CA C34 Pipeline Contractor Exam

CA C34 Pipeline Contractor Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationale2026 Q&A| Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of a pipeline cathodic protection system?
• Increase flow rate
• Prevent external corrosion
• Reduce internal pressure
• Monitor temperature
• Prevent external corrosion

Cathodic protection is used to prevent external corrosion of pipelines by making the metal surface the cathode of an electrochemical cell.

• Which material is most commonly used for water distribution

pipelines?

A. PVC

• Steel
• Copper
• Aluminum

A. PVC

PVC is widely used for water distribution due to its corrosion resistance, low cost, and ease of installation.

• When installing a pipeline, what is the minimum trench depth required

for frost protection in cold climates?

• 0.5 meters
• 0.75 meters
• 1.0 meters
• 1.5 meters
• 1.0 meters

Trench depth must extend below the frost line to prevent freezing, typically around 1.0 meter depending on local climate. 1 / 3

• Which type of valve is best suited for quick shut-off in a pipeline

system?

• Gate valve
• Ball valve
• Globe valve
• Check valve
• Ball valve

Ball valves provide fast shut-off and are easy to operate compared to gate or globe valves.

• What is the purpose of a pipeline pig?
• Pump fluid
• Remove debris and inspect the pipeline
• Control pressure
• Seal leaks
• Remove debris and inspect the pipeline

Pigs are devices inserted into pipelines to clean, remove debris, and sometimes inspect for corrosion or defects.

• Which welding method is commonly used for joining steel pipelines?
• MIG welding
• TIG welding
• Arc welding
• Oxy-acetylene welding
• Arc welding

Arc welding, particularly shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), is standard for steel pipeline construction due to its strength and reliability.

• When testing a new pipeline, what is the standard hydrostatic test

pressure?

• 1.25 times operating pressure
• 1.5 times operating pressure
• 2 times operating pressure
• Equal to operating pressure
• 1.5 times operating pressure

Hydrostatic testing at 1.5 times the operating pressure ensures the pipeline can safely handle normal service pressures with a safety margin. 2 / 3

• Which pipeline coating is most effective for corrosion protection?
• Paint
• Bituminous coating
• Fusion-bonded epoxy (FBE)
• Galvanizing
• Fusion-bonded epoxy (FBE)

FBE coating provides long-term corrosion protection for steel pipelines, especially buried pipelines.

• In pipeline engineering, what does SCADA stand for?
• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
• Safety Control and Design Application
• Standard Control and Device Analysis
• Systematic Control and Data Access
• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition

SCADA systems monitor and control pipeline operations remotely, improving safety and efficiency.

• What is the recommended slope for a gravity sewer pipeline?

A. 0.1%

B. 0.5%

• 1%
• 2%

B. 0.5%

A slope of 0.5% ensures sufficient flow velocity to prevent sedimentation without causing excessive erosion.

• Which gas is commonly used for pipeline leak detection?
• Oxygen
• Helium
• Carbon dioxide
• Nitrogen
• Helium

Helium is used because it is inert, light, and easily detected with sensitive instruments.

• What is the minimum safety distance for a pipeline from a

building?

• 1 meter
• 3 meters
• 5 meters
• / 3