Michigan (MI) Hydronic Heating, Cooling &
Process Piping Exam Questions and Answers
Plus Rationales
1. What is the primary purpose of an expansion tank in a hydronic
heating system?
A. Increase water pressure
B. Absorb thermal expansion of water
C. Remove air from the system
D. Store additional hot water
As water heats up it expands; the expansion tank compensates for
this to avoid excess pressure.
2. According to Michigan licensing for hydronic systems, which code
provides the primary regulations for hydronic heating system
installations in commercial buildings?
A. Michigan Residential Code (MRC)
B. Michigan Mechanical Code (MMC)
C. ASME B31.1
D. NFPA 70
The MMC governs mechanical systems including hydronic heating
in Michigan commercial buildings. Stuvia+1
Answer: B
3. What device is required to prevent back-flow of contaminated
water into the potable water supply in a hydronic system?
A. Expansion tank
, B. Balancing valve
C. Backflow preventer
D. Air separator
Backflow preventers protect the potable supply from reverse
contamination from hydronic systems.
4. Which type of valve is typically used to balance flow in hydronic
systems?
A. Gate valve
B. Globe valve
C. Check valve
D. Ball valve
Globe valves provide throttling and flow-balance capability within
hydronic loops.
5. What is the function of a low-water cutoff on a boiler?
A. To control temperature
B. To maintain water level
C. To prevent the boiler from operating without sufficient water
D. To vent air
Operating a boiler with inadequate water can cause severe
damage; the low-water cutoff prevents that.
6. In a chilled water hydronic system, what condition can cause
condensation to form on the exterior of pipes?
A. Improper flow
B. Air in the lines
C. Lack of insulation
D. Overpressure
, If the cold pipe surface falls below the dew point of its
surroundings and isn’t insulated, condensation will form.
7. What does the term “total head” refer to in a hydronic loop?
A. Flow rate
B. Suction head
C. Static pressure plus dynamic losses (total head)
D. Operating load
Total head is the sum of static pressure plus velocity (dynamic)
losses in the loop—important for pump selection.
8. Which component modulates flow to maintain desired room
temperatures in a hydronic system?
A. Mixing valve
B. Air vent
C. Thermostatic radiator valve (TRV)
D. Expansion tank
A TRV senses room temperature and adjusts flow through the
radiator accordingly.
9. What is the main advantage of a reverse-return piping system in
hydronic heating?
A. Lower installation cost
B. Simplified control wiring
C. Balanced flow to all terminals
D. Higher system pressure
In reverse-return each terminal has equal flow path length so it
naturally balances without many balancing valves.
10. Which of the following is NOT a typical hydronic emitter
type?
, A. Fin-tube baseboard
B. Radiant floor tubing
C. Forced-air duct
D. Unit heater
Forced-air ducts are part of an air system rather than a hydronic
system.
Answer: C
11. What is the purpose of adding glycol to a hydronic system?
A. Increase flow rate
B. Prevent freezing
C. Lower pH
D. Reduce pipe size
Glycol is added to protect the system when it may freeze (e.g.,
outdoor loops).
12. What type of pump is most commonly used in hydronic
heating applications?
A. Positive displacement pump
B. Gear pump
C. Centrifugal pump
D. Peristaltic pump
Centrifugal pumps are standard due to their suitability for moving
water at the typical flows and heads of hydronic systems.
13. Which pipe material is typically not suitable for steam
distribution in process piping systems per the code?
A. Carbon steel
B. Copper
C. Stainless steel
Process Piping Exam Questions and Answers
Plus Rationales
1. What is the primary purpose of an expansion tank in a hydronic
heating system?
A. Increase water pressure
B. Absorb thermal expansion of water
C. Remove air from the system
D. Store additional hot water
As water heats up it expands; the expansion tank compensates for
this to avoid excess pressure.
2. According to Michigan licensing for hydronic systems, which code
provides the primary regulations for hydronic heating system
installations in commercial buildings?
A. Michigan Residential Code (MRC)
B. Michigan Mechanical Code (MMC)
C. ASME B31.1
D. NFPA 70
The MMC governs mechanical systems including hydronic heating
in Michigan commercial buildings. Stuvia+1
Answer: B
3. What device is required to prevent back-flow of contaminated
water into the potable water supply in a hydronic system?
A. Expansion tank
, B. Balancing valve
C. Backflow preventer
D. Air separator
Backflow preventers protect the potable supply from reverse
contamination from hydronic systems.
4. Which type of valve is typically used to balance flow in hydronic
systems?
A. Gate valve
B. Globe valve
C. Check valve
D. Ball valve
Globe valves provide throttling and flow-balance capability within
hydronic loops.
5. What is the function of a low-water cutoff on a boiler?
A. To control temperature
B. To maintain water level
C. To prevent the boiler from operating without sufficient water
D. To vent air
Operating a boiler with inadequate water can cause severe
damage; the low-water cutoff prevents that.
6. In a chilled water hydronic system, what condition can cause
condensation to form on the exterior of pipes?
A. Improper flow
B. Air in the lines
C. Lack of insulation
D. Overpressure
, If the cold pipe surface falls below the dew point of its
surroundings and isn’t insulated, condensation will form.
7. What does the term “total head” refer to in a hydronic loop?
A. Flow rate
B. Suction head
C. Static pressure plus dynamic losses (total head)
D. Operating load
Total head is the sum of static pressure plus velocity (dynamic)
losses in the loop—important for pump selection.
8. Which component modulates flow to maintain desired room
temperatures in a hydronic system?
A. Mixing valve
B. Air vent
C. Thermostatic radiator valve (TRV)
D. Expansion tank
A TRV senses room temperature and adjusts flow through the
radiator accordingly.
9. What is the main advantage of a reverse-return piping system in
hydronic heating?
A. Lower installation cost
B. Simplified control wiring
C. Balanced flow to all terminals
D. Higher system pressure
In reverse-return each terminal has equal flow path length so it
naturally balances without many balancing valves.
10. Which of the following is NOT a typical hydronic emitter
type?
, A. Fin-tube baseboard
B. Radiant floor tubing
C. Forced-air duct
D. Unit heater
Forced-air ducts are part of an air system rather than a hydronic
system.
Answer: C
11. What is the purpose of adding glycol to a hydronic system?
A. Increase flow rate
B. Prevent freezing
C. Lower pH
D. Reduce pipe size
Glycol is added to protect the system when it may freeze (e.g.,
outdoor loops).
12. What type of pump is most commonly used in hydronic
heating applications?
A. Positive displacement pump
B. Gear pump
C. Centrifugal pump
D. Peristaltic pump
Centrifugal pumps are standard due to their suitability for moving
water at the typical flows and heads of hydronic systems.
13. Which pipe material is typically not suitable for steam
distribution in process piping systems per the code?
A. Carbon steel
B. Copper
C. Stainless steel
