NORTH CAROLINA (NC) (PU) FUEL
DISTRIBUTION EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS PLUS RATIONALES
1. The primary purpose of a fuel distribution system is:
A) To generate electricity
B) To store water
C) To safely transport fuel from the source to the end-user
D) To purify fuel
Answer: C
Rationale: The fundamental role of a fuel distribution system is to
deliver fuel from production or storage to consumers, safely and
efficiently.
2. Which material is most commonly used for underground fuel
pipelines?
A) Aluminum
B) Steel
C) Copper
D) Plastic
Answer: B
Rationale: Steel is preferred for underground pipeline use due to
its strength, durability and pressure handling capacity.
3. What is the primary hazard associated with gasoline distribution?
A) Corrosion
B) Flammability
, C) Freezing
D) Radioactivity
Answer: B
Rationale: Gasoline is highly flammable, making fire and explosion
the main risk in distribution operations.
4. Which device is used to prevent over-pressurization in fuel storage
tanks?
A) Flow meter
B) Check valve
C) Pressure relief valve
D) Pump
Answer: C
Rationale: A pressure relief valve releases excess pressure to
prevent structural failure of the tank.
5. The maximum allowable leak rate for a pipeline is usually specified
by:
A) Local fire codes
B) Federal and state regulations
C) Manufacturer recommendations
D) Insurance companies
Answer: B
Rationale: Regulatory agencies set leak rate limits to ensure public
and environmental safety.
6. Which method is commonly used to detect leaks in fuel pipelines?
A) Visual inspection
B) Pressure testing
C) Electronic leak-detection sensors
, D) Manual sampling
Answer: C
Rationale: Electronic sensors allow continuous monitoring and
rapid detection of leaks, which is critical for pipeline integrity.
7. What is the primary purpose of a filter in a fuel distribution
system?
A) To heat fuel
B) To increase pressure
C) To remove impurities and protect equipment
D) To measure flow
Answer: C
Rationale: Filters prevent contaminants from reaching
downstream equipment like pumps and engines, ensuring safe and
efficient operation.
8. Which fire class is gasoline considered?
A) Class A
B) Class B
C) Class C
D) Class D
Answer: B
Rationale: Gasoline is a flammable liquid, which falls under Class B
fire classification.
9. Which inspection method is non-destructive and commonly used
for pipelines?
A) Cutting and testing
B) Pressure relief
C) Ultrasonic testing
, D) Burning test
Answer: C
Rationale: Ultrasonic testing allows detection of wall thinning,
cracks, or defects without physically damaging the pipe.
10. Why is grounding important in fuel distribution systems?
A) To measure flow accurately
B) To increase fuel pressure
C) To prevent static electricity sparks
D) To improve filtration
Answer: C
Rationale: Static electricity sparks can ignite flammable vapors;
grounding mitigates this risk by providing a safe discharge path.
11. Which gas is commonly used for leak detection in pipelines?
A) Oxygen
B) Hydrogen
C) Helium
D) Carbon dioxide
Answer: C
Rationale: Helium is inert, light, and easily detectable at low
concentrations, making it effective for tracer leak detection.
12. The most common fuel transported through public utility
pipelines in North Carolina is:
A) Kerosene
B) Diesel
C) Gasoline
D) Natural gas
Answer: C
DISTRIBUTION EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS PLUS RATIONALES
1. The primary purpose of a fuel distribution system is:
A) To generate electricity
B) To store water
C) To safely transport fuel from the source to the end-user
D) To purify fuel
Answer: C
Rationale: The fundamental role of a fuel distribution system is to
deliver fuel from production or storage to consumers, safely and
efficiently.
2. Which material is most commonly used for underground fuel
pipelines?
A) Aluminum
B) Steel
C) Copper
D) Plastic
Answer: B
Rationale: Steel is preferred for underground pipeline use due to
its strength, durability and pressure handling capacity.
3. What is the primary hazard associated with gasoline distribution?
A) Corrosion
B) Flammability
, C) Freezing
D) Radioactivity
Answer: B
Rationale: Gasoline is highly flammable, making fire and explosion
the main risk in distribution operations.
4. Which device is used to prevent over-pressurization in fuel storage
tanks?
A) Flow meter
B) Check valve
C) Pressure relief valve
D) Pump
Answer: C
Rationale: A pressure relief valve releases excess pressure to
prevent structural failure of the tank.
5. The maximum allowable leak rate for a pipeline is usually specified
by:
A) Local fire codes
B) Federal and state regulations
C) Manufacturer recommendations
D) Insurance companies
Answer: B
Rationale: Regulatory agencies set leak rate limits to ensure public
and environmental safety.
6. Which method is commonly used to detect leaks in fuel pipelines?
A) Visual inspection
B) Pressure testing
C) Electronic leak-detection sensors
, D) Manual sampling
Answer: C
Rationale: Electronic sensors allow continuous monitoring and
rapid detection of leaks, which is critical for pipeline integrity.
7. What is the primary purpose of a filter in a fuel distribution
system?
A) To heat fuel
B) To increase pressure
C) To remove impurities and protect equipment
D) To measure flow
Answer: C
Rationale: Filters prevent contaminants from reaching
downstream equipment like pumps and engines, ensuring safe and
efficient operation.
8. Which fire class is gasoline considered?
A) Class A
B) Class B
C) Class C
D) Class D
Answer: B
Rationale: Gasoline is a flammable liquid, which falls under Class B
fire classification.
9. Which inspection method is non-destructive and commonly used
for pipelines?
A) Cutting and testing
B) Pressure relief
C) Ultrasonic testing
, D) Burning test
Answer: C
Rationale: Ultrasonic testing allows detection of wall thinning,
cracks, or defects without physically damaging the pipe.
10. Why is grounding important in fuel distribution systems?
A) To measure flow accurately
B) To increase fuel pressure
C) To prevent static electricity sparks
D) To improve filtration
Answer: C
Rationale: Static electricity sparks can ignite flammable vapors;
grounding mitigates this risk by providing a safe discharge path.
11. Which gas is commonly used for leak detection in pipelines?
A) Oxygen
B) Hydrogen
C) Helium
D) Carbon dioxide
Answer: C
Rationale: Helium is inert, light, and easily detectable at low
concentrations, making it effective for tracer leak detection.
12. The most common fuel transported through public utility
pipelines in North Carolina is:
A) Kerosene
B) Diesel
C) Gasoline
D) Natural gas
Answer: C
