Engineering Dictionary
A 15. ABSORBER - That part of the low side of an absorption
1. ABDC: Abbreviation for after bottom dead center.
2. ABMA - American Boiler Manufacturers Association.
3. ABRASION - The wearing away of a surface by
rubbing, as with sandpaper on wood.
4. ABRASION RESISTANCE - The ability of a material
to resist surface wear.
5. ABRASIVE EROSION - Erosive wear caused by the
relative motion of solid particles which are entrained
in a fluid, moving nearly parallel to a solid surface.
6. ABSOLUTE HUMIDITY - Amount of moisture in the
air, indicated in kg/kg of dry air.
7. ABSOLUTE PRESSURE - Total pressure measured
from an absolute vacuum. It equals the sum of the
gauge pressure and the atmospheric pressure
corresponding to the barometer.
8. ABSOLUTE PRESSURE - Air at standard conditions
(70°F air at sea level with a barometric pressure of
29.92 in Hg) exerts a pressure of 14.696 psi. This is
the pressure in a system when the pressure gauge
reads zero. So the absolute pressure of a system is
the gauge pressure in pounds per square inch added
to the atmospheric pressure of 14.696 psi (use 14.7
psi in environmental system work) and the symbol is
"psia".
9. ABSOLUTE TEMPERATURE SCALE - A scale of
temperature measurement in which zero degrees is
absolute zero.
10. ABSOLUTE TEMPERATURE: The temperature
measured when absolute zero is used as a
reference. Absolute zero is -273.16°C or 469.69°F,
and is the lowest measured temperature known.
11. ABSOLUTE VELOCITY -
12. ABSOLUTE ZERO - A hypothetical temperature at
which there is total absence of heat. Since heat is a
result of energy caused by molecular motion, there is
no motion of molecules with respect to each other at
absolute zero. It is theoretically the coldest possible
temperature.
13. ABSOLUTE ZERO TEMPERATURE - Temperature
measured from absolute zero (-459.67°F, or -273.16°
C).
14. ABSORBENT - A material which, due to an affinity
for certain substances, extracts one or more such
substances from a liquid or gaseous medium with
which it contacts and which changes physically or
chemically, or both, during the process. Calcium
chloride is an example of a solid absorbent, while
solutions of lithium chloride, lithium bromide, and
ethylene glycols are liquid absorbents.
system, used for absorbing vapor refrigerant.
16. ABSORPTION - A process whereby a material extracts
one or more substances present in an atmosphere or
mixture of gases or liquids accompanied by the material's
physical and/or chemical changes.
17. ABSORPTION REFRIGERATION SYSTEM - One in
which the refrigerant, as it is absorbed in another liquid,
maintains the pressure difference needed for successful
operation of the system.
18. ABSORPTION REFRIGERATOR - Refrigerator that
creates low temperatures by using the cooling effect
formed when a refrigerant is absorbed by chemical
substance.
19. ABSORPTION SYSTEM - A refrigeration system in which
the refrigerant gas evolved in the evaporator is taken up in
an absorber and released in a generator upon the
application of heat.
20. ABSORPTION TOWER - A tower or column, which effects
contact between a rising gas and a falling liquid, so that
part of the gas may be taken up by the liquid.
21. ABT: Abbreviation for automatic bus transfer; an automatic
electric device that supplies power to vital equipment. This
device will shift from the normal power supply to an
alternate power supply any time the normal supply is
interrupted.
22. ACCELERATION - The rate of change of velocity, as a
function of time. Expressed in m/s.
23. ACCELERATION DUE TO GRAVITY - The rate of
increase in velocity of a body falling freely in a vacuum. Its
value varies with latitude and elevation. The International
Standard is 32.174 ft. per second per second.
24. ACCELERATION PERIOD - In cavitation and liquid
impingement erosion, the stage following the incubation
period, during which the erosion rate increases from near
zero to a maximum value.
25. ACCELRATION - The time rate of change of velocity; i.e.,
the derivative of velocity; with respect to time.
26. ACCEPTABLE WELD - A weld that meets all of the
requirements and the acceptance criteria prescribed by the
welding specifications.
27. ACCESSIBLE HERMETIC - An assembly of motor and
compressor, inside a single bolted housing unit.
28. ACCUMULATOR - Storage tank which receives liquid
refrigerant from evaporator and prevents it from flowing
into suction line before vaporizing.
29. ACETONE - A filler added to acetylene cylinders, capable
of absorbing 25 times its own volume of acetylene.
30. ACID - Literally hitter, but chemically the state of a water
solution containing a high concentration of hydrogen ions.
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31. ACID ATTACK - Caused by an incomplete flushing
after an acid cleaning process of boilers or similar
equipment.
32. ACID CLEANING - The process of cleaning the
interior surfaces of steam generating units by filling
the unit with dilute acid accompanied by an inhibitor
to prevent corrosion and by subsequently draining,
washing, and neutralizing the acid by a further wash
of alkaline water.
33. ACID CONDITION IN SYSTEM - Condition in which
refrigerant or oil in a system, is mixed with vapor and
fluids that are acidic in nature.
34. ACID EMBRITTLEMENT - A form of hydrogen
embrittlement that may be induced in some metals
by an acid.
35. ACID GAS - A gas that that forms an acid when
mixed with water. In petroleum processing, the most
common acid gases are hydrogen sulfide and carbon
dioxide.
36. ACID RAIN - Atmospheric precipitation with an pH
below 5.6 to 5.7.
37. ACID SOAK - A method of acid cleaning, in which
the acid is pumped into the boiler and rests there for
a period of time.
38. ACIDIC - The reaction of a substance with water
resulting in an increase in concentration of hydrogen
ions in solution (see acid).
39. ACIDIFIED - The addition of an acid (usually nitric or
sulfuric) to a sample to lower the pH below 2.0. The
purpose of the acidification is to "fix" a sample so it
will not change until it is analyzed.
40. ACIDITY - Represents the amount of free carbon
dioxide, mineral acids, and salts (especially sulfates
of iron and aluminum) which hydrolyze to give
hydrogen ions in the water. The acidity is reported as
millie equivalents per liter of acid, or ppm acidity as
calcium carbonate, or pH, the measure of hydrogen
ion concentration.
41. ACOUSTIC - A term pertaining to sound, or the
science of sound.
42. ACROSS THE LINE - A method of motor starting,
which connects the motor directly to the supply line
on starting or running.
43. ACTION - Refers to the action of a controller. It
defines what is done to regulate the final control
element to effect control.
44. ACTIVATED ALUMINA - Chemical which is a form of
aluminum oxide. It is used as a drier or desiccant.
45. ACTIVATED CARBON - Is a specially processed
carbon, used as a filter drier. Commonly used to
clean air.
Engineering Dictionary
46. ACTIVATED SLUDGE - An aerobic biological process for
conversion of soluble organic matter to solid biomass,
removable by gravity or filtration.
47. ACTIVE STORAGE PILE - A method of stockpiling coal,
sometimes called live storage. The pile is located outside
the plant but adjacent to it, and usually contains four or five
days of operating supply. The pile is not compacted, as it is
not stored long enough to be exposed to the hazard of
spontaneous combustion.
48. ACTUATOR - The portion of a regulating valve, which
converts mechanical, fluid, thermal, or electrical energy;
into mechanical motion to open or close the valve seats or
other such devices.
49. ADDITIVE: A material that is added to improve fuel or oil.
50. ADIABATIC - Occurring with no addition or loss of heat
from the system under consideration.
51. ADIABATIC CHANGE - A change in the volume, pressure,
or temperature of a gas, occurring without a gain of heat or
loss of heat.
52. ADIABATIC COMPRESSION - Compressing a gas without
removing or adding heat.
53. ADIABATIC COOLING - A method in which paramagnetic
salts are pre-cooled, and then demagnetized, thereby
producing further cooling.
54. ADIABATIC EFFICIENCY -The ratio of actual work output
of a heat engine to the ideal output.
55. ADIABATIC EXPANSION - The expansion of a gas, vapor,
or liquid stream from a higher pressure to a lower
pressure, with no change in enthalpy.
56. ADIABATIC FLAME TEMPERATURE - The theoretical
temperature that would be attained by the products of
combustion provided the entire chemical energy of the fuel,
the sensible heat content of the fuel and combustion above
the datum temperature were transferred to the products of
combustion. This assumes: No heat loss to surroundings
and no dissociation.
57. ADIABATIC PROCESS - A thermo-dynamic process in
which no heat is extracted from or added to the system of
the process.
58. ADIABATIC SATURATION PROCESS - A process to
determine absolute or relative humidity.
59. ADJUSTABLE DIFFERENTIAL - A means of changing the
difference between the control cut-in and cutout points.
60. ADJUSTABLE RESISTOR - A resistor whose value can be
mechanically changed, usually by the use of a sliding
contact.
61. ADSORBENT - A material which has the ability to cause
molecules of gases, liquids or solids to adhere to its
internal surfaces without changing the adsorbent physically
or chemically. In water treatment, a synthetic resin
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possessing the ability to attract and to hold charged
particles.
62. ADSORPTION - The adhesion of the molecules of
gases, dissolved substances, or liquids in more or
less concentrated form, to the surface of solids or
liquids with which they are in contact. Commercial
adsorbent materials have enormous internal
surfaces.
63. ADSORPTION INHIBITORS - They are materials
which caused them to be adsorbed on to the metal
surface due to their polar properties.
64. ADVECTION - The transfer of heat by horizontal
movement of air.
65. AERATION - Exposing to the action of air, like
blowing air through water before discharging to a
river.
66. AERATION CELL - (see oxygen cell)
67. AEROBIC - A condition in which "free" or dissolved
oxygen is present in water.
68. AERODYNAMIC NOISE - Also called generated
noise, self-generated noise; is noise of aerodynamic
origin in a moving fluid arising from flow instabilities.
In duct systems, aerodynamic noise is caused by
airflow through elbows, dampers, branch wyes,
pressure reduction devices, silencers and other duct
components.
69. AFTERCOOLER: A device used on turbo-charged
engines to cool air that has undergone compression.
70. AGGLOMERATE - The clustering together of a few
or many particles into a larger solid mass.
71. AGITATOR - A device used to cause motion in
confined fluids.
72. AIR - A substance containing by volume
approximately 78 - 79% nitrogen; 20.95% oxygen,
.94% argon, traces of carbon dioxide, helium, etc.
73. AIR ATOMIZING OIL BURNER - A burner for firing
oil in which the oil is atomized by compressed air,
which is forced into and through one or more
streams of oil which results in the breaking of the oil
into a fine spray.
74. AIR BIND: The presence of air in a pump or pipes,
which prevents the delivery of liquid.
75. AIR BLAST TRANSFORMER - A transformer cooled
by forcing a circulation of air around its windings.
76. AIR BLANKETING - An accumulation of air in a heat
exchanger or other vessel which impedes heat
transfer.
77. AIR BLEEDER: A device that removes air from a
hydraulic system. Types include a needle valve,
capillary tubing to the reservoir, and a bleed plug
Engineering Dictionary
78. AIR CAPACITOR - Is a capacitor, which uses air as the
dielectric between the plates.
79. AIR CHANGES - A method of expressing the amount of air
leakage into or out of a building or room in terms of the
number of building volumes or room volumes exchanged.
80. AIR CLEANER - A devise used to remove air borne
impurities [A device (filter) for removing unwanted solid
impurities from the air before the air enters the intake
manifold]
81. AIR COIL - Coil on some types of heat pumps used either
as an evaporator or a condenser.
82. AIR COMPRESSOR: A device used to increase air
pressure.
83. AIR CONDITIONER - They are basically refrigeration
devices cooling air and rooms rather then food
compartments.
84. AIR CONDITIONER, UNITARY - An evaporator,
compressor, and condenser combination; designed in one
or more assemblies, the separate parts designed to be
assembled together.
85. AIR CONDITIONING -The process of treating air to
simultaneously control its temperature, humidity,
cleanliness, and distribution to meet the requirements of
the conditioned space.
86. AIR CONDITIONING UNIT - An assembly of equipment for
the treatment of air so as to control, simultaneously, its
temperature, humidity, cleanliness and distribution to meet
the requirements of a conditioned space.
87. AIR CONDITIONING, COMFORT - The process of treating
air so as to control simultaneously its temperature,
humidity, cleanliness and distribution to meet the comfort
requirements of the occupants of the conditioned space.
88. AIR COOLER - A factory-encased assembly of elements
whereby the temperature of air passing through the device
is reduced.
89. AIR DEFICIENCY - Insufficient air, in an air-fuel mixture, to
supply the oxygen required for complete oxidation of the
fuel.
90. AIR DIFFUSER - A circular, square, or rectangular air
distribution outlet, generally located in the ceiling and
comprised of deflecting members discharging supply air in
various directions and planes, and arranged to promote
mixing of primary air with secondary room air.
91. AIR DIFFUSION AERATORS - They are aerators into
which air is pumped into the water through perforated
pipes, plates, or any other method.
92. AIR DUCT - A tube or conduit for conveying air from one
place to another.
93. AIR EJECTOR: A jet pump that removes air and non-
condensable gases.
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94. AIR FLOTATION - A process of accelerating
sedimentation, by introducing air into the water, this
lowers the density of the water, and increases the
differences in the densities of the water and the
suspended particles. (DAF), Dissolved Air Flotation.
95. AIR-FUEL RATIO: The ratio (by weight or by
volume) between air and fuel.
96. AIR GAP -The space between magnetic poles, or
between the rotating and stationary assemblies in a
motor or generator.
97. AIR HANDLER - The fan blower, heat transfer coil,
filter, and housing parts, of a system.
98. AIR HEATER / PREHEATER - The air-heater is in
the path of the boiler gases after the economiser, so
that the air for combustion absorbs heat from the
gases before they enter the stack.
99. AIR HEATER ELEMENT - When applied to Rotary
airheaters, the plate bundles forming the heat
exchange surfaces.
100.AIR INFILTRATION – The leakage of air into a room
through cracks in doors, windows, and other
openings.
101.AIR PURGE - The removal of undesired matter by
replacement with air.
102.AIR SATURATED - Moist air in which the partial
pressure of the water vapor is equal to the vapor
pressure of water at the existing temperature. This
occurs when dry air and saturated water vapor
coexist at the same dry-bulb temperature.
103.AIR SENSING THERMOSTAT - A thermostat unit, in
which the sensing element is located in the
refrigerated space.
104.AIR STANDARD - Air having a temperature of
(20°C), a relative humidity of 36 percent, and under a
pressure of 14.70 PSIA. The gas industry usually
considers (16°C) as the temperature of standard air.
105.AIR-STARTING VALVE: A valve that admits
compressed air to the air starter for starting
purposes.
106.AIR VENT - Valve, either manual or automatic, to
remove air from the highest point of a coil or piping
assembly.
107.AIR WASHER - A water spray system or device for
cleaning, humidifying, or dehumidifying the air.
108.AIR, AMBIENT - Generally the air surrounding the
object.
109.AIR, DRY - Air without contained water vapor.
110.AIR, OUTDOOR - Air taken from outdoors and,
therefore, not previously circulated through the
system.
Engineering Dictionary
111.AIR, RECIRCULATED - Return air passed through the
conditioner before being again supplied to the conditioned
space.
112.AIR, REHEATING - In an air conditioning system, the final
step in treatment, in the event the temperature is too low.
113.AIR, RETURN - Air returned from conditioned or
refrigerated space.
114.AIRBORNE SOUND - Sound which reaches the point of
interest by radiation through the air.
115.AIR-COOLED CONDENSER - Heat of compression is
transferred from condensing coils to surrounding air. This
may be done either by convection or by a fan or blower.
116.AIR INFILTRATION - The leakage of air into a setting or
duct.
117.AIR-SENSING THERMOSTAT – A thermostat unit, in
which the sensing element is located in the refrigerated
space.
118.ALCOHOL BRINE - A water and alcohol solution, which
remains as a liquid below 0°C.
119.ALGAE - A minute fresh water plant growth which forms a
scum on the surfaces of recirculated water apparatus,
interfering with fluid flow and heat transfer. Lower form of
plant life, usually green and blue green algae appear in
cooling water systems. They are responsible for copious
amounts of stringy green slime masses.
120.ALIGN: To bring two or more components of a unit into
the correct positions with respect to one another.
121.ALIVE - A term referring to a circuit in which a current is
flowing. Also referred to as live.
122.ALKALI - A substance having marked basic properties.
Applying to hydroxides of potassium, sodium, lithium, and
ammonium. They turn red litmus to blue. Includes
hydroxides of the alkaline earth metals of barium,
strontium, and calcium.
123.ALKALINE - Having a pH greater than 7.
124.ALKALINE BOIL-OUT - Employed to remove oil and
grease deposits from heating surfaces.
125.ALKALINITY - An expression of the total basic anions
(hydroxyl groups) present in a solution. It also represents,
particularly in water analysis, the bi-carbonate, carbonate,
and occasionally, the borate, silicate, and phosphate salts
which will react with water to produce the hydroxyl groups.
126.ALLEN TYPE SCREW - A screw with a recessed hex
shaped head.
127.ALLOWANCE: The difference between the minimum and
the maximum dimensions of proper functioning.
128.ALLOY - A substance having metal properties and being
composed of two or more chemical elements of which at
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least one is a metal (A mixture of two or more
different metals, usually to produce improved
characteristics)
129.ALLOY STEEL - Steel containing specific quantities
of alloying elements (other than carbon)and
commonly accepted amounts of manganese, copper,
silicon, sulfur, and phosphorus).
130.ALTERNATING CURRENT (AC) - Electric current in
which the direction of the current alternates or
reverses. In a 60 Hertz (cycle) current, the direction
of current flow reverses in 1/120th of a second; most
commonly used current.
131.ALTERNATOR - A device which converts
mechanical energy, into alternating current.
132.ALTIMETER - An instrument used to measure the
height above a reference point, such as ground or
sea level.
133.ALUM - Is an aluminum sulfate or filter alum. Acts in
the range of 5.0 to 8.0 pH.
134.ALUMINA - Aluminum oxide occasionally found as
an impurity in water in very small amounts.
135.AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE - Temperature of
fluid (usually air) which surrounds object on all sides.
136.AMBIENT CONDITIONS - The conditions of
temperature, pressure, and humidity, existing around
an instrument.
137.AMBIENT TEMPERATURE - The temperature of
the air surrounding the equipment.
138.AMBIENT NOISE -The normal sound in a room or
other location.
139.AMERICAN STANDARD PIPE THREAD - A type of
screw or thread, commonly used on pipe fittings to
assure a tight seal.
140.AMERICAN WIRE GAUGE (AWG) - A system used
in the United States for measuring the size of solid
wires.
141.AMINE - A chemical use in water treatment as a
filming or neutralizing agent to protect the metal
parts.
142.AMMETER - An instrument for measuring the
magnitude of electric current flow.
143.AMMETER SHUNT - A low-resistance conductor,
placed in parallel (shunt) with an ammeter
movement, so that most of the current flows through
the shunt, and only a small portion flows through the
ammeter. This extends the useful range of the meter.
144.AMMONIA - Chemical combination of nitrogen and
hydrogen (NH3). Ammonia is a very efficient
refrigerant and identified as R-117.
Engineering Dictionary
145.AMORPHOUS - A solid not having a repetitive three-
dimensional pattern of atoms.
146.AMPACITY - A wire's ability to carry current safely, without
undue heating. The term formerly used to describe this
characteristic was current capacity of the wire.
147.AMPERAGE - An electron or current flow of one coulomb
per second, past a given point in a circuit.
148.AMPERE - The unit used for measuring the quantity of an
electrical current flow. One ampere represent a flow of one
coulomb per second.
149.AMPERE HOUR - A term used for rating battery capacity.
As stated, an ampere for an hour; ex: 5 amperes for 20
hours = 100 amp hour on a 20 hr rating.
150.AMPERE TURNS - A term used to measure magnetic
force. It represents the product of amperes, times the
number of turns of the coil, in an electromagnet.
151.AMPLIFICATION - The process of obtaining an output
signal greater than the input signal, through auxiliary power
controlled by the input signal. The process of increasing
the strength, current, power, or voltage, of the signal.
152.AMPLITUDE - The maximum instantaneous value of
alternating current or voltage. It can be in either a positive
or negative direction. The greatest distance through which
an oscillating body moves from the mid point.
153.ANAEROBIC - A condition in which "free" or dissolved
oxygen is not present in the water.
154.ANALYSIS - Quantitative determination of the constituent
parts (The process of determining the composition of a
substance, by chemical or physical methods).
155.ANALYSIS, ULTIMATE - Chemical analysis of solid, liquid
or gaseous fuels. In the case of coal or coke, determination
of carbon, hydrogen, sulfur, nitrogen, oxygen, and ash.
156.ANEMOMETER - An instrument for measuring the
velocity of a fluid.
157.ANGLE OF LAG OR LEAD - The phase angle difference,
between two sinusoidal wave forms having the same
frequency.
158.ANGLE VALVE - A type of globe valve design, having
pipe openings at right angles to each other. Usually one
opening on the horizontal plane and one on the vertical
plane.
159.ANGSTROM UNITS - A unit of wave length, equal in
length to one ten billionth.
160.ANHYDROUS CALCIUM SULFATE - A dry chemical,
made of calcium, sulfur, and oxygen.
161.ANION - A negatively charged ion such as the chloride
ion, Cl-.
162.ANION INTERCHANGE - The displacement of one
negatively charged particle by another on an anion-
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exchange material. This principle is used with water
treatment.
163.ANNEAL - To soften by heating and allowing to cool
slowly (To heat a metal and to cool it in such a
manner as to toughen and soften it. Brass or copper
is annealed by heating it to a cherry red color and
dipping it suddenly into water while hot. Iron or steel
is slowly cooled from the heated condition to anneal).
164.ANNEALING - A process of heat treating metal, to
get the desired properties of softness and ductility,
(easy to form).
165.ANNUNCIATOR: A device, usually electro-
mechanical, used to indicate or transmit information.
See ENGINE ORDER TELEGRAPH.
166.ANODE - In electrolysis or electrochemical
corrosion, a site where metal goes into solution as a
cation leaving behind an equivalent of electrons to be
transferred to the opposite electron, called the
cathode.
167.ANODIZING - The treatment of a metal surface
whereby the metal is made anodic.
168.ANSI - American National Standard Institute, which
is an organization defining standards for computer
language.
169.ANSI-B.31.1 - Power Piping.
170.ANSI-B.31.5 - Refrigeration Piping.
171.ANTHRACITES - Coals containing 90 per cent or
more carbon and 10 percent or less volatile matter.
They light up less readily but burn with an intense
heat, without smoke and with little flame.
172.ANTI KNOCK VALUE - A premature explosive
combustion, as the detonation of the fuel air mixture
in an internal combustion engine, produces a
characteristic knock. The Anti Knock Value is the
measure of its resistance to the condition which
tends to produce this knock.
173.ANTICIPATING CONTROL - One which, by artificial
means, is activated sooner than it would be without
such means, to produce a smaller differential of the
controlled property. Heat and cool anticipators are
commonly used in thermostats.
174.ANTICIPATORS - A small heater element in two-
position temperature controllers which deliberately
cause false indications of temperature in the
controller in an at tempt to minimize the override of
the differential and smooth out the temperature
variation in the controlled space.
175.ANTI-CORROSIVE ADDITIVE - A lubricant additive
to reduce corrosion.
176.ANTI-FOAM ADDITIVE (FOAM INHIBITOR) An
additive used to reduce or prevent foaming.
Engineering Dictionary
177.ANTIFOAM AGENTS - The reduction of carry over by the
addition of polymerized esters, alcohol’s, and amides. The
antifoam agent is absorbed on the steam generating
surface resulting in a hydrophobic condition, causing fewer
but larger steam bubbles, which readily coalesce. These
agents also weaken the wall of the bubble formed, causing
them to quickly burst on the water surface.
178.ANTIFOULANTS - Are materials which prevent fouling
from depositing on heat transfer equipment. Materials that
prevent deposits forming; include anti- oxidants, metal
coordinators, and corrosion inhibitors. Compounds that
prevent deposition are surfactants. They act as detergents
or dispersants.
179.ANTIFREEZE - Compounds of glycol’s or alcohol’s, that
lower the freezing point of cooling water systems.
180.ANTIFRICTION BEARING: A bearing containing rollers or
balls plus an inner and outer race. The bearing is designed
to roll, thus minimizing friction.
181.ANTIOXIDANT - A substance which when added in small
amounts to petroleum products, will delay or inhibit
undesirable changes; such as the formation of gum,
sludge, and acidity, which are brought about by oxidation.
182.ANTI-OXIDANT - An additive for the purpose of reducing
the rate of oxidation and subsequent deterioration of the
material.
183.ANTI-SCUFFING LUBRICANT - A lubricant that is
formulated to avoid scuffing.
184.ANTI-SEIZURE PROPERTY - The ability of the bearing
material to resist seizure during momentary lubrication
failure.
185.ANTI-WEAR ADDITIVE - A lubricant additive to reduce
wear.
186.API - American Petroleum Institute.
187.API GRAVITY (API DEGREE) - A measure of density
used in the US petroleum industry.
188.APPARENT (EMF) - The apparent voltage, as measured
by the drop in pressure due to a current flowing through a
resistance.
189.APPARENT WATTS - The product of volts times
amperes, in an alternating current circuit.
190.APPROCH TEMPERATURE - The difference in the
temperature of the boiler feedwater leaving the economizer
section compared to the water in the steam drum, typically
it is in between 10–40 OF (Calculating the "actual"
approach temperature, and comparing it to the "as-
designed" approach temperature is an effective tool in
assessing performance in the "back end" of the HRSG,
and indicates how well the economizer is operating).
191.AQUEOUS - Watery. A substance containing water.
192.AQUIFER - A porous, subsurface geological structure
carrying or holding water.
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193.ARC - A flash, caused by an electric current ionizing
a gas or vapor.
194.ARC BRAZING - A brazing process in which the
heat required is obtained from an electric arc.
195.ARC FURNACE - An electric furnace, in which heat
is produced by an arc between two electrodes.
196.ARCING: Electrons leaping the gap between the
negative and the positive poles
197.ARC WELDING - A group of welding processes
which produce coalescence of metals by heating
them with an arc, with or without the application of
pressure, and with or without the use of a filler metal.
198.ARC WELDING - A process where coalescence is
obtained by heating with an electric arc.
199.ARCHIMIDES PRINCIPAL - States that an upward
force acting on a body wholly or partly submerged in
a fluid, is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced,
and acts through the center of gravity of the fluid
displaced, or the center of buoyancy.
200.ARGON ARC PROCESS -
201.ARMATURE - the rotating part of an electric motor
or generator. The moving part of a relay or vibrator.
202.ARMATURE AIR GAP - The air space between the
stationary and rotating parts of a motor or generator,
through which magnetic lines of force pass.
203.ARMATURE BACK AMPERE TURNS - The
magnetic field produced by current flowing in the
armature winding, that opposes and reduces the
number of magnetic lines of force, produced by the
field magnets of a motor or generator.
204.ARMATURE BAR - Copper bars used in place of
wire windings, in large armatures, generators, or
motors.
205.ARMATURE CIRCUIT - The path that the current
takes, in flowing through the windings from one
brush to another.
206.ARMATURE COIL - The loop or coil of copper wire,
placed on the armature core, and forming part of the
winding.
207.ARMATURE CORE -The laminated iron part of the
armature, formed from thin sheets or disks of steel,
on which the windings are placed.
208.ARMATURE CURRENT - The current flowing from
the armature of a generator, to the armature of a
motor. Not including the current taken by the shunt
field.
209.ARMATURE DEMAGNETIZATION - The reduction
in the effective magnetic lines of force, produced by
the armature current.
Engineering Dictionary
210.ARMATURE REACTION - The magnetic effect of current
flowing in the armature windings (The effect, that the
magnetic field produced by the current flowing in the
armature, has on the magnetic field produced by the field
coils).
211.ARMATURE REGULATING RESISTORS - Are resistors,
designed to regulate the speed or torque of a loaded
motor, by placing a resistance in the armature or power
circuit.
212.ARMATURE RESISTANCE - The resistance of the wire
used in the windings of the armature, measured between
the rings or brushes, or from positive to negative terminals.
213.ARMATURE SLOT -The groove or slot in the armature
core, into which the coils or windings are placed.
214.ARMATURE TESTER - Any device used for locating
faults or defects in the armature winding.
215.ARMATURE VARNISH - Is a liquid put on the field and
armature windings, to improve the insulation of the cotton
covering on the wires.
216.ARMATURE WINDING - All of the copper wire placed on
the armature, and through which the current flows.
217.AROMATICS - A group of hydrocarbons of which benzene
is the parent. They are called "aromatics" because many of
their derivatives have sweet or aromatic odorous.
218.ARTIFICIAL MAGNET - Is a manufactured magnet, which
is distinguished from a natural occurring magnet.
219.ASHRAE - The American Society of Heating,
Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers.
220.ASME - American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
221.ASME APPENDIX SECTION I - Explains matter which is
mandatory, unless specifically referred to in the rules of the
code, including formulas.
222.ASME BOILER CODE - The boiler code listing standards,
specified by the American Society of Mechanical
Engineers, for the construction of boilers.
223.ASME PART PEB SECTION I - Requirements for electric
boilers.
224.ASME PART PFH SECTION I - Requirements for
feedwater heaters.
225.ASME PART PFT SECTION I - Requirements for firetube
boilers.
226.ASME PART PG SECTION I - General requirements for
all methods of construction.
227.ASME PART PMB SECTION I - Requirements for
miniature boilers.
228.ASME PART PVG SECTION I - Requirements for organic
fluid vaporizer generators.
Page 7 of 79

229.ASME PART PW SECTION I - Requirements for
boilers fabricated by welding.
230.ASME PART PWT SECTION I - Requirements for
watertube boilers.
231.ASME SECTION I - Power Boilers.
232.ASME SECTION II - Material specifications.
233.ASME SECTION III - Nuclear Power Plant
Components.
234.ASME SECTION IV - Heating boilers.
235.ASME SECTION IX ASME SECTION V -
Nondestructive examination.
236.ASME SECTION VI - Recommended rules for the
care and operation of heating boilers.
237.ASME SECTION VII - Recommended rules for the
care and operation of power boilers.
238.ASME SECTION VII APPENDIX - Consists of
conversion factors for converting Imperial units to SI
Units.
239.ASME SECTION VII SUBSECTION C1 - Rules for
routine operation of power boilers.
240.ASME SECTION VII SUBSECTION C2 - Operating
and maintaining boiler appliances.
241.ASME SECTION VII SUBSECTION C3 - Rules for
inspection.
242.ASME SECTION VII SUBSECTION C4 - Prevention
of direct causes of boiler failure.
243.ASME SECTION VII SUBSECTION C5 - Is partial
rules for the design of installations.
244.ASME SECTION VII SUBSECTION C6 - Operation
of boiler auxiliaries.
245.ASME SECTION VII SUBSECTION C7 - Control of
internal chemical conditions.
246.ASME SECTION VIII - Pressure vessels.
247.ASME SECTION X - Fiberglass reinforced plastic
pressure vessels.
248.ASME SECTION XI - Rules for inservice inspection
of Nuclear Power Plant components.
249.ASPECT RATIO - The ratio of the length to the
width, of a rectangular air grille or duct.
250.ASPIRATING PSYCHROMETER - A device which
draws sample of air through it to measure humidity.
251.ASPIRATION - Production of movement in a fluid by
suction created by fluid velocity.
252.ASTM - American Society for Testing and Materials.
Engineering Dictionary
253.ASYNCHRONOUS - Not having the same frequency. Out
of step, or phase.
254.ASYNCHRONOUS GENERATOR - An induction
generator.
255.ASYNCHRONOUS MOTOR - An induction motor, whose
speed is not synchronous with the frequency of the supply
line.
256.ATDC: Abbreviation for after top dead center
257.ATMOSPHERE - Is the mixture of gases and water vapor
surrounding the earth.
258.ATMOSPHERIC ELECTRICITY - Is static electricity,
produced between cloud fronts in the atmosphere.
259.ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE (BAROMETRIC
PRESSURE) - Pressure exerted by the weight of the
atmosphere; standard atmospheric pressure is 101.325
kPa or 1.01325 bars or 14.696 psia or 29.921 inches of
mercury at sea level.
260.ATMOSPHERIC RELIEF VALVE - Automatic valve for
relieving pressure in a condenser should it rise slightly
above atmospheric.
261.ATOM - The smallest complete particle of an element,
which can be obtained, yet which retains all physical and
chemical properties of the element.
262.ATOMIC NUMBER - The number of protons found in the
nucleus of an atom, of an element.
263.ATOMIC WEIGHT - The weight of an elementary atom, in
relation to the weight of an atom of hydrogen. A hydrogen
atom being taken as 1.00g.
264.ATOMIZE - Process of changing a liquid to minute
particles or a fine spray.
265.ATTEMPERATING WATER IMPURITY - Refers to turbine
deposits caused by impurities in the water used for
attemperators. (Chemicals used with attemperating water
should be of the volatile type).
266.ATTEMPERATOR - An apparatus for reducing and
controlling the temperature of a superheater vapor or a
fluid.
267.ATTENUATION - The sound reduction process in which
sound energy is absorbed or diminished in intensity as the
result of energy conversion from sound to motion or heat.
268.ATTRITION - The rubbing of one particle against another
in a resin bed; frictional wear that will affect the site of resin
particles.
269.AUTOMATIC - Self-acting. Operating by its own
mechanism, when activated by some triggering signal.
270.AUTOMATIC CONTROL - The process of using the
differences, between the actual value, and desired value,
of any variable, to take corrective action, without human
intervention.
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271.AUTOMATIC CONTROLLER - A device that
measures the value of a measured variable, and
operates to correct or limit the deviation from a
selected reference. Both measuring and control
applications.
272.AUTOMATIC DEFROST - System of removing ice
and frost from evaporators automatically.
273.AUTOMATIC EXPANSION VALVE (AEV) - A type of
metering device that senses low-side pressure and
modulates in order to maintain low-side pressure
constant.
274.AUTOMATIC EXTRACTION UNIT TURBINE -
Bleeds off part of the main steam flow at one, two, or
three points. Valved partitions between selected
stages control the extracted steam pressure at the
desired level. When extracted steam flowing through
the unit does not produce enough shaft power to
meet the demand, more steam flows through the
turbine to exhaust. Located between steam supply
and process steam headers.
275.AUTOMATIC FROST CONTROL - Control which
automatically cycles refrigerating system to remove
frost formation on evaporator.
276.AUTOMATIC GOVERNING SYSTEM - A system
which correlates steam flow, pressure, shaft speed,
and shaft output, for any one turbine unit.
277.AUTOMATIC ICE CUBE MAKER - Refrigerating
mechanism designed to automatically produce ice
cubes in quantity.
278.AUTOMATIC RESET (INTEGRATION) - Is a type of
control, in which the controller output, changes at a
rate proportional to the deviation or error. The output
will continue to change as long as any deviation or
error exists.
279.AUTOMATION - The employment of devices, which
automatically control one or more functions.
280.AUTOTRANSFORMER - A transformer in which
both primary and secondary coils, have turns in
common. The step up or step down of voltage, is
accomplished by taps in common windings.
281.AUXILIARY CONTACTS - A set of contacts that
perform a secondary function, usually in relation to
the operation of a set of primary contacts.
282.AUXILIARY MACHINERY: Any system or unit of
machinery that supports the main propulsion units or
helps support the ship and the crew. Examples of
auxiliary machinery are pumps, evaporators, steering
engines, air-conditioning and refrigeration
equipment, laundry and galley equipment, deck
winches, and so forth.
Engineering Dictionary
283.AVAGADRO'S HYPOTHESIS - States that equal volumes
of different gases, at the same temperature and pressure,
will contain equal numbers of molecules.
284.AVAGADRO'S NUMBER (N) - The number of elementary
units such as atoms, formula units, molecules, or ions, that
constitute one mole of the said particle.
285.AVERAGING ELEMENT - A thermostat sensing element
which will respond to the average duct temperature.
286.AXIAL: In a direction parallel to the axis. Axial movement
is movement parallel to the axis.
287.AXIAL EXPANSION – Expansion parallel to the line of the
rotor.
288.AXIAL FLOW COMPRESSOR - Uses rotor blades
shaped like airfoils, to bite into the air, speed it up, and
push it into the subsequent stationary blade passages.
These passages are shaped to form diffusers, that slow up
the incoming air, and make it pressurize itself by catching
up with the air ahead of it.
289.AXIAL THRUST – The tendency for a turbine shaft to
move axially in line with the bearings as a result of the
force produced by the steam flow.
290.AXIS: The centerline running lengthwise.
291.AZEOTROPE - Having constant maximum and minimum
boiling points.
292.AZEOTROPIC MIXTURE - Example of azeotropic mixture
- refrigerant R-502 is mixture consisting of 48.8 percent
refrigerant R-22 and 51.2% R-115. The refrigerants do not
combine chemically, yet azeotropic mixture provides
refrigerant characteristics desired.
293.ABBIT METAL : (see bearing, babbit).
B
294.BABBIT: An antifriction metal lining for bearings that
reduces the friction between moving components.
295.BACKLASH: The distance (play) between two movable
components.
296.BACK PRESSURE – A pressure exerted contrary to the
pressure producing the main flow (Pressure in low side of
refrigerating system; also called suction pressure or low-
side pressure).
297.BACK PRESSURE TURBINE – A turbine from which all
the steam is exhausted at some pressure above
atmospheric for use in afactory process or for central
heating (The Exhaust of the turbine is used for another
process instead of condrnsing the same in a condenser).
298.BACK SEATING - Fluid opening/closing such as a gauge
opening or to seal the joint where the valve stem goes
through the valve body.
299.BACK WORK RATIO - Is the fraction of the gas turbine
work used to drive the compressor.
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300.BACKGROUND NOISE - Sound other than the
wanted signal. In room acoustics, the irreducible
noise level measured in the absence of any building
occupants.
301.BACKING RING - Backing in a form of a ring,
generally used in welding of piping.
302.BACKWASH - The counter-current flow of water
through a resin bed (that is, in at the bottom of the
exchange unit, out at the top) to clean and
regenerate the bed after exhaustion (water
treatment). Also, the process whereby a filtering
mechanism is cleaned by reversing the flow through
the filter.
303.BACKWARD-CURVED FAN BLADING - Backward-
curved fan blading has the most suitable
characteristics for boiler forced-d raught fans and is
widely used for this purpose.
304.BACTERIA - Microscopic unicellular living
organisms.
305.BAFFLE - Plate or vane used to direct or control
movement of fluid or air within confined area.
306.BAGHOUSE - A chamber containing bags for
filtering solids out of gases.
307.BALANCED DRAUGHT - The use of a forced-d
raught fan to force combustion air into the furnace
either through the fuel bed or through the burner,
coupled with the use of an induced-draught fan to
draw the gases through the boiler. Thus a state of
balance is maintained in the combustion chamber.
308.BALANCED VALVE: A valve in which the fluid
pressure is equal on both sides (the opening and
closing directions).
309.BALL BEARING: A bearing that uses steel balls as
its rolling element between the inner and outer ring
(race).
310.BALL CHECK VALVE: A valve consisting of a ball
held against a ground seat by a spring. It serves to
check the flow or to limit the pressure of a liquid or
substance.
311.BALLAST GAS - Are the nonflammable portion of
the gas, such as carbon dioxide.
312.BAROMETER - Instrument for measuring
atmospheric pressure. It may be calibrated in pounds
per square inch, in inches of mercury in a column in
millimeters or kPa.
313.BARRING GEAR – Equipment for slowly rotating
the turbine shaft when it is off load. Sometimes
called 'turning’ or 'trolling’ gear.
314. BASE - An alkaline substance.
Engineering Dictionary
315.BASE LOAD - Base load is the term applied to that
portion of a station or boiler load that is practically constant
for long periods.
316.BASE METAL - The metal present in the largest
proportion in an alloy. (Copper is the base metal in brass)
317.BASE METAL - The substrate metal that is coated or
protected by a surface coating.
318.BASICITY - The ability of a substance to boost the pH
after neutralizing all the acid species.
319.BATCH OPERATION - The utilization of ion-exchange
resins to treat a solution in a container wherein the removal
of ions is accomplished by agitation of the solution and
subsequent decanting of the treated liquid.
320.BAUDELOT COOLER - Heat exchanger in which water
flows by gravity over the outside of the tubes or plates.
321.BAUMANN EXHAUST - A special design of the exhaust
end of a turbine to give extra effective area for the exhaust
steam to pass to the condenser.
322.BBDC: Abbreviation for before bottom dead center.
323.BDC: Abbreviation for bottom dead center. The position of
a reciprocating piston at its lowest point of travel.
324.BEARING: A mechanical component, which supports and
guides the location of another rotating or sliding member.
325.BEARING, AIR - A bearing using air as a lubricant.
326.BEARING, ALIGNING - A bearing with an external
spherical seat surface that provides a compensation for
shaft or housing deflection or misalignment.
327.BEARING, ANNULAR - Usually a rolling bearing of short
cylindrical form supporting a shaft carrying a radial load.
328.BEARING, ANTI-FRICTION - A bearing containing a solid
lubricant.
329.BEARING, AXIAL LOAD : (see bearing, thrust)
330.BEARING, BABBIT - A bearing metal of non-ferrous
material, containing several tin-based alloys, mainly
copper, antimony, tin and lead.
331.BEARING, BALL - A rolling element bearing in which the
rolling elements are spherical.
332.BEARING, BIG END - A bearing at the larger (crankshaft)
end of a connecting rod in an engine.
333.BEARING, BIMETAL - A bearing consisting of two layers.
334.BEARING, BOTTOM END - (see bearing, big end)
335.BEARING, BUSH - A plain bearing in which the lining is
closely fitted into the housing in the form of a bush, usually
surfaced with a bearing alloy.
336.BEARING, CHATTER - Vibration of a shaft journal
because of excessive clearance at the bearing surfaces.
Page 10 of 79

337.BEARING, CIRCULAR STEP - A flat circular
hydrostatic bearing with a central circular recess.
338.BEARING, CLEARANCE: The distance between
the shaft and the bearing surface.
339.BEARING, FIXED PAD - An axial or radial load
bearing equipped with fixed pads, the surface of
which a are contoured to promote hydrodynamic
lubrication.
340.BEARING, FLOATING - A bearing designed or
mounted to permit axial displacement between shaft
and housing.
341.BEARING, FLOATING RING - A type of journal
bearing that includes a thin ring between the journal
and the bearing. The ring floats and rotates at a
fraction of the journal rotational speed.
342.BEARING, FLUID - (see hydrostatic bearing)
343.BEARING, FULL JOURNAL - A journal bearing that
surrounds the journal by a full 360°.
344.BEARING, GAS - A journal or thrust bearing
lubricated with gas.
345.BEARING, HALF JOURNAL - A bearing extending
180° around a journal.
346.BEARING, JOURNAL - A machine part in which a
rotating shaft revolves or slides.
347.BEARING, KINGSBURRY TRUST –
348.BEARING, MAGNETIC - A type of bearing in which
the force that separates the relatively moving
surfaces is produced be a magnetic field.
349.BEARING, MAIN - A bearing supporting the main
power-transmitting shaft.
350.BEARING, MITCHELL -(see tilting pad bearing).
351.BEARING, NEEDLE - A bearing in which the
relatively moving parts are separated by long thin
rollers that have a length-to-diameter ratio exceeding
5.0.
352.BEARING, NONCONTACT - A bearing in which no
solid contact occurs between relatively moving
surfaces.
353.BEARING, PEDESTAL - A bearing that is supported
on a column or pedestal rather than on the main
body of the machine.
354.BEARING, PIVOT - An axial load bearing, radial-
load-type bearing which supports the end of a shaft
or pivot.
355.BEARING, POROUS - Made from porous material,
such as compressed metal powders, the pores
Engineering Dictionary
acting either as reservoirs for holding or passages for
supplied lubricant.
356.BEARING, ROLLER - A bearing in which the relatively
moving parts are separated by rollers.
357.BEARING, RUBBING - A bearing in which the relatively
moving parts slide without deliberate lubrication.
358.BEARING, SELF-ALIGNING - A roller-element bearing
with one spherical raceway that automatically provides
compensation for shaft or housing deflection or
misalignment.
359.BEARING, SELF-LUBRICATING - A bearing independent
of external lubrication. These bearings may be sealed for
life after packing with grease or may contain self-
lubricating material.
360.BEARING, SLEEVE - A cylindrical plain bearing used to
provide radial location for a shat, which moves axially.
Sleeve bearings consist of one or more layers of bearing
alloys, bonded to a steel backing.
361.BEARING, SLIDE - A bearing used or positioning a slide
or for axial alignment of a long rotating shaft.
362.BEARING, STEP - A plane surface bearing that supports
the lower end of a vertical shaft.
363.BEARING, THRUST - A bearing in which the load acts in
the direction of the axis of rotation.
364.BEARING, TILTING PAD - A pad bearing in which the
pads are free to take up a position at an angle to the
opposing surface according to the hydrodynamic pressure
distribution over its surface.
365.BEARING, TRUNNION - A bearing used as a pivot to
swivel or turn an assembly.
366.BED - A mass of ion-exchange resin particles contained in
a column.
367.BED DEPTH - The height of the resinous material in the
column after the ion exchanger has been properly
conditioned for effective operation.
368.BED EXPANSION - The effect produced during
backwashing when the resin particles become separated
and rise in the column. The expansion of the bed due to
the increase in the space between resin particles may be
controlled by regulating backwash flow (typical with water
treatment).
369.BEDPLATE –
370.BELLOWS - Corrugated cylindrical container which
moves as pressures change, or provides a seal during
movement of parts.
371.BELLOWS SEAL - A type of mechanical seal that utilizes
a bellows for providing secondary sealing.
Page 11 of 79

372.BENDING MOMENT - The algebraic sum of the
couples or the moments of the external forces, or
both, to the left or right of any section on a member
subjected to bending by couples or transverse
forces, or both.
373.BERNOULLI'S THEOREM - In stream of liquid, the
sum of elevation head, pressure head and velocity
remains constant along any line of flow provided no
work is done by or upon liquid in course of its flow,
and decreases in proportion to energy lost in flow.
374.BICACARBONATE ALKALINITY - The presence in
a solution of hydroxyl (OH-) ions resulting from the
hydrolysis of carbonates or bicarbonates. When
these salts react with water, a strong base and a
weak acid are produced, and the solution is alkaline.
375.BICARBONATE - An ion or salt of carbonic acid,
containing hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen (HC03),
such as sodium bicarbonate, NaHC03.
376.BIMETAL STRIP - Temperature regulating or
indicating device which works on principle that two
dissimilar metals with unequal expansion rates,
welded together, will bend as temperatures change.
377.BIMETALLIC COUPLE - A joint or union of two
dissimilar metals.
378.BIMETALLIC ELEMENT -
379.BIOCIDE - A chemical used to control the
population of troublesome microbes.
380.BLACK LIQUOR - The liquid material remaining
from pulpwood cooking in the soda or sulfate
papermaking process.
381.BLADE CLEARANCE (STEAM TURBINE) –
382.BLADE DEPOSITES - Impurities carried over in the
Steam and deposited on the turbine blades as afine
coating.
383.BALDE FOULING - The accumulation on turbine
blades of impurities carried over from the boiler with
the steam.
384.BLADE LOSS - Loss caused by the inefficiency of
blading.
385.BLADE SEALS –
386.BLADE VELOCITY –
387.BLAST FREEZER - Low-temperature evaporator
which uses a fan to force air rapidly over the
evaporator surface.
388.BLAST FURNACE GAS - Is the waste product from
furnaces used to smelt iron ores.
Engineering Dictionary
389.BLEEDER (BLEEDER VALVE) - A valve designed to
slowly relief a liquid or gas form system.
390.BLEEDING - Slowly reducing the pressure of liquid or gas
from a system or cylinder by slightly opening a valve.
391.BLEEDOFF - The continuous removal of water from a re-
circulating water system.
392.BLEEDOFF RATE - The rate at which water is
continuously removed from a system.
393.BLOCK DIAGRAM: A diagram in which the major
components of a piece of equipment or a system are
represented by squares, rectangles, or other geometric
figures, and the normal order of progression of a signal or
current flow is represented by lines.
394.BLOWBY: Exhaust gases that escape past the piston
rings.
395.BLOWDOWN - In connection with boilers or cooling
towers, the process of discharging a significant portion of
the aqueous solution in order to remove accumulated salts,
deposits and other impurities.
396.BLOWDOWNÐ-SAFETY VALVE - The difference
between the pressure at which a safety valve opens and at
which it closes.
397.BLOW-OFF VALVE - A specially designed, manually
operated, valve that connects to the boiler for the purpose
of reducing the concentration of solids in the boiler or for
draining purposes. (Often called bottom blowdown.)
398.BLOWER: A low-pressure air pump, usually a rotary or
centrifugal type of pump, that supplies air above
atmospheric pressure to the combustion chambers of an
internal-combustion engine.
399.BLUEPRINTS: Copies of mechanical or other types of
technical drawings.
400.BOILER - Closed container in which a liquid may be
heated and vaporized.
401.BOILER BLOW PIPING: Piping from the individual boiler
blow valves to the overboard connection at the skin of the
ship.
402.BOILER DESIGN PRESSURE: Pressure specified by the
manufacturer, usually about 103% of normal steam drum
operating pressure.
403.BOILER EFFICIENCY - The term “Boiler efficiency" is
often substituted for combustion or thermal efficiency. True
boiler efficiency is the measure of fuel-to-steam efficiency.
404.BOILER FEED WATER - Deaerated water in the piping
system between the deaerating feed tank and the boiler
(The total water fed to a boiler producing steam. This water
is the mixture of return steam condensate and makeup
water).
405.BOILER HORSEPOWER - The work required to
evaporate 34.5 lb of water per hour into steam from and at
100°C.
Page 12 of 79

406.BOILER LOAD: The steam output demanded from
a boiler, generally expressed in pounds per hour
(lb/hr).
407.BOILER LOAD FACTOR - The ratio of the actual
output of a boiler to the possible maximum output for
the same number of steaming hours.
408.BOILER LAY-UP - Storing and protecting the boiler
when not in use.
409.BOILER REFRACTORIES: Materials used in the
boiler furnace to protect the boiler from the heat of
combustion.
410.BOILING - (See vaporization)
411.BOILING OUT - The boiling of high alkaline water in
boiler pressure parts for the removal of oil, greases,
prior to normal operation or after major repairs.
412.BOILING POINT - The temperature at which the
vapor pressure of a liquid equals the absolute
external pressure at the liquid-vapor interface.
413.BOILING TEMPERATURE - Temperature at which a
fluid changes from a liquid to a gas.
414.BONNET: A cover used to guide and enclose the tail
end of a valve spindle.
415.BORE - Inside diameter of a cylinder.
416.BOSCH METERING SYSTEM: A metering system
with a helical groove in the plunger, which covers or
uncovers ports in the pump barrel.
417.BOTTOM BLOW: A procedure that removes
suspended solids and sludge from a boiler.
418.BOTTOM DEAD CENTER: See BDC.
419.BOUNDARY LUBRICATION - Lubrication between
bearing surfaces where the lubricant layer is of
variable thickness because of the impossibility of
obtaining perfectly smooth bearing surfaces.
420.BOURDON TUBE - Thin-walled tube of elastic
metal flattened and bent into circular shape, which
tends to straighten as pressure inside is increased.
Used in pressure gauges.
421.BOYLES' LAW - If the temperature on a gas is
constant, the volume is inversely proportional to the
pressure. By formula - VP = V1P1
422.BRAKE HORSEPOWER (bhp): The usable power
delivered by an engine.
423.BRAKE MEAN EFFECTIVE PRESSURE (bmep):
Mean effective pressure acting on the piston, which
would result in a given brake horsepower output if
there were no losses from friction, cooling, or
exhaust. Bmep is equal to mean indicated pressure
times mechanical efficiency.
Engineering Dictionary
424.BRAKE THERMAL EFFICIENCY: Ratio of power output
(in the form of brake horsepower) to equivalent power input
(in the form of heat from fuel.
425.BRANCH CIRCUIT - Wiring between the last overcurrent
device and the branch circuit outlets.
426.BRASS - A copper-zinc alloy containing up to 40% zinc
and some smaller amounts of other metals.
427.BRAYTON CYCLE (also referred to as the Joule Cycle)
- A rotating machine in which compression and expansion
take place. Gas turbine are such an example.
428.BRAZE - A weld produced by heating an assembly to
suitable temperatures and by using a filler metal having a
liquidus above 450°C. The filler metal is distributed
between the closely fitted facing surface of the joint by
capillary action.
429.BRAZING, BLOCK - A brazing process in which the heat
required is obtained from heated blocks applied to the
parts to be joined.
430.BREAKER POINTS: Metal contacts that open and close a
circuit at timed intervals.
431.BREAKTHROUGH - The first appearance in the solution
flowing from an ion-exchange unit of unabsorbed ions
similar to those which are depleting the activity of the resin
bed. Breakthrough is an indication that regeneration of the
resin is necessary.
432.BRINE - Water saturated with a chemical such as salt.[ (1)
A highly concentrated solution of salt in water, normally
associated with the over-board discharge of distilling
plants. (2) Any water in which the concentration of
chemical salts is higher than seawater].
433.BRITISH THERMAL UNIT, (BTU) - The Btu is defined as
the heat required to raise the temperature of a pound of
water thru 1°F.
434.BRITTLENESS - The tendency of a material to fracture
without first undergoing significant plastic deformation.
435.BRONZE - A copper-rich copper tin alloy with or without
small proportions of other elements.
436.BRUSH: The conducting material, usually a block of
carbon, bearing against the commutator or slip rings
through which the current flows in or out.
437.BTDC: Abbreviation for before top dead center.
438.BTU - British Thermal Unit.
439.BUFFER - A substance used in solution, which accepts
hydrogen ions or hydroxyl ions, added to the solution as
acids or alkali’s, minimizing a change in pH.
440.BULB - The name given to the temperature-sensing
device located in the fluid for which control or indication is
provided. The bulb may be liquid-filled, gas filled, or gas-
and-liquid filled. Changes in temperature produce pressure
Page 13 of 79

changes within the bulb which are transmitted to the
controller.
441.BULGE - A local distortion or swelling outward
caused by internal pressure on a tube wall or boiler
shell due to overheating.
442.BULL GEAR: The largest gear in a reduction gear
train-the main gear, as in a geared turbine drive.
443.BURNER - A device for the introduction of fuel and
air into a furnace at the desired velocities, turbulence
and concentration.
444.BURNER WINDBOX - A plenum chamber around a
burner that maintains an air pressure sufficient for
proper distribution and discharge of secondary air.
445.BURNER WINDBOX PRESSURE - The air
pressure maintained in the windbox or plenum
chamber measured above atmospheric pressure.
446.BUS BAR - A heavy, rigid metallic conductor which
carries a large current and makes a common
connection between several circuits. Bus bars are
usually uninsulated and located where the electrical
service enters a building; that is, in the main
distribution cabinet.
447.BUSHING: A renewable lining for a hole in which a
shaft, rod, or similar part moves.
448.BUS TRANSFER: A device for selecting either of
two available sources of electrical power. It may be
accomplished either manually or automatically.
449.BUTTERFLY VALVE: A lightweight, relatively quick
acting, positive shutoff valve.
450.BYPASS - A pipe or duct, usually controlled by valve
or damper, for conveying a fluid around an element
of a system.
451.BYPASS - Passage at one side of, or around, a
regular passage.
452.BYPASS FEEDER - A closed tank that is installed in
a system in "bypass," that is, in a side stream taken
off the system and leading back to the system rather
than directly in-line.
C permits the storage of electrical energy in an electrostatic
453.CAKING - Coals may be broadly classed as non-
caking, slightly-caking, medium-caking and strong-
caking. On a furnace grate, caking coals soften and
become plastic within a certain temperature range;
fluid material exudes on to the surface of the coal
particles; and gas pressure in the caking mass
causes the fluid material to cover the surface of the
pieces of coal and to act as a cement.
454.CALCAREOUS COATING OR DEPOSIT - A layer
consisting of a mixture of calcium carbonate and
magnesium hydroxide deposited on surfaces being
cathodically protected against corrosion, because of
increased pH adjustment to the protected surface.
Engineering Dictionary
455.CALCIUM - A scale forming element found in boiler
feedwater.
456.CALCIUM CHLORIDE - A substance used to obtain
calcium chloride brine.
457.CALCIUM SULFATE - Chemical compound (CaSO4)
which is used at a drying agent or desiccant in liquid line
dryers.
458.CALIBRATION - A process of dividing and numbering the
scale of an instrument; also of correcting or determining
the error of an existing scale, or of evaluating one quantity
in terms of readings of another.
459.CALORIE - It is equal to the amount of heat required to
raise the temperature of one gram of water one degree
Celsius.
460.CALORIMETER - Device used to measure quantities of
heat or determine specific heats.
461.CALORIFIC VALUE - The heat-producing value of a
substance. A measure of the total heating-power of a fuel,
for example coal or oil. Usually expressed as the number
of kilo Joules’s evolved when one kilogramme of the fuel is
completely burned.
462.CAM: A rotating component of irregular shape. It is used
to change direction of the motion of another part moving
against it. (For example, rotary motion is changed into
reciprocating or variable motion.)
463.CAM FOLLOWER (VALVE LIFTER): A part that is held in
contact with the cam and to which the cam motion is
imparted and transmitted to the push rod.
464.CAM NOSE: That portion of the cam that holds the valve
wide open. It is the high point of the cam.
465.CAMSHAFT: A shaft with cam lobes.
466.CAMSHAFT GEAR: The gear that is fastened to the
camshaft.
467.CANGE OF STATE - Change from one phase, such as
solid, liquid or gas, to another.
468.CAPACITANCE - The property of an electric current that
field and the release of that energy at a later time.
469.CAPACITOR, (CONDENSER) - A device that can store an
electric charge when voltage is applied.
470.CAPACITY - The adsorption activity possessed in varying
degrees by ion-exchange materials. This quality may be
expressed as kilograins per cubic foot, gram-
milliequivalents per gram, pound-equivalents per pound,
gram-milliequivalents per milliliter, and so on, where the
numerators of these ratios represent the weight of the ions
adsorbed and the denominators represent the weight or
volume of the adsorbent.
471.CAPILLARY - The name given to the thin tube attached to
the bulb which transmits the bulb pressure changes to the
Page 14 of 79

controller or indicator. The cross sectional area of the
capillary is extremely small compared to the cross
section of the bulb so that the capillary, which is
usually outside of the controlled fluid, will introduce
the smallest possible error in the signal being
transmitted from the bulb.
472.CAPILLARY TUBE - The capillary tube is a
metering device made from a thin tube approximately
0.5 to 6 metre long and from 0.025 to 0.090 inches in
diameter which feeds liquid directly to the evaporator.
Usually limited to systems of 1 ton or less, it
performs all of the functions of the thermal expansion
valve when properly sized.
473.CARBON DIOXIDE - Compound of carbon and
oxygen (CO2) which is sometimes used as a
refrigerant. Refrigerant number is R-744.
474.CARBON FILTER - Air filter using activated carbon
as air cleansing agent.
475.CARBON RINGS –
476.CARBON TETRACHLORIDE - Colorless
nonflammable and very toxic liquid used as a
solvent. It should never be allowed to touch skin and
fumes must not be inhaled.
477.CARBONACEOUS EXCHANGER - Ion-exchange
materials of limited capacity prepared by the
sulfonation of coal, lignite, peat, and so on.
478.CARBONATE - An ion or salt of carbonic acid,
containing carbon and oxygen such as calcium
carbonate. (CaC03)
479.CARBONATE HARDNESS - That hardness caused
in water by bicarbonates and carbonates of calcium,
and magnesium.
480.CARBONATE-POLYMER TREATMENT - A
treatment method using synthetic polymers,
generally used with high hardness (60-70) ppm and
high alkalinity.
481.CARBOXYLIC - A term describing a specific acidic
group (COOH) that contributes cation-exchange
ability to some resins.
482.CARBURETOR: An apparatus for supplying
atomized and vaporized fuel mixed with air to an
internal-combustion engine.
483.CARRYOVER - (1) Boiler water entrained with the
steam (by foaming or priming). (2) Particles of
seawater trapped in vapor in a distilling plant and
carried into the condensate. (The moisture and
entrained solids forming the film of steam bubbles,
as a result of foaming in a boiler. This condition is
caused by a faulty boiler water condition. See also
foaming).
Engineering Dictionary
484.CASCADE - A series of stages in which the output of one
stage is the input of the next stage.
485.CASCADE SYSTEMS - Arrangement in which two or
more refrigerating systems are used in series; uses
evaporator of one machine to cool condenser of other
machine. Produces ultra-low temperatures.
486.CASING: A housing that encloses the rotating element
(rotor) of a pump or turbine.
487.CASING THROAT: An opening in a turbine or pump
casing through which the shaft protrudes.
488.CASUALTY: An event or series of events in progress
during which equipment damage and/or personnel injury
has already occurred. The nature and speed of these
events are such that proper and correct procedural steps
are taken to limit damage and/or personnel injury only.
489.CASUALTY POWER SYSTEM: Portable cables that are
rigged to transmit power to vital equipment in an
emergency.
490.CATALYST: A substance used to speed up or slow down
a chemical reaction, but is itself unchanged at the end of
the reaction.
491.CATALYTIC ACTION - The action whereby certain
substances promote or assist a chemical change without
themselves being permanently changed.
492.CATHODE - In electrolysis or electrochemical corrosion, a
site on a surface where actions in solution are neutralized
by electrons to become elements that either plate out on
the surface or react with water to produce a secondary
reaction.
493.CATHODIC PROTECTION - A method of preventing
corrosion by making the metal a cathode in a conducting
medium by means of a direct electrical current that is
galvanic.
494.CATHODIC PROTECTION - Reduction of corrosion rate
by shifting the corrosion potential of the electrode towards
less oxidizing potential by applying an external
electromotive force.
495.CATION - A positively charged ion that migrates through
the electrolyte toward the cathode under the influence of a
potential gradient.
496.CATION-EXCHANGE SOFTENERS -
497.CATIONIC - The condition of a polymer, colloid, or large
particle having exchangeable anions on its surface and an
opposite, positive charge on the substrata.
498.CAUSTIC CRACKING - A form of stress-corrosion
cracking most frequently encountered in carbon steels or
iron-chromium-nickel alloys that are exposed to
concentrated hydroxide solutions at temperature of 200 to
250°C.
499.CAUSTIC EMBRITTLEMENT - An obsolete term replaced
by caustic cracking.
Page 15 of 79

500.CAUSTIC SODA - A common water treatment
chemical, sodium hydroxide.
501.CAVITATION - The formation and collapse, within a
liquid, of cavities or bubbles that contain vapor or gas
or both. In general, cavitation originates from
decreases in static pressure in the liquid. In order to
erode a solid surface by cavitation, it is necessary for
the cavitation bubbles to collapse on or close to that
surface.
502.CAVITATION EROSION - Progressive loss of
original material from a solid surface due to
continuing exposure to cavitation.
503.CELSIUS TEMPERATURE SCALE - A
thermometric scale in which the freezing point of
water is called 0°C and its boiling point 100°C at
normal atmospheric pressure.
504.CENTANE NUMBER - A measure of ignition quality
of a fuel or petroleum with reference to normal
centane high-ignition quality fuel with an arbitrary
number of 100.
505.CENTRIFUGAL COMPRESSOR - Pump which
compresses gaseous fluids by centrifugal force.
506.CENTRIFUGAL FORCE - A force exerted on a
rotating object in a direction outward from the center
of rotation.
507.CENTRIFUGAL FORCE -On a centrifugal pump, it
is that force which throws water from a spinning
impeller.
508.CENTRIFUGAL PUMP - A pump consisting of an
impeller fixed on a rotating shaft and enclosed in a
casing, having an inlet and a discharge connection.
The rotating impeller creates pressure in the liquid by
the velocity derived from centrifugal force.
509.CENTRIFUGAL PUMP - Pump which produces fluid
velocity and converts it to pressure head.
510.CETANE VALUE: A measure of the ease with which
diesel fuel will ignite.
511.CHAIN GRATER STROKER - A grate formed by a
moving continuous chain of cast-iron links, built in
various widths to suit the boiler.
512.CHANGE OF STATE - Condition in which a
substance changes from a solid to a liquid or a liquid
to a gas caused by the addition of heat. Or the
reverse, in which a substance changes from a gas to
a liquid, or a liquid to a solid, caused by the removal
of heat.
513.CHANNELING - Cleavage and furrowing of the bed
due to faulty operational procedure, in which the
solution being treated follows the path of least
resistance, runs through these furrows, and fails to
contact active groups in other parts of the bed,
(water treatment).
Engineering Dictionary
514.CHARGE - Amount of refrigerant placed in a refrigerating
unit.
515.CHARGING BOARD - Specially designed panel or
cabinet fitted with gauges, valves and refrigerant cylinders
used for charging refrigerant and oil into refrigerating
mechanisms.
516.CHARLS’ LAW - Gas volume is directly proportional to
absolute temperature.
517.CHECK VALVE - Device which permits fluid flow in one
direction.
518.CHELATE - Is a molecule, similar to an ion exchanger,
capable to withdraw ions from their water solutions into
soluble complexes.
519.CHEMICAL CLEANING - Using a solvent solution to
remove mill scale and corrosion products.
520.CHEMICAL ENERGY: Energy stored in chemicals (fuel)
and released during combustion of the chemicals.
521.CHEMICAL FEEDLINE - The line which feeds the boiler
treatment chemicals into the boiler.
522.CHEMICAL PRECIPITATION - When the chemicals react
with the dissolved minerals in the water to produce a
relative insoluble reaction product. A typical example of this
takes place with the lime-soda softening process.
523.CHEMICAL REFRIGERATION - System of cooling using
a disposable refrigerant. Also called an expendable
refrigerant system.
524.CHEMICAL STABILITY - Resistance to chemical change
which ion-exchange resins must possess despite contact
with aggressive solutions.
525.CHILL FACTOR - Calculated number based on
temperature and wind velocity.
526.CHILLED-WATER SYSTEM - A re-circulating water
system using water chilled in a refrigeration machine as a
source for cooling.
527.CHILLER/HEATERS - A unit that supplies either chilled
water for cooling or hot water for heating, (HVAC).
528.CHLORIDE - An ion, compound, or salt of chlorine, such
as sodium chloride (NaCl) or calcium chloride (CaCl2).
529.CHLORINATION - A process in which chlorine gas or
other chlorine compounds are added to the water for the
purpose of disinfecting.
530.CHOKE TUBE - Throttling device used to maintain correct
pressure difference between high-side and low-side in
refrigerating mechanism. Capillary tubes are sometimes
called choke tubes.
531.CHORDAL THERMOCOUPLE - A thermocouple installed
in furnace tubes, designed to measure the effectiveness of
water treatment within the boiler.
Page 16 of 79

532.CIRCUIT - An electrical arrangement requiring a
source of voltage, a closed loop of wiring, an electric
load and some means for opening and closing it.
533.CIRCUIT BREAKER – An electromagnetic or
thermal device that opens a circuit when the current
in the circuit exceeds a predetermined amount.
Circuit breakers can be reset [A switch-type
mechanism that opens automatically when it senses
an overload (excess current)]
534.CIRCULATING WATER: Water circulating through a
heat exchanger (condenser or cooler) to transfer
heat away from an operating component.
535.CIRCULATION RATIO - The ratio of water entering
a circuit to the steam generated by that passes that
circuit in a unit of time.
536.CLARIFIER: A water tank containing baffles that
slow the rate of water flow sufficiently to allow heavy
particles to settle to the bottom and light particles to
rise to the surface. This separation permits easy
removal, thus leaving the “clarified” water. The
clarifier is sometimes referred to as a settling tank or
sedimentation basin.
537.CLAY - Finely suspended earth mineral sometimes
found as an impurity in water.
538.CLEARANCE SPACE - Space between top of
piston and the valve plate.
539.CLEARANCE VAPOR - The vapor remaining in the
clearance space at the end of each discharge stroke.
540.CLOSED COOLING SYSTEM: Consisting of two
entirely separate circuits-a freshwater circuit and a
seawater circuit.
541.CLOSED CYCLE - is the gas turbine arrangement,
in which the exhaust is directed back again to
compressor without coming in contact with the
atmospheric air.
542.CLOSED FEEDWATER HEATER - An indirect-
contact feedwater heater. Steam and water are
separated by tubes.
543.CLOSED FEED VALVE - A valve for automatically
controlling the condensate level in a condenser when
feed-water is introduced directly into the condenser.
544.CLOSED RE-CIRCULATING WATER SYSTEM - A
system using as a heat-transfer medium water that
continuously circulates through closed piping and
heat exchanger without evaporation.
545.CLUTCH: A form of coupling that connects or
disconnects a driving or driven member.
546.COCOAGULANT - A substance that promotes the
clumping of particulate matter in water, forming a
larger mass and thus promoting settling of
particulates and clarification of the water.
Engineering Dictionary
547.COAGULATION - Is the process whereby finely divided
particles of turbidity and color, capable of remaining in
suspension indefinitely, are combined by chemical means
into masses sufficiently large to effect rapid settling.
548.COALESCENCE - The gathering together of coagulated
colloidal liquids into a single continuous phase.
549.COAL EQUIVALENT OF A FUEL - The amount of coal
which would have to be burned to supply an amount of
electricity equal to that supplied by the other fuel being
compared, for example oil.
550.COAL SEGREGATION - The tendency for the small
lumps of coal to separate out from the fine coal between
the bunkers and the stoker hoppers.
551.COALING RATE - The amount of electricity which can be
generated from one tonne of coal used. This figure is
useful as a check on unit efficiency, but can also be
misleading when coal quality varies.
552.COCK: A valve that is opened or closed by a quarter turn
of a disk or a tapered plug. When a plug is used, it is
slotted to correspond with the ports in the valve.
553.CODE INSTALLATION - Refrigeration or air conditioning
installation which conforms to the local code and/or the
national code for safe and efficient installations.
554.CO-EFFICIENT OF CONDUCTIVITY - Measure of the
relative rate at which different materials conduct heat.
Copper is a good conductor of heat and, therefore, has a
high coefficient of conductivity.
555.COEFFICIENT OF EXPANSION - A measure of the
change in length or volume of an oject, specifically, a
change measured by the increase in length or volume of
an object per unit length or volume.
556.COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION - The dimensionless ratio
of the friction force (F) between two bodies to the normal
force (N) pressing these bodies together - m (f) = (F/N)
557.COEFFICIENT OF PERFORMANCE (COP) - Ratio of
work performed or accomplished as compared to the
energy used under designated operating conditions.
558.COEFFICIENT OF THERMAL EXPANSION –
559.COGENERATION - A term used to describe the
combination of different thermodynamic cycles for the
purpose of increasing all-over cycle efficiency.
560.CO-GENERATION GENERATION - a term applied to
identify the generation of people interested in co-
generation.
561.COLD - The absence of heat; a temperature considerably
below normal.
562.COLD DECK -The cooling section of a mixed air zoning
system.
Page 17 of 79

563.COLD IRON CONDITION: An idle plant, when all
services are received from an external source such
as shore or tender.
564.COLD JUNCTION - That part of a thermoelectric
system which absorbs heat as the system operates.
565.COLD PROCESS - A water treatment process
carried out at room temperature.
566.COLD START - The starting up of a turbine when
cold. Such starts require a carefully worked out
programme if damage is to be avoided.
567.COLD WALL - Refrigerator construction which has
the inner lining of refrigerator serving as the cooling
surface.
568.COLLOIDAL - A state of suspension in a liquid
medium in which extremely small particles are
suspended and dispersed but not dissolved.
569.COLLOIDS - Organic matter of very fine particle
size, usually in the range of 10 -5 to 10-7 cm in
diameter. It tends to inhibit the formation of dense
scale and results in the deposition of sludge, or
causes it to remain in suspension, so that it may be
blown from the boiler.
570.COLUMN OPERATION - Conventional utilization of
ion-exchange resins in columns through which pass,
either upflow or downflow, the solution to be treated.
571.COMBINED FEEDER CUTOFF - A device that
regulates makeup water to a boiler in combination
with a low-water fuel cutoff.
572.COMBINED STEAM-GAS PLANT - where a gas
turbine is combined with steam plant in order to
utilize the waste heat.
573.COMBINED TREATMENT - A method of physical
treatment , followed by the addition of chemicals to
remove oxygen.
574.COMBUSTIBLE LOSS - The loss representing
the unliberated thermal energy occasioned by
failure to oxidize completely some of the
combustible matter in the fuel.
575.COMBUSTION – The burning of fuel in a chemical
process accompanied by the evolution of light and
heat (The act or process of burning).
576.COMBUSTION AIR: The air delivered to a boiler
furnace, engine, or gas turbine combustor to support
burning of atomized fuel.
577.COMBUSTION CHAMBER: The chamber in which
combustion mainly occurs.
578.COMBUSTION-CHAMBER VOLUME: The volume
of the combustion chamber (when the piston is at
TDC) measured in cubic centimeters.
Engineering Dictionary
579.COMBUSTION CYCLE: A series of thermo-dynamic
processes through which the working gas passes to
produce one power stroke. The full cycle is-intake,
compression, power, and exhaust.
580.COMBUSTION EFFICIENCY - The effectiveness of the
burner to completely burn the fuel. A well designed burner
will operate with as little as 10 to 20% excess air, while
converting all combustibles in the fuel to useful energy.
581.COMFORT CHART - A chart showing effective
temperatures with dry-bulb temperatures and humidities
(and sometimes air motion) by which the effects of various
air conditions on human comfort may be compared.
582.COMFORT COOLER - System used to reduce the
temperature in the living space in homes. These systems
are not complete air conditioners as they do not provide
complete control of heating, humidifying, dehumidification,
and air circulation.
583.COMFORT COOLING - Refrigeration for comfort as
opposed to refrigeration for storage or manufacture.
584.COMFORT ZONE - (Average) the range of effective
temperatures over which the majority (50 percent or more)
of adults feels comfortable; (extreme) the range of effective
temperatures over which one or more adults feel
comfortable. An area on the psychrometric chart which
shows conditions of temperature, humidity and sometimes
air movement in which most people are comfortable.
585.COMMON NEUTRAL - A neutral conductor that is
common to, or serves, more than one circuit.
586.COMMUTATOR: The copper segments on the armature of
a motor or generator. It is cylindrical in shape and is used
to pass power into or from the brushes.
587.COMPENSATING DEVICE: Mechanical or hydraulic
action which prevents over correction of change.
588.COMPONENT: Individual unit, or part, of a system; also,
the major units which, when suitably connected, comprise
a system.
589.COMPOSITION - The elements or chemical components
that make up a material and their relative proportions.
590.COMPOUND - They are chemically combined elements
with definite proportions of the component elements.
591.COMPOUNDING - The use of many rows of blades in
separate cylinders in a turbine, to absorb more efficiently
the kinetic energy of the steam.
592.COMPOUND GAUGE - Instrument for measuring
pressures both above and below atmospheric pressure.
593.COMPOUND REFRIGERATING SYSTEMS - System
which has several compressors or compressor cylinders in
series. The system is used to pump low pressure vapors to
condensing pressures.
594.COMPOUND TURBINE - One in which the steam is
expanded in a number of separate cylinders. In a tandem
Page 18 of 79

compound turbine they are In line and the rotors are
coupled. In a cross-compound turbine the cylinders
are in two lines driving two generators.
595.COMPRESSION - Term used to denote increase of
pressure on a fluid by using mechanical energy.
596.COMPRESSION RING: The piston rings used to
reduce combustion leakage to a minimum.
597.COMPRESSION RATIO - Ratio of the volume of the
clearance space to the total volume of the cylinder. In
refrigeration it is also used as the ratio of the
absolute low-side pressure to the absolute high-side
pressure.
598.COMPRESSION, ADIABATIC - Is compressing a
gas without removing or adding heat.
599.COMPRESSION STROKE: That stroke of the
operating cycle during which air is compressed into a
smaller space creating heat by molecular action.
600.COMPRESSOR - Pump of a refrigerating
mechanism which draws a low pressure on cooling
side of refrigerant cycle and squeezes or
compresses the gas into the high-pressure or
condensing side of the cycle.
601.COMPRESSOR - The pump which provides the
pressure differential to cause fluid to flow and in the
pumping process increases pressure of the
refrigerant to the high side condition. The
compressor is the separation between low side and
high side.
602.COMPRESSOR DISPLACEMENT - Volume, in
cubic inches, represented by the area of the
compressor piston head or heads multiplied by the
length of the stroke.
603.COMPRESSOR SEAL - Leak proof seal between
crankshaft and compressor body in open type
compressors.
604.COMPRESSOR SURGING - An instability of air flow
with axial compressor on the first stages of these
compressors. Air flow might even be reversed that
point.
605.COMPRESSOR TURBINE - in terms of a gas
turbine arrangement, it is the turbine which drives the
compressor only.
606.COMPRESSOR, CLEARANCE POCKET - Small
space in a cylinder from which compressed gas is
not completely expelled. This space is called the
compressor clearance space or pocket. For effective
operation, compressors are designed to have as
small a clearance space as possible.
607.COMPRESSOR, ROTARY BLADE - Mechanism for
pumping fluid by revolving blades inside cylindrical
housing.
Engineering Dictionary
608.COMPRESSOR, SINGLE-STAGE - Compressor having
only one compressive step between low-side pressure and
high-side pressure.
609.COMRESSIBILITY - The ease which a fluid may be
reduced in volume by the application of pressure, depends
upon the state of the fluid as well as the type of fluid itself.
610.CONCENTRATION - (1) The weight of solids contained in
a unit weight of boiler or feed water. (2) The number of
times that the dissolved solids have increased from the
original amount in the feedwater to that in the boiler water
due to evaporation in generating steam.
611.CONDENSATE - The liquid formed by condensation of a
vapor. In steam heating, water condensed from steam; in
air conditioning, water extracted from air, as by
condensation on the cooling coil of a refrigeration machine.
612.CONDENSATE DEPRESSION: The difference between
the temperature of condensate in the condenser hotwell
and the saturation temperature corresponding to the
vacuum maintained in the condenser.
613.CONDENSATE POLISHER - A device used to clean the
returning condensate to the boiler feedwater system.
614.CONDENSATE PUMP - Device to remove water
condensate that collects beneath an evaporator.
615.CONDENSATION - Process of changing a vapor into
liquid by extracting heat. Condensation of steam or water
vapor is effected in either steam condensers or
dehumidifying coils, and the resulting water is called
condensate.
616.CONDENSE - Action of changing a gas or vapor to a
liquid.
617.CONDENSER - An apparatus used to transfer heat from a
hot gas, simultaneously reducing that gas to a liquid.
618.CONDENSER CLINING - The removal of deposits on the
circulating-water side of condenser tubes, to restore
efficient heat-transfer.
619.CONDENSER BACK PRESSURE - The absolute
pressure at the top of a condenser, usually expressed in
inches of mercury.
620.CONDENSER LEAKAGE - Leakage within the
condenser, whereby condensate becomes contaminated
by impurities contained in the circulating water.
621.CONDENSER PRESSURE DROP - The difference in
pressure between the exhaust-steam inlet at the top of the
condenser and the condensate take-off at the bottom.
622.CONDENSER SHELL - The outer casing and supporting
structure of the condenser.
623.CONDENSER TUBE - The heat transfer surface in a
condenser.
Page 19 of 79

624.CONDENSER TUBE FOULING - The formation of
foreign matter on the circulating-water side of the
condenser-tube surface.
625.CONDENSER-WATER SYSTEM - A re-circulating
cooling water used as a heat transfer fluid for the
condensation of a gas.
626.CONDENSING BLEEDER TURBINE –
627.CONDENSING TEMPERATURE - The temperature
at which the condensing gas is returned to a liquid at
the same pressure.
628.CONDENSING TURBINE – The exhaust steam of
the turbine send to condenser for condensing is
called as Condensing Turbine.
629.CONDENSING UNIT - Part of a refrigerating
mechanism which pumps vaporized refrigerant from
the evaporator, compresses it, liquefies it in the
condenser and returns it to the refrigerant control.
630.CONDENSING UNIT SERVICE VALVES - Shutoff
valves mounted on condensing unit to enable service
technicians to install and/or service unit.
631.CONDENSING UNIT, REFRIGERANT - An
assembly of refrigerating components designed to
compress and liquefy a specific refrigerant,
consisting of one or more refrigerant compressors,
refrigerant condensers, liquid receivers (when
required) and regularly furnished accessories.
632.CONDUCTION (THERMAL) - The flow of heat
along a substance, or from one substance to another
by actual contact.
633.CONDUCTANCE: The ability of a material to
conduct or carry electrical or thermal energy.
Electrical conductance is the reciprocal of the
resistance of the material and is expressed in mhos.
634.CONDUCTANCE, ELECTRICAL - The reciprocal
(opposite) of resistance and is the current carrying
ability of any wire or electrical component.
Resistance is the ability to oppose the flow of
current.
635.CONDUCTANCE, SURFACE FILM - Time rate of
heat flow per unit area under steady conditions
between a surface and a fluid for unit temperature
difference between the surface and fluid.
636.CONDUCTION - Heat transfer by actual contact
between substances or from molecule to molecule
within a substance (Transfer of heat by direct
contact).
637.CONDUCTIVITY (ELECTRICAL) - The ability of a
liquid to conduct an electrical current and indicating
the presence of cations and anions. Conductivity is
usually expressed in Micromohs per cm.
Engineering Dictionary
638.CONDUCTIVITY (THERMAL) - The time rate of heat flow
through unit thickness of an infinite slab of homogeneous
material in a direction perpendicular to the surface,
induced by unit temperature difference. (W/m · K)
639.CONDUCTIVITY METER - An electric instrument used to
measure the conductivity of water to determine its content
of dissolved solids.
640.CONDUCTIVITY, THERMAL - The time rate of heat flow
through unit area and unit thickness of a homogeneous
material under steady conditions when a unit temperature
gradient is maintained in the direction perpendicular to
area. Materials are considered homogeneous when the
value of the thermal conductivity is not affected by variation
in thickness or in size
641.CONDUCTOR - Substance or body capable of
transmitting electricity or heat.
642.CONDUIT - A round cross-section electrical raceway, of
metal or plastic.
643.CONGEALER - Also known as freezer.
644.CONGRUENT PHOSPHATE CONTROL - Similar as a
coordinated phosphate control but more restrictive where
the equilibrium is based on maintaining a ratio of 2.6
Na/1.0 PO4, instead of 3.0/1.0 PO4.
645.CONNECTED LOAD - The sum of all loads on a circuit.
(1) Connection in Parallel: System whereby flow is divided
among two or more channels from a common starting point
or header. (2) Connection in Series: System whereby flow
through two or more channels is in a single path entering
each succeeding channel only after leaving the first or
previous channel.
646.CONSOLE: A panel equipped with remote manual
controls and visual indicators of system performance.
647.CONSTRICTOR - Tube or orifice used to restrict flow of a
gas or a liquid.
648.CONTAMINATION - The introduction into water of
microorganisms, chemicals, toxic materials, waste water in
a concentration that makes the water unfit for its next
intended use.
649.CONTROL - A device for regulation of a system or
component in normal operation, manual or automatic. If
automatic, the implication is that it is responsive to
changes of pressure, temperature or other property whose
magnitude is to be regulated.
650.CONTROL AIR SUPPLY: Clean, dry air at proper
pressure for operation of pneumatic control equipment.
651.CONTROL POINT - The value of the controlled variable
which the controller operates to maintain.
652.CONTROL VALVE - Valve which regulates the flow or
pressure of a medium which affects a controlled process.
Control valves are operated by remote signals from
independent devices using any of a number of control
media such as pneumatic, electric or electrohydraulic.
Page 20 of 79

653.CONTROLLED DEVICE - One which receives the
converted signal from the transmission system and
translates it into the appropriate action in the
environmental system. For example: a valve opens
or closes to regulate fluid flow in the system.
654.CONTROLLER - A device capable of measuring
and regulating by receiving a signal from a sensing
device, comparing this data with a desired value and
issuing signals for corrective action.
655.CONVECTION - The movement of a mass of fluid
(liquid or gas) caused by differences in density in
different parts of the fluid; the differences in density
are caused by differences in temperature. As the
fluid moves, it carries with it its contained heat
energy, which is then transferred from one part of the
fluid to another and from the fluid to the
surroundings.
656.CONVECTION, FORCED - Convection resulting
from forced circulation of a fluid, as by a fan, jet or
pump.
657.CONVECTION, NATURAL - Circulation of gas or
liquid (usually air or water) due to differences in
density resulting from temperature changes.
658.CONVERGENT NOZZLE – A nozzle whose bore
narrows down to a smaller diameter.
659.CONVERGENT-DIVERGENT NOZZLE – A nozzle
whose bore narrows down to a smaller diameter and
then gradually increases to the full bore.
660.COOLER - Heat exchanger which removes heat
from a substance.
661.COOLING EFFECT, SENSIBLE - The difference
between the total cooling effect and the
dehumidifying effect, usually in watts.
662.COOLING EFFECT, TOTAL - Difference between
the total enthalpy of the dry air and water vapor
mixture entering the cooler per hour and the total
enthalpy of the dry air and water vapor mixture
leavir~ the cooler per hour, expressed in watts.
663.COOLING TOWER - Device for lowering the
temperature of water by evaporative cooling, in
which water is showered through a space through
which outside air circulates. A portion of the water
evaporates, its latent heat of vaporization cooling
that portion of the water which does not evaporate.
664.COOLING TOWER PRECIPITATION - The drizzle
which used to be prevalent around cooling-towers:
now overcome by the general use of spray
eliminators.
665.COOLING, EVAPORATIVE - Involves the adiabatic
exchange of heat between air and water spray or
wetted surface. The water assumes the wet-bulb
temperature of the air, which remains constant during
its traverse of the exchanger.
Engineering Dictionary
666.COOLING, REGENERATIVE - Process of utilizing heat
which must be rejected or absorbed in one part of the cycle
to function usefully in another part of the cycle by heat
transfer.
667.COORDINATED PHOSPHATE CONTROL A treatment to
prevent caustic gauging. Free caustic is eliminated by
maintaining an equilibrium between the sodium and
phosphate. Control is based on maintaining a ratio of 3.0
Na to/1.0 PO4.
668.COPPER LOSS - Electrical loss accompanying the flow of
current In the rotor and stator windings.
669.CORONA - The passage of a small electric current
through the air and insulation surrounding high-voltage
equipment. Generally visible in the dark as a luminous
glow surrounding the high-voltage conductors.
670.CORRATOR - A device or probe employed to measure
current flow in a process flow. It consists of two identical
electrodes, to which a small current is applied and
measured, from which corrosion rates can be calculated.
671.CORROSION - The wasting away of metal due to
chemical action. In a boiler, usually caused by the
presence of O2, CO2, or an acid (The chemical or
electrochemical reaction between a material, usually a
metal, and its environment that produces a deterioration of
the material and its properties).
672.CORROSION, ANODE - The dissolution of an metal
acting as an anode.
673.CORROSION, ATMOSPHERIC - The gradual degradation
or alteration of a material by contact with substances
present in the atmosphere, such as oxygen, carbon
dioxide, water vapor, and sulfur and chlorine compounds.
674.CORROSION, BIOLOGICAL - Deterioration of metals as
a result of the metabolic action of microorganisms. Also
often named fouling.
675.CORROSION, CATHODIC - Corrosion resulting resulting
from a cathodic condition of a structure usually caused by
the reaction of an amphoteric metal with the alkaline
products of electrolysis.
676.CORROSION, CAVITATION - A process involving conjoint
corrosion and cavitation.
677.CORROSION, CONCENTRATION ATTACK - A form of
corrosion caused by the concentration of caustic or
phosphate salts under porous deposits, generally iron
oxide. Sometimes found at welded tubes and due to steam
blanketing.
678.CORROSION, CONCENTRATION-CELL - Pitting type of
corrosion caused by an electrical potential differential
between surfaces of a metal as a result of deposits or
differences in the solution concentration in contact with the
metal.
679.CORROSION, COUPONS - Pre-weighed metal strips
installed into fluid systems for the purpose of monitoring
metal losses.
Page 21 of 79

680.CORROSION, CREVICE - Localized corrosion of a
metal surface at, or immediately adjacent to an area
that is shielded from full exposure to the environment
because of close proximity between metal and the
surface of another metal.
681.CORROSION, DEACTIVASION - The process of
prior removal of the active corrosive constituents,
usually oxygen, from a corrosive liquid by controlled
corrosion of expendable metal or by other chemical
means, therby making the liquids less corrosive.
682.CORROSION, DEPOSIT (also called poultice
corrosion) - Corrosion occuring under or around a
discontinous deposit on a metallic surface.
683.CORROSION, EFFECT - A change in any part of
the corrosion system caused by corrosion.
684.CORROSION, ELECTROCHEMICAL - Corrosion
that is accompanied by a low of electrons between
cathodic and anodic areas on metallic surfaces.
685.CORROSION, EMBRITTLEMENT - The severe loss
of ductility of a metal resulting from corrosive attack,
usually intergranular and often not visible.
686.CORROSION, EXTERNAL - A chemical
deterioration of the metal on the fireside of boiler
heating surfaces.
687.CORROSION, FATIGUE - The process in which a
metal fractures prematurely under conditions of
simultaneous corrosion and repeated cyclic loading
at lower stress levels or fewer cycles than would be
required in the absence of the corrosive
environment.
688.CORROSION, FILIFORM - Corrosion that occurs
under organic coatings on metals as fine wavy
hairlines.
689.CORROSION, FRETTING - A type of corrosion
which occurs where metals slide over each other.
Long tubes in heat exchangers often vibrate, causing
metal to metal contact, tube supports etc.. The metal
to metal rubbing causes mechanical damage to the
protective oxide coating.
690.CORROSION, GALVANIC - Corrosion of a metal
caused by its contact with a metal of lower activity;
this contact results in an electron flow or current and
dissolution of one of the metals.
691.CORROSION, GASEOUS - Corrosion with gas as
the only corrosive agent and without any aqueous
phase on the surface of the metal. Also called dry
corrosion.
692.CORROSION, GENERAL - A form of deterioration
that is distributed more or less uniformly over a
surface.
693.CORROSION, GRAPHITIC - Corrosion of grey iron
in which the iron matrix is selectively leached away,
leaving a porous mass of graphite behind. This type
Engineering Dictionary
of corrosion occurs in relativel mild aquous solutions and
on buried piping.
694.CORROSION, HOT - An accelerated corrosion of metal
surfaces that results from the combined effect of oxidation
and ractions with sulfur compounds or other contminants
such as chlorides, to form a molten salt on a metal surface
that fluxes, destroys or disrupts the normal protective
oxide. (commonly found in pulp mills)
695.CORROSION, IMPINGEMENT - A form of erosion-
corrosion generally associated with local impingement of a
high velocity, flowing fluid against a solid surface.
696.CORROSION, INFLUENCED - The corrosion cause by
organisms due to their discharge containing sulfur
compounds and the depolarization with other types of
discharge due to the presence of the microorganisms.
697.CORROSION, INHIBITORS - Substances that slow the
rate of corrosion.
698.CORROSION, INTERCRYSTALINE -(see intergranular
cracking)
699.CORROSION, INTERGRANULAR - Localized attack
occurring on the metal grain boundaries. This is commonly
found with stainless steels which have been improperly
heat treated.
700.CORROSION, INTERNAL - Usually refers to the internal
corrosion and is considered an electrochemical
deterioration of the boiler surface at or below the water
surface.
701.CORROSION, LOCALIZED - Corrosion at discrete sites,
for example, crevice corrosion, pitting, and stress-corrosion
cracking.
702.CORROSION, LOCALIZED - Non-uniform corrosion of a
metal surface highlighted by spotty or pitting-type
corrosion.
703.CORROSION, MICROBIAL - (see biological corrosion).
704.CORROSION, OXYGEN DEFICIENCY - A form of crevice
corrosion in which galvanic corrosion proceeds because
oxygen is prevented from diffusing into the crevice.
705.CORROSION, POTENTIAL - The voltage between a
corroding metal and a reference electrode.
706.CORROSION, POULTICE - (see corrosion, deposit)
707.CORROSION, POULTICE - A term used in the automotive
industry to describe the corrosion of vehicle body parts due
to the collection of road salts and debries on ledges and in
pockets that are kept moist by weather and washing.
708.CORROSION, PROTECTION - Modification of a corrosion
system so that corrosion damage is mitigated.
709.CORROSION, RESISTANCE - The ability of a material to
resist deterioration by chemical or electrochemical reaction
with its environment.
Page 22 of 79

710.CORROSION, STRAY CURRENT - A form of attack
caused by electrical currents going through
unintentional path.
711.CORROSION, STRESS - Preferential attack of
areas under stress in a corrosive environment, where
such a environment alone would not have caused
corrosion.
712.CORROSION, STRESS CORROSION CRACKING
- Material deterioration due to cracking, by being
under static stress either applied or residual.
713.CORROSION, SWEET - The deterioration of metal
caused by contact with carbon dioxide in water.
714.CORROSION, THERMO-GALVANIC - Corrosion
resulting from an electrochemical cell caused by a
thermal gradient.
715.CORROSION, UNIFORM - The simplest form of
corrosion. It attacks all surfaces exposed to a
corrodent.
716.CORROSIVE WEAR - A material deterioration due
to the co-joint action of corrosion and mechanical
action.
717.CORROSIVITY - An indication of the corrosiveness
of the water of material. The corrosivity of a water as
described by the water’s pH, alkalinity, hardness,
temperature, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen
concentration and the Langerier Index.
718.COUNTERBALANCE: A weight, usually attached to
a moving component that balances another weight.
719.COUNTERBORE: (1) The enlargement of the end
of a hole for receiving and recessing the head of a
screw or bolt below or flush with the surface. (2) A
tapered enlargement at the end of an engine cylinder
to reduce ridging by the piston’s top compression
ring.
720.COUNTER-FLOW HEAT EXCHANGER - When the
fluid to be cooled flows against the direction of the
coolant. In heat exchange between two fluids,
opposite direction of flow, coldest portion of one
meeting coldest portion of the other.
721.COUNTERSUNK HOLE: A hole tapered or beveled
around its edge to allow a rivet or bolt head or a rivet
point to seat flush with or below the surface of the
riveted or bolted object.
722.COUNTERWEIGHT: Weights that are mounted on
the crankshaft opposite each crank throw. These
weights reduce the vibration caused by putting the
crank in practical balance and also reduce bearing
loads due to inertia of moving parts.
723.COUPLING: A device for securing together
adjoining ends of piping, shafting, and so forth, in
such a manner to permit disassembly whenever
necessary.
Engineering Dictionary
724.COVALENT BOND - A bond in which two atoms share
pair of electrons.
725.CRANE: A machine used for hoisting and moving pieces
of material or portions of structures or machines that are
either too heavy to be handled by hand or cannot be
handled economically by hand.
726.CRANKCASE: The part of an engine frame which serves
as a housing for the crank-shaft.
727.CRANKCASE SCAVENGING: Scavenging method that
uses the pumping action of the power piston in the
crankcase to pump scavenging air.
728.CRANKPIN: The portion of the crank throw attached to
the connecting rod.
729.CRANKSHAFT: A rotating shaft for converting rotary
motion into reciprocating motion.
730.CRANKSHAFT GEAR: The gear that is mounted to the
crankshaft.
731.CRANK THROW: One crankpin with its two webs (the
amount of offset of the rod journal).
732.CRANKSHAFT SEAL - Leak proof joint between
crankshaft and compressor body.
733.CRANK WEB: The portion of the crank throw between the
crankpin and main journal. This makes up the offset.
734.CRAZE CRACKING (OR CHECKING) - Irregular surface
cracking of metal associated with thermal cycling.
735.CREEP - The gradual stretching of metal under stress.
For a given stress, the rate of creep increases with the
temperature (Time dependent permanent strain under
stress. This is used to rate the resistance of a material to
plastic deformation under sustained load).
736.CREEP-RESISTANT ALLOY: A metal, which resists the
slow plastic deformation that occurs at high temperatures
when the material is under constant stress.
737.CREEP STRENGTH - The constant nominal stress that
will cause a specified quantity of creep in a given time at
constant temperature. Creep strength is expressed as the
stress necessary to produce 0.1% strain in 1000 hours.
738.CREEP, DYNAMIC - Creep that occurs under conditions
of fluctuating load or fluctuating temperatures.
739.CREST: The surface of the thread corresponding to the
major diameter of an external thread and the minor
diameter of an internal thread.
740.CRISPER - Drawer or compartment in refrigerator
designed to provide high humidity along with low
temperature to keep vegetables, especially leafy
vegetables - cold and crisp.
741.CRITICAL HUMIDITY - The relative humidity above which
the atmospheric corrosion rate of some metals increase
sharply.
Page 23 of 79

742.CRITICAL POINT - A point at which the saturated
liquid and saturated vapor states are identical. Also,
the latent heat of evaporization is zero at this point.
743.CRITICAL PRESSURE - The pressure at the critical
temperature above which the fluid no longer has the
properties of a liquid, regardless of further increase
of pressure.
744.CRITICAL SPEED - The speed at which natural
torsional vibrations of a crankshaft tend to reinforce
themselves, causing vibration and potentially
destructive stresses.
745.CRITICAL TEMPERATURE - That temperature
above which the vapor phase cannot be condensed
to liquid by an increase in pressure.
746.CRITICAL VELOCITY - The velocity above which
fluid flow is turbulent.
747.CROSS COMPOUND TURBINE – See Compound
Turbine.
748.CROSS-CONNECT: To align systems to provide
flow or to exchange energy between machinery
groups.
749.CROSS-CONNECTED PLANT: A method of
operating two or more plants as one unit from a
common supply.
750.CRT - Cathode ray tube terminal.
751.CRYOGENIC FLUID - Substance which exists as a
liquid or gas at ultra-low temperatures - 157°C.
752.CRYOGENIC SUPERCONDUCTOR SYSTEM -
Uses helium to cool conductors to within few degrees
of absolute zero where they offer no electric
resistance.
753.CRYOGENICS - Refrigeration which deals with
producing temperatures of -157°C below zero and
lower.
754.CRYSTAL FORMATION, ZONE OF MAXIMUM:
Temperature range in freezing in which most freezing
takes place, i.e., about 25°F to 30°F for water.
755.CRYSTALLITES - Atoms arranged in a repeating
and definite structure.
756.CRYSTALLIZATION - The separation, usually from
a liquid phase on cooling, of a solid crystalline phase.
757.CURRENT (I) - The electric flow in an electric
circuit, which is expressed in amperes (amps).
758.CURRENT DENSITY - The current flowing to or
from a unit area of an electrode surface.
759.CURTIS METHOD –
Engineering Dictionary
760.CYCLE - A series of thermodynamic processes during
which the working fluid can be made to undergo changes
involving energy transition and is subsequently returned to
its original state.
761.CYCLE, REVERSIBLE - Theoretical thermodynamic
cycle, composed of a series of reversible processes, which
can be completely reversed.
762.CYCLE, WATER TREATMENT - A complete course of
ion-exchange operation. For instance, a complete cycle of
cation exchange would involve regeneration of the resin
with acid, rinse to remove excess acid, exhaustion,
backwash, and finally regeneration.
763.CYCLES - A system that undergoes a series of processes
and always returns to its initial state.
764.CYCLONE FURNACE - Crushed coal is burnt in a water-
cooled cyclone, and the hot gases pass intoasecondary
furnace, where the grits and semi-molten ash are trapped
before the hot gases continue to the boiler.
765.CYCLES OF CONCENTRATION - The number of times
the soluble mineral salts in a water supply have been
concentrated in, a system.
766.CYLINDER: A solid figure with two circular bases. A
hollow tube which contains the actions of combustion
gases and the piston in an internal-combustion
reciprocating engine.
767.CYLINDER BLOCK: A rigid unit of the engine frame which
supports the engine’s cylinder liners and heads. A cylinder
block may contain passages to allow circulation of cooling
water and drilled lube oil passages.
768.CYLINDER EXPANSION - Expansion of the turbine
cylinders relative to the fixed bedplate.
769.CYLINDER HEAD - Plate or cap which encloses
compression end of compressor cylinder.
770.CYLINDER LINER: A sleeve which is inserted in the bores
of the engine block which make up the cylinder wall.
D
771.DALTON'S LAW OF PARTIAL PRESSURE - Each
constituent of a mixture of gases behaves
thermodynamically as if it alone occupied the space. The
sum of the individual pressures of the constituents equals
the total pressure of the mixture.
772.DAMPER - A device used to vary the volume of air
passing through an air outlet, air inlet or duct.
773.DAMPING: (1) A characteristic of a system that results in
dissipation of energy and causes decay in oscillations. (2)
The negative feedback of an output rate of change.
774.DASHPOT - A damping device, usually consisting of a
cylinder and a piston in which relative motion of either
displaces a fluid such as air or oil, resulting in friction.
Page 24 of 79

775.DAVIT - The structure on large firetube boilers from
which the front and rear doors are suspended when
opened.
776.DAY TANK: A fuel tank with the capacity to operate
an engine for 24 hours. Also called SERVICE TANK.
777.DEADBAND - In HVAC, a temperature range in
which neither heating nor cooling is turned on; in
load management, a kilowatt range in which loads
are neither shed nor restored.
778.DEAD CENTER: Either of the two positions when
the crank and connecting rod are in a straight line at
the end of the stroke.
779.DEAERATE: Process of removing dissolved
oxygen.
780.DEAERATING FEED TANK (DFT): A unit in the
steam-water cycle used to (1) free the condensate of
dissolved oxygen, (2) heat the feed water, and (3) act
as a reservoir for feed water.
781.DE-AERATING HEATERS - Mechanical device
using steam to strip dissolve gases from the boiler
feedwater and heating the feedwater.
782.DE-AERATION - Act of separating air from
substances (Removal of air and gases from boiler
feed water prior to its introduction to a boiler).
783.DE-AERATOR - An apparatus or device which is
used to remove dissolved air or oxygen from water.
784.DE-ALKALIZATION - The removal of alkalinity from
a water supply by neutralization or ion exchange.
785.DE-ALKALIZER - An apparatus or device used to
remove the alkaline carbonate and bicarbonate ions
from a water supply.
786.DE-ALLOYING - This is a corrosion process
whereby one constituent of a metal alloy is
preferentially removed from the alloy, leaving an
altered residual microstructure.
787.DE-GASIFICATION - Removal of gases from
samples of steam taken for purity test. Removal of
CO2 from water as in the ion exchange method of
softening.
788.DEASHING - The removal from a solution of
inorganic salts by means of adsorption by ion-
exchange resins of both the cations and the anions
that comprise the salts. See deionization.
789.DE-CARBONATION - Refers to the removal of
carbon dioxide from the boiler feedwater.
790.DECIBEL (dB) - A decibel is a division of a
logarithmic scale for expressing the ratio of two
quantities proportional to power or energy. The
number of decibels denoting such a ratio is ten times
the logarithm of the
Engineering Dictionary
791.DECONCENTRATOR - This is a cylindrical tank
connected before the boiler to receive the boiler feedwater
before entering the boiler. It is designed to promote settling
of suspended solids, which then could be removed via its
own blowdown device. Was used for operation with very
high suspended solids.
792.DE-FLOCCULANT - An electrolyte adsorbed on colloidal
particles in suspension that charges the particles to create
repulsion forces which maintain the particles in a dispersed
state, thus reducing the viscocity of the suspension.
793.DEFROST CYCLE - Refrigerating cycle in which
evaporator frost and ice accumulation is melted.
794.DEFROST TIMER - Device connected into electrical
circuit which shuts unit off long enough to permit ice and
frost accumulation on evaporator to melt.
795.DEFROSTING - Process of removing frost accumulation
from evaporators.
796.DEFROSTING CONTROL - Device to automatically
defrost evaporator. It may operate by means of a clock,
door cycling mechanism or during "off" portion of
refrigerating cycle.
797.DEFROSTING TYPE EVAPORATOR - Evaporator
operating at such temperatures that ice and frost on
surface melts during off part of operating cycle.
798.DEGREE DAY - A unit, based upon temperature
difference and time, used in estimating fuel consumption
and specifying nominal heating load of a building in winter.
For any one day, when the mean temperature is less than
65°F there exist as many degree days as there are
Fahrenheit degrees difference in temperature between the
mean temperature for the day and 65°F.
799.DEGREES OF SUPERHEAT - The amount by which the
temperature exceeds the saturation temperature (The
amount by which the temperature of a superheated vapor
exceeds the temperature of the saturated vapor at the
same pressure).
800.DEHUMIDIFICATION - The mechanical process of
removing water vapor from the air( The condensation of
water vapor from air by cooling below the dewpoint or
removal of water vapor from air by chemical or physical
methods).
801.DEHUMIDIFIER -(1) An air cooler or washer used for
lowering the moisture content of the air passing through it;
(2) An absorption or adsorption device for removing
moisture from air.
802.DEHUMIDIFYING - Removal of moisture from the air.
803.DEHYDRATION - The removal of water vapor from air,
stored goods or refrigerants.
804.DEIONIZATION - Deionization, a more general term than
deashing, embraces the removal of all charged
constituents or ionizable salts (both inorganic and organic)
from solution.
Page 25 of 79

805.DE-IONIZER - An apparatus or device used to
remove the ions of dissolved salts from water.
806.DELAYED COMBUSTION - A continuation of
combustion beyond the furnace. (See also
Secondary Combustion.)
807.DEMAND - The probable maximum rate of water
flow as determined by the number of water supply
fixture units.
808.DEMAND CHARGE - That part of an electric bill
based on kW demand and the demand interval,
expressed in dollars per kilowatt. Demand charges
offset construction and maintenance of a utility's
need for a large generating capacity.
809.DEMAND CONTROL - A device which controls the
kW demand level by shedding loads when the kW
demand exceeds a predetermined set point.
810.DEMAND INTERVAL - The period of time during
which kW demand is monitored by a utility service,
usually 15 or 30 minutes long.
811.DEMAND LOAD - The actual amount of load on a
circuit at any time. The sum of all the loads which are
ON. Equal to the connected load minus the loads
that are OFF.
812.DEMAND READING - Highest or maximum demand
for electricity an individual customer registers in a
given interval, example, 15 minute interval. The
metered demand reading sets the demand charge
for the month.
813.DEMINERALIZER - A process to remove dissolved
matter from boiler pretreated water by contacting the
water with ion-exchange resins.
814.DEMULSIBILITY - The ability of an oil to separate
rapidly from water.
815.DENSITY - The weight per unit volume of a
substance (The ratio of the mass of a specimen of a
substance to the volume of the specimen. The mass
of a unit volume of a substance. When weight can be
used without confusion, as synonymous with mass,
density is the weight per unit volume).
816.DENSITY, ABSOLUTE - Mass per unit volume of a
solid material, expressed usually in kg/m3.
817.DENTAL COUPLING: A flexible coupling assembly,
consisting of a set of external/internal gear teeth, that
compensates for shaft misalignment between a
driver and a driven machinery component.
818.DEPOSITES - The collection of fine ash in boiler
and super heater gas-passes, which prevents heat-
transfer and restricts the passage of the gases.
819.DEPTH: The distance from the root of a thread to
the crest, measured perpendicularly to the axis.
Engineering Dictionary
820.DESALINATION - The removal of inorganic dissolved
solids from water.
821.DESICANT, LIQUID - A hygroscopic liquid, such as glycol,
used to remove water from other fluids.
822.DESICCANT - Any absorbent or adsorbent, liquid or solid,
that will remove water or water vapor from a material. In a
refrigeration circuit, the desiccant should be insoluble in
the refrigerant.
823.DESIGN LOAD - The load for which a steam generating
unit is designed, considered the maximum load to be
carried.
824.DESIGN PRESSURE - The pressure specified by a
manufacturer as a criterion in design. (In a boiler, it is
approximately 103% of operating pressure.) [Highest or
most severe pressure expected during operation.
Sometimes used as the calculated operating pressure plus
an allowance for safety].
825.DESIGN TEMPERATURE: The intended operating
temperature of the fresh water and lube oil at the engine
outlet, at some specified rate of operation. The specified
rate of operation is normal load.
826.DESIGN WORKING PRESSURE - The maximum
allowable working pressure for which a specific part of a
system is designed.
827.DESILICIZER - An apparatus or device used to remove
silica from a water supply.
828.DESSERT BAG - A canvas bag which permits seepage of
its liquid. The liquid will evaporate and obtains the to
evaporate partly from the content of the bag and thus
cooling its content.
829.DESSERT BAG - A canvas bag which permits seepage of
its liquid. The liquid will evaporate and obtains the to
evaporate partly from the content of the bag and thus
cooling its content.
830.DESUPERHEATED STEAM: Steam from which some of
the superheat has been removed. DETONATION: Burning
of a portion of the fuel in the combustion chamber at a rate
faster than desired (knocking).
831.DETERGENT ADDITIVE - In lubrication technology, a
surface active additive that helps to keep solid particles
suspended in an oil
832.DETERGENT CLEANING - A boiler cleaning process
using an alkaline solution, primarily to remove oil and
grease.
833.DETERGENT OIL - A heavy duty oil containing a
detergent additive. These oils are mainly used in
combustion engines.
834.DETERGENT-DISPERSANT - A compound mixture of
cleaning agents that have both surface-active properties
and suspending properties.
Page 26 of 79

835.DEW POINT - Temperature at which vapor (at 100
percent humidity) begins to condense and deposit as
liquid.
836.DEW POINT DEPRESSION - The difference
between dry bulb and dew point temperatures.
837.DEW POINT TEMPERATURE - The temperature at
which condensation begins, if air is cooled at
constant pressure.
838.DIAL GAUGE OR INDICATOR: A precision
micrometer-type instrument that indicates the
reading by a needle moving across a dial face.
839.DIAPHRAGM: A dividing membrane or thin partition
(Flexible material usually made of thin metal, rubber
or plastic).
840.DIATOMACEOUS EARTH FILTRATION - Is a
process in which a filter cake or precoat of
diatomaceous earth is used as a filter medium.
841.DIELECTRIC - A nonconductor of electricity.
842.DIELECTRIC FITTING - A non conductive
substance such as plastic that is placed between two
dissimilar metals to prevent galvanic current flow.
843.DIELECTRIC STRENGTH - A measure of the ability
of a dielectric (insulator) to withstand a potential
difference across it without electric discharge.
844.DIESEL –
845.DIESEL CYCLE (ACTUAL): Combustion induced
by compression ignition, begins on a constant-
volume basis and ends on a constant-pressure
basis.
846.DIESEL CYCLE (TRUE): Combustion induced by
compression ignition, theoretically occurs at a
constant pressure.
847.DIESEL ENGINE: An engine using the diesel or
semi diesel cycle of operation; air alone is
compressed and diesel fuel is injected before the
end of the compression stroke. Heat of compression
produces ignition.
848.DIFFERENTIAL - The temperature or pressure
difference between cut-in and cut-out temperature or
pressure of a control.
849.DIFFERENTIAL AERATION CELL - An electrolytic
cell, the electomagnetic force of which is due to a
difference in air (oxygen) concentration at one
electrode as compared with that at another electrode
of the same material. (see concentration cell).
850.DIFFERENTIAL EXPANSION - The expansion of
the turbine shaft relative to the cylinders.
851.DIFFERENTIAL SOLUTE CONCENTRATION - A
potential difference between an anode and cathode
Engineering Dictionary
on metal, because of a concentration cell due to dissolved
metals.
852.DIFFERENTIAL TEMPERATURE - Differences in
temperature which are present in the same pieceof
metal,for instance, in a boiler drum, when large masses of
metal are heated unevenly or too rapidly to allow an even
distribution of heat.
853.DIFFUSER - (1) A duct of varying cross sections designed
to convert a high-speed gas flow into low-speed flow at an
increased pressure. (2) A device that spreads a fluid out in
all directions and increases fluid pressure while decreasing
fluid velocity [A circular, square, or rectangular air
distribution outlet, generally located in the ceiling and com
prised of deflecting members discharging supply air in
various directions and planes, and arranged to promote
mixing of primary air with secondary room air].
854.DIONIC RECORDER - An instrument for recording the
electrical conductivity of water.
855.DIONIC TESTER - An instrument for measuring the
degree of purity of a sample of water.
856.DIRECT ACTING - Instruments that increase control
pressure as the controlled variable (such as temperature or
pressure) increases; while reverse acting instruments
increase control pressure as the controlled variable
decreases.
857.DIRECT CURRENT - An electric current that flows in one
direction only.
858.DIRECT DRIVE: One in which the drive mechanism is
coupled directly to the driven member.
859.DIRECTIONAL CONTROL VALVE: A valve which
selectively directs or prevents flow to or from desired
channels. Also referred to as selector valve, control valve,
or transfer valve.
860.DIRECT-EXPANSION EVAPORATOR - One that contains
only enough liquid to continue boiling as heat is absorbed
by it.
861.DISENGAGING SURFACE - The surface of the boiler
water from which steam is released.
862.DISPERSANT - A chemical which causes particulates in a
water system to remain in suspension.
863.DISPERSANT OIL - A heavy duty oil containing a
dispersant additive.
864.DISPLACEMENT: The volume of air or fluid which can
pass through a pump, motor, or cylinder in a single
revolution or stroke.
865.DISPLACEMENT PUMP - Pumps in which energy is
added to the water periodically and the water is contained
in a set volume.
866.DISPLACEMENT VOLUME - The volume displaced by
the piston between top dead center and bottom dead
center.
Page 27 of 79

867.DISSOCIATION - Ionization.
868.DISSOCIATION - The process by which a chemical
compound breaks down into simpler constituents, as
do CO2 and H2O at high temperature.
869.DISSOLVED GASES - Gases soluble in water.
870.DISSOLVED SOLIDS (TDS) - The measure of the
total amount of dissolved matter.
871.DISTILLATE: The product (fresh water) resulting
from the condensation of vapors produced by the
evaporation of seawater.
872.DISTILLATION: The process of evaporating
seawater, then cooling and condensing the resulting
vapors. Produces fresh water from seawater by
separating the salt from the water (Involves boiling
water and condensing the vapor).
873.DISTILLING PLANTS: Units commonly called
evaporators used to convert seawater into fresh
water.
874.DISTORTION - The changing of the shape and
dimensions of the parts of a turbine or other plant
because of uneven temperatures.
875.DMA - Direct memory access. A process where
block of data can be transferred between main
memory and secondary memory without processor
intervention.
876.DOMESTIC HOT WATER - Potable hot water as
distinguished from hot water used for house heating.
877.DOUBLE CASING (STEAM TURBINE) –
878.DOUBLE REDUCTION: A reduction gear assembly
that reduces the high input rpm to a lower output rpm
in two stages.
879.DOUBLE SUCTION IMPELLER: An impeller with
suction inlet on each side.
880.DOWEL –
881.DOWEL PINS –
882.DOWNCOMER - A tube or pipe in a boiler or
waterwall circulating system through which fluid flows
downward.
883.DOWNFLOW - Conventional direction of solutions
to be processed in ion-exchange column operation,
that is, in at the top, out at the bottom of the column.
884.DOWNSTREAM - The outlet side of an instrument,
a pump, valve, etc..
Engineering Dictionary
885.DRAFT - The difference between atmospheric pressure
and some lower pressure existing in the furnace stack or
gas passages of a steam generating unit.
886.DRAFT DIFFERENTIAL - The difference in static
pressure between two points in a system.
887.DRAFT GAUGE - Instrument used to measure air
movement by measuring air pressure differences.
888.DRIER - Substance or device used to remove moisture
from a refrigeration system.
889.DRIERITE - Desiccant which operates by chemical action.
890.DRIFT - Entrained water in the stack discharge of a
cooling tower.
891.DRIFT - Term used to describe the difference between the
set point and the actual operating or control point.
892.DROOP - Terms used to describe the difference between
the set point and the actual operating or control point.
893.DRUM WATER LEVEL LINE - The water level in the drum
during the normal operating mode.
894.DRYBACK BOILER - Firetube boiler with a refractory
lined back door. Door opens to allow maintenance and/or
inspection.
895.DRY BULB - An instrument with a sensitive element to
measure ambient air temperature.
896.DRY BULB TEMPERATURE - The temperature
registered by an ordinary thermometer. The dry bulb
temperature represents the measure of sensible heat, or
the intensity of heat.
897.DRY COMPRESSION - The compression of vapor, in a
vapor-liquid vapor-compression refrigeration cycle.
898.DRY ICE - Refrigerating substance made of solid carbon
dioxide which changes directly from a solid to a gas
(sublimates). Its subliming temperature is -78°C.
899.DRY PIPE - A perforated or slotted pipe or box inside the
drum and connected to the steam outlet.
900.DRY STANDBY - A method of sealing al water and steam
connections and placing a desiccant in the unit and
applying an airtight seal.
901.DRY SYSTEM - Refrigeration system which has the
evaporator liquid refrigerant mainly in the atomized or
droplet condition.
902.DRYNESS FRACTION OR QUALITY - Weight fraction of
the vapor in a vapor-liquid mixture.
903.DUAL SHAFT GAS TURBINE - a gas turbine which has
one turbine on one shaft driving the compressor and when
the gas discharged from this turbine is directed to another
turbine on a separate shaft to drive a load.
904.DUAL-TEMPERATURE RE-CIRCULATING WATER
SYSTEM - A closed re-circulating water system that uses
Page 28 of 79

water either for cooling, by circulating it through a
chiller, or for heating, by circulating it through a boiler
or heat-exchanger depending upon need.
905.DUCTILE GOUGING - Referring to irregular wasting
of the tube metal beneath a porous deposit The
micro structure of the metal does not change with
this process and the ductility remains, but the
thinning leads to rapture.
906.DUCTILITY - The ability of a material to deform
plastically without fracturing.
907.DUMMY PISTON - A device used in a reaction-type
turbine, to balance out the thrust caused by the
steam flow through the blading.
908.DUPLEX STRAINER: A strainer containing two
separate elements independent of each other.
909.DUST - An air suspension (aerosol) or particles of
any solid material, usually with particle size less than
100 microns.
910.DYNAMIC DISCAHRGE HEAD - Static discharge
head plus friction head plus velocity head.
911.DYNAMIC LOAD - An imposed force that is in
motion, that is, one that may vary in magnitude,
sense, and direction.
912.DYNAMIC PRESSURE: (1) The pressure of a fluid
resulting from its motion, equal to one-half the fluid
density times the fluid velocity squared. (2) In
incompressible flow, dynamic pressure is the
difference between total pressure and static
pressure.
913.DYNAMIC PUMPS - Pumps in which energy is
added to the water continuously and the water is not
contained in a set volume.
914.DYNAMIC SUCTION HEAD - Positive static suction
head minus friction head and minus velocity head.
915.DYNAMIC SUCTION LIFT - The sum of suction lift
and velocity head at the pump suction when the
source is below pump centerline.
916.DYNAMIC SYSTEM - An ion-exchange operation,
wherein a flow of the solution to be treated is
involved.
E 933.ELECTRICAL ENERGY:
917.EBULLITION CHAMBER - The chamber where the
boiling of water in the evaporator takes place.
918.ECCENTRICITY - The running of a turbine shaft out
of centre with the normal alignment.
919.ECONOMIC BOILER LOADING - The distribution of
load between a number of boilers to ensure that
each runs at the highest level of efficiency.
920.ECONOMIZER - A series of tubes located in the
path of flue gases. Feedwater is pumped through
Engineering Dictionary
these tubes on its way to the boiler in order to absorb
waste heat from the flue gas.
921.EDDY CURRENT TESTING - An electromagnetic
nondestructive testing method in which eddy-current flow is
induced in the test object. Changes in flow caused by
variations in the object are deflected into a nearby coil or
coils where they are measured.
922.EDDY CURRENTS (ELECTRICITY) – The currents
induced in the interior of copper strips carrying alternating
current owing to variations in the magnetic flux surrounding
the strip.
923.EDDY CURRENTS (STAM TURBINES) –
924.EDTA - A chelating agent used with boiler water
treatment. Often referred as the replacement for the
phosphate-hydroxyde treatment method.
925.EFFECTIVE TEMPERATURE - Overall effect on a human
of air temperature, humidity and air movement.
926.EFFICIENCY: The ratio of output power to input power,
generally expressed as a percentage.
927.EFIICIENCY OF CONVERSION OF THE ENERGY
CYCLE - The efficiency of the combined cycle of energy-
conversion is the ratio between the input of energy from
the fuel burnt and the output of energy in the Units
generated. This is usually expressed as a percentage.
928.EFFLUENT - The solution which emerges from an ion-
exchange column.
929.EJECTOR - Apparatus for extracting air and other
incondensable gases from the system (A device which
utilizes the kinetic energy in a jet of water or other fluid to
remove a fluid or fluent material from tanks or hoppers).
930.ELASTICITY: The ability of a material to return to its
original size and shape.
931.ELBOW-ELL: A pipe fitting that makes an angle between
adjacent pipes, always 90° unless another angle is stated.
932.ELECTRA-MAGNET - If a coil of wire wound on a piece
of soft iron carries current, the iron will become
magnetised. The magnetic effect is only temporary and
ceases when the current is switched off.
Energy derived from the forced
induction of electrons from one atom to another.
934.ELECTRIC DEFROSTING - Use of electric resistance
heating coils to melt ice and frost off evaporators during
defrosting.
935.ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT - A power supply, a load, and a
path for current flow are the minimum requirements for an
electrical circuit.
936.ELECTRICAL NET WORK –
Page 29 of 79

937.ELECTROCHEMICAL REACTIONS - A metal
wasting process, due to the fluid (boiler water) being
subjected to an electrical current.
938.ELECTRODE: A metallic rod (welding rod), used in
electric welding, that melts when current is passed
through it.
939.ELECTRODE BOILER - A boiler which generates
steam or hot water by the action of immersed
electrodes which conduct electricity through the
boiler water, which, in turn, generates heat by its
resistance to electric current.
940.ELECTRODIALYSIS - This is a membrane process
where an applied electric charge draws impurity ions
through permeable membranes to create high purity
feedwater streams or low purity waste streams.
941.ELECTROHYDRAULIC STEERING: A system
having a motor-driven hydraulic pump that creates
the force needed to actuate the rams to position the
ship’s rudder.
942.ELECTROLYSIS - Chemical decomposition caused
by action of an electric current in a solution.
943.ELECTROLYTE - A chemical compound which
dissociates or ionizes in water to produce a solution
which will conduct an electric current; an acid, base,
or salt.
944.ELECTROMECHANICAL - Converting electrical
input into mechanical action. A relay is an
electromechanical switch.
945.ELECTROREGENERATION - Hydrogen and
hydroxyl ions are formed be electrical splitting of
water molecules and are swept through the unit by
steady, low-voltage direct current, continuously
cleansing the resin beads and carrying away the
unwanted salts
946.ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATOR - A device for
collecting dust, mist or fume from a gas stream, by
placing an electrical charge on the particle and
removing that particle onto a collecting electrode.
947.ELEMENT - (1) A substance which consists of
chemically united atoms of one kind. (2) An
indivisible part of a logic function or circuit. Fluidic
elements are interconnected to form working circuits.
(3) Parts of systems; for example, filter element,
valving element, and so forth (A pure substance that
cannot be broken down by chemical means to a
simpler substance).
948.ELEVATION HEAD - The energy possessed per
unit weight of a fluid because of its elevation.
949.ELUTION - The stripping of adsorbed ions from an
ion-exchange material by the use of solutions
containing other ions in concentrations higher than
those of the ions to be stripped.
Engineering Dictionary
950.EMERGENCY OVERSPEED GOVERNOR - A device
consisting of a spring-loaded pin set in the shaft, to trip a
turbine should the main governor fail to prevent over-
speeding
951.EMMISIVITY - The effectiveness of a surface in emitting
or absorbing radiant heat as compared with a perfect black
body.
952.EMULSIFIED OIL: A chemical condition of oil in which the
molecules of the oil have been broken up and suspended
in a foreign substance (usually water).
953.EMULSION - A colloidal dispersion of one liquid in
another.
954.ENDOTHERMIC REACTION - Pertaining to a chemical
reaction which is accompanied by an absorption of heat.
955.END TIGHTENING - A type of sealing used on the blading
in high-pressure cylinders of reaction-type turbines.
956.ENERGY - Expressed in kilowatt-hours (kWh) or watt
hours (Wh), and is equal to the product of power and time.
957.ENERGY - In the simplest terms, energy is the ability to
perform work. It may exist in several forms, such as heat
energy, mechanical energy, chemical energy, or electrical
energy, and may be changed from one form to another.
958.ENERGY - The ability to do work. Energy can exist in one
of several forms, such as heat, light, mechanical, electrical
or chemical. Energy can neither be created nor destroyed,
but can be transferred from one form to another. Energy
can also exist in one of two states, either potential or
kinetic.
959.ENERGY (CONSUMPTION) CHARGE - That part of an
electric bill based on kWh consumption (expressed in
cents per kWh). Energy charge covers cost of utility fuel,
general operating costs, and part of the amortization of the
utility's equipment. [energy = power x time ]
960.ENGINE - Prime mover; device for transforming fuel or
heat energy into mechanical energy.
961.ENGINE OIL - An oil used to lubricate an internal
combustion engine.
962.ENTHALPY - The total quantity of heat energy contained
in a substance, also called total heat; the thermodynamic
property of a substance defined as the sum of its internal
energy plus the quantity Pv/J, where P = pressure of the
substance, v = its volume, and J = the mechanical
equivalent of heat.
963.ENTRAINMENT - The transport of water into a gas
stream. In a boiler, this is carryover, in a cooling tower,
drift.
964.ENTRAINMENT (HVAC) - The capture of part of the
surrounding air by the air stream discharged from an outlet
(some times called secondary air motion).
965.ENTROPY - The ratio of the heat added to a substance to
the absolute temperature at which it is added (The term
Page 30 of 79

used in steam calculations for a figure indicating the
dilution or spread of heat-energy in steam indicating
the dilution or spread of heat-energy in steam or
water).
966.ENVIRONMENT - The aggregate of all conditions
(such as contamination, temperature, humidity,
radiation, magnetic and electric fields, shock,
vibration) that externally influence the performance of
a material or component.
967.EPSON SALT - Magnesium sulfate.
968.EQUALIZER - Connections between parts of a
boiler to equalize pressures.
969.EQUALIZING HOLE (STEAM TURBINE) - A hole in
the turbine disc designed to equalize axial thrust with
impulse bladed turbines.
970.EQUILIBRIUM: The state of balance between
opposing forces or actions.
971.EQUILIBRIUM REACTIONS - The interaction of
ionizable compounds in which the products obtained
tend to revert to the substance from which they were
formed until a balance is reached in which both
reactants and pacts are present in definite ratios.
972.EQUIVALENT EVAPORATION - Evaporation
expressed in pounds of water evaporated from a
temperature of 212 °F to dry saturated steam at 212
°F.
973.EQUIVALENT WEIGHT - Refers to the amount of
an element combining with a unit weight of hydrogen.
In terms of water treatment, a method used to
calculate the concentration of a given ion in terms of
its calcium carbonate.
974.EROSION , ABRASIVE - Erosive wear caused by
relative motion of solid particles which are present in
fluids and are moving parallel to a solid surface.
975.EROSION, CAVITATION - Progressive loss of
original material from a solid surface due to
continuing exposure to cavitation.
976.EROSION, IMPINGEMENT - Loss of material from
a solid surface due to liquid impingement.
977.EROSION, LIQUID - Removal of films or metal by
mechanical action and corrosion of active metal.
978.EROSION-CORROSION - A conjoint action
involving corrosion and erosion in the presence of a
moving corrosive fluid, leading to the accelerated
loss of material.
979.ETHANE (R-170) - Refrigerant sometimes added to
other refrigerants to improve oil circulation.
980.EUTECTIC - An isothermal reversible reaction in
which a liquid solution is converted into two or more
intimately mixed solids on cooling.
Engineering Dictionary
981.EUTECTIC POINT - Freezing temperature for eutectic
solutions.
982.EVACUATION - The removal of gases from a system.
983.EVAPORATION - The change of state from a liquid to a
vapor (The change of state from liquid to vapor, for
example as water evaporates to a vapor in a cooling
tower).
984.EVAPORATION RATE - The number of pounds of water
that is evaporated in a unit of time.
985.EVAPORATIVE CONDENSER - A condenser which has
water flowing over coils containing the refrigerant gas
which is thus cooled and condensed by evaporation of that
water.
986.EVAPORATIVE CONDENSER - Device which uses open
spray or spill water to cool a condenser. Evaporation of
some of the water cools the condenser water and reduces
water consumption.
987.EVAPORATIVE COOLING - The adiabatic exchange of
heat between air and a water spray or wetted surface. The
water approaches the wet-bulb temperature of the air,
which remains constant during its traverse of the
exchanger.
988.EVAPORATOR - The heat exchanger in which the
medium being cooled, usually air or water, gives up heat to
the refrigerant through the exchanger transfer surface. The
liquid refrigerant boils into a gas in the process of the heat
absorption.
989.EVAPORATOR FAN - Fan which increases airflow over
the heat exchange surface of evaporators.
990.EVAPORATOR PRESSURE REGULATOR - Automatic
pressure regulating valve mounted in suction line between
evaporator outlet and compressor inlet. Its purpose is to
maintain a predetermined pressure and temperature in the
evaporator.
991.EVAPORATOR, FLOODED - Evaporator containing liquid
refrigerant at all times.
992.EXCESS AIR - Air supplied for combustion in excess of
that theoretically required for complete oxidation.
993.EXCITER - A small generator for supplying the direct
current required for the rotor winding.
994.EXFlLTRATION - The flow of air outward from a space
through walls, leaks, etc.
995.EXFOLIATION - Scaling off of a surface in flakes or layers
as the result of corrosion.
996.EXHAUSTION - The state in which the adsorbent is no
longer capable of useful ion exchange; the depletion of the
exchanger's supply of available ions. The exhaustion point
is determined arbitrarily in terms of (1) a value in parts per
million of ions in the effluent solution; and (2) the reduction
inequality of the effluent water determined by conductivity
bridge which measures the resistance of the water to the
flow of an electric current.
Page 31 of 79

997.EXOTHERMIC - Chemical reaction in which heat is
released.
998.EXPANSION JOINT - Device in piping designed to
allow movement of the pipe caused by the pipe's
expansion and contraction.
999.EXPANSION TANK - A reservoir usually above a
closed re-circulating water system that is blanketed
with a gas to permit expansion and contraction of
water in the system during temperature changes.
1000.EXPANSION VALVE - Device in refrigerating
system which reduces the pressure from the high
side to the low side and is operated by pressure.
1001.EXPANSION VALVE, CAPILLARY TUBE - A tube
of small internal diameter used as liquid refrigerant
flow control and pressure reducer between high and
low sides. Also used to transmit pressure from the
sensitive bulb of some temperature controls to the
operating element.
1002.EXPANSION VALVE, THERMOSTATIC - Control
valve operated by temperature and pressure within
evaporator. It controls flow of refrigerant. Control bulb
is attached to outlet of evaporator.
1003.EXPENDABLE REFRIGERANT SYSTEM -
System, which discards the refrigerant after it has
evaporated.
1004.EXPLOSION DOOR - A door in a furnace or boiler
setting that is designed to be opened by a pre-
determined gas pressure.
1005.EXTERNAL DRIVE - Term used to indicate a
compressor driven directly from the shaft or by a belt
using an external motor. Compressor and motor are
serviceable separately.
1006.EXTERNAL EQUALIZER - Tube connected to
low-pressure side of a thermostatic expansion valve
diaphragm and to exit end of evaporator.
1007.EXTERNAL THREAD: A thread on the out-side of
a member (for example, a thread of a bolt).
1008.EXTERNAL TREATMENT - Refers to the
treatment of water before it enters the boiler.
1009.EXTRACTION TURBINE – See Back Pressure
Turbine.
F repeated strain.(The phenomenon leading to fracture
1010.FACE AREA: The total plane area of the portion of
a grille, coil, or other items bounded by a line tangent
1011.FACE SEALING –
1012.FAHRENHEIT: A thermometric scale in which 32
(OF) denotes freezing and 212 (OF) the boiling point
of water under normal pressure at sea level (14.696
psi).
Engineering Dictionary
1013.FAIL: (1) The loss of control signal or power to a
component. (2) The breakage or breakdown of a
component or component part.
1014.FAIL SAFE - In load management, returning all loads to
conventional control during a power failure. Accomplished
by a relay whose contacts are normally closed.
1015.FAILURE - A rupture, break, or disintegration of a metal
or part of an HVAC system.
1016.FALSE BRINELING - Damage to a solid bearing surface
characterized by indentations not caused by plastic
deformation resulting from overload, but thought to be due
to other causes such as fretting corrosion.
1017.FAN PERFORMANCE CURVE - Fan performance curve
refers to the constant speed performance curve. This is a
graphical presentation of static or total pressure and power
input over a range of air volume flow rate at a stated inlet
density and fan speed. It may include static and
mechanical efficiency curves. The range of air volume flow
rate which is covered generally ex tends from shutoff (zero
air volume flow rate) to free delivery (zero fan static
pressure). The pressure curves are generally referred to as
the pressure-volume curves.
1018.FAN TUBE AXIAL - A propeller or disc type wheel within
a cylinder and including driving mechanism supports for
either belt drive or direct connection.
1019.FAN, CENTRIFUAL - A fan rotor or wheel within a scroll
type housing and including driving mechanism sup ports
for either belt drive or direct connection.
1020.FAN PERFORMANCE - A measure of fan operation in
terms of volume, total pressures, static pressures, speed,
power input, mechanical and static efficiency, at a stated
air density.
1021.FAN, PROPELLER - A propeller or disc type wheel
within a mounting ring or plate and including driving
mechanism supports for either belt drive or direct
connection.
1022.FAN, VANEAXIAL - A disc type wheel within a cylinder,
a set of air guide vanes located either before or after the
wheel and including driving mechanism supports for either
belt drive or direct connection.
1023.FARAD - A unit of electric capacity, designated by F.
1024.FATIGUE - The tendency of a material to break under
under repeated or fluctuating stresses having maximum
value less than the ultimate strength of the material).
1025.FAULT - A short circuit either line to line, or line to
ground.
1026.FEEDBACK: (1) A transfer of energy from the output
circuit of a device back to its input. (2) Information about a
process output which is communicated to the process
input.
Page 32 of 79

1027.FEEDER: An electrical conductor or group of
conductors between different generating or
distributing units of a power system.
1028.FEED HEATER: A heat transfer device that heats
the feed water before it goes to the boiler.
1029.FEED WATER - Water which is fed to a system
such as a boiler or cooling tower.
1030.FEED WATER LINE - The piping leading to a
system through which the feed water flows.
1031.FEEDWATER HEATER - A device used to heat
feedwater with steam.
1032.FERRIC COAGULANT - Ferric sulfate Fe2(SO4)3
act to precipitate ferric hydroxide, coagulate at 4.0 -
11.0 pH range.
1033.FERRIC HYDROXIDE - The complete reaction
product of iron, water, and oxygen, which forms a red
precipitate in water [Fe(OH)3]
1034.FERRIC ION - An iron atom that has a positive
electric charge of +3. (Fe2+)
1035.FERROUS - Metallic materials in which the
principle component is iron.
1036.FERROUS HYDROXIDE - The reaction product of
iron and water in the absence of oxygen; it remains
soluble in the water [Fe(OH)2].
1037.FERROUS ION - An iron atom that has a positive
electric charge of + 2(Fe2+).
1038.FIELD WINDING. The coil used to provide the
magnetizing force in motors and generators.
1039.FILMING AMINES - Amines that form a
impervious non-wettable film, which acts as a barrier
between the metal and the condensate and provide
protection against carbon dioxide and oxygen. These
amines do not neutralize carbon dioxide.
1040.FILTER - A device to remove solid material from a
fluid.
1041.FILTER-DRIER - A combination device used as a
strainer and moisture remover.
1042.FILTRATION - Is the process of passing a liquid
containing suspended matter through a suitable
porous material in such a manner as to effectively
remove the suspended matter from the liquid.
1043.FIN - An extended surface to increase the heat
transfer area, as metal sheets attached to tubes.
1044.FIRELINE: Section of piping and hose on
discharge side of a proportional leading to a fire
location.
1045.FIRE MAIN: The seawater line that provides
firefighting and flushing water throughout the ship.
Engineering Dictionary
1046.FIRING ORDER: The order in which the cylinders deliver
their power stroke.
1047.FIRE POINT - The temperature at which a material will
continue to burn for at least 5 seconds without the benefit
of an outside flame.
1048.FIRING PRESSURE: The highest pressure reached in
the cylinder during combustion.
1049.FIRING RATE CONTROL - A pressure temperature or
flow controller which controls the firing rate of a burner
according to the deviation from pressure or temperature
set point. The system may be arranged to operate the
burner on-off, high-low or in proportion to load demand.
1050.FIRE TUBE - A tube, in a boiler, through which the hot
gases flow and transfer heat to the water on the outside of
the tube.
1051.FIRE TUBE BOILER: Boilers in which the gases of
combustion pass through the tubes and heat the water
surrounding them.
1052.FIRE WALL - The back end of a boiler, opposite the
burner, at which the hot gases change direction of flow.
1053.FIREBRICK - A refractory brick, often made from fire
clay, that is able to withstand temperature in the range of
1500 to 1600°C, and is used to line furnaces.
1054.FIXED CARBON - The carbonaceous residue less the
ash remaining in the test container after the volatile matter
has been driven off in making the proximate analysis of a
solid fuel.
1055.FIXED DISPLACEMENT PUMP - A pump in which the
displacement per cycle cannot be varied.
1056.FLAME - A luminous body of burning gas or vapor.
1057.FLAME DETECTOR - A device which indicates if a fuel
(liquid, gaseous, or pulverized) is burning, or if ignition has
been lost. The indication may be transmitted to a signal or
to a control system.
1058.FLAME PROPAGATION - FLAME PROPAGATION -
The term applied to the speed at which a flame travels.
1059.FLAME PROPAGATION RATE - Speed of travel of
ignition through a combustible mixture.
1060.FLAME SAFEGUARD - A control that sequences the
burner through several stages of operation to provide
proper air purge, ignition, normal operation, and shutdown
for safe operation.
1061.FLAMR STABILITY - A flame is said to be stable when it
main tains its correct position from the burner.
1062.FLAMMABILITY - Susceptibility to combustion.
1063.FLASH - The portion of a superheated fluid converted to
vapor when its pressure is reduced.
1064.FLASH CHAMBER - A separating tank placed between
the expansion valve and the evaporator to separate and
bypass any gas formed in the expansion valve.
Page 33 of 79

1065.FLASH GAS - The gas resulting from the
instantaneous evaporation of refrigerant in a
pressure-reducing device to cool the refrigerant to
the evaporating temperature obtaining at the reduced
pressure.
1066.FLASH POINT - The temperature at which a
material to give off sufficient vapor to form a
flammable mixture.
1067.FLASH TANK - A vessel used for separating the
liquid phase from the gaseous phase formed from a
rise in temperature and/or a reduction of pressure on
the flowing stream.
1068.FLASHING - Evaporation of a liquid into a vapor.
1069.FLEXIBLE GEAR COUPLING – A connection
between two shafts which allows some relative
movement.
1070.FLOATING ACTION CONTROLLERS: Essentially
two position type controllers which vary the position
of the controlled devices but which are arranged to
stop before reaching a maximum or minimum
position.
1071.FLOCCULANT - An electrolyte added to a
colloidal suspension to cause the particles to
aggregate and settle out as the result of reduction in
repulsion between particles.
1072.FLOCCULATION - The process of agglomerating
coagulated particles into settable flocs, usually of a
gelatinous nature.
1073.FLOODBACK - The condition of liquid refrigerant
returning, usually from an overfed evaporator, to the
compressor through the suction line.
1074.FLOTATION - A process of separating solids from
water by developing a froth.
1075.FLOW RATE - The volume of solution which
passes through a given quantity of resin within a
given time. Flow rate is usually expressed in terms of
feet per minute per cubic foot of resin or as milliliters
per minute per milliliter of resin.
1076.FLOW, LAMINAR OR STREAMLINE - Fluid flow
in which each fluid particle moves in a smooth path
substantially parallel to the paths followed by all
other particles.
1077.FLOW, TURBULENT - Fluid flow in which the fluid
moves transversely as well as in the direction of the
tube or pipe axis, as opposed to streamline or
viscous flow.
1078.FLUID - The general term that includes gas, vapor
or liquid
1079.FLUID HEAD - The static pressure of fluid
expressed in terms of the height of a column of the
fluid, or of some manometric fluid, which it would
support.
Engineering Dictionary
1080.FLUIDIZED BED - A contained mass of finely divided
solid that behaves like a fluid when brought into
suspension in a moving gas.
1081.FLUSHING PUMP - A pump for supplying oil to turbine
bearings when on barring gear. Sometimes called a
‘turning’ or ‘barring gear’ oil pump.
1082.FLY ASH - A finely divided siliceous material formed
during the combustion of coal, coke, or other solid fuels.
1083.FLYWHEEL: A heavy wheel attached to the crankshaft.
It stores up energy during the power event and releases it
during the remaining events of the operating cycle.
1084.FLYWEIGHT: A governor; weights which move and
assume positions in accordance with the speed of rotation.
1085.FOAM CARRYOVER - Is the development of excessive
moisture in the steam from carryover of foam from the
drum. Usually common in low pressure boilers due to high
concentration of dissolved solids.
1086.FOAMING - Formation of steam bubbles on the surface
of the boiler water due to high surface tension of the water.
1087.FOAM NOZZLE: A nozzle designed to entrain air and
mix it with water and foam liquid to produce a foam
blanket.
1088.FOOT-POUND: (1) The amount of work accomplished
when a force of 1 pound produces a displacement of 1
foot. (2) The amount of torque produced by 1 pound of
effort applied at a radius of 1 foot.
1089.FORCE - The action on a body which tends to change
its relative condition as to rest or motion.
1090.FORCE-BALANCE: An arrangement of control system
components using a mechanical force as the feedback
signal. The feedback applied force must “null” the forces
acting on a balanced mechanism.
1091.FORCED FEED LUBRICATION: A lubrication system
that uses a pump to maintain a constant pressure.
1092.FORCE PUMP - A device used to inject a solution into a
closed system through an opening such as a drain valve.
1093.FORCED CIRCULATION - The circulation of water in a
boiler by mechanical means external to the boiler.
1094.FORCED CONVECTION - Movement of fluid by
mechanical force such as fans or pumps.
1095.FORCED DRAFT COOLING TOWER - Cools water by
mechanically forcing air through the tower.
1096.FORCED-DRAFT FAN - A fan supplying air under
pressure to the fuel burning equipment.
1097.FORCE-FEED OILING - Lubrication system which uses
a pump to force oil to surfaces of moving parts.
1098.FORWARD CURVED FAN BLADIRING - Forward-
curved fan blading is widely used on induced-draught fans
Page 34 of 79

as there is less tendency for deposits to build up on
these blades than on other types.
1099.FOULING - Deposits of impurities, dirt or foreign
matter that clog systems or restrict flow and interfere
with heat transfer.
1100.FOULING FACTOR - The degree of interference
with heat transfer.
1101.FREEBOARD - The space provided above the
resin bed in an ion-exchange column to allow for
expansion of the bed during backwashing.
1102.FREE FLOW: Flow which encounters negligible
resistance.
1103.FREEZER - A refrigerating device designed to
lower the temperature below 0°C.
1104.FREEZER BURN - Condition applied to food which
has not been properly wrapped and that has become
hard, dry and discolored.
1105.FREEZE-UP - (1) Formation of ice in the
refrigerant control device which may stop the flow of
refrigerant into the evaporator. (2) Frost formation on
an evaporator which may stop the airflow through the
evaporator.
1106.FREEZING - Change of state from liquid to solid.
1107.FREEZING POINT - The temperature at which a
liquid becomes solid.
1108.FREON - Trade name for a family of synthetic
chemical refrigerants.
1109.FREQUENCY: The number of complete cycles per
second (hertz) existing in any form of wave motion.
1110.FRESH WATER - Water that has little or no salt
dissolved in it.
1111.FRICTION - Friction is the resistance found at the
duct and piping walls. Resistance creates a static
pressure loss in systems. The primary purpose of a
fan or pump is to produce a design volume of fluid at
a pressure equal to the frictional resistance of the
system and the other dynamic pressure losses of the
components.
1112.FRICTION HEAD - The pressure in psi or feet of
the liquid pumped which represents system
resistance that must be overcome.
1113.FRICTION PRESSURE DROP: The decrease in
the pressure of a fluid flowing through a passage
attributable to the friction between the fluid and the
passage walls.
1114.FRIGORIFIC MIXTURE - Are substances used in
laboratory methods of producing a drop in
temperature. A common example is a mixture of
snow and salt.
1115.FROST - Frozen condensation.
Engineering Dictionary
1116.FROST BACK - Condition in which liquid refrigerant
flows from evaporator into suction line; usually indicated by
sweating or frosting of the suction line.
1117.FROST CONTROL - Semiautomatic - Control which
starts defrost part of a cycle manually and then returns
system to normal operation automatically.
1118.FROST FREE REFRIGERATOR - Refrigerated cabinet
which operates with an automatic defrost during each
cycle.
1119.FROSTING TYPE EVAPORATOR - Refrigerating system
which maintains the evaporator at frosting temperatures
during all phases of cycle.
1120.FRQUENCY - The number of vibrations, waves, or
cycles of any periodic phenomenon per second. In
architectural acoustics, the interest lies in the audible
frequency range of 20 to 20000 cps Hertz (cycles per
second).
1121.FUEL KNOCK - A hammer like noise produced when
fuel is not burned properly in a cylinder.
1122.FULCRUM: The pivot point of a lever.
1123.FUEL-AIR MIXTURE - Mixture of fuel and air.
1124.FUEL-AIR RATIO - The ratio of the weight, or volume, of
fuel to air.
1125.FULL-FLOATING PISTON PIN: A piston pin free to turn
in the piston boss of the connecting rod eye.
1126.FULL-FLOW OIL FILTER: A type of oil filter through
which all engine oil passes before entering the lubrication
channels.
1127.FULL LOAD CURRENT - See Running Current.
1128.FUEL-TO-STEAM EFFICIENCY - The ratio of heat
added to boiler feedwater to produce the output steam to
the amount of energy inputted with fuel.
1129.FUMES - Solid particles commonly formed by the
condensation of vapors from normally solid materials such
as molten metals. Fumes may also be formed by
sublimation, distillation, calcination, or chemical reaction
wherever such processes create airborne particles
predominantly below one micron in size. Such solid
particles sometimes serve as condensation nuclei for water
vapor to form smog.
1130.FUNGUS - A lower form of plant life which does not
contain chlorophyll, for example, a mold.
1131.FURNACE - An enclosed space provided for the
combustion of fuel.
1132.FURNACE PRESSURE - Pressure occurring inside the
combustion chamber; positive if greater than atmospheric,
negative if less than atmospheric, and neutral if equal to
atmospheric.
1133.FURNACE VOLUME - The cubic contents of the furnace
or combustion chamber.
Page 35 of 79

1134.FUSE: A protective device inserted in series with a
circuit. It contains a metal that will melt or break
when current is increased beyond a specific value for
a definite period of time.
1135.FUSIBLE PLUG - Plug or fitting made with a metal
of a known low melting temperature. Used as safety
device to release pressures in case of fire.
G
1136.GAGE PRESSURE - : Pressure above
atmospheric pressure (Absolute pressure minus
atmospheric pressure).
1137.GALVANIC ACTION - Wasting away of two unlike
metals due to electrical current passing between
them. The action is increased in the presence of
moisture.
1138.GALVANIC CELL - Electrolytic brought about by
the difference in electric potential between two
dissimilar metals.
1139.GALVANIC COUPLE - The connection of two
dissimilar metals in an electrolyte that results in
current flow through the circuit.
1140.GALVANIZING - GALVANIZING: The process of
coating one metal with another, ordinarily applied to
the coating of iron or steel with zinc. The chief
purpose of galvanizing is to prevent corrosion (The
coating of metal with another by an electrolytic
process; for example, electrolytically zinc-coat steel
is called galvanized steel).
1141.GAS - Usually a highly superheated vapor which,
within acceptable limits of accuracy, satisfies the
perfect gas laws.
1142.GAS - Vapor phase or strata of a substance.
1143.GAS CONSTANT - The coefficient "R" in the
perfect gas equation: PV = MRT.
1144.GASKET(S): (1) A class of material that provides a
seal between two stationary parts. (2) Packing
materials by which air, water, oil, or steam tightness
is secured in such places as on doors, hatches,
cylinders, manhole covers, or in valves, between the
flanges of pipes, and so forth. Such materials as
rubber, canvas, asbestos, paper, sheet lead and
copper, soft iron, and commercial products are
extensively used.
1145.GAS LUBRICATION - A system of lubrication in
which the shape and relative motion of the sliding
surfaces cause the formation of a gas film having
sufficient pressure to separate the surfaces.
1146.GAS REFRIGERATION CYCLE - Where the
refrigerant remains in the gaseous phase throughout.
1147.GAS TURBINE - An engine in which gas , under
pressure is formed by combustion, is directed
Engineering Dictionary
against a series of turbine blades. The energy in the
expanding gas is converted into rotary motion.
1148.GAS TURBINE COMPRESSOR - a compressor
designed foe the use with gas turbine installations. This
could be centrifugal or an axial compressor.
1149.GAS VALVE - Device in a pipeline for starting, stopping
or regulating flow of gas.
1150.GAS, INERT - A gas that neither experiences nor causes
chemical reaction nor undergoes a change of state in a
system or process; e.g., nitrogen or helium mixed with a
volatile refrigerant.
1151.GASIFICATION - When a substance is converted to
become a gas.
1152.GAUGE MANIFOLD - Chamber device constructed to
hold both compound and high-pressure gauges. Valves
control flow of fluids through.
1153.GAUGE PRESSURE - The pressure above atmospheric
pressure.
1154.GAUGE VACUUM - Instrument used to measure
pressures below atmospheric pressure.
1155.GEARING: A term applied to wheels which have teeth
that mesh, engage, or gear with similar teeth or other
wheels in such manner that motion given one wheel will be
imparted to the other.
1156.GENERATOR: A machine that converts mechanical
energy into electrical energy.
1157.GLAND SEALING: Water piped to a pump casing
stuffing box to maintain a seal against air entering the
pump casing.
1158.GENERAL CORROSION - Uniform overall corrosion of
metal surfaces.
1159.GENERATING TUBE - A boiler tube used for
evaporation.
1160.GENERATOR - A machine that changes that changes
mechanical energy into electrical energy.
1161.GENERATOR STABILITY - The term used to describe
the limits within which the excitation of a generator can be
controlled in order to keep it in synchronism with other
generators on the interconnected system.
1162.GFI, GFCI - Ground fault (circuit) interrupter - a device
that senses ground faults and reacts by opening the circuit.
1163.GLAND - Devices fitted to turbines (or other machinery)
to minimise steam or air leakage where the shaft passes
through the casing.
1164.GLAND SEALING - The use of steam to seal the turbine
glands at the point where the shaft passes through the
casing.
Page 36 of 79

1165.GLAND STEAM - Steam used to prevent air from
entering the turbine cylinder between the turbine
shaft and the casing.
1166.GOVERNOR: A speed-sensitive device designed
to control or limit the speed of the engine.
1167.GOVERNOR SPEED DROOP –
1168.GRAIN - A unit of weight; 0.0648 grams; 0.000143
pounds.
1169.GRAIN BOUNDARIES - Referring to the junction
of crystallites.
1170.GRAINS OF MOISTURE - The unit of
measurement of actual moisture contained in a
sample of air. (7000 grains - one pound of water).
1171.GRAINS PER GALLON - A unit of concentration. 1
gr/gal = 17.1 mg/L.
1172.GRAM - A unit of weight; 15.432 grains; 0.0022
pounds.
1173.GRAM-MILLIQUIVALENTS - The equivalent
weight in grams, divided by 1000.
1174.GRAPHITE: A crystalline form of carbon having a
slippery feel and black color with metallic luster.
Used for a lubricant.
1175.GRAVITY - The attraction exerted by the earth’s
mass on objects at its surface.
1176.GRAVITY HEAD: A supply of fluid above the
suction level of a pump; also called “static head.”
1177.GRAVITY, SPECIFIC - Density compared to
density of standard material; reference usually to
water or to air.
1178.GREASE - A lubricant composed of an oil
thickened with a soap or other thickener to a solid or
semisolid consistency.
1179.GREASE, BLOCK - A grease that is sufficiently
hard to retain its shape in block or stick form.
1180.GREASE, SODA BASED - A grease prepared
from lubricating oil and sodium soap.
1181.GREEN LIQUOR - The liquor resulting from
dissolved molten smelt from Kraft recovery furnace in
water.
1182.GREENSAND - Naturally occurring materials,
composed primarily of complex silicates, which
possess ion-exchange properties.
1183.GRID - The Transmission System.
1184.GRINDABILITY - The measure of a coal’s
hardness. It can be indicated by the Hardgrove
Index.
Engineering Dictionary
1185.GRIT ARRESTOR - A means of extracting grit from
boiler gases before they are discharged to the chimney.
1186.GROOVING - A form of deterioration of boiler plate by a
combination of localized corrosion and stress
concentration.
1187.GROUND - Zero voltage, or any point connected to the
earth or "ground".
1188.GROUND BED - Cathodic protection, an interconnected
group of impressed-current anodes that absorbs the
damage caused by generated electric current
1189.GROUND BUS - A busbar in a panel or elsewhere,
deliberately connected to ground.
1190.GROUND COIL - Heat exchanger buried in the ground.
May be used either as an evaporator or as a condenser.
1191.GROUND CONDUCTOR - Conductor run in an electrical
system, which is deliberately connected to the ground
electrode. Purpose is to provide a ground point throughout
the system. Insulation color green. Also called "green
ground".
1192.GROUND FAULT - An unintentional connection to
ground.
1193.GROUND PLUG: A three-pronged electrical plug used to
ground portable tools to the ship’s structure. It is a safety
device which always must be checked prior to your using
portable tools.
1194.GROUT - To force sealing material into a soil, sand or
confined small space; or the sealing material used in
grouting.
1195.GUILLOTINE DAMPER / DOOR - The guillotine door or
regulating shutter above a chain grate is an adjustable
plate extending across the grate. It controls the thickness
of the fuel-bed fed on to the grate.
H
1196.HAC - Hydrogen- assist cracking.
1197.HALIDE LEAK DETECTOR - A device used to detect
vapor leaks of halogen refrigerants. It uses acetylene as its
base.
1198.HALIDE REFRIGERANTS - Family of refrigerants
containing halogen chemicals.
1199.HALIDE TORCH - Type of torch used to safely detect
halogen refrigerant leaks in system.
1200.HALOGENS - Substance containing fluorine, chlorine,
bromine and iodine.
1201.HARD WATER - Water that contains dissolved
compounds of calcium, magnesium or both.
1202.HARDENING: The treatment or heating and cooling
(quenching) of metal to harden the surface.
Page 37 of 79

1203.HARDGROVE INDEX - The measure of
grindability compared to a standard coal having a
Hardgrove Index of 100.
1204.HARDNESS - Are generally referred to the
presence of calcium and magnesium content of the
water.
1205.HARDNESS - The scale-forming and lather-
inhibiting qualities which water, high in calcium and
magnesium ions, possesses.
1206.HARDNESS CONTROL - An action designed to
remove hardness and at the same time to produce
an equivalent amount of suspended solids.
1207.HARDNESS OF CALCIUM CARBONATE - The
expression ascribed to the value obtained when the
hardness-forming salts are calculated in terms of
equivalent quantities of calcium carbonate; a
convenient method of reducing all salts to a common
basic for comparison.
1208.HEAD - Pressure, usually expressed in feet of
water, inches of mercury or millimeters of mercury.
1209.HEAD - The measure of the pressure of water
expressed in feet of height of water: 1 psi = 2.31 feet
of water.
1210.HEAD DYNAMIC OR TOTAL - In flowing fluid, the
sum of the static and velocity heads at the point of
measurement.
1211.HEAD PRESSURE - Pressure which exists in
condensing side of refrigerating system.
1212.HEAD PRESSURE CONTROL - Pressure-
operated control which opens electrical circuit if high-
side pressure becomes too high.
1213.HEAD STATIC - The static pressure of fluid
expressed in terms of the height of a column of the
fluid, or of some manometric fluid, which it would
support.
1214.HEAD VELOCITY - Height of fluid equivalent to its
velocity pressure in flowing fluid.
1215.HEADER - Length of pipe or vessel to which two
or more pipe lines are joined carries fluid from a
common source to various points of use.
1216.HEADLOSS - The loss of energy as a result of
friction; commonly expressed in feet.
1217.HEAT - : A thermal form of energy (Form of energy
which acts on substances to raise their temperature;
energy associated with random motion of
molecules).
1218.HEAT CAPACITY - The amount of heat necessary
to raise the temperature of a given mass one degree.
Numerically, the mass multiplied by the specific heat.
Engineering Dictionary
1219.HEAT CONDUCTOR - A material capable of readily
conducting heat. The opposite of an insulator or insulation.
1220.HEAT CYCLE - The cycle of events in the conversion of
heat into mechanical energy.
1221.HEAT DROP - The difference between the heat contents
of the steam at the turbine inlet and at the exhaust.
1222.HEAT ENGINE - Mechanical devices which convert heat
to work, such as the steam boiler, gas turbine, solar
energy, refrigerators, steam engines, steam turbines.
1223.HEAT EXCHANGER - Device used to transfer heat from
a warm or hot surface to a cold or cooler surface.
(Evaporators and condensers are heat exchangers.)
1224.HEAT LAG - The time it takes for heat to travel through
a substance heated on one side.
1225.HEAT LEAKAGE - Flow of heat through a substance.
1226.HEAT OF COMPRESSION - Mechanical energy of
pressure changed into energy of heat.
1227.HEAT OF CONDENSATION - The latent heat given up
by a substance as it changes from a gas to a liquid.
1228.HEAT OF FUSION - The latent heat absorbed when a
substance changes from a solid state to a liquid state.
1229.HEAT OF RESPIRATION - Process by which oxygen
and carbohydrates are assimilated by a substance; also
when carbon dioxide and water are given off by a
substance.
1230.HEAT OF VAPORIZATION - The latent heat absorbed
by a substance as it changes from a liquid to a vapor.
1231.HEAT PIPE - A refrigeration device with no moving parts,
but containing a refrigerants.
1232.HEAT PUMP - A device used to transfer heat from a low
temperature to a high temperature medium also a reversed
cycle in which work is the input and heat is rejected to a
sink at a higher temperature than the source.
1233.HEAT PUMP - A refrigerating system employed to
transfer heat into a space or substance. The condenser
provides the heat while the evaporator is arranged to pick
up heat from air, water, etc. By shifting the flow of air or
other fluid, a heat pump system may also be used to cool
the space.
1234.HEAT RELEASE RATE - Rate that describes the heat
available per square foot of heat-absorbing surface in the
furnace or per cubic foot of volume.
1235.HEAT SINK - Relatively cold surface capable of
absorbing heat.
1236.HEAT TRANSFER - Flow of heat by conduction,
convection and radiation.
1237.HEAT TRANSFER - Movement of heat from one body or
substance to another. Heat may be transferred by
Page 38 of 79

radiation, conduction, convection or a combination of
these three methods.
1238.HEAT, SENSIBLE - Heat which is associated with
a change in temperature; specific heat exchange of
temperature; in contrast to a heat interchange in
which a change of state (latent heat) occurs.
1239.HEAT, SPECIFIC- The ratio of the quantity of heat
required to raise the temperature of a given mass of
any substance one degree to the quantity required to
raise the temperature of an equal mass of a standard
substance (usually water at 59 F) one degree.
1240.HEAT, TOTAL (ENTHALPY) - The sum of sensible
heat and latent heat between an arbitrary datum
point and the temperature and state under
consideration.
1241.HEAT-EXCHANGER MATERIALS - The metals or
materials of construction of a heat exchanger.
1242.HEAT TRANSFER COEFICIENT - The property
indicating the temperature difference for a given
amount of heat to flow between a hot surface and a
gas cooring the surface.
1243.HEAT-TRANSFER MEDIUM - The fluid, often
water, which acts as the agent or medium in a heat
exchanger through which heat is exchanged from
one side to the other.
1244.HEATING COIL - Heat transfer device consisting
of a coil of piping, which releases heat.
1245.HEATING CONTROL - Device which controls
temperature of a heat transfer unit which releases
heat.
1246.HEATING SURFACE - The exposed surface of a
heating unit in a heat exchanger which is directly
exposed to the heat of the flue gases (That surface
which is exposed to the heating medium for
absorption and transfer of heat to the medium).
1247.HELICAL: A spiraling shape such as that made by
a coil spring.
1248.HELIX: The curve formed on any cylinder by a
straight line in a plane that is wrapped around the
cylinder with a forward progression.
1249.HELM: (1) The term applied to the tiller, wheel, or
steering gear, and also the rudder. (2) A mechanical
device used to turn the rudder; usually a wheel
aboard ship, or a lever (tiller) in boats.
1250.HENRY’S LAW - An expression for calculating the
solubility of a gas in a fluid based on temperature
and partial pressure.
1251.HENRY - The unit of self-inductance or mutual
inductance in the metric system. Its symbol is H.
1252.HERMETIC - Sealed so that the object is gas tight.
Engineering Dictionary
1253.HERMETIC COMPRESSOR - Compressor which has
the driving motor sealed inside the compressor housing.
The motor operates in an atmosphere of the refrigerant.
1254.HERMETIC MOTOR - Compressor drive motor sealed
within same casing which contains compressor.
1255.HERMETIC SYSTEM - Refrigeration system which has
a compressor driven by a motor contained in compressor
dome or housing.
1256.HERTZ - A unit in the metric system used to measure
frequency in cycles per second. Its symbol is Hz.
1257.HIC - Hydrogen-induced cracking. (Same as hydrogen
embrittlement)
1258.HIDDEN DEMAND CHARGE - Electric bill charges that
are based on cents per kWh per kW demand contain a
hidden demand charge. A low load factor for a building
then penalizes the energy user through this "hidden"
charge.
1259.HIDE-OUT - Is the accumulation of chemicals on
surfaces, in crevices or in deposits within the system
during normal operation.
1260.HIGH LIMIT CONTROL - A device which normally
monitors the condition of the controlled medium and
interrupts system operation if the monitored condition be
comes excessive, for example a high level of fluid in a
storage tank.
1261.HIGH SIDE - Parts of the refrigerating system subjected
to condenser pressure or higher; the system from the
compression side of the compressor through the
condenser to the expansion point of the evaporator.
1262.HIGH-PRESSURE CUT-OUT - Electrical control switch
operated by the high-side pressure which automatically
opens electrical circuit if too high pressure is reached.
1263.HIGH-SIDE FLOAT - Refrigerant control mechanism
which controls the level of the liquid refrigerant in the high-
pressure side of mechanism.
1264.HIGH-VACUUM PUMP - Mechanism which can create a
vacuum in the 1000 to 1 micron range.HOT DECK - The
heating section of a multizone system.
1265.HOGGING - Bending of a turbine or other shaft upwards
above its centre line.
1266.HORSEPOWER (hp): A unit for measuring the power of
motors or engines, equal to a rate of 33,000 foot-pounds
per minute. The force required to raise 33,000 pounds at
the rate of 1 foot per minute.
1267.HOT GAS BYPASS - Piping system in refrigerating unit
which moves hot refrigerant gas from condenser into low-
pressure side.
1268.HOT GAS DEFROST - Defrosting system in which hot
refrigerant gas from the high side is directed through
evaporator for short period of time and at predetermined
intervals in order to remove frost from evaporator.
Page 39 of 79

1269.HOT JUNCTION - That part of thermoelectric
circuit which releases heat.
1270.HOT PROCESS - A water treatment process,
when the water is heated above the room
temperature.
1271.HOT PROCESS PHOSPHATE SOFTENING - A
process whereby the calcium and magnesium salts
containing, constituting the hardness of water, are
chemically precipitated and removed with phosphate
in conjunction with caustic soda.
1272.HOT WELL - A tank used to receive condensate
from various sources on its passage back to the
boiler through a feedwater system.
1273.HOT-WATER HEATING BOILER - A boiler in
which no steam is generated and from which hot
water is circulated for heating purposes and then
returned to the boiler.
1274.HOT-WATER RE-CIRCULATING SYSTEM - A
heating system using water as a heat-transfer
medium through a heat exchanger or boiler to
terminal heating unit.
1275.HSC - Hydrogen stress cracking.HSCC -
Hydrogen- assisted stress-corrosion cracking.
1276.HUMIDIFIER - A device to add moisture to air.
1277.HUMIDIFYING - Adding of moisture to the air.
1278.HUMIDIFYING EFFECT - The latent heat of
vaporization of water at the average evaporating
temperature times the weight of water evaporated
per unit of time.
1279.HUMIDISTAT - A regulatory device, actuated by
changes in humidity, used for the automatic control
of relative humidity.
1280.HUMIDITY - Dampness of air.
1281.HUMIDITY RATIO - The ratio of the mass of the
water vapor to the mass of dry air contained in the
sample.
1282.HUMIDITY, ABSOLUTE - The weight of water
vapor per unit volume.
1283.HUMIDITY, PERCENTAGE - The ratio of the
specific humidity.
1284.HUMIDITY, RELATIVE - The ratio of the mol
fraction of water vapor present in the air, to the mol
fraction of water vapor present in saturated air at the
same temperature and barometric pressure;
approximately, it equals the ratio of the partial
pressure or density of the water vapor in the air, to
the saturation pressure or density, respectively, of
water vapor at the same temperature.
1285.HUNTING - A rhythmic variation of speed that can
be eliminated by blocking the fuel supply manually or
Engineering Dictionary
with load limit. The speed variation will reappear when the
engine is returned to governor control (A surge of engine
speed to higher number of revolutions per minute, followed
by a drop to normal engines speed without manual
movement of the trottle. Is often caused by a faulty or
improperly adjusted governor).
1286.HVAC - Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning.
1287.HVAC BOILER - Boiler for heating or air conditioning
(Absorption Refrigeration)
1288.HVAC EQUIPMENT - Apparatus or equipment used in
heating, ventilating, and air conditioning.
1289.HYDRATION - Absorption of water by a mineral that
results in a change in the nature of the mineral.
1290.HYDRAULIC CLASIFICATION - The rearrangement of
resin particles in an ion-exchange unit. As the backwash
water flows up through the resin bed, the particles are
placed in a mobile condition wherein the larger particles
settle and the smaller particles rise to the top of the bed.
1291.HYDRAULIC COUPLING - A fluid connection between a
prime mover and the machine it drives. It uses the action of
liquid moving against blades to drive the machine.
1292.HYDRAULIC HEAD - The force exerted by a column of
liquid expressed by the height of the liquid above the point
at which the pressure is measured. Although head refers to
a distance or height, it is used to express pressure, since
the force of the liquid column is directly proportional to its
height. Also called head or hydrostatic head.
1293.HYDROCARBONS - Organic compounds containing
only hydrogen and carbon atoms in various combinations.
1294.HYDRAZINE - A chemical now largely taking the place
of sodium sulphite used for removal of oxygen from feed
and boiler waters.
1295.HYDROGEN COOLED GENERATOR –The generator
stator winding is cooled with Hydrogen.
1296.HYDROGEN CYCLE - A complete course of cation-
exchange operation in which the adsorbent is employed in
the hydrogen or free acid form.
1297.HYDROGEN DAMAGE - A type of corrosion occurring
beneath a relative dense deposit. This type of damage can
only occur if hydrogen was present in the metal. Failure
takes place at thick edges in the form of fracture, rather
then thinning. Hydrogen produces the corrosion reaction,
moving into underlying metal, causing decarburization and
intergranular fissuring of the structure. Damages usually
result in larger pieces of metal being blown away, rather
then just bursting.
1298.HYDROGEN INDUCED CRACKING - Caused by the
introduction of hydrogen during the welding process.
1299.HYDROGEN ION - A portion of the molecule of water
containing one atom of hydrogen which has a positive
electric charge.
Page 40 of 79

1300.HYDROGEN-ION CONCENTRATION - The
degree or quantity of hydrogen ions in a water
solution.
1301.HYDROGEN SEAL - Oil seals fitted at the ends of
the shaft of a hydrogen-cooled alternator to prevent
the escape of hydrogen.
1302.HYDROLOGIC CYCLE - The cycle of water from
evaporation through condensation to precipitation.
1303.HYDROLYSIS - A chemical reaction between a
mineral and water that results in dissolution of the
mineral.
1304.HYDROMETER - Floating instrument used to
measure specific gravity of a liquid.
1305.HYDRONIC SYSTEM - A re-circulating water
system used for heating and/or comfort cooling.
1306.HYDROPHILIC - Having an affinity for water.
1307.HYDROSTATIC: Static (nonmoving) pres-sure
generated by pressurizing liquid.
1308.HYDROSTATIC PRESURE - The pressure at any
point in a liquid at rest; equal to the depth of the
liquid multiplied by its density.
1309.HYDROSTATIC TEST: A test using pressurized
water to detect leaks in a closed system.
1310.HYDROXYL - The term used to describe the
anionic radical (OH-) which is responsible for the
alkalinity of a solution.
1311.HYGROMETER - Instrument used to measure
degree of moisture in the atmosphere.
1312.HYGROSCOPIC - Ability of a substance to absorb
and release moisture and change physical
dimensions as its moisture content changes.
I 1329.INDICATOR
1313.ICE CREAM CABINET - Commercial refrigerator
which operates at approximately -18°C; used for
storage of ice cream.
1314.IGNITION, COMPRESSION: When the heat
generated by compression in an internal-combustion
engine ignites the fuel (as in a diesel engine).
1315.IGNITION, SPARK: When the mixture of air and
fuel in an internal-combustion engine is ignited by an
electric spark (as in a gasoline engine).
1316.IGNITION TEMPERATURE - Lowest temperature
of a fuel at which combustion becomes self-
sustaining.
1317.IGNITION QUALITY - The ability of a fuel to ignite
when it is injected into the compressed-air charge in
a diesel cylinder. It is measured by an index called
the cetane number.
Engineering Dictionary
1318.IMMISCIBLE - Not capable of mixing (as oil and water).
1319.IMPEDANCE (Z) - The total opposition offered to the
flow of an alternating current. It may consist of any
combination of resistance, inductive reactance, and
capacitive reactance (The quantity in an AC circuit that is
equivalent to resistance in a DC circuit, inasmuch as it
relates current and voltage. It is composed of resistance
plus a purely AC concept called reactance and is
expressed, like resistance, in ohms).
1320.IMPELLER - A rotating set of vanes designed to impart
rotation to a mass of fluid.
1321.IMPINGEMENT - High-velocity flow of water or gas over
a metal surface, causing premature failure by abrasion.
1322.IMPULSE LINES: Piping that connects a sensing
element to the point at which it is desired to sense
pressure, flow, temperature, etc.
1323.IMPULSE PRINCIPLE –
1324.IMPULSE TYPE TURBINE - A machine in which steam
is expanded in fixed blades or nozzles and, by its change
of direction, does work by giving an impulse to the moving
blades.
1325.INCONDENSABLE GASES - Gases such as carbon
dioxide which, like air, will not condense into a liquid at
normal temperatures and pressures.
1326.INDICATED HORSEPOWER (ihp): The power
transmitted to the pistons by the gas in the cylinders.
1327.INDICATED THERMAL EFFICIENCY: The ratio of
indicated horsepower to equivalent power input in the form
of heat from fuel.
1328.INDICATOR: An instrument for recording the variation of
cylinder pressure during the cycle.
CARD: A graphical record of the cylinder
pressures made by an indicator.
1330.INDIRECT DRIVE: A drive mechanism coupled to the
driven member by gears or belts.
1331.INDUCTANCE - The process when a second conductor
is placed next to a conductor carrying AC current (but not
touching it), the ever-changing magnetic field will induce a
current in the second conductor.
1332.INDUCED DRAUGHT - The draught it developed by a
fan drawing the gases through the boiler and discharging
to the chimney.
1333.INDUCTANCE - An effect occurring in a coil or winding
which when alternating current flows in the coil, increases
the voltage above that which is needed to pass a direct
current of a similar value through the coil.
1334.INDUCTION - The capture of part of the ambient air by
the jet action of the primary air stream discharging from a
controlled device.
Page 41 of 79

1335.INDUCTION HEATING - Heating by combined
electrical resistance and hysteresis losses induced
by subjecting a metal to varying magnetic field
surrounding a coil carrying alternating current.
1336.INDUCTIVE LOADS - Loads whose voltage and
current are out-of-phase. True power consumption
for inductive loads is calculated by multiplying its
voltage, current, and the power factor of the load.
1337.INDUCTOR - INDUCTION: The act or process of
pro-ducing voltages by the relative motion of a
magnetic field across a conductor (A fundamental
element of electrical systems constructed of
numerous turns of wire around a ferromagnetic or air
core).
1338.INERT GAS - A gas that does not readily enter into
or cause chemical reactions.
1339.INFILTRATION - Air flowing inward as through a
wall, crack, etc.
1340.INFLUENT - The solution which enters an ion-
exchange unit.
1341.INHIBITOR - Any substance which retards or
prevents such chemical reactions as corrosion or
oxidation (An additive used to retard undesirable
chemical action in a product. It is added in small
quantities to gasoline’s to prevent oxidation and gum
formation, to lubricating oils to stop color change,
and to corrosive environments to decrease corrosive
action)
1342.INJECTION NOZZLE: A device which protrudes
into the combustion chamber and delivers fuel to the
cylinder.
1343.INJECTION SYSTEM: A system designed to
deliver fuel to the cylinder at the proper time and in
the proper quantity under various engine loads and
speeds.
1344.IN-LINE ENGINE: An engine in which the cylinders
are arranged in one straight line.
1345.INORGANIC MATERIAL - Are substances not
derived from living things.
1346.IN PHASE: Applied to the condition that exists
when two waves of the same frequency pass through
their maximum and minimum values of like polarity at
the same instant.
1347.INPUT SIGNAL: A pressure or flow of fluid that is
directed into an input port to control an element or
logic function.
1348.INRUSH CURRENT - The current that flows the
instant after the switch controlling current flow to a
load is closed. Also called "locked rotor current".
1349.INSTANTANEOUS RATE - Method for determining
when load shedding should occur. Actual energy
usage is measured and compared to a present
Engineering Dictionary
kilowatt level. If the actual kilowatt level exceeds a
designated set point, loads will be shed until the actual rate
drops below the set point.
1350.INSULATION - A material of low thermal conductivity
used to reduce heat losses.
1351.INSULATION, THERMAL - Material which is a poor
conductor of heat; used to retard or slow down flow of heat
through wall or partition.
1352.INSULATOR - A material of such low electrical
conductivity that a flow of current through it can usually be
neglected. Similarly, a material of low thermal conductivity,
such as that used to insulate structures.
1353.INTAKE SYSTEM: Combination of components
designed to supply air required for combustion.
1354.INTEGRAL: Essential to completeness, as an integral
part. (The valve stem is an integral part of the valve.)
1355.INTEGRAL BLOWER - A blower built as an integral part
of a device to supply air thereto.
1356.INTEGRAL-BLOWER BURNER - A burner of which the
blower is an integral part.
1357.INTERCOOLED CYCLE - Refers to a gas turbine
employing two compressors. The compressed air from the
first compressor is cooled before being discharged to
second compressor.
1358.INTERCOOLING - Removal of heat from compressed
gas between the compression stages.
1359.INTERGRANULAR CRACKING - Cracking or fracturing
that occurs between the grains or crystal in a
polycrystalline aggregate. Also called intercrystalline
cracking. Contrast with transgranular cracking.
1360.INTERMITTENT BLOWDOWN - The blowdown is taken
from the mud drum, waterwall headers or the lowest point
of circulation.
1361.INTERSTAGE DIFFERENTIAL - In a multistage HVAC
system, the change in temperature at the thermostat
needed to turn additional heating or cooling equipment on.
1362.ION - An atom or radical in solution carrying an integral
electric charge, either positive (cation) or negative (anion).
1363.ION EXCHANGE - A reversible process by which ions
are interchanged between solids and a liquid.
1364.ION EXCHANGE RESIN - Cross linked polymers that
form salts within ions from aqueous solutions.
1365.IONIC STRENGTH - A measure of strength of a solution
based on both the concentrations and valences of the ions
present.
1366.IONIZATION - The process of separation of a molecule
into its electrically charged atoms or parts.
1367.IRON - A metallic element found as an impurity in water
in very small amounts. Also a metal which is widely used in
Page 42 of 79

the construction of HVAC and plumbing equipment;
the major component of steel.
1368.IRON BACTERIA - Are filementous organisms
encountered in iron-bearing water.
1369.IRON LOSS - The electrical loss in the iron core
when subjected to an alternating magnetic field.
1370.ISENTROPIC PROCESS - A process carried out
reversibly without energy interchange as heat. Also a
processes carried out with no entropy change.
1371.ISOBARIC OR ISOPIESTIC PROCESS - A
process carried out at constant pressure.
1372.ISOCHORIC PROCESS OR ISOMETRIC- A
process during which the specific volume remains
constant.
1373.ISOLATOR - A device for making or breaking a
circuit only when it is dead.’ The contacts may work
in oil or in air.
1374.ISOMETRIC PROCESS - A process carried out at
constant volume.
1375.ISOTHERMAL - Changes of volume or pressure
under conditions of constant temperature.
1376.ISOTHERMAL EXPANSION AND
CONTRACTION - Action which takes place without a
temperature change.
J of measurement equals the Celsius degree and according
1377.JACKBOX: A receptacle, usually secured to a
bulkhead, in which telephone jacks are mounted.
1378.JACKET: An outer case such as a water jacket or
an insulative covering.
1379.JACKET WATER: Water used as a coolant in the
cooling system of an engine (usually chemically
treated distilled water).
1380.JACKING: Mechanically rotating an engine or
reduction gear at very low speed.
1381.JACKING OIL PUMP – A pump used for supplying
small quantities of high-pressure oil for lifting turbine
shafts off their bearings and maintaining an oil film
when low-speed barring is in progress.
1382.JAM NUT: A second nut used on a bolt or stud to
lock the holding nut. See LOCK NUT.
1383.JET COMPRESSOR - A device employing a
ventury tube so that a high pressure stream flowing
through the nozzle creates a lower pressure or a
vacuum into which the gas to be compressed flows.
The gas is discharged from the nozzle with the
expanded high-pressure medium.
1384.JET CONDENSER - A condenser where cooling is
achieved by mixing the steam with a spray of water.
Engineering Dictionary
1385.JOB ORDER: An order issued by a repair activity to its
own subdivision to perform a repair job in response to a
work request.
1386.JOULE - English Scientist James Prescott Joule (1818 -
1889)
1387.JOULE - The unit used to measure heat, work, and
energy in the metric system. Its symbol is J. It is the
amount of energy required to move an object of 1 kg mass
to a height of 1 m. Also called a newton-metre.
1388.JOULE-THOMSON EFFECT - The change in gas
temperature which occurs when the gas is expanded
adiabatically from a higher pressure to a lower pressure.
The effect for most gases, except hydrogen and helium, is
a cooling of the gas.
1389.JOURNAL - The portion of a shaft running in a bearing
(That part of a shaft or axle that rotates relative to a radial
bearing).
1390.JUMPER: Any connecting pipe, hose, or wire normally
used in emergencies aboard ship to bypass damaged
sections of a pipe, hose, or wire. See BYPASS.
K
1391.KATA THERMOMETER - Large-bulb alcohol
thermometer used to measure air speed or atmospheric
conditions by means of cooling effect.
1392.KELVIN SCALE (K) - Thermometer scale on which unit
to which absolute zero is 0 degree, the equivalent of
-273.16°C. Water freezes at 273.16 K. and boils at 373.16
K. The relationship - TK = TC + 273.16
1393.KENOTOMETER - An instrument in common use In
power stations for measuring condenser back-pressure in
inches of mercury.
1394.KEROSINE - a light, hydrocarbon fuel or solvent.
1395.KILO CALORIE - This is the amount of heat (energy)
necessary to raise the temperature of 1 kg of water 1°C.
(Kilo calorie = kcal)
1396.KILO CALORIE - This is the amount of heat (energy)
necessary to raise the temperature of 1 kg of water 1°C.
(Kilo calorie = kcal)
1397.KILOGRAIN - A unit of weight; 1000 grains.
1398.KILOVOLT AMPERE - Product of the voltage times the
current. Different from kilowatts because of inductive loads
in an electrical system. Abbreviated: kVA kilo watts is equal
to KVA times power factor. Kilowatt: 1000 watts.
Abbreviated: kW.
1399.KILOWATT - A metric unit of power equal to
approximately 1.34 horsepower.
1400.KILOWATT-HOUR - A measure of electrical energy
consumption. 1000 watts being consumed per hour.
Abbreviated: kWh.
Page 43 of 79

1401.KINETIC ENERGY - The ability of an object to do
work by virtue of its motion. (Water moving in a pipe
has kinetic energy.) The energy terms that are
usually used to describe the operation of a pump are
"pressure" and "head". In classical mechanics, equal
to one half of the body’s mass times the square of its
speed.
1402.KINETIC FRICTION - Friction between two bodies
when motion exists.
1403.KING VALVE - Liquid receiver (refrigeration only)
service valve.
1404.KIRCHOFF’S SECOND LAW - The law stating
that, at each instant of time the increase of voltage
around a close loop in a network is equal to the
algebraic sum of the voltage drop.
1405.KNOCK - In a spark ignition engine, uneven
burning of the fuel/air charge that causes violent,
explosive combustion and an audible metallic
hammering noise. Knock results from premature
ignition of the last part of the charge to burn.
1406.KRAFT PROCESS - A wood-pulping process in
which sodium sulfate is used in the caustic soda
pulp-digestion liquor. Also called Kraft pulping or
sulfate pulping.
1407.kW DEMAND - The maximum rate of electric
power usage required to operate a facility during a
period of time, usually a month or billing period.
Often called "demand".
1408.kWh CONSUMPTION - The amount of electric
energy used over a period of time; the number of
kWh used per month. Often called "consumption".
L detect leaks.
1409.LABYRINTH PACKING / SEAL: A soft metal ring
or rings arranged inside a casing throat in such a
manner that the inside diametrical edges will form a
series of seals along the surface of the rotating shaft.
The edges fit either close to the surface of the shaft
or in grooves machined in the shaft.
1410.LAG - A delay in the effect of a changed condition
at one point in the system, on some other condition
to which it is related. Also, the delay in action of the
sensing element of a control, due to the time
required for the sensing element to reach equilibrium
with the property being controlled; i.e., temperature
lag, flow lag, etc.
1411.LAMBERT SEAL: The hydraulic equivalent of
labyrinth packing.
1412.LAMINAR FLOW - A non-turbulent flow regime in
which the stream filaments glide along the pipe
axially with essentially no transverse mixing.
1413.LANGELIER SATURATION INDEX - An index (SI)
based upon the pH of saturation of calcium
carbonate; used to determine the tendencies of a
Engineering Dictionary
water supply toward corrosion or scaling. A positive index
indicates scaling tendencies; a negative one means
corrosion tendencies. (Langlier Index = pH - pHs, where pH
= actual pH of water and pHs = pH at which water having
the same alkalinity and calcium content is just saturated
with calcium carbonate.
1414.LATENT HEAT - Change of enthalpy during a change of
state, usually expressed in Btu per lb. With pure
substances, latent heat is absorbed or rejected at constant
pressure.
1415.LATENT HEAT - Heat energy absorbed in process of
changing form of substance (melting, vaporization, fusion)
without change in temperature or pressure.
1416.LATENT HEAT OF CONDENSATION - Amount of heat
released (lost) by a pound of a substance to change its
state from a vapor (gas) to a liquid.
1417.LATENT HEAT OF FUSION - The heat required to
change 1.0 kg of a substance from the solid to the liquid
state.
1418.LATENT HEAT OF VAPORIZATION - The energy
required to produce saturated vapor from saturated liquid
at constant pressure per unit mass of fluid.
1419.LAW OF PARTIAL PRESSURE, DALTON’S - Each
constituent of a mixture of gases behaves
thermodynamically as if it alone occupied the space. The
sum of the individual pressures of the constituents equals
the total pressure of the mixture.
1420.LEADING EDGE - Refers to the point where the steam
enters the blade of an impulse turbine.
1421.LEAK DETECTOR - Device or instrument such as a
halide torch, an electronic sniffer; or soap solution used to
1422.LEAKAGE - In water treatment, it refers to the passing
of impure steam or boiler water through the drum internals.
1423.LEAKAGE - In water treatment, the phenomenon in
which some of the influent ions are not adsorbed and
appear in the effluent when a solution is passed through an
under regenerated exchange resin bed.
1424.LEAVING LOSS - The loss of energy in the velocity of
the exhaust steam.
1425.LIFE STEAM –
1426.LIFT CHECK VALVE - A valve having a guide-mounted,
spring-loaded disk wherein liquid exerting pressure on the
bottom of the disk will lift the disk and pass through.
Pressure against the top of the disk shuts the disk and
ensures only one direction of flow.
1427.LIGHT CRUDE OIL - A crude oil of relatively high API
gravity (usually 40°C degrees or higher).
Page 44 of 79

1428.LIGHT EMITTING DIODE - A low current and
voltage light used as an indicator on load
management equipment. Abbreviated: LED.
1429.LIME - A common water treatment chemical.
1430.LIME BASE GREASE - A grease with water-
resistant properties: used for lubrication under wet or
moist operating conditions.
1431.LIME-SODA SOFTENING - A process by which
the calcium and magnesium salts, constituting the
harness content of a water, are chemically
precipitated and removed.
1432.LIMIT CONTROL - A switching device that
completes or breaks an electrical circuit at
predetermined pressures or temperatures. Also
known as an interlock. See interlock.
1433.LINING - The material used on the furnace side of
a furnace wall. It is usually of high grade refractory
tile or brick or plastic refractory material.
1434.LINE VOLTAGE - In the control industry, the
normal electric supply voltages, which are usually
120 or 240 volts.
1435.LIQUEFACTION - The change of state from a gas
to a liquid. (The term liquefaction is usually used
instead of condensation when referring to
substances which are in a gaseous state at ordinary
pressures and temperatures.)
1436.LIQUID - Substance whose molecules move freely
among themselves, but do not tend to separate like
those of gases.
1437.LIQUID ABSORBENT - Chemical in liquid form
which has the property to "take on" or absorb other
fluids. Glycol is such a liquid and widely use in the
petroleum chemical industry
1438.LIQUID IMPINGEMENT - Material removal due to
action of an impingement stream of a fluid.
1439.LIQUID INDICATOR - Device located in liquid line
which provides a glass window through which liquid
flow may be watched.
1440.LIQUID LINE - Tube which carries liquid
refrigerant from the condenser or liquid receiver to
the refrigerant control mechanism.
1441.LIQUID LINE CHARGING VALVE - The line used
for charging from the high side of the refrigeration
system.
1442.LIQUID NITROGEN - Nitrogen in liquid form which
is used as a low temperature refrigerant in
expendable or chemical refrigerating systems.
1443.LIQUID PENETRANT INSPECTION - A type of
nondestructive inspection that locates discontinuities
that are open to the surface of a metal by first
allowing a penetrating dye or fluorescent liquid to
Engineering Dictionary
infiltrate the discontinuity, removing the excess penetrant,
and then applying a developing agent that causes the
penetrant to seep back out of the discontinuity and register
as an indication.
1444.LIQUID RECEIVER - Cylinder (container) connected to
condenser outlet for storage of liquid refrigerant in a
system.
1445.LIQUID RECEIVER SERVICE VALVE - Two or three-
way manual valve located at the outlet of the receiver and
used for installation and service purposes. It is sometimes
called the king valve.
1446.LIQUID-VAPOR VALVE REFRIGERANT CYLINDER -
Dual hand valve on refrigerant cylinders, which is used to
release either gas or liquid refrigerant from the cylinder.
1447.LIQUOR - Solution used in absorption refrigeration.
1448.LITHIUM BROMIDE - A chemical used in combination
with water in absorption cooling systems.
1449.LOAD - The amount of heat per unit time imposed on a
refrigeration system or the required rate of heat removal.
1450.LOAD (AIR CONDITIONING) - The amount of heat per
unit time imposed on a refrigeration system or the required
rate of heat removal.
1451.LOAD FACTOR - The ratio of the average load in a
given period to the maximum load carried during that
period.
1452.LOAD SHEDDING - Load on the system is shed if
insufficient generating plant is available to meet the
demand for current.
1453.LOAD SUPPRESSION - Automatic equipment for
reducing the load on a turbine should the condenser
vacuum fall to a predetermined level.
1454.LOAD TURBINE (GAS) - Is the turbine which is directly
coupled to the load, which can only be the case with a
multishaft gas turbine arrangement.
1455.LOCK NUT: (1) A thin nut that is turned down over the
regular nut on a bolt to lock the regular nut against turning
off. (2) A thin nut placed on a pipe to hold packing at a joint
or used on both sides of a bulkhead through which a pipe
passes to secure tightness.
1456.LOCKED ROTOR CURRENT - See "Inrush Current".
1457.LOG MEAN TEMPERATURE DIFFERENCE (LMTD) -
The mathematically derived temperature-difference
between the two fluids of a heat-exchanger, such that if the
whole of the surface had this temperature-difference
between the two fluids, the rate of heat-transfer would
remain unaltered.
1458.LONGITUDINAL SEAM - A riveted or welded seam
along the longitudinal axis of a boiler shell or drum.
1459.LOW SIDE - The refrigerating system from the
expansion point to the point where the refrigerant vapor is
Page 45 of 79
 Engineering Dictionary

compressed; where the system is at or below properties of the surfaces and by the properties of the
evaporated pressure. lubricant other than bulk viscosity.

1460.LOW TEMPERATURE CUTOUT, 1477.LUBRICATION, DRIP FEED - A system of lubrication in

REFRIGERATON - A pressure or temperature
actuated device with sensing element in the
evaporator, which will shut the system down at its
control setting to prevent freezing chilled water or to
prevent coil frosting. Direct expansion equipment
may not use this device.
which the lubricant is supplied to the bearing surface in the
form of drops at regular intervals.
1478.LUBRICATION, DRY FILM - Lubrication that involves
the application of a thin film of solid lubricant to the surface
or surfaces to be lubricated.

1461.LOW VOLTAGE - In the control industry, a power
supply of 25 volts or less.
1462.LOW WATER CUTOFF - Safety device that shuts
off the boiler/burner in the event of low water,
preventing pressure vessel failure.
1463.LOW-SIDE FLOAT VALVE - Refrigerant control
valve operated by level of liquid refrigerant in low-
pressure side of system.
1464.LOW-SIDE PRESSURE - Pressure in cooling side
of refrigerating cycle.
1465.LOW-SIDE PRESSURE CONTROL - Device used
to keep low side evaporating pressure from dropping
below certain pressure.
1466.LOOP SEAL: A vertical U-bend in drain piping in
which a water level is maintained to create an airtight
seal.
1467.LUBE OIL PURIFIER: A unit that removes water
and sediment from lubricating oil by centrifugal force.
1479.LUBRICATION, FLOOD - A system of lubrication in
which the lubricant is supplied in a continuos stream at low
pressure and subsequently drains away.
1480.LUBRICATION, FULL FILM - A type of lubrication
wherein the solid surfaces are separated completely by an
elstohydrodynamic fluid film.
1481.LUBRICATION, MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC -
Hydrodynamic lubrication in which a significant force
contribution arises from electromagnetic interaction.
1482.LUBRICATION, MELT - Lubrication provided by steady
melting of lubricating species. Also phase-change
lubrication.
1483.LUBRICATION, MIST - Lubrication by an oil mist
produced by injecting oil into a gas stream.
1484.LUBRICATION, OIL FOG - (see mist lubrication).
1485.LUBRICATION, OIL RING - A system of lubrication for
horizontal shafts. A ring of larger diameter rotates with the
shaft and collects oils from a container beneath.

1468.LUBRICANT - A substance - usually petroleum 1486.LUBRICATION, PAD - A system of lubrication in which

based, that is used to reduce friction between two the lubricant is delivered to a bearing surface by a pad of
moving parts. felt or similar material.

1469.LUBRICANT, BONDED FILM - (see lubricant, 1487.LUBRICATION, PRESSURIZED GAS - A system of

bonded solid). lubrication in which a gaseous lubricant is supplied under
sufficient external pressure to separate the opposing
1470.LUBRICANT, BONDED SOLID - A solid lubricant surfaces by a gas film.
dispersed in a continuous matrix of a binder or
attached to a surface by an adhesive material. 1488.LUBRICATION, SOLID-FILM - Lubrication by
application of a solid lubricant.
1471.LUBRICANT, CHLORINATED - A lubricant
containing a chlorine compound that reacts with a 1489.LUBRICATION, SPLASH - A system of lubrication in
rubbing surface at elevated temperatures to protect it which the lubricant is splashed onto the moving parts.
from sliding damage, (see extreme pressure
lubricant). 1490.LUBRICATION, THICK FILM - (also known as flood
lubrication).
1472.LUBRICANT, SYNTHETIC - A lubricant produced
by synthesis rather than by extraction or refinement. 1491.LUBRICATION, THIN FILM - (also known as boundary
lubrication).
1473.LUBRICATION, AERODYNAMIC - (see gas
lubrication). 1492.LUBRICATION, VAPOR-PHASE - A type of lubrication
in which one or more gaseous reactants are supplied to
1474.LUBRICATION, AEROSTATICS - (see the vicinity of the surface to be lubricated and which
pressurized gas lubrication). subsequently react to form a lubricious deposit on that
surface.
1475.LUBRICATION, BATH - (see lubrication, flood).
1493.LUBRICATION, WASTE - A system of lubrication in
1476.LUBRICATION, BOUNDARY - A condition of which the lubricant is delivered to a bearing surface by
lubrication in which the friction and wear between cloth waste or yarn.
two surfaces in relative motion are determined by the

Page 46 of 79

1494.LUBRICATION, WICK - A system of lubrication in
which the lubricant is delivered to a bearing surface
by means of a wick.
1495.LUBRICITY - The ability of a lubricant to reduce
wear and friction, other than by its pure viscous
properties.
1496.LUG: An earlike projection that is frequently split,
such as the clamping lug on the tailstock of a lathe.
M 1513.MANOMETER - A device to measure small to moderate
1497.MACHINABILITY: The ease with which a metal
may be turned, planed, milled, or other-wise shaped.
1498.MACHINE FINISH: Operation of turning or cutting
an amount of stock from the surface of metal to
produce a finished surface.
1499.MAGNESIUM - A scale forming element found in
some boiler feed water.
1500.MAGNETIC FIELD - The region within which a
body or current experiences magnetic force.
1501.MAGNETIC FLUX - The rate of flow of magnetic
energy across or through a surface.
1502.MAGNETIC IRON OXIDE (Fe3O2) - Partially
oxidized iron.
1503.MAGNETIC PARTICLE INSPECTION - A
nondestructive method of inspection for determining
the extent of surface cracks and similar imperfection
in ferromagnetic materials.
1504.MAGNETIC POLE -The area on a magnetized
part at which the magnetic field leaves or enters the
part. It is the point of maximum attraction in a
magnet.
1505.MAGNETIC REFRIGERATION - Where very low
temperatures are obtained by using paramagnetic
salts with magnets.
1506.MAGNETIC SEPERATOR - A magnetic device
incorporated In a conveyor system to attract and
remove any tramp iron in the coal.
1507.MAGNETO: A generator that produces alternating
current and has a permanent magnet as its field.
1508.MAKEUP WATER - Water fed to a system to
replace that which is lost - for example, water fed to
a boiler to replace that lost as steam or condensate;
water fed to a cooling tower to replace that lost by
evaporation, drift, or other causes.
1509.MALLEABILITY - That property of a material,
which enables it to be stamped, hammered, or rolled
into thin sheets (The characteristic of metals that
permits plastic deformation in compression without
fracture).
Engineering Dictionary
1510.MANGANESE - A metallic element occasionally found in
very small amounts as an impurity in well-water supplies.
1511.MANIFOLD, SERVICE - Chamber equipped with gauges
and manual valves, used by service technicians to service
refrigerating systems.
1512.MANIFOLDING - A method of circulating the refrigerant
through separate rows of tubes and mostly used with
direct-expansion or dry evaporators.
pressure differentials. Device is general constructed from
glass or plastic tubes filled with water, oil, alcohol or other
suitable fluids.
1514.MANOMETER - An instrument for measuring pressures:
especially a U-tube partially filled with a liquid, usually
water, mercury, or a light oil, so constructed that the
amount of displacement of the liquid indicates the pressure
being exerted on the instrument.
1515.MANUAL FROST CONTROL - Manual control used to
change operation of refrigerating system to produce
defrosting conditions.
1516.MANUAL GAS SHUTOFF VALVE - A manually operated
valve in a gas line for the purpose of completely turning on
or shutting off the gas supply.
1517.MANUFACTURED GAS - Fuel gas manufactured from
coal, oil, etc., as differentiated from natural gas.
1518.MASS - The quantity of matter in a body as measured
by the ratio of the force required to produce a given
acceleration, to the acceleration.
1519.MASTER (CENTRAL) CONTROL - Control of all outlets
from one point.
1520.MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE WORKING PRESSURE - The
maximum gauge pressure permissible in a completed
boiler. The MAWP of the completed boiler shall be less
than or equal to the lowest design pressure determined for
any of its parts. This pressure is based upon either proof
tests or calculations for every pressure part of the boiler
using nominal thickness exclusive of allowances for
corrosion and thickness required for loadings other than
pressure. It is the basis for the pressure setting of the
pressure relieving devices protecting the boiler.
1521.MAXIMUM CONTINUOUS LOAD - The maximum load
which can be maintained for a specified period.
1522.MAXIMUM INSTANTANEOUS DEMAND - The sudden
load demand on a boiler beyond which an unbalanced
condition may be established in the boiler's internal flow
pattern and/or surface release conditions.
1523.MAXIMUM OPERATING PRESSURE: The highest
pressure that can exist in a system or subsystem under
normal operating conditions.
1524.MAXIMUM SYSTEM PRESSURE: The highest pressure
that can exist in a system or sub-system during any
condition.
Page 47 of 79

1525.MCM - Thousand circular mill used to describe
large wire sizes.
1526.MEAN EFFECTIVE PRESSURE (MEP): The
calculated combustion in pounds per square inch
(average) during the power stroke, minus the pounds
per square inch (average) of the remaining three
strokes.
1527.MEAN INDICATED PRESSURE (MIP): The net
mean gas pressure acting on the piston to produce
work.
1528.MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE (MA): The
advantage (leverage) gained by the use of devices,
such as wheels, to open large valves and chain falls;
blocks and tackles to lift heavy weights; and
wrenches to tighten nuts on bolts.
1529.MECHANICAL ATOMIZING OIL BURNER - A
burner which uses the pressure of the oil for
atomization.
1530.MECHANICAL CLEANING: A method of cleaning
the firesides of boilers by scraping and wire brushing.
1531.MECHANICAL CYCLE: The number of piston
strokes occurring during any one series of events (for
example, 2-stroke or 4-stroke cycle).
1532.MECHANICAL DRAFT - The negative pressure
created by mechanical means.
1533.MECHANICAL DRAWING: Scale drawings of
mechanical objects. (See DRAWING.)
1534.MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY: (1) The ratio of
brake horsepower to indicted horsepower, or ratio of
brake mean effective pressure to mean indicated
pressure. (2) An engine’s rating, which indicates how
much of the potential horsepower is wasted through
friction within the moving parts of the engine.
1535.MECHANICAL GRIT ARRESTOR - A device for
removing grits from flue gases by subjecting the
gases to a high degree of swirl in a number of
cyclones.
1536.MECHANICAL SEALS - A mechanical device
used to control leakage from the stuffing box of a
pump. Mechanical seals are usually made of two flat
surfaces, one of which rotates on a shaft. The two
flat surfaces are of such tolerances as to prevent the
passage of water between them.
1537.MECHANICAL WEAR - Removal of material due
to mechanical process under conditions of sliding,
rolling, or repeated impact. Included are abrasive
wear, fatigue wear and adhesive wear, but not the
corrosive and thermal wear.
1538.MELTING POINT - For a given pressure, the
temperature at which the solid and liquid phases of
the substance are in equilibrium.
Engineering Dictionary
1539.MELTING POINT - Temperature at atmospheric
pressure at which a substance will melt.
1540.MEMBRANE - A barrier, usually thin, that permits the
passage only of particles up to a certain size or of special
nature.
1541.MEMBRANE - A thin sheet or layer.
1542.MERCAPTAN - A compound chemically similar to
alcohol, with sulfur replacing the oxygen in the chemical
structure. Many mercaptans have an offensive odor and
are used as deodorants in natural gas.
1543.METALLURGICAL FACTOR - The condition of the
metal, such as inclusions, chemical segregation’s, cold
work and others, which have an impact upon the rate of
electrochemical corrosion rates.
1544.MHO: The unit of conductance; the reciprocal of an ohm.
1545.MICA - A silicate material used with high pressure gauge
glasses on boilers.
1546.MICHELL THRUST BEARING – A bearing for locating
the axial position of a turbine rotor. A collar on the shaft
runs between pads faced with white-metal.
1547.MICRO: A prefix meaning one millionth.
1548.MICROBAR - A unit of pressure equal to 1 dyne/cm 2
(one millionth of the pressure of the atmosphere).
1549.MICROFILTRATION - A membrane filtration process,
which forces water through a porous barrier. Pores are
usually between 0.1 to 20 m m, when used for water
purification. For filtering purposes, pore sizes are .045 m
m.
1550.MICRON - A unit of length, the thousandth part of 1 mm
of the millionth of a meter.
1551.MICROMHO: Electrical unit used with salinity indicators
for measuring the conductivity of water.
1552.MICROPROCESSOr - A small computer used in load
management to analyze energy demand and consumption
such that loads are turned on and off according to a
predetermined program.
1553.MILD STEEL - A low-carbon steel of ordinary production.
1554.MILLI: A prefix meaning one-thousandth.
1555.MILL SCALE - A natural black iron oxide coating loosely
adhering to the interior of new piping or tubes.
1556.MINERAL - A naturally occurring inorganic substance
having specified chemical composition and crystalline
structure.
1557.MINIATURE BOILER - Fire pressure vessels which do
not exceed the following limits:
16 in. inside diameter of shell; 42 in., overall length to
outside of heads at center; 20 sq ft water heating surface;
or 100 psi maximum allowable working pressure.
Page 48 of 79

1558.MISCIBILITY - The ability of two liquids, not
mutually soluble, to mix.
1559.MIX BED DEMINERALIZER - Having a mixture of
cation and anion exchange resin in the same
housing.
1560.MIXED PRESSURE TURBINE -
1561.MIXTURE - A physical blend of two or more
substances.
1562.MODULATING - Type of device or control which
tends to adjust by increments (minute changes)
rather than by either "full on" or "full off" operation.
1563.MODULATING CONTROL - A mode of automatic
control in which the action of the final control element
is proportional to the deviation, from set point, of the
controlled medium.
1564.MODULATING REFRIGERATION CYCLE
Refrigerating system of variable capacity.
1565.MODULUS OF ELASTICITY (E) - The measure of
rigidity or stiffness of a material.
1566.MOISTURE INDICATOR - Instrument used to
measure moisture content of a refrigerant.
1567.MOISTURE LOSS - The boiler flue gas loss
representing the difference in the heat content of the
moisture in the exit gases and that at the
temperature of the ambient air.
1568.MOLLIER DIAGRAM - An enthalpy-entropy or
enthalpy-pressure chart showing the thermodynamic
properties of a fluid.
1569.MONOMER - A molecule, usually an organic
compound, having the ability to join with a number of
identical molecules to form a polymer.
1570.MONITORING POINT: The physical location at
which any indicating device displays the value of a
parameter at some control station. See
PARAMETER.
1571.MOTOR: (1) A rotating machine that transforms
electrical energy into mechanical energy. (2) An
actuator, which
1572.MOTOER CONTROL CENTER - A single metal
enclosed assembly containing a number of motor
controllers and possibly other devices such as
switches and control devices.
1573.converts fluid power to rotary mechanical, force and
motion.
1574.MOTOR CONTROLLER: A device (or group of
devices) that governs, in some predetermined
manner, the operation of the motor to which it is
connected.
Engineering Dictionary
1575.MOTOR GENERATOR SET: A machine consisting of a
motor mechanically coupled to a generator and usually
mounted on the same base.
1576.MUD DRUM - A pressure chamber of a drum or header
type located at the lower extremity of a water tube boiler
and fitted with blowoff valve.
1577.MULLION HEATER - Electrical heating element
mounted in the mullion. Used to keep mullion from
sweating or frosting.
1578.MULTIPLE STAGE COMPRESSOR - Compressor
having two or more compressive steps. Discharge from
each step is the intake pressure of the next in series.
1579.MULTIPLE SYSTEM - Refrigerating mechanism in
which several evaporators are connected to one
condensing unit.
-
1580.MULTI-SHAT GAS TURBINE - A gas turbine having
more than one shaft, like the dual shaft arrangement.
1581.MULTISTAGE COMPRESSION REFRIGERATION
SYSTEM - Where the refrigerant is vaporized and
condensed alternately and is compressed in the vapor
phase.
1582.MULTISTAGE THERMOSTAT - A thermostat which
controls auxiliary equipment for heating or cooling in
response to a greater demand for heating or cooling.
N
1583.NAPHTA - A volatile, flammable liquid hydrocarbon
distilled from petroleum and used as a solvent or fuel.
1584.NATURAL CIRCULATION - The circulation of a boiler
caused by differences in density. Also referred as thermal
or thermally induced circulation.
1585.NATURAL CONVECTION - Movement of a fluid caused
only by temperature differences (density changes).
1586.NATURAL DRAFT COOLING TOWER - Cools water by
moving air at low velocities.
1587.NATURAL GAS - A highly compressible, highly
expandable mixture of hydrocarbons having a low specific
gravity and occurring naturally in gaseous form. Besides
hydrocarbon gases, natural gas may contain quantities of
nitrogen, helium, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and
water vapor.
1588.NATURALLY ASPIRATED - A term used to describe a
diesel engine in which air flows into the engine by means
of atmospheric pressure only.
1589.NAVAL DISTILLATE DIESEL FUEL: The fuel normally
used in diesel engines. The most commonly used for
boilers and diesel engines is naval distillate (NATO symbol
F-76), but other fuels such as JP-5 (NATO symbol F-44)
and naval distillate lower pour point (NATO symbol F-75)
are also used.
1590.NC - Normally closed contacts of a relay.
Page 49 of 79

1591.NEEDLE VALVE: Type of valve with a rod-shaped,
needle-pointed valve body which works into a valve
seat so shaped that the needle point fits into it and
closes the passage. Suitable for precise control of
flow.
1592.NEGATIVE CHARGE - The electrical potential
which an atom acquires when it gains one or more
electrons; a characteristic of an anion.
1593.NEOPRENE: A synthetic rubber highly resistant to
oil, light, heat, and oxidation.
1594.NET POSITIVE SUCTION HEAD (NPSH)- The
difference between total pressure and vapor
pressure in a fluid flow, expressed in terms of
equivalent height or "head".
1595.NEUTRAL - The circuit conductor that is normally
grounded or at zero voltage difference to the ground.
1596.NEUTRALIZATION NUMBER - An ASTM number
given to quenching oils that reflect the oil’s tendency
toward oxidation and sludging.
1597.NEUTRALIZER - A substance that will combine
with an acid or alkali chemically, thus removing the
acidity or alkalinity.
1598.NEUTRALIZING AMINES - Are amines used to
neutralize the acid generated by the dissolution of
carbon dioxide.
1599.NEWTON - The unit of force in the metric system.
A newton is the force required to accelerate an object
of 1 kilogram mass to a velocity of 1 meter per
second in 1 second.
1600.NIPPLE - A short, threaded tubular coupling, used
for making connections between pipe joints.
1601.NITROGEN BLANKETING - Used with wet
standby, where the space above the water level is
filled with nitrogen at about 5 to 10 psig in order to
keep the oxygen out.
1602.NITROGEN DIOXIDE - Mildly poisonous gas
(NO2) often found in smog or automobile exhaust
1603.NO - Normally open contacts of a relay.
1604.NOBEL METAL - A chemically inactive metal,
such as gold.
1605.NO-FROST FREEZER - Low-temperature
refrigerator cabinet in which no frost or ice collects
on freezer surfaces or materials stored in cabinet.
1606.NOISE - Any undesired sounds, usually of different
frequencies, resulting in an objectionable or irritating
sensation.
1607.NOMINAL SIZE - A designated size that may be
different from the actual size.
Engineering Dictionary
1608.NOMINAL SIZE TUBING - Tubing measurement which
has an inside diameter the same as iron pipe of the same
stated size.
1609.NON-CARBONATED HARDNESS - Hardness in water
caused by chlorides, sulfates, and nitrates of calcium and
magnesium.
1610.NON-CODE INSTALLATION - Functional refrigerating
system installed where there are no local, state, or national
refrigeration codes in force.
1611.NON-CONDENSABLES - Gaseous material not
liquefied when associated water vapor is condensed in the
same environment.
1612.NON-DESTRUCTIVE INSPECTION (NDI) - A procedure
such as ultrasonic or radiographic inspection, for
determining the quality of a material without permanently
altering anything (Testing plant parts, such as drums,
tubes, headers and welds, for soundness by means of
electronic apparatus and other methods, with out
necessarily dismantling the parts concerned).
1613.NON-FERROUS ALLOY - Alloy containing less then 50
% iron.
1614.NON-FROSTING EVAPORATOR - Evaporator which
never collects frost or ice on its surface. Uses only
thermostatic expansion valves.
1615.NON-MECHANICAL REFRIGERATION - Those that
obtain the required high and low pressure by some method
other than a mechanical compressor.
1616.NON-REACTIVE SILICA - Is a polymeric form of silica;
thermally unstable which reverts to normal silica when
heated. Difficult to detect, but may be present when boiler
feedwater shows none, but boiler water reads silica.
1617.NORMAL CARRYOVER - Refers to the carryover which
occurs in any boiler operating under the best conditions.
1618.NORMAL CHARGE - Thermal element charge which is
part liquid and part gas under all operating conditions.
1619.NORMALLY OPEN - (OR NORMALYCLOSED) The
position of a valve, damper, relay contacts, or switch when
external power or pressure is not being applied to the
device. Valves and dampers usually are returned to a
"normal" position by a spring.
1620.NOMINAL OPERATING PRESSURE: The approximate
pressure at which an essentially constant-pressure system
operates. This pressure is used for the system’s basic
pressure identification.
1621.NONFERROUS METAL: Metal that is composed
primarily of a metallic element, or elements other than iron.
1622.NORMALIZE: To heat steel to a temperature slightly
above its critical point and then allow it to cool slowly in air.
1623.NOx - Abbreviation for all of the family of oxides of
nitrogen.
Page 50 of 79

1624.NOZZLE: A taper or constriction used to speed up
or direct the flow of gas or liquid.
1625.NOZZLE AREA: Smallest opening (area) of a
nozzle that is at a right angle to the direction of flow.
1626.NOZZLE GOVERNING –
1627.NTU - Nephelometric turbidity unit. A light
-interference analytical method to measure the
turbidity of water.
1628.NUCLEATE BOILING - The even boiling of water
in which steam bubbles are formed within the boiler
water gradually and are evenly distributed rather
than being suddenly formed and erratically
distributed.
1629.NUCLEATING SITES –
O steam or gas turbine.
1630.OCCLUSION - An absorption process by which
one solid material adheres strongly to another,
sometimes occurring by coprecipitation.
1631.OCTANE RATING - A classification of gasoline
according to its antiknock qualities. The higher the
octane number or rating, the greater are the
antiknock qualities of the gasoline.
1632.OCTYL ALCOHOL - ETHYL HEXANOL - Additive
in absorption machines to reduce surface tension in
the absorber.
1633.OFFSET - Term used to describe the difference
between the set point and the actual operating or
control point.
1634.OHM - The unit of electrical resistance equal to the
resistance through which a current of 1 ampere will
flow when there is potential difference of one volt
across it.
1635.OHM’S LAW - The relationship between current
and voltage in a circuit. It states that current is
proportional to voltage and inversely proportional to
resistance. Expressed algebraically, in DC circuits
I=E/R; in AC circuits I=E/Z.
1636.OIL - A liquid of vegetable, animal, mineral, or
synthetic origin that feels slippery to the touch.
1637.OIL BINDING - Condition in which an oil layer on
top of refrigerant liquid may prevent if from
evaporating at its normal pressure temperature.
1638.OIL GROOVE - A channel or channels in a bearing
to improve oil flow through the bearing.
1639.OIL KING: A petty officer who receives, transfers,
discharges, and tests fuel oil and maintains fuel oil
records.
Engineering Dictionary
1640.OIL RING LUBRICATION - A system of lubrication for
horizontal shafts. A ring of larger diameter rotates with the
shaft and collects oils from a container below.
1641.OIL SEPARATOR - Device used to remove oil from
gaseous refrigerant or steam.
1642.OIL STRAINER: A strainer placed at the inlet end of the
oil pump to prevent dirt and other particles from getting into
moving parts.
1643.OIL, MINERAL - A refined hydrocarbon oil without
animal or vegetable additives.
1644.OIL, MULTIGRADE - An oil having relative little change
in viscosity over a specified temperature range.
1645.OIL, NEUTRAL - A lubricating oil obtained by distillation,
not treated with acid or with alkali.
1646.OIL, TURBINE - An oil used to lubricate bearings in a
1647.OILTIGHT: Having the property of resisting the passage
of oil.
1648.ONCE-THROUGH BOILER - A steam generating unit
usually operated above the critical pressure in which there
is no re-circulation of the working fluid in any part of the
unit.
1649.ON-OFF CONTROL - A two position action which allows
operation at either maximum or minimum condition, or on
or off, depending on the position of the controller.
1650.ON LOAD WASHING - A method of cleaning surfaces
by applying a carefully controlled amount of water from
spray nozzles on to the fouled surface with the boiler on
load.
1651.OPEN CIRCUIT - The absence of a direct connection
between two points in an electrical network.
1652.OPEN CYCLE - A gas turbine arrangement, in were the
exhaust gases from the turbine are exhausted to the
atmosphere without any further treatment.
1653.OPEN RE-CIRCULATING WATER SYSTEM - A system,
using continuously circulated water as a heat-transfer
medium, in which the water is exposed at one point to the
atmosphere for either discharge or absorption of heat.
1654.OPERATING POINT - The value of the controlled
condition at which the controller actually operates. Also
called control point.
1655.OPERATING PRESSURE - Actual pressure at which the
system works under normal conditions. This pressure may
be positive or negative (vacuum).
1656.OPERATING TEMPERATURE: The actual temperature
of a component during operation.
1657.OPERATION (AUTOMATIC): The regulation of a
process by a controlling system without manual
intervention.
Page 51 of 79

1658.OPERATION (LOCAL-MANUAL): Positioning of a
final control element by attending personnel from the
element’s manual control station.
1659.OPTICAL PYROMETER - An instrument to
measure visually the temperature of a glowing body
or of a flame. Often used also to measure furnace
temperatures.
1660.ORGANIC GROWTH - A substance resulting from
the growth of biological organisms such as fungi,
algae, and slime bacteria.
1661.ORGANIC MATERIAL - Contain carbon and
usually hydrogen and are derived from living things.
1662.ORGANIC OXYGEN SCAVENGERS - These are
organic compounds such as hydroquinone and
ascorbate to remove dissolved oxygen from the
boiler feedwater and condensate.
1663.ORIFICE - Accurate size opening for controlling
fluid flow.
1664.ORSAT ANALYZER - A furnace atmosphere
analysis device in which gases are absorbed
selectively (volumetric basis) by passing them
through a series of pre-selected solvents.
1665.OSCILLATION: A backward and forward motion; a
vibration.
1666.OSHA - Occupational Safety and Health
Administration.
1667.OSMOSIS - The passage of water through
permeable membrane separating two solutions of
different concentration; the water passes into the
more concentrated solution.
1668.OTTO COMBUSTION CYCLE: Combustion
induced by spark ignition occurring at constant
volume. The basic combustion cycle of a gasoline
engine.
1669.OUTPUT SIGNAL: The pressure or flow of fluid
leaving the output port of a fluidic device.
1670.OUTSIDE AIR OPENING (HVAC) - Any opening
used as an entry for air from outdoors.
1671.OVERCURRENT DEVICE - A device such as a
fuse or a circuit breaker designed to protect a circuit
against excessive current by opening the circuit.
1672.OVERFLOW PIPE - A pipe installed at a top of a
tank to enable the liquid within to be discharged to
another vessel when the tank is filled to capacity.
1673.OVERLOAD - A condition of excess current; more
cur rent flowing than the circuit was designed to
carry.
1674.OVERRIDE - A manual or automatic action taken
to by pass the normal operation of a device or
system
Engineering Dictionary
1675.OVERHAUL: To inspect, repair, and put in proper
condition for operation.
1676.OVERLOAD: A load greater than the rated load of an
engine or electrical device.
1677.OVERSPEED ANTICIPATORY DEVICE - If the
generator rejects load and is disconnected from the
busbars, sensing devices come Into action to close the
steam throttle valves in about half the time the speed
governor would take.
1678.OVERSPEED TRIP – Stopping the Turbine at a
specified Speed Value( generally 110% of rated speed).
1679.OXIDATION - The reaction of an element or substance
with oxygen, e.g., iron is oxidized by reaction with oxygen
to form rust (iron oxide).
1680.OXIDATION STABILITY - The ability of an oil to resist
oxidation. Improved by the addition of oxidation inhibitors.
1681.OXIDIZING AGENT - Any substance such as oxygen, or
chlorine, that will readily add (take on) electrons.
1682.OXIDIZING ATMOSPHERE - A furnace atmosphere with
an oversupply of oxygen that tends to oxidize materials
placed in it.
1683.OXIDIZING BIOCIDE - An agent, such as chlorine,
which will kill bacteria by the chemical process of oxidation.
1684.OXYACETYLENE WELDING - An oxyfuel gas welding
process in which the fuel gas is acetylene.
1685.OXYGEN ATTACK - Corrosion or pitting in a boiler
caused by oxygen.
1686.OXYGEN CONCENTRATION CELL - (see differential
aeration cell).
1687.OXYGEN CONCENTRATION CELL - The surface area
in contact with the media of higher oxygen concentration
becomes the cathodic area, and the area with the lower
oxygen concentration becomes the anode.
1688.OXYGEN-FREE FEEDWATER: Water from which
dissolved oxygen has been removed
1689.OXYGEN PITTING - Damage caused due to the
presence of oxygen in the feedwater. Damage results are
small pit-like holes in the metal.
1690.OXYGEN SCAVENGER - A substance that will absorb
oxygen by chemical reaction.
1691.OZONE - Triatomic oxygen (03). Sometimes used in cold
storage or air conditioning installations as an odor
eliminator. Can be toxic in certain concentrations.
P
1692.PACKAGED BOILER - A boiler supplied with all of its
components - burner, controls and auxiliary equipment,
designed as a single engineered package, and ready for
on-site installation.
Page 52 of 79

1693.PACKAGE UNITS, (REFRIGERATION) - force of 1 Newton acting an area of 1 square meter. The
Complete refrigerating system including compressor,
condenser and evaporator located in the refrigerated
space.
1694.PACKED COLUMN - A tower filled with small
objects, designed to obtain large surfaces per
volume between rising vapors and a descending
liquid.
1695.PACKING - Material made usually of woven
animal, plant, mineral or metal fiber and some type of
lubricant, placed in rings around the shaft of a pump
and used to control leakage from the stuffing box.
1696.PACKING - The fill in a confined space in a
stripping vessel, ranging from simple shaped units
such as rocks or slats to complex shapes that
provide large surface area per unit volume.
1697.PACKING GLAND - The metal part that
compresses and holds packing in place in a stuffing
box.
1698.PARALLEL CIRCUIT - One where all the
elements are connected across the voltage source.
Therefore, the voltage on each element is the same
but the current through each may be different.
1699.PARALLEL OPERATION: Two or more units
operating simultaneously and connected so their
output forms a common supply, as opposed to series
or independent operation.
1700.PARALLEL SLIDE VALVE - A valve having a pair
of discs carried on the valve stem and thereby
movable into the space between the valve seats.
1701.PARAMETER: A variable such as temperature,
pressure, flow rate, voltage, current, frequency, etc.,
which may be indicated, monitored, checked or
sensed in any way during operation or testing.
1702.PARSON TURBINE –
1703.PARTIAL PRESSURES - Condition where two or
more gases occupy a space and each one creates
part of the total pressure.
1704.PARTIAL SECTION: A sectional view consisting of
less than a half-section. Used to show the internal
structure of a small portion of an object. Also known
as broken section.
1705.PARTICULATE: Minute particles or quantities of
solid matter resulting from incomplete combustion.
Carbon, sulphur, ash, and various other compounds
are all referred to as particulate, either collectively or
individually, when discharged into a flue or into the
atmosphere.
1706.PASCAL -
The accepted metric unit of
measurement or pressure and stress component in
the measurement of viscosity. A Pascal is equal to a
Engineering Dictionary
symbol is Pa.
1707.PASCAL'S LAW - Pressure imposed upon a fluid is
transmitted equally in all directions.
1708.PASSIVATING (ANODIC) INHIBITORS - A material
capable of forming a protective oxide film on metal
surfaces.
1709.PASSIVATION - The process of rendering a metal
surface chemically inactive, either by electrochemical
polarization or by contact with a passivating agent.
1710.PASSIVATOR - A type of corrosion inhibitor that
appreciably changes the potential of a metal to a more
noble (positive) value.
1711.PASSIVATOR - A type of corrosion inhibitor that
appreciably changes the potential of a metal to a more
positive value.
1712.PASSIVE-ACTIVE CELL - A corrosion cell in which the
anode is a metal in that active state and the cathode is the
same metal in the passive state.
1713.PASSIVITY - A condition on metal surfaces that inhibits
electrochemical action between the metal and its
environment, such as with boiler water.
1714.PASS-OUT TURBINE - A turbine from which some of
the steam is extracted for use in a factory process or for
central heating. The remaining steam is passed to a
condenser as in a condensing turbine.
1715.PATHOGENIC BACTERIA - Disease-causing bacteria.
1716.PEAK DEMAND - The greatest amount of kilowatts
needed during a demand interval.
1717.PEAK LOAD PRICING - A pricing principle that charges
more for purchases that contribute to the peak demand
and, thereby, cause the expansion of productive capacity
when the peak demand exceeds the peak capacity (less
minimum excess capacity). In the electric power industry,
this means charging more hr electricity bought on or near
the seasonal peak of the utility or on or near the daily peak
of the utility. The latter requires special meters; the former
does not.
1718.PEAKING LOAD - Is the electrical load drawn on the
system during high power usage. Usually on very hot or
cold days or during the supper hour.
1719.PELTIER EFFECT - When direct current is passed
through two adjacent metals one junction will become
cooler and the other will become warmer. This principle is
the basis of thermoelectric refrigeration.
1720.PENDANT SUPERHEATER - A superheater in which
the tubes are Installed vertically.
1721.PERFECT COMBUSTION - The complete oxidation of
all the combustible constituents of a fuel, utilizing all the
oxygen supplied.
Page 53 of 79

1722.PERFECT GAS - A hypothetical gas obeying the
relation pv = RT.
1723.PERMANENT GASES - Cryogenic refrigerants.
1724.PERMEABILITY - The ability of a body to pass
fluid under pressure.
1725.PETROGRAPHIC STUDY OF BOILER SCALES
The systematic and descriptive study of rocks. This
method also allows the identification of boiler scales,
since scale can consist of a large variety of minerals
1726.PETROLEUM OIL - (see mineral oils).
1727.pH - The negative logarithm of the hydrogen-ion
concentration of a solution; simply a measure of the
relative acidity or alkalinity of a water solution. (pH 1
very acidic; pH 14, very basic; pH 7, neutral).
1728.pH OF SATURATION (pHs) - The pH at which a
sample of water is saturated with a specific salt; for
example, the pH of saturation of calcium carbonate is
the pH of a saturated solution of calcium carbonate.
1729.PHANTOM VIEW: A view showing the alternate
position of a movable object, using a broken line
convention.
1730.PHASE - Part of an AC voltage cycle. Residential
electrical service is 2-phase; commercial facilities are
usually 3-phase AC voltage.
1731.PHIAL -Term sometimes used to denote the
sensing element on a thermostatic expansion valve.
1732.PHOSPHATE - An ion, compound, or salt
containing phosphorus and oxygen, such as sodium
phosphate (Na3P04).
1733.PHYSICAL CHANGE: A change that does not
alter the composition of the molecules of a
substance, such as from gas to liquid.
1734.PHOSPHATE TREATMENT - An internal boiler
water treatment method to reduce calcium in the
boiler with low hardness feedwater.
1735.PHYSICAL STABILITY - The quality which an ion-
exchange resin must possess to resist changes that
might be caused by attrition, high temperatures, and
other physical conditions.
1736.PHYSICAL WATER TREATMENT - Refers to the
treatment of removing dissolved gases from the
boiler feedwater, using steam.
1737.PICTORIAL DRAWING: A drawing, which gives
the real appearance of an object showing general
location, function, and appearance of parts and
assemblies.
1738.PIG IRON - High-carbon iron made by reduction of
iron ore in the blast furnace.
Engineering Dictionary
1739.PILOT DUTY RELAY - A relay used for switching loads
such as another relay or solenoid valve coils. The pilot duty
relay contacts are located in a second control circuit. Pilot
duty relays are rated in volt-amperes (VA).
1740.PILOT VALVE: A small valve disk and seat, usually
located within a larger disk, which controls the operation of
another valve or system.
1741.PILOT OIL PRESSURE -
1742.PILOT VALVE (GOVERNOR): A hydraulic control valve
that regulates hydraulic pressure to a piston and cylinder.
1743.PINCH TEMPERATURE (PINCH POINT) - Difference
between the exhaust-gas temperature leaving the
evaporator and the saturation temperature within the
evaporator tubes (The pinch temperature indicates
whether the evaporator section is absorbing as much heat
as predicted. Typical pinch temperatures range from -9 to –
1 0C. (5 –10 0C))
1744.PINION: A gear that meshes with a larger gear.
1745.PINTLE-TYPE NOZZLE: A closed-type nozzle having a
projection on the end of the fuel valve which extends into
the orifice when the valve is closed.
1746.PIPE: A tube or hollow body for conducting a liquid or
gas. Dimensions of a pipe are designated by nominal
(approximate) outside diameter (OD) and wall thickness.
1747.PIPING: An assembly of pipe or tubing, valves, and
fittings that forms the transferring part of a system.
1748.PIPE SCALE - Rust or mill scale found on the interior of
water pipe.
1749.PIT - Corrosion localized in a small spot.
1750.PITOTE TUBE - An open ended tube arrangement to
face against the current of a stream of fluid; used in
measuring the velocity head of a flowing medium.
1751.PITS - Petroleum Industry Training Service. (Canada)
1752.PISTON: A cylindrical plug which slides up and down in
the cylinder and which is connected to the connecting rod.
1753.PISTON BOSS: The reinforced area around the piston-
pin bore.
1754.PISTON DISPLACEMENT: The volume of air moved or
displaced by a piston as the piston moves from BDC to
TDC.
1755.PISTON HEAD: The portion of the piston above the top
ring.
1756.PISTON LANDS: The spaces in pistons between the
ring grooves.
1757.PISTON PIN (WRIST PIN): A cylindrical alloy pin that
passes through the piston bore and connects the
connecting rod to the piston.
Page 54 of 79

1758.PISTON RING: A split ring of the expansion type
placed in a groove of the piston to seal the space
between the piston and the wall.
1759.PISTON-RING END GAP: The clearance between
the ends of a piston ring.
1760.PISTON-RING GROOVE: The grooves cut in the
piston into which the piston rings are fitted.
1761.PISTON-RING SIDE CLEARANCE: The clearance
between the sides of the ring and the ring lands.
1762.PISTON SKIRT: The portion of the piston that is
below the piston bore.
1763.PISTON SPEED: The total distance traveled by
each piston in one minute.
1764.PITCH: A term applied to (1) the distance a
propeller will advance during one revolution; (2) the
distance between the centers of the teeth of a gear
wheel; (3) the axial advance of one convolution of
the thread on a screw; and (4) the spacing of rivets,
and so forth.
1765.PITOT TUBE - An instrument which will register
total pressure and static pressure in a gas stream,
used to determine its velocity.
1766.PITTING - Localized corrosion of a metal
characterized by small blisters under which holes
have perforated the metal.
1767.PLASTIC DEFORMATION –
1768.PLASTICITY - The ability of a substance to be
deformed without rupturing.
1769.PLENUM CHAMBER - An air compartment
connected to one or more distributing ducts.
1770.PLENUM CHAMBER - Chamber or container for
moving air or other gas under a slight positive
pressure.
1771.PLUG VALVE - A valve that has a rotating plug,
which is drilled for the passage of fluid.
1772.PNEUMATIC - Operated by air pressure.
1773.PNEUMATIC-ELECTRIC (PE) SWITCHES -
Device that operates an electric switch from a
change of air pressure.
1774.pOH - An expression of the alkalinity of a solution;
the negative logarithm of the hydroxyl-ion
concentration.
1775.POINT, CRITICAL - Of a substance, state point at
which liquid and vapor have identical properties;
critical temperature, critical pressure, and critical
volume are the terms given to the temperature,
pressure, and volume at the critical point. Above the
critical temperature or
Engineering Dictionary
1776.POLARITY - The direction of current flow in a DC circuit.
By convention, current flows from plus to minus. Electron
flow is actually in the opposite direction.
1777.POLAR TIMING DIAGRAM: A graphic method of
illustrating the events of an engine cycle with respect to
crankshaft rotation. (See figures 2-1 and 2-2.)
1778.POLARIZE - In corrosion, to develop a barrier on the
anodic or cathodic surface, disrupting the corrosion
process.
1779.POLE - An electrical connection point. In a panel, the
point of connection. On a device, the terminal that
connects to the power.
1780.POLYELECTROLYTE - A water-soluble polymer that is
highly charged with cationic or anionic sites. Used as an
aid with coagulants.
1781.POLYMER - A chemical compound formed by the
adjoining of many molecules of the same characteristics;
for example, polyvinyl chloride is a polymer of the molecule
vinyl chloride.
1782.POLYMERIC DISPERSANT - A water-soluble polymer
that acts as a suspending agent; that is, it promotes
suspension of particles in water so that they resist settling.
1783.POLYPHOSPHATE - A chemical compound formed by
the adjoining of phosphate ions, hence a polymer of
phosphate.
1784.POLYTHROPIC PROCESS - A nonadiabatic reversible
process characterized by the equation of path, pv =
constant.
1785.POROUS VASE - A vase having a porous construction,
which was used to cool its content.
1786.PORT SCAVENGING: Introducing scavenging air
through ports in the cylinder wall when they are uncovered
by the piston near the end of the power stroke.
1787.POSITIVE CHARGE - The electrical potential acquired
by an atom which has lost one or more electrons; a
characteristic of a cation.
1788.POTABLE WATER: Water that is suitable for drinking.
The potable water system supplies scuttlebutts, sinks,
showers, sculleries, and galleys, as well as provides
makeup water for various freshwater cooling systems.
1789.POTENTIAL ENERGY - (1) Energy at rest; stored
energy. (2) The energy a substance has because of its
position, its condition, or its chemical composition. [The
energy, that a body has by virtue of its position or state,
enabling it to do work. (Water in a reservoir has potential
energy by virtue of its elevation above some other point.)].
1790.POTENTIAL TRANSFORMER - A voltage transformer.
The voltage supplied to a primary coil induces a voltage in
a secondary coil according, to the ratio of the wire windings
in each of the coils.
Page 55 of 79

1791.POTENTIOMETER - An electromechanical device
having a terminal connected to each and to the
resistive element, and a third terminal connected to
the wiper contact. The electrical input is divided as
the contact moves over the element, thus making it
possible to mechanically change the resistance.
1792.POUR POINT - The lowest temperature at which a
lubricant can be observed to flow under specified
conditions. For oil, the pour point is a temperature
-15°C above the temperature at which the oil is solid.
1793.POUR-POINT DEPRESSANT - An additive that
lowers the pour point of a lubricant.
1794.POWER (P) - The rate of doing work or the rate of
expending energy. The unit of electrical power is the
watt; the unit of mechanical power is horsepower.
Expressed in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW), and is
equal to:
1795.POWER ELEMENT - Sensitive element of a
temperature-operated control.
1796.POWER FACTOR (pf) - A quantity that relates the
volt amperes of an AC circuit to the wattage (power =
volt-amperes x power factor). Power factor also is
the ratio of the circuit resistance (R) to the
impedance (Z) expressed as a decimal between zero
and one (pf = R/Z). When the power factor equals
one, all consumed power produces useful work. (In
an alternating current circuit, the factor by which the
product of current and voltage must be multiplied to
give the true power. It can vary between unity and
zero).
1797.POWER FACTOR CHARGE - A utility charge for
"poor" power factor. It is more expensive to provide
power to a facility with a poor power factor (usually
less than 0.8).
1798.POWER FACTOR CORRECTION - Installing
capacitors on the utility service’s supply line to
improve the power factor of the building.
1799.POWER OIL SYSTEM - The high-pressure part of
the turbine oil system. It supplies oil for governor
operation of the control and emergency trip valves.
1800.PPB (PARTS PER BILLION) - equals 0.001 ppm
1801.PPM (PARTS PER MILLION): Concentration of
the number of parts of a substance dissolved in a
million parts of another substance. Used to measure
the salt content of water. If 1 pound of sea salt were
dissolved in l,000,000 pounds of water, the sea salt
concentration would be 1.00 ppm.
1802.PRECIPITATE - An insoluble reaction product; in
an aqueous chemical reaction, usually a crystalline
compound that grows in size to become settable.
1803.PRECIPITATING (CATHODIC) INHIBITORS - The
are chemicals which form insoluble precipitates that
Engineering Dictionary
are able to coat and protect surfaces. They are less
durable then the passivating type inhibitors.
1804.PRECIPITATION - A process whereby salts drop or
come out of a water solution.
1805.PRECISION INSERT BEARING: A precision type of
bearing consisting of an upper and lower shell.
1806.PRECISION PHOSPHATE TREATMENT - A phosphate
treatment based upon maintaining 2 to 4 ppm of
phosphate and 15 to 50 ppm of hydrate alkalinity in the
boiler.
1807.PREDICTING METHOD - A method for determining
when load shedding should occur. A formula is used to
arrive at a preset kilowatt limit. Then the actual amount of
energy accumulated during the utility's demand intervals is
measured. A projection is made of the actual rate of energy
usage during the rest of the interval. If the predicted value
exceeds the preset limit, loads will be shed.
1808.PREIGNITION - A condition in an internal combustion
engine characterized by a knocking sound and caused by
the fuel-air mixture having been ignited to soon because of
an abnormal condition.
1809.PRECOMBUSTION CHAMBER: A portion of the
combustion chamber connected to the cylinder through a
narrow throat. Fuel is injected into and is partly burned in
the pre-combustion chamber. Heat released by this partial
burning causes the contents of the pre-combustion
chamber to be ejected into the cylinder with considerable
turbulence.
1810.PRESSURE - The normal force exerted by a
homogeneous liquid or gas, per unit of area, on the wall of
its container.
1811.PRESSURE COMPOUNDING –
1812.PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL: The difference in pressure
between any two points of a system or a component.
1813.PRESSURE DROP - Pressure loss in fluid pressure, as
from one end of a duct or pipe to the other, due to friction,
dynamic losses, and changes in velocity pressure.
1814.PRESSURE GAUGE - Instrument for measuring the
pressure exerted by the contents on its container.
1815.PRESSURE HEAD - The height to which liquid can be
raised by a given pressure (sometimes referred to as pump
head).
1816.PRESSURE MILL - Mills In which the air carrying the
coal within the mill is under pressure and not under suction
as in a suction type mill.
1817.PRESSURE MOTOR CONTROL - Device which opens
and closes an electrical circuit as pressures change.
1818.PRESSURE OPERATED THERMOMETER -
Temperature indicator which is controlled by bellows, a
capillary or remote sensitive bulb.
Page 56 of 79

1819.PRESSURE REGULATOR, SUCTION (REFRI-
GERATION COMPRESSORS) - An automatic valve
designed to limit the suction pressure to prevent
motor overload.
1820.PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE: A valve designed to
open when pressure in the system exceeds a certain
limit.
1821.PRESSURE SWITCH: An electrical switch
operated by the increase and decrease of pressure.
1822.PRESSURE-TIME FUEL SYSTEM: A system in
which fuel is injected into the cylinders at a specific
pressure in separately timed events.
1823.PRESSURE VELOCITY - In moving fluid, the
pressure capable of causing an equivalent velocity, if
applied to move the same fluid through an orifice
such that all pressure energy expended is converted
into kinetic energy.
1824.PRESSURE, ABSOLUTE - Pressure referred to
that of a perfect vacuum. It is the sum of gauge
pressure and atmospheric pressure.
1825.PRESSURE, ATMOSPHERIC - It is the pressure
indicated by a barometer. Standard atmosphere is
the pressure equivalent
1826.PRESSURE, CRITICAL - Vapor pressure
corresponding to the substance's critical state at
which the liquid and vapor have identical properties.
1827.PRESSURE, GAGE - Gauge: Pressure above
atmospheric.
1828.PRESSURE, HYDROSTATIC - The normal force
per unit area that would be exerted by a moving fluid
on an infinitesimally small body immersed in it if the
body were carried along with the fluid.
1829.PRESSURE, OPERATING - Pressure at which a
system is operating.
1830.PRESSURE, PARTIAL - Portion of total gas
pressure of a mixture attributable to one component.
1831.PRESSURE, SATURATION- The saturation
pressure for a pure substance for any given
temperature is that pressure at which vapor and
liquid, or vapor and solid, can coexist in stable
equilibrium.
1832.PRESSURE, STATIC - The normal force per unit
area that would be exerted by a moving fluid on a
small body immersed in it if the body were carried
along with the fluid. Practically, it is the normal force
per unit are at a small hole in a wall of the duct
through which the fluid flows (piezometer) or on the
surface of a stationary tube at a point where the
disturbances, created by inserting the tube, cancel. It
is supposed that the thermodynamic properties of a
moving fluid depend on static pressure in exactly the
same manner as those of the same fluid at rest
depend upon its uniform hydrostatic pressure
Engineering Dictionary
1833.PRESSURE, TOTAL - In the theory of the flow of fluids,
the sum of the static pressure and the velocity pressure at
the point of measurement. Also called dynamic pressure.
1834.PRESSURE, VAPOR - The partial pressure exerted by
the water vapor contained in air.
1835.PRESSURE-HEAT DIAGRAM - Graph of refrigerant
pressure, heat and temperature properties. (Mollier's
diagram.)
1836.PRESSURESTAT - A control which reacts to pressure
changes in the evaporator.
1837.PRESSURE-VELOCITY COMPOUNDING –
1838.PRETREATMENT - Also referred to as external
treatment, consisting of treating the raw make-up water,
and include removing dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide,
suspended solids, hardness, alkalinity, silica, dissolved
solids, etc..
1839.PRIMARY AIR - Air introduced with the fuel at the burner
(The initial air stream discharged by an air outlet (the air
being supplied by a fan or supply duct) prior to any
entrainment of the ambient air or for he purpose of
combustion).
1840.PRIMARY CONSTITUENTS - Refers to the category of
dissolved solids present in water at a level of more then 5
mg/L.
1841.PRIMARY CONTROL - A device which directly or
indirectly controls the control agent in response to needs
indicated by the controller. Typically a motor, valve, relay,
etc.
1842.PRIMARY ELEMENT - The portion of the controller
which first uses energy derived from the controlled medium
to produce a condition representing the value of the
controlled variable; for example, a thermostat bimetal.
1843.PRIMARY SYSTEM - A closed water system in which
the water is circulated directly through a chiller for cooling
or heat exchanger or boiler for heating.
1844.PRIME MOVER - An engine or other device by which
natural source of energy is converted into mechanical
energy.
1845.PRIMING (BOILER) - The phenomenon in which the
level of water in a boiler is changed by bouncing rapidly.
The result is, that boiler water will enter the steam flow.
1846.PRIMING (PUMP) - The replacement of residual air in a
pump or pipe system by the fluid being pumped.
1847.PROCESS HOT WATER - Hot water needed for
manufacturing processes over and above the "domestic
hot water" that is for the personal use of industrial workers.
1848.PROPANE - A paraffin hydrocarbon (C3H8) that is a gas
at ordinary atmospheric conditions but easily liquefied
under pressure.
Page 57 of 79

1849.PROPELLER ARCH: The arched section of the
stern frame above the propeller.
1850.PROPELLER GUARD: A framework fitted
somewhat below the deck line on narrow, high-speed
vessels with large screws, designed to overhang and
thus protect the tips of the propeller blades.
1851.PROPELLER THRUST: The effort delivered by a
propeller in pushing a vessel ahead.
1852.PROPORTIONAL BAND - The range of values of
a proportional positioning controller through which
the controlled variable must pass to move the final
control element through its full operating range.
Commonly used equivalents are "throttling range"
and "modulating range".
1853.PROPULSION PLANT: The entire propulsion
plant or system, including prime movers and those
auxiliaries essential to their operation.
1854.PROTECTIVE DIVICE - A fuse, relay or coil which
is connected electrically to the circuit or apparatus to
be protected, to enable the circuit to be isolated from
the supply on the occurrence of a fault. The fuse
disconnects itself the occurrence of a fault. The fuse
disconnects itself when it blows. The coil or relay
operates to 'trip’ a circuit breaker or contactor.
1855.PSI - Symbol or initials used to indicate pressure
measured in pounds per square inch.
1856.PSIA - Symbol or initials used to indicate pressure
measured in pounds per square inch absolute.
Absolute pressure equals gauge pressure plus
atmospheric pressure. The "A" indicates that the
gauge pressure is reading in absolute.
1857.PSIG - Symbol or initials used to indicate pressure
in pounds per square inch gauge. The "G" indicates
that is gauge pressure and not absolute pressure.
1858.PSYCHROMETER - An instrument for
ascertaining the humidity or hygrometric state of the
atmosphere.
1859.PSYCHROMETER OR WET BULB
HYGROMETER – An instrument for measuring the
relative humidity of atmospheric air.
1860.PSYCHROMETRIC CHART – A chart that shows
relationship between the temperature, pressure and
moisture content of the air.
1861.PSYCHROMETRIC MEASUREMENT -
Measurement of temperature pressure and humidity
using a psychometric chart.
1862.PSYCHROMETRY - The study of air-vapor
mixtures.
1863.PULL DOWN - An expression indicating action of
removing refrigerant from all or part of a refrigeration
system.
Engineering Dictionary
1864.PULSATION DAMPENER - Any gas or liquid charged,
chambered device that minimizes periodic increases and
decreases in pressure.
1865.PULSE-ECHO TECHNIQUES - Corrosion detecting
processes which, by recording the action of ultrasonic
waves artificially introduced into production structures, can
determine metal thickness and detect flaws.
1866.PUMP - A device that increases the pressure on a fluid
or raises it to a higher level.
1867.PUMP CAPACITY: The amount of fluid a pump can
move in a given period of time, usually stated in gallons
per minute (gpm).
1868.PUMP DOWN - The act of using a compressor or a
pump to reduce the pressure in a container or a system.
1869.PUMP, POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT - A pump that
moves a measured quantity of fluid with each stroke of a
piston or each revolution of vanes or gears.
1870.PUMP, ROTARY - A pump that moves fluid by positive
displacement, using a system of rotating vanes, gears, or
lobes.
1871.PUMP-DISCHARGE PRESSURE - The point of highest
pressure in a re-circulating water system which is at the
discharge side of the re-circulating pump.
1872.PURGING - Releasing compressed gas to atmosphere
through some part or parts for the purpose of removing
contaminants from that part or parts.
1873.PURGING VALVES - Devices used to remove non-
condensable gases from the refrigeration system.
1874.PURPLE-K-POWDER (PKP): A purple powder
composed of potassium bicarbonate that is used on class
B fires. Can be used on class C fires; however, CO2 is a
better agent for such electrical fires because it leaves no
residue.
1875.PYRITES - A hard, yellow sulphide of iron which Is found
often as an impurity in coal deposits.
1876.PYROMETER - A device for measuring temperatures
above the range of liquid thermometers.
Q
1877.QUALITY - Weight fraction of the vapor in a vapor-liquid
mixture.
1878.QUICKLIME - Unslaked lime (calcium oxide).
R
1879.RACE (BEARING): The inner or outer ring that provides
a contact surface for the balls or rollers in a bearing.
1880.RACEWAY - Any support system, open or closed, for
carrying electric wires.
Page 58 of 79

1881.RADIAL BEARINGS: Bearings designed to carry
loads applied in a plant perpendicular to the axis of
the shaft and used to prevent movement in a radial
direction.
1882.RADIAL EXPANSION - Expansion outwards from
the line of the rotor and at right-angles to it.
1883.RADIAL THRUST – Thrust in the direction of
radius called radial thrust.
1884.RADIAL THRUST BEARINGS: Bearings designed
to carry a combination of radial and thrust loads. The
loads are applied both radially and axially with a
resultant angular component.
1885.RADIAL EXPANSION - Expansion outwards from
the line of the rotor and at right-angles to it.
1886.RADIAL FLOW - Steam-flow outwards to the
casing from the line of the rotor and at right-angles to
it.
1887.RADIAL TIP FAN BLADE - Open radial-bladed
fans are used for exhauster fans.
1888.RADIANT HEATING - : Heat transferred without
physical contact between the emitting region and the
receiving region.
1889.RADIATION - Transfer of heat by electromagnetic
waves.
1890.RADIATION LOSSES (STEAM TURBINE) –
1891.RADIUS: A straight line from the center of a circle
or sphere to its circumference or surface.
1892.RAM AIR - Air forced through the condenser due
to the rapid movement of steam from the turbine exit.
1893.RAM TYPE CYLINDER: A fluidic actuating cylinder
in which the cross-sectional area of the piston rod is
more than one-half the cross-sectional area of the
movable piston-like element. The piston used is also
referred to as a PLUNGER.
1894.RANGE PLANT (RANGE SYSTEM) - Turbine and
boiler plant connected by a common steam main
which enables a turbine to draw steam from two or
more boilers, and for the steam from any boiler to be
taken to two or more generating sets.
1895.RANKINE SCALE - Name given the absolute
(Fahrenheit) scale. Zero (0) R on this scale is -460°F.
1896.RANKINE TEMPERATURE - Degrees Fahrenheit
plus 491.60.
1897.RANKING CYCLE - An ideal steam cycle giving
the theoretical limit of efficiency for conventional
steam power plant. Named after the engineer.
1898.RAPTURE MEMBRANE - A metal membrane
(pressure relief device) designed to rapture at a
predetermined pressure.
Engineering Dictionary
1899.RATE ACTION: That action of a control system
component whose output is proportional to the rate of
change in its input for slowly changing signals and
proportional to the input for rapidly changing signals.
1900.RATEAU METHOD –
1901.RATED CAPACITY - The manufacturer's stated capacity
rating for mechanical equipment; for instance, the
maximum continuous capacity in pounds of steam per hour
for which a boiler is designed.
1902.RATE OF BLOWDOWN - A rate normally expressed as
a percentage of the water fed.
1903.RATING - See "Load."
1904.RAW MAKEUP WATER - Untreated water fed to a
system to replace that lost.
1905.RAW WATER - With water treatment it means untreated
feedwater or water in its natural state, prior to any
treatment.
1906.REACH ROD: A length of pipe or bar stock used as
extension on valve stems.
1907.REACTION TYPE TURBINE - A machine in which the
steam is expanded in both fixed and moving blades.
1908.REAGENT - A substance, chemical, or solution used in
laboratory to detect, measure, or react with other
substances, chemicals or solutions.
1909.RE-CARBONATION - A process using carbon dioxide
gas to stabilize and thereby prevent precipitation of
calcium carbonate from cold process lime or lime-soda
softened water.
1910.RECEIVER - An auxiliary storage receptacle for fluids.
1911.RECEIVER DEHYDRATOR - Small tank which serves
as liquid refrigerants reservoir and which also contains a
desiccant so remove moisture. Used on most automobile
air conditioning installations.
1912.RECEIVER HEATING ELEMENT - Electrical resistance
mounted in or around liquid receiver. It is used to maintain
head pressures when ambient temperature is low.
1913.RECEIVER-DRIER - Cylinder (container) in a
refrigerating system for storing liquid refrigerant and which
also holds a quantity of desiccant.
1914.RECIPROCAL - A format defined by 1 divided by the
complex number.
1915.RECIPROCATING COMPRESSOR - Compressor which
uses a piston and cylinder mechanism to provide pumping
action.
1916.RECORDING THERMOMETER - Temperature
measuring instrument which has a pen marking a moving
chart.
1917.RECTIFIER - A device used to convert AC current into
DC current.
Page 59 of 79

1918.RECUPERATOR - Equipment for transferring heat
from gaseous products of combustion to incoming air
or fuel. The incoming material passes through pipes
surrounded by a chamber through which the
outgoing gases pass.
1919.RED WATER - Water that has a red, cloudy
appearance caused by suspended red iron oxide.
1920.REDOX POTENTIAL - A process designed to
determine if a corrosion process will occur.
1921.REDWOOD SECONDS - The viscosity of an oil is
usually determined by measuring the time taken for a
standard volume of oil to run through astandard
orifice at a given temperature.
1922.REDUCING ELBOW - A fitting that makes an
angle between two joints of pipe and that decreases
in diameter from one end to the other.
1923.REDUCING ATMOSPHERE - An atmosphere
which tends to 1) promote the removal of oxygen
from a chemical compound; 2) promote the reduction
of immersed materials.
1924.REDUCING FLANGE - A flange fitting used to join
pipes of different diameters.
1925.REDUCING NIPPLE - A pipe fitting that is
threaded on both ends and decreases in diameter
from one end to the other.
1926.REDUCING TEE - A "T"shaped pipe fitting with
openings of two different sizes. The relationship:
1927.REDUCTION - Reduction is the addition of
hydrogen, removal of oxygen, or the addition of
electrons to an element or compound.
1928.REED VALVE - Thin, flat, tempered steel plate
fastened at one end.
1929.REFRACTORY - Brickwork or castable used in
boilers to protect metal surfaces and for boiler
baffles.
1930.REFRIGERANT - The fluid used for heat transfer
in a refrigerating system, which absorbs heat at a low
temperature and a low pressure of the fluid and
rejects heat at a higher temperature and a higher
pressure of the fluid, usually involving changes of
state of the fluid.
1931.REFRIGERANT - The working fluid used in
refrigerators.
1932.REFRIGERANT CHARGE - Quantity of refrigerant
in a system.
1933.REFRIGERANT CONTROL - Device which meters
flow of refrigerant between two areas of a
refrigerating system. It also maintains pressure
difference between high-pressure and low-pressure
side of the mechanical refrigerating system while unit
is running.
Engineering Dictionary
1934.REFRIGERATING CAPACITY - The ability of a system
to remove heat as compared with the cooling effect
produced by melting of ice.
1935.REFRIGERATING EFFECT - The amount of heat
transferred by one kg of refrigerant as it circulates in the
refrigeration system.
1936.REFRIGERATION - Controlled transfer of heat from a
lower temperature to a higher temperature region.
1937.REFRIGERATION OIL - Specially prepared oil used in
refrigerator mechanism which circulates, to some extent,
with refrigerant.
1938.REFRIGERATOR - A device to transfer heat from a low
temperature to a high temperature medium.
1939.REGENERANT - The solution used to restore the
activity of an ion exchanger. Acids are employed to restore
a cation exchanger to its hydrogen form; brine solutions
may be used to convert the cation exchange to the sodium
form. The anion exchanger may be rejuvenated by
treatment with an alkaline solution.
1940.REGENERATION - Restoration of the activity of an ion
exchanger by replacing the ions adsorbed from the treated
solution by ions that were adsorbed initially on the resin.
1941.REGENERATIVE CONDENSER - A condenser which
not only condenses the steam but also heats the
condensate.
1942.REGENERATIVE CYCLE - Is a gas turbine cycle
employing a heat exchanger to recover some of the heat
before discharging the gases from the gas turbine to the
atmosphere, to recover some of the from.
1943.REGENERATIVE FEED HEATING - The use of steam
bled from the turbine to heat the feed-water for the boiler.
1944.REGENERATIVE GAS TURBINE - Referring to a gas
turbine employing heat exchanger between the
compressor and the combustor for the purpose of
recovering heat.
1945.REGISTER: A grille equipped with an integral damper or
control valve.
1946.REJUVENATION - (see regeneration)
1947.REHEAT (REHEAT CYCLE) - The exhaust steam from
the high-pressure cylinder of a turbine is passed through
the reheater section of the boiler. It is thereby reheated,
usually to its original temperature, before entering the
intermediate-pressure cylinder of the turbine for further
work.
1948.REHEAT MACHINE - A turbo-generator working on a
reheat cycle.
1949.RELATIVE HUMIDITY - The amount of moisture the air
holds relative to the maximum moisture the air can hold at
the same temperature.
Page 60 of 79

1950.RELATIVE HUMIDITY (RH): The ratio of water
vapor in the air as compared to the maximum
amount of water vapor that may be contained.
1951.RELATIVE HUMIDITY -The ratio, expressed as a
percentage, of the amount of water vapor present in
a given volume of air at a given temperature to the
amount required to saturate the air at that
temperature.
1952.RELAY - An electromechanical switch that opens
or closes contacts in response to some controlled
action. Relay contacts can be normally open (NO)
and/ or normally closed (NC). Relays may be
electric, pneumatic, or a combination of both.
1953.RELAY, THERMAL - A switching relay in which a
small heater warms a bimetal element which bends
to provide the switching force.
1954.RELIEF VALVE - : A pressure control valve used
to limit system pressure Safety device on a sealed
system. It opens to release fluids before dangerous
pressure is reached. Also called pressure relief
valve.
1955.REMOTE OPERATING GEAR: Flexible cables or
shafts attached to valve wheels so the valves can be
operated from another compartment.
1956.REMOTE SYSTEM - Refrigerating system in
which condensing unit is away from space to be
cooled.
1957.REMOTE TEMPERATURE SET POINT: Ability to
set a temperature control point for a space from
outside the space. Often used in public areas.
1958.RESET - A process of automatically adjusting the
control point of a given controller to compensate for
changes in outdoor temperature. The hot deck
control point is normally reset upward as the outdoor
temperature drops. The cold deck control point is
normally reset downward as the outdoor temperature
increases.
1959.RESET RATIO - The ratio of change in outdoor
temperature to the change in control point
temperature. For example, a 2:1 reset ratio means
that the control point will increase 1 degree for every
2 degrees change in outdoor temperature.
1960.RESIDUAL - Means small amount of, like oxygen,
sulfite, acid., etc.
1961.RESIN - A bead-like material used in chemical
exchange for softeners and dealkalizers.
1962.RESISTANCE - The opposition which limits the
amount of current that can be produced by an
applied voltage in an electrical circuit, measured in
ohms.
1963.RESISTANCE, THERMAL - The reciprocal of
thermal conductance.
Engineering Dictionary
1964.RESISTIVE LOADS - Electrical loads whose power
factor is one. Usually contain heating elements.
1965.RESONANCE - A condition of vibration of a shaft when
the thrust of off-centre weight is added to the effect of the
natural frequency of vibration. This normally occurs at
some definite speed, according to the design of the
particular shaft.
1966.RESPONSE TIME: The time lag between a signal input
and the resulting change of output.
1967.RESTRICTOR - A device for producing a deliberate
pressure drop or resistance in a line by reducing the cross-
sectional flow area.
1968.RETORT STROKER - A number of alternate troughs or
retorts and banks of tuyere plates. The retorts are
rectangular and gradually reduce in depth from front to rear
of the grate. The coal is raised up and over the tuyere
plates, through which the air for combustion is forced.
1969.RETURN AIR: Air returned from conditioned or
refrigerated space.
1970.RETURN FLOW OIL BURNER - A mechanical
atomizing oil burner in which part of the oil supplied to the
atomizer is withdrawn and returned to storage or to the oil
line supplying the atomizer.
1971.RETURN-STEAM CONDENSATE - That steam
produced by a boiler which returns to the boiler after it has
condensed.
1972.REVERSE CYCLE DEFROST - Method of heating
evaporator for defrosting. Valves move hot gas from
compressor into evaporator.
1973.REVERSE CYCLE REFRIGERATION - A refrigeration
system which uses reject heat to produce warmth.
1974.REVERSE DEIONIZATION - The use of an anion-
exchange unit and a cation-exchange unit-in that order-to
remove all ions from solution.
1975.REVERSE OSMOSIS - A process that reverses (by the
application of pressure) the flow of water in the natural
process of osmosis so that it passes from the more
concentrated to the more dilute solution.
1976.REVERSIBLE PROCESS - A process by which a fluid is
made to undergo a change of state and by traversing the
path in exactly the reverse of the original path is returned
to its original state, and all associated systems are similarly
returned to their original state.
1977.REVERSING VALVE - Device used to reverse direction
of the refrigerant flow depending upon whether heating or
cooling is desired.
1978.RINGELMANN CHART - A chart used by an observer to
estimate the density of smoke emitted by a chimney by
comparison with four standard sections (A series of four
rectangular grids of black lines of varying widths printed on
a white background, and used as a criterion of blackness
for determining smoke density in stack gas streams).
Page 61 of 79

1979.RING LUBRICATED SLEEVE BEARING - A
bearing lubricated by a loose running ring which dips
into and lifts oil from a well.
1980.RINSE - The operation which follows regeneration;
a flushing out of excess regenerant solution.
1981.ROLLIMG SPEED - The initial turning under
steam of the turbine rotor when starting up.
1982.ROOT: The surface of the thread corresponding to
the minor diameter of an external thread and the
major diameter of an internal thread.
1983.ROOT VALVE: A valve located where a branch line
comes off the main line.
1984.ROTOR - The rotating part of a turbine or a
generator.
1985.ROTOR BALABCING - Checking of a shaft or
rotor for smooth running, and correcting the balance,
where necessary, by the addition of counter-balance
weights.
1986.ROTARY COMPRESSOR - Mechanism which
pumps fluid by using rotating motion.
1987.ROTARY OIL BURNER - A burner in which
atomization is accomplished by feeding oil to the
inside of a rapidly rotating cup.
1988.ROTOR: The rotating element of a motor, pump, or
turbine.
1989.RROSION, SELECTIVE - The selective corrosion
of one or more components of a solid solution alloy.
1990.RUDDER STOCK: A vertical shaft that has a
rudder attached to its lower end and a yoke,
quadrant, or tiller fitted to its upper portion by which it
may be turned.
1991.RUDDER STOPS: Fittings attached to the ship
structure or to shoulders on the rudder post to limit
the swing of the rudder.
1992.RUNNING CURRENT - The current that flows
through a load after inrush current. Usually called
"full load current".
1993.RUNNING TIME - Amount of time a condensing
unit is run per hour or per 24 hours.
1994.RUST - A visible corrosion product consisting of
hydrated oxides of iron. Applied only to ferrous
alloys.
1995.RYZNAR STABILITY INDEX - An index based on
calcium carbonate pH of saturation vs. actual pH to
determine scaling or corrosion tendencies of a water
(R.I. = 2 pHs).
S
Engineering Dictionary
1996.SACRIFICIAL ANODES - Coupling of a more active
metal to a structure resulting in a galvanic current flow
through the corroding electrolyte.
1997.SACRIFICIAL PROTECTION - Reduction of corrosion of
a metal in an electrolyte by galvanically coupling it to a
more anodic metal. A form of cathodic protection.
1998.SADDLE - A casting, fabricated chair, or member used
for the purpose of support.
1999.SADDLE VALVE (TAP-A-LINE) - Valve body shaped so
it may be silver brazed or clamped onto a refrigerant tubing
surface.
2000.SADDLE VALVE (TAP-A-LINE) - Valve body shaped so
it may be silver brazed or clamped onto a refrigerant tubing
surface.
2001.SAFETY CAN - Approved container of not more than 5
gallon capacity. It has a spring closing lid and spout cover.
It is designed to relieve internal pressure safely when
exposed to fire.
2002.SAFETY CONTROL - Device to stop refrigerating unit if
unsafe pressure and/or temperatures and/or dangerous
conditions are reached.
2003.SAFETY VALVE: An automatic, quick opening and
closing valve that has a reset pressure lower than the lift
pressure.
2004.SAFETY PLUG - Device which will release the contents
of a container before rupture pressures are reached.
2005.SAFETY SHUT-OFF VALVE - A manually opened,
electrically latched, electrically operated safety shut-off
valve designed to automatically shut off fuel when de-
energized.
2006.SAFE WORKING PRESSURE - See "Design Pressure."
2007.SAGGING - Bending of a turbine or other shaft
downwards below its centre line.
2008.SALIENT POLE MACHINE - A machine which has a
rotor whose poles project from the central shaft or hub.
2009.SALINITY - A measure of the concentration of dissolved
mineral substances in water.
2010.SALINOMETER: A hydrometer that measures the
concentration of salt in a solution.
2011.SALT SPITTING - The ability of an anion exchanger to
convert a salt solution to caustic; the ability of a cation
exchanger to convert a salt solution to acid.
2012.SATURATED AIR - When the air cannot hold any more
moisture.
2013.SATURATED LIQUID - A liquid which is at saturation
pressure and saturation temperature; in other words, a
liquid which is at its boiling point for any given pressure.
2014.SATURATED VAPOR - A vapor which is at saturation
pressure and saturation temperature. A saturated vapor
Page 62 of 79

cannot be superheated as long as it is in contact with
the liquid from which it is being generated.
2015.SATURATION - Condition existing when
substance contains all of another substance it can
hold for that temperature and pressure.
2016.SATURATION INDEX - The relation of calcium
carbonate to the pH, alkalinity, and hardness of a
water to determine its scale forming tendency.
2017.SATURATION PRESSURE - The point, where at a
given temperature a pure substance starts to boil.
2018.SATURATION TEMPERATURE - The point, where
at a given pressure a pure substance starts to boil.
2019.SAYBOLT UNIVERSAL VISCOSITY - A
commercial measure of viscosity expressed as a
time in seconds required for 60 mL of a fluid to flow
through the orifice of the standard Saybolt universal
viscometer at a given temperature under specific
conditions; used for the lighter petroleum products
and lubrication oils.
2020.SCALE - Surface oxidation, consisting of partially
adherent layers of corrosion products, left on metals
by heating or casting in air or in other oxidizing
atmosphere. Also a deposit on a heat-transfer
surface resulting from precipitation of salts present in
water in contact with that surface, forming a hard,
dense material.
2021.SCALE CAUSING ELEMENTS - Calcium and
magnesium elements forming scale.
2022.SCALE REMOVAL - Waterside, removal of scale
using either the mechanical, the water treatment or
the acid cleaning process.
2023.SCAVENGING AIR: Increased amount of air
available as a result of blower action used to fill an
engine cylinder with a fresh charge of air and, during
the process, to aid in clearing the cylinder of the
gases of combustion.
2024.SCC - Stress corrosion cracking.
2025.SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM: A diagram using graphic
symbols to show how a circuit functions electrically.
2026.SCREENS - Equipment designed to prevent larger
objects to enter water treatment system.
2027.SCREW PUMP - Compressor constructed of two
mated revolving screws.
2028.SCRUBBER - An apparatus for the removal of
solids from gases by entrainment in water.
2029.SEA CHEST: An arrangement for supplying
seawater to engines, condensers, and pumps and for
discharging wastewater from the ship to the sea. It is
a cast fitting or a built-up structure located below the
waterline of the vessel and having means for
Engineering Dictionary
attachment of the piping. Suction sea chests are fitted with
strainers or gratings.
2030.SEA COCK, SEA CONNECTION: A sea valve secured
to the plating of the vessel below the waterline for use in
flooding tanks, magazines, and so forth, to supply water to
pumps and for similar purposes.
2031.SEAWATER: The water in the sea. Seawater is an
aqueous solution of various minerals and salts (chlorides).
In suspension also, but not dissolved in the water, may be
various types of vegetable and animal growths, including,
in many cases, bacteria and organisms harmful or actually
dangerous to health.
2032.SEAL, MAGNETIC - A seal that uses magnetic material,
instead of springs or bellows, to provide the closing force.
2033.SEAL, ROTARY - A mechanical seal that rotates with a
shaft and is used with a stationary mating ring.
2034.SECOND LAW OF THERMODYNAMICS - Heat will flow
only from material at higher temperature to material at
lower temperature.
2035.SECONDARY AIR - Air for combustion supplied to the
furnace to supplement the primary air.
2036.SECONDARY REFRIGERANT - Chilled liquid-like water,
which is circulated to distance units where air is to be
cooled in individual rooms.
2037.SECONDARY SYSTEM - A re-circulating water system
that is a takeoff from a primary system; it does not circulate
directly through the source of heat or cooling but only
indirectly through a heat exchanger.
2038.SECONDARY TREATMENT - Treatment of boiler
feedwater or internal treatment of boiler water after primary
treatment.
2039.SECTION: A view showing internal features as if the
viewed object had been cut or sectioned.
2040.SEDIMENT: An accumulation of matter that settles to the
bottom of a liquid.
2041.SEDIMENTATION - Gravitational settling of solid
particles in a liquid system.
2042.SEEBECK EFFECT - When two different adjacent
metals are heated, an electric current is generated
between the metals.
2043.SENSIBLE HEAT - Heat that is given off or absorbed by
a substance without changing its state (Heat which causes
a change in temperature of a substance).
2044.SENSIBLE HEAT - Sensible heat is any heat transfer
that causes a change in temperature. Heating and cooling
of air and water that may be measured with a thermometer
is sensible heat. Heating or cooling coils that simply
increase or decrease the air temperature without a change
in moisture content are examples of sensible heat.
Page 63 of 79

2045.SENSIBLE HEAT FACTOR - The ratio of sensible
heat to total heat.
2046.SENSING DEVICE - A device that keeps track of
the measured condition and its fluctuations so that
when sufficient variation occurs it will originate the
signal to revise the operation of the system and
offset the change. Example: a thermostat "bulb". A
sensing de vice may be an integral part of a
controller.
2047.SENSING ELEMENT - The first system element or
group of elements. The sensing element performs
the initial measurement operation.
2048.SENSING POINT: (1) The physical and/or
functional point in a system at which a signal may be
detected and monitored or may cause some
automatic operation to result. (2) Where parameters
are determined.
2049.SENSITIVITY: The change in speed required
before the governor will make a corrective
movement.
2050.SENSOR: A component that senses physical
variables and produces a signal to be observed or to
actuate other elements in a control system.
Temperature, sound, pressure and position sensors
are examples.
2051.SENTINEL VALVE: A relief valve designed to emit
an audible sound; does not have substantial
pressure-relieving capacity.
2052.SEPARATOR - A tank type pressure vessel
installed in a steam pipe to collect condensate to be
trapped off and thus providing comparatively dry
steam to the connected machinery.
2053.SEPARATOR - Device to separate one substance
from another.
2054.SEQUENCER - A mechanical or electrical device
that may be set to initiate a series of events and to
make the events follow in sequence.
2055.SEQUESTER - To form a stable, water-soluble
complex.
2056.SEQUESTRANT - A substance that holds a
mineral or metal in solution beyond its saturation
point.
2057.SERIES CIRCUIT - One with all the elements
connected end to end. The current is the same
throughout but the voltage can be different across
each element.
2058.SERVICE DROP - The overhead service wires that
serve a building.
2059.SERVICE SWITCH - Disconnect switches or circuit
breakers. Purpose is to completely disconnect the
building from the electric service.
Engineering Dictionary
2060.SERVICE VALVE - Manually operated valve mounted on
refrigerating systems used for service operation.
2061.SERVO: A device used to convert a small movement into
a greater movement or force.
2062.SET POINT - The value of the controlled condition at
which the instrument is set to operate.
2063.SETTLING BASIN - A containment design with external
water treatment to settle sediments and to clarify.
2064.SHAFT ALIGNMENT - The relative positions of two
shafts with respect to their centre lines. Usually checked at
coupling faces.
2065.SHAFT AXIAL POSITION - The position of the shaft in
relation to the thrust bearing.
2066.SHAFT ECCENTRICITY - Radial displacement, at the
point of measurement, from the true central position of a
shaft.
2067.SHAFT – CYLINDER DIFFERENTIAL - Relative
difference in expansion and contraction of the turbine shaft
and cylinder.
2068.SHAFT SEAL - Device used to prevent leakage
between shaft and housing.
2069.SHAFT RISING GEAR - A jacking device for supporting
a shaft.
2070.SHORT RAIN CLEANING - A method of cleaning fouled
tube surfaces by raining a large quantity of steel shot over
the surfaces periodically.
2071.SETSCREW: A machine screw with a slotted, alien, or
square head used to hold a part in place.
2072.SHAFT ALLEY: A watertight passage, housing the
propeller shafting from the engine room to the bulkhead at
which the stern tube commences.
2073.SHARP FREEZING - Refrigeration at temperatures
slightly below freezing, with moderate air circulation.
2074.SHEAR PIN COUPLING –
2075.SHED - To de-energize a load in order to maintain a kW
demand set point.
2076.SHED MODE - A method of demand control that
reduces kW demand through shedding and restoring
loads.
2077.SHELL AND TUBE FLOODED EVAPORATOR - Device
which flows water through tubes built into cylindrical
evaporator or vice versa.
2078.SHELL TYPE CONDENSER - Cylinder or receiver
which contains condensing water coils or tubes.
2079.SHELL-AND-TUBE - Designation of a heat exchanger
having straight tubes encased inside a shell.
Page 64 of 79

2080.SHIELDED CABLE - Special cable used with
equipment that generates a low voltage output. Used
to minimize the effects of frequency "noise" on the
output signal.
2081.SHIM: A thin layer of metal or other material used
to true up a machine or inserted in bearings to permit
adjustment after wear of the bearing.
2082.SHOCK DOSAGE - The feeding of treatment to a
system all in one slug or dose rather than gradually
(also called a slug dosage).
2083.SHOCK FEEDER - A device which is used to add
treatment to a system in an instantaneous manner.
2084.SHORT CIRCUIT - A direct connection of low
resistive value that can significant alter the behavior
of an element or system.
2085.SHORT CYCLING - Unit runs and then stops at
short intervals; generally this excessive cycling rate
is hard on the system equipment.
2086.SHROUD, TURBINES - Also referred to as the
sealing strip on turbine blades. Its purpose is to
supply rigidity to the blades, lessen vibration and
provide sealing between stages.
2087.SHROUD, PUMPS - The front and/or back of an
impeller.
2088.SHUNT - A device to divert part of an electric
current.
2089.SHUTOFF VALVE: A valve which operates fully
open or fully closed.
2090.SIGHT GLASS - Glass tube or glass window in
refrigerating mechanism. It shows amount of
refrigerant or oil in system and indicates presence of
gas bubbles in liquid line.
2091.SILICA - Silicon dioxide (Si02), a mineral found
naturally as quartz or in complex combination with
other elements such as silicates.
2092.SILICA GEL - Absorbent chemical compound
used as a drier. When heated, moisture is released
and compound may be reused.
2093.SILICA, COLLOIDAL - Silica in colloidal form.
2094.SILICA, REACTIVE –
2095.SILICA, VOLATILE - Silica carryover with steam.
2096.SILT DENSITY INDEX - A measure of the
tendency of a water to foul a reverse osmosis
membrane, based on time flow through a membrane
filter at constant pressure.
2097.SIMPLE CYCLE - Referring to the gas turbine
cycle consisting only of compression, combustion
and expansion.
Engineering Dictionary
2098.SIMPLEX PUMP: A pump that has only one liquid
cylinder.
2099.SINGLE PHASING - The condition when one phase of a
multiphase (poly-phase) motor circuit is broken or opened.
Motors running when this occurs may continue to run but
with lower power output and over heating.
2100.SINGLE SHAFT GAS TURBINE - A gas turbine
arrangement in which the compressor and the gas turbine
are all coupled to one shaft.
2101.SINGLE STAGE COMPRESSOR - Compressor having
only one compressive step between inlet and outlet.
2102.SKIN CONDENSER - Condenser using the outer
surface of the cabinet as the heat radiating medium.
2103.SLAG - Arises from high furnace temperatures, which
cause particles of ash to melt and stick to furnace walls
and other parts.
2104.SLEEVE: A casing fitted over a line or shaft for
protection against wear or corrosion.
2105.SLIME - A soft, sticky, mucus-like substance, originating
from a bacterial growth.
2106.SLING PSYCHROMETER - Measuring device with wet
and dry bulb thermometers. Moved rapidly through air it
measures humidity.
2107.SLIP COUPLING - Control by means of a split coupling
between the motor and the fan. The speed of the fan is
varied by altering the slip between the two coupling halves
either magnetically or hydraulically.
2108.SLIP RING - Rings mounted on but insulated from a
shaft, as in the rotor of an alternating current machine. The
coils of the rotor are connected to the rings and carbon
brushes rubbing against the latter carry the current.
2109.SLUDGE - A deposit on a heat-transfer surface that
does not have the hard, crystalline structure of a scale but
is softer and less dense.
2110.SLUG - A unit of measure for mass in the English
system, which equals 14.6 kg in the SI system.
2111.SLUGGING - Condition in which mass of liquid enters
compressor causing hammering.
2112.SLURRY - A water containing high concentration of
suspended solids, usually over 5000 mg/L.
2113.SLURRY EROSION - Material removal due to the
combined action of corrosion and wear.
2114.SMOKE DENSITY METER - A photo-electric instrument
to show the density of smoke in the base of a chimney or
other convenient point.
2115.SODA ASH - A common water treatment chemical,
sodium carbonate.
Page 65 of 79

2116.SODA BASE GREASE - A grease with a high
melting temperature, used in high-speed bearings of
the anti-friction type. Not suitable for wet or moist
conditions.
2117.SODIUM CHLORIDE - Common table salt, used to
produce a brine solution, used a secondary
refrigerant.
2118.SODIUM SULFITE (Na2S03) - A chemical used
with water treatment to remove small amounts of
oxygen.
2119.SODIUM TRACER METHOD - A technique used
to measure dissolved solids in steam to values as
low as 0.001 ppm.
2120.SODIUM ZEOLITE SOFTENING - The process of
removing scale forming ions of calcium and
magnesium and replacing them with the equivalent
amount of sodium ions.
2121.SOFT WATER - Water that is free of magnesium
or calcium salts.
2122.SOFTENING - The removal of hardness (calcium
and magnesium) from water.
2123.SOLAR HEAT - Heat created by visible and
invisible energy waves from the sun.
2124.SOLENOID - A powerful coil with steel plunger
used for closing circuit-breakers. The coil usually
operates by direct current, and is only energised
during the closing period.
2125.SOLENOID VALVE - Electromagnet with a moving
core. It serves as a valve or operates a valve.
2126.SOLID ABSORBENT REFRIGERATION -
Refrigeration system which uses solid substance as
absorber of the refrigerant during the cooling part of
the cycle and releases refrigerant when heated
during generating part of cycle.
2127.SOLID COUPLING: A device that joins two shafts
rigidly.
2128.SOLID STATE HALOGEN LEAK DETECTOR - An
electronic leak detector for all halogen. related
refrigerants.
2129.SOLUBLE IRON - Usually present in cooling water
systems and can arise from metallurgical corrosion.
2130.SOLU-BRIDGE - An electronic instrument used to
measure conductivity of a water sample to determine
the dissolved solids content.
2131.SORBENT - See absorbent.
2132.SOOT - Unburned particles of carbon derived from
hydrocarbons.
2133.SOOT BLOWER - A mechanical device for
discharging steam or air to clean heat absorbing
surfaces.
Engineering Dictionary
2134.SOUR GAS - A gaseous environment containing
hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide in hydrocarbon
reservoirs.
2135.SOUR WATER - Waste water containing malodorous
materials, usually sulfur compounds.
2136.SPALLING - The breaking off of the surface of refractory
material as a result of internal stresses.
2137.SPARGER - An extension into the bottom of a tank of a
pipe which has a distribution nozzle on the end for mixing
one fluid with another.
2138.SPECIFIC CONDUCTANCE - Measures the ability of a
water to conduct electricity. Conductivity increases with
total dissolved solids and is therefore used to estimate
dissolved solids present in the water.
2139.SPECIFIC DENSITY - Weight per unit volume of a
substance.
2140.SPECIFIC GRAVITY - The density of a substance
compared to the density of a standard material such as
water.
2141.SPECIFIC HEAT - Ratio of quantity of heat required to
raise temperature of a body 1 degree to that required to
raise temperature of equal mass of water 1 degree.
2142.SPECIFIC HEAT (Cp) - The ratio of the mount of heat
required to raise a mass of material 1 degree in
temperature to the amount required to raise n eual mass of
reference substance, usually water, 1 degree in
temperature.
2143.SPECIFIC HUMIDITY - Ratio of weight of vapor to the
weight of gas in a unit volume of an air-water vapor
mixture.
2144.SPECIFIC VOLUME - Volume per unit mass of a
substance.
2145.SPECIFIED PERFORMANCE - Power station plant is
usually guaranteed by the contractor to produce a certain
standard of performance. This is known as the specified
performance.
2146.SPEED DROOP: A progressive drop in speed as load is
picked up by the prime mover from no load to full load
without manually changing the speed setting.
2147.SPEED-LIMITING GOVERNOR: A device for limiting the
speed of a prime mover.
2148.SPEED-REGULATING GOVERNOR: A device that
maintains a constant speed on an engine that is operating
under varying load conditions.
2149.SPLASH SYSTEM, OILING - Method of lubricating
moving parts by agitating or splashing oil in the crankcase.
2150.SPLIT PLANT: A method of operating propulsion plants
so that they are divided into two or more separate and
complete units.
Page 66 of 79

2151.SPLIT-STREAM DEALKALIZER - Where the flow
of water is divided through a parallel arrangement of
hydrogen and sodium cation exchanger. The
combined product being soft and low in alkalinity.
2152.SPRAY ANGLE - The angle included between the
sides of the cone formed by liquid fuel discharged
from mechanical, rotary atomizers and by some
forms of steam or air atomizers.
2153.SPRAY CARRYOVER - Are referred to a mist or
fog and are a degree of atomization of the boiler
water and carried with the steam. This type of
carryover is to be prevented by the drum internals.
2154.SPRAY COOLING - Method of refrigerating by
spraying expendable refrigerant or by spraying
refrigerated water.
2155.SPRAY ELIMINATORS - Inclined battens or
packing in a cooling tower to prevent spray being
carried to atmosphere by the draught through the
tower.
2156.SPRAY MANIFOLD - A pipe, or extension of a
water line, that has several openings fitted with
nozzles which spray water.
2157.SPRAY-COIL UNIT - A cooling circuit that sprays
water over cooling coils through inflowing air to
humidify or dehumidify that air, as required.
2158.SPRAY-COOLING CIRCUIT - An open cooling-
water circuit which sprays water and cools by
evaporation, for example, a cooling tower, all
evaporative condenser, an air washer, or a spray-coil
unit.
2159.SPRAY NOZZLE - A nozzle from which a liquid
fuel is discharged in the form of a spray.
2160.SPREAD: The divergence of the air stream in a
horizontal or vertical plane after it leaves the outlet.
2161.SPREADER STROKER - A unit which discharges
crushed coal into the furnace by means of rotary
blades while a chain grate runs from the rear wail
towards the front.
2162.SPRING BEARINGS: Bearings positioned at
varying intervals along a propulsion shaft to help
keep it in alignment and to support its weight.
2163.STABILITY: The ability of a governor to correct a
speed disturbance with a minimum of corrective
motions.
2164.STABILITY DIAGRAM - A chart to show the
operator the limits of stability defined for the
satisfactory operation of the generator.
2165.STABILITY INDEX - An imperical modification of
the saturation index used to predict scaling or
corrosive tendencies in water systems.
Engineering Dictionary
2166.STACK - A vertical conduit, which due to the difference
in density between internal and external gases, creates a
draft at its base.
2167.STACK DRAFT - The magnitude of the draft measured
at the inlet to the stack.
2168.STACK EFFECT - That portion of a pressure differential
resulting from difference in elevation of the points of
measurement.
2169.STACK EFFLUENT - Gas and solid products discharged
from stacks.
2170.STAGE - The point in the turbine blade system where a
Steam pressure-drop takes place.
2171.STAGNATION - The condition of being free from
movement or lacking circulation.
2172.STANDARD AIR CONDITIONS - Standard air density
has been set at 0.075 Ib/cu ft. This corresponds
approximately to dry air at 70°F and 29.92 in Hg. In metric
units, the standard air density is 1.2041 kg/m3 at 20°C and
at 101.325 kPa.
2173.STANDARD CONDITIONS - The standard conditions
referred to in environmental system work for air are: dry air
at 70°F and at an atmospheric pressure of 29.92 inches
mercury (in Hg). For water, standard conditions are 68°F at
the same barometric pressure. At these standard
conditions, the density of air is 0.075 pounds per cubic feet
and the density of water is 62.4 pounds per cubic foot.
2174.STANDARD FLUE GAS - Gas weighing 0.078 lb per cu
ft at sea level (29.92" Barometric Pressure) and 70 °F.
2175.STAR & DELTA - The names applied to the two more
usual methods of interconnecting windings in a three-
phase generator, motor or transformer.
2176.STATE - Refers to the form of a fluid, either liquid, gas or
solid. Liquids used in environmental systems are water,
thermal fluids such as ethylene glycol solutions, and
refrigerants in the liquid state. Gases are steam,
evaporated refrigerants and the air-water vapor mixture
found in the atmosphere. Some substances, including
commonly used refrigerants, may exist in any of three
states. A simple example is water, which may be solid (ice),
liquid (water), or gas (steam or water vapor).
2177.STATIC HEAD - The pressure due to the weight of a
fluid above the point of measurement.
2178.STATIC PRESSURE - The measure of potential energy
of a fluid.
2179.STATIC SUCTION HEAD - The positive vertical height in
feet from the pump centerline to the top of the level of the
liquid source.
2180.STATIC SUCTION LIFT - The distance in feet between
the pump centerline and the source of liquid below the
pump centerline.
2181.STATOR - The stationary part of an alternator.
2182.STATOR CORE - An assembly of magnetic iron
laminations slotted to contain the stator windings.
Page 67 of 79

2183.STATOR FRAME - The main structure which
supports the stator core and windings.
2184.STEAM - Water in vapor state.
2185.STEAM ATOMISER - A type of oil burner with a
double concentric tube which allows steam generally
in excess of the oil pressure to impinge on the oil
supply and break it into a number of jets of finely
divided oil and steam.
2186.STEAM BINDING - A restriction in circulation due
to a steam pocket or a rapid steam formation.
2187.STEAM CONDITION - The pressure and
temperature of the steam. Specified either at the
boiler main stop valve or the turbine stop valve.
2188.STEAM DRUM - A pressure chamber located at
the upper extremity of a boiler circulatory system, in
which the steam is generated in the boiler and
separated from the water.
2189.STEAM JET REFRIGERATION - Refrigerating
system which uses a steam venturi to create high
vacuum (low pressure) on a water container causing
water to evaporate at low temperature.
2190.STEAM PURITY - Refers to all matter but water in
the steam.
2191.STEAM SEPARATOR - A device for removing the
entrained water from steam.
2192.STEAM SOAKING - A method of softening the
hard deposits on the external surfaces of boiler
tubes.
2193.STEAM TRACING (ELECTRIC TRACING) - A
method of heating pipelines carrying fuel oil by
means of steam pipes or electric heating placed in
contact with the oil pipe along its length under the
lagging. The heat is to make the oil flow easily.
2194.STEAM TRAP - A device fitted at the lowest point
of a heating pipework system, to provide automatic
drainage of water.
2195.STEAM TURBINE - A heat engine used to convert
the heat-energy in steam to mechanical energy
2196.STEAM PRESSURE CONTROL - Adjustments to
give correct steam pressure at all times, either
manually or by an automatic system.
2197.STEAM PURUTY METER - An instrument for
detecting impurities carried over in the steam.
2198.STEAM QUALITY - The percentage by weight of
vapor in a steam and water mixture.
2199.STEAM-ABSORPTION CONDENSER - That part
of a steam-absorption machine in which the water
refrigerant is condensed by cooling-tower water and
returned to the evaporator or chiller.
2200.STEAM-ABSORPTION MACHINE - A refrigeration
or air-conditioning machine which uses, as a
refrigerant, water evaporated by absorption in a brine
Engineering Dictionary
regenerated by steam and condensed by cooling-tower
water.
2201.STEP-TOOTHED LABYRINTH: Labyrinth type packing
having each alternate tooth ring installed on the shaft and
running in close proximity to the fixed packing ring.
2202.STERN TUBE: (1) The bearing supporting the propeller
shaft where it emerges from the ship. (2) A watertight
enclosure for the propeller shaft.
2203.STERN TUBE FLUSHING WATER: Water circulated
through the stern tube from in-board to prevent
accumulation of debris in the stern tube while the ship is at
rest or backing down.
2204.STICTION (STATIC FRICTION) - Resistance of start of
motion.
2205.STOICHIOMETRIC - The ratio of chemical substances
reacting in the water that correspond to their combining
weights in the theoretical chemical reaction.
2206.STRAIGHT PRESSURE AUTOMISER - A type of oil
burner. Oil is fed under pressure into tangential ports and
after spinning in a vortex chamber is emitted as a cone.
2207.STRAIGHT STEAM CYCLE - One In which steam from
the boiler passes straight through the turbine and thence to
the condenser and reheat Is not used.
2208.STRAINER - A device, such as a filter, to retain solid
particles allowing a liquid to pass.
2209.STRATIFICATION - Non-homogeneity existing
transversely in a gas stream.
2210.STRATIFIED AIR: Unmixed air in a duct that is in
thermal layers that have temperature variations of more
than five degrees.
2211.STRESS RAPTURE - A general type of damage
referring to carbon steel tubing, when heated above
450°C. Material will plastically deform (creep) and then
rapture.
2212.STUFFING BOX - That portion of the pump which
houses the packing or mechanical seal, The stuffing box is
usually referred to as the dry portion of the pump, and is
located in back of the impeller and around the shaft.
2213.SUBCOOLING - The difference between the
temperature of a pure condensable fluid below saturation
and the temperature at the liquid saturated state, at the
same pressure.
2214.SUBCOOLING - The process of cooling a liquid to a
temperature below its saturation temperature for any given
saturation pressure.
2215.SUBLIMATION - A change of state directly from solid to
gas without appearance of liquid.
2216.SUBLIMATION - Condition where a substance changes
from a solid to a gas without becoming a liquid.
2217.SUBSONIC SPEEDS –
Page 68 of 79

2218.SUCTION HEAD - The positive pressure on the
pump inlet when the source of liquid supply is above
the pump centerline.
2219.SUCTION LIFT - The combination of static suction
lift and friction head in the suction piping when the
source of liquid is below the pump centerline (A
pumping condition where the eye of the impeller of
the pump is above the surface of the water from
which the pump is pumping).
2220.SUCTION LINE - Tube or pipe used to carry
refrigerant gas from evaporator to compressor.
2221.SUCTION PRESSURE - Pressure in low-pressure
side of a refrigerating system.
2222.SUCTION PRESSURE CONTROL VALVE -
Device located in the suction line which maintains
constant pressure in evaporator during running
portion of cycle.
2223.SUCTION PRESSURE CONTROL VALVE -
Device located in the suction line which maintains
constant pressure in evaporator during running
portion of cycle.
2224.SUCTION SERVICE VALVE - Two-way manually
operated valve located at the inlet to compressor. It
controls suction gas flow and is used to service unit.
2225.SUCTION SIDE - Low-pressure side of the system
extending from the refrigerant control through the
evaporator to the inlet valve of the compressor.
2226.SULFATE - A compound, ion, or salt of sulfur and
oxygen, such as sodium sulfate (Na2S04).
2227.SULFITE DECOMPOSITION - Sodium sulfite,
which is used as an oxygen scavenger, may
decomposes with higher temperatures and
concentration. The decomposition results in forming
sulfur dioxide and thus leading to an acidic anhydride
causing corrosion.
2228.SULFONIC - A specific acidic group (SO3H) on
which depends the exchange activity of certain
cation adsorbents.
2229.SULFUR DIOXIDE (SO2) - An old refrigerant.
2230.SUMP: A container, compartment, or reservoir
used as a drain or receptacle for engine oil.
2231.SUN EFFECT - Solar energy transmitted into
space through windows and building materials.
2232.SUPERCHARGE: To supply a charge of air at a
pressure higher than that of the surrounding
atmosphere.
2233.SUPERCHARGER: A device for increasing the
volume of the air charge of an internal-combustion
engine.
Engineering Dictionary
2234.SUPERCRITICAL STEAM PRESSURE - Pressures
above the critical pressure of 3,206 lb./sq. in. absolute.
This is the pressure at which the value of latent heat Is at
zero.
2235.SUPERHEAT - The heat added to a fluid above its
saturation point.
2236.SUPERHEATED STEAM - Steam heated above its
saturation temperature.
2237.SUPERHEATED VAPOR - A vapor which is not about to
condense.
2238.SUPERHEATER - Heat exchanger arranged to take
heat from liquid going to evaporator and using it to
superheat vapor leaving evaporator.
2239.SUPERHEATING - The process of adding heat to a
vapor in order to raise its temperature above saturation
temperature. It is impossible to superheat a saturated
vapor as long as it is in contact with the liquid from which it
is being generated; hence the vapor must be led away
from the liquid before it can be superheated.
2240.SUPERSATURATED SOLUTION - A solution of a salt or
mineral with a concentration beyond the normal saturation
point.
2241.SUPERSONIC AIR FLOW –
2242.SURFACE BLOWDOWN - Removal of water, foam, etc.
from the surface at the water level in a boiler.
2243.SURFACE CONDENSER - A condenser where cooling
water flows through tubes but does not mix with the steam
condensing on the outer surfaces of the tubes.
2244.SURFACE HEATING - The exterior surface of a heating
unit. Extended heating surface (or extended surface),
consisting of fins, pins, or ribs which receive heat by
conduction from the prime surface. Prime surface: heating
surface having the heating medium on one side and air (or
extended surface) on the other.
2245.SURFACE-SPRAY UNIT - A spray-coil unit.
2246.SURFACTANT - A compound that affects interfacial
tension between two liquids. It usually reduces surface
tension.
2247.SURFACTANTS - A wetting agent used to prevent
fouling, mainly in water cooling systems.
2248.SURGE - The sudden displacement or movement of
water in a closed vessel or drum.
2249.SURGE SURPRESSOR - A device that reduces
harmonic distortion in line voltage circuits by clipping off
transient voltages which are fed through the power lines
from operating equipment.
Page 69 of 79

2250.SURGE TANK - Container connected to the low-
pressure side of a refrigerating system which
increases gas volume and reduces rate of pressure
change.
2251.SUSPENDED SOLIDS - Un-dissolved solids in
boiler water.
2252.SWAMP COOLER - Evaporative type cooler in
which air is drawn through porous mats soaked with
water.
2253.SWELLING - The expansion of an ion-exchange
which occurs when the reactive groups on the resin
are converted from one form to another.
2254.SWING CHECK VALVE - A valve that has a guide-
mounted disk swung from the top by a horizontal pin.
A liquid exerting pressure against the disk will cause
it to open, allowing a flow. Pressure exerted in the
opposite direction will close the valve, ensuring only
one direction of flow.
2255.SWINGING LOAD - A load that changes at
relatively short intervals.
2256.SWITCHBOARD: A panel or group of panels with
automatic protective devices, used to distribute the
electrical power throughout the ship.
2257.SYNCHRONIZE: (1) To make two or more events
or operations occur at the proper time with respect to
each other. (2) To adjust two engines to run at the
same speed.
2258.SYNCHRONOUS MOTOR - An alternating current
motor the speed of which is directly proportional to
the frequency of the supply.
2259.SYNERGISM - The combined action of several
chemicals which produce an effect greater than the
additive effects of each.
2260.SYNTHRON SEAL: A rubber strip seal installed on
the shaft to prevent seawater from leaking into the
ship along the shaft.
2261.SYSTEM - A series of ducts, conduits, elbows,
branch piping, etc. designed to guide the flow of air,
gas or vapor to and from one or more locations. A fan
provides the necessary energy to overcome the
resistance to flow of the system and causes air or
gas flow through the system. Some components of a
typical system are louvers, grilles, diffusers, filters,
heating and cooling coils, air pollution control
devices, burner assemblies, volume flow control
dampers, mixing boxes, sound attenuators, the
ductwork and related fittings.
2262.SYSTEM, CENTRAL FAN - A mechanical, indirect
system of heating, ventilating, or air conditioning, in
which the air is treated or handled by equipment
located outside the rooms served, usually at a
central location, and conveyed to and from the rooms
by means of a fan and a system of distributing ducts.
Engineering Dictionary
2263.SYSTEM, CLOSED - A heating or refrigerating piping
system in which circulating water or brine is completely
enclosed, under pressure above atmospheric, and shut off
from the atmosphere except for an expansion tank.
2264.SYSTEM, DUCT - A series of ducts, conduits, elbows,
branch piping, etc. designed to guide the flow of air, gas or
vapor to and from one or more locations. A fan provides
the necessary energy to overcome the resistance to flow of
the system and causes air or gas to flow through the
system. Some components of a typical system are louvers,
grilles, diffusers, filters, heating and cooling coils energy
recovery de vices, burner assemblies, volume dampers,
mixing boxes, sound attenuators, the ductwork and related
fittings.
2265.SYSTEM, FLOODED - A system in which only part of
the refrigerant passing over the heat transfer surface is
evaporated, and the portion not evaporated is separated
from the vapor and recirculated.
2266.SYSTEM, UNITARY - A complete, factory-assembled
and factory-tested refrigerating system comprising one or
more assemblies which may be shipped as one unit or
separately but which are designed to be used together.
2267.SYSTEMS CURVE - A graphic presentation of the
pressure vs. volume flow rate characteristics of a particular
system.
T
2268.TACHOMETER: An instrument for indicating revolutions
per minute.
2269.TAlL PIPE - Outlet pipe from the evaporator.
2270.TAIL SHAFT: The aft section of the shaft that receives
the propeller.
2271.TAKE LEADS: A method of determining bearing and
other clearances. Mostly replaced by other methods such
as plastigage and bearing shell thickness measurements.
2272.TANDEM COMPOUND TURBINE –
2273.TANGEBTIAL PULVERISED FUEL BURNER - In this
arrangement the burners, positioned in the four corners of
the furnace, are adjusted to fire tangentially to an
imaginary circle at the centre of the combustion chamber.
Combustion Engineering (now part of ABB) & their
licencees use this method.
2274.TANNINS - A chemical used as an inhibitor in relation
with caustic embrittlement.
2275.TDC (TOP DEAD CENTER): The position of a
reciprocating piston at its uppermost point of travel.
2276.TEFLON: A plastic with excellent self-lubricating bearing
properties.
2277.TELEGRAPH: An apparatus, either electrical or
mechanical, for transmitting orders, as from a ship’s bridge
Page 70 of 79

to the engine room, steering gear room, or elsewhere
about the ship.
2278.TELEMOTOR: A device for operating the steering
engine from the pilothouse by means of either fluid
pressure or electricity.
2279.TEMPER: To harden steel by heating and sudden
cooling by immersion in oil, water, or other coolant.
2280.TEMPERATURE - Degree of hotness or coldness
as measured by a thermometer.
2281.TEMPERATURE - Degree of hotness or coldness
as measured by a thermometer.
2282.TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Temperature-
operated thermostatic device which automatically
opens or closes a circuit.
2283.TEMPERATURE CRITICAL - The saturation
temperature corresponding to the critical state of the
substance at which the properties of the liquid and
vapor are identical.
2284.Temperature, Absolute Zero: The zero point on the
absolute temperature scale, 459.69 degrees below
the zero of the Fahrenheit scale, 273.16 degrees be
low the zero of the Celsius scale.
2285.TEMPERATURE, DEWPOINT - The temperature
at which the condensation of water vapor in a space
begins for a given state of humidity and pressure as
the temperature of the vapor is reduced. The
temperature corresponding to saturation (100
percent relative humidity) for a given absolute
humidity at constant pressure.
2286.TEMPERATURE, DRYBULB - The temperature of
a gas or mixture of gases indicated by an accurate
thermometer after correction for radiation.
2287.TEMPERATURE, EFFECTIVE - An arbitrary index
which combines into a single value the effect of
temperature, humidity, and air movement on the
sensation of warmth or cold felt by the human body.
The numerical value is that of the temperature of still,
saturated air which would induce an identical
sensation.
2288.TEMPERATURE, SATURATION - The
temperature at which no further moisture can be
added to the air water vapor mixture. Equals dew
point temperature.
2289.TEMPERATURE, WET BULB - Thermodynamic
wet bulb temperature is the temperature at which
liquid or solid water, by evaporating into air, can bring
the air to saturation adiabatically at the same
temperature. Wet bulb temperature (without
qualification) is the temperature indicated by a wet
bulb psychrometer constructed and used according
to specifications.
2290.TEMPERATURE-HUMIDITY INDEX - Actual
temperature and humidity of air sample compared to
air at standard conditions.
Engineering Dictionary
2291.TENSILE STRENGTH - In tensile testing, the ratio of
maximum load to original cross-sectional area. Also called
ultimate strength.
2292.TENSILE STRESS - A stress that causes two parts of an
elastic body, on either side of a typical stress plane, to pull
apart.
2293.TENSION - The force or load that produces elongation.
2294.TERMINAL TEMPERATURE DIFFERENCE - The
temperature-difference between the exhaust steam and
the cooling-water at the top of the condenser or point
where the cooling water leaves.
2295.TERMINAL VELOCITY - The maximum air stream
velocity at the end of the throw.
2296.THE FIRST LAW - (1 ) When work is expanded in
generating heat, the quantity of heat produced is
proportional to the work expended; and, conversely, when
heat is employed in the performance of work, the quantity
of heat which disappears is proportional to the work done
(Joule); (2) If a system is caused to change from an initial
state to a final state by adiabatic means only, the work
done is the same for all adiabatic paths connecting the two
states (Zemansky); (3) In any power cycle or refrigeration
cycle, the net heat absorbed by the working substance is
exactly equal to the net work done.
2297.THE SECOND LAW: (1) It is impossible for a self acting
machine, unaided by any external agency, to convey heat
from a body of lower temperature to one of higher
temperature (Clausius); (2) It is impossible to derive
mechanical work from heat taken from a body unless there
is available a body of lower temperature into which the
residue not so
2298.TERTIARY AIR - Air for combustion supplied to the
furnace to supplement the primary and secondary air.
2299.THEORETICAL AIR - The quantity of air required for
perfect combustion.
2300.THEORETICAL DRAFT - The draft, which would be
available at the base of a stack if there were no friction or
acceleration losses in the stack.
2301.THEORETICAL FLAME TEMPERATURE - See
"Adiabatic Flame Temperature."
2302.THERM - Quantity of heat equal to 100000 Btu.
2303.THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY - The rate at which heat is
transferred through an object.
2304.THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY - The rate of heat flow,
under steady conditions, through unit area, per unit
temperature gradient in the direction perpendicular to the
area. It is given in the SI nits s watts per meter Kelvin (W/m
• K).
2305.THERMAL EFFICIENCY - Ratio of shaft work out of a
system to the heat energy into the system.
Page 71 of 79

2306.THERMAL EFFICIENCY OF A GAS TURBINE - Is
the energy output of the gas turbine divided by the
energy input of the gas turbine.
2307.THERMAL ELECTROMOTIVE FORCE - The
electromotive force generated in a circuit containing
two dissimilar metals when one junction is at
temperature different from that of the other. (see also
thermocouple).
2308.THERMAL ENERGY: Energy contained in or
derived from, heat.
2309.THERMAL EQUILIBRIUM - When two bodies
originally at different temperatures, have attained the
same temperature
2310.THERMAL EXPANSION - The change in length of
a material with change in temperature.
2311.THERMAL EXPANSION VALVE: The metering
device or flow control which regulates the amount of
liquid refrigerant which is allowed to enter the
evaporator.
2312.THERMAL SHOCK - The development of a steep
temperature gradient and accompanying high stress
within a material or structure.
2313.THERMAL STRESS – Stresses which are set up
in heated metals.
2314.THERMAL TREATMENT - Refers to the treatment
of water with heat to drive off the dissolved gases
and soften certain minerals for easy removal.
2315.THERMISTOR - A two-terminal semiconductor
device whose resistance is temperature sensitive.
2316.THERMOBANK - A bank for storing heat.
2317.THERMOCOMPRESSOR - A compressor using
high-pressure high-temperature steam to compress
low-pressure vapour.
2318.THERMOCOUPLE - Device for measuring
temperature utilizing the fact that an electromotive
force is generated whenever two junctions of two
dissimilar metals in an electric circuit are at different
temperature levels.
2319.THERMOCOUPLE - Device which generates
electricity, using the principle that if two unlike metals
are welded together and junction is heated, voltage
will develop across the open ends.
2320.THERMOCOUPLE - Device which generates
electricity, using the principle that if two unlike metals
are welded together and junction is heated, voltage
will develop across the open ends.
2321.THERMOCOUPLE PYROMETER - An instrument
in which two wires of dissimilar metals are toined at
one end. When the junction is heated a thermo-
electric force is generated proportional to the
temperature and indicates it on an electrical meter.
Engineering Dictionary
2322.THERMOCOUPLE THERMOMETER - Electrical
instrument using thermocouple as source of electrical flow,
connected to millimeter calibrated in temperature degrees.
2323.THERMODISK DEFROST CONTROL - Electrical switch
with bimetal disk controlled by temperature changes.
2324.THERMODYNAMIC CYCLE –
2325.THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES - Basic qualities
used in defining the condition of a substance, such as
temperature, pressure, volume, enthalpy, entropy.
2326.THERMODYNAMICS - Part of science which deals with
the relationships between heat and mechanical action.
2327.THERMOELECTRIC REFRIGERATION - Where
refrigeration is produced by the passage of electric current
through two dissimilar materials.
2328.THERMOELECTRICITY - In physics, electricity
generated by the application of heat to the junction of two
dissimilar materials. If two wires of different materials are
joined at their ends and one end is maintained at a higher
temperature than the other, a voltage difference will arise,
and an electric current will exist between the hot and the
cold junctions.
2329.THERMOMETER - Device for measuring temperatures.
2330.THERMOMODULE - Number of thermocouples used in
parallel to achieve low temperatures.
2331.THERMOPILE - Number of thermocouples used in
series to create a higher voltage.
2332.THERMO –SIPHON - A means of securing circulation;
often used in cooling bearings.
2333.THERMOSTAT - Device, which senses ambient
temperature, conditions and, in turn, acts to control a
circuit.
2334.THERMOSTATIC CONTROL - Device which operates
system or part of system based on temperature change.
2335.THERMOSTATIC VALVE - Valve controlled by
temperature change response elements.
2336.THERMOSTATIC WATER VALVE - Valve used to
control flow of water through system, actuated (made to
work) by temperature difference. Used in units such as
water-cooled compressor and/or condenser.
2337.THREAD: The spiral part of a screw.
2338.THREE-WAY VALVE - Multi-orifice (opening) flow
control valve with three fluid flow openings.
2339.THRESHOLD TREATMENT - Chemical treatment, used
to prevent scale formation, which acts to hold hardness in
solution at the threshold of precipitation.
2340.THROAT: Opening in the cylinder block through which
the crankshaft end is extended.
Page 72 of 79

2341.THROTTLE GOVERNING –
2342.THROTTLEMAN: Person in the engine room who
operates the throttles to control the main engines.
2343.THROTTLE VALVE: A type of valve especially
designed to control rate of flow.
2344.THROTTLING - : Operating a valve partially open
to produce a pressure drop with flow (An irreversible
adiabatic steady flow process in which the fluid is
caused to flow through an obstruction in a pipe with a
resulting drop in pressure).
2345.THROTTLING RANGE - The amount of change in
the variable being controlled to make the controlled
device more through the full length of its stroke.
2346.THRUST ADJUSTING GEAR - Equipment for
controlling, within strictly defined limits, the axial
position of a turbine rotor.
2347.THRUST BEARINGS: Bearings that limit the axial
(longitudinal) movement of the shaft.
2348.THRUST COLLAR POSITION INDICATOR –
2349.TILLER: An arm attached to the rudder head for
operating the rudder.
2350.TIMER-THERMOSTAT - Thermostat control which
includes a clock mechanism. Unit automatically
controls room temperature and changes temperature
range depending on time of day.
2351.TIMING GEARS: Gears attached to the
crankshaft, camshaft, idler shaft, or injection pump to
provide a means to drive the camshaft and injection
pump and to regulate the speed and performance.
2352.TIP SEALED BLADS –
2353.TITRATION - A chemical process used in
analyzing feedwater.
2354.TOLERANCE: The amount that a manufactured
part may vary from its specified size.
2355.TON REFRIGERATION UNIT - Unit which
removes same amount of heat in 24 hours as melting
of 1 ton of ice.
2356.TONNS OF REFRIGERATION - The capacity of a
refrigeration system that can freeze 1 tonne (1000
kg) of liquid water at 0°C into ice at 0°C in 24 hour is
said to be 1 tone.
2357.TOOL STEEL - Any steel used o make tools for
cutting, forming, or otherwise shaping a material into
a final part.
2358.TOPPING TURBINE –
Engineering Dictionary
2359.TORQUE: A force or combination of forces that produces
or tends to produce a twisting or rotary motion.
2360.TOTAL AIR - Total air for complete combustion is the
theoretical quantity necessary, plus the correct amount of
excess air.
2361.TOTAL DYNAMIC HEAD - Dynamic discharge head
(static discharge head, plus friction head, plus velocity
head) plus dynamic suction lift, or dynamic discharge head
minus dynamic suction head.
2362.TOTAL HARDNESS - See Hardness.
2363.TOTAL HEAT - Sum of both the sensible and latent
heat.
2364.TOTAL HEAT (ENTHALPY) - Total heat is the sum of
the sensible heat and latent heat in an exchange process.
In many cases, the addition or subtraction of latent and
sensible heat at terminal coils appears simultaneously.
Total heat also is called enthalpy, both of which can be
defined as the quantity of heat energy contained in that
substance.
2365.TOTAL SOLIDS - Are the sum of the dissolved and
suspended solids.
2366.TOTAL SOLIDS CONCENTRATION - The weight of
dissolved and suspended impurities in a unit weight of
boiler water, usually expressed in ppm.
2367.TOUGHNESS: The property of a material that enables it
to withstand shock as well as to be deformed without
breaking.
2368.TOWER FILL - The interior structure of a cooling tower
over which the water flows.
2369.TRACE CONSTITUENTS - Materials present at a
concentration less than 0.01 mg/L.
2370.TRACE HEAT - The heating of oil in a pipe by means of
steam or electric heating elements.
2371.TRANCSMITTANCE, THERMA (U FACTOR) - The time
rate of heat flow per unit area under steady conditions from
the fluid on the warm side of a barrier to the fluid on the
cold side, per unit temperature difference between the two
fluids.
2372.TRANSDUCER - The means by which the controller
converts the signal from the sensing device into the means
necessary to have the appropriate effect on the controlled
device. For example, a change in air pressure in the
pneumatic transmission piping.
2373.TRANSFER VALVE: A manually operated direction
valve used to switch automatic control systems from
automatic to manual operation and vice versa.
2374.TRANSFORMER - : A device composed of two or more
coils, linked by magnetic lines of force, used to transfer
Page 73 of 79

energy from one circuit to another. Also, an electrical
device used to step up or step down an a.c. voltage.
2375.TRANSIENT CONSTITUENTS - Are those
constituents which change in concentration or activity
by changes in the aquatic environment. The change
my be due to oxidation potentials, biological
activities, etc..
2376.TRANSISTOR - An active semiconductor device
capable of providing power amplification and having
three or more terminals.
2377.TRAP - A receptacle for the collection of
undesirable material.
2378.TREATMENT - A process whereby impurities are
removed from water; also a substance added to
water to improve its physical or chemical properties.
2379.TRIBOLOGY - The science concerned with the
design, friction, lubrication and wear of contacting
surfaces that move relative to each other (as in
bearings, cams, or gears).
2380.TRICK WHEEL: A steering wheel in the steering
engine room or emergency steering station of a ship,
used in case of emergency.
2381.TRIM - Ancillary boiler components, like water
level controls, pressure controls, and temperature
controls.
2382.TRIP COIL - A smaller and less powerful coil with
plunger, used for ‘tripping’ the mechanism which
holds the circuit-breaker in the ‘closed’ position.
2383.TUBE BALL MILL - A low-speed mill in the form of
a drum rotating on a horizontal axis. Small steel balls
within the mill act as the coal-grinding medium.
2384.TUBE NEST - The general assembly of condenser
of feed heater tubes.
2385.TUBE PLATE - Fixing and supporting plates for
condenser tubes.
2386.TUBING: That type of fluid line the dimensions of
which are designated by actual measured outside
diameter (OD) and by actual measured wall
thickness.
2387.TUBE SHEET - The portion of a heat exchanger or
boiler in to which the tubes are rolled or secured.
2388.TUBERCLE - A protective crust of corrosion
products (rust) which builds up over a pit caused by
the loss of metal due to corrosion.
2389.TUBERCULATION - A corrosion process that
produces hard knob-like mounds of corrosive
products on metal surfaces, increasing friction and
reducing flow in a water distribution system.
2390.TUBE-WITHIN-A-TUBE - Water-cooled
condensing unit in which a small tube is placed
inside large unit. Refrigerant passes through outer
tube, water through the inner tube.
Engineering Dictionary
2391.TURBIDITY - The measure of suspended matter in, a
water sample which contributes to the reflection of light or
cloudiness.
2392.TURBIDITY UNIT - The unit of measure of suspended
matter in water. It is the measure of light compared against
light reflected by a reference standard as defined by the
standard methods of water analysis in, APHA.
2393.TURBINE: (1) A rotary motor actuated by the reaction,
impulse, or both, of a flow of pressurized fluid. A turbine
usually consists of a series of curved vanes on a centrally
rotating shaft. (2) A multi bladed rotor, driven by steam, hot
gas, or water.
2394.TURBINE CYLINDER - The casing assembly of a
turbine which houses the fixed blades and the rotor.
2395.TURBINE HEAT RATE - The amount of heat consumed
by a turbo-generator usually in kilojoules per kilowatt hour.
2396.TURBINE METER - A device used to measure water
consumption in industrial plants.
2397.TURBINE ROTOR – The rotating part within the cylinder,
to which the moving blades are attached. These rotors are
of the drum, disc, solid-forged or welded type, according to
the design of the machine.
2398.TURBINE SUPERVISORY - Electronic apparatus giving
rapid indications and recordings of expansions and
contractions of the rotor and casing and rotor shaft
eccentricity. Sometimes called Turbovisory equipment.
2399.TURBINE THERMODYNAMIC EFFICIENCY - The ratio
between the heat-energy in the steam entering the turbine
and the heat converted by the turbine into mechanical
energy.
2400.TURBULATOR - Spiral wound or spiral shaped piece
located in the liquid tube of a heat exchanger.
2401.TURBULENCE: Air in the combustion space in motion.
2402.TURBULENT BURNER - A burner in which fuel and air
are mixed and discharged into the furnace in such a
manner as to produce turbulent flow from the burner.
2403.TURNDOWN RATIO - The ratio between full output and
minimum output of an oil burner (Ratio of maximum to
minimum fuel or steam input or boiler output).
2404.TURNER GAUGE - A device used to measure the actual
scale-thickness in boiler tubes.
2405.TWO-TEMPERATURE VALVE - Pressure-opened valve
used in suction line on multiple refrigerator installations,
which maintains evaporators in a system at different
temperatures.
2406.TWO-WAY VALVE - Valve with one inlet port and one
outlet port.
U
2407.ULTIMATE STRENGTH - The maximum stress (tensile,
compressive or shear) a material can sustain without
Page 74 of 79

fracture. It is determined by dividing maximum load
by the original cross-sectional area of the specimen.
2408.ULTRA FILTRATION - A process that forces water
through a filtering membrane by means of pressure
gradients in order to obtain ultra pure water.
2409.UNBURNABLE OIL: That quantity of oil below the
stripping suction in storage tanks and below the
service suction in service tanks.
2410.UNDERDEPOSIT ATTACK - Corrosion under or
around a localized deposit on a metal surface (a form
of crevice corrosion).
2411.UNITARY SYSTEM - A room unit which performs
part or all of the air conditioning functions. It may or
may not be used with a central fan system.
2412.UNIT INJECTOR: A diesel engine injector that
combines a pump and a fuel-spray nozzle in a single
unit.
2413.UNLOADER - A device in or on the compressor for
equalizing high-side and low-side pressures for a
brief time during starting and for controlling
compressor capacity by rendering one or more
cylinders ineffective.
2414.UNLOADING VALVE - A valve which automatically
opens when the pressure in the air receiver rises to a
pre-set value, and thus allows the air to escape
safely to atmosphere.
2415.UNSTABLE: That action of an automatic control
system and controller process that is characterized
by a continuous cycling of one or more system
variables for a degree greater than a specified
maximum.
2416.UPFLOW - The operation of an ion-exchange unit
in which solutions are passed in at the bottom and
out at the top of the container.
2417.UPFLOW FILTER - A unit containing a single filter
medium, usually with graded sand.
2418.UPFLOW FURNACE - A furnace in which the
heated air flows upward as it leaves the furnace.
2419.UPSTREAM - The inlet side of an instrument, a
pump, valve, etc..
2420.UTILITY TRANSFORMER - Primary and
secondary coils of wire which reduce (step down) the
utility supply volt age for use within a facility.
2421.U-TUBE MANOMETER - A U-shaped section of
plastic or glass tubing that is partially filled with water
or mercury. They are used to measure the lower
pressure ranges of gases.
V
2422.VACUUM - Pressure lower than atmospheric
pressure.
Engineering Dictionary
2423.VACUUM BREAKER - A device to prevent a suction in a
water pipe.
2424.VACUUM DELOADING - A turbine is protected against
falling vacuum by an oil-operated device to reduce the load
on the machine.
2425.VACUUM PUMP - Special high efficiency device used
for creating high vacuums for testing or drying purposes.
2426.VALVE: A mechanism that can be opened or closed to
control or stop the flow of a liquid, gas, or vapor from one
place to another place.
2427.VALVE GUIDE: A hollow-sized shaft pressed into the
cylinder head to keep the valve in proper alignment.
2428.VALVE KEEPER (VALVE RETAINER): A device
designed to lock the valve-spring retainer to the valve
stem.
2429.VALVE LASH: Clearance between the top of the valve
stem and the valve-lifting mechanism.
2430.VALVE LIFT: The distance a valve moves from the fully
closed to the fully open position.
2431.VALVE, MODULATING - A valve which can be
positioned anywhere between fully on and fully off to
proportion the rate of flow in response to a modulating
controller (see modulating control).
2432.VALVE, NEEDLE - A form of globe valve that contains a
sharp pointed, needle like plug that is driven into the and
out of a cone shaped seat to accurately control a relatively
small rate of flow of a fluid.
2433.VALVE OVERLAP: The period of crankshaft rotation
during which both the intake and exhaust valves are open.
It is measured in degrees.
2434.VALVE, POP - A spring loaded safety valve that opens
automatically when pressure exceeds the limits for which
the valve is set. It is used a safety device on pressurized
vessels and other equipment to prevent damage from
excessive pressure, also called relief valve or a safety
valve.
2435.VALVE, POPPET - A device that controls the rate of flow
of fluid in a line or opens or shuts of the flow of fluid
completely. When open, the sealing surface of the valve is
moved away from a seat. When closed, the sealing surface
contacts the seat to shut of the flow. Poppet valves are
used extensively as pneumatic controls and as intake and
exhaust valves in most internal combustion engines.
2436.VALVE, PRESSURE RELIEF - A valve designed to
minimize the possibility of explosion when air temperature
surrounding a refrigeration system may rise to a point
where the pressure of the refrigerant gas to increase to a
danger point.
2437.VALVE, RELIEF - Also called pressure relief valve.
Page 75 of 79

2438.VALVE ROTATOR: A mechanical device locked to
the end of the valve stem that forces the valve to
rotate about 5° with each rocker-arm action.
2439.VALVE SEAT: The surface, normally curved,
against which the valve disk’s operating face comes
to rest to provide a seal against leakage of liquid,
gas, or vapor.
2440.VALVE SEAT INSERT: Metal ring inserted into a
valve seat, made of a special metal that can
withstand operating temperature satisfactorily.
2441.VALVE SPRING: The compression-type spring
that closes the valve when the valve-operating cam
assumes a closed-valve position.
2442.VALVE, TWO-POSITION - A valve which is either
fully on or fully off with no positions between. Also
called an "on-off valve".
2443.VANE - That portion of an impeller which throws
the water toward the volute case.
2444.VANE CONTROL - The control of fan output by
producing by means of inlet vanes a pre-rotation of
the air or gas entering the fan.
2445.VAPOR - The gaseous state of a substance that is
usually a liquid or solid at atmospheric temperature
and pressure (A gas, particularly one near to
equilibrium with the liquid phase of the substance
and which does not follow the gas laws. Usually used
instead of gas for a refrigerant, and, in general, for
any gas below the critical temperature).
2446.VAPOR BARRIER - A moisture-impervious layer
applied to the surfaces enclosing a humid space to
prevent moisture travel to a point where it may
condense due to lower temperature.
2447.VAPOR LOCK - A condition where liquid flow is
impeded by vapor trapped in a liquid line.
2448.VAPOR PHASE INHIBITORS - A system using an
organic nitrite compound, a powder which vaporizes
slowly to protect ferrous metal from contact with
oxygen.
2449.VAPOR PRESSURE - Vapor pressure denotes the
lowest absolute pressure that a given liquid at a
given temperature will remain liquid before
evaporating into its gaseous form or state.
2450.VAPOR, SATURATED - Vapor in equilibrium with
its liquid; i.e., when the numbers per unit time of
molecules passing in two directions through the
surface dividing the two phases are equal.
2451.VAPOR, SUPERHEATED - Vapor at a
temperature which is higher than the saturation
temperature (i.e., boiling point) at the existing
pressure.
Engineering Dictionary
2452.VAPOR, WATER - Water used commonly in air
conditioning parlance to refer to steam in the atmosphere.
2453.VAPOROUS CARRYOVER - Referring to impurities
carried over with the steam and then forming a deposit on
turbine bladings. This type of carryover is difficult to
prevent.
2454.VARIABLE DISPLACEMENT: The type of pump or
motor in which the volume of fluid delivered per cycle can
be varied.
2455.VELOCITY - A vector quantity which denotes, at once,
the time rate and the direction of a linear motion.
2456.VELOCITY COMPOUNDING –
2457.VELOCITY HEAD - The pressure needed to accelerate
the fluid being pumped (The vertical distance a liquid must
fall to acquire the velocity with which it flows through the
piping system. For a given quantity of flow, the velocity
head will vary indirectly as the pipe diameter varies).
2458.VELOCITY PRESSURE - The measure of the kinetic
energy of a fluid.
2459.VELOCITY, TERMINAL - The highest sustained air
stream velocity existing in the mixed air path at the end of
the throw.
2460.VENA CONTRACTA - The place along the axis of flow,
just below the orifice, when the jet stream contracts to its
minimum.
2461.VENT - An opening in a vessel or other enclosed space
for the removal of gas or vapor.
2462.VENTILATION - The process of supplying or removing
air by natural or mechanical means, to or from a space;
such air may or may not have been conditioned.
2463.VENTURI TUBE METER - A flow meter used to
determine the rate of flow and employing a venturi tube as
the primary element for creating differential pressure in
flowing gases or liquids.
2464.VERNIER FINES - The fins in a vernier-type labyrinth
steam gland.
2465.VERTICAL PULVERISED FUEL BURNER - Used for
low-volatile coals which burn with a long flame where
turbulence is not required.
2466.VISCOSITY - The internal resistance of a fluid that tends
to prevent it from flowing.
2467.VISCOSITY INDEX - A commonly used measure of the
change in viscosity of a fluid with temperature. The higher
the viscosity index, the smaller the relative change in
viscosity with temperature.
2468.VITAL CIRCUITS: Electrical circuits that provide power
or lighting to equipment and spaces necessary for
propulsion, ship control, and communications.
Page 76 of 79

2469.VITAL HEAT - The heat generated by fruits and
vegetables in storage; caused by ripening.
2470.VOID: An empty tank.
2471.VOLATILE MATTER - Hydrocarbons in coal are
given the collective name ef volatile matter.
2472.VOLATILE SOLIDS - Those solids in water or
other liquids that are lost on ignition of dry solids at
550°F.
2473.VOLATILE TREATMENT - Based on the use of
hydrazine and neutralizing amines or ammonia.
Leaves no solids in the boiler.
2474.VOLATILITY - Volatility, surface tension and
capillary action of a fluid are incidental to
environmental systems. Volatility is the rapidity with
which liquids evaporates extremely rapidly and
therefore is highly volatile.
2475.VOLT - The unit of potential difference or
electromotive force in the meter-kilogram-second
system, equal to the potential difference between two
points for which 1 coulomb of electricity will do 1
joule of work in going from one point to another.
2476.VOLTAGE (E) - The electromotive force in an
electrical circuit. The difference in potential between
two unlike charges in an electrical circuit is its
voltage measured in "volts" (V).
2477.VOLTAGE DROP - The voltage drop around a
circuit including wiring and loads must equal the
supply volt age.
2478.VOLTAIC CELL - A storage device that converts
chemical to electrical energy.
2479.VOLTAGE REGULATOR - A device which varies
the rotor excitation as required in order to keep the
terminal voltage of a generator constant.
2480.VOLUME, SPECIFIC - The volume of a substance
per unit mass; the reciprocal of density.
2481.VOLTAGE TRANSFORMER - A device used on
switchgear to reduce the high system voltages down
to 110 volts for safe use for instruments, relays,
lamps and meters, and for synchronising.
2482.VOLUTE: A gradually widening spiral. A section or
component of a centrifugal pump where velocity
head becomes pressure head (The spiral-shaped
casing surrounding a pump impeller that collects the
liquid discharged by the impeller).
W combustion chamber, taking the place of the flrebrick walls
2483.WAGON TIPPLER - A cradle in which a wagon of
coal is secured and then rotated sufficiently to empty
the coal into a conveyor.
Engineering Dictionary
2484. WALK-IN-COOLER - A large commercial refrigerated
space often found in supermarkets or places for whole sale
distribution.
2485.WASTE WATER - The used water and solids from
industrial processes that flow to a treatment plant.
2486.WATER - A tasteless, odorless, colorless liquid in its
pure state.
2487.WATER ABSORPTION - The amount of weight gain (%)
experienced in a polymer after immersion in water for a
specific length of time under controlled environment.
2488.WATER BOX - Fittings at the condenser ends, for entry
and exit of cooling water.
2489.WATER DRUM: A tank at the bottom of a boiler,
sometimes called MUD DRUM, that equalizes distribution
of water to the generating tubes and collects loose scale
and other solids in boiler water.
2490.WATER HAMMER - Banging of pipes caused by the
shock of closing valves (faucets).
2491.WATER HARDNESS - Among the substances found in
raw water are salts of calcium and magnesium. Water
containing large amounts of these salts is termed 'hard'.
2492.WATER JACKET: Internal passages and cavities cast
into the cylinder block of engines and air compressors
through which water is circulated around and adjacent to
friction (heat) areas.
2493.WATER LUBRICANT - Water used as a lubricant; for
example, in a mechanical seal on a centrifugal water
pump.
2494.WATER TUBE BOILER: Boiler in which the water flows
through the tubes where it is heated by the gases of
combustion.
2495.WATER SEALED GLAND – The gland of valves sealed
by the pressurized water. Generally used in the vacuum
pulling device, in air valve.
2496.WATER SOFTENER - A device or system used to
remove calcium and magnesium hardness minerals from a
water supply.
2497.WATER TUBE - A boiler tube through which the fluid
under pressure flows. The products of combustion
surround the tube.
2498.WATER VAPOR - In air conditioning, the water in the
atmosphere.
2499.WATER WALL - The walls of tubes surrounding the
used in earlier types of water-tube boilers.
2500.WATER WASHING - A method of off-load boiler
cleaning, carried out by using hoses and large quantities of
water at fairly high pressure.
Page 77 of 79

2501.WATER, BRAKISH - (1) Water having less salt
than sea water, but undrinkable. (2) Water having
salinity values ranging from about 0.5 to 17 parts per
thousand.
2502.WATER, POTABLE - Water that is safe to drink.
2503.WATER, SOUR - Waste waters containing fetid
materials, usually sulfur compounds.
2504.WATER-ICE REFRIGERATION SYSTEM - Heat is
absorbed as ice melts and thus producing a cooling
effect.
2505.WATERLEG - That space that is full of boiler water
between two parallel plates. It usually forms one or
more sides of internally fired boilers.
2506.WATERWALL - A row of water tubes lining a
furnace or combustion chamber, exposed to the
radiant heat of the fire.
2507.WATT (W) - A measure of electric power equal to a
current flow of one ampere under one volt of
pressure; or one joule per second in SI units.
2508.WAVE TYRE VIBRATION - A type of vibration
where the rotating turbine disc or wheel takes on a
wave formation at its outer edge.
2509.WEDGE SLUICE VALVE - A type of valve in which
the tightness depends on the wedge action of a
tapered gate between the valve faces.
2510.WEEP - A term usually applied to a minute leak in
a boiler joint, which forms droplets (or tears) of water
very slowly.
2511.WEIGHT TO POWER RATIO - It is the weight of
the machine producing work. For example - the gas
turbine is capable of producing more horse power
per given mass of its machinery, then the same
amount of horse power produced by a machine
having many times that mass.
2512.WET BULB - Device used in measurement of
relative humidity. Evaporation of moisture lowers
temperature of wet bulb compared to dry bulb
temperature in same area.
2513.WET BULB TEMPERATURE (WB) - The
temperature registered by a thermometer whose bulb
is covered by a saturated wick and exposed to a
current of rapidly moving air. The wet bulb
temperature also represents the dew point
temperature of the air, where the moisture of the air
condenses on a cold surface.
2514.WET STANDBY - Boiler is filled completely with
water or maintained at normal operating level with a
positive nitrogen pressure of 35 to 70 kPa.
2515.WET-BULB DEPRESSION - The difference
between the dry-bulb temperature and the wet bulb
temperature.
Engineering Dictionary
2516.WINCH: A hoisting or pulling machine fitted with a
horizontal single or double drum. A small drum is generally
fitted on one or both ends of the shaft supporting the
hoisting drum. These small drums are called gypsies, or
winch heads. The hoisting drums either are fitted with a
friction brake or are directly keyed to the shaft. They are in
the form of a spool and carry the working wire rope. The
driving power is usually electricity, but hand power is also
used. A winch is used principally for handling, hoisting, and
lowering cargo from a dock or lighter to the hold of a ship
and vice versa.
2517.WINDAGE - The mechanical loss when circulating the
cooling medium (air or hydrogen) through the generator.
2518.WINDAGE DRIFT - That water lost from an open re-
circulating-water system by means of wind blown through
the spray area that carries water out of the system. This is
not the same as loss by evaporation, since such a loss can
occur even without evaporation.
2519.WINDBOX - A chamber below the grate or surrounding a
burner, through which air under pressure is supplied for
combustion of the fuel.
2520.WINDBOX PRESSURE - The static pressure in the
windbox of a burner or stoker.
2521.WINDLASS: An apparatus in which horizontal or vertical
drums or gypsies and wildcats are operated by means of a
steam engine or motor for the purpose of handling heavy
anchor chains, hawsers, and so forth.
2522.WIPED BEARINGS: A bearing in which the babbit has
melted because of excess heat.
2523.WOBBLE PLATE-SWASH PLATE - Type of compressor
designed to compress gas, with piston motion parallel to
crankshaft.
2524.WORK: The transference of energy from one body or
system to another.
2525.WORKING FLUID - is the substance which does the
work in a heat engine. The air is one of the working fluids
used with gas turbines. Freons are the working fluids used
with some refrigeration systems. Water is the working fluid
used with steam boilers.
2526.WORK REQUEST: Request issued to naval shipyard,
tender, or repair ship for repairs.
2527.WORM, WORM SHAFT: A threaded shaft designed to
engage the teeth of a wheel lying in the plane of the shaft
axis. This type of gear is used for the transmission of
heavy loads at low speeds.
2528.WYE GATE: A fitting with two separately controlled hose
fittings, designed to connect to an outlet.
Y
2529.YOKE: A frame or bar having its center portion bored
and keyed or otherwise constructed for attachment to the
rudder stock. Steering effort from the steering gear is
applied to each end of the yoke for the purpose of turning
the rudder.
Page 78 of 79
 Engineering Dictionary

2530.ZEOLITE - A natural mineral (hydrous silicates)

that has the capacity to absorb hardness, calcium,
and magnesium ions from water.

2531.ZEOLITE SOFTENING - Refers to the process,

where zeolite chemicals are capable to exchange
ions with the hardness causing impurities of the
water.

2532.ZERK FITTING: A small fitting to which a grease

gun can be applied to force lubricating grease into
bearings or moving parts of machinery.

2533.ZETA POTENTIAL - The difference in voltage

between the surface of the diffuse layer surrounding
a colloidal particle and the bulk liquid beyond.

2534.ZERO SETTING: The output of a device when its

input is minimum.

2535.ZINC: (1) A primary metal useful in a number of

anticorrosion applications. (2) A metal block or form
placed in seawater systems to counteract the effects
of electrolysis.

2536.ZONING - The practice of dividing a building into

small sections for heating and cooling control. Each
section is selected so that one thermostat can be
used to determine its requirements.

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