300+ Mechanical Maintenance Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

Questions related to types of pumps, casing, plant process, maintenance, centrifuge pusher, mechanical seals, boiler and thermic fluid heater, pump efficiency, head measurement, and alignment method.

• Types of pumps include centrifugal, reciprocating, and rotary pumps

• Types of casing include volute, diffuser, and multistage casing

• Plant process involves the steps and equipment used in a manufacturing process

• Major maintenance attend in previous organization periods may include pum...read more

Questions related to mechanical engineering concepts such as valves, couplings, pumps, gears, and measurement tools.

• Valve is a device used to control the flow of fluids. Types include gate, globe, ball, and butterfly valves.

• Coupling is a device used to connect two shafts together. Types include rigid, flexible, and fluid couplings.

• Pump is a device used to move fluids. Types include centrifugal, positive displacement, and axial flow pumps.

• Backlash is the amount of play between...read more

Mechanical seals are used to prevent leakage in rotating equipment. They can be classified into various types based on their design and application.

• Types of mechanical seals include pusher seals, non-pusher seals, cartridge seals, and split seals.

• Pusher seals use springs to maintain contact between the seal faces.

• Non-pusher seals rely on the pressure of the fluid being sealed to maintain contact.

• Cartridge seals are pre-assembled units that can be easily replaced.

• Split seals a...read more

The thickness of the wire rope used in a 15-ton E.O.T crane depends on various factors.

• The thickness of the wire rope is determined by the load capacity and safety factors.

• The type of wire rope, such as 6x19 or 6x37, also affects the thickness.

• The diameter of the wire rope can range from 10mm to 32mm or more.

• Consulting the crane manufacturer's specifications or engineering standards is necessary to determine the exact thickness.

There are various types of seals used in hydraulics and pneumatic systems.

• O-rings: commonly used in both hydraulic and pneumatic systems

• Piston seals: used to prevent fluid leakage in hydraulic systems

• Rod seals: used to prevent fluid leakage in hydraulic systems

• Wiper seals: used to prevent contaminants from entering hydraulic or pneumatic systems

• Rotary seals: used in rotary applications to prevent fluid leakage

• V-ring seals: used in dynamic axial sealing applications

• Gaskets: us...read more

Refrigeration system is a process of removing heat from a space or substance and maintaining a low temperature.

• Types of refrigeration systems include vapor compression, absorption, and gas cycle.

• Refrigerants commonly used are R-22, R-134a, and R-410A.

• Pros of refrigeration systems include preservation of food and medicine, air conditioning, and industrial processes.

• Cons include environmental impact due to refrigerant leakage and energy consumption.

Electricity is produced in a generator through electromagnetic induction. Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction explains this process.

• Electricity is produced in a generator through the process of electromagnetic induction.

• When a conductor is moved through a magnetic field, or a magnetic field is moved around a conductor, it creates an electric current.

• This current is then collected and converted into usable electricity.

• Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction states th...read more

There are various types of hydraulic valves used in different applications.

• Directional control valves: used to control the direction of fluid flow in a hydraulic system.

• Pressure control valves: used to regulate the pressure of the hydraulic fluid.

• Flow control valves: used to control the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid.

• Check valves: used to allow fluid flow in one direction and prevent backflow.

• Relief valves: used to protect the hydraulic system from excessive pressure.

• Propor...read more

The size of the bolt for a drill bit or hole depends on the diameter of the hole.

• The bolt size is typically determined by the diameter of the hole.

• For smaller holes, such as those made by small drill bits, smaller bolts like M4 or M5 may be used.

• For larger holes, such as those made by larger drill bits, larger bolts like M10 or M12 may be used.

• The specific bolt size may also depend on the application and the required strength.

• It is important to consult bolt size charts or eng...read more

The most effective way to gather user and system requirements is through direct communication and collaboration.

• Engage with stakeholders to understand their needs and preferences

• Utilize surveys, interviews, and workshops to gather feedback

• Document requirements clearly and prioritize them based on importance

• Use prototyping and mockups to visualize the final product

• Regularly communicate and update stakeholders on the progress

A heat exchanger is a device used to transfer heat between two or more fluids. A floating heat exchanger is a type of heat exchanger that is not fixed in place.

• Heat exchangers are used in a variety of industries, including HVAC, chemical processing, and power generation.

• They work by transferring heat from one fluid to another through a solid barrier.

• Floating heat exchangers are typically used in marine applications, where they are mounted on a floating platform and used to tr...read more

Hydraulic circuits and mechanical work are integral parts of mechanical maintenance engineering. I chose this field due to my passion for problem-solving and interest in machinery.

• Hydraulic circuits involve the use of fluids to transmit power and control machinery

• Mechanical work involves the use of physical force and motion to operate machinery

• As a mechanical maintenance engineer, I am responsible for ensuring the proper functioning of machinery and equipment

• I chose this fiel...read more

The bearings used in grinding wheel spindle for centerless grinding machine are usually angular contact ball bearings. The radial play allowed is typically 0.002-0.003 mm and the axial play is around 0.005-0.008 mm.

• Angular contact ball bearings are commonly used in grinding wheel spindles for centerless grinding machines.

• Radial play allowed is usually between 0.002-0.003 mm.

• Axial play allowed is typically around 0.005-0.008 mm.

Hydraulic valves are used in industries to control the flow and pressure of hydraulic fluid in various systems.

• Types of hydraulic valves include directional control valves, pressure control valves, flow control valves, and check valves.

• Directional control valves determine the direction of fluid flow in a hydraulic system.

• Pressure control valves regulate the pressure of the hydraulic fluid within the system.

• Flow control valves manage the rate of flow of hydraulic fluid.

• Check v...read more

I am most familiar with C++ and Python programming languages.

• C++

• Python

Boilers are vessels that generate steam by heating water. There are various types of boilers with different working procedures and safety norms.

• Types of boilers include fire-tube, water-tube, electric, and biomass boilers

• Boilers work by heating water to produce steam, which is then used for various applications

• Safety norms include regular maintenance, proper ventilation, and adherence to safety codes and regulations

• Examples of safety features include pressure relief valves, w...read more

Different types of pumps are used for different applications. Pump selection criteria depend on factors like flow rate, head, viscosity, etc.

• Centrifugal pumps are used for low viscosity fluids and high flow rates

• Positive displacement pumps are used for high viscosity fluids and low flow rates

• Factors like flow rate, head, viscosity, temperature, pressure, etc. are considered while selecting a pump

• For example, a centrifugal pump may be selected for a cooling water application, ...read more

I followed a systematic procedure for turbine overhauling, ensuring thorough inspection and maintenance for optimal performance.

• Preparation: Gathered tools and safety equipment, ensuring compliance with safety standards.

• Disassembly: Carefully removed turbine components, documenting each step to avoid confusion during reassembly.

• Inspection: Conducted detailed inspections of blades, bearings, and seals for wear and damage; found minor blade erosion.

• Cleaning: Used appropriate so...read more

Various mechanical components like motors, gears, and pumps are essential for machinery operation and efficiency.

• Motors: Electric motors (AC, DC) convert electrical energy into mechanical energy; for example, induction motors are widely used in industrial applications.

• Gears: Gears transmit torque and change the direction of motion; examples include spur gears for parallel shafts and bevel gears for intersecting shafts.

• Pumps: Centrifugal pumps move fluids by converting rotatio...read more

Effective documentation management ensures accurate records of inspections and maintenance activities, enhancing operational efficiency.

• Organized Filing System: I maintain a structured filing system, both physical and digital, to categorize documents by type and date for easy retrieval.

• Regular Updates: I ensure that inspection check sheets and maintenance logs are updated immediately after each task to maintain accuracy.

• Digital Tools: I utilize software like CMMS (Computerize...read more

In a clean room area, parameters observed include air quality, temperature, humidity, particle count, and pressure differentials.

• Air quality is monitored to ensure low levels of contaminants.

• Temperature is controlled to maintain a stable environment for sensitive equipment.

• Humidity levels are regulated to prevent moisture-related issues.

• Particle count is measured to ensure cleanliness and prevent contamination.

• Pressure differentials are maintained to prevent the entry of outs...read more

There are various types of conveyors, gears and gearboxes, and bearings used in mechanical maintenance. Pulling bearings requires proper technique.

• Types of conveyors include belt, roller, chain, and screw conveyors

• Types of gears include spur, helical, bevel, worm, and planetary gears

• Types of bearings include ball, roller, and sleeve bearings

• To pull a bearing, use a bearing puller tool and apply force evenly to avoid damage

Blowers are used to push air through the tower, while air fins and cooling fans are used to dissipate heat from the tower.

• Blowers are responsible for creating airflow within the tower to cool the system.

• Air fins are heat exchangers that help dissipate heat from the tower by increasing surface area for heat transfer.

• Cooling fans are used to enhance the heat dissipation process by increasing airflow over the fins.

• Blowers are typically located at the base of the tower, while air...read more

There are various types of hydraulic valves, including pressure relief and pressure reducing valves.

• Types of hydraulic valves include directional control valves, flow control valves, pressure control valves, and check valves.

• Pressure relief valves are designed to limit the pressure within a hydraulic system by diverting excess fluid when the pressure reaches a certain level.

• Pressure reducing valves, on the other hand, are used to maintain a constant pressure in a branch of a ...read more

The temperature of cooling tower water can vary depending on the specific system and operating conditions.

• Cooling tower water temperature typically ranges from 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit.

• The temperature may be controlled by adjusting the flow rate of water through the tower or by adding chemicals to the water.

• Monitoring and maintaining the proper water temperature is important for the efficiency and effectiveness of the cooling system.

The company XYZ uses mobile cranes and blackhole loaders for mechanical maintenance. The capacity of the mobile crane varies depending on the model.

• The company XYZ utilizes mobile cranes and blackhole loaders for their mechanical maintenance operations.

• The capacity of the mobile crane can vary depending on the specific model being used.

• Unfortunately, the exact capacity of the mobile crane used by XYZ is not provided in the question.

Yes, I am capable of independently performing maintenance on a steam turbine during a turnaround.

• Extensive experience with steam turbine systems, including troubleshooting and repairs.

• Proficient in conducting routine inspections and identifying potential issues before they escalate.

• Familiar with safety protocols and procedures to ensure a safe working environment during maintenance.

• Experience in collaborating with cross-functional teams to coordinate maintenance activities ef...read more