Interview Questions and Answers on Stress Critical Line List
1. What is a stress critical line?
A stress critical line is a piping line that requires detailed stress analysis due to high temperature, pressure, vibration, or equipment sensitivity.
2. Why is stress analysis required?
Stress analysis ensures piping safety, flexibility, and equipment protection under various operating conditions.
3. Which software is commonly used for piping stress analysis?
CAESAR II is the most commonly used software.
4. What is thermal expansion?
Thermal expansion is the increase in pipe length due to temperature rise.
5. Why are rotating equipment lines critical?
Because excessive nozzle loads can damage pumps, compressors, and turbines.
6. What are sustained loads?
Loads caused by pipe weight, pressure, and other constant operating conditions.
7. What are occasional loads?
Temporary loads such as wind, earthquake, and water hammer.
8. What is flexibility analysis?
Flexibility analysis checks whether piping can safely absorb thermal expansion.
9. What is an expansion loop?
A piping loop provided to absorb thermal expansion and reduce stress.
10. What is nozzle load?
The force and moment transferred from piping to equipment nozzles.
11. What is a spring support?
A support that allows vertical pipe movement while supporting pipe weight.
12. Why is stainless steel piping more critical?
Because stainless steel expands more than carbon steel.
13. What is a dynamic analysis?
Analysis performed for vibration, earthquake, or transient loads.
14. What is the difference between anchor and guide?
Anchor restrains all movement, while guide allows axial movement only.
15. What are the major piping codes?
ASME B31.3 and ASME B31.1 are the major piping codes.