New Mexico Pipe Fitter Journeyman (JPF) Practice Exam

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Study for the New Mexico Pipe Fitter Journeyman Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Practice this question and more.


What material is a metallic ring gasket typically made from?

  1. As strong as the flange material

  2. Softer than the flange material

  3. Stronger than the flange material

  4. The same material as the flange

The correct answer is: Softer than the flange material

A metallic ring gasket is typically made from a material that is softer than the flange material. This design choice is intentional, as it allows the gasket to deform slightly under pressure, creating a tight seal between the flanges. When the bolts are tightened, the softer gasket material is compressed against the harder flange surfaces, filling in any microscopic surface imperfections and preventing leaks. Using a softer material also helps to ensure that the gasket can properly accommodate any slight misalignment or irregularities in the flange surfaces, which can occur during installation or as a result of thermal expansion and contraction during operation. The other choices suggest either equal or greater hardness compared to the flange material, which would not provide the necessary sealing characteristics or flexibility to maintain an effective seal under pressure. Therefore, softer gasket materials are essential for achieving reliable and effective sealing in piping systems.