California Designated Operator Practice Exam

What must be done if gravity piping cannot be isolated during testing?

1. Conduct a pressure test

2. Use an overfilled volumetric tank integrity test

3. Replace the piping

4. Conduct a visual inspection

The correct answer is: Use an overfilled volumetric tank integrity test

When gravity piping cannot be isolated during testing, it is essential to use an overfilled volumetric tank integrity test. This method is particularly useful because it allows for the assessment of the tank’s integrity without the need to isolate the piping system. By overfilling the tank, the test can ensure that any leaks would result in a measurable change in liquid levels, thereby providing valuable information about the tank’s condition and potential issues in the gravity piping network. The overfilled volumetric tank integrity test is advantageous in situations where isolating the system is not feasible, as it utilizes the tank's operational characteristics to evaluate reliability and safety. This option helps determine the integrity of the system while still operating under realistic conditions where gravity piping must remain in service. Other methods such as conducting a pressure test or visual inspections may not provide the same level of detailed information in this specific scenario of an un-isolatable gravity piping system, while replacing the piping is often a last resort and not necessary if integrity can be verified through testing.