CCST question

The relationship between thermocouples and thermopiles is:

A. thermocouples consist of two or more thermopiles.

B. thermopiles consist of two or more thermocouples.

C. thermocouples only measure heat conductivity.

D. thermopile is another name for thermocouple.

CCST answer

A thermocouple is a temperature-measuring instrument that develops an electric

voltage when heated because of the combined thermoelectric effect caused by the
dissimilar composition of two electrically connected conductors-usually wires-and by
the temperature difference between the connection-hot junction-and the other end of
the conductors-cold junction.

A thermopile is an array of thermocouples that serves either to measure temperature

or radiant energy or to convert radiant energy into power. The thermocouples may
connect in series to give a higher voltage output or in parallel to give a higher current
output.

The correct answer is B.

Which orifice plate is used to eliminate damming of material at the top or bottom of
the pipe?

A. Concentric

B. Round-edged

C. Quadrant-edged

D. Segmental

CCST answer

An orifice plate is a flow-path restriction that we use in flow detection. They are in a
straight run of smooth pipe away from valves and fittings so they do not interfere with
the restrictor and readings.

The pressures on opposite sides of the plate are different, and the difference in
pressures is proportional to the flow rate.

Segmental and eccentric plates have many similarities as to function. The segmental
portion of the orifice mitigates the damming of foreign materials on the upstream side
of the orifice.
Eccentric orifice plates work to stop damming as well. The best answer to this
question is D, segmental.

CCST question

A beveled orifice should form an angle of:

A. Not less than 30 degrees to the axis of the pipe

B. Not more than 30 degrees to the axis of the pipe

C. Not less than 45 degrees to the axis of the pipe

D. Not more than 45 degrees to the axis of the pipe

CCST answer

The orifice plate inserted in the line causes an increase in flow velocity and a
corresponding decrease in pressure. The flow pattern shows an effective decrease in
the cross section beyond the orifice plate, with a maximum velocity and minimum
pressure at the vena contracta.

The vena contracta is that area of the flow stream at its minimum size, where fluid
velocity is at its highest level and where fluid pressure is at its lowest level, and it
occurs just downstream of the actual physical restriction.

This flow pattern and the sharp leading edge of the orifice plate that produces it are of
major importance. The angle of the bevel should not be less than 45 degrees. The best
answer is C.

The most common pressure tap is the:

A. Corner

B. Flange

C. Pipe

D. Vena contracta

CCST answer

The purpose of pressure taps is prevent gas or vapor accumulations in the connections
between the pipe and differentialpressure (dP) measuring device.

There are five common locations for dP taps. They are flange taps, vena contracta
taps, radius taps, full-flow (or pipe taps), and corner taps.
In the U.S., flange taps are the predominant choice for pipe sizes 2 inches (50 mm)
and larger.

The best answer is B, flange.

CCST question

Control valves, which have a plug positioned by a stem, which slides through a
packing gland, are often referred to as:

A. Rotary motion control valves

B. Linear stem motion control valves

C. Ball-control valves

D. Motorized control valves

CCST answer

A rotary valve has a flow closure member that rotates in the flow stream to modify the
amount of fluid passing through the valve.

A linear valve or a globe valve refers to the linear or straight-line movement of the
plug and stem.

Some valves use a movable part like a ball, a disk, a gate, in the flow path to modify
the rate of flow through the valve.

The best answer to this question is B.

CCST question

The Coriolis effect is associated with the:

A. Head meter

B. Magnetic flowmeter

C. Positive displacement meter

D.Turbine meter

CCST answer

Using the Coriolis effect that causes a laterally vibrating tube to distort, a direct
measurement of mass flow is obtainable using a Coriolis flowmeter.

Furthermore, a direct measure of the density of the fluid is also possible.

Coriolis measurement can be very accurate irrespective of the type of gas or liquid
that is measured; the same measurement tube works for hydrogen gas and peanut
butter.

The correct answer is B, mass flowmeter.

CCST question

Which meter does not use an obstruction?

A. Head meter

B. Magnetic flowmeter

C. Open channel meter

D.Turbine meter

CCST answer

A magnetic flowmeter is a volumetric flowmeter, which does not have any moving
parts and is ideal for wastewater applications or any dirty liquid, which is conductive
or water based.

Magnetic flowmeters will generally not work with hydrocarbons.

The operation of a magnetic flowmeter rests upon Faraday's Law, which states the
voltage induced across any conductor as it moves at right angles through a magnetic
field is proportional to the velocity of that conductor.

The fluid must be electrically conductive for the Faraday principle to apply.

The other meters in this list leverage some kind of wheel or obstacle that creates a
pressure differential from which one ascertains a flow measurement.

The correct answer is B.

CCST question

Impulse lines are used with:

A. Head meters

B. Magnetic flowmeters

C. Positive displacement meters

D. Open channel meters

CCST answer

The head meter we refer to here is a flowmeter that uses head (pressure) as a
parameter in measuring the fluid flow.

Impulse lines (sensing lines) connect the process to the pressure transmitter, at a
distance, so as to reduce the effect of ambient temperature on the transmitter's
operability and life span. Vibration and accessibility are other reasons for locating the
transmitter away from the process.

The key to nailing this question is to know that head is the same as pressure, that
impulse lines work in pressure related measurements, and that the other three meters
don't use pressure as part of their scheme.

The correct answer is A.

CCST question

A continuity check should take place prior to hook-up of a field transmitter to the
control room so the technician:

A. Can make sure the transmitter is being hooked-up to the proper

indicator/controller.

B. Can make sure the proper voltages are present.

C. Can make sure that he continues hook-up on a particular transmitter.

D. Knows he may connect another transmitter to the loop circuit.

CCST answer

The best answer is A.

A continuity check is a test performed on a length of finished wire or cable to

determine if the electrical current flows continuously throughout the length. Each
conductor may also check off against each other to ascertain that no shorts exist. This
makes sure the transmitter is hooking up to the indicator that one is expecting it to
hook up to, which is to say, they are connected.

CCST question

When the percentage of flow through a valve equals the percentage of plug
movement, a valve has:

A. Linear flow characteristic

B. Equal percentage flow characteristic

C. Quick opening flow characteristic

D. Curved flow characteristic

CCST answer

A linear flow characteristic is when flow capacity or (C^sub v^) increases linearly
with valve travel. Flow is directly proportional to valve travel. This is the preferred
valve characteristic for a control valve that is working at the behest of a distributive
control system (DCS) or programmable logic controller (PLC).

An equal-percentage valve-flow characteristic is for equal increments of valve plug

travel the change in flow rate with respect to travel manifests as a constant percent of
the flow rate at the time of the change.

The change in flow rate observed with respect to travel will be relatively small when
the valve plug is near its seat and relatively high when the valve plug is nearly wide
open.

The correct answer is A.

CCST question

1. What is a thermowell?

A. Protective tube

B. Type of manometer

C. Expandable bulb

D. Reservoir

CCST answer

A thermowell is a closed-end tube that surrounds the measuring junction of

thermocouple and protects it from physical damage, corrosion, or thermo chemical
interaction with the medium whose temperature is the subject of measurement. The
correct answer is A.

CCST question

What occurs if the temperature of the thermocouple measuring junction is lower than
the reference junction?

A. There is no emf output.

B. The output voltage polarity is reversed.

C. The polarity stays the same, but voltage increases.

D. The emf remains the same when temperature changes.

CCST answer

A thermocouple works on a principal that Thomas seebeck discovered in 1821. He

found when any conductor-metal-experiences a difference in temperature, it would
generate a voltage.

When it connects another conductor to the " hot" end of the first conductor, an
additional conductor will then also experience the temperature gradient and develop a
voltage of its own which will oppose the original.

The magnitude of the effect depends on the metal in use. Using a dissimilar metal to
complete the circuit will have a different voltage generated, leaving a small difference
voltage available for us to measure, which increases with temperature.

This difference can typically be between one to about 70 micro-volts per degree
Celsius for the modern range of available metal combinations.

Thermocouples measure the temperature difference between two points not absolute
temperature. Whether one junction is hotter or colder than other doesn't matter, only
the direction of the voltage flow changes. Polarity reverses (B) is the correct answer.

CCST question

Which type of flowmeter measures flow by measuring volume directly?

A. Coriolis

B. Magnetic

C. Positive displacement

D. Differential pressure

CCST answer

A Coriolis-type mass flowmeter measures the flow rate by determining the torque
caused by the radial acceleration of the fluid. It does not measure the volume of the
liquid passing through the tube; it measures the amount of mass flowing through the
device.

A magnetic flowmeter is a device for measuring volumetric flow rate across a fluid
stream by setting up a magnetic field perpendicular to the direction of flow. A flowing
conductive fluid then generates a voltage proportional to fluid speed.

A positive-displacement flowmeter measures the flow by breaking it up into discrete

elements or packages of fluid. Each package has a known volume. One determines the
flow rate by counting how many discrete elements pass through the meter per unit
time.
A differential pressure flowmeter (dP) uses a primary element to place a constriction
in the flow stream, causing a drop in pressure. Then one uses the resulting pressure
drop to calculate the flow rate. Flow rate is proportional to the square root of the
difference in pressure one can calculate it using Bernoulli's equation.

Of these four methods only C-positive displacement-measures the volume directly.

CCST questions

1. Which of the following types of actuators responds to a pneumatic signal?

A. Solenoid

B. Motor

C. Diaphragm

D. Electromagnetic valve

2. Changing the point of origin for input data and the output signal destination is easy
with a Distributed Control System because many changes can be implemented by:

A. Relocating wire jumpers in a junction box.

B. Changing the pneumatic tubing connections.

C. Reassigning inputs/outputs by changing loop configuration.

D. Installing new transmitters and final control elements.

CCST answers

An actuator is a hydraulic, electric, or pneumatic device that moves an object or

device.

Pneumatics (from the Greek pneumatikos, coming from the wind) is the use of
pressurized gases to do work in science and technology.

The solenoid, the motor, and an electromagnetic valve all use electricity. A diaphragm
expands and contracts depending on the amount of air pressure that exerts upon it.

The best answer to question 1 is C.

The best answer to question 2 is also C.

While one could accomplish changing data input and output by performing A, B, and
D, the whole point of beauty in a distributed control system (DCS) is one doesn't have
to go into the field to reconfigure the process.
Recall that a DCS is that class of instrumentation (input/output devices, control
devices, and operator interface devices) that in addition to executing the stated control
functions also permits the transmission of control, measurement, and operating
information to and from one or many user-specifiable locations, all connected by a
communication link. [ISA-5.3-1983

CCST questions

1. In most process-control systems, the final control element is a:

A. Transmitter

B. Sensor

C. Controller

D. Valve

2. A control valve with a direct acting actuator and direct trim will:

A. Fail closed

B. Maintain position

C. Fail open

D. Not fail

CCST answers: 1. The best answer is D, valve. A final control element is a device that
directly controls the value of the manipulated variable of a control loop. Often the
final control element is a control valve (ANSI/ISA-5.1-1984, revised 1992). It can
also be the component of a control system, such as a control valve, that directly
regulates the flow of energy or material to or from the process (ANSI/ISA-77.44.01-
2000). Other examples of final control elements are solenoids and servomotors.

2. The best answer is C, fail open. A direct acting valve travels to the closed position
when the signal increases. When there is a failure, there is no signal and power, and
the direct acting valve fails open.

CCST questions:

1. Using ISA symbols on a P&ID (piping and instrument diagram), a solid line with
three marks crossed by another hash mark represents:

A. Electric binary signal

B. Pneumatic binary signal

C. Undefined signal
D. Capillary tubing

CCST answer: ISA-5.1-1984- (RT992) Instrumentation Symbols and Identification

provides sufficient information to enable anyone reviewing any document depicting
process measurement and control (who has a reasonable amount of process
knowledge) to understand the means of measurement and control of the process.

The symbolism and identification methods provided in this standard are applicable to
all classes of process measurement and control instrumentation. They can describe
discrete instruments and their functions. They can also describe the analogous
functions of systems that are variously termed shared display, shared control,
distributed control, and computer control.

The best answer is A.

What part of a test procedure should be performed FIRST?

A. Operations test

B. Visual inspection

C. Output wiring check

D. Continuity test

CCST answer:

Looking at a mechanical and electrical situation globally to spot obvious and safety
threats first is always best. Then move to more local and specific unit areas of the
task. The best answer is B, visual inspection.

CCST questions:

1. Using ISA symbols on a P&ID (piping and instrument diagram), a solid line with
three marks crossed by another hash mark represents:

A. Electric binary signal

B. Pneumatic binary signal

C. Undefined signal

D. Capillary tubing

CCST answer: ISA-5.1-1984- (RT992) Instrumentation Symbols and Identification

provides sufficient information to enable anyone reviewing any document depicting
process measurement and control (who has a reasonable amount of process
knowledge) to understand the means of measurement and control of the process.
The symbolism and identification methods provided in this standard are applicable to
all classes of process measurement and control instrumentation. They can describe
discrete instruments and their functions. They can also describe the analogous
functions of systems that are variously termed shared display, shared control,
distributed control, and computer control.

The best answer is A.

What part of a test procedure should be performed FIRST?

A. Operations test

B. Visual inspection

C. Output wiring check

D. Continuity test

CCST answer:

Looking at a mechanical and electrical situation globally to spot obvious and safety
threats first is always best. Then move to more local and specific unit areas of the
task. The best answer is B, visual inspection.

CCST questions

1. All of the following allow specific information to be extracted from an electronic

database EXCEPT:

A. Filter

B. Report

C. Template

D. Query

The continuous sequence of steps or "operating cycle" performed by a PLC processor

is known as:

A. Updating

B. Scanning

C. Polling

D. Rectifying
CCST answers

These two questions test the CCST test taker's knowledge of nomenclature.

A filter is a program that accepts a certain type of data as input, transforms it in some
manner, and then outputs the transformed data. For example, a program that sorts
names is a filter because it accepts the names in unsorted order, sorts them, and then
outputs the sorted names. Utilities that allow you to import or export data are also
sometimes called filters.

In this context, a report is a formatted and organized presentation of data. Most

database-management systems include a report writer that enables one to design and
generate reports.

A template is something that establishes or serves as a pattern for reference.

A query is a request for information from a database. There are several different ways
to pose a query.

Scanning is the process by which a computer collects data from process sensors for
use in calculations. It is the sequential interrogation of devices or lists of information
under the PLCs control.

While the PLC may in fact update values, poll devices, and rectify aspects of the
process in response to data it encounters during its routine, the best term for this
continuous sequence is scanning.

The correct answers are C, template, and B, scanning.

CCST question

With a DCS it is possible to change from single loop control of a process variable to
cascade, ratio, feedforward, adaptive, or multi-variable control by __________ if all
of the peripheral hardware is installed in the field and connected to the DCS terminal
board.

A. relocating the transmitters and FCE

B. reconfiguring the loop

C. installing a UPS and inverter

D. installing another CPU

CCST answer

In that all the peripherals and hardware are present and in order, the task of changing
control strategies and algorithms and how the gathered data from the process
undergoes manipulation by the distributed control system.
In ratio control, the DCS maintains a predetermined ratio between two variables. In
cascade control, one controller output is the input for another controller. Feedforward
input comes from some possible disturbance that then converts to corrective action to
the process. Feedforward takes place outside the feedback loop. Adaptive and
multmariable control strategies also leverage numbers per their own dispositions.

These control strategies use process data, process numbers, and manipulate those
inputs mathematically. How that data parses depends on the configuration of the loop.
The DCS doesn't care; it can do the arithmetic for all these control strategies.

The best answer is B.

CCST question

All of the following are basic components of a PLC system EXCEPT:

A. Processor

B. I/O system

C. Power supply

D. CRT monitor

CCST answer

A programmable logic controller (PLC) has a microprocessor, and it controls

industrial processes. It communicates with other process control components through
data links, handles simple switching tasks, PID (proportional-integral-derivative)
control, complex data manipulation, arithmetic operations, timing, process, and
machine control-all without a CRT (cathode ray tube) or video monitor. Engineers
program it and leave it alone. The correct answer is D.

CCST question

Programmable Logic Controllers:

A. Use sequential logic control.

B. Perform PID control with the same capability as DCS.

C Have limitations in flexibility of control strategies.

D. Are programmed using flow charts and P & IDs.

CCST answer

We use ladder logic to program programmable logic controllers (PLCs), where a

series of complex logic checks are required before something is turned on. Ladder
logic is useful for simple but critical control systems or for reworking old hardwired
relay circuits. As PLCs became more sophisticated, it has also been used in very
complex automation systems.

Ladder logic (sequential logic) is a rulebased language rather than a procedural

language. A "rung" in the ladder represents a rule. When implemented with relays and
other electromechanical devices, the various rules "execute" simultaneously and
immediately.

The rules are typically executed sequentially by software in a loop. The best answer is
A.

This question is from the Level III study guide, Domain 2, Loop checking.

CCST questions

A process is __________ if heat is produced by a reaction.

A. endothermic

B. continuous

C. intermittent

D. exothermic

A process is __________ if heat input is required to produce a reaction.

A. endothermic

B. continuous

C. intermittent

D. exothermic

CCST answers

These two questions are asking about chemical reactions that are part of a process. An
endothermic reaction is one that absorbs heat from its surroundings. An exothermic
reaction occurs with the evolution of heat that transfers into the surroundings.

An example of an endothermic reaction is the decomposition of liquid water into

hydrogen and oxygen gas.

H2O (1) + heat [arrow right] H2 (g) + O2 (g)

This intuitively makes sense too, as one must add heat to make steam (g) from water
(1).
A typical exothermic reaction is gasoline burning. Upon ignition, it burns
spontaneously in oxygen to give CO2 and H2O.

2 C^sub 8^H^sub 18^ (gaseous octane) + 25 O2 (g) [arrow right] 16 CO2 (g) + 18
H2O (g) + heat

The answer to question one is D; the answer to question two is A.

CCST question

The span, in inches of water, of a differential pressure transmitter used to measure the
full level of a tank that is 5 ft, 6 in high and contains a process material with a specific
gravity of 0.9 should be:

A. 73.3

B. 59.4

C. 66.0

D. 5.6

CCST answer

First, recall the definition of span, which is the algebraic difference between the upper
and lower range values. In this problem, that difference is the height of the tank, or 5
ft, 6 in.

The height translates to 66 in of water. The process material, however, has a different
density than water, and therefore its specific gravity is different too. The specific
gravity of a liquid is the density of that liquid compared to the density of water.

The problem says the material has .9 the SG of water. Figure the correct answer by
multiplying .9 times 66 to get 59.4, answer B.

This question is from the Level I study guide, Domain 1, Calibration.

Aug. 2008

CCST question

An instrument calibration error comes to your attention. Your

analysis of the calibration plot determines that ________ and the
instrument does, in fact, need recalibration.

A. there is a zero error

B. there is a span error

C there is both a zero and span error

D. there is a linearity error

CCST answer

Span error is the difference between the actual span and the ideal
span. On an input/output calibration graph, span error has an as-
found line that is not parallel to the ideal line. The slopes of the two
lines are different. That is the case here, and the correct answer is
B.

Zero error on an input/output calibration graph has an as-found line

that is parallel to the ideal line. The zero error may produce a
constant offset throughout the range of the instrument.

Linearity error is only a measure of the straightness of the line and

not the slope of the line. A system with gross sensitivity errors can
be linear.
CCST question

Which orifice plate is used to eliminate damming of material at the

top or bottom of the pipe?

A. Concentric

B. Round-edged

C. Quadrant-edged

D. Segmental

CCST answer

An orifice plate is a flow-path restriction that we use in flow

detection. They are in a straight run of smooth pipe away from
valves and fittings so they do not interfere with the restrictor and
readings.

The pressures on opposite sides of the plate are different, and the
difference in pressures is proportional to the flow rate.

Segmental and eccentric plates have many similarities as to

function. The segmental portion of the orifice mitigates the
damming of foreign materials on the upstream side of the orifice.

Eccentric orifice plates work to stop damming as well. The best

answer to this question is D, segmental.