API SIRE Sample Flashcards
Evaluate your API SIRE knowledge with 8 interactive sample flashcards. This set uses the same practice-based format as the I4I Academy flashcard bank—click a card to reveal the answer and the related API SIRE reference for quick verification and stronger retention. Click the card again to return to the prompt and keep reviewing the key concepts.
API SIRE Training Course Sample Flashcards (Interactive)
Click a card to reveal the answer and the study-guide reference. Click again to flip back.
Flashcard 1 • Compressor Performance Test
Substitute gas test: what MUST be verified?
A centrifugal compressor is performance-tested using a substitute gas. What is the purpose of this test,
what does the supplier do with the data, and which performance quantities are subject to verification?
Answer: The purpose is to verify the compressor’s guaranteed points. The supplier typically uses a substitute gas, then extrapolates the data to show performance with the process gas and provides a comparison table at the guarantee point. Quantities to verify include gas delivered, pressure rise, head, shaft power, efficiency, surge point, and choke point.
Ref: SIRE Study Guide 18.4
Flashcard 2 • Compressor Mechanical Run Test
Trip speed segment: what data + how often?
During the compressor mechanical run test, once the unit is increased to trip speed, how long must it run
and how frequently is operating data (including vibration) recorded?
Answer: Run at trip speed for a minimum of 15 minutes, and measure/record operating data (including vibration) every 5 minutes.
Ref: SIRE Study Guide 18.4
Flashcard 3 • Impeller Overspeed Test
Overspeed requirements + dimensional checks
For axial/centrifugal compressors, what overspeed level and minimum duration are required for each impeller,
and what must be measured before and after the test?
Answer: Each impeller is overspeed-tested at not less than 115% of maximum continuous speed (MCS) for at least 1 minute. Critical impeller dimensions (e.g., bore, eye seal, outside diameter) identified by the manufacturer must be measured before and after each overspeed test.
Ref: SIRE Study Guide 18.4
Flashcard 4 • Pump Performance Test Points
Minimum point coverage + typical API 610 points
In a pump performance test, what is the typical minimum point coverage across the flow range,
and what are the typical API 610 points used to cover that range?
Answer: A minimum of five points are taken to cover roughly 0 to 120% of BEP (depending on the standard). For API 610 pumps, points commonly include: shutoff; minimum continuous stable flow (start of allowable operating region); 95–99% of rated flow; rated to 105% of rated flow; approximately BEP (if rated flow is not within 5% of BEP); and end of allowable operating region.
Ref: SIRE Study Guide (pump performance test section)
Flashcard 5 • Impellers/Diffusers Inspection
What NDE is typical — and what is NOT standard?
For pump impellers/diffusers, what’s the minimum inspection, which examinations are commonly performed (and when),
and which methods are stated as “not standard” for these parts?
Answer: Minimum inspection is visual. MT/PT/visual are first done at the foundry level, then MT or PT is performed on final machined surfaces. RT or UT are stated as not standard examination methods for these parts.
Ref: SIRE Study Guide (Impellers and Diffusers section)
Flashcard 6 • Impeller Balancing
What balancing standard/grade is typically used?
When impellers and similar major rotating components are balanced, what level/standard is typically referenced,
and where do the project-specific requirements come from?
Answer: Impellers are balanced to the level specified on pump data sheets/technical notes/job specs (or minimum API requirements). Major rotating components are typically dynamically balanced to ISO 1940-1 grade G2.5, or as approved by the purchaser in the ITP.
Ref: SIRE Study Guide (Impellers and Diffusers section)
Flashcard 7 • Electric Motor Testing
Routine vs complete motor testing: what’s mandatory?
For electric motors, which test type is mandatory for each motor, what is the main purpose of a complete test,
and what post-test checks/inspections may be required?
Answer: Routine testing is mandatory for each motor. Complete testing is optional and may be requested; its main purpose is to determine accurate motor efficiency, power factor, and torque values under different loads. After testing, oil condition should be checked (clean/no color change), and if specified, hydrodynamic bearings may be removed/inspected for wear, inclusions, hot spots, and other unsatisfactory signs.
Ref: SIRE Study Guide 12.2
Flashcard 8 • Steam Turbine Run Test Demonstrations
What must the turbine demonstrate during the run test?
When a steam turbine mechanical run test is specified, list the key demonstrations the vendor must show
related to governor control, trip functions, manual reset capability, oil-pressure trip logic, and valve checks.
Answer: Demonstrate governor control holds selected (rated) speed; turbine trips when speed exceeds maximum (trip) RPM; hand lever trips turbine with maximum inlet steam flow/pressure; ability to reset manual trip under maximum inlet steam pressure; turbine trips on low-low oil pressure if hydraulic actuators/minimum oil pressure switch/transmitter are provided; and check relief and sentinel warning valves for proper operation.
Ref: SIRE Study Guide 14.6
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