Top 20 + Drum piping design interview questions

Drum piping can therefore be described as the arrangement of pipes together with other associated items that transport fluids to or from drums or barrels. These drums can be filled with liquid, chemicals, fuel or powder and the piping system ensures that there is safe and efficient storage and transportation of such substances. Drum piping systems are used in industries, manufacturing units and chemical processing units to perform tasks like filling, emptying and also mixing of contents of the drums as well as transferring of the same. Generally, the drum piping consists of a drum and two connected lines based on the utility and contents used in processes. It also talks of the correct manner of placing and upkeep of drum piping because a spillage of the dangerous products is lethal to the environment and people.

Drum Internals and requirements

Thus, piping design is also a set of activities aimed at defining a specific configuration of a piping system. More specifically, it is the motions that can be related to the selection of the pipes and accessories of the required material and size or the way they have been placed and supported in the system. These aspects also include the design process and designing of the surroundings and these are; fluid flow, pressure, temperature and other working conditions. With regard to the piping design objectives, their aim is to provide a safe and cost effective design of the piping system as well as its operability based on the intended use. 

The piping design process can be divided into a number of stages which are as follows: 

This is the aspect of the design of the piping system in the selection of the right material and parts that determines such limitations. Thus, the piping layout and routing analysis has to be performed along with the stress analysis in which the repetitiveness of the certain type of loads and operation conditions will meet the system requirements. The solutions concerning the issue of the presence of additional support and fastening points, the number of the same and the type. It has been established that hydraulic analysis is done in a way that ensures that the flow plans created enable the free flow of fluids. In regards to the similar matter on the insulation of the system and the heat tracing. The confirmation of the design and the last stage of the design known as Permanent Ort by the project team. This paper is going to focus on the piping design in the different fields for instance the oil and gas field, petrochemical field, power generation field and water treatment field among others. Here, material selection is made and one has to possess some knowledge of fluid and engineering besides the code and standard for its application. 

15. What are drum internals?
Demister pads, baffles, vortex breakers, distribution piping.

16. What are drum elevation requirements?
NPSH, minimum clearance, common platforming, maintenance, operator access.

17. What are drum supports?
Skirt for large drums, legs, lugs, saddles for horizontal drums.

18. What are necessary nozzles for non-pressure vessels?
Inlet, outlet, vent, manhole, drain, overflow, agitator, temperature element, level instrument, and steam out connection.

19. What are necessary nozzles for a pressure vessel?
Inlet, outlet, manhole, drain, pressure relief, agitator, level gauge, pressure gauge, temperature element, vent and for steam out.

preferred location for vent and Nozzle

20. What is the preferred location for level instrument nozzles?
Except for the area near the liquid outlet nozzle which is turbulent regardless of the installation of a vortex breaker on the vessel, if instruments are to be installed in the vessel, it is recommended that they be fitted in the calm area of the vessel such as opposite to the location of the weir or baffle plate or near the vapor outlet end. 

21. What is the preferred location for process nozzles on drums?
Minimum from the tangent line.

22. What is the preferred location for a steam out nozzle on a drum?
At the end opposite to the maintenance access.

23. What is the preferred location for a vent?
At the top section of the drum at the end opposite the steam out connection.

24. What is the preferred location for a pressure instrument nozzle on a drum?
Must be anywhere in the vapor space, preferable at the top section of the drum.

25. What is the preferred location for a temperature instrument?
Must be in liquid space, preferably on the bottom section of the drum.

26.What is the preferred location for a drain?
Must be located at the bottom section of the drum.

Drum piping design interview questions

In the case of the job you are going to apply for being for drum piping design or the job you are going to apply for entails design of pipes for drums and barrows, then you should prepare yourself to be asked a lot of technical and practical questions. These questions examine your knowledge of facts and your ability to reason and use facts in the area of design and installation of drum piping systems.Below are some possible questions that can be asked in the interview:

Could you describe the key considerations when designing a drum piping system for hazardous materials?

What are some common types of materials and piping components used in drum piping systems, and how do you select them based on the substance being transported?

Explain the importance of proper ventilation and pressure relief in drum piping design.

How do you calculate the required flow rate and pressure for filling or emptying drums, and what factors influence these calculations?

What safety standards and regulations do you need to consider when designing drum piping systems for flammable or toxic materials?

Describe a challenging project where you had to design a drum piping system for a unique or complex application. How did you approach it?

What methods or tools do you use to ensure the integrity and reliability of drum piping welds and connections?

Can you discuss the role of instrumentation and control systems in drum piping design and how they contribute to safe and efficient operations?

How do you manage potential issues like leaks, corrosion, or blockages in drum piping systems, and what preventive measures do you take?

Have you worked with any specific software or modeling tools for drum piping design? If so, which ones, and how do they assist in your design process?

In a project involving multiple interconnected drums, how do you ensure uniform flow and pressure across the entire system?

What steps do you take to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainability in drum piping design and operations?

Can you provide an example of a cost-effective design solution you implemented in a drum piping project?

How do you stay updated on industry trends, best practices, and advancements in drum piping technology and materials?

These questions are designed to test your technical know-how, lugubrious and methodical approaches to solving problems, safety considerations and past experience in fabricating drum piping systems. Have concrete examples ready that present how you have worked in the past as well as in specific projects to prove that you will be right for the position. 

Drum piping

Drum piping is required when it is required to interconnect a drum with other equipment, they are pumps, valves or filters. Drum piping is very important since it ensures that there is safe and efficient transfer or movement of fluids and gases from the drum to the next unit. 

Drum piping

Drum piping

When it comes to piping of drums employed in the systems the design is generally basic or enhanced depending on the system in place. Other components of the drum piping systems may consist of a single pipe which is used to connect the drum to the pump. Drum piping system can be as simple as containing one pipe, valve or it can have several pipes, valves and filters to control the flow of the fluid or gas from the drum to other equipment. 

When designing a drum piping system, it is important to consider the following factors:

  • The type of fluid or gas being transferred
  • The flow rate of the fluid or gas
  • The pressure of the fluid or gas
  • The temperature of the fluid or gas
  • The distance between the drum and the other equipment

It is also important to use the right materials when putting in place the drum piping system as well. The materials of construction of the drum piping system should have the characteristics required for the fluid or gas being conveyed and resistance to pressure and temperature conditions of the conveyed fluid or gas. 

When the system of drum piping has been designed, the next thing to do is to place it in the right position. In specific, the drum piping system has to be designed and laid in such a manner that there are no significant problems of leak and other related complications. 

Here are some tips for installing drum piping systems:

  • Use the correct pipe fittings and connections.
  • Make sure that all of the pipes are properly supported.
  • Install the drum piping system in a way that minimizes the risk of leaks.
  • Test the drum piping system for leaks before using it.

Drum piping systems are in many areas and are common in process units in many corporations. Transfer of fluids and gases from the drums to other equipment is safe and effective if the right drum piping systems are chosen and installed.