API 580 Risk Based Inspection Practice Test

Which type of leak is exemplified by a ductile rupture?

1. Small leak

2. Moderate leak

3. Large leak

4. Minor leak

The correct answer is: Large leak

A ductile rupture is characterized by significant plastic deformation before failure, typically occurring in materials that are capable of enduring considerable stress and strain. This kind of rupture usually results in a large, catastrophic failure that releases a considerable volume of fluid rapidly. In the context of leak classifications, this type of leak would be classified as a large leak due to the substantial amount of material released so quickly. When we consider the other classifications of leaks, a small or minor leak usually involves minute releases of fluid without significant structural failure of the material, often detectable over long periods but posing little immediate hazard. A moderate leak might involve more fluid loss than small or minor leaks but still does not result in the rapid, major release that characterizes ductile rupture incidents. Therefore, ductile rupture aligns most directly with a large leak due to the severity and volume of fluid released.