Self-Test B-4.1 Hydronic Distribution System Components

Complete Self-Test B-4.1 and check your answers.

1. Where is the ideal location for a pump?
   1. Immediately downstream of the point of no pressure change
   2. Immediately upstream of the point of no pressure change
   3. Anywhere downstream of the boiler
   4. Anywhere upstream of the boiler

    

2. The pump in a hot-water heating system is also called a cavitator.
   1. True
   2. False

    

3. What is the location where the compression tank and its piping join the system piping called?
   1. Point of no return
   2. Point of no pressure change
   3. Circulation point
   4. Static fill point

    

4. A strainer should be installed upstream of the pump.
   1. True
   2. False

    

5. Some circulators have water-cooled and lubricated motors.
   1. True
   2. False

    

6. What effect will oversizing a circulator cause?
   1. Lower system heat output
   2. A marked increase in intake pressure
   3. Noisy operation
   4. No noticeable effect

    

7. What do closed-loop systems with pumps use to accommodate volume expansion?
   1. Overflow
   2. Expansion tank
   3. Solution tank
   4. Standpipe

    

8. If volume expansion is properly accommodated, the pressure will not increase significantly in a closed system when the water is heated.
   1. True
   2. False

    

9. What occurs as water is heated in a hot-water heating system?
   1. Contraction
   2. Radiation
   3. Expansion
   4. Reduction

    

10. Complete the following statement: “Air contained in fresh water ____________.”
    1. Immediately separates and rises
    2. Slowly separates and rises
    3. Increases the water density
    4. Remains mixed as long as the water is heated

     

11. Complete the following statement: “Mixed air separates more quickly when the ___________ .”
    1. Water is heated
    2. Water is cooled
    3. Flow is greater
    4. Turbulence increases

     

12. Which one of the following is not normally added through the use of a chemical pot feeder?
    1. Degreasing agents
    2. Corrosion inhibitors
    3. Lubricants
    4. Glycol

     

13. What purpose do air vents serve on a heating system?
    1. Allow air to enter as required
    2. Maintain the correct water-to-air mixture
    3. Separate air from water
    4. Remove air from the system

     

14. Complete the following statement: “Automatic air vents open when the ____________ .”
    1. Pressure within them drops
    2. Temperature within them drops
    3. Water level within them drops
    4. System requires more air

     

15. What component’s operation is interrupted if the LWCO (low-water cutoff) operates?
    1. Circulator
    2. Burner
    3. Thermostat
    4. Mixing valve

     

16. When possible, purging valves should be located downstream of components such as circulators and heat exchangers so that the system debris is drawn through these components.
    1. True
    2. False

     

17. When there is a choice of more than one pump that meets the system requirements, it is usually best to choose the pump with the flattest curve.
    1. True
    2. False

     

18. What are the effects of an oversized hydronic heating circulator?
    1. Decreases efficiency
    2. Higher flow velocity and friction head
    3. Higher than design heat emitter operating temperature
    4. All of the above

     

Answer Key: Self-Test B-4.1 is on the next page.