Steamfitter Certificate of Qualification (CFQ) Practice Exam

To increase the pressure on a hydraulic pump rated at 3,000 psig, adjusting the pressure regulating valve is essential. Turning the adjustment screw clockwise typically raises the pressure setting. This operation increases the spring tension against which the hydraulic fluid must push to open the valve, allowing for a higher output pressure from the pump.

The mechanics behind this adjustment are straightforward: the pressure regulating valve controls the maximum pressure that the system can achieve. By tightening the screw (turning it clockwise), you are effectively altering the resistance to flow, causing the system to build more pressure up to the new set limit.

In contrast, turning the adjustment screw counterclockwise would decrease the pressure, leading to the opposite effect of what is desired. Closing the discharge valve might temporarily increase pressure readings but can damage the pump due to stall conditions, while replacing the hydraulic fluid typically does not directly impact the pressure setting and is unrelated to setting adjustments. Therefore, turning the pressure regulating valve adjustment screw clockwise is the proper method to achieve the desired increase in hydraulic pressure.