquid system is minimized by…

A. maintaining temperature above the saturation temperature.

B. starting centrifugal pumps with the casing vent valve fully open.

C. starting positive displacement pumps with the discharge valve closed.

D. venting systems prior to starting centrifugal pumps.

Answer 1

venting systems prior to starting centrifugal pumps.

Question 2

Which one of the following methods will increase the possibility and/or severity of water hammer?

A. Opening and closing system valves slowly.

B. Venting fluid systems prior to starting a pump.

C. Starting a centrifugal pump with the discharge valve fully open.

D. Starting a centrifugal pump with the discharge valve fully closed

Answer 2

Starting a centrifugal pump with the discharge valve fully open.

Question 3

A sudden stop of fluid flow in a piping system, due to rapid closure of an isolation valve, will most
likely result in…

A. check valve slamming.

B. pump runout.

C. water hammer.

D. pressurized thermal shock

Answer 3

water hammer.

Question 4

One reason for keeping condensate out of the steam lines is to…

A. minimize corrosion buildup.

B. reduce heat losses.

C. eliminate steam traps.

D. prevent water/steam hammer

Answer 4

prevent water/steam hammer

Question 5

The possibility of water hammer will be increased by…

A. maintaining the discharge line filled with liquid on an automatically starting pump.

B. condensation in a steam line just prior to initiating flow.

C. warming steam lines prior to initiating steam flow.

D. slowly closing the discharge valve on an operating pump

Answer 5

condensation in a steam line just prior to initiating flow.

Question 6

To minimize the possibility of water hammer when initiating flow in a system, the operator should…

A. vent the system prior to initiating flow.

B. vent the system only after flow has been initiated.

C. fully open the pump discharge valve prior to starting a pump.

D. rapidly open the pump discharge valve after the pump is running.

Answer 6

vent the system prior to initiating flow.

Question 7

Which one of the following describes why large steam lines are gradually warmed instead of suddenly
admitting full steam flow?

A. To minimize the possibility of stress corrosion cracking of the steam lines.

B. To minimize the total thermal expansion of the steam lines.

C. To minimize the potential for water hammer in the steam lines.

D. To minimize the heat loss from the steam lines.

Answer 7

To minimize the potential for water hammer in the steam lines.

Question 8

Which one of the following will minimize the possibility of water hammer?

A. Draining the discharge line of a centrifugal pump prior to starting the pump.

B. Draining condensate out of a steam lines before initiating flow.

C. Starting a centrifugal pump with its discharge valve fully open.

D. Starting a positive displacement pump with its discharge valve partially closed.

Answer 8

Draining condensate out of a steam lines before initiating flow.

Question 9

Which one of the following operating practices minimizes the possibility of water hammer?

A. Change valve positions as rapidly as possible.

B. Start centrifugal pumps with the discharge valve throttled.

C. Start positive displacement pumps with the discharge valve closed.

D. Vent systems only after initiating system flow.

Answer 9

Start centrifugal pumps with the discharge valve throttled.

Question 10

Which one of the following will result in a higher probability and/or severity of water hammer in a
flowing water system?

A. Gradual pipe bends rather than sharp pipe bends.

B. Shorter pipe lengths rather than longer pipe lengths.

C. Lower initial flow rates rather than higher initial flow rates.

D. Shorter valve stroke times rather than longer valve stroke times.

Answer 10

Shorter valve stroke times rather than longer valve stroke times.

Question 11

An 85 gpm leak to atmosphere has developed from a cooling water system that is operating at 100
psig. Which one of the following will be the approximate leak rate when system pressure has
decreased to 50 psig?

A. 33 gpm

B. 41 gpm

C. 52 gpm

D. 60 gpm

Answer 11

60 gpm

Question 12

Mass flow rate equals volumetric flow rate times…

A. specific volume.

B. density.

C. specific gravity.

D. velocity.

Answer 12

Density

Question 13

A 55 gpm leak to atmosphere has developed from a cooling water system that is operating at 100 psig.
Which one of the following will be the approximate leak rate when system pressure has decreased to
50 psig?

A. 28 gpm

B. 32 gpm

C. 39 gpm

D. 45 gpm

Answer 13

39 gpm

Question 14

A 75 gpm leak to atmosphere has developed from a cooling water system that is operating at 80 psig.
Which one of the following will be the approximate leak rate when system pressure has decreased to
40 psig?

A. 38 gpm

B. 44 gpm

C. 53 gpm

D. 59 gpm

Answer 14

53 gpm

Question 15

A 60 gpm leak to atmosphere has developed from a cooling water system that is operating at 150 psig.
Which one of the following will be the approximate leak rate when system pressure has decreased to
75 psig?

A. 15 gpm

B. 30 gpm

C. 42 gpm

D. 53 gpm

Answer 15

42 gpm

Question 16

A 100 gpm leak to atmosphere has developed from a cooling water system that is operating at 60 psig.
Which one of the following will be the approximate leak rate when system pressure has decreased to
20 psig?

A. 33 gpm

B. 53 gpm

C. 58 gpm

D. 71 gpm

Answer 16

58 gpm

Question 17

A 100 gpm leak to atmosphere has developed from a cooling water system that is operating at 45 psig.
Which one of the following will be the approximate leak rate when system pressure has decreased to
30 psig?

A. 25 gpm

B. 50 gpm

C. 67 gpm

D. 82 gpm

Answer 17

82 gpm

Question 18

A 47 gpm leak to atmosphere has developed from a cooling water system that is operating at 150 psig.
Which one of the following will be the approximate leak rate when system pressure has decreased to
75 psig?

A. 24 gpm

B. 33 gpm

C. 39 gpm

D. 46 gpm

Answer 18

33 gpm

Question 19

An 80 gpm leak to atmosphere has developed from a cooling water system that is operating at 100
psig. Which one of the following will be the approximate leak rate when system pressure has
decreased to 75 psig?

A. 69 gpm

B. 60 gpm

C. 51 gpm

D. 40 gpm

Answer 19

69 gpm

Question 20

A 60 gpm leak to atmosphere has developed from a cooling water system that is operating at 150 psig.
Which one of the following will be the approximate leak rate when system pressure has decreased to
100 psig?

A. 27 gpm

B. 35 gpm

C. 40 gpm

D. 49 gpm

Answer 20

49 gpm

Question 21

An 80 gpm leak to atmosphere has developed from a cooling water system that is operating at 150
psig. Which one of the following will be the approximate leak rate when system pressure has
decreased to 75 psig?

A. 20 gpm

B. 40 gpm

C. 49 gpm

D. 57 gpm

Answer 21

57 gpm

Question 22

An 80 gpm leak to atmosphere has developed from a cooling water system that is operating at 150
psig. Which one of the following will be the approximate leak rate when system pressure has
decreased to 100 psig?

A. 36 gpm

B. 53 gpm

C. 56 gpm

D. 65 gpm

Answer 22

65 gpm

Question 23

A 75 gpm leak to atmosphere has developed from a cooling water system that is operating at 100 psig.
Which one of the following will be the approximate leak rate when system pressure has decreased to
80 psig?

A. 26 gpm

B. 39 gpm

C. 56 gpm

D. 67 gpm

Answer 23

67 gpm

Question 24

Which one of the following describes the relationship between the main steam mass flow rate leaving
a steam generator and the main feedwater mass flow rate entering the same steam generator at
steady-state power operation? (Assume no other addition/removal of steam generator inventory.)

A. The mass flow rates will be the same only if downcomer level is constant.

B. The mass flow rates will be the same only if the reactor is operating near rated power.

C. The main steam mass flow rate is smaller than the main feedwater mass flow rate by the amount of
moisture removed by the steam generator moisture separators.

D. The main steam mass flow rate is greater than the main feedwater mass flow rate by the amount of
moisture removed by the steam generator moisture separators

Answer 24

The mass flow rates will be the same only if downcomer level is constant.

Question 25

A heat exchanger has the following initial cooling water inlet temperature and differential pressure
(ΔΡ) parameters:
Inlet Temperature = 70°F
Heat Exchanger ΔΡ = 10 psi
Six hours later, the current heat exchanger cooling water parameters are:
Inlet Temperature = 85°F
Heat Exchanger ΔΡ = 10 psi
In comparison to the initial cooling water mass flow rate, the current mass flow rate is…

A. lower, because the density of the cooling water has decreased.

B. higher, because the velocity of the cooling water has increased.

C. the same, because the changes in cooling water velocity and density offset.

D. the same, because the heat exchanger cooling water ΔΡ is the same.

Answer 25

lower, because the density of the cooling water has decreased.

Question 26

An 80 gpm leak to atmosphere has developed from a cooling water system that is operating at 150
psig. Which one of the following will be the approximate leak rate when system pressure has
decreased to 100 psig?

A. 70 gpm

B. 65 gpm

C. 53 gpm

D. 47 gpm

Answer 26

65 gpm

Question 27

Reactor coolant system (RCS) hot leg temperature is constant at 568°F while RCS pressure is
decreasing due to a small reactor coolant leak. Which one of the following RCS pressure ranges
includes the pressure at which two-phase flow will first occur in the hot leg?

A. 1,250 to 1,201 psig

B. 1,200 to 1,151 psig

C. 1,150 to 1,101 psig

D. 1,100 to 1,051 psig

Answer 27

1,200 to 1,151 psig

Question 28

Reactor coolant system (RCS) hot leg temperature is constant at 538°F while RCS pressure is
decreasing due to a small reactor coolant leak. Which one of the following RCS pressure ranges
includes the pressure at which two-phase flow will first occur in the hot leg?

A. 1,100 to 1,151 psig

B. 1,050 to 1,001 psig

C. 1,000 to 951 psig

D. 950 to 901 psig

Answer 28

950 to 901 psig

Question 29

Reactor coolant system (RCS) hot leg temperature is constant at 520°F while RCS pressure is
decreasing due to a small reactor coolant leak. Which one of the following pressure ranges includes
the pressure at which two-phase flow will first occur in the hot leg?

A. 950 to 901 psig

B. 900 to 851 psig

C. 850 to 801 psig

D. 800 to 751 psig

Answer 29

800 to 751 psig

Question 30

Reactor coolant system (RCS) hot leg temperature is constant at 552°F while RCS pressure is
decreasing due to a small reactor coolant leak. Which one of the following pressure ranges includes
the pressure at which two-phase flow will first occur in the hot leg?

A. 1,100 to 1,051 psig

B. 1,050 to 1,001 psig

C. 1,000 to 951 psig

D. 950 to 901 psig

Answer 30

1,050 to 1,001 psig

Question 31

If the quality of a flowing steam-water mixture is known, what additional information, if any, is
needed to determine the percent moisture content of the steam-water mixture?

A. The mass flow rate of the mixture.

B. The specific volume of the mixture.

C. The pressure and/or temperature of the mixture.

D. No additional information is needed.

Answer 31

No additional information is needed.

Question 32

A nuclear power plant is initially operating at steady-state 100 percent power. If an unplanned load
rejection causes the main generator load to rapidly decrease to 90 percent, the voids in the two-phase
flow in the steam generator tube bundle region will initially ________; which causes indicated steam
generator water level (measured in the downcomer) to initially __________.

A. shrink; decrease

B. shrink; increase

C. expand; decrease

D. expand; increase

Answer 32

shrink; decrease

Question 33

A nuclear power plant is initially operating at steady-state 80 percent power. If a control system
malfunction causes main generator load to rapidly increase to 90 percent, the steam voids in the
two-phase flow in the steam generator tube bundle region will initially ________; which causes
indicated steam generator water level (measured in the downcomer) to initially __________.

A. shrink; decrease

B. shrink; increase

C. expand; decrease

D. expand; increase

Answer 33

expand; increase

Question 34

A nuclear power plant is recovering from a loss of offsite power that caused all reactor coolant pumps
(RCPs) to stop. Pressurizer level indication is off-scale high. The subcooling margin in the reactor
coolant loops and reactor vessel is 100°F.
Which one of the following is most likely to occur if the steam generator (SG) temperatures are 50°F
higher than their associated reactor coolant system (RCS) loop temperatures when an RCP is
restarted?

A. Localized water hammer in the RCS.

B. Pressurized thermal shock to the SGs.

C. A large pressure spike throughout the RCS.

D. Inadvertent lifting of SG atmospheric relief valve.

Answer 34

A large pressure spike throughout the RCS.

Question 35

Refer to the drawing of two lengths of 6-inch diameter pipe, each containing an identical automatic
isolation valve. The actual pipe lengths are proportional to their symbols in the drawing
Water at 65°F is flowing at 1,000 gpm through each pipe. If isolation valves A and B instantly close,
the pressure spike experienced by valve A will be __________ the pressure spike experienced by
valve B; and the pressure spike will dissipate faster in the __________ length of pipe.

A. equal to; shorter

B. equal to; longer

C. less than; shorter

D. less than; longer

Answer 35

equal to; shorter

Question 36

Refer to the drawing of two lengths of 16-inch diameter pipe, each containing an identical automatic
isolation valve. The actual pipe lengths are proportional to their symbols in the drawing.
Water is flowing at 10,000 gpm through each pipe when both isolation valves instantly close.
Consider two cases:
Case 1: The water temperature upstream of both valves is 65°F.
Case 2: The water temperature is 65°F upstream of valve A, and 85°F upstream of valve B.
For which case(s), if any, will valve A experience a pressure spike that is greater than the pressure
spike at valve B?

A. Case 1 only

B. Case 2 only

C. Both cases

D. Neither case

Answer 36

Case 2 only

Question 37

A centrifugal water pump was returned to service after maintenance. However, the operator failed to
vent the pump.
Compared to normal pump operating conditions, after the pump is started the operator will see a
__________ flow rate and a __________ discharge head.

A. higher; lower

B. higher; higher

C. lower; lower

D. lower; higher

Answer 37

lower; lower

Question 38

Refer to the drawing of a cooling water system (see figure below).
Centrifugal pump A is circulating water at 100°F. Which one of the following will cause the
centrifugal pump to operate closer to a condition in which gas/vapor binding can occur?

A. Surge tank level is raised by 5 percent.

B. Service water flow rate is decreased by 5 percent.

C. The pump discharge valve is repositioned to decrease cooling water system flow rate by 5 percent.

D. Makeup water containing a high concentration of total dissolved solids is added to the cooling
water system

Answer 38

Service water flow rate is decreased by 5 percent.

Question 39

If a valve closure suddenly stops fluid flow, the resulting piping system pressure transient is referred to
as…

A. cavitation.

B. shutoff head.

C. water hammer.

D. valve chatter.

Answer 39

water hammer.

Question 40

The major concern with starting a main feedwater pump with downstream fluid in a saturated
condition is…

A. cavitation.

B. water hammer.

C. thermal shock.

D. positive reactivity addition.

Answer 40

water hammer.

Question 41

Which one of the following will increase the possibility of water hammer?

A. Opening and closing system valves very slowly.

B. Venting liquid systems only after initiating system flow.

C. Starting centrifugal pumps with the discharge valve closed.

D. Starting positive displacement pumps with the discharge valve open.

Answer 41

Venting liquid systems only after initiating system flow.

Question 42

The primary reason for slowly opening the discharge valve of a large motor-driven centrifugal cooling
water pump after starting the pump is to minimize the…

A. net positive suction head requirements.

B. potential for a water hammer.

C. motor running current requirements.

D. potential for pump cavitation.

Answer 42

potential for a water hammer.

Question 43

Cavitation in an operating pump can be caused by…

A. lowering the pump suction temperature.

B. throttling the pump suction valve.

C. increasing the pump backpressure.

D. increasing the pump suction pressure.

Answer 43

throttling the pump suction valve.

Question 44

Cavitation of a centrifugal pump in an open system is indicated by __________ discharge pressure and
__________ flow rate.

A. low; low

B. high; high

C. low; high

D. high; low

Answer 44

low; low

Question 45

Which one of the following is most likely to cause cavitation in an operating centrifugal pump?

A. Lowering the suction temperature.

B. Throttling the pump suction valve.

C. Throttling the pump discharge valve.

D. Decreasing the pump speed.

Answer 45

Throttling the pump suction valve.

Question 46

While on surveillance rounds, an operator notices that a centrifugal pump is making a great deal of
noise (like marbles rattling inside the pump casing) and the pump discharge pressure is fluctuating.
This set of conditions indicates that the pump is experiencing…

A. runout.

B. cavitation.

C. bearing deterioration.

D. packing deterioration

Answer 46

cavitation

Question 47

Indications of pump cavitation include abnormally _________ pump discharge pressure and
abnormally _________ pump flow rate.

A. low; low

B. low; high

C. high; low

D. high; high

Answer 47

low; low

Question 48

Cavitation is the formation of vapor bubbles in the __________ of a pump; with the subsequent
collapse of the vapor bubbles in the __________ of the pump.

A. impeller; casing

B. impeller; discharge piping

C. volute; casing

D. volute; discharge piping

Answer 48

impeller; casing

Question 49

Cavitation is the formation of vapor bubbles in the __________ pressure area of a pump followed by
the __________ of these bubbles within the pump casing.

A. low; expansion

B. low; collapse

C. high; expansion

D. high; collapse

Answer 49

low; collapse

Question 50

Pump cavitation occurs when vapor bubbles are formed at the eye of a pump impeller…

A. because the localized flow velocity exceeds sonic velocity for the existing fluid temperature.

B. because the localized pressure exceeds the vapor pressure for the existing fluid temperature.

C. and enter a high pressure region of the pump where they collapse causing damaging pressure
pulsations.

D. and are discharged from the pump where they expand into larger bubbles causing damaging
pressure pulsations.

Answer 50

and enter a high pressure region of the pump where they collapse causing damaging pressure
pulsations.

Question 51

In an operating cooling water system with a constant water velocity, if water temperature decreases,
system volumetric flow rate (gpm) will…

A. remain the same, because the density of the water has not changed.

B. increase, because the density of the water has increased.

C. remain the same, because the water velocity has not changed.

D. increase, because the viscosity of the water has increased.

Answer 51

remain the same, because the water velocity has not changed.

Question 52

Flow instruments that measure the mass flow rate of steam often have a density compensation feature
because, for a steam pressure increase at a constant volumetric flow rate, steam density will
__________ and the actual mass flow rate will __________.

A. decrease; increase

B. increase; decrease

C. increase; increase

D. decrease; decrease

Answer 52

increase; increase

Question 53

A density-compensated flow instrument is being used to measure mass flow rate in a steam system. If
the pressure of the steam decreases, indicated mass flow rate will: (Assume volumetric flow rate is
constant.)

A. increase for all steam conditions.

B. decrease for all steam conditions.

C. increase, but only if the steam is saturated (not superheated).

D. decrease, but only if the steam is saturated (not superheated)

Answer 53

decrease for all steam conditions.

Question 54

A steam generator transient causes main steam pressure to decrease although the actual steam mass
flow rate to the main turbine remains constant. If the main steam flow instrument is not density
compensated, indicated steam mass flow rate will…

A. increase, due to the increased velocity of the steam.

B. increase, due to the increased density of the steam.

C. decrease, due to the decreased velocity of the steam.

D. decrease, due to the decreased density of the steam.

Answer 54

increase, due to the increased velocity of the steam.

Question 55

A cooling water system is supplying 1.0 x 106 lbm/hour of flow at 100°F. Assuming volumetric flow
rate does not change, which one of the following will be the mass flow rate in the system if cooling
water temperature increases to 140°F?

A. 7.5 x 105 lbm/hr

B. 8.3 x 105 lbm/hr

C. 9.0 x 105 lbm/hr

D. 9.9 x 105 lbm/hr

Answer 55

9.9 x 105 lbm/hr

Question 56

A reactor coolant system is supplying 1.0 x 108 lbm/hour of coolant flow at a temperature of 100°F.
Assuming volumetric flow rate does not change, which one of the following is the approximate mass
flow rate that will be supplied by the system if cooling water temperature increases to 400°F?

A. 1.2 x 108 lbm/hr

B. 1.1 x 108 lbm/hr

C. 9.2 x 107 lbm/hr

D. 8.7 x 107 lbm/hr

Answer 56

8.7 x 107 lbm/hr

Question 57

A reactor coolant system is supplying 1.0 x 108 lbm/hr of coolant flow at a temperature of 100°F.
Assuming volumetric flow rate does not change, which one of the following is the approximate mass
flow rate that will be supplied by the system if coolant temperature increases to 500°F?

A. 1.2 x 108 lbm/hr

B. 1.1 x 108 lbm/hr

C. 8.7 x 107 lbm/hr

D. 7.9 x 107 lbm/hr

Answer 57

7.9 x 107 lbm/hr

Question 58

A cooling water system is supplying 2,000 lbm/min coolant flow at a temperature of 100°F.
Assuming volumetric flow rate does not change, which one of the following is the approximate mass
flow rate that will be supplied by the system if cooling water temperature increases to 140°F?

A. 1,964 lbm/min

B. 1,980 lbm/min

C. 2,020 lbm/min

D. 2,036 lbm/min

Answer 58

1,980 lbm/min

Question 59

A steam generator transient caused main steam pressure to increase although the actual mass flow rate
of main steam remained constant. If the main steam flow instrument is not density-compensated, the
greater main steam pressure will cause indicated main steam mass flow rate to…

A. increase, due to a higher steam velocity.

B. increase, due to a greater steam density.

C. decrease, due to a lower steam velocity.

D. decrease, due to a reduced steam density.

Answer 59

decrease, due to a lower steam velocity.

Question 60

The volumetric flow rate of cooling water entering a heat exchanger is 500 gpm.
Given the following:
* Cooling water pressure entering and leaving the heat exchanger is 10 psig.
* Cooling water inlet temperature is 90°F.
* Cooling water outlet temperature is 160°F.
* Heat exchanger inlet and outlet piping have the same diameter.
What is the approximate volumetric flow rate of the cooling water exiting the heat exchanger?

A. 496 gpm

B. 500 gpm

C. 504 gpm

D. 509 gpm

Answer 60

509 gpm

Question 61

A condensate pump is taking suction on a main condenser hotwell, containing water at 100°F, and
discharging the water at a volumetric flow rate of 100,000 gpm to the main feedwater system. The
main feedwater system heats the water to 400°F before it enters the steam generators. Assume there
is no leakage, and no bypass or recirculation flow paths are in use.
What is the approximate volumetric flow rate of the feedwater entering the steam generators?

A. 100,000 gpm

B. 105,000 gpm

C. 109,000 gpm

D. 115,000 gpm

Answer 61

115,000 gpm

Question 62

Operating two pumps in parallel instead of operating a single pump will result in a…

A. large increase in pump head and a small increase in pump flow rate.

B. small increase in pump head and a small increase in pump flow rate.

C. small increase in pump head and a large increase in pump flow rate.

D. large increase in pump head and a large increase in pump flow rate.

Answer 62

small increase in pump head and a large increase in pump flow rate.

Question 63

The major effect of starting a second centrifugal pump in parallel with an operating centrifugal pump
in an open system is increased…

A. system pressure.

B. system flow rate.

C. pump discharge pressure.

D. pump flow rate.

Answer 63

system flow rate.

Question 64

To decrease the flow rate through an operating positive displacement pump, an operator should…

A. throttle the pump discharge valve partially closed.

B. throttle the pump suction valve partially closed.

C. decrease the pump’s available net positive suction head.

D. decrease the pump’s speed.

Answer 64

decrease the pump’s speed.

Question 65

Which one of the following will decrease the head loss occurring in an operating cooling water
system?

A. Starting a second pump in parallel with the operating pump.

B. Shifting two heat exchangers from parallel to series operation.

C. Replacing a 10 foot section of 10-inch diameter pipe with a 20 foot section of 10-inch diameter
pipe.

D. Replacing a 20 foot section of 10-inch diameter pipe with a 20 foot section of 12-inch diameter
pipe.

Answer 65

Replacing a 20 foot section of 10-inch diameter pipe with a 20 foot section of 12-inch diameter
pipe.

Question 66

Two centrifugal pumps and two positive displacement pumps are able to be cross-connected to
provide makeup water flow to a system. Each pump will produce 100 gpm at a system pressure of
1,000 psig.
If system pressure is 1,200 psig, which one of the following combinations will produce the greatest
flow rate to the system?

A. Two positive displacement pumps in series

B. Two positive displacement pumps in parallel

C. Two centrifugal pumps in series

D. Two centrifugal pumps in parallel

Answer 66

Two positive displacement pumps in parallel

Question 67

Two centrifugal pumps and two positive displacement pumps are able to be cross-connected to
provide makeup water flow to a system. Each pump will produce 100 gpm at a system pressure of
1,000 psig backpressure.
If system pressure is 800 psig, which one of the following combinations will produce the greatest flow
rate to the system?

A. Two centrifugal pumps in parallel.

B. Two centrifugal pumps in series.

C. Two positive displacement pumps in parallel.

D. Two positive displacement pumps in series.

Answer 67

Two centrifugal pumps in parallel.

Question 68

Two identical centrifugal pumps (CPs) and two identical positive displacement pumps (PDPs) are able
to take suction on a vented water storage tank and provide makeup water flow to a cooling water
system. The pumps are capable of being cross-connected to provide multiple configurations. In
single pump alignment, each pump will supply 100 gpm at a system pressure of 1,000 psig.
Given the following information:
Centrifugal Pumps
Shutoff head
= 1,500 psig
Maximum design pressure
= 2,000 psig
Flow rate with no backpressure = 180 gpm
Positive Displacement Pumps
Maximum design pressure
= 2,000 psig
Which one of the following pump configurations will supply the lowest makeup water flow rate to the
system if system pressure is 1,700 psig?

A. Two CPs in series

B. Two CPs in parallel

C. One PDP and one CP in series (CP supplying PDP)

D. One PDP and one CP in parallel

Answer 68

Two CPs in parallel

Question 69

Two identical centrifugal pumps (CPs) and two identical positive displacement pumps (PDPs) are able
to take suction on a vented water storage tank and provide makeup water flow to a cooling water
system. The pumps are capable of being cross-connected to provide multiple configurations. In
single pump alignment, each pump will supply 100 gpm at a system pressure of 1,000 psig.
Given the following information:
Centrifugal Pumps
Shutoff head
= 1,500 psig
Maximum design pressure
= 2,000 psig
Flow rate with no backpressure = 180 gpm
Positive Displacement Pumps
Maximum design pressure
= 2,000 psig
Which one of the following pump configurations will supply the highest makeup flow rate to the
system if system pressure is 800 psig?

A. One PDP and one CP in series (CP supplying PDP)

B. One PDP and one CP in parallel

C. Two CPs in series

D. Two CPs in parallel

Answer 69

Two CPs in parallel

Question 70

Water at 90°F and 50 psig is flowing through a 10-inch diameter pipe at 100 lbm/sec. The pipe then
splits into two pipes, a 4-inch diameter pipe and an 8-inch diameter pipe.
Disregarding any flow restrictions other than pipe size, which one of the following lists the
approximate flow rates through the 4-inch and 8-inch diameter pipes? (Assume that water velocity is
the same in each pipe.)
4-inch Pipe
8-inch Pipe
(lbm/sec)
(lbm/sec)

A.
20
80

B.
25
75

C.
30
70

D.
33
67

Answer 70

20
80

Question 71

Two identical centrifugal pumps (CPs) and two identical positive displacement pumps (PDPs) are able
to take suction on a vented water storage tank and provide makeup water flow to a cooling water
system. The pumps are capable of being cross-connected to provide multiple configurations. In
single pump alignment, each pump will supply 100 gpm at a system pressure of 1,200 psig.
Given the following information:
Centrifugal Pumps
Shutoff head
= 1,500 psig
Maximum design pressure
= 2,000 psig
Flow rate with no backpressure = 180 gpm
Positive Displacement Pumps
Maximum design pressure = 2,000 psig
Which one of the following pump configurations will supply the highest makeup flow rate to the
system if system pressure is 500 psig?

A. Two CPs in series

B. Two CPs in parallel

C. Two PDPs in parallel

D. One CP and one PDP in series (CP supplying PDP)

Answer 71

Two CPs in parallel

Question 72

Water at 90°F and 50 psig is flowing through a 10-inch diameter pipe at 100 lbm/sec. The pipe then
splits into two pipes, a 3-inch diameter pipe and a 6-inch diameter pipe.
Disregarding any flow restrictions other than pipe size, which one of the following lists the
approximate flow rates through the 3-inch and 6-inch diameter pipes. (Assume that water velocity is
the same in each pipe.)
3-inch Pipe 6-inch Pipe
(lbm/sec)
(lbm/sec)

A.
10
90

B.
20
80

C.
25
75

D.
33
67

Answer 72

B.
20
80

Question 73

Water at 90°F and 50 psig is flowing through a 10-inch diameter pipe at 100 lbm/sec. The pipe then
splits into two pipes, a 6-inch diameter pipe and an 8-inch diameter pipe.
Disregarding any flow restrictions other than pipe size, which one of the following lists the
approximate flow rates through the 6-inch and 8-inch diameter pipes? (Assume that water velocity is
the same in each pipe.)
6-inch Pipe 8-inch Pipe
(lbm/sec)
(lbm/sec)

A.
24
76

B.
32
68

C.
36
64

D.
40
60

Answer 73

36
64

Question 74

Two identical centrifugal pumps (CPs) and two identical positive displacement pumps (PDPs) are able
to take suction on a vented water storage tank and provide makeup water flow to a cooling water
system. The pumps are capable of being cross-connected to provide multiple configurations. In
single pump alignment, each pump will supply 100 gpm at a system pressure of 1,200 psig.
Given the following information:
Centrifugal Pumps
Shutoff head
= 1,500 psig
Maximum design pressure
= 2,000 psig
Flow rate with no backpressure = 180 gpm
Positive Displacement Pumps
Maximum design pressure
= 2,000 psig
Which one of the following pump configurations will supply the highest makeup flow rate to the
cooling water system if system pressure is 1,700 psig?

A. Two CPs in series

B. Two CPs in parallel

C. Two PDPs in parallel

D. One CP and one PDP in series (CP supplying PDP)

Answer 74

Two PDPs in parallel

Question 75

A four-loop PWR nuclear power plant uses four identical reactor coolant pumps (RCPs) to supply
reactor coolant flow through the reactor vessel. The plant is currently operating at 20 percent power
with all RCPs in operation.
Which one of the following describes the stable RCS flow rate through the reactor vessel following the
trip of one RCP? (Assume that no operator actions are taken and the reactor does not trip.)

A. Less than 75 percent of the original flow rate.

B. Exactly 75 percent of the original flow rate.

C. Greater than 75 percent of the original flow rate.

D. Unpredictable without pump curves for the RCPs.

Answer 75

Greater than 75 percent of the original flow rate.

Question 76

A reactor shutdown has been performed because of leakage from the reactor coolant system (RCS) to
a steam generator (SG) via a tube leak.
Given the following current conditions:
* SG pressure is 1,000 psia.
* RCS pressure is 2,200 psia.
* RCS average temperature is 500°F.
* Leak rate from the RCS to the SG is 100 gpm.
If RCS pressure is decreased to 1,600 psia, with no other changes in plant parameters, what will be the
approximate leak rate from the RCS to the SG?

A. 50 gpm

B. 71 gpm

C. 79 gpm

D. 85 gpm

Answer 76

71 gpm

Question 77

Two identical single-speed centrifugal pumps (CPs) and two identical single-speed positive
displacement pumps (PDPs) are able to take suction on a vented water storage tank and provide
makeup water flow to a cooling water system. The pumps are capable of being cross-connected to
provide multiple configurations. In single pump alignment, each pump will supply 100 gpm at a
system pressure of 1,200 psig.
Given the following information:
Centrifugal Pumps
Discharge pressure at shutoff head = 1,500 psig
Maximum design pressure
= 2,000 psig
Flow rate with no backpressure
= 180 gpm
Positive Displacement Pumps
Maximum design pressure
= 2,000 psig
Which one of the following pump configurations will supply the highest initial flow rate to a cooling
water system that is drained and depressurized?

A. Two CPs in series

B. Two CPs in parallel

C. Two PDPs in parallel

D. One CP and one PDP in series (CP supplying PDP)

Answer 77

Two CPs in parallel

Question 78

Refer to the drawing of a venturi in a main steam line (see figure below). The venturi inlet and outlet
pipe diameters are equal.
A main steam line break downstream of the venturi causes the main steam mass flow rate through the
venturi to increase. Soon, the steam reaches sonic velocity in the throat of the venturi.
How will the main steam mass flow rate through the venturi be affected as the steam pressure
downstream of the venturi continues to decrease?

A. It will continue to increase at a rate that is dependent on the steam velocity in the throat of the
venturi.

B. It will continue to increase at a rate that is dependent on the differential pressure (P1 - P2) across
the venturi.

C. It will not continue to increase because the steam velocity cannot increase above sonic velocity in
the throat of the venturi.

D. It will not continue to increase because the differential pressure (P1 - P2) across the venturi cannot
increase further once the steam reaches sonic velocity in the throat of the venturi.

Answer 78

It will not continue to increase because the steam velocity cannot increase above sonic velocity in
the throat of the venturi.

Question 79

Two identical single-speed centrifugal pumps (CPs) and two identical single-speed positive
displacement pumps (PDPs) are able to take suction on a vented water storage tank and provide
makeup water flow to a cooling water system. The pumps are capable of being cross-connected to
provide multiple configurations. In single pump alignment, each pump will supply 100 gpm at a
system pressure of 1,200 psig.
Given the following information:
Centrifugal Pumps
Discharge pressure at shutoff head = 1,500 psig
Maximum design pressure
= 2,000 psig
Flow rate with no backpressure
= 180 gpm
Positive Displacement Pumps
Maximum design pressure
= 2,000 psig
Which one of the following pump configurations will supply the lowest initial flow rate of makeup
water to a cooling water system that is drained and depressurized?

A. Two CPs in series

B. Two CPs in parallel

C. Two PDPs in parallel

D. One CP and one PDP in series (CP supplying PDP)

Answer 79

One CP and one PDP in series (CP supplying PDP)

Question 80

Refer to the drawing of a main water header that splits into two parallel headers (see figure below).
Header A has a 2-inch diameter and header B has a 3-inch diameter. The velocity of the water in both
headers is the same.
If the main water header has a flow rate of 500 gpm, what is the approximate flow rate in each of the
parallel headers?
Header A
Header B
(gpm)
(gpm)

A.
125
375

B.
154
346

C.
200
300

D.
222
278

Answer 80

154
346

Question 81

A length of pipe in a cooling water system uses a reducer fitting to decrease the pipe diameter from 6
inches to 4 inches. The flow rate in the 6-inch diameter section of pipe is 200 gpm. What is the flow
rate in the 4-inch diameter section of pipe?

A. 133 gpm

B. 200 gpm

C. 300 gpm

D. 450 gpm

Answer 81

200 gpm

Question 82

A four-loop PWR nuclear power plant uses four identical single-speed reactor coolant pumps (RCPs)
to supply reactor coolant flow through the reactor vessel. The plant is currently shut down with one
RCP in operation.
Which one of the following describes the stable reactor coolant flow rate through the reactor vessel
following the start of a second RCP?

A. Less than twice the original flow rate.

B. Exactly twice the original flow rate.

C. More than twice the original flow rate.

D. Cannot be determined without additional information

Answer 82

Less than twice the original flow rate.

Question 83

A vented water storage tank contains 60 feet of water at 70°F. A cracked weld at the bottom of the
tank results in a leak rate of 12 gpm. If makeup water flow rate is 5 gpm, at what water level will the
tank stabilize?

A. 38.7 feet

B. 25.0 feet

C. 10.4 feet

D. 0.0 feet

Answer 83

10.4 feet

Question 84

A vented water storage tank contains 64 feet of water at 70°F. A cracked weld at the bottom of the
tank results in a leak rate of 12 gpm. At what water level will the leak rate be 3 gpm?

A. 48 feet

B. 32 feet

C. 16 feet

D. 4 feet

Answer 84

4 feet

Question 85

A plant shutdown will be performed because of leakage from the main condenser cooling water
system into the main condenser via a tube leak.
Given the following initial conditions:
* Main condenser pressure is 1.7 psia.
* Atmospheric pressure is 14.7 psia
* Main condenser cooling water pressure at the location of the tube leak is 18 psig.
* Cooling water leak rate into the main condenser is 80 gpm.
If the main condenser is brought to atmospheric pressure, with no changes to the main condenser
cooling water system parameters, what will be the approximate rate of cooling water leakage into the
main condenser?

A. 36 gpm

B. 52 gpm

C. 61 gpm

D. 72 gpm

Answer 85

61 gpm

Question 86

An ideal positive displacement pump is operating in an open system with the following initial
parameters:
Suction pressure = 10 psig
Discharge pressure = 25 psig
Flow rate
= 100 gpm
If the pump discharge pressure increases to 40 psig, the pump flow rate will…

A. remain constant.

B. decrease in direct proportion to the change in pump differential pressure.

C. decrease in direct proportion to the square of the change in pump differential pressure.

D. decrease in direct proportion to the square root of the change in pump differential pressure

Answer 86

remain constant.

Question 87

A centrifugal pump is operating at a constant speed in a closed system with the following initial
parameters:
Suction pressure = 10 psig
Discharge pressure = 25 psig
Pump flow rate
= 500 gpm
If the pump discharge flow control valve is throttled such that the pump discharge pressure increases
to 40 psig, the change in pump flow rate will be…

A. directly proportional to the square of the change in pump differential pressure.

B. directly proportional to the square root of the change in pump differential pressure.

C. inversely proportional to the square root of the change in pump differential pressure.

D. impossible to determine from the provided information.

Answer 87

impossible to determine from the provided information.

Question 88

Refer to the drawing of a venturi in a steam line (see figure below). The venturi inlet and outlet pipe
diameters at P1 and P2 are equal.
Currently, steam is flowing through the venturi, reaching sonic velocity in the throat of the venturi. If
the steam inlet pressure (P1) remains constant while the downstream pressure (P2) decreases, the mass
flow rate of the steam will __________; and the velocity of the steam at the venturi outlet will
__________.

A. increase; increase

B. increase; remain the same

C. remain the same; increase

D. remain the same; remain the same

Answer 88

remain the same; increase

Question 89

The following are current parameter values for an operating PWR nuclear power plant:
Steam generator (SG) pressure
= 1,000 psia
Main feed pump (MFP) discharge pressure = 1,220 psia
If SG pressure does not change, what MFP discharge pressure will increase main feedwater mass flow
rate by 10 percent? (Assume MFP inlet temperature remains the same. Also, assume all
valves/components that contribute to head loss downstream of the MFP remain in their current
configuration.)

A. 1,242 psia

B. 1,266 psia

C. 1,293 psia

D. 1,342 psia

Answer 89

1,266 psia

Question 90

Which one of the following will increase the head loss occurring in an operating cooling water
system?

A. Shifting two heat exchangers from parallel to series operation.

B. Increasing the flow rate in the system by throttling open a flow control valve.

C. Replacing a 20 foot section of 10-inch diameter pipe with a 10 foot section of 10-inch diameter
pipe.

D. Replacing a 20 foot section of 10-inch diameter pipe with a 20 foot section of 12-inch diameter
pipe.

Answer 90

Shifting two heat exchangers from parallel to series operation.

Question 91

Which one of the following changes to an operating cooling water system will decrease the head loss
occurring in the system?

A. Positioning a flow control valve more open.

B. Shifting two heat exchangers from parallel to series operation.

C. Replacing a 10 foot length of 10-inch diameter pipe with a 20 foot length of 10-inch diameter pipe.

D. Replacing a 20 foot length of 12-inch diameter pipe with a 20 foot length of 10-inch diameter pipe.

Answer 91

Positioning a flow control valve more open.

Question 92

Refer to the drawing of a main water header that splits into two parallel headers (see figure below).
Header A has a 2-inch diameter and header B has a 4-inch diameter. The velocity of the water in both
headers is the same.
If the main water header has a flow rate of 500 gpm, what is the approximate flow rate in each of the
parallel headers?
Header A
(gpm)
Header B
(gpm)

A.
100
400

B.
125
375

C.
167
333

D.
200
300

Answer 92

100
400

Question 93

A vented water storage tank contains 30 feet of water at 70°F. A cracked weld at the bottom of the
tank causes an initial leak rate of 12 gpm. If makeup water flow rate is 8 gpm, at what water level will
the tank stabilize?

A. 24.5 feet

B. 20.0 feet

C. 13.3 feet

D. 0.0 feet

Answer 93

13.3 feet

Question 94

Refer to the drawing of an operating cooling water system (see figure below).
Which one of the following will increase the mass flow rate in the system with a corresponding
increase in the total system head loss?

A. Shifting operating pump A to a higher speed.

B. Positioning the flow control valve (FCV) more open.

C. Replacing a 20 foot length of 10-inch diameter pipe with a 10 foot length of 10-inch diameter pipe.

D. Replacing a 20 foot length of 10-inch diameter pipe with a 20 foot length of 12-inch diameter pipe.

Answer 94

Shifting operating pump A to a higher speed.

Question 95

Refer to the drawing of an operating cooling water system (see figure below).
The centrifugal pump is operating with the flow control valve (FCV) fully open. If the system flow
rate is decreased by partially closing the FCV, the pump differential pressure will __________; and
the heat exchanger cooling water differential pressure will __________.

A. increase; increase

B. increase; decrease

C. decrease; increase

D. decrease; decrease

Answer 95

increase; decrease

Question 96

An operating centrifugal water pump has a 26-inch diameter suction nozzle and a 24-inch diameter
discharge nozzle. For this pump, the discharge water velocity is __________ the suction water
velocity; and the discharge water volumetric flow rate is __________ the suction water volumetric
flow rate. (Assume water is incompressible and the suction and discharge water temperatures are the
same.)

A. greater than; greater than

B. greater than; equal to

C. less than; greater than

D. less than; equal to

Answer 96

greater than; equal to

Question 97

Refer to the drawing of a cooling water system using 10-inch diameter pipe (see figure below). Only
centrifugal pump A is operating and the flow control valve (FCV) is 80 percent open.
Which one of the following actions will increase the total head loss in the system?

A. Increase the system flow rate by starting centrifugal pump B.

B. Increase the system flow rate by opening the flow control valve more.

C. Replace a 20 foot section of 10-inch diameter pipe with a 10 foot section of 10-inch diameter pipe.

D. Replace a 20 foot section of 10-inch diameter pipe with a 20 foot section of 12-inch diameter pipe.

Answer 97

Increase the system flow rate by starting centrifugal pump B.