Pipeline Exam Practice Questions And

FDNY P23 Operation of Petroleum Pipeline Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of a petroleum pipeline?
• Transport natural gas
• Transport refined petroleum products
• Transport crude oil and petroleum products
• Store petroleum products

Rationale: The main function of petroleum pipelines is to transport

crude oil or refined petroleum products efficiently over long distances.

• Which agency primarily regulates interstate petroleum pipelines in the

United States? 1 / 4

A) OSHA

B) NFPA

C) PHMSA

D) EPA

Rationale: The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety

Administration (PHMSA) regulates the safety of interstate pipelines.

• What is a common method to detect leaks in petroleum pipelines?
• Visual inspection only
• Pressure monitoring and flow rate analysis
• Manual sampling at stations
• Satellite imaging exclusively

Rationale: Pipeline leaks are typically detected by monitoring

pressure changes and comparing flow rates at different points along the pipeline.

• Which type of pipeline is most likely to carry refined products such as

gasoline and diesel?

• Crude oil gathering lines
• Product pipelines
• Transmission pipelines
• Offshore pipelines

Rationale: Product pipelines are designed specifically to transport

refined petroleum products. 2 / 4

• What is the main safety concern when operating a petroleum

pipeline?

• Vehicle traffic interference
• Wildlife hazards
• Fire, explosion, and environmental contamination
• Noise pollution

Rationale: Petroleum pipelines carry flammable materials; leaks or

ruptures can cause fires, explosions, and environmental hazards.

• What is the function of a pump station along a petroleum pipeline?
• Measure flow rate
• Detect leaks
• Maintain pipeline pressure and flow
• Store crude oil

Rationale: Pump stations increase pressure to ensure petroleum

flows smoothly through long pipelines.

• What is “pigging” in pipeline operations?
• Installing valves
• Inspecting storage tanks
• Using devices to clean or inspect pipelines
• Compressing petroleum products

Rationale: Pigging involves using specialized devices (pigs) that

travel through pipelines to clean or inspect the interior. 3 / 4

• What is the typical material used for petroleum pipelines?

A) PVC

• Concrete
• Carbon steel
• Glass

Rationale: Carbon steel is strong, durable, and resistant to high

pressures, making it the standard for petroleum pipelines.

• What is the primary hazard of petroleum pipeline corrosion?
• Reduced product quality
• Pipeline rupture and leaks
• Increased flow rate
• Fire suppression

Rationale: Corrosion weakens pipelines, increasing the risk of leaks

or ruptures which can lead to environmental damage and fire hazards.

• How often should inline inspections typically occur in a

petroleum pipeline?

• Every month
• Every 10 years
• Periodically, according to PHMSA guidelines
• Only after a leak

Rationale: PHMSA regulations specify periodic inline inspections to

maintain safety and integrity.

• / 4