Physical Chemical Operator SC Practice Test

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• Public health concerns are highest in which wastewater-related area?
• ____ (scum) are known collectively as scum
• Composite samples are multiple samples collected to represent which of the following?
• Which two devices are used to measure open-channel flow?
• Which material must be removed from wastewater because it can cause flow obstruction in pipes?
• If a valve in a pipeline is closed rapidly it will cause high-pressure waves oscillating back and forth; this is called ____
• Which component, when tightened all the way down, indicates the pump needs to be repacked?
• The most reliable backflow preventer is the
• ___ greasing an electric motor increases heat in the motor.
• An example of a Class A fire would be
• A pump that operates by driving a piston up and down is called a ___ pump.
• Effluent weirs of settling tanks should be level in order to prevent which condition?
• In turbidity measurements, NTU is a unit used to express what property?
• Three kinds of filter media that may be used in connection with the operation of a rapid sand filter are ___
• Hardness in water is mainly due to presence of which compounds?
• POTW is the abbreviation for what type of wastewater treatment facility?
• What term describes the evaporation of water from plants?
• A chemical that liberates positive charged hydrogen ions is an ___
• Which sampling approach would be used to represent conditions over a period by combining samples?
• Two water columns of the same height but different volumes have ___.
• Metal finishing wastes would require the destruction of which contaminant?
• ____ current is alternating current
• Before starting a gasoline engine, always check the ____ level first.
• In a rapid sand filter, what is the required depth of filter media?
• A ___ measures the rate of water flowing through the tube as the velocity increases and the pressure decreases through the tube.
• A ___ pump running in the wrong direction will deliver some liquid but not as much as the normal pumping rate.
• Metal finishing industries generally produce a waste that is low in which parameter?
• An Imhoff cone is used to measure which type of solids?
• Copper sulfate has which chemical formula?
• Water is most dense at which temperature?
• Centrifugal pump parts include a ___.
• A type of maintenance that would be performed on a vacuum pressure gauge would be to check for ____
• The purpose of screening devices is to
• The most hazardous condition associated with storage areas, slurry tanks, or other confined spaces where activated carbon is present is ____.
• In a sand filtration system, the particle size of sand affects the length of time of the filter run. The smaller the size of sand the ___ the run.
• A dead weight tester is used to calibrate which gauges?
• Which type of pump should not be started with the discharge valve closed?
• In aqueous solution, a substance that liberates positive hydrogen ions is classified as a(n) ___
• Which document should you consult to understand hazards and safe handling of a chemical?
• Which test is used to determine the optimum chemical dosage in water treatment?
• Ventilation or a blower should be placed at least __ feet from manhole and at a ___ angle to the wind direction to allow communication and prevent contaminants entering the manhole.
• In water treatment, which polymer charge is typically used as a coagulant aid to destabilize colloids?
• The jar test is used to establish optimum dosage in the ___ process.
• Which device would you use to quantify solids that settle out of a wastewater sample?
• Which of the following is used as a sludge dewatering device?
• First aid for a first-degree burn would be to
• Which is an example of a Class B fire?
• Toxic organics can be removed or reduced from waste streams by which combination of steps?
• Which of the following is a key characteristic of a Steel Mill industrial waste?
• Which chemical neutralizes residual chlorine in a water sample?
• The ___ of oil causes the oil to float in water. Less than 1.0 sg
• Which class of fire involves burning metals?
• Time proportional and flow proportional sampling are two types of which kind of samples?
• If you tighten the packing gland too much, what is a likely consequence?
• Effluent weirs of settling tanks should be level in order to prevent an uneven flow and
• In a sedimentation test, what does an Imhoff cone help quantify?
• Cathode is a ___ pole or terminal.
• Temperature is categorized as which type of wastewater characteristic?
• Venturi meter is used to measure ___.
• Total solids in a water sample are the sum of which categories?
• In water management, which cycle describes the movement of water through the atmosphere, surface, and subsurface?
• Which component is designed to prevent internal leakage in a pump?
• The pH and alkalinity test is the most significant test for establishing proper what for coagulated water?
• Which option correctly states a characteristic of a centrifugal pump?
• ___ equals 10,000 mg/L.
• If a vacuum filter lost vacuum suddenly, the most probable cause would be a ___.
• Which statement correctly describes the effect of influent temperature on coagulation?
• Organic solids are generally of origin
• The sludge cake from a plate or frame press can reach solid levels of which percentage?
• DAF is a treatment method that can be used for removal of which contaminant?
• Pertinent information concerning a hazardous substance or mixture can be found in which document?
• Which type of polymer is most suitable as a coagulant and filter aid?
• Gases may be measured by the use of a Venturi Tube or Orifice.
• The unit of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit is
• Mercuric Sulfate used in COD testing is considered:
• In an acidic solution, chromic acid, chromate and dichromate are three possible forms of which substance?
• A typical important characteristic of Oil Refinery waste includes which trio?
• DPD is a method of measuring what in water?
• Public health is the primary concern regarding
• The addition of Sodium Hydroxide would ___ the pH of water.
• What is the term used to refer to the pressure created by a vertical column of water?
• Which indicator is used in the alkalinity test?
• What is a common method for measuring chlorine residual in water?
• A pipet with TD printed on it means '____'
• Which curve indicates whether water is corrosive, scaling or neutral?
• Which statement about the pH scale is true?
• A check valve only allows flow in which direction?
• Which analyses are most significant for establishing chemical dosages for coagulation?
• Which component is designed to protect equipment by interrupting current when a fault occurs?
• What is the most crucial element in the filter operation?
• Mg/L is equal to which unit?
• The ____ is the best measuring device for measuring sludge flow
• Which statement is true about water density?
• Which waste category is notably associated with oil content and grease?
• When CO2 and SO2 gases are dissolved in water, the OH concentration relative to the H concentration does what?
• Cationic is a ___ charge.
• What is the purpose of ORP measurements in wastewater treatment?
• Centrifugal pump components include which of the following?
• When organic wastes are discharged to receiving waters, ___ is depleted by bacteria
• A pH of 7 is considered which?
• In a clarifier, the function of baffles is to prevent short-circuiting of flow.
• What units are used to quantify electrical current flow in circuits?
• The addition of Sodium Hydroxide would primarily raise which parameter?
• A rotating drum screen removes ___ with the lowest water content
• Which injuries are most frequent in water operations?
• Never start a ___ pump before making certain that the bearings are wet.
• In the measurement of settleable solids, which term best describes the solids that settle out under quiet (quiescent) conditions?
• What does SCDHEC stand for?
• Cyanide waste may be destroyed by the use of which chemical?
• Oil floats on water because
• Solids that settle in a sedimentation basin are called ___.
• A solution with a pH above 7 is described as which?
• Which agency regulates safety in wastewater treatment plants in South Carolina?
• In SC, which credential must be renewed annually for wastewater treatment plant operators?
• Chlorine is widely used for ___.
• As the pH increase the disinfection ability of chlorine becomes ___.
• Which waste category is commonly associated with cyanide as a contaminant along with heavy metals?
• Which waste category is often described by having BOD, COD and Ammonia as key characteristics?
• ___ is the recommended rate of flow for proper filter backwash.
• The smallest unit which a chemical compound can be divided without losing its identity is a ___
• Which gas is produced by plants during photosynthesis?
• Low pH can lead to which kind of problems?
• What term actually refers to the total of the suspended, settleable and dissolved solids?
• If filter effluent quality declines, what action should be taken?
• The practical suction lift at sea level with a properly primed centrifugal pump is ___.
• A chemical widely used for coagulation in water treatment is?
• Under RCRA, how long may a large quantity generator store hazardous waste on-site?
• Always _____ a piece of equipment before attempting a repair.
• Which measurement method measures unknown concentrations in water by color intensity?
• A ___ is used to remove oil from a rotating bearing as well as dewatered sludge at the end of a belt press
• Water leaking from a valve stem or gland is usually caused by ___
• Coagulation and precipitation processes are primarily used to remove which constituents?
• In the COD procedure, Mercuric Sulfate is added to act as a catalyst.
• An integral part of flow equalization is ___.
• Which term describes the ability of a solution to carry an electric current?
• If chlorine gets in your eyes or on your skin, you should flush for at least how many minutes?
• The cathode is a negative pole.
• Which piece of equipment would you use to remove oil from a rotating bearing and dewater sludge at the end of a belt press?
• Which measurements are used in monitoring cyanide destruction and chromium reduction?
• In wastewater analysis, which term encompasses the combined amount of solids that are suspended, settleable, and dissolved?
• Excessive head loss at a micro-screen unit could indicate which condition?
• The greatest hazard with the generation and handling of carbon dioxide is ___.
• A ___ is a component installed in the bottom of the suction pipe to hold a prime.
• Sample bottles should be filled within how many inches of the top?
• Which term describes permits issued by municipalities for industries that discharge to a wastewater treatment plant?
• A pH less than 7 is considered which?
• In the alkalinity laboratory test, indicator changes occur at which two pH values?
• Which term describes water's ability to neutralize acids?
• The ___ is the most efficient measuring device
• ___ and ___ should be located in an easily accessible place known to all employees.
• What property describes the ability of a solution to carry an electric current?
• The maintenance on a manometer would involve which action?
• What chemical is added to a sample bottle to remove residual chlorine?
• The sum of the atomic weights of the elements making up a compound is known as the ____
• Which is an example of a Class A fire?
• NTU stands for which unit?
• A pH greater than 7 is considered which?
• Metal plating and metal finishing industries produce wastes that are the most toxic.
• A centrifugal pump discharging at a reduced rate may indicate the condition of a jam in the impeller.
• What process precedes sulfide precipitation in metal wastewater treatment?
• A type of preventive maintenance on a liquid or capillary thermometer would to check for ____
• Total solids do not include which of the following?
• Which statement best describes the effect of rising pH on chlorine's disinfection ability?
• The ungrounded or 'hot wire' is normally what color?
• Which treatment process is best for metal wastes containing cyanide?
• What is the maximum pH value on the pH scale?
• All organics contain which element?
• Calcium hydroxide (lime) is used to neutralize which wastes?
• What test is used to determine if there are leaks in valves or lines?
• ___ is a process employed to recover precious metals.
• When checking insulation resistance of motor windings the motor should be ___.
• As the temperature increases, the effectiveness of chlorine ___.
• A Metal Plating waste is typically characterized by which combination of pollutants?
• If a basket centrifuge is vibrating excessively during normal operation the operator should inspect the ___ first
• Heat would ___ oil flotation and removal.
• Which device is used to dewater sludge solids in wastewater treatment?
• ____ are the most frequent injuries occurring in water operations.
• What term describes bringing water into contact with air?
• What does the acronym ECB stand for?
• Which analyses are typically performed by refining industries before discharge?
• Oxidation is a chemical reaction that takes place during the process of ___.
• Which condition would most likely limit land application of sludge?
• An example of a Class D fire would involve which type of material?
• Which ions are removed by zeolite water softening?
• Water hardness is most commonly associated with which ions?
• A ___ ring is a spacer ring in a pump packing gland to improve seal water distribution.
• Which of the following is an example of a Class C fire?
• Organic solids are generally of ___ origin.
• The pH meter should be standardized before each use. Which option best reflects this preparation?
• The purpose of a backflow preventer is to
• A ___ pump operates on air pressure.
• Which act governs recovering, accounting and disposal of Hazardous Waste?
• Static Head is defined as ____.
• Which term describes the type of current that is produced by multiple phases?
• The pinging sound from a pump is typically caused by which phenomenon?
• The greatest waste load for a textile manufacturer with the highest BOD is ___.
• If a chemical feeder shows excessive vibration, the first action should be to ___.
• In filtration, the final step in removing suspended matter in water.
• Which degradation process is addressed by cathodic protection?
• Pathogens are ____ producing organisms.
• Over-greasing an electric motor typically results in which consequence?
• The metal finishing industry waste usually has the ___ BOD loading on receiving waters.
• Routine maintenance on a circular chart would include checking for ___
• How many hours of continuing education are required every two years to maintain a certification?
• ___ is the killing of all organisms.
• Which parameter, measured with an Imhoff cone, is defined as the solids that will settle out of a wastewater sample under quiescent conditions?
• Pumps and pump parts should be lubricated according to the ____
• Anionic is a ___ charge.
• To minimize risk, how should incompatible chemicals be stored?
• The ___ is the simplest form of flow measurement
• The three most common types of plastic pipe are ____. These abbreviations refer to the composition of pipe
• Which waste category's key contaminants include COD, Oil & Grease, Heavy Metals and Cyanide?
• An integral part of flow equalization is mixing.
• Which curve indicates whether water is corrosive, scaling or neutral?
• EPA considers a solution corrosive if pH is less than what or greater than what?
• The RP (Reduced Pressure) device is the most reliable backflow if an air gap is not in place
• Which agency is responsible for enforcement of regulations for water plants in the State of South Carolina?
• Which chemical may be used in the reduction of hexavalent chromium to trivalent chromium?
• The endless cycle of precipitation/evaporation is called the ____.
• Positive displacement pump parts include a ____.
• From a Pulp and Paper operation, which pair of nutrients is typically provided?
• Why is it important to ensure that bearings are wet before starting a water-lubricated pump?
• Zeolite water softening process will remove which ions?
• The discharge on a centrifugal pump ___ with the increase of head.
• ___ is a term defined as bringing water into contact with air.
• Which device is used to measure gas flow in pipes according to the material?
• Head pressure in a water column depends on which factor?
• Which process describes plants converting carbon dioxide to oxygen?
• The main purpose of ___ is to remove turbidity.
• Which process is the final step in the removal of suspended matter in water?
• The Municipality issues which type of permits for industries that discharge to a treatment plant?
• Which condition would limit or prevent land application of the sludges?
• Which treatment process uses jar test results to optimize chemical dosages?
• Anode is a positive pole and Cathode is a negative pole.
• Coagulation is a ___ reaction.
• Three waterborne diseases are ____
• The label TD on a pipet refers to its intended action.
• Common metals can be removed from wastewater by which process?
• Which industry would most likely contribute the greatest volume of wastewater to a POTW?
• Which plant process involves the loss of water vapor from the leaves?
• Which statement correctly identifies a neutral pH value?
• In a centrifugal pump, increasing the head will generally cause the discharge to ___.
• The green wire in a four wire cable which feeds an electric motor is called a ___.
• ___ is very effective in cleaning up a polymer spill
• A grab sample represents the water quality at the time and place of collection. Which of the following best completes the concept used in grab sampling?
• A ____ should never be started with the discharge valve closed
• Which option best defines a molecule?
• On a micro-screen in process monitoring, what is the first thing you would check?
• Vibrations in pumps may be caused by ___.
• When checking insulation resistance, the motor should be turned off.
• Which nutrients would you expect from a Pulp and Paper manufacturer?
• Which statement is true about Imhoff cones?
• ___ are used to help prevent short circuiting in sedimentation basins.
• Never start a ____ pump against a closed discharge.
• Which valve is designed to prevent backflow in a piping system?
• Which document is provided with a chemical when purchased or on request from the manufacturer?
• Which fire class includes fires involving electrical equipment?
• The main function of a ____ is to aggregate particles.
• What does the C factor relate to in pipe hydraulics?
• What is the function of a foot valve in a suction line?
• Methane gas is dangerous primarily because it is
• Which compound is identified as one of the main waste streams in the petroleum industry?
• Poor segregation, maintenance and cleaning of parts and equipment can allow which type of waste to enter common wastewater streams?
• In chlorine testing, a pink color indicates chlorine is present using which method?
• POTW stands for what?
• A typical maximum solids content for sludge cake from a plate or frame press is which value?
• Recommended detention time for sedimentation basins is approximately
• When checking the voltage or current unbalance, the motor should be left on.
• Chlorine is widely used for which process in water treatment?
• A Cannery waste is typically characterized by which set of parameters?
• An advantage of a band screen over a rotating screen is that the band screen can handle a broad range of channel depths.
• Concentrations of hardness are expressed in terms of mg/L as which compound?
• The chemical formula for copper sulfate is which of the following?
• What is the recommended backwash rate expressed as vertical rise per minute?
• Which process is used to recover precious metals from waste streams?
• To troubleshoot operational problems at a wastewater treatment plant, which document should you consult?
• Which entity classifies wastewater treatment plants in South Carolina?
• Probes, floats and bubbler tubes are commonly used for which control?
• An example of a Class B fire would be
• Three kinds of filter media that may be used for rapid sand filters are which?
• Which combination of information is required on a sample label to ensure proper identification?
• What happens to chlorine’s disinfecting efficiency as water temperature rises?
• What credential is required by law in South Carolina for wastewater treatment plant operators?
• Which statement correctly assigns charges to cations and anions?
• Which of the following best describes drawdown?
• A positive displacement pump's typical parts include which pair?
• What process is improved by uniform, horizontal, low velocity flow across a basin?
• Emulsion breaking, flotation and skimming are techniques to remove which substance from wastewater?
• What does DOL regulate in the context of SC wastewater plants?
• A strong electrolyte is a solute that exists almost completely as ___
• In starting a dissolved air flotation (DAF) system, which action is performed first?
• Where would you find hazard information about a specific chemical?
• Fuses and ___ are designed to protect equipment.
• The ___ usually wears out first on a reciprocating pump.
• In a rapid sand filter, the depth of media is about how many inches?
• When checking the voltage or current unbalance of a motor the motor should be ___.
• The first step in performing corrective maintenance is ___.
• Methane gas is dangerous primarily because it is
• A centrifugal pump that is discharging at a ___ rate should be checked for a jammed or worn impeller.
• ___ pumps work on the basis of inertia or mass moving in a circular motion.
• Wearing rings are installed in a pump to prevent ____
• Which parameter represents the sum of all solids in a water sample, including dissolved substances?
• In a four-wire power cable feeding a motor, which color identifies the ground path?
• Which statement best explains why oxygen monitoring is required before confined space entry?
• A ___ is considered a static screen.
• What information must appear on a collected sample to ensure traceability?
• ____ are an aggregate of solids accumulated in sand filter beds.
• DAF is the abbreviation for which process?
• An increase in temperature of the influent would improve the coagulation.
• On a reciprocating pump, which part is most likely to wear out first?
• What amperes of electricity is sufficient to injure or kill a person?
• Which regulation requires employers to inform employees of health effects resulting from contact with hazardous substances?
• Before entering a confined space, you should check for oxygen levels no less than 19.5% or greater than 23.5%.
• The normal cause of electric motor failure is _____
• Which diseases are waterborne and caused by a virus?
• Which measurement in water analysis is the sum of both dissolved and undissolved solids?
• Which term refers to the solids that accumulate in sedimentation basins and form a layer?
• Lockout/Tagout procedures are primarily used to prevent...
• What is the term for the distance between the static water level and the pumping water level?
• Which device is most effective for preventing backflow when an air gap is not available?
• The pH scale ranges from which values?
• A solution with a pH below 7 is described as which?
• When maintaining a pH probe, which solution should be checked for proper level and condition?
• 10,000 mg/L equals what percent concentration?
• Emulsion breaking, flotation and skimming are techniques used primarily to remove which substance?
• The ECB (Environmental Control Board) can revoke or suspend an operator's certification for certain infractions of the regulations. Which option lists the board correctly?
• The contacts on a magnetic starter should be cleaned with a ___.
• Detention time in a sedimentation basin is determined by flow rate and what other factor?
• A ____ is operating properly if the rotation is correct, no solid break through and the head loss is zero.
• Specific gravity is defined as the ratio of a liquid's density to the density of water.
• Electrical current flow is measured in ___
• Slipping is a hazard typically associated with which type of spill?
• Short circuiting in a clarifier is prevented by ___
• Which two factors determine the detention time in a sedimentation basin?
• Successful performance of a sedimentation basin depends greatly upon the
• Which polymer would most likely be used to coagulate turbidity?
• The paper manufacturing industry would most likely contribute the greatest volume of wastewater to a POTW or receiving stream.
• The packing of a pump keeps water in the volute and keeps ___ out.
• ___ is a chemical used to control algae.
• Cathodic Protection is an alternative to repainting to protect a structure from ___
• Which process is used to restore filter performance by removing trapped solids?
• Chlorine is described as being which of the following hazards?
• ___ is the most significant test for establishing chemical dosages for coagulation.
• Which ions are responsible for water hardness?
• The DPD method is used to test for which contaminant?
• Which agency classifies wastewater treatment plants in South Carolina?
• To clean the contacts on a magnetic starter, use a crocus cloth.
• Temperature monitoring at an acid producing facility would be a ___ characteristic.
• Which combination of factors is cited as the normal cause of electric motor failure?
• In sedimentation basins, what purpose do baffles serve?
• What is the recommended detention time for a sedimentation basin?
• One of the most common causes of error in water quality analyses is which of the following?
• Checking the ___ on a pH probe is a maintenance function.
• When should a filter be taken out of service due to quality decline?
• Anode is a ___ pole or terminal.
• A permanent point of known elevation is called a ___.
• ____ would be a preventive maintenance item for an open close indicator.
• Water samples are checked for the presence of which organism to indicate biological contamination?
• Which toxic chemical is used in the COD test?
• Which practice best reduces wear on pump moving parts?
• ___ is the biggest threat to receiving waters when meat packing wastes are discharged.
• Time proportional and flow proportional sampling describe which characteristic of samples?
• Which analyses are performed by a refining industry before discharging to the environment?
• Which option correctly identifies the term for protective electrical method against corrosion?
• ___ is another name for Copper Sulfate.
• An increase in which substance will raise chlorine demand?
• Coagulation, precipitation process is involved with which of the following?
• The ability of water to neutralize acids is called ___.
• Which option correctly identifies the main purpose of coagulation/flocculation?
• Dissolved Air Flotation is commonly used to remove which contaminant from wastewater?
• A combination of chemical symbols used to indicate a chemical compound is called a ___.
• Pressure on a packing gland of a water lubricated pump should be ___ than the pump discharge pressure.
• The 'C' factor of a water pipe is the measurement of the ___ of a pipe.