Valve Glossary

A quick intro...
This glossary focuses primarily on valves, but also covers some areas of actuators,
materials, welding, forging, and casting, as well as other miscellaneous items.
I never finished editing this valve glossary. Two color codes were used for my own editing
reference:
Yellow highlight indicates a word with more than one source for the definition. I originally
intended to come up with my own combined and edited definitions, but decided to just keep
it as a compilation list of definitions.
Blue highlight indicates something which needs to be checked further. It can indicate several
things:

Something may need to be verified or corrected.

Sometimes there is a word in the definition which still needs to be defined separately.

The "see also" parts are highlighted, for me to check that the word indicated was
cross-referenced and defined.

This is a PDF copy of a Word document I compiled around 2001 to 2002. At that time, there
was no comprehensive Valve Glossary available, so I decided to compile my own, from any
sources I could find.
It was made before the predominance of Google. There are a few definitions from different
web pages, but almost everything in here is from an assortment of technical books, technical
specifications, catalogues, which I compiled into a Word document.
This glossary was originally meant for my own reference, and was never intended for
distribution to others. However, with free online dictionaries now easily accessible on the
internet, I decided to add to the body of knowledge, and post this for others to have access
to it.
Tom Kirkman

A - Auxiliary
AAA - American Arbitration Association
AAN - Appraised As Noted
AARH - Arithmetic Average Roughness Height
Abate - in metalwork, to excise or beat down the surface in order to create a pattern or figure in
low relief.
ABEC - Annular Bearing Engineering Committee. Used as prefix for tolerance grades of
bearings as set up by this committee.
Abradant Abradant - a material such as emery, used for grinding and generally in powder form.
Abradant - a substance, usually in powdered form, used for grinding.
Abrade - 1) to rub or to scrape with something rough; 2) to scratch or tear away two surfaces in
contact by relative motion.
Abrasion Abrasion - 1) removal of surface material by sliding or rolling contact with hard particles of the
same substance or another substance; the particles may be loose or may be part
of another surface in contact with the first; 2) a surface blemish caused by
roughening or scratching.
Abrasion - 1) the removal of surface material from any solid through the frictional action of
another solid, a liquid, or a gas or combination thereof; 2) a surface discontinuity
brought about by roughening or scratching.
Abrasion - damage done by rubbing or scraping
Abrasion - the wearing away of a surface in service by mechanical action such as rubbing,
scraping, or erosion.
Abrasion - the wearing or rubbing away of a surface.
Abrasion Resistance - the ability of a rubber compound to resist mechanical wear.
Abrasive Abrasive - 1) particulate matter, usually having sharp edges or points, that can be used to shape
and finish workpieces in grinding, honing, lapping, polishing, blasting or tumbling
processes; depending on the process, abrasives may be loose, formed into solid
shapes, glued to paper or cloth, or suspended in a paste, slurry or air stream; 2)
any substance capable of removing material from a surface by abrasion; 3) a
material formed into a solid mass, usually fired or sintered, and used to grind or
polish workpieces; common forms are grinding wheels, abrasive discs, honing
sticks, cones, and burrs.
Abrasive - a hard substance, usually in powdered form, used for the removal of material by
scratching and grinding, e.g. silicon carbide powder (carborandum); coarse
material used for cleaning, grinding or smoothing, or making a smooth surface
rough before gluing.
Abrasive Blasting Abrasive Blasting - see Sandblasting
Abrasive Blasting - the cleaning or finishing of surfaces by the use of an abrasive entrained in a
blast or air.
Abrasive Cone - an abrasive, sintered or shaped into a solid cone to be routed by an arbor for
abrasive machining.
Abrasive Machining - grinding, drilling, shaping, or polishing by abrasion.
Abrasive Wear - a mechanism of wear due to the presence in one or both surfaces of hard
particles (e.g. carbide in steels), or due to hard particles trapped between them.
ABS - Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene
Absolute Roughness - the natural or actual roughness of new pipe, tube or other type of conduit
used for the conveyance of fluid. It is expressed in linear units similar to those
employed for the internal diameter of the fluid conveying conduit, and these
represent the parameters in ascertaining relative roughness; also known as Actual
Average Roughness.
Absolute Temperature - the temperature measured using absolute zero as a reference.
Absolute zero is -273.16 C or -459.69 F.
Absorption - the physical mechanism by which one substance attracts and takes up another

substance (liquid, gas, or vapor) into its interior.

Abut - the joining of two pieces or surfaces along a common boundary.
ABV - 1) Actuated Ball Valve; 2) Automatic Body Bleed Valve
AC - 1) Active Carbon; 2) Alternating Current; 3) Asbestos Cement
Accelerated Aging - hastening the deterioration of a product by a laboratory procedure in order
to determine long-range storage and use characteristics.
Accelerated Fatigue Test - a fatigue test in which the alternating stress level during the test gets
increased above that expected in service in order to reduce the testing time. This
technique is mainly used in assessing equipment performance in a vibration
environment.
Accelerated Life Test Accelerated Life Test - a method of estimating reliability or durability of a product by subjecting it
to operating conditions above its maximum ratings.
Accelerated Life Test - any set of test conditions designed to reproduce in a short time the
deteriorating effect obtained under normal service conditions.
Accelerated Service Test - a service or bench test in which some service condition, such as
speed, temperature, or continuity of operation is exaggerated in order to obtain a
result in a shorter time.
Accelerated Test - a weather exposure test where mechanical means are used to simulate
equal test conditions in exaggerated form to shorten the test period.
Accelerated Weathering - a laboratory test used to determine, in a short period of time, the
resistance of a paint film or other exposed surface to weathering.
Accelerating Torque - the difference between the starting torque and the load starting torque
available for accelerating the rotating parts (of load and motor).
Acceleration Acceleration - the rate of change of velocity with respect to time.
Acceleration - time rate of change of velocity.
Accelerator - a substance which hastens the vulcanization of an elastomer causing it to take
place in a shorter time or at a lower temperature.
Acceptance Number - the maximum allowable number of defective pieces in a sample of
specified size.
Acceptance Sampling - taking a sample from a batch of material to inspect for determining
whether the entire lot will be accepted or rejected.
Acceptance Test - a test used to determine conformance of a product to design specifications,
as a basis for its acceptance.
Accessible Isolation Valve - the isolation valve nearest the measured process on an instrument
sensing line which is available to personnel during normal plant operation. The root
valve may or may not perform the function of the accessible isolation valve,
dependent on its location.
Accessible Part - a part that can be touched during normal use or operator servicing.
Accessible Surface - a surface to which a flammable or combustible mixture has access.
Accessory - a part, subassembly, or assembly that contributes to the effectiveness of a piece of
equipment without changing its basic function; it may be used for testing, adjusting,
calibrating, recording, or other purposes.
Accumulation - the pressure increase over the maximum allowable working pressure of the
vessel during discharge through the pressure relief valve, expressed as a percent of
that pressure or in pounds per square inch.
Accumulator Accumulator - a backup system for a hydraulic actuator to ensure full hydraulic pressure in case
of pump failure.
Accumulator - a bottle or other reinforced reservoir for storing pressurized gas or fluid.
Accumulator - a container in which fluid is stored under pressure as a source of fluid power; see
also Reservoir.
Accumulator - a device for storing liquid under pressure. It usually consists of a chamber
separated into a gas compartment and a liquid compartment by a piston or
diaphragm. An accumulator also serves to smooth out pressure surges in a
hydraulic system.

Accumulator - a device utilizing gravitational force, springs or the compressibility of fluids to store
energy. It is used generally to supply peak demands in a system operating on an
intermittent duty cycle. Common uses are reserve pressure source, fluid (mass)
source, dual-pressure circuits, leakage compensators, emergency power, pulsation
or ripple dampener, transfer barrier, pressure-volume compensator.
Accumulator - a device, such as a vessel containing pressurized gas, which acts upon hydraulic
fluid in a vessel, discharging it rapidly to give high hydraulic power, after which the
fluid is returned to the vessel with the use of low hydraulic power.
Accuracy - an expression describing the ability of a measuring instrument to show the true value
of a measured quantity. Conversely, it is the magnitude of the total error expected
in the measurement. It is usually expressed as a percent of full scale reading of the
measuring instrument.
Acetone - ketone. A colorless inflammable liquid which is used as a solvent CH3COCH;
acetone is often used for de-greasing.
Acetylene - a hydrocarbon which is highly explosive in air. When mixed with oxygen it is called
oxyacetylene and is used in gas welding and cutting.
Acetylene Welding and Cutting - see Gas Welding and Cutting
Acicular - needle-like
Acid Brittleness - brittleness developed in steel in a picking bath, through evolution of hydrogen.
Acid Cleaning - the use of circulating acid to remove dirt, scale, or other foreign matter from the
distillation of water under partial vacuum.
Acid Gases - the hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide found in natural and refinery gases which,
when combined with moisture, form corrosive acids; known as sour gases when
hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans are present.
Acid Pickle Acid Pickle - industrial waste consisting of spent liquor from an acidic process for cleaning metal
surfaces.
Acid Pickling - same as pickling.
Acid Resistant Acid Resistant - able to withstand chemical attack by strongly acidic solutions.
Acid Resistant - withstands the action of acids
Acid Sludge - oil refinery waste fuel from acid treatment of unrefined petroleum.
Acid Steel - a type of steel which is manufactured by a process in which the furnace is lined with
silica refractory, or in which silica flux is used.
Acid Treatment - a refining process in which unfinished petroleum products, such as gasoline,
kerosene, and diesel oil, are contacted with sulfuric acid to improve their color,
odor, and other properties.
Acid Wash - a chemical solution containing phosphoric acid which is used to neutralize residues
from alkaline cleaners and to simultaneously produce a phosphate coating that
protects a surface of metal from rusting and prepares it for painting.
Acme Thread Acme Thread - a flat-topped trapezoidal shaped thread used for power transmission rather than
for fastening.
Acme Thread - a screw thread of American origin, the section of which is a mean between the
square and vee threads. Used extensively for feed screws. The flanks have an
inclined angle of 29 degrees.
Acme Thread - a thread having a profile angle of 29 degrees and a flat crest and root, used e.g.
for lathe lead screw for easy engagement by a split nut.
Acreage - land leased or licensed for oil and gas exploration and production.
Acrometer - an instrument used to measure the density of oils.
Acrylonitrile - a pungent, toxic liquid used in making polymers. One of the two main chemicals
used in Buna-N.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene - a type of plastic material.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) - a rugged plastic compound typically used for housings
and some external valve parts. A form of ABS is also used for low-pressure air
piping systems in harsh environments.

Actual Cubic Feet per Minute - a measure of the volume of gas at operating temperature and
pressure, as distinct from the volume of gas at standard temperature and pressure;
abbreviated ACFM.
Actuate Actuate - to make a machine go into action
Actuate - to put into motion or mechanical action, as by an actuator.
Actuating System - an electric, hydraulic, or other system that supplies and transmits energy for
the operation of other mechanisms or systems.
Actuator Actuator - a device responsible for actuating a mechanical device such as a control valve.
Actuator - a device that converts fluid power into mechanical force and motion.
Actuator - a device used to open / close or control a valve. Key types include electrical, hydraulic
and pneumatic. Movement may be quarter-turn or multi-turn. Actuators may be
used when 1) valves are remotely located (e.g. on pipelines) 2) valves are located
in hazardous areas 3) manual operation would be time-consuming (e.g. with larger
valves).
Actuator - a device used to open or close or control valves. Key types are electrical, hydraulic
and pneumatic. Movement may be quarter-turn or multi-turn. Actuators may be
used when a) valves are remotely located (e.g. on pipelines), b) valves are located
in hazardous areas, or c) manual operation would be time-consuming (e.g. with
larger valves).
Actuator - a device used to operate a valve using electric, pneumatic or hydraulic means. Often
used for remote control or sequencing of valve operations.
Actuator - a fluid-powered or electrically powered device which supplies force and motion to a
valve closure member.
Actuator - a mechanical device that uses an energy source other than manual power to operate a
valve; also called an Operator.
Actuator - a mechanism to activate process control equipment by use of pneumatic, hydraulic, or
electronic signals; for example, a valve actuator for opening or closing a valve to
control the rate of fluid flow.
Actuator - refers to an electric, hydraulic, mechanical or pneumatic device, or combinations of
these, to effect some predetermined linear or rotating movement.
Actuator - That part of an automatic control valve which causes the valve stem to move.
Actuator - that portion of a regulating valve that converts mechanical fluid, thermal energy, or
electrical energy into mechanical motion to open or close valve seats.
Actuator - the external valve component which transfers motion to the valve stem in angle and
inline valves or to the slide assembly in gate valves. Manual actuators are knobs,
cranks, or levers. Pneumatic actuators use compressed air controlled by a
separate solenoid valve, while motor actuators use an electric gear motor.
Actuator - the part of a regulating valve that converts thermal, electrical, or fluid energy into
mechanical energy to open or close the valve.
Actuator Effective Area - the net area of piston, the bellows, vane or diaphragm acted on by
fluid pressure to generate actuator output thrust. It may vary with relative stroke
position depending upon the actuator design.
Actuator Environment - the temperature, pressure, humidity, radioactivity and corrosiveness of
the atmosphere surrounding the actuator. Also, the mechanical and seismic
vibration transmitted to the actuator through the piping or heat radiated toward the
actuator from the valve body.
Actuator Stem - the part which connects the actuator to the valve stem or shaft and transmits
motion (force) from the actuator to the valve.
Actuator Travel Time - see Stroke Time
Actuator, Bellows - a fluid-powered device in which the fluid acts upon a flexible convoluted
member, the bellows, to provide rotary motion to the actuator stem.
Actuator, Cylinder - a linear valve actuator that uses a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder and
piston to produce linear motion.
Actuator, DA and DAO - double acting hydraulic actuators are designated DA for double acting
and DAO for double acting with manual override, they do not use a spring return

like the FSC and FSO.

Actuator, Diaphragm Actuator, Diaphragm - a diaphragm actuator comprised of case, diaphragm, plate, spring, stem
extension, yoke, spring seat, spring adjustor, travel indicator and scale, and
handwheel operator.
Actuator, Diaphragm - a fluid-powered device in which the fluid acts upon a flexible member, the
diaphragm, to provide linear motion to the actuator stem.
Actuator, Diaphragm - a linear valve actuator that consists of a housing divided by two chambers
by a diaphragm, which is attached to a stem, which passes out of one chamber.
Pressurizing either chamber produces linear motion of the actuator stem.
Actuator, Diaphragm - is a fluid (usually pneumatic) pressure-operated, spring-opposed
diaphragm assembly which positions the valve stem in response to an input signal.
Actuator, Direct Actuator, Direct - a diaphragm actuator in which the actuator stem extends as diaphragm
pressure increases.
Actuator, Direct - one in which the actuator stem extends with an increase in diaphragm
pressure.
Actuator, Double Acting Actuator, Double Acting - an actuator in which the power supply acts both to extend and retract
the actuator stem.
Actuator, Double Acting - an actuator that uses external energy to both open and close the valve.
Actuator, Double Acting - instead of a spring return this type of Actuator is hydraulically actuated
in both directions.
Actuator, Double Acting Pneumatic - any pneumatic actuator which uses air to drive the
actuator output shaft in both the open and close direction. The air supply is piped to
one side of a piston-drive or a diaphragm while the air contained on the opposing
side is exhausted.
Actuator, Electric Actuator, Electric - a device which converts electrical energy into motion.
Actuator, Electric - a valve operator in which an electric gear motor is the major component.
Actuator, Electric - actuator which uses an electric motor to operate the valve stem.
Actuator, Electric - an actuator that uses an electric motor to supply external energy to the valve;
also called Electric Motor Actuator (EMO).
Actuator, Electric - an actuator which uses an electric motor to operate the valve stem.
Actuator, Electric - an electro-mechanical device used to open and close or modulate a valve.
The actuator (which is mounted and coupled to the valve in similar fashion as the
pneumatic actuator), operates the valve using an electric motor driving a gear train.
While the basic function of the electric actuator is similar to the pneumatic, there are
distinct differences in the application and flexibility of the two types.
Actuator, Electric - has a motor drive that provides torque to operate a valve. Electric actuators
are frequently used on multi-turn valves such as gate or globe valves. With the
addition of a quarter-turn gearbox, they can be utilized on ball, plug, or other
quarter-turn valves.
Actuator, Electric - these use an electric motor for operation, usually through a gear mechanism.
Actuator, Electric - uses an electrically operated motor-driven gear train or screw to position the
actuator stem. The actuator may respond to either a digital or analog electrical
signal; also known as Electro-Mechanical Actuator.
Actuator, Electro Hydraulic - a self-contained device which responds to an electrical signal,
positioning an electrically operated hydraulic pilot valve to allow pressurized
hydraulic fluid to move an actuating piston, bellows, diaphragm or fluid motor to
position a valve stem.
Actuator, Electro Pneumatic - a valve operator having an electrical control system that
transduces the electrical signal of a controller into a pneumatic input to the
diaphragm housing.
Actuator, Electromechanical - a device which uses an electrically operated motor-driven gear
train or screw to position the actuator stem. Such actuators may operate in
response to either analog or digital electrical signals. The electro-mechanical

actuator is also referred to as a Motor Gear Train Actuator.

Actuator, Fail Safe (Open/Closed) - a spring return type actuator. Actuators are hydraulically
(or other force) operated ways of opening and closing valves, rather than turning a
handle to open the valve, it can be operated at a distance by the push of a button.
Actuator, Fluid Motor - a fluid powered device which uses a rotary motor to the actuator stem.
Actuator, FSC and FSO - gate valves fitted with hydraulic fail safe spring return actuators are
designated FSC for fail-safe closed and FSO for fail safe open. They offer a flexible
solution to surface safety and fail safe valve applications.
Actuator, Hydraulic Actuator, Hydraulic - a cylinder or fluid motor that converts hydraulic power into useful
mechanical work; mechanical motion produced may be linear, rotary, or oscillatory.
Actuator, Hydraulic - a device fitted to the valve stem than uses hydraulic energy to open and
close the valve. Depending on the configuration, the hydraulic fluid may both open
and close the valve, or just open the valve. In that latter case; a spring will typically
be fitted inside the actuator to return it (and the valve) to the closed position.
Actuator, Hydraulic - a device fitted to the valve stem that uses hydraulic energy to open and
close the valve. Depending on the configuration, the hydraulic fluid may both open
and close the valve, or just open the valve. Hydraulic actuators can also
incorporate springs or compressed air/ gas circuits.
Actuator, Hydraulic - a fluid device which converts the energy of an incompressible fluid into
motion.
Actuator, Hydraulic - a valve actuator that uses pressurized liquid as its energy source.
Actuator, Hydraulic - these use fluid pressure on a piston, vane or diaphragm for operation.
These actuators may use fluid pressure for valve opening and closing or may use
fluid pressure for valve opening or closing only, with a form of spring return.
Actuator, Limited Rotation Hydraulic - a type of hydraulic actuator that produces limited
reciprocating rotary force and motion; used for lifting, lowering, opening, closing,
indexing and transferring movements; examples are the piston-rack actuator,
single-vane actuator, and double-vane actuator.
Actuator, Linear Actuator, Linear - a device that converts some kind of power, such as hydraulic or electric power,
into linear motion.
Actuator, Linear - an actuator that produces linear motion for use with valves having translating
stems, that is, gate, globe, and diaphragm valves.
Actuator, Linear to Rotary - a valve actuator that converts the output of a linear device to rotary
motion for use with valves having rotary shafts, that is, ball valves, butterfly valves,
and plug valves.
Actuator, Manual Actuator, Manual - employs levers, gears or wheels to facilitate movement; while an automatic
actuator has an external power source to provide the force and motion to operate a
valve remotely or automatically. Power actuators are a necessity on valves in
pipelines located in remote areas; they are also used on valves that are frequently
operated or throttled. Valves that are particularly large may be impossible or
impractical to operate manually simply by the sheer horsepower requirements.
Some valves may be located in extremely hostile or toxic environments, which
preclude manual operation. Additionally, as a safety feature, certain types of power
actuators may be required to operate quickly, shutting down a valve in case of
emergency.
Actuator, Manual - these use a form of gearbox reduction for operation. The gears are usually
worm and wheel, although spur and bevel gears may be used. Other manual
actuators have a screw thread mechanism.
Actuator, Piston Actuator, Piston - a fluid powered device in which the fluid acts upon a movable cylindrical
member, piston, to provide linear motion to the actuator stem.
Actuator, Piston - a fluid-powered, normally pneumatic device in which the fluid acts upon a
movable cylindrical member, the piston, to provide linear motion to the actuator
stem. These units are spring or air opposed and operate at higher supply
pressures than a spring return actuator.

Actuator, Pneumatic Actuator, Pneumatic - a device fitted to the valve stem than uses pneumatic energy to open /
close or regulate the valve. Depending on the configuration, the compressed air
may both open and close the valve, or just open the valve. In that latter case, a
spring will typically be fitted inside the actuator to return the valve to the closed
position.
Actuator, Pneumatic - a device fitted to the valve stem than uses air or gas to open/close or
regulate the valve. Depending on the configuration, the compressed air may both
open and close the valve, or just open the valve. In that latter case, a spring will
typically be fitted inside the actuator to shut or open the valve.
Actuator, Pneumatic - a device which converts the energy of a compressible fluid, usually air, into
motion.
Actuator, Pneumatic - a valve actuator that uses pressurized gas as its energy source.
Actuator, Pneumatic - an air operated mechanical device used to open and close or modulate a
valve. The actuator, which is mounted to the valve by a bracket and coupled to the
stem, is designed to convert air pressure into mechanical force sufficient to operate
the valve.
Actuator, Pneumatic - these use air pressure on a piston, vane or diaphragm for operation. The
actuator may use air pressure for valve opening and closing, or may use air
pressure for valve opening or closing only, with a form of spring return.
Actuator, Rack and Pinion - a linear-to-rotary actuator that uses a gear pinion and rack to
convert linear motion into rotary motion for use on quarter turn valves.
Actuator, Reverse - the actuator in a reverse acting valve.
Actuator, Rotary - a valve actuator that directly produces rotary motion for use with quarter turn
valves.
Actuator, Scotch Yoke - a linear-to-rotary actuator that uses a scotch-yoke mechanism to
convert linear motion to rotary motion for use on quarter-turn valves.
Actuator, Single Acting - an actuator in which the power supply acts in only one direction; In a
spring and diaphragm actuator, for example, the spring acts in a direction opposite
to the diaphragm thrust. Single-acting spring and diaphragm actuators may be
further classified as to direction of stem movement on increasing fluid pressure; a)
air to extend actuator stem; b) air to retract actuator stem.
Actuator, Spring Return - a valve actuator that compresses an internal spring when the actuator
moves the flow control element away from its starting position (open or closed) and
then uses the energy stored in the spring to move the flow control element back
toward its starting position.
Actuator, Spring Return Pneumatic - any pneumatic actuator which contains a single coil
spring or group of coil springs to oppose the movement of a piston or diaphragm.
As air moves the piston or diaphragm the spring is compressed. When the air
supply is discontinued and exhausted, the spring extends and drives the piston or
diaphragm in the opposite direction. This type of actuator is normally used for
applications where it is necessary for the valve to move to the open or close
position upon loss of air supply, whether by design or by system failure.
Actuator, Vane - a fluid-powered device in which the fluid acts upon a movable pivoted member,
the vane, to provide rotary motion to the actuator stem.
Actuators, Hydraulic and Pneumatic - often simple devices with a minimum of mechanical
parts, used on linear or quarter-turn valves. Sufficient air or fluid pressure acts on a
piston to provide thrust in a linear motion for gate or globe valves. Alternatively, the
thrust may be mechanically converted to rotary motion to operate a quarter-turn
valve. Most types of fluid power actuators can be supplied with fail-safe features to
close or open a valve under emergency circumstances.
Adapter Adapter - a piece of equipment for containing pressure having end connections of different
nominal sizes and pressure ratings, used to connect equipment of different API
nominal sizes and/or pressures.
Adapter - hexagonal-shaped brass, stainless steel or plated leadloy part which attaches to the
stop port of all 2-way normally open and most 3-way valves. The adapter enables
the connection of the valve to any piping system.

Addendum

- an added part or change in the drawings, specifications, or other contract

documents to clarify, correct, add, to or change some part or parts of the original
contract documents. It is issued after the original documents have been circulated
to bidders, but before bids have been received. It differs from change orders in that
the latter is issued to effect changes during construction, after award of a contract.
Additive - a chemical compound or compounds added to a fluid to change its properties.
Adhere - to cling or stick together
Adhesion Adhesion - intimate sticking together of metal surfaces under compressive stresses by formation
of metallic bonds.
Adhesion - the tendency of rubber to bond or cling to a contact surface
Adhesiveness - in casting, the property of a molding sand by virtue of which it sticks to the walls
of a molding box, thus enabling it to mold in the cope and drag of a molding box.
Adiabatic Adiabatic - a process or condition in which heat does not enter or leave a system; impassable to
heat.
Adiabatic - any change in which there is no gain or loss of heat.
Adiabatic - referring to a process which takes place without any exchange of heat between the
process system and another system or its surroundings.
Adiabatic Compression - a reduction in volume of a substance without heat flow, in or out.
Adiabatic Cooling - a process in which the temperature of a system is reduced without any heat
being exchanged between the system and its surrounding.
Adiabatic Extrusion - forming plastic objects by energy produced by driving the plastic mass
through an extruder without heat flow.
Adiabatic Process - a thermodynamic process during which no heat is extracted from or added
to a system.
Adjusting Rings - the parts of a safety valve or safety relief valve used to control disc lift and
blowdown.
Adjusting Screw Adjusting Screw - 1) the component by which the load on the spring is adjusted; 2) a
compression screw.
Adjusting Screw - a screw having a very find thread, used in an instrument or tool by which one
part is moved relative to another, to provide adjustment in focus, level, tension, etc.
Admiralty Metal - a zinc bronze containing about 88% copper, 10% tin and 2% zinc, much used
for valves, fittings, gears, etc. It is strong and corrosion resistant; also known as
Government Bronze.
Adsorption Adsorption - adherence of atoms or molecules of a gas or liquid to the surface of another
substance.
Adsorption - the physical mechanism by which one substance attracts another substance (either
solid, liquid, gas, or vapor) to its surface and through molecular forces causes the
incident substance to adhere to it.
ADT - Approval Drawings Transmittal
AELB - Atomic Energy Licensing Board, Malaysia
Aeration - the process of mixing air, especially oxygen, into water or other liquids.
AF - Asbestos Free
AFBMA - Anti-Friction Bearing Manufacturers Association. They have set up standards for the
bearing industry.
AFC - 1) Air Failure Close / Spring to Close; 2) Fail Close Valve
Aflas - an elastomer used for high temperature / high purity or highly aggressive applications;
particularly suited to ozone-treated water. Aflas is a trademark of 3M.
AFO - 1) Air Failure Open / Spring to Open; 2) Fail Open Valve
After Cooling - the cooling of a gas after compression.
After Cure - a continuation of vulcanization after the desired cure is effected and the heat source
removed.
Age Hardening -

Age Hardening - hardening by aging, usually after rapid cooling or cold working.
Age Hardening - raising the strength and hardness of an alloy by heating a supersaturated solid
solution at a relatively low temperature to induce precipitation of a finely dispersed
second phase; also known as aging; precipitation hardening.
Age Hardening - the production of a structural change spontaneously after some time; normally it
is useful in improving mechanical properties in some respect, particularly hardness.
Aging Aging - 1) the final stage of precipitation hardening, producing an increase in strength and
hardness in metal alloys, due to the precipitation of second phase particles from a
supersaturated solid solution over a period of days at room temperature, or several
hours at an elevated temperature (artificial ageing); 2) a slow deterioration in
polymer products due to oxygen or ozone cracking, increase in crystallinity,
relaxation of internal stress etc. 3) a deterioration of the properties of ferroelectric
materials.
Aging - a change in metallurgical properties that generally occurs slowly at room temperature
(natural aging) and more rapidly at higher temperature (artificial aging).
Aging - any time dependent change in properties of a material, but especially age hardening at
room or slightly elevated temperatures.
Aging - to undergo changes in physical properties with age or lapse of time.
AGV - Actuated Gate Valve
AI - Air, Instrument
Air Acetylene Welding - a gas welding technique in which welding heat is obtained by the
burning of air and acetylene.
Air Assist Forming - a plastics thermoforming method in which air pressure is used to partially
pre-form a sheet before it enters the mold.
Air Bleeder - a bleeder for the removal of air.
Air Bleeder - a device, such as a needle valve, for removing air form a hydraulic system.
Air Bomb - similar to an oxygen bomb but used with air; used for accelerated aging testing.
Air Casing - a metal casing surrounding a pipe or reservoir and having a space between to
prevent heat transmission.
Air Chamber - a pressure vessel, partially filled with air, for converting pulsating flow to steady
flow of water in a pipeline, as with a reciprocating pump.
Air Checks - surface markings or depressions due to trapping air between the material being
cured and the mold or press surface.
Air Cure Air Cure - to vulcanize at ordinary room temperatures, or without the aid of heat.
Air Curing - the vulcanization of a rubber product in air as distinguished from vulcanizing in a
press or steam vulcanizer.
Air Cut - the inadvertent mechanical incorporation of air into a liquid system.
Air Eliminator - in a piping system, a device used to remove air from water, steam, or
refrigerant.
Air Escape - a device that is fitted to a pipe carrying liquid for releasing excess air; it contains a
valve that controls air release while preventing loss of liquid.
Air Gas - dry air charged with vapor from petroleum or some other hydrocarbon, used for lighting
or heating.
Air Hardening Steel Air Hardening Steel - a type of tool steel containing sufficient alloying elements to permit it to
harden fully on cooling in air from a temperature above its transformation
temperature; also known as self hardening steel.
Air Hardening Steel - steel with sufficient carbon and other alloying elements to allow sections
over 500 mm (20 in) to harden fully when cooled in air or other gas from above its
transformation temperature.
Air Lock Air Lock - an air bubble in a pipeline which impedes liquid flow.
Air Lock - an air pocket or bubble in a pipeline which obstructs the flow of liquid.
Air Pressure Reducing Valve - a mechanical device that takes air at high pressure on the inlet
side and delivers it with a lower pressure at the outlet side.

Air Range - the operating pressure range or span.

Air Release Valve - a valve, usually manually operated, which is used to release air from a water
pipe or fitting.
Air Relief Valve - a valve, automatic in operation, used to release pressure when filling or
emptying a pipeline or tank. Also used for automatic air release from hot water
heating systems; sometimes called Air Eliminator.
Air Set - a device used to reduce plant air supply to valve positioners and other control
equipment. Common reduced air supply pressures are 20 and 35 psig; also called
Supply Pressure Regulator.
Air to Air Cooled Machine - a closed machine with an integral or machine mounted heat
exchanger, using air as the primary and secondary coolant.
Air To Close - an increase in air pressure to the actuator is required to cause the valve to close.
This is another way of saying the valve is Fail Open or Normally Open.
Air To Open - an increase in air pressure to the actuator is required to cause the valve to open.
This is another way of saying the valve is Fail Closed or Normally Closed.
Air to Water Cooled Machine - a closed machine with a heat exchanger using air as the primary
coolant and water as the secondary coolant.
Air Trap - in slow-moving or low pressure water piping, the collection of air at high points of the
system which could shut off or reduce the normal flow of water.
Air Valve Air Valve - a valve that automatically lets air out of or into a liquid-carrying pipe when the internal
pressure drops below atmospheric.
Air Valve - a valve that is used to control the flow rate of air.
Air Valve - valve that is used to control the flow of air. Flows are normally small, so solenoid
valves are suited.
Air Vent - a valve used to remove air from the highest point of a coil or piping assembly.
Air Vessel - 1) an enclosed volume of air which uses the compressibility of air to minimize water
hammer; 2) an enclosed chamber using the compressibility of air to promote a
more uniform flow of water in a piping system.
Airdraulic - combining pneumatic and hydraulic action for operation.
AISI (American Iron and Steel Institute) - an association of North American companies that
mine iron ore and produce steel products. There are 50 member companies and
more than 100 associate members, which include customers that distribute,
process, or consume steel. The AISI has reorganized into a North American steel
trade association, representing the interests of Canada, Mexico, and the United
States.
Al - Aluminum
Alclad - a process for electrolytic alloy coating various metal products with a layer of aluminum or
its alloys to improve corrosion resistance while retaining original strength.
Algorithm - 1) a prescribed set of well defined rules or processes for the solution of a problem in
a finite number of steps; 2) a step by step procedure for solving a problem or
accomplishing an end.
Alkalinity - the concentration of OH - ions in a solution.
All Iron - iron trim on bronze valves
Allan Valve - a once popular slide-valve design with an internal passage designed to reduce
valve travel and wear.
Allen Key - an L-shaped bar of hexagon cross-section which is used to tighten up Allen screws
and similar types of screws which have an internally recessed hexagonal portion to
permit tightening.
Allen Screw - a screw having recessed head.
Allotropy - the phenomenon of the existence of a metal in alternative crystalline forms with
change of temperature and pressure.
Allowable Load - the maximum force that may be safely applied to a solid, or is permitted by
applicable regulators.
Allowable Running-Up Time - the time for a motor to complete one start with rated voltage and
frequency applied and coupled to a load with the actual running-up characteristics,
but with the maximum moment of inertia so that when full speed is reached the

most critical part of the motor has reached the highest permissible temperature.
The initial motor temperature is to be its full load working temperature. The coolant
temperature is to be the maximum specified.
Allowance Allowance - an intentional difference in sizes of two mating parts, allowing clearance usually for a
film of oil, for running or sliding fits.
Allowance - specified difference in limiting sizes - either minimum clearance or maximum
interference between mating parts - computed mathematically from the specified
dimensions and tolerances of both parts.
Allowance - the difference between basic dimensions of the mating parts.
Alloy Alloy - a mixture of two or more metallic elements.
Alloy - a mixture of two or more metals
Alloy - a solid material having metallic properties and composed of two or more chemical
elements.
Alloy 20 - a steel alloy with 20% chromium and 29% nickel. It has excellent resistance to sulfuric
acid and good resistance to dilute hydrochloric acid. It is used extensively in the
manufacture of high-octane gasoline and solvents. It can be satisfactorily welded.
Alloy Cast Iron - iron containing alloying elements in addition to carbon and the normal low
levels of manganese and silicon, usually some combination of nickel, chromium,
copper and molybdenum. These elements may be added to increase the strength
of ordinary irons, to facilitate heat treatment, or to obtain martensitic, austenitic or
ferritic irons.
Alloy Steel Alloy Steel - a general term which refers to any steel which has 5% (by weight) or more of
desirable elements other than iron.
Alloy Steel - a steel consisting primarily of iron with some percentage of one or more other
elements such as chromium, nickel, manganese, or vanadium deliberately added to
enhance its properties.
Alloy Steel - a steel which owes its distinctive properties to elements other than carbon.
Alloy Steel - an alloy of iron and carbon which also contains one or more additional elements
intentionally added to increase hardenability or to enhance other properties.
Alloy Steel - an iron-based mixture is considered to be an alloy steel when manganese is greater
than 1.65%, silicon over 0.5%, copper above 0.6%, or other minimum quantities of
alloying elements such as chromium, nickel, molybdenum, or tungsten are present.
An enormous variety of distinct properties can be created for the steel by
substituting these elements in the recipe.
Alloy Steel - steel containing special purpose alloying elements. The main alloying elements
added to steel are manganese, nickel, chromium, tungsten, vanadium, molybdenum
and aluminum.
Alloy Steel - steel to which elements not present in carbon steel have been added, or in which the
content of manganese or silicon is increased above that in carbon steel.
Alloying Element - any metallic element added during the making of steel for the purpose of
increasing corrosion resistance, hardness, or strength. The metals used most
commonly as alloying elements in stainless steel include chromium, nickel, and
molybdenum.
Alpha (a) Particles - positively charged particles composed of two protons and neutrons (often
referred to simply as helium atom nuclei) and characterized by limited penetration.
Alternate Immersion Test - a type of accelerated corrosion test in which a test specimen is
repeatedly immersed in a corrosive medium, then withdrawn and allowed to drain
and dry.
Alternating Current - an electric current that reverses its direction of flow many times a second
with a constant frequency; abbreviated AC; compare with Direct Current.
Alternative Current Arc Welding - an arc welding process in which the supply of power is
alternating current.
Alumel - an alloy of nickel with up to 5% aluminum, manganese and silicon, used with chromel in
thermocouples.

Alumino Thermic Reaction - used in thermic welding, this is the chemical reaction which occurs
when powdered aluminum is ignited with the oxides of other metals. The aluminum
extracts the oxygen from these metals and burns fiercely, melting them and forming
the weld.
Aluminum Aluminum - a reliable deoxidizer in steel because of its great affinity for oxygen. It produces fine
austenitic grain size.
Aluminum - a silvery-white, light, metallic element that forms strong alloys; abbreviated Al.
Aluminum - a soft, white metal that in pure form exhibits excellent electrical conductivity and
oxidation resistance.
Aluminum - aluminum and its alloys have a variety of uses. Pure aluminum resists oxidation, is
highly ductile and has good forming properties, but it has poor casting
characteristics and machining properties.
Aluminum - an element forming the principal basis of light alloys; specific gravity 70; ultimate
tensile strength of 6 tons/in2. In order to make it strong enough to support a heavy
load it is usually alloyed with other metals. Aluminum is produced by electrolysis of
bauxite.
Aluminum Brass - brass to which aluminum has been added to increase its resistance to
corrosion; used for condenser tubes. It contains 1-6% Al, 24 to 42% Zn, and 55 to
71% Cu.
Aluminum Bronze - copper aluminum alloys which contain 4 to 11% aluminum, and may also
contain up to 5% each of iron and nickel. These alloys have high tensile strength,
are capable of being cast or cold worked and are resistant to corrosion.
Ambient Ambient - a surrounding or prevailing condition, especially one that is not affected by a body or
process contained in it.
Ambient - surrounding, such as ambient air, meaning surrounding air.
Ambient Conditions - the conditions (pressure, temperature, etc.,) of the medium surrounding a
given device or equipment.
Ambient Temperature Ambient Temperature - the prevailing temperature of the environment immediately surrounding
an object, generally considered to be -20 F to +100 F.
Ambient Temperature - the surrounding temperature relative to the given point of an application.
Note: ambient temperature is not necessarily the same as atmospheric
temperature.
Ambient Temperature - the temperature of the environment surrounding a valve, normally
ranging from 20 Fahrenheit to +100 Fahrenheit.
American Standard Pipe Thread American Standard Pipe Thread - a series of specified sizes for tapered, straight and dryseal
pipe threads established as a standard in the United States; also known as "Briggs
pipe thread."
American Standard Pipe Thread - a type of screw thread used on pipe fittings and devices to give
a positive seal.
American Standard Pipe Thread - taper, straight, or dry seal pipe thread whose dimensions
conform to those of a particular series of specified sizes established as a standard
in the United States; also known as Briggs Pipe Thread.
American Standard Screw Thread American Standard Screw Thread - a series of specified sizes for threaded fasteners, such as
bolts, nuts and machine screws, established as a standard in the United States.
American Standard Screw Thread - screw thread whose dimensions conform to those of a
particular series of specified sizes established as a standard in the United States;
used for bolts, nuts, and machine screws.
Ammonia - a pungent, colorless, gaseous compound of hydrogen and nitrogen - NH3; it is
readily soluble in water, where it reacts to form the base, ammonium hydroxide.
Ammonia Valve - a valve that is resistant to corrosion by ammonia.
Ampere Ampere - metric unit for electric current produced by one volt acting through a resistance of one

ohm.
Ampere - the electrical unit of measurement for the amount of current flowing in a wire;
abbreviated Amp.
Amplitude - the height of a peak with respect to the bottom of an immediately adjacent to the
steel surface contour following preparations, expressed in microns.
AMS - Aerospace Materials Specification
Anchor - a device for a piping system that maintains the correct position and direction of the
pipes and controls pipe movement occurring as a result of thermal expansion.
Anchor Pattern - equivalent to Amplitude
Ancillary - anything supplementary, auxiliary, and subordinate to the main.
Aneroid Capsule - a thin, disk-shaped box or capsule, usually metallic, partially evacuated and
sealed, held extended by a spring, which expands and contracts with changes in
atmospheric or gas pressure; also known as Bellows.
Aneroid Valve - a valve actuated or controlled by an aneroid capsule.
Angle Back-Pressure Valve - a back-pressure valve with its outlet opening at right angles to its
inlet opening.
Angle Globe Valve - a globe valve having an angular configuration that permits it to be fitted at
bends in pipe work.
Angle Pattern - in which the body ends are at right angles to each other, for installation at a
junction between vertical and horizontal position.
Angle Pattern Check Valve - a check valve design in which the body ends are at right angles to
each other, for installation at a junction between vertical and horizontal positions;
compare with Horizontal Pattern Check Valve and Vertical Pattern Check Valve.
Angle Valve Angle Valve - a globe valve whose ends are perpendicular to each other, rather than parallel;
one end is directly below the disc.
Angle Valve - a screw-down stop valve having the casing or body of a spherical shape. The axis
of the stem is in line with one body end and at right angles to the other.
Angle Valve - a type of globe valve design, having pipe openings at right angles to each other.
Usually, one opening is in the horizontal plane and one is in the vertical plane.
Angle Valve - a type of globe valve in which the pipe openings are at right angles.
Angle Valve - a valve design in which one port is colinear with the valve stem or actuator, and the
other port is at right angles to the valve stem.
Angle Valve - a valve having generally a spherical body in which the body ends are at right
angles to each other and in which the axis of the stem is in line with one body end.
Angle Valve - a valve having generally a spherical body in which the body ends are at right
angles to each other and in which the axis of the stem is in line with that of one
body end.
Angle Valve - any valve with the inlet port at a right angle to the outlet port.
Angle Valve - a valve, usually of the globe valve type, in which the inlet and outlet are at right
angles to each other.
Aniline Point - the lowest temperature at which equal volumes of pure, fresh aniline and an oil
will completely dissolve in one another is the aniline point of the oil.
Anisotropic - exhibiting different properties when characteristics are measured along different
directions or axes.
Anneal Anneal - a heat or thermal treatment process by which a previously cold-rolled steel coil is made
more suitable for forming and bending. The steel sheet is heated to a designated
temperature for a sufficient amount of time and then cooled. The bonds between
the grains of the metal are stretched when a coil is cold rolled, leaving the steel
brittle and breakable. Annealing "recrystallizes" the grain structure of steel by
allowing for new bonds to be formed at the high temperature. There are two ways
to anneal cold-rolled steel coils: batch and continuous. a) Batch (Box) - three to
four coils are stacked on top of each other, and a cover is placed on top. For up to
three days, the steel is heated in a non-oxygen atmosphere (so it will not rust) and
slowly cooled; b) Continuous - normally part of a coating line, the steel is uncoiled
and run through a series of vertical loops within a heater. The temperature and

cooling rates are controlled to obtain the desired mechanical properties for the
steel.
Anneal - a metal that has been softened by exposure to high temperatures. This is usually done
to make it easier to form or to relieve stresses.
Anneal - a process of heat treating metal to obtain desired properties of softness and ductility
(easy to form into new shape).
Anneal - heating to and holding at a suitable temperature and then cooling at a suitable rate, for
such purposes as reducing hardness, improving machinability, facilitating cold
working, producing a desired microstructure, or obtaining desired mechanical,
physical, or other properties. When applicable, the following more specific terms
should be used: Black Annealing, Blue Annealing, Box Annealing, Bright Annealing,
Flame Annealing, Full Annealing, Graphitizing, Intermediate Annealing, Isothermal
Annealing, Malleablizing, Process Annealing, Quench Annealing, Recrystallization
Annealing and Spheroidizing. When applied to ferrous alloys, the term "annealing,"
without qualification, implies full annealing. When applied to nonferrous alloys, the
term "annealing" implies a heat treatment designed to soften a cold worked
structure by recrystallization or subsequent grain growth or to soften an age
hardened alloy by causing a nearly complete precipitation of the second phase in
relatively coarse form.
Anneal - heating to and holding at a temperature appropriate for the specific material and then
cooling at a suitable rate, for such purposes as reducing hardness, reducing
brittleness, improving machinability, or obtaining desired properties; compare with
Quench; also see Solution Heat Treatment.
Anneal - the maintenance of a known temperature for a given time for reducing the number of
dislocations within a material.
Anneal - the object of annealing steels is to a) make steel soft, b) improve machinability, c) bring
back ductility and toughness, d) reduce material stress and e) refine the crystalline
structure. Low and medium carbon steels are heated to just above the upper
critical temperature and high carbon steels are heated to just above the lower
critical temperature, held at that temperature for some time and then cooled very
slowly. The rate of cooling depends on the amount of softness required in the steel.
The slower the rate of cooling, the softer the annealed steel. The work piece to be
heat treated is often cooled in the annealing furnace itself, after shutting off the
supply of heat. The holding time depends on the thickness of the work piece, being
more for thicker parts and less for thinner parts. Due to the slow rate of cooling,
austenite already formed gets sufficient time to be transformed into the normal
constituents of ferrite and pearlite, which are responsible for making annealed
steels soft and machinable.
Anneal - to heat in a furnace for a period of time followed by slow cooling, in order to bring about
softening or relaxation of internal stress; commonly applied to metals or glass
processing.
Anneal - treating metals, alloys or glass by heating and controlled slow cooling, primarily to soften
them and remove residual internal stress.
Annular Ball Bearing - a rolling element bearing designed primarily to support a load
perpendicular to the shaft axis. Also: Radial Type Bearing.
Annular Gear - a gear having a cylindrical form.
Annular Nozzle - nozzle whose inlet opening is ring shaped rather than an open circle.
Annulus Annulus - 1) a ring shaped object, structure or region; 2) the figure formed by two concentric
circles on a plane surface, i.e. a disc with a central hole.
Annulus - a flat circular part having a concentric hole, like a washer.
Anode - a positively charged electrode; (opposite of Cathode)
Anodic Protection - a system for passivating steel by making it the anode in a protective circuit;
see also Cathodic Protection.
Anodize Anodize - a finish treatment of metals, especially aluminum, in which an oxide coat is formed on
the surface electrochemically.
Anodize - alloys of aluminum have an excellent natural barrier to corrosion in the oxide film that

forms on their surface. This oxide film, unlike that which forms on steel, is very
dense and strong, forming an impervious skin that prevents further attack. In the
anodizing process, this oxide film is artificially thickened by placing the aluminum
component in a solution of sulphuric acid and connecting it to the positive side of a
direct current, thus the work becomes the anode, which gives this process its name.
As the current is passed through the tank, atoms of oxygen are freed on the surface
of the aluminum and combine with the aluminum, causing the film of aluminum
oxide to build up. This film of aluminum oxide is dense and hard wearing. Also,
due to microscopic cavities that can be filled with a dye, the process can produce
work with a variety of permanent colors.
Anodize - an electrolytic oxidation process which forms a protective surface film on the surface of
aluminum by anodic oxidation. Oxygen combines with the surface of the metal in a
solution to fetch the outside film. It can provide varying colors, usually bronze and
gold shades by using different solutions. It is sometimes used to increase surface
hardness.
Anodize - to put a protective oxide film on a light metal (usually aluminum) by making the base
metal the anode in a cell to which an electric current is applied.
ANSI ANSI - American National Standards Institute
ANSI - American National Standards Institute (formerly United States of America Standards
Institute).
ANSI - American National Standards Institute, Inc.
ANSI - American National Standards Institute. Administrates and coordinates the United States
private sector voluntary standardization system.
Anti Extrusion Ring - a ring installed on the low-pressure side of an O-ring to prevent extrusion
of the secondary seal.
Anti Rotational Device - a device such as a key or pin used to prevent rotation of one
component relative to an adjacent component in a seal assembly.
Antifriction Bearing Antifriction Bearing - a type of bearing in which special steps have to be taken to reduce friction,
like rollers to support a rotating shaft. Special metals, plastics, polyurethane
rubbers and other complex compounds are generally used by themselves or
impregnated in the material of the main bearing bush.
Antifriction Bearing - any bearing having the capability of reducing friction effectively.
Antifriction Bearing - commonly used term for rolling element bearing.
Antifriction Bearing - the points of support of a revolving axle, shaft or other part moving in
contact with another, designed to minimize friction, as in ball bearings and roller
bearings.
Antifriction Metals - previously, this term was used to describe white metal, a tin-base alloy
containing over 50% tin, and now this term is applied to a wide range of metals
which are specially suitable for bearings, especially tin-lead alloys.
Antifriction Rollers - live rollers which are able to sustain the pressure of a rotating spindle or
shaft.
Antimony Antimony - a brittle, bluish-white metallic element used to increase the hardness of lead alloys,
and also used in storage batteries, semiconductors, flameproofing, paints, ceramics
and enamels.
Antimony - a silvery-white, brittle, nonmetallic chemical element of crystalline structure, found
only in combination. It is used in alloys with metals to harden them and increase
their resistance to chemical action; symbol is Sb.
Antimony - the chemical element of atomic number 51, a brittle silvery-white semimetal.
Antioxidant - an organic substance which inhibits or retards oxidation.
Antiozonant - a substance that retards or prevents the appearance of cracks from the action of
ozone when the elastomer is exposed under tension, either statically or
dynamically, to air containing ozone.
Antirad - a material which inhibits radiation damage.
Anvil - 1) a massive block of cast or wrought-iron, sometimes steel faced, on which work gets
supported during forging; also called Anvil Block; 2) the jaws of a micrometer are

also termed as anvils.

AO - After Order
AOD - Argon Oxygen Decarburized
API API - American Petroleum Institute. Develops standards and specifications for centrifugal pumps
for general refinery service.
API - an abbreviation for the American Petroleum Institute.
API - API is the governing authority on oil industry standards and practices.
API Scale - the American Petroleum Institute hydrometer scale for the measurement of the
specific gravity of liquids; used primarily in the American petroleum industry.
Apparent Elastic Limit - the stress level at which the rate of change of strain with respect to
stress is 15% of the value at zero stress in a stress strain plot. It is easier to
estimate than the limit of proportionality and is convenient for comparisons of similar
materials.
Appraisal Drilling - drilling carried out following an oil or gas discovery to determine the physical
extent of the reservoir, the reservoir characteristics, the amount of reserves it is
likely to hold and the likely production rate.
Approval - buyer gives approval on the action to be taken.
Approval Copy - a document to be submitted by vendor to purchaser for review, comments and
approval.
Aqueous - a term generally referring to a water based solution.
Ar Ar - Argon
Ar - the critical temperature during cooling of an iron-carbon alloy where the change from
austenite to pearlite takes place.
Aramid - a very strong, lightweight, synthetic fiber used as an elastomeric binder in some nonmetallic flat gaskets.
Arbor - a rotating shaft, spindle or bar which forms part of an instrument, machine or machine
tool.
Arc Arc - a continuous electric discharge, giving out heat and light that is maintained across the
space between two electrodes, used in welding; also called Electric Arc.
Arc - electrical current flowing (sparking) across an air gap. Severe arcing can cause
considerable damage to equipment and possible fire. Under controlled conditions
arcing is used for lighting, such as for mercury vapor and fluorescent lamps, and
also for arc welding.
Arc Brazing - an arc brazing process in which the heat required for raising temperature is
obtained from the arc formed between the base metal or electrode, or two
electrodes.
Arc Cutting Arc Cutting - a cutting process in which the cutting of metal pieces is effected by the arc formed
between the metal and the electrode.
Arc Cutting - a group of cutting processes in which the severing of metals is effected by melting
with the heat of an arc between the electrode and the base metal. It is purely a
melting process with the help of an arc. Various arc cutting processes are carbon
arc cutting, metallic arc cutting, oxygen arc cutting and inert-gas shielded tungsten
arc cutting. Though these cutting processes are much inferior in quality as
compared to gas cutting, these processes are used for cutting cast iron, scrap, nonferrous metals, stainless steel, hole piercing, rivet-cutting and nick breaking. The
main advantage of this process is that it can be used on all types of metals and
alloys.
Arc Spot Welding - a TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding process carried out at zero arc travel
speed. The coalescence is produced between two contacting surfaces with the
help of a spot formed by heating with an electric arc set up between a tungsten
electrode and one of the two close fit surfaces. An inert shielding gas is used.
Depending upon the workpiece material and conditions, a filler metal may or may
not be used. The surfaces to be welded are properly cleaned so that it is free from

contaminants. The spot welds can be produced on two pieces. The welding gun is
pressed against the workpiece so that the two workpieces come in close contact.
The shielding gas is supplied through the nozzle and the power supply is switched
on momentarily with the help of a trigger and a timer. The timer is set in the circuit
to automatically control the timing of the operation.
Arc Voltage - the voltage across the welding arc in the welding process.
Arc Welder - an arc welding machine
Arc Welding Arc Welding - a form of welding in which two pieces of metal are joined by raising the
temperature, and melting, the material at the joint by means of a continuous electric
arc.
Arc Welding - a method of welding in which the metal is fused by the heat of an electric arc. The
process can be considered under four headings: metallic arc welding, carbon-arc
welding, argon or helium shielded arc welding, and atomic hydrogen welding.
Arc Welding - a welding process in which heat is obtained by an electric arc to form a molten pool
of metal. The process is carried out generally without the application of pressure
and with or without the use of a filler metal. The electric arc is produced when two
conductors of an electric circuit come in contact and then separated by a small
distance, with sufficient voltage in the circuit to maintain the flow of current through
the gaseous medium (generally air). The temperature of the arc is of the order of
6000 C to 7000 C.
Arc Welding - a welding process in which welding heat is obtained from an electric arc formed
between the base metal and an electrode or between two electrodes.
Arc Welding - employs the heat of an electric arc to bring the metal to a molten state for joining
by fusion.
Arc Welding - it is done with carbon or metal electrode. It can be shielded or unshielded.
Argon Oxygen Decarburization (AOD) - a process for further refinement of stainless steel
through reduction of carbon content. The amount of carbon in stainless steel must
be lower than that in carbon steel or lower alloy steel (i.e. steel with alloying
element content below 5%). While electric arc furnaces (EAF) are the conventional
means of melting and refining stainless steel, AOD is an economical supplement,
as operating time is shorter and temperatures are lower than in EAF steelmaking.
Additionally, using AOD for refining stainless steel increases the availability of the
EAF for melting purposes. Molten, unrefined steel is transferred from the EAF into
a separate vessel. A mixture of argon and oxygen is blown from the bottom of the
vessel through the melted steel. Cleaning agents are added to the vessel along
with these gases to eliminate impurities, while the oxygen combines with carbon in
the unrefined steel to reduce the carbon level. The presence of argon enhances
the affinity of carbon for oxygen and thus facilitates the removal of carbon.
Arithmetic Average Roughness Height (AARH) - see Ra
ARO - After Receiving Order
Aromatics - chemical group characterized by a ring structure. Aromatics are produced in
refinery reformers and petrochemical plants. The most commonly traded are
toluene, benzene and xylenes. Aromatics are used as high-octane components for
gasoline blending or for chemical production
ART - see Allowable Running-up Time
Artificial Aging - heat treating a metal at a moderately elevated temperature to hasten age
hardening.
AS - Air, Service / Starting
As Built - 1) a document revision that includes all modifications performed as a result of actual
fabrication or installation; various issues of as built documents may exist that reflect
various milestones such as purchased, as manufactured, as insured, and as
commissioned; 2) during construction, changes that are made in design and
installation are marked up on drawings as built.
As Built Drawings As Built Drawings - drawings which have been revised during construction to record changes
made which differ from the contract drawings. Their purpose is to have a
permanent record of the actual construction; also called Construction Record

Drawings.
As Built Drawings - see As-Fitted Drawing
As Fabricated - describing the condition of a structure or material after assembly, and without
any conditioning treatment such as a stress relieving heat treatment; specific terms
such as welded, as brazed or as polished are used to designate the nature of the
final step in fabrication.
As Fitted Drawing - a drawing as amended after completion of an industrial facility in order to
provide an accurate record of the details of the entire installation in their final form;
also known as As-Built Drawing or As-Made Drawing.
ASC - Approved Source Currency
ASCC - Alkaline Stress Corrosion Cracking
ASD - Alarm and Shutdown System (System Hardware)
ASME - American Society of Mechanical Engineers. The ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel
Code is a recognized and accepted standard throughout the world for the
construction of pressure vessels. The rules are formulated to provide minimum
requirements for safety and serviceability and at the same time provide for
reasonable and realistic costs.
ASP - Application Service Provider
Aspect Ratio - the ratio of the length of an object to its width or diameter.
ASQ - American Society for Quality
ASQC - American Society for Quality Control
Associated Gas Associated Gas - hydrocarbon gas flashed from produced crude oil in a production separator. It
is predominately methane but will contain heavier components and impurities such
as carbon dioxide and water.
Associated Gas - natural gas found as part of or in conjunction with other constituents of oil, this
is as opposed to gas found on its own. The expression has come to mean natural
gas produced along with crude oil.
ASTM - American Society for Testing Material; ASTM has established many of the technical
standards used in the oil industry.
ASTM Standards - standard material specifications issued by the American Society for Testing
Materials.
Asynchronous Machine - an alternating current machine in which the speed on load and the
frequency of the system to which it is connected are not in constant ratio.
AT - After Test
Atmosphere - a unit of pressure equal to 101.325 kilopascals, which is the air pressure
measured at mean sea level; abbreviated ATM; also known as Standard
Atmosphere.
Atmospheric Corrosion - corrosion occurring due to the combined effect; oxidized filmformation by the oxidizing action of atmospheric oxygen / air on the metal surface.
The oxide film maintains the continuity and protective value, thereby the chances of
further attacks are reduced. Film breakdown is the result of electrochemical action,
which requires the presence of moisture or electrolyte on the metal surface.
Atmospheric Cracking - cracks produced in surface of rubber articles by exposure to
atmospheric conditions.
Atmospheric Zone - arbitrary area from + 15 meters MSL (Mean Sea Level) upwards.
Atomic Hydrogen Welding Atomic Hydrogen Welding - a process in which coalescence is produced by heating the job with
an arc under the shield of hydrogen. This process is a combination of electric arc
welding and gas welding. The fundamental difference in this process and electric
arc welding is that the workpiece does not form any terminal in this case. In this
process the arc is struck between the two tungsten electrodes that can be adjusted
in position. The electrodes are held in a specially designed electrode holder
inclined at an angle. Single phase AC supply is used for striking the arc. Hydrogen
at 0.5-kg/cm2 pressure is passed through these electrodes and blown into the arc.
The temperature obtained at the arc is around 4000 C, which is higher than an
ordinary arc or flame. The basic theory behind this process is that a molecule of
hydrogen consists of two atoms (H2). The atom of hydrogen is not stable and

possesses a strong tendency to combine to form the molecular hydrogen. When

two atoms of hydrogen combine they produce intense heat. This phenomenon is
utilized in atomic hydrogen welding to get intense heat of the arc. As a molecule of
hydrogen passes through the electrodes, it is converted into atomic hydrogen. The
atoms of hydrogen are unstable and combine near the arc to form molecular
hydrogen with the liberation of heat energy. This heat energy along with the heat of
the arc is utilized in this process of welding.
Atomic Hydrogen Welding - an arc welding process in which welding heat is obtained from an arc
between two suitable electrodes in an atmosphere of hydrogen.
Atomic Oxygen Cutting - oxygen cutting with equipment that performs cutting operation
automatically after setting.
Austenite Austenite - 1) a relatively soft component of steel consisting of a solid solution of carbon in iron;
2) a nonmagnetic solid solution of carbon or iron carbide in some iron, obtained in
high carbon steels by rapid quenching and deformation at high temperatures; 3)
the face-centered crystalline phase of iron-based alloys.
Austenite - a solid solution of carbon in gamma iron. It possesses FCC structure and contains a
maximum of 1.7% carbon at 1130 C. It is stable above the upper critical
temperature and non-magnetic in nature. It is soft, tough, malleable, ductile and
responds to mechanical deformations nicely. As such, most of the mechanical
deformations of steel are carried out in this range.
Austenitic Cast Iron - see Cast Iron
Austenitic Stainless Steel Austenitic Stainless Steel - an alloy of iron containing at least 12% Cr plus sufficient Ni (or in
some specialty stainless steels, Mn) to stabilize the face centered cubic crystal
structure of iron at room temperature.
Austenitic Stainless Steel - it contains a mixture of chromium and nickel combined. The total
percentage is 24. These are non-magnetic steels, generally used for making
utensils.
Austenitic Stainless Steel - the common stainless steel, where the primary microstructure is
austenite and the composition primarily iron but also includes both chromium and
nickel. The steels are designated as 300 series such as 304, 316, CF8M, etc.
Austenitic Stainless Steel - the largest category of stainless steel, accounting for about 70% of all
production. The austenitic class offers the most resistance to corrosion in the
stainless group, owing to its substantial nickel content and higher levels of
chromium. Austenitic stainless steels are hardened and strengthened through cold
working (changing the structure and shape of steel by applying stress at low
temperature) instead of by heat treatment. Ductility (ability to change shape without
fracture) is exceptional for the austenitic stainless steels. Excellent weldability and
superior performance in very low-temperature services are additional features of
this class. Applications include cooking utensils, food processing equipment,
exterior architecture, equipment for the chemical industry, truck trailers, and kitchen
sinks. The two most common grades are type 304 (the most widely specified
stainless steel, providing corrosion resistance in numerous standard services) and
type 316 (similar to 304 with molybdenum added, to increase opposition to various
forms of deterioration).
Austenitic Steel Austenitic Steel - steel containing sufficient amounts of nickel, nickel and chromium, or
manganese to retain austenite at atmospheric temperature; e.g. austenitic stainless
steel and Hadfields manganese steel.
Austenitic Steel - steel which consists of austenite which, owing to a high percentage of alloys
such as manganese and nickel, is stable at normal temperatures. Typical examples
of austenitic steels include 14% manganese steel, and the corrosion-resistant type
containing about 18% chromium and 8% nickel, the latter being known as Staybrite.
Austenitic Steel - steel whose microstructure at room temperature consists predominately of
austenite. The austenitic stainless steels are the most corrosion resistant of the
stainless steels because of the high chromium contents and also the nickel
additions. Austenitic stainless steels are hardened and strengthened by cold work
because they are not heat treatable.

Austenitizing Austenitizing - converting the matrix of a ferrous alloy to austenite by heating above the
transformation temperature.
Austenitizing - forming austenite by heating a ferrous alloy into the transformation range (partial
austenitizing) or above the transformation range (complete austenitizing).
Austenitizing - forming austenite by heating a ferrous metal to a temperature in the transformation
range (partial austenitizing) or above the transformation range (complete
austenitizing).
Autofrettage Autofrettage - a process for manufacturing gun barrels; prestressing the metal increases the load
at which its permanent deformation occurs.
Autofrettage - a technique in which residual compressive stresses are created at the interior of a
thick-walled component by application and release of internal pressure that causes
yielding of the metal near the inside diameter or bore of the component.
Automatic - having a self-acting mechanism that performs a required act at a predetermined
time or in response to certain conditions.
Automatic Control Servo Valve - a mechanically or electrically actuated servo valve controlling
the direction and volume of fluid in a hydraulic automatic control system.
Automatic Control Valve - consists of a valve body and an actuator. The actuator is controlled
by a pneumatic or electric signal from a remote point changing the rate of medium
flow passing through the valve.
Automatic Oxygen Cutting - oxygen cutting with equipment that performs the metal cutting
operation automatically after setting.
Automatic Welding - welding with equipment that automatically controls welding operations.
Automation - the operation of a machine or device automatically or by remote control.
Award (of a Contract) - an indication by an owner to a contractor that his bid or proposal is
accepted and that a contact will be entered into.
AWS - American Welding Society
AWWA - American Water Works Association
Axial Axial - in the direction parallel to the shaft centerline.
Axial - in the same direction as the axis of the shaft.
Axial Entry Ball Valve - a ball valve in which there is access through the body end(s) for means
for assemble
Axial Load Axial Load - a force with its resultant passing through the centroid of a particular section and
being perpendicular to the plane of the section.
Axial Load - load acting in the direction along the shaft / axis
Axial Load - load exerted parallel to the axis of the shaft on which the bearing is mounted, also
called thrust load.
Axial Modulus - the ratio of a simple tension stress applied to a material to the resulting strain
parallel to the tension when the sides of the sample are restricted so that there is no
lateral deformation; also known as Modulus of Simple Longitudinal Extension.
Axial Movement - movement along the axis or parallel to the center line of a shaft
Axis Axis - a line about which a body rotates.
Axis - an imaginary line running through the center of a shaft on which a bearing is mounted.
Axis - an imaginary straight line about which something rotates or is symmetrically arranged.
Axle - a supporting member that carries a wheel and either rotates with the wheel to transmit
mechanical power to or from it, or allows the wheel to rotate freely on it.

B - Boron
B / D - Barrels per Day
B / L - Bill of Lading
Babbitt Babbitt - alloys high in tin, having a general composition as copper 4.5%, tin 91.0%, and
antimony 4.5%; termed so because of the pioneer work of Isaac Babbitt; these are
used as bearing metals; also known as Babbitt Metals.
Babbitt - any of the white alloys composed principally of lead or tin which are used extensively to
make linings for sliding bearings.
Back Annealing - controlling the softening of a fully work hardened metal so as to produce the
desired degree of temper by partial recrystallization.
Back Cladding - a localized weld overlay operation between two integrally clad or weld
overlayed sections; also called Clad Restoration.
Back Face Back Face - a machined face on the disc, disc holder, disc stem nut or stem, which makes
contact with the backseat when the valve is fully open.
Back Face - a machined face on the disc, disc holder, disc stem nut, stem or spindle which
makes contact with the back seat when the valve is fully open; also variously called
Back facing, Valve Head Back Facing, Spindle Back Face, Stem Back Face.
Back Face - the machined surface on the side of a through bolted flange, opposite the gasket
face, that is provided for nut seating.
Back Flow Prevention Valve - a valve which prevents flow in the direction opposite to the
normal direction of flow.
Back Nut - 1) a threaded nut, one side of which is dished to retain a grommet; used in forming a
watertight pipe joint; 2) a locking nut on the shank of a pipe fitting, tap, or valve.
Back Pressure Valve Back Pressure Valve - a check valve that is installed through the christmas tree, into the tubing
hanger, this prevents well fluids from flowing out of the well.
Back Pressure Valve - a valve which is used to prevent the return flow of fluids in a pipe.
Back Seat Bushing Back Seat Bushing - 1) that part, separate from and secured in the bonnet, which takes the thrust
of the stem thrust collar; 2) that part, separate from and secured in the bonnet, on
which the back seat is machined; also called Spindle Seat Bush.
Back Seat Bushing - the part, separate from and secured in a valve bonnet, on which the back
seat is machined.
Back Step Sequence - a welding technique in which increments of weld metal are deposited
opposite to the direction of welding.
Back Up Ring - a ring of relatively hard and tough material placed in the gland between the oring and the groove side walls, to prevent extrusion of the o-ring; an anti-extrusion
device.
Backflow - the flow of water or other liquids, mixtures, or substances into the distributing pipes of
a potable supply of water from any other than its intended source.
Backflow Valve - a device to prevent contaminated water from flowing back into a potable water
supply system.
Backflow Valve - see Backwater Valve
Backhand Welding Backhand Welding - a gas welding process in which the flame is directed opposite to the
direction of progress of welding.
Backhand Welding - laying down a weld bead with the back of the welder's principal hand (the
one holding the torch or welding electrode) facing the direction of welding; in torch
welding, this directs the flame backward against the weld bead to provide post
heating.
Backhand Welding - welding in which the torch or electrode hand faces the direction of travel,
thus post-heating the exist weld.
Backing - the materials such as metal, asbestos or carbon used as backing for the root of a
weld. This material often takes the form of a backing strip or backing ring and is
used to back up the root of a groove weld in plate and pipe.

Backing Ring - a ring of steel or other material placed behind the welding groove when joining
tubes or pipes by welding, to confine the weld metal.
Backing Sand - mainly used for packing and filling a casting mold. It is made up of used and
burnt sand.
Backing Strip - a piece of metal, asbestos or other nonflammable material placed behind a joint
prior to welding to enhance weld quality.
Backrind - distortion at the parting line usually in the form of a ragged indentation.
Backwater Valve - a type of check valve in a drainage pipe; reversal of flow causes the valve to
close, thereby cutting off flow; also called Backflow Valve.
BAFF - Ball Valve Full Bore Flanged
Bainite - has a needle-like structure and is found in alloy steels. During tempering, a lower
bainite is formed at 325 C while the upper bainite is formed at 400 C. It is fairly
hard, ductile, magnetic and somewhat resembles martensite.
Bake Out - a process in which a vacuum system is heated for a given time at some
predetermined temperature to degas all the components, i.e. gauges, fittings,
valves, seals, etc.
Baking - the use of heat on fresh paint films to speed the evaporation of thinners and to promote
the reaction of binder components in order to form a hard polymeric film; also
known as Stoving.
Balance Weight - the weight which balances all the moving components, excluding the
cheeseweight.
Balanced Seal - a mechanical seal arrangement whereby the effect of the hydraulic pressure in
the seal chamber on the seal face closing forces has been modified through seal
design. Usually needed for higher pressure applications and identified by a step in
the primary ring and shaft/sleeve.
Balanced Valve - a valve having equal fluid pressure in both the opening and closing directions.
Balancing Plug Cock - see Balancing Valve
Balancing Valve - a valve used in a pipe for controlling fluid flow; not usually used to shut off the
flow; also known as Balancing Plug Cock.
Ball Ball - 1) that component which is rotated within the body to control the flow of fluid. It may be
seat supported or trunnion supported; 2) the spherical non-return mechanism of a
ball non-return valve.
Ball - the closure element of a ball valve.
Ball - the spherical flow control element of a ball valve or ball check valve.
Ball Bearing Ball Bearing - 1) a shaft bearing consisting of a number of hardened steel balls, which roll in
spherical grooves (ball tracks) formed in an inner race fitted to the shaft and in an
outer race carried in a housing. The balls are spaced and held by a light metal or
plastic cage; 2) one of the balls itself.
Ball Bearing - a bearing with balls as rolling elements. May contain one or more rows of balls.
Has lower friction than a roller bearing.
Ball Bearing - a type of antifriction bearing in which the load is borne on a series of hard spherical
elements (balls) confined between inner and outer retaining rings (races).
Ball Bearing - an antifriction bearing permitting free motion between moving and fixed parts by
means of balls confined between outer and inner rings.
Ball Bearings / Roller Bearings - the main difference in the performance of the two bearing types
is that the ball bearings have lower friction than roller bearings but roller bearings
have higher load carrying capacity.
Ball Bushing Ball Bushing - a type of ball bearing that allows motion of the shaft in its axial direction.
Ball Bushing - a variation of ball bearing that permits axial motion of a shaft instead of rotating
motion.
Ball Cage Valve - a non-return valve consisting of a globe or ball working on a cup-shaped seat
which is usually within a suitable cage. The spherical ball with a cylindrical hole
through its center allows fluid to flow. When turned through 90 degrees the face of
the ball stops the flow. It is used in small water-and-air-pumps and for small check

valves.
Ball Check Valve Ball Check Valve - a lift check valve whose flow control element is a solid ball.
Ball Check Valve - a single non-return valve consisting of a ball resting on a cylindrical seating;
used in small water and air pumps.
Ball Check Valve - a type of lift check valve in which the non-return mechanism is a ball.
Ball Check Valve - a valve having a ball held by a spring against a seat; used to permit flow in
one direction only.
Ball Check Valve - a valve that permits flow in one direction only by lifting a spring loaded ball off
its seat when a pressure differential acts in that direction and by forcing the ball
more tightly against the seat when a pressure differential acts in the opposite flow
direction.
Ball Cock Ball Cock - a self-regulating valve which, through a linkage system, turns the flow of water (or a
liquid) on and off by the falling and the rising of a partly submerged sphere, usually
a hollow ball.
Ball Cock - a valve which is opened or closed by the fall or rise of a ball floating on the surface of
water and connected by a lever to the valve. The valve opens or closes as the
water level changes. A common example is the ball cock arrangement used in the
tank of most water closets (toilets).
Ball Components - those parts which are associated, but not integral, with the ball.
Ball Drive - that part of the ball which receives torque transmitted from the stem.
Ball Face - the surface of the ball or of the ball facing, which makes contact with the body seat.
Ball Facing - a deposit of material different from that of the ball on which the ball face is formed.
Ball Guide - that part of a ball non-return valve, integral with or separate from the body, cover or
grid, in which the ball is guided.
Ball Non Return - a non-return valve in which the non-return mechanism is a ball.
Ball Port - the passage-way or passage ways through the ball. These may be: a) Straightthrough, b) Tee port, c) L or angle port, d) Double L or double angle port.
Ball Race Ball Race - 1) the inner or outer steel ring forming one of the ball tracks of a ball bearing; 2
commonly, the complete ball bearing.
Ball Race - a track, channel, or groove in which ball bearings turn.
Ball Shank - the integral part of the ball which passes through the body and/cover, and on which
the ball shank head is formed.
Ball Shank Head - that part of the ball shank to which the wrench or other operating device is
attached.
Ball Trunnion - that trunnion member which is an integral part of the ball.
Ball Trunnion Bearing - the bearing to support the journal loads on the ball trunnion; it may be
capable of taking thrust.
Ball Valve Ball Valve - a form of shut-off device, having a ball which can be turned to move its port or ports
relative to the body seat ports to control the flow of fluid.
Ball Valve - a quarter-turn valve with a spherical closing element held between two seats.
Characteristics include quick opening and good shut-off. Ball valves are widely
used as on / off valves in the chemical process and other industries. Special
designs (with V notches or fingers) are available for throttling applications. Larger
valves with heavier balls (e.g., on pipelines) may use trunnions to help support the
ball and prevent damage to soft internals. Designs are typically one, two, or three
piece.
Ball Valve - a type of valve whose flow control element is a ball with a circular passage through it
and that rotates 90 degrees from open to closed.
Ball Valve - a valve in which the fluid flow is regulated by a ball moving relative to a spherical
socket as a result of fluid pressure and the weight of the ball.
Ball Valve - a valve using a spherical closure element which is rotated through 90 degrees to
open and close the valve.
Ball Valve - a valve which modifies flow rates with rotary motion of the closure member, which is

either a sphere with an internal passage or a segment of a spherical surface.

Ball Valve - a valve with a rotary motion closure component consisting of a full ball or a
segmented ball.
Ball Valve - normally a quarter-turn valve with a ball-type closing element held between two
seats. Characteristics include quick opening and tight shut-off. Ball valves are
widely used as on/off valves in the chemical process and other industries. Special
designs (with V notches ) are available for throttling applications. Larger valves with
heavier balls (e.g., on pipelines) may use trunnions to help support the ball and
prevent damage to soft internals. Designs are typically, one, two or three piece.
Ball Valve - similar in concept to the plug valve but uses a rotating ball with a hole through it that
allows straight-through flow in the open position and shuts off flow when the ball is
rotated 90 degrees to block the flow passage. It is used for on-off and throttling
services.
Ball Valve - these are quarter turn in operation and use a spherical ball between two seats as the
full closing member. Ball valves may be full bore or reduced bore and the body
construction may be one piece, two piece or three piece. Top entry valves are
assembled through the top of the valve. Trunnion mounted valves have bottom
bearings to support the ball. Multiported valves have a special body and ball with
various flow configurations.
Ball Valve - valve that contains a sphere with a hole through it, the ball can be rotated thus
turning the valve on or off, similar to a plug valve in function.
Banbury Mixer - a specific type of internal mixer used to blend fillers and other ingredients with
an elastomer.
Bang Bang Control - the same as "two-position control."
Bar Bar - 1) a solid elongated piece of metal, usually having a simple cross section and usually
produced by hot rolling or extrusion, which may or may not be followed by cold
drawing; 2) one atmosphere.
Bar - a metric unit of pressure, equivalent to a hundred thousand newtons per square meter;
approximately one atmosphere.
Bar - a unit of pressure equal to 10 pascals, or 10 newtons per square meter, or 10 dynes per
square centimeter.
Bar - long steel products that are rolled from billets. Merchant bar and reinforcing bar (rebar) are
two common categories of bars, where merchants include rounds flats, angles,
squares, and channels that are used by fabricators to manufacture a wide variety of
products such as furniture, stair railings, and farm equipment. Rebar is used to
strengthen concrete in highways, bridges and buildings; see also Sheet Steel.
Bar - the means by which a bar-operated valve is manually operated.
Barb Bolt - a bolt having jagged edges to prevent its being withdrawn from the object into which
it is driven; also known as Rag Bolt.
Bare - a term signifying slightly smaller than the specified dimension.
Bare Electrode - a filler electrode, used in arc welding that contains no coating of flux.
Bare Metal Arc Welding - a non-pressure arc welding process, in which coalescence is
produced by heating with an electrical arc between a bare or light coated electrode
and the workpiece. In this process no shielding is used.
Bare Surfaces - in reference to painting and coating systems, surfaces not insulated or
fireproofed.
BARF - Ball Valve Reduced Bore Flanged
Bark - a decarburized layer on steel, just beneath oxide scale formed by heating the steel in air.
Barlows Equation - a formula, t = DP/2, used in computing the strength of cylinders subject to
internal pressures, where t is the thickness of the cylinder in inches, D is the outside
diameter in inches, P the pressure in pounds per square inch, and S the allowable
tensile strength in pounds per square inch.
Barometer - an instrument that measures atmospheric pressure.
Barrel Barrel - a unit of volume; for petroleum, it equals 9702 cubic inches.
Barrel - a volumetric unit of measure for petroleum products (usually crude oil). 1 barrel equals

42 US gallons, 35 imperial gallons or 159 liters. The traditional unit of measure of

oil volume.
Barrel of Oil Equivalent (BOE) - for liquids, one BOE equals one barrel of oil or condensate.
For gases, one BOE equals approximately six thousand standard cubic feet
(MSCF) of gas. One BOE of gas or liquid equals about six million Btu (British
Thermal Units).
Barrier Fluid - fluid introduced between dual mechanical seals to completely isolate the pump
process liquid from the environment. Pressure of the barrier fluid is always higher
than the process pressure being sealed.
Base Metal Base Metal - 1) the metallic element present in greatest proportion in an alloy; 2) the type of
metal to be welded, brazed, cut or soldered; 3) in the welded joint, metal that was
not melted during welding; 4) any metal that will oxidize in air or that will form
metallic ions in an aqueous solution; 5) metal to which a plated, sprayed or
conversion coating is applied; also known as Basis Metal.
Base Metal - any metal, such as zinc, copper, lead, that readily corrodes, tarnishes or oxidizes on
exposure to air, moisture or heat.; opposite of Noble Metal.
Base Metal - the metal to be welded; also known as Parent Metal.
BASEEFA - British Approvals Service for Electrotechnical Equipment in Flammable Atmosphere
Basic Grade - the steel produced by the basic open hearth process.
Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) - a pear-shaped furnace, lined with refractory bricks, that refines
molten iron from the blast furnace and scrap into steel. Up to 30% of the charge
into the BOF can be scrap, with hot metal accounting for the rest. BOFs, which can
refine a heat (batch) of steel in less than 45 minutes, replaced open-hearth furnaces
in the 1950s, the latter required five to six hours to process the metal. The BOF's
rapid operation, lower cost and ease of control give it a distinct advantage over
previous methods. Scrap is dumped into the furnace vessel, followed by the hot
metal from the blast furnace. A lance is lowered from above, through which blows a
high-pressure stream of oxygen to cause chemical reactions that separate
impurities as fumes or slag. Once refined, the liquid steel and slag are poured into
separate containers.
Basic Steel - steel produced in an open hearth, by the Bessemer process or in electric furnace.
Bastard - 1) not normal in shape, size, or look; a bastard thread is a size of screw thread which
is very unusual; 2) there are roughly four kinds of cuts made by files: smooth,
second, bastard and rough.
Bastard Thread Bastard Thread - a screw thread which is not standard.
Bastard Thread - a screw-thread which does not conform to any recognized standard
dimensions.
Batch - the component raw materials properly weighed, proportioned, and mixed for delivery to a
processing unit. Also, the product output from a processing unit in which there is
essentially no product output until all component materials are charged and
processed.
BB - Bolted Bonnet
Bbl - barrel (Abbreviation)
BC - Bolted Cover
BD - Before Delivery
BDO - Baram Delta Operations
BDV - Blow Down Valve
BE - Beveled End
Bead - an elongated seam produced by welding in a single pass.
Bead and Crevice Free (BCF) - a means of connecting pipes, valves and fitting via heat fusion,
with a perfectly smooth internal joint; also known as Fusion.
Bean Bean - a restriction, such as a nipple, which is placed in a pipe to reduce the rate of fluid flow.
Bean - internal part of a choke valve
Bearing -

Bearing - a machine element for reducing the friction between moving machine parts. Most
bearings nowadays are rolling bearings, consisting of inner ring, outer ring, a
number of rolling elements (balls or rollers) and a cage. Most bearings are made
from steel.
Bearing - a machine part that supports another machine part while the latter undergoes rotating,
sliding or oscillating motion.
Bearing - a machine part that supports another part which rotates, slides, or oscillates in or on it.
Bearing - a part of a machine that supports a rotating or other moving part, and allows free
movement between the two parts; (example: a ball bearing).
Bearing - roller or Ball Bearings allow an axle or shaft to rotate freely with limited friction.
Bearing - supports provided to locate a revolving or reciprocating shaft.
Bearing - supports used to hold a revolving shaft in its proper position.
Bearing Cap - a device designed to fit around a bearing to support or immobilize it.
Bearing Metals - metals (alloys) used for that part of a bearing which is in contact with the
journal, e.g. bronze or white metal, used on account of their low coefficient of
friction when used with a steel shaft.
Bearing Race - each of the two grooved rings that hold the balls in a ball bearing.
Bearing Steel - special steel with very high cleanliness for rolling bearing production.
Bearing Strain - the deformation of bearing parts subjected to a load.
Bearing Surface Bearing Surface - 1) the area of the surface upon which a shaft rotates; 2) in machinery, the
surfaces of bearing parts in mutual contact.
Bearing Surface - that portion of a bearing in direct contact with the journal; the surface of the
journal.
Bellows Bellows - a corrugated cylindrical container which moves as pressures change, or provides a seal
during movement of parts.
Bellows - a flexible metal connector, usually made of stainless steel, to accommodate: the
expansion of stem seal vacuum valve bellows; to seal feedthrough shafts; isolate
vacuum envelopes; isolate vibration; or to protect sensitive components from
mechanical stress.
Bellows are made by roll-forming, hydroforming, metal
depositing, or welding of individual convolutions. The choice of bellows depends on
applications: a) Welded bellows are made of two thin-contoured metal diaphragms
welded on their inside diameter to form a section. The sections are then stacked
and welded on their outside diameter to form a complete convolution. Welded
bellows provide maximum flexibility and stroke with minimum size; b) Formed
bellows are an alternative to welded bellows. They are good for applications
requiring moderate flexibility and/or high-pressure resistance. They are made by
corrugating walls of thin-walled tubing; c) Deposited bellows are miniature, precise
and thin-walled.
Bellows - a flexible, thin-walled, circumferentially corrugated cylinder. It may have integral ends
and can expand or contract axially under changing pressure.
Bellows - a sealing device which prevents line media leaking between the stem and the body.
Bellows - an enclosed chamber with pleated or corrugated walls so that its interior volume may
be varied, either to alternately draw in and expel a gas or other fluid, or to expand
and contract in response to variations in internal pressure.
Bellows - an object or device with multiple folds in the sides to allow it to expand and contract,
such as a tube joining a lens to a camera body, or an accordion.
Bellows - sealing device which prevents line media leaking between the stem and the body.
Bellows Assembly - the valve mechanism which transfers motion from external drive
components to vacuum side components through a metal bellows seal.
Bellows Expansion Joint - a type of coupling between two pieces of pipe that uses a flexible
metal bellows to prevent leakage while allowing limited linear movement, such as to
accommodate thermal expansion and contraction.
Bellows Seal Bellows Seal - 1) a multiconvolution-type element used as a protective barrier between the
instrument and the process fluid; 2) a seal in the shape of a bellows used to

prevent air or gas leakage.

Bellows Seal - a seal for the valve stem in which the ends of the sealing material are fastened to
bonnet or stem. The material expands and contracts with stem travel.
Bellows Seal Bonnet - a bonnet which uses a bellows for sealing against leakage around the
valve plug stem.
Bellows Seal Valve Bellows Seal Valve - a gate or globe valve that uses a cylindrical metal bellows to hermetically
seal the valve against stem leakage.
Bellows Seal Valve - a valve utilizing a bellows to replace the conventional packing gland. One
end of the bellows is welded to the rising stem; the other is sealed against the
valve body.
Bellows Stem Seal - a thin wall, convoluted, flexible member which makes a seal between the
stem and bonnet or body and allows stem motion while maintaining a positive seal.
Bellows Type Valve - a fluid powered device in which the fluid acts upon a flexible convoluted
member, the bellows, to provide linear motion to the actuator stem.
Belt Eye - 1) a retaining eye which may formed on the end of the stem or attached to the end of
the stem and which carries the discs; 2) a ring, within the belt eye, which retains
the discs; also called Eye Piece.
Bench Life - in casting, the ability of a molding sand to retain its properties during storage that
may be caused due to delay at any stage of production.
Bench Set - the proper definition for bench set is the inherent diaphragm pressure range, which
is the high and low values of pressure applied to the diaphragm to produce rated
valve plug travel with atmospheric pressure in the valve body. This test is often
performed on a work bench in the instrument shop prior to placing the valve into
service and is thus known as Bench Set.
Bench Test - a modified service test in which the service conditions are approximated, but the
equipment is conventional laboratory equipment and not necessarily identical with
that in which the product will be employed.
Bend Test Bend Test - a ductility test in which a metal specimen is bent through a specified arc around a
support of known radius; used primarily to evaluate inherent formability of metal
sheet, rod or wire, or to evaluate weld quality produced with specific materials, joint
design and welding technique.
Bend Test - in this test a round bar of standard diameter and length is supported at the ends and
loaded at the center until it breaks. The bending test is generally carried out on cast
iron, cast steel, welded joints and is used to show the degree of ductility and the
angle of bend. It is also used to measure the degree of bend and elongation.
Bending Machine - a machine for bending a metal or wooden part by pressure; also known as
Bender.
Bernoullis Principle - if a fluid flowing through a tube reaches a constriction, or narrowing of the
tube, the velocity of the fluid flowing through the constriction increases and the
pressure decreases.
Bernoullis Theorem - relates to the flow of liquids. The total head of a liquid is given by
Bernoullis equation.
Bessemer Process Bessemer Process - a method of making steel, now largely superceded, in which pig iron is
converted into steel by blasting air through the molten pig iron in a large container
to burn away carbon, silicon and other impurities.
Bessemer Process - a method of producing steel in which air (sometimes enriched by oxygen) is
allowed to pass through molten pig iron contained in a pear-shaped cylindrical
vessel lined with refractory, open at its upper end to let gases escape.
Beta (b) Particles - negatively charged particles or electrons, characterized by limited
penetration.
Bevel Bevel - a sloping edge to a surface
Bevel - an angle, which is not a right angle, between two surfaces.
Bevel - the angle between one line or surface and another line or surface, or the horizontal, when

this angles is not a right angle.

Bevel Gear Bevel Gear - a gear working another gear at an angle.
Bevel Gear - an arrangement of bevel wheels for the transmission of motion from one shaft to
another on intersecting axes.
Bevel Gear - one of a pair of gears used to connect two shafts whose axes intersect.
Bevel Gear - one of a pair of gears whose teeth run parallel to a conical surface so that they can
transmit power and motion between two shafts whose axes intersect.
Bevel Gear Operator Bevel Gear Operator - a device facilitating operation of a gate or globe valve by means of a set of
bevel gears having the axis of the pinion gear at right angles to that of the larger
ring gear. The reduction ratio of this gear set determines the multiplication of torque
achieved.
Bevel Gear Operator - a gear operator that uses a bevel gear set.
BGA - Bevel Gear Attachment
BGO - Bevel Gear Operation
BHN - Brinell Hardness Number
Bi Directional - a device designed for flow in both directions.
Bi Directional Valve - a valve designed for sealing in either direction.
Bi Pass - a solenoid-controlled option feature which equalizes pressure on both sides of the
valve seat before the valve is opened. The bi-pass mechanism protects delicate
samples from damage caused by sudden pressure changes. It also permits gas to
be bled into the system.
Bid - an offer, generally in writing, to supply an indicated quantity of materials or labor or both for
a stated price; also called a Proposal.
Bid Form - a one or two-page form included in the contract documents upon which each bidder
states the amount of his bid, his name and address, and his signature below
various statements (such as that he has visited the site and informed himself of the
problems involved) and other commitments that the bidder agrees to make, and
delivers it, usually in a sealed envelope, to the owner at the time of the bid opening.
Bid Opening - time, place, and date set for receiving and opening bids for a specific project. (It
is a formality often not used for smaller projects.) Bid openings are either public or
private. For public openings, all bidders assemble to hear each others bids as they
are opened and read. For private bid openings, the owner in private opens the bids
and the contractors may or may not be informed as to each others bids.
Bidder - a contractor who has been asked to summit a bid for a specific project. There are
usually at least three bidders selected for any project, but seldom more than six or
seven.
Bidding - the process whereby two or more contractors compete for a contract by each
submitting a bid with the expectation that the one having the lowest price will
receive the contract.
Bier Baum Scratch Hardness Test - a test for the hardness of a solid sample by microscopic
measurement of the width of scratch made by a diamond point under preset
pressure.
Bill Of Lading Bill of Lading - an official document (receipt) signed by a ship owner or carrier and issued to a
shipper, describing the goods to be shipped, acknowledging their receipt, and
stating the terms and conditions of the contract under which they will be
transported.
Bill Of Lading - documentation associated with a specific cargo of oil and is signed by the captain
of the ship and the contract supplier. Also applies to any other cargo.
Bill of Material - an itemized list of all materials being shipped, usually for internal use only. It is
much more detailed than a delivery order. A delivery order is for finished products
being shipped, while a bill of material includes every individual part (every screw,
washer, bolt, etc.) of the product.
Billet Billet - 1) a semifinished primary mill product ordinarily produced by hot rolling metal ingot to a

cylinder or prism of simple cross sectional shape and limited cross sectional area;
2) a general term for the starting stock used to make forgings and extrusions.
Billet - a semi-finished steel form that is used for "long" products: bars, channels or other
structural shapes. A billet is different from a slab because of its outer dimensions;
billets are normally two to seven inches square, while slabs are 30-80 inches wide
and 2-10 inches thick. Both shapes are generally continually cast, but they may
differ greatly in their chemistry.
Billet - a small bar of metal
Billet - in a hydraulic extrusion press, a large cylindrical cake of plastic material placed within the
pressing chamber.
Billet - refers to an intermediate stage in the hot rolling or forging of steel.
Billet - usually associated with a solid semi-finished cast metal product for further re-rolling,
reprocessing or reshaping, in dimensions of 2 1/2, square inch minimum to 36
square inch maximum.
Bimetallic Corrosion - a type of accelerated corrosion induced by differences in galvanic
potential between dissimilar metals immersed in the same liquid medium
(electrolyte) and also in electrical contact with each other.
Binary Alloy - a metallic material composed of only two chemical elements (neglecting minor
impurities), at least one of which is a metal.
Biological Corrosion - deterioration of metal surfaces due to the presence of plant or animal life;
deterioration may be caused by chemicals excreted by the life form, or by
concentration cells such as those under a barnacle, or by other interactions.
Bite - to make a mark in or cut into washers so that the head of the bolt and the nut do not bite
into the work surface.
Bituminous - describing a substance that contains organic matter, mostly in the form of tarry
hydrocarbons.
Black Bar - the finished product when steel has been produced by hot rolling in a rolling mill.
Black Plate - cold-reduced sheet steel, 12-32 inches wide, that serves as the substrate (raw
material) to be coated in the tin mill.
Black Work - work that is not machined or polished.
Blank Blank - a specially prepared piece of metal which is ready for machining, grinding, pressing,
drawing or extruding to a particular shape.
Blank - to cover up, screen, or obscure
Blank Flange - a solid disk used to close off or seal a companion flange.
Blanking - the closing off of flow through a liquid-containing process pipe by the insertion of solid
disks at joints or unions; used during maintenance and repair work as a safety
precaution; also known as Blinding.
Blast Cleaning - any cleaning process in which an abrasive is directed at high velocity toward
the surface being cleaned; for example, sand blasting.
Blast Furnace Blast Furnace - a tall cylindrical furnace which is lined with refractory. It is used for producing pig
iron or hot metal suitable for steel making. The furnace has five main parts;
bottom, hearth, bosh, stack and top. The bottom consists of refractory firebrick,
about 15 ft deep, standing on a concrete foundation; the hearth holds accumulated
molten iron and slag; the bosh is the widest part of the furnace, in which there is
the highest temperature; the stack extends from the bosh to the top and may
exceed 100 ft in height; the top consists of a double bell and hopper. A modern
blast-furnace is able to produce about 1200 tons of iron per day.
Blast Furnace - a towering cylinder lined with heat-resistant (refractory) bricks, used by integrated
steel mills to smelt iron from its ore. Its name comes from the "blast" of hot air and
gases forced up through the iron ore, coke and limestone that load the furnace.
Blast Furnace - it is used in steel plants. Its charge consists of iron ore, coke and limestone. The
product is pig iron.
Blasting Blasting - cleaning materials by a blast of air that blows small abrasive particles against the
surface.

Blasting - see Sandblasting

Blasting - using abrasive grit, sand or shot carried in a strong stream of air or other medium to
remove soil or scale from a surface.
BLE - Beveled Large End
Bleed Bleed - in plumbing or air conditioning, to remove unwanted air or fluids from pipes, tubing, or
other passageways.
Bleed - to allow fluid or gas to escape from a closed system through a valve, etc.
Bleed - to let a fluid, such as air or liquid oxygen, escape under controlled conditions from a pipe,
tank, or the like through a valve or outlet.
Bleed Valve - a small-flow valve connected to a fluid process vessel or line for the purpose of
bleeding off small quantities of contained fluid.
Bleeding Bleeding - allowing a fluid to drain or escape to the atmosphere through a small valve or cock;
used to provide controlled slow reduction of slight overpressure, to withdraw a
sample for analysis, to drain condensation from compressed air lines, or to reduce
the airspace above the liquid level in a pressurized tank.
Bleeding - migration to the surface of plasticizers, waxes, or similar materials to form a film or
beads.
Blemish - a mark, deformity, or injury which impairs the appearance.
BLFL - Blind Flange
Blind - closed at one end; a blind hole is a hold drilled into a work piece, but not through to the
other side.
Blind Flange Blind Flange - a flange used to close the end of a pipe.
Blind Flange - a flange with no flow way bore, used to provide a pressure-tight closure of a
flanged opening.
Blind Flange - a Flange with no flow way bore, used to provide a pressure-tight closure of a
flanged opening.
Blind Flange - a solid plate-like fitting that is used to seal the end of a flanged end pipe.
Blind Hole - a hole in a piece of material that does not completely penetrate to the back surface.
Blind Nipple - a short piece of pipe or tubing with one end closed and sealed.
Blind Off - closed at one end; blocked up
Blinding - see Blanking
Blister Blister - 1) a small area on the surface of metal or plastic where a thin layer of the material has
been separated from underlying material and is raised due to gas trapped between
the layers, yet remains attached around the edges of the raised area; 2) a raised
area where a paint, electroplate or other coating has become detached from the
substrate due to accumulation of gas or moisture at the coating-substrate interface.
Blister - a bubble which appears on the surface of a solid, such as a blister on paint work.
Blister - a raised area on the surface of a metallic or plastic object caused by the pressure of
gasses developed while the surface was in a partly molten state, or by diffusion of
high-pressure gases from an inner surface.
Blistering - in painting, refers to the formation of bubbles or crimples on the surface of finished
work.
Blistering - the appearance of enclosed or broken macroscopic cavities in a body or in a glaze or
other coating during firing.
Blisters - a raised spot in the surface or a separation between layers usually forming a void or airfilled space in the vulcanized article.
Block and Bleed - an operation done with a double-seated valve having a between-seats drain.
When the valve is closed (blocked) the drain is opened, allowing the fluid trapped
between the seats to drain (bleed) away.
Block and Bleed Valve - a valve configuration in which the flow through the valve is blocked at
both inlet and outlet and a small port is provided for the purpose of draining or
depressurizing the cavity in between.
Block Valve -

Block Valve - a gate, plug or ball valve that prevents flow or leakage into the downstream conduit
when in the closed position. The valves are single or double seated, bi-directional
or unidirectional. Unidirectional valves are marked with a flow direction arrow.
Block Valve - when closed, the valve can block oil flow in both directions. Block valves include
manual gate valves, remote gate valves and station block valves (suction valves
and discharge valves).
Bloom Bloom - 1) a semifinished metal bar of large cross section (usually a square or rectangle
exceeding 36 sq in.) hot rolled or sometimes forged from ingot; 2) a loose, flower
like corrosion product formed when certain nonferrous metals are exposed in a
moist environment; 3) to hammer or roll metal to brighten its surface.
Bloom - a product in the rolling of steel having a cross-section greater than 36 inches square.
Smaller sizes are known as Billets.
Bloom - a semi-finished cast metal product rectangular in cross-section, the width not being more
than double the thickness and the cross-section usually not less than 36 square
inches.
Bloom - a semi-finished steel form whose rectangular cross-section is more than eight inches.
This large cast steel shape is broken down in the mill to produce the familiar Ibeams, H-beams and sheet piling. Blooms are also part of the high-quality bar
manufacturing process; reduction of a bloom to a much smaller cross-section can
improve the quality of the metal.
Bloom - in steel and aluminum production, a bar rolled from an ingot and further rolled or formed
into structural shapes, bars, or wire.
Bloom - a dusty or milky looking deposit that sometimes appears on the surface of an O-ring after
molding and storage, caused by migration of a liquid or solid to the surface. Not to
be confused with dust from external sources.
Blow Hole Blow Hole - a defect in the form of internal voids in castings. Smooth, round or oval holes with a
shiny surface, dispersed internal porosity or surface depression as a result of
excessive gaseous materials that cannot escape. They are caused by hard
ramming, excessive moisture, incomplete or improper venting, low temperature of
mold and excess carbonaceous or other organic materials. It is sometimes caused
by bad patterns and core-box arrangements, which lead to trapping of gases in
blind places in the mold.
Blow Hole - a flaw in cast metal caused by an air or gas bubble.
Blow Hole - a pocket of air or gas trapped during solidification of a cast metal.
Blow Hole - in casting, a blowhole occurs due to the liberation of gases during solidification. The
gases escape through the metal when it is in the molten state, causing pockets of
blowholes. The defects that are visible on the surface are called Open Holes. The
holes beneath the surface are not visible on the surface and are called Blowholes.
Blowholes are produced in a casting due to a) excessive moisture, b) low sand
permeability, c) excessive fineness of sand grains, d) rusted and damp chills,
chaplets and inserts, and e) the presence of gas producing ingredients.
Blow Off Valve - a specially designed, manually operated, valve connected to a boiler for the
purpose of reducing the concentration of solids in the boiler or for draining
purposes.
Blowback - the difference between the pressure at which a safety valve opens and at which it
closes, usually about 3% of the pressure at which valve opens.
Blowdown Blowdown - 1) in a safety valve, the difference between opening and closing pressures; 2) in a
steam boiler, the practice of periodically opening valves attached to the bottom of
steam drums and water drums, during boiler operation, to drain off accumulations of
sediment.
Blowdown - the difference between actual popping pressure of a pressure relief valve and actual
reseating pressure expressed as a percentage of set pressure or in pressure units.
Blowdown - the difference between the pressure at which the safety valve opens and the closing
pressure; also known as Blowback.
Blowdown - the difference between the set (opening) pressure and the disc reseating pressure of

a pressure relief valve, which is usually expressed as a percentage of the set

pressure.
Blow Down Valve Blow Down Valve - a valve generally used to continuously regulate concentration of solids in the
boiler, not a drain valve.
Blow Down Valve - 1) a pneumatic or hydraulic actuated valve, fail open. Blowdown valves are
typically used to relieve sudden excess gas or oil pressure before entering the
pipeline going to a production platform; 2) an actuated valve installed in a pipeline
or piping system which is in the closed position during the normal operation of the
plant (or rig) but which reverts to its normally open position on loss of holding signal
or pneumatic / hydraulic supply pressure; abbreviated BDV; compare with Motor
Operated Valve and Shutdown Valve.
Blowoff Valve - a valve in boiler piping which facilities removal of solid matter present in the
boiler water.
Blowout Blowout - 1) to burst; to send (the stem of a valve) forcibly outwards due to pressure; 2) a
violent escape of gas or oil from a well or on a rig.
Blowout - the bursting of a container (such as a tube pipe or pneumatic tire) by the pressure of
the contained fluid.
Blowout - uncontrollable release of down hole pressure upward through the well-bore or casing.
As well as fire, the gases are also toxic, and in floating operations a gas blowout
may include a threat to the stability of the rig itself; see Mud.
Blowout Preventer ( BOP ) - a mechanical device capable of containing pressure, used for
control of well fluids and drilling fluids during drilling operations; abbreviated BOP.
Blowout Preventer ( BOP ) Blowout Preventer ( BOP ) - an emergency shut-off valve installed on the wellhead during drilling
or testing of a well, which incorporates hydraulic pipe rams capable of closing the
space around the drill pipe against very high pressures.
Blowpipe - a device used in gas cutting for controlling the supply of gases; also called Cutting
Torch.
Blue Brittleness - in some steels, loss of ductility associated with tempering or service
temperatures in the blue heat range, 400 to 600 F.
Bluing Bluing - 1) forming a bluish oxide film on steel by exposing it to steam, air or other agents at a
suitable temperature, thus giving scale free surfaces an attractive appearance and
improved corrosion resistance; 2) heating formed springs after fabrication to
improve their properties and reduce residual stress; 3) a thin blue oxide formed on
polished metal surfaces when exposed briefly to air at high temperatures; also
spelled Blueing.
Bluing - a surface treatment for ferrous alloys forming a thin blue film of oxide to improve the
appearance and corrosion resistance. It is accomplished by subjecting the scalefree surface to the action of air, steam, or other agents at a suitable temperature.
Bluing - the forming a protective coating of a blue oxide film on polished steel by heating in
contact with saltpeter or wood ash or incidental to annealing.
BM - 1) Before Manufacture; 2) Bill of Materials; 3) Base Metal
BNIF - 1) Branch Nipple Flanged; 2) Branch Fitting Flanged Outlet
BNIP - 1) Branch Nipple Plain; 2) Branch Fitting Plain-End Outlet
Body Body - That part of an automatic control valve in which the flowing medium is contained.
Body - the body of the valve is the main pressure boundary. It provides the pipe connecting ends
and the fluid flow passageway. It can also support the seating surface and the
valve closure member.
Body - the main part of a valve in which the flow of fluid is controlled.
Body - the main part of the valve in which the flow of fluid is controlled.
Body - the part of a valve that houses the flow control element, contains seating surfaces, retains
fluid pressure, and in most valve designs, has ends for attaching to connecting pipe.
Body - the principle pressure containing part of a valve in which the closure element and seats

are located.
Body / Body Connector Flange - the flange on the body of a valve to which the body connector
is connected.
Body / Bonnet Connection Body / Bonnet Connection - the connection of the body to the bonnet, generally of the bolted,
screwed or union type.
Body / Bonnet Connection - the connection of the valve body to the bonnet, generally of the
bolted, screwed or union type.
Body / Bonnet Flange Body / Bonnet Flange - body / cover flange
Body / Bonnet Flange - the flange on the body of a bolted flange type of valve body / bonnet
connection.
Body / Bonnet Flange - the flange on the body of a bolted flange type of body/bonnet connection.
Body / Bonnet Neck Body / Bonnet Neck - that part of the body between the body / bonnet connection and the main
portion of the body.
Body / Bonnet Neck - the portion of a valve body between the body / bonnet connection and the
main portion of the body.
Body / Cover Connection Body / Cover Connection - the connection of a valve body to the cover, generally of the bolted,
screwed or union type.
Body / Cover Connection - the connection of the body to the cover, generally of the bolted or
screwed type.
Body / Cover Flange Body / Cover Flange - 1) the flange on the body between the body end and the main portion of
the body; 2) the flange on the body of a valve with an open spring, to which the
cover is connected.
Body / Cover Flange - 1) the flange on the body of the valve to which the cover is connected; 2)
the flange on the body of a bolted flange type of body/cover connection.
Body / Cover Flange - the flange on the valve body of a bolted flange type of body / cover
connection.
Body / Cover Neck Body / Cover Neck - 1) that part of the body between the body/cover flange and the main portion
of the body; 2) that part of the body of a valve with an open spring, between the
body/cover flange and the main portion of the body.
Body / Cover Neck - the part of a valve body between the body / cover connection and the main
portion of the body.
Body / Gate Guides - rails or grooves formed inside the body to guide the gate between the
body seats to prevent it turning when it is raised or lowered.
Body / Spring Pipe Flange - the flange on the body of a valve with an enclosed spring to which
the spring pipe is connected.
Body / Spring Pipe Neck - that part of the body of a valve with an enclosed spring between the
body/spring pipe flange and the main portion of the body.
Body and Neck - the part of the body between the body end and the main portion of the body.
Body Boss Body Boss - a boss formed on the exterior of a valve body to provide sufficient metal to permit a
tapped connection.
Body Boss - a boss formed on the exterior of the body to provide sufficient metal to permit a
tapped or other connection, e.g. air release, drain, lifting, locking, etc.
Body Boss - a boss which is formed on the exterior of the body of a valve to provide sufficient
metal to permit a tapped connection.
Body Components Body Components - the valve parts which are associated, but not integral, with the body. This
may include body seat ring, body seat facing, and body plug.
Body Components - those parts which are associated, but not integral, with the body.
Body Connector - that component which connect to the body and incorporates a body end.

Body Connector Components - those parts which are associated, but not integral, with the
body connector.
Body Connector Fastening - those components, including bolts, stud bolts, studs, set screws,
nuts, clamps, clips, which fix the body connector to the body.
Body Connector Flange - a flange which connects a body connector to the body flange.
Body Connector Gasket - the gasket for effecting a fluid-tight joint between the body and body
connector.
Body Connector Seal - the seal for effecting a fluid-tight joint between the body and the body
connector.
Body Dividing Wall Body Dividing Wall - the integral part of a valve body which separates the inlet and outlet ports
and on which the body seat is formed, or on which the body seat ring is secured.
Body Dividing Wall - the integral part of the body which separates the inlet and outlet ports and
on which the body seat is formed, or in which the body seat ring is secured;
sometimes variously known as Body Bridge, Body Bridge Wall, Body Heart, Bridge
Wall, Seat Bridge, Body Diaphragm.
Body End Body End - that part of the body which connects the valve to the plant or installation of which the
valve forms a part.
Body End - the part of a valve body which connects the valve to the pipe or installation of which
the valve forms a part.
Body End (Inlet) - that part of the body which connects the valve to the source of pressure.
Body End (Outlet) Body End (Outlet) - that part of the body which connects the valve to the exhaust pipe.
Body End (Outlet) - those parts of the body to which the body seat rings are secured or on which
the body seats are formed.
Body End Neck Body End Neck - 1) that part of the body between the body end and the main portion of the body;
2) that part of the body between the body/bonnet connection and the main portion
of the body.
Body End Neck - the portion of a valve body between the body end and the main portion of the
body.
Body End Neck (Inlet) - that part of the body between the body end (inlet) and the main portion
of the body.
Body End Neck (Outlet) - that part of the body between the body end (outlet) and the main
portion of the body.
Body End Port Body End Port - the inlet or outlet opening at the end of the valve body.
Body End Port - the inlet or outlet opening at the end of the valve body, body connector or inset;
also called Body Bore, or Bore.
Body Foot Body Foot - a bracket formed on the body to support the valve.
Body Foot - a support for the valve formed on the body.
Body Liner - the component forming the body seat ring but extending through the valve body
and which may cover all or part of the body end facing.
Body Neck - that part of the body between the body end and the main portion of the body; also
called Body End Neck.
Body Plug Body Plug - a plug for sealing a tapped hole in a body boss or drain boss in a valve.
Body Plug - a plug for sealing a tapped hole in a body boss, body tapping or drain boss.
Body Plug - a plug which is used for sealing a tapped hole in a body boss or drain boss.
Body Seat Body Seat - a machined seat that makes contact with the disc face or ball when the valve is
closed. When the body seat is formed in the body, a valve is described as having
an Integral Seat. When the body seat is formed on the body seat ring, a valve is
described as having a Renewable Seat.

Body Seat - a machined seat with which the closure member face makes contact when the valve
is closed. When the body seats are formed in the body, a valve is described as
having integral seats. When the body seats are formed on the body seat rings,
the valve is described as having renewable seats.
Body Seat - a machined seat with which the disc face makes contact when the valves is closed.
When the body seat is formed in the body, a valve is described as having an
integral seat. When the body seat is formed on the body seat ring, a valve is
described as having a renewable seat.
Body Seat - seat face
Body Seat Facing Body Seat Facing - a deposit on the body seat ring (or body) of a different material, on which the
body seat is machined.
Body Seat Facing - a deposit, on the body or body seat ring, of material different from them, on
which the body seat of a valve is machined.
Body Seat Facing - a metallic or non-metallic deposit on the body or the body seat ring, of
material different from them, which forms the body seat.
Body Seat Port - the inlet or outlet opening in the body seat; also called Throat. NOTE 1: port
dispositions may be a) Straight-way, b) Three-way, c) Four-way; NOTE 2: threeway and four-way transflow cocks have port dimensions such that, when the plug
is in the intermediate position on being rotated to divert flow from one body seat
port to another, there is no cessation of flow.
Body Seat Retaining Ring - a ring to secure the body seat ring in the body.
Body Seat Retaining Ring Fixing - comprises studs, set screws, nut or other components used
to secure the body seat retaining ring to the body.
Body Seat Ring Body Seat Ring - that part, separate from and secured in the body, on which the body seat is
machined.
Body Seat Ring - the part of a renewable seated valve on which the body seat gets machined. It
is made separate from the body and secured in it.
Body Seat Ring - the part of a renewable seated valve, made separate from the body and
secured in it, on which the body seat is machined.
Body Seat Ring - the part of a renewable seated valve, made separate from the body and
secured in it, on which the body seat is machined; also called Renewable Seat.
Body Seat Ring - the part, metallic or non-metallic, of a renewable seated valve, made separate
from the body and secured in it, which forms the body seat, or on which the body
seat is machined.
Body Seat Ring Bolting - comprising studs, set screws, nuts or other components used to
secure the body seat ring to the body.
Body Seat Ring Fastening - stud and nut, or set screw, which secures the body seat ring to the
body.
Body Seat Ring Follower - that component which ensures contact between the body seat ring
and ball.
Body Seat Ring Housing - a component to house the body seat ring.
Body Seat Ring Retainer - a component to retain the body seat ring and/or body seat ring
housing.
Body Seat Ring Retainer Fastening - Studs, set screws, nuts and other components used to
secure the body seat ring retainer to the body or body connector.
Body Stop Body Stop - 1) a stop, which may be adjustable, to limit the travel of the disc in the body; 2) a
stop to limit the travel of the disc in a swing non-return valve. The stop may be
integral with the body cover, or may be a separate component; also variously
called Disc Stop, Adjustable Stop, Adjustable Stopper.
Body Stop - a stop to limit the travel of the disc in a swing check valve. The stop may be integral
with the body or cover, or it may be a separate component.
Body Stop Plug Body Stop Plug - a plug fitted in the body of a swing check valve, to limit the travel of the disc.
Body Stop Plug - a plug fitted in the body to limit the travel of the disc in a swing non-return.

Body Tapping Body Tapping - a tapping in a valve body to permit an external connection.
Body Tapping - a tapping in the body to permit an external connection.
Body Throat - the passage-way between the body end port and the body seat port or body
throat port.
Body Throat Port - the opening in the body, body connector or insert adjacent to the ball.
Body Trunnion - the trunnion retained in the body to support the ball.
BOE - Barrels of Oil Equivalent
Bolt Bolt - a rod, usually of metal, with a square, round, or hexagonal head at one end and a screw
thread on the other, used to fasten objects together.
Bolt - a threaded fastener consisting of a rod, usually made of metal, having threads at one end
and an integral round, square or hexagonal head at the other end; short bolts
usually have threads running the entire length below the head, and longer bolts
often have an unthreaded shank between the head and threaded end.
Bolt Bank - a thread-less bolt with a head that can be threaded for specific applications; also
known as Screw Blank.
Bolted Bonnet Bolted Bonnet - a body / bonnet joint design in which the bonnet is fastened to the body using
studs or bolts and nuts; it uses a gasket to provide joint sealing.
Bolted Bonnet - a bonnet which is connected to a valve body with bolts or studs and nuts.
Bolted Bonnet - a bonnet which is connected to the neck flange with bolts.
Bolted Construction - describes a valve construction in which the pressure shell elements (such
as body and closures of a trunnion ball valve) are bolted together and so can be
taken apart and repaired in the field.
Bolted Gland Bolted Gland - a device which compresses the stuffing or packing in a stuffing box by means of
tightening bolts.
Bolted Gland - a type of gland which is adjusted by a bolts, studs, set screws, etc, attached to the
body, bonnet, cover or stuffing box.
Bolted Gland - a type of valve gland which is adjusted by bolts, studs, set screws, etc, attached to
the bonnet or the stuffing box.
Bolted Joint - an assembly of two or more parts held together by a bolt and nut, with or without
washers, or by a bolt that threads into a tapped hole in one of the parts.
Bolting Bolting - 1) a collective term for threaded fasteners, especially bolts, nuts, screws and studs; 2)
assembling parts together using threaded fasteners.
Bolting - threaded fasteners used to assemble pressure containing parts (studs, bolts, nuts, cap
screws).
BOM - Bill Of Material
Bond Bond - 1) in welding, brazing or soldering, the junction between assembled parts; where filler
metal is used, it is the junction between fused metal and heat affected base metal;
2) the junction between base metal and cladding in a clad metal product.
Bond - the term commonly used to denote the attachment of a given elastomer to some other
member. Bonds may be classified by type as follows: a) Mechanical Bond-purely
physical attachment accomplished by such means as "through" holes, interlocking
fingers, envelope design, riveting, etc.; b) "Cold" Bond-adhesion of previously
vulcanized elastomer to another member through use of suitable contact cements;
c) "Vulcanized" Bond-adhesion of an elastomer to a previously primed surface
using heat and pressure, thus vulcanizing the elastomer at the same time.
Bonnet Bonnet - 1) the portion of a gate valve into which the disk rises when the valve is opened; 2) the
upper enclosure of a furnace.
Bonnet - a movable cover for a machine or part of a machine.
Bonnet - that portion of the valve pressure retaining boundary which may guide the stem and
contains the packing box and stem seal. It may also provide the principal opening

to the body cavity for assembly of internal parts or be an integral part of the valve
body. It may also provide the attachment of the actuator to the valve body.
Bonnet - the area where the actuator is joined with the case. This area provides access for valve
maintenance. It consists of two flanges, a mechanism mounted on the top flange
(such as a bellows assembly), and a gasket.
Bonnet - the bonnet or bonnet assembly is that portion of the valve pressure retaining boundary
which may guide the stem and contains the packing box and stem seal. The
bonnet may be integral to the valve body or bolted or screwed. The bonnet, if it is
detachable, will generally provide the opening to the valve body cavity for removal
and replacement of the internal trim. The bonnet is generally the means by which
the actuator is connected to the valve body.
Bonnet - the part of a gate valve, globe valve, or diaphragm valve that is fastened to the body to
complete the pressure-retaining shell. It has an opening for the stem to pass
through, and it usually contains a stuffing box. Depending on the valve stem
design, it may also have a yoke attached.
Bonnet - the part of a stop or gate valve which gets attached to the body and carries the
operating mechanism; in general, a movable protecting cover.
Bonnet - the part of a valve which connects the valve actuator to the body. It may also include
the stem packing.
Bonnet - the part of a valve, attached to the body, which carries the operating mechanism.
Bonnet - the top part of a valve, attached to the body, which contains the packing gland, guides
the stem, and adapts to extensions or operators.
Bonnet - that part of the valve, attached to the body, which carries the operating mechanism;
also variously called Cap, Cover, Lid.
Bonnet / Yoke Flange - the flange which connects the yoke to the bonnet when the yoke is
separate.
Bonnet Bolting Bonnet Bolting - a means of fastening the bonnet to the body. It may consist of studs with nuts
for a flanged bonnet joint, studs threaded into the bonnet neck of the body, or bolts
through the bonnet flange.
Bonnet Bolting - the bolts, stud bolts, studs, set screws, and nut used for the valve body / bonnet
connection.
Bonnet Bolting - comprises bolts, stud bolts, studs, set screws and nuts used for the body /
bonnet connection.
Bonnet Cap - see Cap
Bonnet Components Bonnet Components - the parts which are associated, but not integral, with a valve bonnet. This
may include bonnet bolting, bonnet gasket, bonnet ring joint, bonnet union nut, back
seat bushing, bonnet pressure relief plug, and bonnet locking device.
Bonnet Components - those parts which are associated, but not integral, with the bonnet.
Bonnet Condensing Chamber Bonnet Condensing Chamber - an annular space in a valve bonnet around the stem below the
stuffing box.
Bonnet Condensing Chamber - an annular space in the bonnet around the stem below the
stuffing box; sometimes called Pressure Relief Chamber.
Bonnet Flange Bonnet Flange - the flange on a valve bonnet of a bolted type of body / bonnet connection.
Bonnet Flange - the flange on the bonnet of a bolted type of body / bonnet connection.
Bonnet Gasket Bonnet Gasket - a component for effecting a fluid tight joint in a body / bonnet connection.
Bonnet Gasket - a component for effecting a fluid-tight joint in a valve body / bonnet connection.
Bonnet Gasket - a deformable sealing element between the mating surfaces of the body and
bonnet. It may be deformed by compressive stress or energized by fluid pressure
within the valve body.
Bonnet Locking Device Bonnet Locking Device - a screw or other device which prevents a screwed or union type valve
bonnet from unscrewing.

Bonnet Locking Device - a screw or other device which prevents a screwed or union type bonnet
from unscrewing.
Bonnet Packing - material used around a stem and within a bonnet to prevent leakage.
Bonnet Pressure Relief Boss Bonnet Pressure Relief Boss - a boss on the side of a valve bonnet to provide sufficient metal to
permit a bonnet pressure relief tapping.
Bonnet Pressure Relief Boss - a boss on the side of the bonnet to provide sufficient metal to
permit tapping.
Bonnet Pressure Relief Plug - a plug fitted in the tapping of a valve bonnet pressure relief boss.
Bonnet Pressure Relief Tapping - 1) a boss on the side of the bonnet to provide sufficient metal
to permit tapping; 2) a tapping on the side of a bonnet into the condensing
chamber.
Bonnet Ring Joint Bonnet Ring Joint - a gasket in the form of a metal ring which engages with grooves in the mating
flanges of a valve body / bonnet connection.
Bonnet Ring Joint - a gasket in the form of a metal ring which engages with grooves in the mating
flanges of the body / bonnet connection.
Bonnet Stuffing Box Flange - a flange which connects the stuffing box to the bonnet when the
stuffing box is separate.
Bonnet Types - typical bonnets are bolted, threaded, or welded to or integral with the body.
Other types are; "extension bonnets," "seal welded bonnets."
Bonnet Union Nut Bonnet Union Nut - a nut or ring securing the bonnet to the body where the body / bonnet
connection is of the union type; also variously known as Bonnet Ring Nut, Bonnet
Union Ring, Union Bonnet Ring.
Bonnet Union Nut - a nut or ring securing the bonnet to the valve body where the body / bonnet
connection is of the union type.
Bonnet, Seal Welded - a bonnet welded to a body to provide a zero leakage joint.
Bonneted - a gate valve having a bonnet which encloses the gate within the pressure boundary
when in the open position. Packing is provided at the stem.
Bonnetless Bonnetless - a term used for a pressure seal bonnet.
Bonnetless - gate valve which has packing between the gate and body, such that the gate
extends outside the pressure boundary in the open position.
Booster - a pneumatic relay that is used to reduce the time lag in pneumatic circuits by
reproducing pneumatic signals with high-volume and or high-pressure output.
These units may act as volume boosters or as amplifiers. A 1:2 booster will take a
3 to 15 psig input signal and output a 6 to 30 psig signal. It has also been shown
that a booster may improve the performance of a control valve by replacing a
positioner. It can provide the same stroking speed and can isolate the controller
from the large capacitive load of the actuator.
BOP - 1) Blowout Preventer; 2) Bottom Of Pipe
BOPD - Barrels of Oil Per Day
Bore Bore - 1) the inside diameter of a pipe or a tube; 2) to penetrate or pierce with a rotary tool.
Bore - the diameter of the smallest opening through a valve; also called Port.
Bore - the inside diameter of the cylinder tube.
Bore - the inside diameter of the smallest opening through a valve, e. g., inside diameter of a seat
ring, diameter of hole through ball in a ball valve; also called Port.
Bore - the internal diameter of a valve, pipe or cylinder.
Boron Boron - a non-metallic element added to some steels primarily to improve hardenability and to
increase the depth at which the steel will harden when quenched.
Boron - a non-metallic element obtained as either a brown powder or black crystal. Boron is
added to steel in quantities varying from 0.0005 to 0.001%. It improves hardness
and mechanical properties of steel. It also improves rolling qualities of steel.
Boss -

Boss - 1) a localized projection on a valve surface provided for various purposes, such as
attachment of drain connections, or other accessories; 2) a raised portion of metal
or small area and limited thickness on flat or curved metal surfaces; 3) a short
projecting section of a casting, forging or molded plastics part, often cylindrical in
shape, used to add strength or to provide for alignment or fastening of assembled
parts.
Boss - a protuberance on a cast metal or plastic part to add strength, facilitate assembly, provide
for fastenings, or so forth.
Boss - a thickened part of a shaft, to allow the attachment of other parts, or for strengthening;
sometimes called a Lug.
BOT - Build - Operate - Transfer
Bottom Entry Ball Valve - a ball valve in which there is access for means of assembly from that
part of the valve body opposite to the stem.
Bottom Flange - a part which closes a valve body opening opposite the bonnet opening. It may
include a guide bushing and/or serve to allow reversal of the valve action. In three
way valves it may provide the lower flow connection and its seat.
Boundary Layer - in a flowing fluid, a low velocity region along a tube wall or other boundary
surface.
Boyles Law - the absolute pressure of a fixed mass of gas varies inversely as the volume,
provided the temperature remains constant.
BP - 1) Basic Practices; 2) Before Process
Bpd - Barrels Per Day, a unit of measurement for the production rates of oil fields, pipelines etc.;
also abbreviated B/d and Bbd/d.
Bracket - an L-shaped support projecting from a vertical surface.
Brale - a 120 conical diamond indenter used in Rockwell hardness testing of relatively hard
metals.
Branch - in a piping system, a pipe that originates in or discharges into another pipe; also known
as Branch Line.
Brass Brass - a copper-rich copper-zinc alloy, which is strong and ductile, resistant to corrosion, and
suitable for casting.
Brass - any of the many alloys based on the binary system copper zinc; most brasses contain no
more than 40 wt% zinc.
Brass and Bronze - these are used in machinery parts in both cast and wrought form. Brass is
used where moderate strength and ductility, resistance to corrosion or good
wearing qualities are desired.
Braze Joint - the union of two or more members produced by the brazing process.
Braze Welding Braze Welding - a joining process similar to brazing but in which the filler metal is not distributed
in the joint by capillary action.
Braze Welding - a method of welding in which a fillet weld, plug or slot is made using a nonferrous filler metal below 423 C.
Braze Welding - a process of welding in which a groove, fillet plug or slot weld is made using a
non-ferrous filler metal, having a melting point below that of the base metals but
above 430 C. In braze welding, the edges or surfaces to be joined are not melted.
A low melting alloy is introduced between the joint and heated to bring the braze
material to the molten state. On solidification, it forms a strong braze welded joint.
The filler material generally used for braze welding is Muntz Metal (60% copper and
40% zinc). Usually the source of heat is a blacksmiths forge or an oxy-acetylene
flame. This process is also known as Bronze Welding.
Braze Welding - utilizes a filler rod that melts at a temperature greater than 700 K (800
Fahrenheit) but lower than the melting point of the base metal; it can be applied to
all metals that melt above 800 K (1000 Fahrenheit), except aluminum and
magnesium.
Braze Welding or Brazing - a process of joining metals using a nonferrous filler metal or alloy, the
melting point of which is higher than 800 F(427 C) but lower than that of the
metals to be joined.
Brazed Joint - union of two or more members produced by the brazing process.

Brazing Brazing - 1) joining two pieces of metal by welding an alloy with a lower melting point than either
of the metals to be joined, and applying it to the joint. The melted alloy is usually
made of brass and zinc; 2) to join metals by flowing a thin layer (of capillary
thickness) of a lower-melting-point nonferrous filler metal in the space between
them.
Brazing - a metal joining operation in which coalescence is produced on heating to suitable
temperatures above 428 C, and by using a non-ferrous filler metal which has a
melting point below the base metal.
Brazing - a method for joining metals using heat and a filler metal whose melting temperature is
above 850 F but below the melting temperature of the base metals; filler metal is
distributed in the joint by capillary action.
Brazing - a sort of welding process; it is used for joining virtually all metals and dissimilar
combinations of metals.
Brazing - similar to soldering but using a higher temperature as provided by an oxyacetylene
torch and used usually for welding of cast iron, or for conditions where the
temperature of arc welding would be too high. The filler metal, usually brass, has a
lower melting point than the material being joined and is melted and bonded into the
space between the parts to be joined; also called Hard Soldering.
Brazing - similar to soldering, but it involves high temperature as the hard solders used in brazing
have higher melting points. Brazing is applied to make joints stronger than soldered
joints.
Brazing - the process of joining two pieces of metal by fusing a layer of spelter or of a brass alloy
between the adjoining surfaces without meeting the parent metal of either piece.
The filler material is usually drawn by capillary action into the space between the
closely adjacent parts to be joined at about 900 Celsius (1652 Fahrenheit).
Brazing Wire - a soft brass wire of small gauge. It is used for binding round joints, which are to
be brazed. Sprinkled with borax, the wire melts on heating and runs in.
Break - a separation or discontinuity in any part of any article.
Break Out - force to inaugurate sliding. Expressed in same terms as friction. An excessive
break-out value is taken as an indication of the development of adhesion.
Breakaway Torque - the turning force required to initiate rotation of the closure element of a
rotary valve; also called Unseating Torque.
Breakdown - 1) initial hot working of ingot cast or slab cast metal to reduce its size prior to final
working to finished size; 2) a preliminary press forging operation.
Breakdown Torque (of an asynchronous motor) - the maximum torque the motor develops
with rated voltage and frequency applied at operating temperature without an abrupt
drop in speed.
Breaking Load - the stress which, when steadily applied to a structural member, is just sufficient
to break or rupture it; also known as Ultimate Load.
Breaking Strength Breaking Strength - the ability of a material to resist breaking or rupture from a tension force.
Breaking Strength - the stress at which the material tested ruptures.
Breakout Tank - a tank used to relieve surges in a hazardous liquid pipeline system, or to
receive and store hazardous liquid transported by a pipeline for re-injection and
continued transportation by pipeline.
Brent - in Europe Brent is the reference quality of crude from the North Sea. Each market
requires reference crudes to compare the prices of different quality products. It is
used on both the Physical Market and the Spot Market.
Bridge Bridge - (an obsolete, alternative arrangement to yoke). The exterior part of an outside screw
valve, connected to the bonnet or cover by pillars and in which the actuating thread
or adjusting screw engages, either directly or indirectly through a bridge bush or a
bridge sleeve; formerly also known as Crossbar or Crosshead.
Bridge - the exterior part of an outside screw valve, connected to the bonnet by pillars and in
which the actuating thread of the stem engages, either directly or through a bush.
Bridge - the exterior part of an outside screw valve, connected by pillar to the bonnet, in which
the actuating thread of the stem engages either directly or through a bush or

through a sleeve.
Bridge Bush Bridge Bush - a bush secured in the bridge and threaded internally to engage the actuating
thread of the valve stem.
Bridge Bush - a bush secured in the bridge and threaded internally to engage the actuating
thread of the stem.
Bridge Bush Key Bridge Bush Key - a locking device which prevents rotation of the bridge bush in the bridge;
sometimes called Locking Screw.
Bridge Bush Key - see Bridge Locking Screw
Bridge Bush Nut - a nut which secures the bridge bush in a valve bridge.
Bridge Locking Screw - a locking device which prevents rotation of the bridge bush in the valve
bridge; also called Bridge Bush Key.
Bridge Sleeve - a sleeve to which the hand wheel is secured and which is located in the bridge
to engage the actuating thread of the stem.
Bridge Sleeve Bush - a bush secured in the bridge to form a bearing for the bridge sleeve.
Bridge Sleeve Bush Retaining Nut - a nut which retains the bridge sleeve bush in the bridge.
Briggs Pipe Thread - see American Standard Pipe Thread
Brine - seawater; water saturated with salt
Brinell Hardness (HB) Brinell Hardness (HB) - a numerical measure to establish the relative hardness of various metals
by measuring the diameter of an indentation made by a steel ball forced against the
surface.
Brinell Hardness (HB) - a hardness value obtained by use of a 10mm-diameter hardened steel
(or carbide) ball and normally a load of 3,000 kg, in accordance with ASTM E 10.
Brinell Hardness Number Brinell Hardness Number - a hardness rating obtained from the Brinell test; expressed in
kilograms per square millimeter.
Brinell Hardness Number - a reference number for comparison of hardness of various materials.
It is based on the diameter of the impression on the material made by a 10 mm
diameter ball pressed into the material.
Brinell Hardness Test Brinell Hardness Test - a standard bulk hardness test in which a 10 mm diameter ball is pressed
into the surface of a test piece and a hardness number determined by dividing
applied load in kg by area of the circular impression in sq mm.
Brinell Hardness Test - a test for determining the hardness of a material by forcing a hard steel or
carbide ball of specified diameter into it under a specific load. The result is
expressed as the Brinell hardness number, which is the value obtained by dividing
the applied load in kilograms by the surface area of the resulting impression in
square millimeters.
Brinell Hardness Test - a test for determining the relative hardness (Brinell Hardness) of a metal
by measuring the diameter of the indentation made when a hardened steel ball is
forced into the metal under a given pressure. The measure of hardness (Brinell
Number) is equal to the load in kilograms divided by the surface area in square
millimeters of the indentation.
Brinell Hardness Test - a test to determine the hardness of a material, in which a steel ball 1
centimeter in diameter in diameter is pressed into the material with a standard force
(usually 3000 kilograms); the spherical surface area of indentation is measured and
divided into the load; the results are expressed as the Brinell Number.
Brinell Hardness Test - the measurement of the hardness of a material by the area of the
indentation, after equilibrium gets reached (about 20 seconds), produced by a hard
steel ball under specified conditions of loading. The hardness number is the ratio of
the load to the curved area of indentation.
Brinell Hardness Test - the method of carrying out this test is to indent the metal with a 10 mm
diameter steel ball under a load of 3000 kg. This load is reduced for a non-ferrous
metal. The load is applied for 15 sec, after which it has been removed; the
diameter of the indentation is measured and the Brinell hardness number is

calculated by dividing the applied load in kilograms by the superficial area, in

square millimeters, of the depression caused by the hard steel ball.
Brinell Hardness Test - this test is carried out on a specially designed hydraulically operated
Brinell hardness testing machine. The test consists of indenting a hardened 10 mm
diameter steel ball against the surface. The diameter of the ball is measure by a
low power calibrated microscope. The load applied bears a constant ratio with the
diameter of the ball. In the standard test, the time of loading is 15 seconds for
ferrous metals and 30 seconds for non-ferrous metals.
Brinelling Brinelling - a permanent surface deformation caused by high static forces or high vibratory forces
in a single spot, or more commonly a combination of the two, that results in a local
yielding at the points of contact.
Brinelling - the hardening of the surface of a metal by cold working. The most frequent
occurrence of unwanted brinelling is in bearings where highly loaded balls or a
mating surface passes over a fixed point, causing hardening or even ultimate
embrittlement and cracking of the surface.
British Standard Piping (BSP) - a piping specification
British Standard Specification - a publication compiled and issued by the British Standards
Institution, working through; abbreviated BS.
British Standards Institution - an organization that controls the quality and safety standards for
a wide range of manufactured goods; abbreviated BSI.
British Thermal Unit - a unit of heat equal to the amount of heat needed to raise one pound of
water at maximum density through one degree Fahrenheit (1.055 X 103 joules);
abbreviated Btu.
Brittle Fracture Brittle Fracture - a tensile failure without significant plastic deformation of an ordinarily ductile
material.
Brittle Fracture - factors determining brittle fracture in steel include stress distribution in the
material, the temperature and the rate of loading. Tests are developed to determine
whether fatigue fracture will occur, and are of two types: 1. those in which a weld
deposit has been made on the specimen to get the required changes in the
properties, and a notch is made to give the required stress distribution; 2. those in
which the weld deposit has been not made.
Brittle Fracture - separation of solid material with little or no evidence of macroscopic plastic
deformation, usually by rapid crack propagation involving less energy than for
ductile fracture of a similar structure.
Brittleness Brittleness - failure of a material without perceptible warning or appreciable deformation.
Brittleness is the opposite of ductility. Glass, cast iron and concrete are brittle
materials.
Brittleness - the ability of a material to get smashed into splinters when hammered. Brittleness is
just the opposite of malleability. Bricks, pig iron, cast iron, glass etc. are brittle
materials.
Brittleness - the failure of a material without perceptible warning or appreciable deformation.
Brittleness is the opposite of ductility. Glass, cast iron and concrete are brittle
materials.
Brittleness - the property of a material manifested by fracture without appreciable prior plastic
deformation.
Brittleness - the property of a material which does not permit permanent deformation without
breakage; it is the opposite of toughness. Dropping a brittle material from a certain
height on a hard floor causes it to break in to pieces. Brittleness characterizes the
fragility of the material. Thus, a highly brittle material like glass is also highly fragile.
Brittleness is an undesirable property of an engineering material.
Brittleness - the tendency of a material to fracture without apparent plastic deformation.
BROB - Branch Outlet Red. Butt Weld
Bronze Bronze - 1) a copper rich alloy of copper and tin, with or without small amounts of additional
alloying elements; 2) by extension, certain copper base alloys containing less tin

than other elements, such as manganese bronze and leaded tin bronze, and certain
other copper base alloys that do not contain tin, such as aluminum bronze,
beryllium bronze and silicon bronze; 3) trade names for certain copper zinc alloys
(brasses), such as architectural bronze (Cu 40Zn 3Pb) and commercial bronze (Cu
10Zn).
Bronze - a copper-rich copper-tin alloy that is harder than pure copper, resistant to corrosion, and
suitable for casting. Lead and zinc are also added in varying proportions to produce
the desired properties. Aluminum, silicon, and nickel bronzes are also possible.
Bronze Welding - gas welding of copper, steel or other metals by using a filler rod, of silicon
brass alloy. This process is easier than fusion welding because the temperature is
lower, yet it generally exceeds 850 C, and the joint therefore is usually made under
carefully controlled conditions in a factory; see Braze Welding.
BS - British Standard
BS.5750 - British Standards Specification for Design Development, Production, Installation and
Servicing. Largely replaced now by the international standard ISO9000.
BS.EN.ISO.9001 - a specification covering ISO 9001, became effective in July 1994.
BSI - British Standards Institution
BT - 1) Break Torque; 2) Before Test
BTC - Break Torque Close
BTFF - Ball Valve Full Bore Trunnion Flanged
BTO - Break Torque Open
BTRF - Ball Valve Reduced Bore Trunnion Flanged
Btu - British Thermal Unit
BU - Business Unit
Bubble Tight Bubble Tight - a commonly used term to describe the ability of a control valve or regulator to shut
off completely against any pressure on any fluid. Unfortunately; it is completely
unrealistic. Control valves are tested to ANSI B16.104 and FCI 70-2-1976 which is
the American National Standard for Control Valve Seat Leakage. This standard
uses 6 different classifications to describe the valves seat leakage capabilities. The
most stringent of these is Class VI which allows a number of bubbles per minute
leakage; depending on the port size of the valve. The correct response to the
question "Will that valve go "Bubble Tight"? is to say this valve is tested to meet
Class VI shutoff requirements.
Bubble Tight - a nonstandard term. Refer to ANSI B16.104 for specification of control valve seat
leakage classifications.
Bubble Tight - a phrase used to describe the tightness of valve seating surfaces. It derives from
a seat tightness test in which compressed air is used for the test, with water on the
downstream side of the seat so that leakage is detected by air bubbles. It is usually
used in conjunction with soft-seated valves to indicate zero leakage.
Bubble Tight - a sealing capability within the valve which is undetectable during a ten second
soap bubble test; approx. = 2 x 10-3 cc/min of air.
Bubble Tight - a valve seat which closes tight enough to prevent the leakage of visible gas
bubbles.
Bucket Valve Bucket Valve - a flapped, non-return valve which gets fitted in the bucket or piston of some types
of reciprocating lift pumps.
Bucket Valve - a non return (delivery) valve fitted in the bucket or piston of some types of
reciprocating pumps.
Buna - nitrile rubber, used to make O-rings and other seals used in valves. Buna-N is the least
expensive type of seal, and it lacks the chemical compatibility of other more costly
elastomers; also called Buna-N.
Buna N Buna N - a nitrile synthetic rubber known for resistance to oils and solvents.
Buna N - a non-metallic material used as valve trim. It is an elastomer also known as nitrile
rubber and NBR. It has excellent resistance to abrasion, tearing, and compression
set.

Buna N - elastomer, nitrile rubber. A synthetic rubber made by random polymerization. Used for
gaskets and O-rings. Maximum service temperature is 121 C / 250 F.
Buna N - same as Nitrile Rubber.
Buna S - a general term for the copolymers of butadiene and styrene; also known as SBR and
GRS.
Bung - a stopper which is usually made of a fairly flexible material. It is pressed into a hole to
keep out fluids or dirt.
Burn In - device operation, usually under accelerated environmental conditions that simulate life
in the devices' intended application, used to detect early-life (infantile) failures.
Burnish - 1) to make bright and shiny by polishing; 2) to smooth surfaces with frictional contact
between the material and some other hard pieces of material, such as hardened
steel balls.
Burr - the very subtle ridge on the edge of strip steel left by cutting operations such as slitting,
trimming, shearing, or blanking. For example, as a steel processor trims the sides
of the sheet steel parallel or cuts a sheet of steel into strips, its edges will bend with
the direction of the cut; see Edge Rolling.
Bus - a group of wires or conductors, considered as a single entity, which interconnects part of a
system.
Bush Bush - a cylindrical sleeve which forms a bearing surface for a shaft or pin. It is usually as a
lining. It has two diameters and the cylindrical length is generally greater than the
larger diameter.
Bush - a cylindrical sleeve, usually inserted in a machine part to form a bearing surface for a pin
or shaft.
Busheling - steel scrap consisting of sheet clips and stampings from metal production. This
term arose from the practice of collecting the material in bushel baskets through
World War II.
Bushing Bushing - 1) a fixed member which support and/or guides the closure member, valve stem and/or
actuator stem. The bushing supports the nonaxial loads and these parts and is
subject to relative motion of the parts; 2) a removable piece of soft metal or
impregnated sintered metal sleeve used as a bearing or guide.
Bushing - a metal lining for a hole enclosing a rotating shaft.
Bushing - a removable piece of soft metal or graphite-filled sintered metal, usually in the form of a
bearing, which lines a support for a shaft.
Bushing - in piping, a plug screwed into the end of a pipe which is then bored and tapped to
receive a pipe of smaller diameter.
Bushing - the fitting or driving in of a bush into its seating.
Business Unit - made up of one or more reporting units and includes the management and work
force accountable for the operation of that part of the business; abbreviated BU.
Butadiene - a highly reactive hydrocarbon obtained from petroleum and used to make synthetic
rubbers and resins; one of the two main chemicals used in Buna-N.
Butane - a colorless, highly flammable hydrocarbon gas, used in the manufacture of synthetic
rubber, and in liquid form as a fuel supply for cigarette lighters, portable stoves, etc.
Butt Weld Pipe Fittings - pipe fittings that are connected together via welding rather than bolts
or threads.
Butt Joint Butt Joint - a welded joint between two abutting parts.
Butt Joint - joining two ends of a seal in which the junction is perpendicular to the mold parting
line.
Butt Weld Butt Weld - a circumferential weld in pipe fusing the abutting pipe walls completely from inside
wall to outside wall.
Butt Weld - a weld that joins the edges or ends of two pieces of metal having similar cross
sections, without overlap or offset along the joint line.
Butt Weld - a welded joint produced by butting components lying in approximately the same
plane.

Butt Weld - an end-to-end weld of two plates to form a continuous plate.

Butt Weld End (BWE) Butt Weld End (BWE) - a valve end machined to the proper dimensions to enable butt-welding to
connecting pipe.
Butt Weld End (BWE) - the end connection of a valve suitably prepared for butt welding to a
connecting pipe.
Butt Weld Ends - lips formed on the ends of the valve to butt against the connecting pipes. The
lips on both valve and pipe are machined to form a groove to accommodate a
backup ring for welding.
Butt Weld Pipe - the standard pipe used in plumbing. Heated skelp is passed continuously
through welding rolls, which form the tube and squeeze the hot edges together to
make a solid weld.
Butt Welded Tube - steel tube manufactured from mild steel plate bent into a cylindrical shape,
and welded at the joint.
Butt Welding Butt Welding - in butt welding, two pieces of metal of the same cross-sectional area are gripped
together and pressed. The coalescence is produced simultaneously over the entire
area of butting surfaces by the heat obtained from the resistance to electric current
through the area of contact of these surfaces. The two pieces to be butt welded are
gripped firmly, one in each clamp and aligned so that when brought into contact
with one another by sliding the movable clamp to the fixed clamp, they fit together
exactly in alignment. Force is applied so that the faces of the two pieces touch
together and remain under pressure. A heavy current is then passed from one
piece to the other. The resistance to the electric current flow heats the faces to the
fusion temperature. The upsetting action mixes the two metals homogeneously.
The welding current is then cut off. Upsetting force is released as the welded joint
has cooled to the desired temperature. The workpieces are unclamped. It is
desirable that both of the plates are of equal resistance in order to have a uniform
heating at the joint. In this process, there is no flashing or arcing at the joint during
the operation. This process is best suited to rods, pipes and many other parts of
uniform cross-section. The materials that can be butt welded are copper alloys, low
and high carbon steels, stainless steels, aluminum and its alloys, and nickel alloys.
Due to the application of pressure on the workpieces, bulging of pieces takes place;
thus it is known as upset welding. It requires finishing of workpieces after welding.
Butt Welding or Upset Welding - used for joining members of approximately equal cross-section.
Butterfly Damper - see Butterfly Valve
Butterfly Valve Butterfly Valve - a circular disc fitted inside a pipe, and hinged at two pivots. Often employed for
controlled flow through large penstocks on hydroelectric schemes. Being perfectly
balanced, this valve needs very little force to open or close it.
Butterfly Valve - a quarter turn valve which uses a disk as the closing member. Butterfly valves
may be flanged or wafer design, the latter intended for fitting directly between
pipeline flanges. The valve disk may be off-center with sealing on a single seat
ring or in-line with sealing on an integral seat liner.
Butterfly Valve - a quarter-turn valve which has a circular disk as its closing element. The
standard design has the valve stem running through the disk, giving a symmetrical
appearance. Later designs off-set the stem, so that the disk cams into the valve
seat. Advantages include less wear and tear on the disk and seats, and tighter
shut-off capabilities. Many design types are available including inexpensive Teflon
or resilient seats for use in water (treatment) plants, etc. More expensive metal
seats can be used where high temperatures or aggressive chemicals are
encountered. High Performance butterfly valves offer zero leakage designs and
have been applied in both the chemicals and hydrocarbon processing sectors.
Butterfly Valve - a quarter-turn valve which has a circular disk as its closing element. The
standard design has the valve stem running through the disk, giving a symmetrical
appearance. Later designs off-set the stem, so that the disk 'cams' into the valve
seat. Advantages include less wear and tear on the disk and seats, and tighter
shut-off capabilities. Many design types are available including inexpensive Teflon
or resilient seats for use in water (treatment) plants. More expensive metal seats

can be used where high temperatures or aggressive chemicals are encountered.

So-called "High Performance" butterfly valves which offer zero leakage designs
have been applied in both the chemical and hydrocarbon processing sectors.
Butterfly Valve - a valve consisting of a cylindrical body with a rotating vane to control flow. Tight
Shutoff is obtained by an elastomer body liner into which the vane seats.
Advantages of butterfly valves are low flow resistance in open position, compact
overall size, and relatively low cost due to simple design.
Butterfly Valve - a valve consisting of a disc inside a valve body which operates by rotating about
an axis in the plane of the disc to shut off or regulate flow in a piping system; a
similar device used in heating or ventilating ductwork is called a butterfly damper.
Butterfly Valve - a valve consisting of a rotatable damper which, in the open position, is parallel
with the flow and when rotated 90 degrees closes the opening to stop the flow.
Butterfly Valve - a valve consisting of a rotating circular plate mounted inside a pipe.
Butterfly Valve - a valve in which a disc is turned substantially through 90 degrees from the
closed to the open position, on an axis transverse to that of the valve ports;
sometimes (rarely) known as Throttle Valve.
Butterfly Valve - a valve in which a disc operates at right angles to the flow. The disc may close
against a metal or resilient seal.
Butterfly Valve - a valve that utilizes a turnable disk element to regulate flow in a pipe or duct
system, such as a hydraulic turbine or a ventilating system; also known as Butterfly
Damper.
Butterfly Valve - a valve whose flow control element is a disc with an axis perpendicular to flow
and that rotates 90 degrees from open to close.
Butterfly Valve - a valve with a circular body and a rotary motion disk closure member which is
pivotally supported by its stem. Butterfly valves come in various styles including
eccentric and high-performance valves. Butterfly valves are high recovery valves
and thus tend to induce cavitation in liquid services at much lower pressure drops
and fluid temperatures than the globe style valve. Due to instability problems with
the older design butterfly valves, many people will limit the travel of the valve at 60
degrees of rotation on throttling services. This can also help keep the valve out of
cavitation problems.
Butterfly Valve - controls flow by using a circular disc or vane with its pivot axis at right angles to
the direction of flow in the pipe. The butterfly valve is used both for on-off and
throttling services.
Butterfly Valve Liner Types - see "Slip In," "Locked In," "Bonded," "Wrap Around," "Flange
Retained," "Elastomeric Energized," "Pressure Energized," and "Encapsulated
Body."
Butterfly Valve Seal Types - see "Flexible Lip Seal," "Pressure Energized Seal," and "Metal
Piston Type Seal."
Buttering - coating the faces of a weld joint prior to welding to preclude cross contamination of a
weld metal and base metal.
Button Head - a screw, bolt, or rivet with a hemispherical head.
Button Head Screws - screws having hemispherical heads, slotted for a screwdriver; also
called Half-Round Screws.
Butyl - a copolymer of iso-butylene and isoprene.
BUVW - Butterfly Valve Wafer Type
BW - Butt Weld
BWE - Butt Weld Ends
BWRT - Butt Weld Reducing Tee
BWT - Butt Weld equal Tee
BXP - Bevel large end X Plain small end
BXT - Bevel large end X Threaded small end
BXU - Bevel Large end X screwed small end
Bypass Bypass - a passage for a fluid, permitting a portion or all of the fluid to flow around its normal
pass flow channel.
Bypass - a passage through which a gas or liquid is allowed to flow, instead of or additional to its

ordinary channel, or any device for arranging this.

Bypass - a short pipeline, containing a stop valve, which is mounted on a valve to connect the
inlet and the outlet and bypass the flow control element.
Bypass Mechanism - a device fitted in a high pressure pipe to fill the pipe below the valve to
equalize pressures on both sides of the valve without opening the valve.
Bypass Valve Bypass Valve - a small bore valve connected from the upstream side to the downstream side of a
larger main valve. It is used to reduce the differential pressure across the main
valve or to reduce thermal shock caused by opening the main valve.
Bypass Valve - a small bore valve fitted in parallel to a larger main valve. Bypass valves are
used to reduce the differential pressure across the main valve before this latter
valve is opened (as otherwise this larger, more expensive valve, may suffer
damage to internal components).
Bypass Valve - a small bore valve fitted in parallel to a larger main valve. Bypass valves are
used to reduce the differential pressure across the main valve before the main valve
is opened (as otherwise this larger, more expensive valve may suffer damage to
internal components).
Bypass Valve - a subsidiary gate installed downstream of the main gate to facilitate reduction in
the capacity of a hoist by filling the intervening section of the conduit which tends to
equalize water pressure on the two sides of the main gate and thereby the
differential pressure acting on the main gate; also called Filling Valve.
Bypass Valve - a valve by which the flow of fluid in a system may be directed past some part of
the system through which it normally flows.
Bypass Valve - a valve that opens to direct fluid elsewhere when a pressure limit is exceed.
Bypass Valve - a valve which is used for directing flow through a bypass.

C - 1) Carbon; 2) Celsius degrees; 3) Chemicals, liquid; 4) Chlorine

c / w - Complete With
CA - 1) Calcium; 2) Corrosion Allowance
CAB - Cabinet
CAD - Computer Assisted Drawing
CADD - abbreviation for Computer-Aided Design and Drafting. Use of a computer in which
drawings are made on video display terminals using stored data which can be
manipulated and changed on the screen and from which hard copies can be
obtained. In essence it is an electronic drafting board. Information can be entered
from a keyboard, such as to recall standard details which can be modified by
indicating coordinates of starting and ending points for lines, etc.
Cadmium - a soft, bluish-white metallic element used in alloys and corrosion resistant plating;
abbreviated Cd.
Cadmium Plating - an electroplated coating of cadmium on a steel surface which resists
atmospheric corrosion. Applications include nuts, bolts, screws, and many
hardware items in addition to enclosures.
CAF CAF - Compressed Asbestos Fiber
CAF - Cost And Freight
Cage Cage - 1) a part in a globe valve surrounding the closure member to provide alignment and
facilitate assembly of other parts of the valve trim. The cage may also provide flow
characterization and/or a seating surface for globe valves and flow characterization
for some plug valves; 2) a circular frame for maintaining uniform separation
between balls or rollers in a rolling element bearing; also known as Separator.
Cage - a hollow cylindrical trim element that is sometimes used as a guide to align the movement
of a valve plug with a seat ring. It may also act to retain the seat ring in the valve
body. On some types of valves, the cage may contain different shaped openings
which act to characterize the flow through the valve. The cage may also act as a
noise attenuation or anti-cavitation device.
Cage Guide - a valve plug fitted to the inside diameter of the cage to align the plug with the seat.
Cage Guided Valve - a type of globe style valve trim where the valve plugs with the seat.
Calefaction Calefaction - 1) a warming process; 2) the resulting warmed condition.
Calefaction - the condition of being warmed.
Calender - a machine used to form sheets of rubber between steel rollers.
Call Off - used to notify the contractor to commence work, or a part of the work, within a specified
notice period.
Cam Cam - 1) a projection on a rotating part in machinery, designed to make sliding contact with
another part while rotating and give reciprocal or variable motion to the receiving
part; 2) to pull sideways
Cam - a machine element that produces complex, repeating translational motion in a member
known as a follower that slides or rolls along a shaped surface or in a groove that is
an integral part of the cam; a cam is usually a rotating plate, eccentrically mounted
on an axis perpendicular to the plate surface, with the follower resting against the
contoured periphery of the plate; alternatively, it may be a rotating cylinder or
reciprocating plate with a groove cut into its surface for the follower to rest in, or it
may be some other shape.
Cam - a plate or cylinder which communicates motion to a follower by means of its edge or a
groove cut in its surface.
Cam - a shaped component of a mechanism, like a heart-shaped disc on a shaft, which decides
the motion of a follower.
Cam Follower Cam Follower - the output link of a cam mechanism.
Cam Follower - the part of an engine or mechanism which rides on the contoured surface of a
cam and to which motion is imparted by the cam.

Cam Mechanism - a mechanical linkage whose purpose is to produce, by means of a contoured

cam surface, a prescribed motion of the output link.
CAMARI - Certificate of Aptitude to Handle X-ray Devices and Industrial Radioscopy Devices
(French certificate)
Camber Camber - deviation from a straight line, most often used to describe a convex, edgewise sweep
or curve.
Camber - deviation from a straight line; the term is applied to a convex, edgewise sweep or
curve, or to the increase in diameter at the center of rolled materials.
Camshaft Camshaft - the rotating member that drives a cam.
Camshaft - a rotating shaft to which a cam is attached.
Cannibalize - to remove parts from one piece of equipment and use them to replace like,
defective parts in a similar piece of equipment in order to keep the latter
operational.
Cant - a slope; a tilting position.
Cap Cap - an adaptor fitted to the stem to take a removable key for operating the valve.
CAP - Certificate of Professional Ability
Cap - the part of a check valve, ball valve, or plug valve that is fastened to the body to complete
the pressure-retaining shell. On ball and plug valves the cap has an opening for the
stem to pass through and may also contain a stuffing box; also called Cover.
Cap Cotter - a cotter which passes through the housing cap and spindle and which can be
padlocked in position.
Cap Nut - the component securing the valve head to the cover.
Cap Screw Cap Screw - a kind of bolt used in a tapped hole, usually without a nut, used for fastening
cylinder covers, etc.
Cap Screw - a screw which passes through a clear hole in the part to be joined, screws into a
threaded hole in the other part, and has a head which holds the parts together.
Cap Screw - a threaded fastener similar to a bolt, but generally used without a nut by threading it
into a tapped hole in one part of an assembly.
Capacity - 1) the rate of flow through a valve under stated test conditions; 2) a measure of the
maximum quantity of energy or material which can be stored within a given piece of
equipment or system.
Capacity Index - The quantity of water in gal/min at 60 F (16 C) that flows through a given wide
open valve with a pressure drop of 1 lb/in2. It is sometimes called flow coefficient.
The symbol for capacity index or flow coefficient is Cv. Once the Cv of the valve
has been determined, the flow of any fluid through the same valve can be
calculated provided the characteristics of the fluid and the pressure drop through
the valve are known.
CAPB - Cap Butt-Weld Ends
Capped Steel Capped Steel - a type of steel with characteristics similar to those of rimmed steels, but to a
degree intermediate between those of rimmed and semikilled steels. It can be
either mechanically capped or chemically capped when the ingot is cast, but in
either case the full rimming action is stopped, resulting in a more uniform
composition than rimmed steel.
Capped Steel - produced if the reaction of rimmed steel is stopped after a short while by a
mechanical manner. Further evolution of gas from the top of an ingot takes place
and the steel formed is called capped steel. In capped steel the skin is thinner and
there is less segregation of impurities than rimmed steel. The pure iron skin of
capped steel produces an excellent surface finish after rolling and therefore sheet
and strips of steel are made from capped steel.
Capstan Head Screw - a screw having a cylindrical head provided with radial holes in its
circumference. A Tommy bar inserted in these holes tightens it.
Capstan Nut - a nut which is tightened in the same way as a capstan-head screw.

Capstan Screw - a screw whose head has several radial holes, in one of which a bar can be
inserted for turning it.
CAR - Corrective Actions Required
CARB - California Air Resources Board
Carbide Carbide - a compound of carbon with a metal or other element (example: iron carbide).
Carbide - a compound of carbon with any other element (except hydrogen), usually a metal
element.
Carbon Carbon - a non-metallic element that occurs in various non-crystalline forms, such as coal, coke
and charcoal, and in crystalline forms such as diamond and graphite, and in all
organic compounds; abbreviated C.
Carbon - an element; the principal combustible constituent of all fuels.
Carbon - the principal hardening element in steel, and as carbon content increases the hardness
increases. Tensile strength also increases with the carbon content up to about.85%
carbon. Ductility and weldability decrease with increasing carbon.
Carbon Arc Cutting - severing metal by the heat of a carbon arc.
Carbon Arc Welding Carbon Arc Welding - a process of welding in which a graphite or carbon rod is used as a
negative electrode and the work metal as a positive electrode. An arc is produced
between the electrodes and the workpiece, which heats the base metal to its
melting point. In this process polarity is fixed, therefore DC is always used. Usually
graphite electrodes are used as they have longer life and low resistance. A filler rod
is used to add the extra metal needed to form the weld. This process is not used in
vertical or overhead welding. This process is normally used where addition of filler
material is not required, e.g., flange or edge joint, for welding sheet steels, cooper
alloys, brass, bronze and aluminum. If filler metal is required it is provided by the
welding rod. It is also an economical cutting process for many cases, particularly
where it is required to dismantle an assembly and to cut risers, etc. A flux may be
used to improve weldability of a metal.
Carbon Arc Welding - an arc welding process in which coalescence is produced by the arc
obtained between a carbon electrode and the workpiece.
Carbon Arc Welding - in this process of welding, a graphite or carbon rod is used as a negative
electrode and the work metal as a positive electrode. An arc is produced between
the electrode and the work piece, which heats the base metal to its melting point. In
this process, polarity is fixed, hence DC is always used. Mostly graphite electrodes
are used as they have longer life and low resistance. The extra metal needed to
form the weld is added by a filler rod. This process is normally used where the
addition of filler metal is not required. If filler metal is required it is provided by the
welding rod.
Carbon Black - a form of finely divided carbon, produced by partial combustion of natural gas or
petroleum oil. It is used to increase tear resistance in Neoprene.
Carbon Dioxide - a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas, present in the atmosphere and formed
during respiration. It is chemically unreactive and does not burn or support the
combustion of other materials, and is used in fire extinguishers; abbreviated CO2.
Carbon Dioxide MIG Welding - similar to MIG (Metal Inert Gas) arc welding process with the
difference that carbon dioxide gas is used in this process for shielding the weld
area. This process differs again that in this case a flux-coated electrode is used
instead of a bare electrode as used in the inert gas welding. Carbon dioxide acts as
a shielding gas. In this case also, feeding of the electrode and filler wire is similar to
MIG welding, but it gives very good welds due to formation of a coating of flux and
shielding by the gas and rate of welding is also high. This process is very suitable
for automatic fillet welding in the horizontal and vertical position. It gives high rate
of metal deposition and spatter losses are less. The bead formed by this process is
fairly wide and needs no finishing and cleaning operations, thus reducing welding
cost. In this process an arc is struck between the electrode and the workpiece, and
shielding is provided by the flux of the electrode and Carbon Dioxide gas fed from a
cylinder through regulators. Along with flux electrodes, magnetized flux is also fed

into the arc with the help of a gun nozzle. During the process it attaches itself to the
electrode, thus protecting the electrode from atmospheric contaminations.
Carbon Electrode - a non-filler metal welding electrode consisting of carbon or graphite.
Carbon Electrode Arc Welding - an arc welding process in which carbon electrodes are used to
strike an arc. (twin carbon arc welding, shielding carbon arc welding, carbon arc
welding and inert gas carbon arc welding.)
Carbon Equivalent - an empirical relationship that is used to estimate the ability to produce gray
cast iron, or one that is used to rate weldability of alloy steels; for cast iron, the
formula is CE = TC + 1/3(Si + P), where CE is the carbon equivalent, TC is the total
carbon content, Si is the silicon content and P is the phosphorus content, all in wt%;
for weldability, the formula is CE = C + Mn/6 + (Cr + Mo + V)/5 + (Ni + Cr)/15 where
each symbol stands for the concentration of the indicated element in wt%.
Carbon Fibers - filaments of carbon, about 1/10th the diameter of a human hair, which provide
high strength, light weight, extreme stiffness, conductivity and chemical inertness
when used alone or as reinforcements in other materials.
Carbon Potential - a measure of the ability of an environment to alter or maintain the surface
carbon content of ferrous alloys; the specific effect that occurs depends on
temperature, time and steel composition as well as on carbon potential.
Carbon Steel - 1) steel containing carbon, with different properties according to the quantity of
carbon used; 2) an alloy of carbon and iron containing up to 2% carbon and up to
1.65% manganese and residual quantities of other elements, except those
intentionally added in specific quantities for deoxidation (usually silicon and / or
aluminum). Carbon steels used in the petroleum industry usually contain less than
0.8% carbon.
Carbon Steel - a steel which owes its distinctive properties chiefly to the various percentages of
carbon (as distinguished from the other elements) which it contains.
Carbon Steel - a steel whose properties are determined principally by the amount of carbon
present and contains no deliberate alloying ingredients except those necessary to
ensure deoxidation and physical quality.
Carbon Steel - an alloy of carbon and iron containing not more than 2% carbon and which does
not contain alloying elements other than a small amount of manganese.
Carbon Steel - carbon and iron alloy containing a maximum of 2% carbon, 1.65% manganese
and other residual quantities of elements.
Carbon Steel - steel that has properties made up mostly of the element carbon and which relies
on the carbon content for structure. Most of the steel produced in the world is
carbon steel.
Carbon Steel - steel whose properties mainly depend upon the percentage of carbon present. In
addition to iron and carbon, such steels may have manganese up to 1.5%, silicon
up to 0.5%, sulphur and phosphorus up to 0.1%, nickel up to 0.40%, chromium up
to 0.30%, molybdenum up to 0.15%, copper up to 0.25%, tungsten, cobalt,
aluminum up to 0.10%, and niobium, tantalum, titanium, vanadium, zirconium up to
0.05%. These alloying elements are considered as residual elements, but their
deliberate addition in substantial amounts will put the steel in the alloy steel
category.
Carbon Steel - steel, the properties of which are determined mainly by its carbon content.
Carbon Steel (CS) Carbon Steel (CS) - iron containing carbon in the form of carbides, about 0.1 to 0.3 percent
carbon with no other alloying elements other than the sulfur, phosphorus, and other
elements present in almost all steels.
Carbonitriding - a surface hardening process in which a suitable ferrous material is heated at a
temperature above the lower transformation temperature in an atmosphere that will
cause simultaneous absorption of carbon and nitrogen at the surface and, by
diffusion, create a concentration gradient; final properties are achieved by
controlled cooling from temperature, and sometimes by subsequent tempering.
Carburizing Carburizing - 1) when steel is heated above 900 C in contact with carbon, the carbon is
absorbed at the surface; this is one way of achieving case hardening; 2) to change
an organic compound into carbon.

Carburizing - a form of case hardening. It is a process of heating a ferrous (iron base) alloy in
contact with a carbon containing solid, liquid, or gas to diffuse carbon into the outer
surface (case) of the alloy. It is usually followed by a heat treating cycle to produce
a hardened case.
Carburizing - a process of adding carbon into heated metal; also known as Carbonizing by
Reducing Flame.
Carburizing - a process of adding carbon into the heated metal when welding; also known as
Carbonizing by Reducing Flame.
Carburizing - a surface hardening process in which a suitable ferrous material is heated at a
temperature above the transformation range in the presence of carbon rich
environment, which may be produced from solid carbon, vaporized liquid
hydrocarbons or gaseous hydrocarbons;
following production of a carbon
concentration gradient in the alloy, it is either quenched from the carburizing
temperature and tempered, or reheated, quenched and tempered, to achieve
desired properties in both the carbon rich outer case and the carbon lean inner
core.
Carburizing - a type of case hardening in which steel materials are packed in steel boxes
containing materials like charcoal, semi-coke, sodium carbonate, barium carbonate
etc., heated to about 900 C, held at that temperature for a few hours and then
cooled quickly. This method is known as Pack Carburizing. In another method
called Gas-Carburizing, the steel materials are heated in an atmosphere of gases
rich in carbon, such as natural gas (CH4), producer gas, etc. In still another method
known as Liquid-Carburizing, the articles are heated in a bath of molten cyanides,
carbonates and chlorides.
Carburizing - introducing carbon into a solid ferrous alloy by holding above Ac' in contact with a
suitable carbonaceous material. The carburized alloy is usually quench hardened.
Cascade Sequence - a welding sequence in which a continuous multiple pass weld is built up by
depositing weld beads in overlapping layers; usually, weld beads are laid in a
backstep sequence, starting with the root bead that extends only part way along the
joint length, then starting successive beads a short distance farther along the joint
from the start of the previous bead.
Case Case - a hardened outer layer on a ferrous alloy produced by suitable heat treatment, which
sometimes involves altering the chemical composition of the outer layer before
hardening.
Case - that part near the surface of a ferrous alloy which has been so altered as to allow case
hardening.
Case - the surface of steel which is hardened by case hardening, the core within the case being
relatively ductile.
Case Hardening Case Hardening - a process of heat treating a ferrous alloy so the surface layer is made
substantially harder than the interior core.
Case Hardening - hardening a ferrous alloy so that the outer portion, or case, is made
substantially harder than the inner portion, or core. Typical processes are
carburizing, cyaniding, carbonitriding, nitriding, induction hardening, and flame
hardening.
Case Hardening - hardening a ferrous alloy so that the outer portion or case is made substantially
harder than the inner portion or core.
Case Hardening - heat treating ferrous metals (iron) so the surface layer is harder than interior.
Case Hardening - in this process a hard and wear-resisting outer surface called case is
obtained over a soft and tough interior called core. Low carbon steels are
generally case-hardened. The depth of the hardened case may be about 1.5 mm
while the core possesses almost the same amount of softness as the original
sample. The outer surface is saturated with elements like carbon, nitrogen etc.
from the surrounding medium at high temperature. The depth of the hardened case
depends on the range of heating temperature, time and concentration of the
surrounding materials. Steels parts like gears, cams, shafts, ball bearings, cheap
tools, screws, bolts etc. are frequently case-hardened. Case-hardening of steel is

done by various processes; the most common of these are a) Carburizing, b)

Nitriding, c) Cyaniding, d) Induction Hardening, and e) Flame Hardening.
Case Hardening - producing a hardened outer layer on a ferrous alloy by any of several surface
hardening processes, including carburizing, carbonitriding, nitriding, flame
hardening and induction hardening; also known as Surface Hardening.
Case Hardening - the production of a hard surface layer in steel either by heating in a
carbonaceous medium to increase the carbon content, followed by quenching and
lightly tempering, or by rapidly heating the surface of a medium / high carbon steel
to above the ferrite / austenite transformation temperature and then quenching and
tempering, as in flame and induction hardening.
Casing - the structural retainer for the walls of oil and gas wells, and accounts for 75% (by
weight) of OCTG shipments. Casing is used to prevent contamination of both the
surrounding water table and the well itself. Casing lasts the life of a well and is not
usually removed when a well is closed.
Cast Cast - to form a liquid or plastic substance into a fixed shape by letting it cool in the mold.
Cast - to produce a solid shape from liquid or semisolid bulk material by allowing it to harden in a
mold.
Cast - to shape molten metal or plastic by pouring it in a mold and allowing it to set.
Cast Component - metal that is obtained at or near its finished shape by the solidification of
molten metal in a mold.
Cast Holes - holes made in cast objects by the use of cores, in order to reduce the time
necessary for machining, and to avoid metal wastage.
Cast Iron Cast Iron - 1) an alloy of iron, carbon, silicon and manganese. Other elements, such as nickel,
are added to produce special forms of cast iron. Cast iron is less susceptible to
atmospheric corrosion than is carbon steel; 2) an iron-carbon alloy containing
approximately 2 to 4% carbon. Cast irons may be classified as: (a) Gray Cast Iron
cast iron that gives a gray fracture as a result of the presence of flake graphite;
(b) White Cast Iron cast iron that gives a white fracture as a result of the
presence of cementite (Fe3C); (c) Malleable Cast Iron white cast iron that is
thermally treated to convert most or all of the cementite to graphite (temper carbon);
(d) Ductile (Nodular) Cast Iron cast iron that has been treated while molten with
an element (usually magnesium or cerium) that spheroidizes the graphite; or (e)
Austenitic Cast Iron cast iron with a sufficient amount of nickel added to produce
an austenitic microstructure.
Cast Iron - a brittle non-carbon alloy in which the carbon content varies between 1.8 and 4.5%.
There are also varying amounts of silicon, manganese, sulphur and phosphorus. It
is distinguished from steel in that it has a substantial amount of graphite, which
makes it unsuitable for working.
Cast Iron - a generic term for a series of alloys primarily of iron, carbon, and silicon in which the
carbon is in excess of the amount which can be retained in solid solution in
austenite at the eutectic temperature.
Cast Iron - a hard, relatively brittle alloy of iron and carbon which can be readily cast in a mold.
Cast Iron - any iron-carbon alloy containing at least 1.8% carbon and suitable for casting to
shape.
Cast Iron - cast iron is generally produced in a cupola. The charge for producing cast iron
consists of pig iron, coke and limestone. Coke acts as a source of heat and carbon.
It melts the charge, while limestone acts as a flux, and removes the impurities.
However, cast irons produced in a cupola contain a large number of impurities.
Quality grade cast irons are produced in electric furnaces. On the basis of
microconstituents present, cast irons are classified in the following manner: Grey,
White, Mottled, Malleable, Chilled, Nodular, Alloy, or Acicular. Gray cast iron and
white cast iron are very commonly used in foundries.
Cast Iron - it contains from 2.6 to 4.3% carbon, 0.7 to 3% silicon and small quantities of
phosphorus, sulphur and manganese. The carbon is present partly as free carbon
in the form of graphite and partly in combination with iron as cementite, Fe3C. Cast
iron is classified as a) grey, b) white, c) malleable, and d) mottled.

Cast Iron - it is the cheapest of the cast metals and can be easily cast into any size and form.
Cast Iron - the common term for cast gray iron or iron containing flake carbon. Cast iron is brittle,
exhibiting very little ductility before fracturing.
Cast Iron - the molten iron from a blast furnace which has been in contact with coke in the lower
part of the furnace contains several percent of dissolved carbon (usually about 3 or
4%) together with silicon, manganese, phosphorus and sulphur in such amounts.
These impurities lower its melting point from 1535 C, that of pure iron, to about
1200 C. This iron is often cast into bars called pigs; the cast iron itself is called
pig iron. When cast iron is made by sudden cooling from the liquid state, it is white
in color and is called white cast iron. it consists largely of the compound cementite,
Fe3C, a hard brittle substance. Grey cast iron, made by slow cooling, consists of
crystalline grains of pure iron (called ferrite) and flakes of graphite. Both white cast
iron and grey cast iron are brittle, the former because its principal constituent
cementite is brittle and the latter because the tougher ferrite in it is weakened by the
soft flakes of graphite distributed through it.
Cast Steel Cast Steel - steel which cannot be shaped by mechanical working. This term was originally
applied to crucible steel to distinguish it from shear steel and is still used for high
carbon artificial tone.
Cast Steel - used for castings of improved properties. It is stronger and tougher, weighs less for
the same strength or stiffness, and has a higher endurance limit than cast iron;
corrosion resistance can improve by alloying.
Castellated Nut - a hexagonal nut with a slotted cylindrical projection above one of the
hexagonal sides; it is used in conjunction with a cotter pin or safety wire that
passes through a lateral hole in the bolt or stud which is aligned with two of the slots
in the nut; the cotter pin or safety wire keeps the nut from turning so the joint stays
tight.
Casting Casting - 1) the operation of pouring molten metals into sand or metal molds in which they
solidify; 2) a metallic article cast in the shape required, as distinct from one shaped
by working.
Casting - 1) the process of making a solid shape by pouring molten metal into a cavity, or mold,
and allowing it to cool and solidify; 2) a near net shape object produced by this
process; a rough casting, cylindrical, square or rectangular in cross section and
intended for subsequent hot working or remelting, is called an Ingot.
Casting - a metal object obtained by allowing molten metal to solidify in a mold. The shape of the
object obtained is determined by the shape of the mold cavity. In a casting process,
liquid metal is cast to obtain the shape directly in a mold. Cast metal products differ
from wrought metal products in the sense that wrought metal products receive
mechanical working treatment such as forging, rolling or extruding. Practically all
metals are initially cast. Castings obtain their shapes principally when molten metal
solidifies in the desired form. Wrought objects, however are cast as ingots and then
plastically worked to obtain different shapes.
Casting - a metallic object which is produced by casting, as distinct from being machined or
formed by any other means.
Casting - a product or the act of producing a product made by pouring molten metal into a mold
and allowing it to solidify, thus taking the shape of the mold.
Casting - pouring molten metal into a mold to produce an object. The object is also called a
casting. Castings are inferior to forgings in almost all regards.
Casting - the process of making an item by pouring a fluid mixture, such as concrete or molten
metal, into a mold and allowing it to harden. When a sand mold is used, it is called
a sand casting.
Casting Alloy - an alloy having suitable fluidity when molten and having suitable solidification
characteristics to make it capable of producing shape castings; most casting alloys
are not suitable for rolling or forging and can only be shaped by casting.
Casting Shrinkage - 1) total reduction in volume due to the three stages of shrinkage - during
cooling from casting temperature to the liquidus, during solidification, and during
cooling from the solidus to room temperature; 2) reduction in volume at each stage

in the solidification of a casting.

Cat Cracker - a refinery unit where catalytic cracking is done.
Catalysis Catalysis - a phenomenon in which a relatively small amount of substance (catalyst) augments
the rate of a chemical reaction without itself being consumed.
Catalysis - the acceleration of a chemical reaction by a catalyst.
Catalyst Catalyst - a chemical compound that facilitates or promotes a reaction by its presence or action.
Catalyst - a substance that alters the velocity of a chemical reaction and may be recovered
essentially unaltered in form and amount at the end of the reaction.
Catalyst - a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction, without itself undergoing
any permanent chemical change.
Catalyst - a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction. The catalyst itself is not
changed by the reaction.
Catalytic Cracker - see Catalytic Cracking Unit
Catalytic Cracking Catalytic Cracking - conversion of high-boiling hydrocarbons into lower-boiling types by a
catalyst.
Catalytic Cracking - conversion of high-boiling hydrocarbons into lower-boiling hydrocarbons by a
catalyst.
Catalytic Cracking - hydrocarbon molecules are broken up into smaller ones at very high
temperatures in the presence of a catalyst.
Catalytic Cracking - the process by which long-chain hydrocarbons produced during petroleum
refining are broken down into lighter, more useful short-chain products, using a
catalyst.
Catalytic Cracking Unit - a unit in a petroleum refinery in which a catalyst is used to carry out
cracking of hydrocarbons; also known as Catalytic Cracker or Cat Cracker.
Catastrophic Failure Catastrophic Failure - 1) a sudden failure that occurs without prior warning, as opposed to a
failure that occurs gradually by degradation; 2) failure of a mechanism or
component that renders an entire machine or system inoperable.
Catastrophic Failure - a sudden failure without warning, as opposed to degradation failure.
Cathode Cathode - 1) the metal plate or surface that acts as an electron acceptor in an electrochemical
circuit; metal ions in an electrolytic solution plate on the cathode during
electroplating, and hydrogen may be formed at the cathode during electroplating or
electrochemical corrosion; 2) the positive electrode in a storage battery, or the
negative electrode in an electrolytic cell.
Cathode - a negatively charged electrode (opposite of Anode)
Cathode Corrosion - 1) corrosion of the cathode in an electrochemical circuit, usually involving
the production of alkaline corrosion products; 2) corrosion of the cathodic member
of a galvanic couple.
Cathodic Coating - a mechanical plate or electrodeposit on a base metal, with the coating being
cathodic to the underlying base metal.
Cathodic Inhibitor - a compound, such as calcium bicarbonate or sodium phosphate, which is
deposited on a metal surface in a thin film that operates at the cathodes to provide
physical protection over the entire surface against corrosive attack in a conducting
medium.
Cathodic Protection Cathodic Protection - a means of reducing galvanic corrosion of iron and steel by introducing an
opposing electric current.
Cathodic Protection - an electric system for prevention of rust, corrosion of steel and iron
surfaces in contact with water in which a low voltage current is made to flow through
a liquid or soil in contact with the metal in such a manner that the external
electromotive force renders the metal structure cathodic, and concentrates
corrosion on auxiliary anodic parts used for the purpose.
Cathodic Protection - preventing electrochemical corrosion of a metal object by making it the

cathode of a cell using either a galvanic or impressed current.

Cathodic Protection - protection of a metal structure from corrosion under water by making it act
as an electric cathode.
Caulking Welds - structures like tanks and boilers are joined by riveting. However, to make sure
that these structures do not leak while in operation, continuous weld run is made
along its entire length. They are generally single pass thin weldments that are
deposited along the joint.
Caustic - strongly alkaline and corrosive to living tissue.
Caustic Dip - a strongly alkaline solution for immersing metal parts to etch them, to neutralize an
acid residue, or to remove organic material such as grease or paint.
Caustic Embrittlement - intergranular cracking of carbon steel or Fe-Cr-Ni alloy exposed to an
aqueous caustic solution at a temperature of at least 150 F while stressed in
tension; a form of stress corrosion cracking; also known as Caustic Cracking.
Caustic Soda Caustic Soda - see Sodium Hydroxide
Caustic Soda - the most important of the commercial caustic materials -- it consists of sodium
hydroxide that contains 76 to 78% sodium oxide.
Cavitation Cavitation - 1) the formation of gas bubbles in a liquid; 2) the formation of a partial vacuum in a
liquid moving at high speed.
Cavitation - a condition in which vapor or gas bubbles form locally in liquids as a result of an
abrupt decrease in pressure. The subsequent collapse of these bubbles causes
high local impact pressure which can contribute to equipment wear and reduced
seal life.
Cavitation - a localized gaseous condition within a liquid stream.
Cavitation - a localized gaseous condition within a liquid stream that occurs where the pressure is
reduced to the vapor pressure.
Cavitation - a two stage phenomenon of liquid flow. The first stage is the formation of voids or
cavities within the liquid system; the second stage is the collapse or implosion of
these cavities back into an all liquid state.
Cavitation - occurs only in liquid service. In its simplest terms cavitation is the two-stage process
of vaporization and condensation of a liquid. Vaporization is simply the boiling of a
liquid; which is also known as Flashing. In a control valve this vaporization takes
place because the pressure of the liquid is lowered, instead of the more common
occurrence where the temperature is raised. As fluid passes through a valve just
downstream of the orifice area, there is an increase in velocity or kinetic energy that
is accompanied by a substantial decrease in pressure or potential energy. This
occurs in an area called the Vena Contracta. If the pressure in this area falls below
that of the vapor pressure of the flowing fluid, vaporization (boiling) occurs. Vapor
bubbles then continue downstream where the velocity of the fluid begins to slow
and the pressure in the fluid recovers. The vapor bubbles then collapse or implode.
Cavitation can cause a Choked Flow condition to occur and can cause mechanical
damage to valves and piping.
Cavitation - refers to the formation of a cavity between the downstream surface of a moving body
and a liquid normally in contact with it. This can occur in the case of a pump which
is working at excessive speed, or in water turbines near the draft tube. It is
responsible for corrosion of metal owing to liberation of oxygen from the water.
Cavitation Erosion - progressive removal of surface material due to localized hydrodynamic
impact forces associated with the formation and subsequent collapse of bubbles in
a liquid in contact with the damaged surface; also known as Cavitation Damage,
and Liquid Erosion Failure.
Cavity - the internal chamber of the valve body including the bonnet zone and excluding the body
ends.
CC - Certificate of Compliance
Cd - Cadmium
CDF - Critical Design Features
CDFT - Critical Device Function Testing
CDR - CD-ROM (Read Only Memory)

CEL - Celsius degrees

Celsius - the temperature scale using the freezing point of water as zero and the boiling point as
100, with 100 equal divisions between, called degrees. This scale was formerly
known as the Centigrade scale.
Cement Valve - a ball, flapper, or check type valve placed at the bottom of a string of casing,
through which cement is pumped, so that when pumping ceases, the valve closes
and prevents return of cement into the casing.
Cementation Cementation - 1) high temperature impregnation of a metal surface with another material; 2)
conversion of wrought iron into steel by packing it in charcoal and heating it at about
1800 F for 7 to 10 days.
Cementation - any process in which the surface of a metal is impregnated at high temperature by
another substance; see also Carbonization, Carburization.
Cemented Carbide - a powder metallurgy product consisting of granular tungsten, titanium or
tantalum carbides in a temperature resistant matrix, usually cobalt; used for high
performance cutting tools, punches and dies; the proportion of matrix material is
small compared to the amount of carbide.
Cemented Tungsten Carbide - pressed and sintered monolithic tungsten carbide alloys
consisting of tungsten carbide with alloy binders of primarily cobalt or nickel.
Cementite Cementite - a hard, brittle iron carbide present in cast iron and most steels.
Cementite - a very hard and brittle compound of iron and carbon corresponding to the empirical
formula Fe3C, commonly known as iron carbide.
Cementite - carbide of iron (FE3C); it is very hard, brittle and possesses about 6.67% carbon. Its
hardness lies between 670 and 700 VPN and ultimate tensile strength between
4600 N / mm2 and 5000 N / mm2. It is very brittle and difficult to machine.
Cementite - the hard, brittle carbide of iron that occurs in and adds strength to cast iron and most
other alloys of iron and carbon.
Cementite, Primary - cementite precipitated in cast iron during solidification; also known as
Primary Carbide.
CEN - European Commission on Standardization
CENELEC - European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Centerless Grinding - grinding the surface of a bar mounted on rollers rather than centers.
Centigrade - see Celsius
Centrifugal Force - a force exerted on a rotating object in a direction outward from the center of
rotation.
Ceq - Carbon Equivalent
Cereal Binders - gelatinized starch and gelatinized corn flour are used as cereal binders in core
making. They are present from 0.5 to 2.5% by weight in core sand and contribute
towards green strength.
Cermet - a hard, strong heat resistant material, resistant to corrosion and wear, made from
ceramic and sintered metal.
Certificate - a testimony issued by a recognized authority certifying that it has examined a
certain type of apparatus and, if necessary, has tested it and concluded that the
apparatus complies with the relevant standard for such apparatus or has an
equivalent level of safety.
Certificate of Conformity - a certificate stating that the electrical apparatus complies with the
relevant European standards for apparatus for potentially explosive atmosphere.
Certified Copy - a document to be certified correct by vendor, confirming incorporation of
purchasers comments and then submitted to the purchaser.
CET - Critical Exposure Temperature
CF - Certificate of Fitness
CFM - Certified Facility Manager
CFR - Cost and Freight
CFR (LANDED) - Cost and Freight (Landed)
CGHAZ - Coarse Grained Heat Affected Zone
CGS - Centimeter Gram Second; a system of measurement using these as basic units.

CH4 - Methane
Chain Wheel - an assembly consisting of a sprocket wheel, chain guide, and chain that is
fastened to the hand wheel of a gate valve or globe valve. It is used to operate
overhead or inaccessibly mounted valves. The assembly is mounted with the stem
horizontal, with the chain hanging down.
Chalking - in painting, the breakdown of the surface of a paint film to a loose powder.
Chamfer Chamfer - a bevel produced on edges or corners which are otherwise rectangular.
Chamfer - a beveled edge that relieves an otherwise sharp corner.
Chamfer - a smooth rounded shape (to an edge or corner); a rounded or beveled edge.
Chamfer - to bevel a sharp edge on a machined part.
Changeover Valve - a valve with one inlet and two outlets, where the second outlet starts to
open before the first outlet isolates and vice versa.
Chaplets - in casting, small parts used for supporting the cores.
Characterized Cam - a component in a valve positioner used to relate the closure component
position to the control signal.
Characterized Sleeve - a part added to a plug valve to provide various flow characteristics.
Charge Charge - 1) the material or part to be heated by induction or dielectric heating; 2) the
measurement or weight of material, either liquid, preformed or powder, used to load
a mold at one time during one cycle in the manufacture of metal or plastics.
Charge - the act of loading material into a vessel. For example, iron ore, coke and limestone are
charged into a Blast Furnace; a Basic Oxygen Furnace is charged with scrap and
hot metal.
Charless Law - if the pressure is constant, the volume of dry gas varies directly with the
absolute temperature.
Charpy Impact Test - a destructive mechanical test conducted on a precisely machined coupon
of steel to be tested. The coupon is clamped in a special machine and subjected to
lateral hammer blow. The test provides a relative measure of the toughness of the
steel or its resistance to shock or impact loads and is usually required for material
used in low temperature applications.
Charpy Test Charpy Test - a notched-bar test in which a specimen, notched at the middle and fixed at both
ends, gets struck behind the notch by a striker carried on a pendulum. The
decrease in height of the swing of the pendulum measures the absorbed energy
after fracture.
Charpy Test - a pendulum-type single-blow impact test in which the specimen, usually notched, is
supported at both ends as a simple beam and broken by a falling pendulum. The
energy absorbed, as determined by the subsequent rise of the pendulum, is a
measure of impact strength or notch toughness.
Charpy Test - it is a notched-bar impact test in which a beam, usually 10 mm x 10 mm in section,
supported at each end, and having a notch in the center, gets struck behind the
notch by a striker carried on a pendulum. The energy absorbed in fracture gets
obtained from the height to which the pendulum rises. A notch with a depth of 2
mm is termed as a messenger notch. A notch produced by drilling a hole usually 2
mm diameter and center 4 mm below get faced with a saw cut from that face to the
hole, is known as a keynote notch. Other notches may be used, such as the Izod
V-notch.
Chatter - an irregular alternating motion of the parts of a relief valve due to the application of
pressure where contact is made between the valve disk and the seat.
Check - a device attached to something in order to limit the movement, such as a door check.
Check Valve Check Valve - a device for automatically limiting flow in a piping system to a single direction;
also known as Non-Return Valve.
Check Valve - a device which permits fluid flow only in one direction.
Check Valve - a directional control valve that permits flow of fluid in only one direction.
Check Valve - a flow control device that permits flow in one direction and prevents flow in the

opposite direction.
Check Valve - a non return valve, closed automatically by fluid pressure, fitted in a pipe to
prevent return flow of the fluid pumped through it.
Check Valve - a one-directional valve which is opened by the fluid flow in one direction and
closed automatically when the flow stops or is reversed.
Check Valve - a type of valve that permits fluid flow in one direction only; back-flow is prevented.
There are two basic styles: the swing check valve, in which the flow control element
rotates around an axis, and the lift check valve, in which the flow control element
translates along the fluid path.
Check Valve - a type of valve which prevents reversal of flow by means of a non-return
mechanism, the valve being opened by the flow of fluid and closed by the weight of
the non-return mechanism when the flow ceases, or by back pressure, or by
springs.
Check Valve - a valve in a pipe which allows flow in only one direction. A valve of this type is
usually kept on the delivery side of a force pump. It is usually a flap valve.
Check Valve - a valve that allows fluid flow in one direction.
Check Valve - a valve that closes to prevent backward flow of liquid.
Check Valve - a valve that is designed to allow the fluid to flow in a given direction but closes to
prevent backflow. Types include swing check, tilting disc check and wafer check.
Check valves (also called non-return valves) are usually self-acting.
Check Valve - a valve that is designed to allow the fluid to flow in a given direction but closes to
prevent backflow. Types include swing check, tilting disc check and wafer check.
Check valves (also called non-return valves) are usually self-acting.
Check Valve - a valve that prevents a liquid from flowing in more than one direction.
Check Valve - a valve that regulates the direction of the flow of fluid in one direction.
Check Valve - a valve which prevents reversal of flow by means of a non-return mechanism. The
valve is opened by the flow of fluid and closed either by the weight of the
mechanism when the flow ceases, or by a spring or by backpressure. There are
three patterns (a) horizontal, with the body ends in line with each other, (b)
vertical in a vertical position with the body ends in line with each other, and (c)
angle with the body ends at right angles to each other.
Check Valve - designed to prevent backflow. Fluid flow in the desired direction opens the valve,
while backflow forces the valve closed.
Check Valve - operates one-way and prevents the reverse flow of oil. Check valves are designed
to be held open by flowing oil and to drop closed automatically when oil flow stops
or is reversed.
Check Valve - valves which are usually self-acting and designed to allow the flow of fluid in one
direction only. Swing check valves have a hinged disc as the closing member. Lift
check valves are usually made with a disc acting against a piston to provide some
damping against fluctuations in flow. Lift check valves are also made with a ball
disc. Diaphragm check valves use a flexible elastomeric diaphragm as the closing
member and are available in various designs. Certain check valves are available
as wafer types, designed for fitting directly between pipeline flanges. Many types of
check valves are available with assisted closure, which utilizes an external lever or
internal spring to assist the closure of the valve. Check valves are also commonly
referred to as Non-Return Valves or Reflux Valves.
Check Valve (In Line) - a flapper stops the flow traveling in the wrong direction, therefore a
check valve ensures uni-directional flow. An inline check valve is a compact
version.
Check Valve (Top Entry) - a top entry check valve allows the inner parts to be examined more
easily, better suited to more permanent structures.
Cheek - in three pieces molding process, the intermediate flask is known as Cheek.
Cheese Head Screw - a screw with a cylindrical head, similar in shape to a round cheese,
slotted for a screwdriver.
Cheeseweight - the loading medium of the valve
Chemical Change - a change that alters the composition of the molecules of a substance.
Chemical Oxygen Demand - an indicator of the potential environment impact of discharges to
water. It is a measure of the quantity of oxygen required to treat (or oxidize) the

constituents of a liquid discharge; abbreviated COD.

Chemical Properties - such as atomic weight, valency, molecular weight, corrosion resistance
etc.
Chemical Testing - most foundries are equipped with a chemical testing laboratory. A chemical
test is required to check the chemical composition of various constituents within the
allowable limits. In case of ferrous castings, it is necessary to know the percentage
of carbon, silicon, manganese, sulphur and phosphorus. Alloy steels require the
determination of chromium, nickel, copper, tungsten, vanadium, molybdenum and
cobalt. A chemical analysis is very helpful in determining the acceptability of a
casting for service requirements. It is often necessary to determine the amount of
carbon, manganese and silicon. Certain quick determination tests have been
developed for such tests.
Chemraz - a fluorinated elastomer used for high temperature / high purity or highly aggressive
applications. Chemraz is a trademark of Greene-Tweed.
Chevron - horizontal rows of V-shapes.
Chill - to harden metal on the surface by rapid cooling.
Chill Cast - a process of rapidly solidifying cast metal by a cooled iron mold placed in contact
with the casting in order to produce a hard, dense surface.
Chill Crystals - small crystals formed by the rapid freezing of molten metal when it comes into
contact with the surface of a cold metal mold.
Chilled Cast Iron Chilled Cast Iron - produced by rapid cooling to provide a hard wear-resistant surface. Cast iron
has a high damping capacity, making it suitable for beds, bases and frame of
machinery subjected to vibrations.
Chilled Cast Iron - a cast iron that would normally solidify as a gray cast iron which is purposely
caused to solidify as white cast iron locally or entirely by accelerated cooling caused
by contact with a metal surface, that is, a chill.
Chilled Iron - see Chilled Cast Iron
Chills - metallic objects used for rapid cooling of metals.
Chink - a crack or fissure
Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) - While not as popular as PVC, it is able to withstand
higher temperatures. Corzan CPVC is a brand name of Noveon Corp.
Chlorinated Solvent - liquid consisting of an organic substance containing chlorine. Formerly,
SKF used it mainly for degreasing and washing of metal components and as a
solvent for rust-preventive oil. Example: trichloroethylene.
Chloro-Sulfonated Polyethylene - see Hypalon
Choke Choke - a restriction in a pipe to reduce fluid flow; sometimes called Restrictor
Choke - restricting flow and thus controlling the flow of fluids.
Choke And Kill Manifolds - choking reduces the pressure. Killing the flow stops it altogether. A
choke and kill manifold is basically a collection pipes and valves
Choke Bean - the replaceable orifice part used in positive chokes to control flow; also known as
a Flow Bean, or just simply Bean.
Choke Valve Choke Valve - a flow can be throttled by way of a choke valve. By inserting something with
increasing width into the flow the size of the hole can be changed. By changing this
size the flow can be choked.
Choke Valve - the first throttling valve on an oil or gas well, usually an angle pattern globe valve.
Choke Valve - the purpose of a choke is to provide control of the flow of a fluid or fluid mixture
across a defined pressure drop. The fluid passing through a choke travels through
a restriction known as the choke orifice. Control of the flow is achieved by varying
the size of this orifice. In a control choke, the orifice takes the form of a cylindrical
cage with a number of ports on its circumference. The exposed orifice area can be
reduced or increased by moving the choke stem to cover or expose some of the
ports with the plug. When the desired set point is achieved, the choke stem can be
locked in position by a locking screw. Any high velocity jetting produced within the
cage is directed to collide in the center of the cylindrical cage, dissipating the most

erosive energy away from the downstream components. Shut-in is achieved by the
mating of angled surfaces on the plug and inner cage. The choke should be
connected onto the Christmas tree or into the flow-line as appropriate, taking care
to ensure that the direction of flow is from choke inlet to choke outlet. To avoid
jamming or seizing, it is usually recommended that the choke be operated from fully
open to fully closed or vice versa approximately once a month. This ensures that
the dynamic parts of the choke are kept as free as possible and helps clean the trim
surfaces of any residue buildup.
Christmas Tree - the manifold, or arrangement of pipework connections and valves which are
installed on the wellhead prior to production. Along with outlets for production, the
tree will provide for the injection of mud to "kill" the well, and for the insertion of
down hole maintenance tools and wire lines. Typically a Christmas tree will be
assembled from gate valves and connecting fittings.
Chromium (Cr) Chromium (Cr) - a grayish-white, crystalline, very hard metallic element with a high resistance to
corrosion. It is used in chromium electroplating, in alloy steel (stainless steel), and
in alloys containing nickel, copper, manganese and other metals (Nichrome). It is
added to steel to improve strength.
Chromium (Cr) - a hard silvery metal used in stainless steel and chromium plating.
Chromium (Cr) - an important alloying element in steel production; it provides corrosion
resistance and increases strength at high temperatures. It is obtained from the ore
chromites.
Chromium (Cr) - chromium can dissolve either in a- or y- iron, but in the presence of carbon,
forms complex carbides (FeCr)3 C in which chromium may rise to more than 15%.
It also forms carbides like (CrFe)3 C2, (CrFe)7 C3, (CrFe)4 C. Stainless steels
contain Cr4C. Chromium can rise up to 55% in complex carbides known as
cementite. Chromium carbides are not readily dissolved in the austenite, but the
amount increases with the increase of
temperature. The effect of dissolved
chromium is to raise the critical points on heating (Ac) and also on cooling (Ar).
Faster rates of cooling quickly depress the Ar points with consequent hardening of
the steel. An increase of chromium lowers the percentage of carbon in the pearlite.
Hence, the proportion of cementite is increased in high carbon steel, and when
steel is properly heat treated, it occurs in the spheroidal form which is suitable for
use in ball bearings. The pearlite is rendered fine. When chromium exceeds 11%
in low-carbon steels, an inert passive film of Cr2O3 is formed on the surface of the
material which resists attack by oxidizing agents. Chromium steels are easier to
machine than nickel steels of similar tensile strength. Chromium steels are used
where extreme hardness is required, such as dies, ball bearings, plates for safes,
rolls, files and tools. High chromium steel is used in certain permanent magnets
and heat resisting steels.
Chromium (Cr) - exerts in steel a toughening effect and increases hardenability, it also improves
the surface resistance to abrasion and wear and is used extensively to increase the
corrosion resistance of steel.
Chromium (Cr) - a hard, silvery, metallic element that is resistant to corrosion, used in alloys with
iron and nickel to make stainless steel. It is also used in electroplating.
Chromium (Cr) - an alloying element that is the essential stainless steel raw material for
conferring corrosion resistance. A film that naturally forms on the surface of
stainless steel self-repairs in the presence of oxygen if the steel is damaged
mechanically or chemically, and thus prevents corrosion from occurring.
Chromium and Nickel - chromium steels are characterized by their hardness and resistance to
wear, while nickel steels are characterized for their high strength, ductility and
toughness. The combination of nickel and chromium produces steels having all
these properties, without the disadvantages associated with the simple alloys.
Hardenability increases with 4.5% nickel, 1.25% chromium and 0.35% carbon, and
steel can be hardened by cooling in air. Low nickel-chromium steels with small
carbon content are used for case hardening, while for most construction purposes
the carbon content is 0.25 to 0.35%. High nickel and chromium steels are used for
resisting corrosion.
Chromium Plating - a type of metal plating used to prevent corrosion (by excluding oxygen) and

to provide a hardened and decorative surface. It is accomplished by electroplating

from a chromic acid solution. Screws, for example, may be chromium plated.
Chromium Steel - a very strong, hard alloy steel containing chromium.
CHVF - Check Valve Flanged
CHWL - Dual Plate Check Valve Wafer Lug
CI - 1) Cast Iron, 2) Chlorine Institute
CIDB - Construction Industry Development Board
CIF - Cost, Insurance and Freight charges for shipping products. CIF prices include these
charges. (Acronym).
CIFR - Cost, Insurance and Freight
CIP - Cleaning In Place
Cir Clip Cir Clip - a metal spring washer in the form of an incomplete circle.
Circlip - a clip of a spring steel in the form of an incomplete ring which fits tightly into a groove of
a shaft in the case of an external clip, or into the groove within a bore in the case of
an internal clip, for locating a pair of mating parts in an axial direction. A circlip
could be of circular or rectangular cross section, the latter often having internal or
external eyes for easier fitting using special tools like pliers; sometimes called
Retaining Ring.
Circored - a gas-based process developed by Lurgi Metallurgie in Germany to produce DRI or
HBI (see Direct Reduced Iron and Hot Briquetted Iron). The two-stage method
yields fines with a 93% iron content. Iron ore fines pass first through a circulating
fluidized-bed reactor, and subsequently through a bubbling fluidized-bed reactor.
Circuit - an arrangement of interconnected component parts.
Circumference - the boundary of a circle; the length of a path around a sphere at its widest
point.
Cire Perdue - a method of casting bronze using a clay core and a wax coating placed in a mold.
The wax is melted in the mold and bronze poured into the space left, producing a
hollow bronze figure when the core is discarded.
CL - 1) Class, 2) Pressure Class
Clack Valve - obsolete variant of Check Valve, called such because the valve disc closes with a
clacking sound.
Clad Restoration - see Back Cladding
Clad Steel Clad Steel - a composite material obtained by firmly bonding together a carbon or alloy steel with
a surface layer of another metal or alloy.
Clad Steel - carbon or low alloy steel which has a layer of another metal or alloy firmly bonded to
it.
Cladding Cladding - a layer of metal or alloy bonded to another metal.
Cladding - a method of applying a stainless steel coating to carbon steel or lower-alloy steel (i.e.,
steel with alloying element content below 5%). Used to increase corrosion
resistance at lower initial cost than exclusive use of stainless steel. Cladding is
done by 1) welding stainless steel onto carbon steel; 2) pouring melted stainless
steel around a solid carbon steel slab in a mold; or 3) placing a slab of carbon steel
between two plates of stainless steel and bonding them by rolling at high
temperature on a plate mill.
Cladding - covering one piece of metal with a relatively thick layer of another metal and bonding
them together; the bond may be produced by co-rolling or co-extrusion at high
temperature and pressure, or by explosive bonding.
Cladding - process of covering one material with another and bonding them together under high
pressure and temperature; also known as Bonding.
Cladding - the process in which one material is covered with another, usually to form a protective
layer, and the two materials are then bonded together under conditions of high
temperature and pressure.
Clamp Valve - see Pinch Valve
Clamping Screw - a screw fitted on a theodolite. It is used to clamp the vernier so that the

tangent screw can be used.

Clapper - the hinged closure element of a swing check valve; see Flapper.
Class Class - a division or grouping according to grade or quality.
Class - a system used to categorize valves according to their pressure-retaining capabilities.
Class A Fire - fire involving solid carbonaceous material, such as wood, paper, textile, etc.
Class B Fire - fire involving flammable liquid and liquefiable solid, such as crude oil, petrol, paint,
etc.
Class I Location - a location in which flammable gases or vapors are or may be present in the
air in quantities sufficient to produce ignitable mixtures.
Class II Location - a location that is hazardous because of the presence of combustible dust.
Class III Location - a location that is hazardous because of the presence of easily ignitable
fibers or flyings but in which such fibers or flyings are not likely to be in suspension
in the air in quantities sufficient to produce ignitable mixtures.
Cleanout - a pipe fitting containing a removable plug that provides access for inspection or
cleaning of the pipe run; also known as Access Eye.
Clearance Clearance - 1) the distance between two objects or between two mating parts when assembled
together; 2) the distance between a moving and a stationary part of a machine or
between two moving parts.
Clearance - clear space allowed for the passing of two parts in machinery.
Clearance (or interference) - the actual difference in the size of the mating part.
Cleft - a depression in a surface like a crack or split.
Clevis Clevis - a U shaped metal fitting with holes at the open ends of the legs for insertion of a pin or
bolt to make a closed link for attaching or suspending a load.
Clevis - a U-shaped metal fitting with holes in the open ends to receive a bolt or pin; used for
attaching or suspending parts.
Clevis - a U-shaped or forked metal connector within which another part can be fastened by
means of a bolt or pin.
Clevis Pin - a fastener with a head at one end, used to join the ends of a clevis.
Close Off - The close-off rating of a valve is the maximum allowable pressure drop to which the
valve may be subjected while fully closed. This rating is usually a function of the
power available from the valve actuator for holding the valve closed against
pressure drop, but structural parts such as the stem sometimes are the limiting
factor. The close-off rating is independent of the actual valve body rating.
Example: A valve having a close-off rating of 10 lb/in2 could be operated with an
upstream pressure of 40 lb/in2 and a downstream pressure of 30 lb/in2.
Closed Loop - a combination of control units in which the process variable is measured and
compared with the desired value (or set point). If the measured value differs from
the desired value, a corrective signal is sent to the final control element to bring the
controlled variable as close as possible to the desired value.
Closed Loop System - a system with a feedback type of control, such that the output is used to
modify the input.
Closure - the ends of a bolted construction ball valve, bolted to the body, which often retain the
seat rings.
Closure Component - the movable part of the valve that is positioned in the flow path to modify
the rate of flow through the valve.
Closure Component Guides - the means by which the closure component is aligned with the
seat and held stable through its travel. The guide is held rigidly in the valve body,
bonnet, and/or bottom plate.
Closure Component, Characterized - closure component with contoured surface, such as the
"vee plug," to provide various flow characteristics.
Closure Component, Cylindrical - a cylindrical closure component with a flow passage through
it (or a partial cylinder).
Closure Component, Eccentric - closure component face is not concentric with the shaft
centerline and moves into seat when closing.

Closure Component, Eccentric Spherical Disk - disk is spherical segment, not concentric with
the disk shaft.
Closure Component, Linear - a closure component that moves in a line perpendicular to the
seating plane.
Closure Component, Rotary - a closure component which is rotated into or away from a seat to
modulate flow.
Closure Component, Tapered - closure component is tapered and may be lifted from seating
surface before rotating to close or open.
Closure Member Closure Member - the movable part of the valve which is positioned in the flow path to modify the
rate of flow through the valve. Some of the different types of closure members are
the Ball, Disc, Gate, and Plug; sometimes referred to as Closure Element.
Closure Member - the part of a valve which is positioned in the flow stream to permit, obstruct or
regulate flow.
Closure Member Types - ball, disk, gate, plug.
CLR - Crack Length Ratio
Clutch - any device for connecting and disconnecting two rotating shafts, such as a device that
transmits or prevents the transmission of the driving force from engine to gearbox in
a motor, or from actuator to valve.
CM - Compact Modular
CME - Conditioning and Monitoring Element
CNG - Compressed Natural Gas
CO - Cobalt
CO2 - Carbon Dioxide
Coalesce Coalesce - to bring together into one mass or whole
Coalesce - to come together and combine to form one substance.
Coalescence - a term used to describe the bonding of materials into one continuous body, with
or without melting along the bond line, as in welding or diffusion bonding.
Coarsening - an increase in the grain size of metals, usually by heating for a time and at a
temperature where grain growth is rapid.
Coastal Installation - an installation located within 1 km of open saliferous water. This may
include jetties etc. that project into the water.
Coated Electrode - a welding electrode consisting of a metal core wire with a relatively thick
covering of flux.
Coating System - a term which refers to the applied and cured multilayer film or to the
components of a system based on non-paint type coating.
Cobalt Cobalt - a hard, grey, ductile metallic chemical element, used in making magnetic, wear resistant
and high strength alloys; also used in industrial radiography.
Cobalt - a hard, silvery-white metallic element commonly used in alloys to produce cutting tools
and magnets; abbreviated Co.
Cobalt - cobalt has a high solubility in a- and i-iron but has a weak carbide-forming tendency. It
produces red shortness, increases residual magnetism and coercive force. It
decreases hardenability but sustains hardness during tempering. It is used in
satellite (cutting tool), gas turbine steels and magnetic steels.
Cobalt - it occurs in nature in the mineral smallite (CoAs2) and cobalite (CoAs2) usually
associated with nickel. The metal is obtained by reducing the oxide with aluminum.
Metallic cobalt is silvery white with a slight reddish tinge. It is less reactive than
iron, and displaces hydrogen slowly from dilute acids. It is used in special alloys
including Alnico, a strong ferromagnetic alloy of aluminum, nickel, cobalt and iron,
which is used for making permanent magnets.
Cock Cock - a form of shut-off device, comprising a body having a parallel or taper seating into which is
fitted a plug which can be turned to move its port or ports relative to the body ports
to control the flow of fluid. Cocks do not incorporate the design features peculiar to
plug valves for reducing the friction between the plug face and body seat.

Cock - a small plug valve; also called Plug Cock

Cock - a valve type device with an inside rotating plug to shut off the flow of a liquid or gas.
CoCr-A Hardfacing - a cobalt-based, 30% chromium, 5% tungsten alloy, also called Stellite 6.
It maintains its wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and hardness under severe
high temperature (up to 1,500 Fahrenheit), high-pressure conditions. It is used as
a welded overlay to form seating surfaces on gate, globe, and check valves, and on
seat rings in metal seated ball valves.
COD - Chemical Oxygen on Demand
CODAP - (French code for the manufacture of unfired pressure vessels)
Coefficient - a multiplier or factor that measures a specific property of a substance.
Coefficient of Expansion - a number indicating the degree of expansion or contraction of a
substance. The coefficient of expansion is not constant and varies with changes in
temperature. For linear expansion it is expressed as the change in length of one
unit of length of a substance having one degree rise in temperature.
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion - average expansion per degree over a stated temperature
range, expressed as a fraction of initial dimension. May be linear or volumetric.
Coefficient of Velocity - the ratio between the measured discharge velocity and the theoretical
discharge velocity of a liquid through an orifice.
Coefficient of Volume (CV) - the number of gallons per minute of water required to pass through
a valve to create a pressure drop of 1 psi; abbreviated Cv.
COFL - Cover Flange Thermowell Nozzle
Cog - a tooth on the edge of a wheel.
Cogging - the operation of rolling or forging an ingot to reduce it to a bloom or billet.
Cogwheel Cogwheel - a wheel with radial teeth on its rim.
Cogwheel - a wheel with teeth around its edge.
Cogwheel - a wheel with teeth, usually metal.
Cohesiveness - in casting, the property of a molding sand by virtue of which it sticks to the
particles of sand amongst itself. Coarse-grained sand gives better cohesiveness
than round-grained sand particles.
Coil Voltage - the voltage at which the coil must be energized if the valve is to perform as stated
in the specifications. Many coils are designed to operate at +10% and -15% of their
rated voltages.
Coke Coke - a solid carbon product produced by thermal cracking.
Coke - the basic fuel consumed in blast furnaces in the smelting of iron. Coke is a processed
form of coal. About 1,000 pounds of coke are needed to process a ton of pig iron,
an amount which represents more than 50% of an integrated steel mill's total
energy use. Metallurgical coal burns sporadically and reduces into a sticky mass.
Processed coke, however, burns steadily inside and out, and is not crushed by the
weight of the iron ore in the blast furnace. Inside the narrow confines of the coke
oven, coal is heated without oxygen for 18 hours to drive off gases and impurities.
Coke - the residue obtained after burning coal out of contact with air. It is a grey colored, hard
and porous substance containing about 90% carbon and the rest consists of
sulphur, phosphorus etc. Coke burns with air to produce the heat necessary for the
process of smelting. It also combines with the oxygen of iron oxide and thus
reduces it to metallic iron and then combines with metallic iron.
Coke Oven Battery - a set of ovens that process coal into coke. Coke ovens are constructed in
batteries of 10 - 100 ovens that are 20 feet tall, 40 feet long, and less than two feet
wide. Coke batteries, because of the exhaust fumes emitted when coke is pushed
from the ovens, often are the dirtiest area of a steel mill complex.
Coking - severe oxidation of a material into a hard, black carbon deposit. Coking is usually
encountered on the atmospheric side of high temperature seals and can hang up
seal components.
Cold Chamber Die Casting - a die-casting process in which molten metal is ladled either
manually or mechanically into a relatively cold cylinder, from which it is forced into
the die cavity.

Cold Chisel - a hardened and tempered steel chisel without a handle, for cutting or chipping cold
metal.
Cold Cracking - cracks in cold, or nearly cold, metal, due to excessive internal stress caused by
contraction.
Cold Deforming - see Cold Working
Cold Drawing Cold Drawing - pulling rod, tubing or wire through one or more dies that reduce its cross section,
without applying heat either before or during reduction.
Cold Drawing - the process of pulling a "conditioned' bar (pickled and limed or grit blasted)
through a die for the purpose of producing a bright, smooth surface finish and close
tolerances.
Cold Extrusion - striking a cold metal slug in a punch and die operation so that metal is forced
back around the die; also known as Cold Forging; Cold Pressing; Extrusion
Pressing; Impact Extrusion.
Cold Finished - referring to a primary mill metal product, such as strip, bar, tubing or wire, whose
final shaping operation was performed cold; the material has more precise
dimensions, and usually higher tensile and yield strength, than a comparable shape
whose final shaping operation was performed hot.
Cold Flexibility - flexibility allowing exposure to a predetermined low temperature for a
predetermined time.
Cold Forging - see Cold Extrusion
Cold Forming Cold Forming - 1) any operation to shape metal which is performed cold; 2) shaping sheet metal,
rod or wire by bending, drawing, stretching or other stamping operations without the
application of heat.
Cold Forming - see Cold Working
Cold Galvanizing - painting a metal with a suspension of zinc particles in a solvent, so that a thin
zinc coating remain after the organic solvent evaporates.
Cold Heading - cold working a metal by application of axial compressive forces that upset metal
and increase the cross-sectional area over at least a portion of the length of the
starting stock; also known as Upsetting.
Cold Pressing - see Cold Extrusion
Cold Reducing - see Cold Working
Cold Reduction - finishing mills roll cold coils of pickled hot-rolled sheet to make the steel
thinner, smoother, and stronger, by applying pressure, rather than heat. Stands of
rolls in a cold-reduction mill are set very close together and press a sheet of steel
from one-quarter inch thick into less than an eighth of an inch, while more than
doubling its length.
Cold Resistant - able to withstand the effects of cold or low temperatures without the loss of
serviceability.
Cold Roll Forming - a process of forming shapes of uniform cross-section from sheet strip, or
coiled stock by feeding it longitudinally through successive pairs of rolls, each pair
of rolls progressively forming the stock until the finished cross-section is formed.
Cold Rolled Steel Sheet - smooth surfaced, close tolerance steel sheets made by passing hot
rolled sheets through a series of rollers to further reduce thickness and cause cold
working to increase strength.
Cold Rolled Strip (Sheet) - sheet steel that has been pickled and run through a cold-reduction
mill. Strip has a final product width of approximately 12 inches, while sheet may be
more than 80 inches wide. Cold-rolled sheet is considerably thinner and stronger
than hot-rolled sheet.
Cold Rolling Cold Rolling - metal having been rolled into sheets while cold, resulting in a smooth, hard finish.
Cold Rolling - rolling metal at about room temperature, the process reduces thickness, increases
tensile and yield strengths, improves fatigue resistance, and produces a smooth,
lustrous or semi lustrous finish.
Cold Short Cold Short - a lack of ductility at atmospheric temperatures.

Cold Short - metal that is brittle in its cold state.

Cold Treatment - subzero treatment of a metal part, usually at -65 F, -100 F or liquid nitrogen
temperature, to induce metallurgical changes that either stabilize dimensions,
complete a phase transformation or condition the metal and prepare it for further
processing.
Cold Welding - a solid state welding process carried out at room temperature by the application
of external mechanical forces. High mechanical forces produce substantial
deformation at the weld to form a coalesced mass. This process is suitable for
welding similar and dissimilar metals like aluminum, cadmium, lead, copper, nickel,
zinc, silver and their alloys. The main characteristic of cold welding is the total
absence of heat and flux. Cold pressure welding is based on the following principle.
A surface of materials consists of crests and valleys. These surfaces consist of a
thin layer of oxides. The usual thickness of oxide film on the surface varies from 20
to 200 molecules thick. These oxide films also contain a thin layer of moisture
absorbed in it. When two such surfaces are pressed together, the oxide films from
high spots fragmentizes and the metal underneath suffers plastic deformation. Due
to fragmentation of oxide film, metal-to-metal contact occurs. Thus the metallic
pieces under pressure weld together to form a coalesced mass. In cold weldings,
heavy indentations on the outer surfaces of the workpieces occur. Provided the
surfaces are reasonably clean, nearly 50 per cent reduction in thickness at the
welded portion occurs in this process.
Cold Working Cold Working - any plastic deformation of a metal carried out below its recrystallization
temperature; the process always induces strain hardening to a degree directly
related to the percent reduction in cross section.
Cold Working - deforming metal plastically under conditions of temperature and strain rate that
induce strain hardening;
usually, but not necessarily, conducted at room
temperature; compare with Hot Working.
Cold Working - strengthening of steel by rolling, pressing, pounding, drawing, etc. at ordinary
temperature, causing a slippage of the internal grains and their realignment into a
stronger oriented plane. The effects of cold working can be removed by heat
(Annealing); also called Work Hardening.
Cold Working (Rolling) - changes in the structure and shape of steel achieved through rolling,
hammering, or stretching the steel at a low temperature (often room temperature).
Used to create a permanent increase in the hardness and strength of the steel. The
application of forces to the steel causes changes in the composition that enhance
certain properties.
In order for these improvements to be sustained, the
temperature must be below a certain range, because the structural changes are
eliminated by higher temperatures.
Collapsibility - it is difficult to remove a casting from sand if the sand becomes hard after
solidification of metal. The sand must be easily collapsible so that the casting is
taken out easily.
Collar Collar - a rectangular section ring secured or integral with a shaft to provide axial location for a
bearing or to prevent axial movement of a shaft through a thrust bearing.
Collar - a rigid, ring shaped machine element that is forced onto or clamped around a shaft or
similar member to restrict axial motion, provide a locating surface or cover an
opening.
Collar - a ring placed around an object to restrict its motion, hold it in place, or cover an opening.
Collar Bearing Collar Bearing - a bearing that resists the axial force of a collar on a rotating shaft.
Collar Bearing - a bearing which is provided with several collars to take the trust of a shaft or to
provide adequate surfaces for lubrication of a vertical shaft.
Collar Headed Screw - a screw in which the head has an integral collar to stop any fluid leakage
past the threads.
Collet - a segmented band put round a shaft and tightened in order to grip it.
Colmonoy - a series of high nickel alloys (manufactured by Wall Colmonoy Corp.) used for hard
facing of surfaces subject to erosion.

Combined Load - simultaneously acting radial and axial load

Commercially Smooth - degree of smoothness of the surface of an article which is acceptable
for use.
Common Port - the port of a three way valve that connects to the other two flow paths.
Companion Flange - a pipe flange that can be bolted to a similar flange on another pipe.
Complex Brasses - alloys of copper and zinc with one or more other metals to impart desired
characteristics, such as manganese, bronze, naval brass, sterrometal, delta metal,
tobin bronze.
Compliance - the reciprocal of stiffness
Composite Material - artificial material with several components
Compound - a term applied to a mixture of polymers and other ingredients to produce a usable
rubber material.
Compound Gland Cock - any type of cock in which packing material is inserted to effect a seal
between the plug face and the body seat.
Compressed Air Compressed Air - air at any pressure greater than atmospheric pressure.
Compressed Air - air reduced in volume by pressure and held in a container. Work done by its
expansion may be used to operate machines, tools, etc.
Compressed Air - air which is under a pressure greater than the prevailing atmospheric pressure.
Compressibility Compressibility - the change in volume of a unit volume of a fluid when it is subjected to a unit
change of pressure.
Compressibility - volumetric strain per unit change in hydrostatic pressure.
Compression - the total shortening in length produced in a test specimen during a compressive
test. It is usually expressed as a percentage of the original length of the specimen.
Compression Modulus - the ratio of the compressive stress to the resulting compressive strain
(the latter expressed as a fraction of the original height or thickness in the direction
of the force). Compression modulus may be either static or dynamic.
Compression Set - the amount by which a rubber specimen fails to return to original shape after
release of compressive load; see Set.
Compression Test Compression Test - a destructive test for determining fracture strength, yield strength, ductility
and elastic modulus by progressively loading a short column specimen in
compression.
Compression Test - the test of a specimen under increasing compressive force, often until it fails,
and the recording of the stress-strain relationship.
Compressive Strength Compressive Strength - the ability of a material to withstand compressive (squeezing) loads
without being crushed or broken. The material is in compression.
Compressive Strength - the maximum compressive stress a material can withstand without
failure.
Compressive Strength - the resistance of a material to breaking under compression; compare
with Tensile Strength.
Compressor Compressor - a device causes a gas to flow against a pressure, converting mechanical energy
into fluid power; see also Fluid Power.
Compressor - a device that converts mechanical force and motion into pneumatic fluid power.
Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) - a popular type of control system for vertical
machining centers, lathes, injection molding machines, and other tools used to
fabricate a valve.
CONC - Concentric
Concentric Concentric - having a common center
Concentric - having the same center
Concentric Disc - used in lined butterfly valves, which has a conventional (concentric) disc. It
pivots on a single shaft, which passes through its center, or on two partial shafts,

also centered.
Condensate Condensate - 1) the liquid product of a condensing cycle; 2) a light hydrocarbon mixture formed
by expanding and cooling gas in a gas-recycling plant to produce a liquid output.
Condensate (Gas Condensate) - light hydrocarbon fractions produced with natural gas, which
condense into liquid at normal temperatures and pressures associated with surface
production equipment.
Condensate Pot - a section of pipe (100mm. diameter) typically installed horizontally at the
orifice flange union to provide a large-area surge surface for movement of the
impulse line fluid with instrument element position change to reduce measurement
error from hydrostatic head difference in the impulse lines.
Condensate Trap - 1) a device to separate saturated water from steam in a pipe or piece of
process equipment; 2) a device used to trap and retain condensate in a
measurement impulse line to prevent hot vapors from reaching the instrument.
Condensation - the change from a gaseous (or vapor) state to a liquid state.
Conductance - the figure of merit of a valve can be expressed as the maximum number of Torr
l/sec of gas which can pass from the plane of the inlet port to the plane of the outlet
port.
Conduction - the transmission of heat through and by means of matter unaccompanied by any
obvious motion in the matter.
Conduit Conduit - 1) a tube with electric wires inside; 2) a large pipe.
Conduit - a channel or pipe conveying liquid or gas.
Conduit - any channel, duct, pipe or tube for transmitting fluid along a defined flow path.
Conduit (Electrical) - thin-wall pipe used to enclose wiring.
Conduit (Liquid) - any channel, duct, pipe or tube for transmitting fluid along a defined flow path.
Cone Bearing - a tapered sleeve bearing in the shape of a truncated cone that runs in a
correspondingly tapered bearing block.
Cone Valve - a divergent valve whose cone-shaped head in a fixed cylinder spreads water
around the wide, downstream end of the cone in spillways of dams or hydroelectric
facilities; also known as Howell-Bunger Valve.
Conform Conform - to meet or comply with standards or rules
Conformance - compliance with specified requirements
Conical Orifice - an orifice having a 45 bevel on the inlet edge to yield more constant and
predictable discharge coefficient at low flow velocity (Reynolds number less than
10,000).
Connections - includes nozzles, manways, inspection openings, equipment connections, and
similar openings in the pressure-containing parts of pressure vessels.
Constrained Ball Valve - a ball valve in which the valve is made up of three pieces incorporating
a body and two body connectors, the latter featuring body ends. The design is so
arranged that the body cannot be removed without significant lateral displacement
of the body connectors.
Consumable Electrode - an arc welding electrode that melts during welding to provide the filler
metal.
Consumable Insert - a piece of metal placed in the root of a weld prior to welding and which
melts during welding to supply part of the filler metal.
Consumables - those materials or component are depleted or require periodic replacement
through normal use of the instrument.
Contact - a connection or switch to make or break an electrical circuit.
Container - a portable compartment of standard, uniform size, used to hold cargo for air, sea, or
ground transport.
Containerization - the practice of placing cargo in large containers such as truck trailers to
facilitate loading on and off ships and railroad flat cars.
Contaminant - detrimental matter in a fluid
Continuity Equation - the mass rate of fluid flow into any fixed space is equal to the mass flow
rate out. Hence, the mass flow rate of fluid past all cross sections of a conduit is

equal.
Continuous Casting - a method of pouring steel directly from the furnace into a billet, bloom, or
slab directly from its molten form. Continuous casting avoids the need for large,
expensive mills for rolling ingots into slabs. Continuous cast slabs also solidify in a
few minutes versus several hours for an ingot. Because of this, the chemical
composition and mechanical properties are more uniform. Steel from the BOF or
electric furnace is poured into a tundish (a shallow vessel that looks like a bathtub)
atop the continuous caster. As steel carefully flows from the tundish down into the
water-cooled copper mold of the caster, it solidifies into a ribbon of red-hot steel. At
the bottom of the caster, torches cut the continuously flowing steel to form slabs or
blooms.
Continuous Duty - a rating given a coil under normal operating conditions that can be used
continuously without overheating or failure.
Continuous Duty Rating Continuous Duty Rating - the maximum power or other operating characteristic that a specific
device can sustain indefinitely without significant degradation of its functions.
Continuous Rating - 1) the rating applicable to specified operation for a specified uninterrupted
length of time; 2) a defined power input or set of operating variables that represent
the maximum values for operating a device continuously for an indefinite time
without reducing its normal service life.
Continuous Running Duty Duty Type S1 - operation at constant load of sufficient duration for
thermal equilibrium to be reached.
Continuous Sequence - a longitudinal welding sequence in which each pass is made
continuously from one end of the joint to the other.
Continuous Sheet Galvanizing - a continuous process used to produce a zinc coating on steel
sheet by immersion in a bath of molten zinc. Controlled wiping of the coating after
galvanizing produces thin uniform coatings of zinc (with no alloy layers), usually 15
to 20 um (0.6 - 0.8 mils) thick. The coating is sufficiently ductile to withstand deep
drawing or bending.
Continuous Weld Continuous Weld - a weld that extends without interruption for its entire length. It is necessary to
weld all the seams completely in order to develop maximum strength throughout the
weld.
Continuous Weld - a welded joint where the fusion zone is continuous along the entire length of
the joint.
Contract - a simple contract for work consists of a signed agreement between two parties of
whom the second, known as the contractor, agrees to execute certain work in
consideration of a stated remuneration which the first party, formally called the
employed ( or owner ), agrees to pay him for the work.
Contract Documents - in addition to the agreement, other documents which are usually a legal
part of a construction contract include the drawings, specifications, general
conditions, supplementary condition, instructions of bidders and addendum.
Contravene - to break or disobey a rule or standard; non-conformance.
Control - a device used to regulate the function of a component or system.
Control Cylinder - a control in which a fluid cylinder is the actuating device.
Control Drawing - a drawing or other document provided by the manufacturer of the intrinsically
safe or associated apparatus that details the allowed interconnections between the
intrinsically safe and associated apparatus.
Control Valve Control Valve - 1) any valve which controls pressure, rate of flow, or flow direction in a fluid or
gas filled system; 2) a final controlling element, through which a fluid or gas
passes, which adjusts the size of flow passage as directed by a signal from a
controller to modify the rate of flow of the fluid; 3) a device, other than a common,
hand actuated ON-OFF valve or self actuated check valve, that directly manipulates
the flow of one or more fluid process streams. It is expected that use of the
designation "hand control valve" is limited to hand actuated valves that (a) are used
for process throttling, or (b) require identification as an instrument; 4) a power
operated device which modifies the fluid flow rate in a process control system. It

consists of a valve connected to an actuator mechanism that is capable of changing

the position of a flow controlling element in the valve in response to a signal from
the controlling system; 5) a final controlling element, through which a fluid or gas
passes, which adjusts the size of flow passage as directed by a signal from a
controller to modify the rate of flow.
Control Valve - a power-operated device used to modify the fluid flow rate in a process control
system. It usually consists of a body or valve and an actuator, which responds to a
signal from the controlling system and changes the position of a flow controlling
element in the valve; also known as Final Control Element.
Control Valve - a valve that regulates the flow or pressure of a medium that 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.
Control Valve - a valve used as a component of an automatic control system. It continuously and
accurately controls the flow rate of a fluid. Generally, it is a butterfly valve, a
diaphragm valve, or a modified form of a globe valve or a ball valve.
Control Valve - a valve used to automatically regulate the flow of fluid in a control system in
response to a process signal from a sensing element. Valves of the globe type and
other types, such as butterfly, ball and diaphragm are extensively used. Usually a
controller or a positioner with an air, hydraulic or electric actuator is used to set the
valve.
Control Valve - a valve which controls pressure, volume, or flow direction in a fluid transmission
system.
Control Valve - a valve which is used for controlling constant flow in pipeline irrespective of
pressure.
Control Valve - a valve which regulates the flow or pressure of a fluid. Control valves normally
respond to signals generated by independent devices such as flow meters,
temperature gauges, etc. Control valves are normally fitted with actuators and
positioners. Pneumatically-actuated globe valves are widely used for control
purposes in many industries, although quarter-turn types such as (modified) ball
and butterfly valves may also be used.
Control Valve - a valve which regulates the flow or pressure of a medium which affects some
controlled process. Control valves are usually operated by remote signals from
independent devices using control mechanisms powered electrically, pneumatically,
electro-hydraulically, etc.
Control Valve - a valve which regulates the flow or pressure of a fluid. Control valves normally
respond to signals generated by independent devices such as flow meters,
temperature gauges, etc. Control valves are normally fitted with actuators and
positioners. Pneumatically-actuated globe valves are widely used for control
purposes.
Control Valve - designed to ensure accurate proportioning control of flow. It automatically varies
the rate of flow based on signals it receives from sensing devices in a continuous
process. Some valves are designed specifically as control valves. However, most
types of valves can be used control valves, both linear and rotary motion, by the
addition of power actuators, positioners and other accessories.
Control Valve Gain Control Valve Gain - the change in the flow rate as a function of the change in valve travel. It is
the slope of the installed or of the inherent valve flow characteristic curve and must
be designated as installed or inherent.
Control Valve Gain - the relationship between valve travel and the flow rate through the valve. It
is described by means of a curve on a graph expressed as an installed or inherent
characteristic.
Control, Electric - a control actuated electrically.
Control, Hydraulic - a control actuated by a liquid.
Control, Manual - a control actuated by the operator.
Control, Mechanical - a control actuated by linkages, gears, screws, cams, or other mechanical
elements.
Control, Pneumatic - a control actuated by air or other gas pressure.

Control, Servo - a control actuated by a feedback system that compares the output with the
reference signal and makes corrections to reduce the difference.
Controller Controller - a component of an automatic control system that compares input and feedback
signals and generates an error signal based on the difference between the two.
Controller - a device which tells a control valve what to do. Controllers can be either pneumatic
or electronic. There are pressure, temperature, ph, level, differential, and flow
controllers. The job of the controller is to sense one of the above variables and
compare it to a set point that has been established. The controller then outputs a
signal either pneumatic or electronic to the control valve, which then responds so as
to bring the process variable to the desired set point.
Controller - an instrument actuated by a control signal (pneumatic, electric, etc.) for controlling
process variables.
Conventional Port - see Reduced Bore
Convergent - that which inclines and approaches nearer together, as the inner walls of a tube
that is constricted.
Cooler - a heat exchanger, which removes heat from a fluid.
Cooler, Aftercooler - a device that cools a gas after it has been compressed.
Cooler, Intercooler - a device that cools a gas between the compressive steps of a multiple
stage compressor.
Cooler, Precooler - a device that cools a gas before it is compressed.
Cope - the upper part of a molding flask
Copolymer - a polymer consisting of two different monomers chemically combined.
Copper - a soft, reddish-brown metallic element that is an excellent conductor of heat and
electricity; abbreviated Cu.
Core Core - a part used for making hollow castings.
Core - in a ferrous alloy, the inner portion that is softer than the outer portion or Case.
Core Oil - linseed oil (vegetable oil), whale oil and mineral oil are used for making casting cores.
These oils are present from 0.5 to 3% by weight in making cores. These oils
provide strength to the cores after baking.
Core Prints - in casting, projections on patterns required for supporting the cores.
Cored Forging - the process of cored forging is made up of hot-forming parts in dies that include
movable cores for internal shaping.
COREX - COREX is a coal-based smelting process that yields hot metal or pig iron. The output
can be used by integrated mills or EAF mills. The process gasifies non-coking coal
in a smelting reactor, which also produces liquid iron. The gasified coal is fed into a
shaft furnace, where it removes oxygen from iron ore lumps, pellets or sinter; the
reduced iron is then fed to the smelting reactor.
Corliss Valve Corliss Valve - a steam-engine valve having an oscillation rotary motion over a port for admission
of steam and its exhaust, the motion being controlled by an eccentric-driven wrist
plate.
Corliss Valve - a type of valve used to admit steam to, or exhaust it from, a reciprocating engine
cylinder.
Corliss Valve - an oscillating type of valve gear with a trip mechanism for the admission and
exhaust of steam to and from and engine cylinder.
Corrode - to eat into by chemical action; e.g. iron corrodes in air and water.
Corrode - to eat into or wear away metal or other hard material gradually, as by rusting or by
chemical action.
Corrosion Corrosion - 1) deterioration of a substance (usually a metal) because of a reaction with its
environment; 2) the wasting away of metals due to chemical action in a boiler;
usually caused by the presence of O2, CO2 or an acid.
Corrosion - a surface deterioration of metal with moisture and oxygen, such as when rust forms.
Corrosion - deterioration due to prolonged adverse physical condition. Corrosion resistant alloys
are generally non-ferrous based.

Corrosion - deterioration of materials (usually metals) due to chemical and/or electrical action.
Corrosion - one metal which is particularly prone to corrosion attack is plain carbon steel. The
uses of carbon steel are numerous. Almost the whole of our engineering industry is
based on steel because of its unique mechanical properties, so it is especially
unfortunate that this important material proves to be so vulnerable. When steel is
exposed to the atmosphere, a chemical reaction takes place between the iron in the
steel and the oxygen in the air and iron oxide is produced. This iron oxide forms a
weak porous scale on the steel which flakes off quite easily. With this flaking, the
steel below is once more exposed to attack and the rusting cycle begins again. The
rate at which rusting takes place may be speeded up by various factors, the most
common of which is the presence of moisture. Rusting cannot take place in the
absence of air and moisture.
Corrosion - the gradual degradation or alteration of steel caused by atmosphere, moisture, or
other agents.
Corrosion - the slow destruction of materials by chemical agents and electromechanical
reactions.
Corrosion - the wear a metal undergoes due to the action of acids, alkalies, oxygen etc. on it.
Rusting of iron can be cited as an example.
Corrosion (Packing) - corrosion of rigid member (usually metal) where it contacts packing. The
actual corroding agent is fluid medium trapped in the interface.
Corrosion Coupon - see Coupon
Corrosion Fatigue Corrosion Fatigue - a synergistic interaction of the failure mechanisms corrosion and fatigue such
that cracking occurs much more rapidly than would be predicted by simply adding
their separate effects; failure by corrosion fatigue requires the simultaneous
presence of a cyclic stress and a corrosive environment.
Corrosion Fatigue - fatigue which is accelerated by corrosion of the material under stress. For
example, ferrous metals in a salt-water atmosphere.
Corrosion Fatigue - the corrosion of a metal combined with alternating or repeated stress to
accelerate fatigue. The severity of this action depends upon the range and
frequency of the stress, the intensity of corroding conditions, and the time during
which such conditions operate. The fracture caused by corrosion resembles a
fatigue fracture, but may show discoloration, dark at the origin and grading away to
a lighter shade with increasing distance from it.
Corrosion Protection - preventing corrosion or reducing the rate of corrosive attack by any of
several means including coating a metal surface with a paint, electroplate, rust
preventive oil, anodized coating or conversion coating; adding a corrosion inhibiting
chemical to the environment; using a sacrificial anode; or using an impressed
electric current.
Corrosive - any substance or environment that causes corrosion.
Corrosive (Packing) - a property of packing in which it is assumed, often incorrectly, to promote
corrosion of the rigid member by the trapped fluid.
Corrosive Flux - a soldering flux that removes oxides from the base metal when the joint is
heated to apply solder; the flux is usually composed of inorganic salts and acids
which are corrosive and must be removed before placing the soldered components
in service to ensure maximum service life.
Corrosiveness - the degree to which a substance causes corrosion.
Corrugate - to form into ridges and grooves
Corzan - see Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC)
Cost and Freight - cost is paid port-to-port, uninsured, and does not include cost from port to
buyers end destination; abbreviated CFR.
Cost, Insurance and Freight - same as Cost and Freight, plus insurance; abbreviated CIFR
Cotter Cotter - a tapered part similar to a wedge or key that can be driven into a tapered hole to hold an
assembly together.
Cotter - a tapered wedge, rod or pin which passes through a slotted hole in one member and
bearing against the end of a second encircling member whose axial position is to be
fixed or adjustable.

Cotter Pin Cotter Pin - a split pin, inserted into a hole, to hold a nut or cotter securely to a bolt or shaft, or to
hold a pair of hinge plates together.
Cotter Pin - a split pin, usually formed by folding a length of half round wire back on itself; the pin
is inserted into a hole and then is bent to keep a castle nut from turning on a bolt, to
hold a cotter securely in place, to hold hinge plates together, or to pin various other
machine parts together; also known as Cotter Key.
Cotter Pin - a split-pin inserted in a hole, as in a cotter, to disallow loosening under vibration.
Cotter Way - the slot cut in a rod to receive a cotter.
Coulomb - metric unit for quantity of electricity.
Counterbalance Valve - a pressure control valve that maintains back pressure to prevent a load
from falling.
Counterblow Hammer - a forging hammer in which the ram and anvil are driven toward each
other by compressed air or steam.
Couple Couple - 1) to connect two things; 2) a pair of equal but opposite forces that are applied to
different points on the same object, producing a turning effect.
Couple - a system of two parallel forces of equal magnitude and opposite sense.
Coupling Coupling - 1) any device that serves to connect the ends of adjacent parts; 2) a metal collar with
eternal threads used to connect two sections of threaded pipe.
Coupling - a link joining machinery parts.
Coupon - a polished metal strip of specified size and weight used to detect the corrosive action
of liquid or gas products or to test the efficiency of corrosion-inhibitor additives; also
known as Corrosion Coupon.
Cover Cover - 1) a valve with enclosed spring. The component which covers the top of the spring pipe
and houses the load adjustment components; 2) a valve with open spring. The
components which closes the body aperture through which access is obtained to
the internal parts of the valve and which houses the cover bush.
Cover - 1) that component which closes the body aperture, through which access is obtained to
the internal parts of the valve; 2) that component to which the valve head and
weight casing are secured, thus transmitting the load to the valve head; also known
as Cap, Lid, Bonnet.
Cover - see Cap
Cover Bolting - comprises bolts, stud bolts, studs, set screws and nuts used for the body/cover
connection.
Cover Bush - 1) a valve with enclosed spring. An internally threaded bush in the cover with
which the adjusting screw engages; 2) a valve with open spring. A bush in the
cover to guide the stem.
Cover Components - those parts which are associated, but not integral, with the cover.
Cover Fastenings - those components, including bolts, stud-bolts, studs, set screws, nuts,
clamps and clips, which fix the cover to the body.
Cover Flange Cover Flange - 1) a valve with enclosed spring. The flange on the cover to which the spring
pipe/cover flange is connected; 2) a valve with open spring. The flange on the
cover to which the body/cover flange is connected.
Cover Flange - 1) the flange which connects the cover to the body/cover flange; 2) the flange on
the cover to which the weight casing/cover flange is connected.
Cover Gasket - a component for effecting a fluid-tight joint in a body/cover connection.
Cover Glass - a clear glass used in welding goggles, hand shields and helmets.
Cover Ring Joint - a joint, in the form of a metal ring, which engages with grooves in the mating
flanges of the body/cover connection.
Cover Seal - a seal for effecting a fluid-tight joint between the body and cover.
Cover Shielded Arc Electrode - a welding filler metal electrode consisting of a metal core with a
relatively thick covering of flux.
Cover Union Nut - a nut or ring securing the cover to the body where the body/cover connection

is of the union type.

Covered Electrode - a metal electrode which is used in electric arc welding. It is covered with a
material designed to improve the weld metal and stabilize the arc.
CP - Cathodic Protection
CPOC - Carigali PTTEP International Operating Company
CPT - 1) Critical Pitting Temperature, 2) Cost Plus Transport, 3) Carriage Paid To
CPVC - Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride
CR - Chloroprene Rubber (Neoprene)
Cr - Chromium
CR 13 CR 13 - 13% chromium martensitic stainless steel, used as valve trim.
CR 13 - 13% Chromium Stainless Steel
CRA - Corrosion Resistant Alloy
Crack Crack - 1) a fissure in a part where it has been broken but not completely severed into two
pieces; 2) the fissure or chink between adjacent components of a mechanical
assembly; 3) to incompletely sever a solid material, usually by overstressing it; 4)
to open a valve, hatch, door or other similar device a very slight amount.
Crack - one of the most serious defects in welding. Cracks are formed either in the parent metal
or the weld itself. In steels this defect is caused due to carbon pick-up. Carbon
pick-up means an increase in the carbon content of the weld. Carbon is picked up
by the weld due to the diffusion phenomenon that takes place at a rapid rate at high
temperatures. Carbon is picked up by the weld from the parent metal. It increases
brittleness of the weld, which develops cracks on solidification. This defect can be
overcome by buttering. Buttering means depositing a layer of weld metal on the
faces before actually starting the welding operation. During welding, some carbon
is picked up by this metal and the remaining weld remains safe, free from stresses.
Crack - to break down long-chain hydrocarbons produced during petroleum refining into lighter,
more useful short-chain products.
Crack - to open something slightly, for instance, a valve.
Cracked - molecules broken by certain refining processes...this is the opposite of a straight-run.
Cracking Cracking - a process that is used to reduce the molecular weight of hydrocarbons by breaking the
molecular bonds by various thermal, catalytic, or hydro cracking methods.
Cracking - a sharp break or fissure in the surface. Generally due to excessive strain.
Cracking - the thermal decomposition of complex hydrocarbons into simpler compounds or
elements.
Cracking Coil - a coil used for cracking heavy petroleum products.
Cracking Furnace - a furnace used to produce enough heat to reduce the molecular weight of
hydrocarbons by breaking the molecular bonds.
Cracking Process - a method of manufacturing gasoline and other hydrocarbon products by
heating crude petroleum distillation fractions or residues in the presence of a
catalyst so that they are broken down into lighter hydrocarbon products, some of
which can be distilled off.
Cracking Still - the furnace, reaction chamber, and fractionator for thermal conversion of heavier
charging stock to gasoline.
Crater Crater - a depression at the finishing end of a weld bead.
Crater - a depression at the termination of a weld bead.
Crazing Crazing - 1) the formation of random, very thin, hairline cracks on the surface of a concrete
slab. Too rapid drying of the surface usually causes them; 2) in painting or gluing,
minute cracks in the film due to extreme cold, lack of elasticity, or shrinkage.
Crazing - 1) a network of fine, shallow cracks at the surface of a coating, solid metal or plastics
material; 2) development of such a network.
Creep Creep - a slow plastic deformation of a metal under stress, especially at high temperature.

Creep - a time-dependent strain of solids caused by stress.

Creep - at high temperatures, such as are encountered in steam boilers, turbines and piping, the
deformation of materials ceases to be elastic and becomes plastic with a
continuous increase under a constant load. The equilibrium between stress and
load is not established, even after a very long time. The material under tensile
stress continues to stretch or creep. Creep is measured in terms of plastic
deformation during a certain time. The limiting creep stress for a certain
temperature is the maximum stress under which the material will not fail during a
prescribed length of time.
Creep - slow plastic deformation of materials under constant stress. Under the influence of
creep, a material deforms slowly but progressively over a period of time. Creep can
take place and lead to fracture at static stresses much smaller than those which will
break the specimen when loaded quickly.
Creep - the plastic flow of pipe within a system; the permanent set in metal caused by stresses
at high temperatures. Generally associated with a time rate of deformation.
Creep - the progressive relaxation of a given rubber material while it under stress. This
relaxation eventually results in permanent deformation or "set".
Creep - the slow deformation with time of a metal, under stress, usually occurring at high
temperatures.
Creep - time dependent plastic strain occurring in a metal or other material under stress, usually
at elevated temperature.
Creep (Flow of Metals) - a phase of plastic or inelastic action. At sufficiently high temperatures,
practically all metals creep under stress, which varies with temperature. This
deformation due to creep continues to increase indefinitely with time.
Creep (in Metals) - when a metal gets stressed under steady load it changes in length and other
physical dimensions. If it does not get returned to the original dimensions when the
load gets removed, creep has deformed it. Above certain limits of stress, varying
from metal to metal, the material will creep continuously even is only minutely.
Normally this is a problem only at high temperature.
Creep Buckling - buckling that may occur when compressive load is maintained on a member
over a long period, leading to creep, which eventually reduces the members
bending stiffness.
Creep Grinding - a grinding operation that uses slow feed rates and produces heavy stock
removal; also known as Creep-Feed Grinding.
Creep Limit - the maximum stress a given material can withstand in a given time without
exceeding a specified quantity of creep.
Creep Recovery - strain developed in a period of time after release of load in a creep test.
Creep Rupture Strength - the stress which, at a given temperature, will cause a material to
rupture in a given time.
Creep Strength Creep Strength - the stress which will produce plastic deformation of a given metal at a specified
rate of growth and at a given temperature.
Creep Strength - the stress which, at a given temperature, will result in a creep rate of 1%
deformation within 100,00 hours.
Creep Test Creep Test - a method of determining the plastic deformation of metals under a definite load at a
definite temperature.
Creep Test - any one of a number of methods of measuring creep, for example, by subjecting a
material to a constant stress or deforming it at a constant rate.
CRES - Corrosion Resistant Steel
Crest - the top of a screw thread
Crevice Corrosion - a type of concentration cell corrosion associated with the stagnant
conditions in crevices, fissures, pockets and recesses away from the flow of a
principal fluid stream, where concentration or depletion of dissolved salts, ions or
gases such as oxygen leads to deep pitting.
CRINE - Cost Reduction In The New Era (UK offshore industry)
Crith - a unit of mass, used for gases, equal to the mass of 1 liter of hydrogen at standard
pressure and temperature

Critical Exposure Temperature - the lowest metal temperature derived from either the operating
or atmospheric conditions. It may be a single temperature at an operating pressure,
or an envelope of temperatures and pressures; abbreviated CET.
Critical Flow - 1) the rate of flow of a fluid equivalent to the speed of sound in that fluid; 2) a
point at which the characteristics of flow suffer a finite change. In the case of a
liquid, critical flow could mean the point at which the flow regime changes from
laminar to transitional or alternatively used to mean the onset of choked flow. In the
case of a gas, critical flow may mean the point at which the velocity at the vena
contracta attains the velocity of sound or it may mean the point at which the flow is
fully choked; see Choked Flow.
Critical Pressure - the ratio of downstream to upstream pressure at which the media is just
beginning to exhibit flashing or cavitation.
Critical Pressure Ratio - the ratio of downstream pressure to upstream pressure which
correspond to the onset of turbulent flow in a moving stream of fluid.
Critical Speed - if resonance exists at a finite speed, that speed is called a critical speed,
irrespective of the cause of the resonance. A critical speed can be caused by a
number of reasons like electrical / magnetic asymmetry, oil whirl or torsion between
shaft components.
Critical Strain - the amount of prior plastic strain that is just sufficient to trigger recrystallization
when a deformed metal is heated.
Cross Section - a seal as viewed if cut at right angles to the mold parting line showing internal
structure.
Crossover Flange - an intermediate pipe flange used to connect flanges of different working
pressures.
Crown Valve - the uppermost valve on the vertical bore of the Christmas tree, above the flow line
output.
Cruciform - cross shaped
Crude - unrefined oil / petroleum is referred to as crude oil. This is what comes out of the
ground.
Crushing Strain - compression which causes the failure of a material.
Crushing Strength Crushing Strength - the compressive load under which a material fails.
Crushing Strength - the compressive stress required to cause a solid to fail by fracture; in
essence, it is the resistance of the solid to vertical pressure placed upon it.
Cryogenic - any process carried out at very low temperature, usually considered to be -60 F (50 C) or lower.
Cryogenic Valve Cryogenic Valve - a valve used to control the flow of cryogenic liquid.
Cryogenic Valve - a valve which is specifically designed to operate at temperatures below 40
C.
Cryogenic Valves - these are valves suited for use at temperatures below 40 Celsius.
Cryogenic Valves - these are valves suited for use at very low temperatures (cryogenic service).
Cryogenics - the science dealing with the properties of materials at temperatures near absolute
zero.
Cryometer - a thermometer for measuring very low temperatures.
Crystalline Fracture - a type of fracture surface appearance characterized by numerous brightly
reflecting facets resulting from cleavage fracture of a polycrystalline material.
CS - Carbon Steel
CSA - Canadian Standards Association
CSM - Chloro-Sulfonated-Polyethylene rubber (Hypalon)
CSR - 1) Company Site Representative; 2) Crack Sensitivity Ratio
Ct - Coefficient of Torque
CTOD - Crack Tip Opening Displacement
CTR - Crack Thickness Ratio
CTT - Current Torque Transmitter
Cu - Copper
Cubic Foot per Minute - a unit of volume flow rate, equal to a uniform flow of 1 cubic foot in 1

minute; equal to 1/60 Cusec; abbreviated CFM.

Cumec - a unit of volume flow rate equal to 1 cubic meter per second.
CuNi - Copper Nickel
Cup and Cone Fracture - the plastic fracture of a ductile material, when in tension.
Cup Fracture - a mixed mode fracture in ductile metals, usually observed in round tensile
specimens, in which part of the fracture occurs under plane strain conditions and
the remainder under plane stress conditions, such that in a round tensile bar one of
the mating fracture surfaces looks like a miniature cup and the other like a truncated
cone; also known as Cup and Cone Fracture.
Cupola Cupola - a furnace used in iron foundries.
Cupola - it is used in foundries. Its charge consists of pig iron and used cast iron. Coke and
limestone. Product is cast iron.
Cure - see Vulcanization
Curing Temperature - the temperature at which the rubber product is vulcanized.
Cusec Cusec - a unit of volume flow rate, used primarily to describe pumps, equal to a uniform flow of 1
cubic foot in 1 second; also known as Cubic Feet per Second.
Cusec - an abbreviation of one Cubic Foot per Second. It is a unit of flow, which is generally
applied to a volume of water.
Cushion - a device used to provide controlled resistance to motion.
Cut - the thickness of a metal shaving removed by a cutting tool.
Cutoff Valve - a valve used to stop the flow of steam to the cylinder of steam engine.
Cutting Oil - oil used as coolant
Cutting Torch Cutting Torch - a device used in gas cutting for controlling the supply of gases; also called
Blowpipe.
Cutting Torch - a torch that heats metal while the surface is rapidly oxidized by a jet of oxygen
issuing through the flame from an additional feed line.
CV Cv - Coefficient of Volume
Cv - flow coefficient expressed as the number of gallons of water that would flow through an
opening, such as a valve port, in 1 minute under a differential pressure of 1 psi.
Cv - The number of U.S. gallons per minute of water at 70 F which will flow through a valve at a
pressure drop of one psi.
CV - the valve flow coefficient is the number of U.S. gallons per minute of 60 F water that will
flow through a valve at a specified opening with a pressure drop of 1 psi across the
valve.
CV Factor - a value that indicates relative flow capacity of a valve. This value is defined as
gallons of water per minute (GPM) at 60 F, which will flow through the valve with a
pressure drop of one PSI.
CWP - 1) Cold Working Pressure, 2) Center Wear Pads
Cyanide Hardening Cyanide Hardening - case hardening in which the carbon content of the surface of the steel is
increased by heating in a bath of molten sodium cyanide.
Cyanide Hardening - the case hardening of carbon steel by introducing carbon and nitrogen into
its surface, which is kept at a suitable temperature in contact with molten cyanides.
Cyaniding - a form of case hardening. It is a process of heating a ferrous alloy in contact with
cyanide to diffuse carbon and nitrogen simultaneously into the outer surface of the
alloy. It is usually followed by a heat-treating cycle that produces a thinner but
harder case than that produced by carburizing.
Cyaniding - a type of case hardening in which the nitrides are heated to a temperature ranging
from 700 to 900 C in a bath containing sodium cyanide, sodium chloride in a solid
or liquid state, held at that temperature for a few hours and then cooled rapidly.
Cyaniding is specially suited to small parts like gears, shafts, pins etc, in which
distortion is highly objectionable.
Cycle -

Cycle - a single complete operation consisting of progressive phases starting and ending at the
neutral position.
Cycle - one complete period of the reversal of an alternating current from positive to negative and
back again.
Cycling - a series of operations in petroleum refining or natural gas processing in which the
steps are repeated periodically in the same sequence.
Cylinder Cylinder - a chamber in which piston, plunger, ram, rod, or shaft is driven by or against the
system fluid.
Cylinder - a device that converts fluid power into linear mechanical force and motion. It usually
consists of a movable element, such as a piston and piston rod, plunger, or ram,
operating within a cylindrical bore.
Cylinder - a device which fluid force or power (air pressure) into a linear mechanical force or
power. Normally consists of a piston, piston rod, and plunger operating inside a
cylindrical bore, enclosed with end caps.
Cylinder - a portable steel container in which gas is stored.
Cylinder - a solid figure of uniform circular cross section, in which the curved surface is at right
angles to the base.
Cylinder Cushion - a cushion built into a cylinder to restrict the flow at the outlet and thereby
arrest the motion of the piston rod.
Cylinder, Adjustable Stroke - a cylinder which is equipped with adjustable stops at one or both
ends to limit the amount of piston travel.
Cylinder, Cushioned - a cylinder with a piston-assembly deceleration device at one of both ends
of the stroke.
Cylinder, Double Acting Cylinder, Double Acting - a cylinder in which fluid force can be applied to the movable element in
either direction.
Cylinder, Double Acting - a cylinder in which the fluid can be applied to the movable element in
either direction.
Cylinder, Double Acting - a cylinder in which the fluid force can be applied in either direction.
Cylinder, Double End Rod - a cylinder which has a rod extending from each end.
Cylinder, Double Rod Cylinder, Double Rod - a cylinder with a single piston and a piston rod extending from each end.
Cylinder, Double rod - a cylinder with a single piston having a piston rod extending from both
ends of the cylinder.
Cylinder, Double Rod - a cylinder with a single piston, and a piston rod extending form only one
end.
Cylinder, Dual Stroke - a cylinder combination that provides two working strokes.
Cylinder, Offset - a reciprocating part in which the crank rotates about a center off the
centerline.
Cylinder, Piston - a cylinder in which the movable element has a greater cross-sectional area
than the piston rod.
Cylinder, Plunger - a cylinder in which the movable element has the same cross-sectional area
as the piston rod.
Cylinder, Single Acting Cylinder, Single Acting - a cylinder in which the fluid can be applied to the movable element in
only one direction.
Cylinder, Single Acting - a cylinder in which the fluid force can be applied to the moveable
element in only one direction. This type of cylinder typically has a spring return.
Cylinder, Single Acting - a cylinder in which the fluid force can be applied to the movable element
in only one direction.
Cylinder, Single Rod - a cylinder with a piston rod extending from one end.
Cylinder, Spring Return - a cylinder in which a spring returns the piston assembly.
Cylinder, Tandem - two or more cylinders with interconnected piston assemblies.
Cylinder, Telescoping - a cylinder with nested multiple tubular rod segments which provide a
long working stroke in a short retracted envelope.

D&ID - Ducting & Instrumentation Diagram

DA - Double Acting
DAC - Distance / Amplitude Curve
Dall Tube - a fluid-flow measurement device, similar to a venturi tube, inserted as a section of a
fluid-carrying pipe; flow rate is measured by pressure drop across a restricted
throat.
Damage Tolerance - the ability of a structure to maintain its load-carrying capability after
exposure to a sudden increase in load.
Damper - a device for introducing a variable resistance for regulating the volumetric flow of gas
or air.
Damping Capacity - the ability of a material to absorb mechanical energy during a cycle of
reasonably rapid loading and unloading. If a metal rod is set in vibration by hitting it
with a hammer, the amplitude of this vibration will slowly decrease as time goes on.
This characteristic is called the damping capacity.
Dashpot - a mechanical damping device consisting of a cylinder and piston apparatus arranged
so as to dampen the movement of a valve stem. A less preferred term; see
Snubber.
Dashpot Cylinder - that part of the non-return mechanism of a piston non-return valve in which
the piston works.
Datum - 1) a direction, level, or position from which angles, heights, speeds or distances are
conveniently measured; 2) any numerical or geometric quantity or value that serves
as a base reference for other quantities or values (such as a point, line, or surface
in relation to which others are determined.)
Davit - a curved device used as a crane on a ship, such as one of a pair of devices from which a
lifeboat is hung and by means of which it can be lowered over the side of a ship.
DB - Double Beam
DBB - Double Block and Bleed
DBM - Design Basis Manual
DC - 1) Direct Current, 2) Drain Closed
DC Voltage - a voltage that forces electrons to move through a circuit in the same direction
continuously, thereby producing a direct current.
DCS - Distributed Control System
DDD - Draft DEPs for Development
DDP - Delivery Duty Paid
DDU - Delivery Duty Unpaid
DE - De-Energized
De Energized - no current is flowing through the coil. The return spring holds the plunger
against the body orifice. A normally closed valve is de-energized in a closed
position.
De Superheater - a type of valve, usually automatic in operation, used for injecting cold water
into a steam pipeline to convert superheated steam into saturated steam for certain
process conditions.
Dead Band - a specific range of values in which an input signal can be altered without causing a
change in the output signal.
Dead Mild Steel - steel containing 0.07 to 0.15% carbon, suitable for bending, drawing, pressing
and flanging.
Dead Weight Safety Valve - a safety valve which is loaded by a heavy metal weight, the valve
being usually small and the pressure low; also called Cowburn Valve
Deaerator - a device in which oxygen, carbon dioxide, or other non-condensable gases are
removed from boiler feedwater, steam condensate, or a process stream.
Deblooming - the process by which the fluorescence, or bloom, is removed from petroleum oils
by exposing them in shallow tanks to the sun and atmospheric conditions or by
using chemicals.
Decalescence Decalescence - darkening of a metal surface upon undergoing a phase transformation on
heating; the phenomenon is caused by isothermal absorption of the latent heat of
transformation.

Decalescence - the absorption of heat that occurs when iron or steel is heated through the arrest
points.
Decarburize Decarburize - removing carbon from the surface layer of a steel or other ferrous alloy by heating
it in an atmosphere that reacts selectively with carbon; atmospheres that are
relatively rich in water vapor or carbon dioxide are typical deoxidizing atmospheres.
Decarburize - the removal of carbon from the surface of steel by heating in an atmosphere in
which the concentration of decarburizing gases exceeds a certain value.
Decarburize - to remove carbon from; also called Decarbonize.
Declaration of Compliance - a document in which the manufacturer declares that the electrical
apparatus complies with the relevant standard for such apparatus or has an
equivalent level of safety.
Deep Penetration Electrode - used for the arc welding of heavy steel components. It is
economical of weld metal, quick in action and it reduces the need for accurate edge
preparation.
Defect - a departure of any quality characteristic from its specified or intended value that is
severe enough to constitute cause for rejecting the object or service.
Defects of Steel Ingots - when molten metal, well above its solidification temperature, is cast
into a metal mold, the portion in contact with the cold surface solidifies instantly,
while the metal at the center is still in the liquid state. In the beginning, a shower of
seed crystals is formed in the outer skin of the cast metal. Growth takes place in all
directions but contact is soon made with adjacent crystals, resulting in the formation
of very equiaxed crystals known as chilled crystals. If the casting temperature is
very high, these chilled crystals may remelt and form columnar crystals. Sand cast
ingots form equiaxed crystals due to almost uniform cooling rate. Sharp corners in
a mold should always be avoided as these form planes of weakness at the junction
of the crystal growth.
Defender - a machine or facility which is being considered for replacement.
Deflashing - removing fins or protrusions from the parting line of a die casting or molded plastics
part.
Deflection - the amount of bending or twisting of a structure or machine part under load.
Deform - to change the shape of something without breaking it.
Deformation Deformation - another term for deflection which also embraces the plastic movement of a
structure.
Deformation - any alteration of shape or dimensions of a body caused by stresses, thermal
expansion or contraction, chemical or metallurgical transformations, or shrinkage
and expansions due to moisture change.
Deformation Curve - a curve showing the relationship between the stress or load on a structure,
structural member, or a specimen and the strain or deformation that results; also
known as Stress-Strain Curve.
DEG - Degree
Degas - to remove gas from a liquid or solid
Degasifier - 1) an element or compound added to molten metal to remove dissolved gases; 2) a
process or type of vessel that removes dissolved gases from molten metal.
Degassing - the intentional, but controlled, outgassing of a rubber substance or other material.
Degree of Protection W - the degree of protection W is intended for internally air-cooled
machines with open circuit cooling.
Degrees of Protection of Enclosures - an international system of rating standard levels of
protection provided by enclosures for the protection of persons against contact with
live or moving parts inside the enclosure, as well as the protection provided by an
enclosure against ingress of solids and/or liquids. This type of protection
classification is in addition to (and not an alternative to) the types of protection
necessary to ensure protection against ignition in hazardous (classified) locations.
Definitions are found in IEC Publications 529 and 144. This system is similar to the
NEMA enclosure rating system in the United States.
Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) - shipper pays tax
Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) - receiver pays tax

Delivery Order - an itemized list of materials shipped. The receiver signs and stamps (chops)
the Delivery Order upon receipt of goods, and the shipper gets back a signed,
stamped copy.
Delta P - Differential Pressure. The inlet pressure (Pl) minus the outlet pressure (P2).
Example:
P1 = 100 psig
P2 = 25 psig
___________
Delta-P = 75
Dendrite - a crystal which exhibits branched growth.
Density Density - mass per unit volume. Common units are kilograms per cubic meter (SI metric), grams
per cubic centimeter (CGS metric), pounds per cubic foot (British).
Density - the mass per unit volume of a substance.
Density - the weight per unit volume of a substance.
Deoxidation - the process of reduction or elimination of oxygen from molten metal before casting
by adding elements with a high oxygen affinity, which forms oxides that tend to rise
to the surface.
DEP - Design and Engineering Practice
Dephosphorization - a partial or complete elimination of phosphorus from steel in basic steel
making process, accomplished by forming a slag rich in lime.
Deposited Metal - in a weldment, filler metal added to the joint during welding.
Depth of Fusion Depth of Fusion - the depth to which a new weld has extended into the underlying metal or a
previous weld.
Depth of Fusion - the distance from the original surface that the molten zone extends into the
base metal during welding.
Derate - to reduce the rating of a component or device.
Derrick - metal tower above a well the purpose of which is to lift and lower tubes and tools into
the well
Desalting - removal of salt from crude oil. Desalting is preferably performed prior to
commercialization of the crude. Desalting must be performed prior to refining.
Descaling Descaling - 1) the removal of scale from metal surfaces by mechanical or chemical means, such
as sand-blasting, shot-blasting, tumbling or pickling; 2) the removal of scale from
the inner surface of boilers and tubes.
Descaling - removing adherent deposits from a metal surface, such as thick oxide from hot rolled
or forged steel, or inorganic compounds from the interior of boiler tubes; it may be
done by chemical attack, mechanical action, electrolytic dissolution or other means,
alone or in combination.
Desiccant - a substance that removes water, and so can be used as a drying agent to remove
water from, or prevent absorption of water by, other substances.
Design Code - the code or standard specified by the buyer to which the equipment or piping is to
conform.
Design Load - the most stressful combination of weight or other forces a building, structure, or
mechanical system or device is designed to sustain.
Design Standards - generally accepted uniform procedures, dimensions, materials, or parts that
directly affect the design of a product or facility.
Design Thickness Design Thickness - the sum of required thickness and corrosion allowance utilized for individual
parts of a boiler or pressure vessel.
Design Thickness - the sum of thickness required to support service loads. This method of
specifying material thickness is used particularly when designing boilers, chemical
process equipment, and metal structures that will be exposed to atmospheric
environments, soils or seawater.
Desorption Desorption - release or outgassing of gases or vapors adsorbed by the interior walls of the

vacuum envelope. Low desorption rates are made possible by selecting correct
materials, cleaning processes, optimum surface finish and proper engineering
techniques.
Desorption - removing adsorbed material.
Desulfurization - an operation that injects a chemical mixture into a ladle full of hot metal to
remove sulfur prior to its charging into the Basic Oxygen Furnace. Sulfur enters the
steel from the coke in the blast furnace smelting operation, and there is little the
steelmaker can do to reduce its presence. Because excess sulfur in the steel
impedes its welding and forming characteristics, the mill must add this step to the
steelmaking process.
Detent Detent - a catch in a machine that prevents motion until released.
Detent - a catch or lever in a mechanism which initiates or locks movement of a part, especially in
escapement mechanisms.
Detent - a catch or lever that initiates or prevents movement in a mechanism, especially an
escapement.
Detent - a catch which, on removal, initiates the motion of a machine.
Detruding - thrusting or forcing down or pushing down forcibly, as when a hole gets punched in a
plate, leaving the plate strained.
Deutsche Industrie Norm (DIN) - (Abbreviation for German Industrial Standard) - any of a
series of technical standards originating in Germany and used internationally,
especially to designate electrical connections and film speed.
Dew Point Dew Point - the temperature of a given air water-vapor mixture at which condensation starts.
Dew Point - the temperature of air at which its moisture content will begin to condense. For
example when air comes into contact with a cooler surface, droplets of water are
formed. The dew point temperature varies with the moisture content (relative
humidity) of the air.
Dezincification - a form of pitting corrosion which attacks certain zinc bearing copper-based
alloys, often called "Yellow Brasses", when in contact with sea water or fresh water
that is high in oxygen and carbon dioxide. (ASTM B61 and B62 are "red brasses"
and not susceptible to dezincification.)
DFL - Diagnostic Film Length
DFT - Dry Film Thickness
Diabatic - a thermodynamic change of state of a system in which there is a transfer of heat
across the boundaries of the system.
Diagnostics - information on what tests a device has failed and how they were failed; used to
aid in troubleshooting.
Diagram, Combination - a drawing using a combination of graphical, cutaway, and pictorial
symbols.
Diagram, Cutaway - a drawing showing principal internal parts of all components, controls, and
actuating mechanisms, as well as all inter-connecting lines and functions of
individual components.
Diagram, Graphical - a drawing or drawings showing each piece of apparatus including all
interconnecting lines by approved standard symbols; also know as Schematic
Diagram.
Diagram, Pictorial - a drawing showing each component in its actual shape according to the
manufacturers installation.
Diagram, Schematic - see Diagram, Graphical
Diamond Indenter - an instrument that measures hardness by indenting a material with a
diamond point.
Diamond Pyramid Hardness - a material hardness determined by indenting a specimen with a
diamond pyramid indenter having a 136 angle between opposite faces then
calculating a hardness number by dividing the indenting load by the pyramidal area
of the impression; also known as Vickers Hardness.
Diamond Pyramid Hardness Test Diamond Pyramid Hardness Test - an indentation hardness test in which a square diamond

pyramid, with an angle between opposite faces of 136 degrees, is forced under a
standard load into the surface of the specimen under test. The Diamond Pyramid
Hardness (DPH) number is determined by the division of the applied load in
kilograms with the surface in square millimeters of the indentation produced,
computed by measuring the diagonal of the impression.
DIAPH - Diaphragm
Diaphragm Diaphragm - a dividing membrane or thin partition.
Diaphragm - a flexible material used to separate the control medium from the controlled medium
and which actuates the valve stem.
Diaphragm - a flexible pressure-responsive element that transmits force to the diaphragm plate
and actuator stem.
Diaphragm - the flow control element of a diaphragm valve or the working element of a
diaphragm actuator. It is a flexible membrane that separates regions having
different pressures.
Diaphragm Pressure - see Bench Set
Diaphragm Pressure Span - the difference between high and low values of a diaphragm
pressure range.
Diaphragm Valve Diaphragm Valve - a bi-directional valve which is operated by applying an external force to a
flexible element, or diaphragm (typically an elastomer). Diaphragm valves may be
used for slurries (where other valve designs might clog) or in hygienic applications.
Diaphragm Valve - a bi-directional valve which is operated by applying an external force to a
flexible element, or diaphragm (typically an elastomer). Diaphragm valves may be
used for slurries (where other valve designs might clog) or in hygienic applications.
There are several types of these valves but the general operation is the same.
Diaphragm Valve - a flexible member which is moved into the fluid flow passageway of a body to
modify the rate of flow through the valve.
Diaphragm Valve - a glandless valve, which uses a flexible elastomeric diaphragm as the closing
member and in addition, effects an external seal. Diaphragm valves are usually
multi-turn in operation and are available as weir type and full bore.
Diaphragm Valve - a type of valve that uses a diaphragm as a flow control element. The
diaphragm lines one side of the fluid path and is pushed across the fluid path.
Diaphragm Valve - a valve in which the open-close element is a flexible diaphragm; used for
fluids containing suspended solids, but limited to low-pressure systems.
Diaphragm Valve - a valve which relies upon the deflection of a flexible diaphragm, by fluid
pressure applied, to shut off the fluid flow.
Diaphragm Valve - a valve with a flexible linear motion closure member that is forced into the
internal flow passageway of the body by the actuator. Pinch or Clamp valves and
Weir-type valves fall into this category.
Diaphragm Valve - a valve with a flexible linear motion closure component which is moved into
the fluid flow passageway of the body to modify the rate of flow through the valve by
the actuator.
Diaphragm Valve - closes by means of a flexible diaphragm attached to a compressor. When the
compressor is lowered by the valve stem onto a weir, the diaphragm seals and cuts
off flow. The diaphragm valve handles corrosive, erosive and dirty services.
Die Die - 1) in extrusion forming of metal or plastic members, the die is the piece having the opening
through which the material is squeezed, the opening giving shape to the item being
formed; 2) a tool used for cutting threads on a pipe of bolt; 3) a tool used in a
punch press for forming, punching out a shape from flat stock, or piercing metal.
Die - a metal device for shaping or molding a semisoft solid metal or material.
Die - a tool or mold used to impart shapes to, or to form impressions on, materials such as metals
and ceramics.
Die Casting Die Casting - a casting process in which molten metal is forced under pressure into the cavity of
a metal mold.

Die Casting - a form of casting in which molten metal or plastic is forced under pressure into
cooled dies, usually in order to produce large numbers of small items of a particular
shape.
Die Casting - a metal casting process in which molten metal is forced under pressure into a
permanent mold; the two types are hot-chamber and hot-chamber.
Die Casting - casting where the mold is in several pieces so it can be taken away from the
hardened item made.
Die Casting - the casting of metals or plastics in permanent metal molds. Aluminum, zinc,
copper, tin, and lead-base alloys are suitable for this purpose.
Dielectric - a substance with very low electrical conductivity, i.e., an insulator.
Differential Differential - differing or varying according to circumstances or relevant factors.
Differential - the difference between two values of a measured quantity, generally the difference
between the highest and lowest values of the quantity; also called the Delta of the
Quantity.
Differential Aeration Cells - Rates of corrosion are related directly to how fast electrochemical
reactions can proceed, and they increase with higher temperatures, greater
humidity and usually a steady oxygen supply. However, corrosion can occur more
rapidly in areas that have a limited oxygen supply, i.e. in concealed corners or
under dirt deposits, and these are known as Differential aeration Cells.
Differential Producing Primary Device - an instrument that modifies the flow pattern of a fluid
passing through a pipe, duct, or open channel, and thereby produces a difference in
pressure between two points, which can then be measured to determine the rate of
flow.
Diffuser - a duct of varying cross section designed to convert a high-speed gas flow into lowspeed at an increased pressure.
Diffusion - the mixing of two or more substances (solids, liquids, gases, or combinations of
them) due to the intermingling motion of their individual molecules. Gases diffuse
more readily than liquids; similarly, liquids diffuse more readily than solids.
Diffusion Welding - a welding process in which coalescence is produced by the application of
pressure at elevated temperatures. At high temperature and pressure, diffusion of
atoms takes place to form the weld. The working principle of diffusion welding
process is as follows. Every surface has a number of hills and valleys. The layer
may also contain oxides, oil, grease, dirt and absorbed moisture. In the first stage
high pressure is applied at the portion to be welded. It affects the rough surfaces
and disrupts the surface layer. In the next phase heat is applied as a result of
which diffusion and grain growth takes place and induces complete metallic bonding
across the area of contact. The pressure applied in diffusion welding ranges from
350 to 700 kg/cm2. In order to increase diffusion rate, the temperature applied
varies from 80 to 1200 C depending upon the characteristics of the materials.
Digital Valve - a single valve casing containing multiple solenoid valves whose flow capacities
vary in binary sequence (1, 2, 4, 8, 16,...); to regulate flow, the control device sends
operating signals to various combinations of the solenoids; applications are limited
to very clean fluids at moderate temperatures and pressures, but within these
limitations precise flow control and rapid response are possible - an eight element
valve, for example, yields flow resolution of 0.39% (1 part in 256).
Dimensional Analysis - in scale model analysis of various structures affected by the flow of
liquids, the principal of dynamic similarity, applied to determine the relationship
between variables, like speed and density of fluid and the length of a scale model
compared with that of its full size prototype.
Dimetcote - an inorganic zinc coating composed of two materials, 1) a reactive liquid and 2) a
finely divided powder which are mixed together. The mixture reacts in place with a
steel surface to form an insoluble coating.
DIN DIN - abbreviation for the standards institution of the Federal Republic of Germany.
DIN - Deutsches Institute fur Normung (German Industrial Standard)
Diode - a two electrode electronic component containing merely an anode and a cathode.
Dipping - immersion in a bath of liquid to produce a surface treatment such as pickling or

galvanizing.
Direct Acting - this term has several different meanings depending upon the device it is
describing. A Direct Acting Actuator is one in which the actuator stem extends with
an increase in diaphragm pressure. A Direct Acting Valve is one with a push down
to close plug and seat orientation. A Direct Acting Positioner or a Direct Acting
Controller outputs an increase in signal in response to an increase in set point.
Direct Acting Instrument - an instrument in which the air pressure supplied to a controlled
device increases as the quantity being measured by the instrument increases.
Direct Acting Valve - a normally open valve which requires fluid pressure to close it.
Direct Action - 1) a controller in which the value of the output signal increases as the value of
the input (measured variable or controlled variable) increases; 2) an actuator that
extends the actuator stem when the power supply increases.
Direct Coupled - joined without intermediate connections.
Direct Coupling - the direct connection of the shaft of a prime mover (such as a motor) to the
shaft of a rotating mechanism (such as a pump or compressor).
Direct Current Arc Welding - an arc welding process carried out by direct current power supply.
Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) - iron ores that have been reduced to essentially metallic iron by heat
and reducing agents, but without melting, and processed into suitable shapes for
use as a charge material in a melting operation.
Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) - processed iron ore that is iron-rich enough to be used as a scrap
substitute in electric furnace steelmaking. As mini-mills expand their product
abilities to sheet steel, they require much higher grades of scrap to approach
integrated mill quality. Enabling the mini-mills to use iron ore without the blast
furnace, DRI can serve as a low residual raw material and alleviate the mini-mills'
dependence on cleaner, higher-priced scrap. The impurities in the crushed iron ore
are driven off through the use of massive amounts of natural gas. While the result
is 97% pure iron (compared with blast furnace hot metal; which; because it is
saturated with carbon; is only 93% iron), DRI is only economically feasible in
regions where natural gas is attractively priced.
Direct Spring Loaded - in which the load is applied directly to the valve head by spring.
Direct Weight Loaded - in which the load is applied directly to the valve head by weight.
Directional Control Valve Directional Control Valve - a control valve serving primarily to direct hydraulic fluid to the point of
application.
Directional Control Valve - a valve whose chief function is to control the direction of flow within a
fluid system.
Directional Control Valve - a valve whose primary function is to direct or prevent flow through
selected passages.
Disc Disc - a generic term for the closing component of a valve, irrespective of its shape, on which the
disc face is formed, or to which the disc facing ring is secured. For needle valves
the disc may be integral with the stem; also called Flow Control Element or Flow
Control Member.
Disc - That part of the plug that contacts the seat and seals off the fluid flow. Valve plugs are
sometimes built so that the part of the plug contacting the seat is replaceable. This
type of plug is known as the Renewable Disc type. A common example is an
ordinary hot water faucet in the kitchen sink. The renewable discs are usually made
of a composition material softer than metal. Many valves having all metal or
nonrenewable discs have to be "ground in" to restore a damaged seating surface.
The term "disc" is sometimes used to refer to the combination of plug and disc.
Disc - the closing component on which the disc face gets formed or to which the disc facing ring
gets secured. The disc may be integral with the stem of a needle valve.
Disc - the components carried in the belt eye, on which the disc faces are machined.
Disc - the flow control element of a globe valve, check valve, or butterfly valve.
Disc - the generic term for the closing component, irrespective of its shape, on which the disc
face is formed, or to which the disc facing ring is secured. For needle valves the
disc may be integral with the stem; also variously called Blade, Door, Vane, Clack,

Flap, Lid, Stopper, Valve Head.

Disc and Wiper Lubricated Bearing - a bearing in which a disc mounted on and concentric with
the shaft dips into a reservoir of oil. As the shaft rotates, the oil is diverted from the
surface of the disc by a scraper action into the bearing.
Disc Centralizing Device - a device for centralizing the disc with respect to the body seat along
the line of the shaft (s).
Disc Check Valve - a type of lift check valve in which the non-return mechanism is, or
incorporates, a disc.
Disc Components - those parts which are associated, but not integral, with the disc.
Disc Face Disc Face - 1) the seating surface on the disc or on the disc facing ring; 2) machined faces which
make contact with body seats when the valve is closed. They may be machined on
the disc themselves or on the disc facing rings; also variously called Lid Face,
Valve Head Face, Disc Seat.
Disc Face - a machined face which makes close contact with the body seat when the valve is
closed. It may be machined on the disc itself or on the disc facing ring.
Disc Face - a machined face which makes contact with the body seat when the valve is closed.
Disc Facing Ring Disc Facing Ring - a ring of a different material to the disc, permanently secured to the disc, on
which the disc face gets machined.
Disc Facing Ring - a ring of different material from the disc and permanently secured to it, on
which the disc face is machined or formed. NOTE: the term permanently secured
refers to a ring which is separate and secured in such a way that it can only be
removed by machining, such as a weld-deposit ring; also variously called Lid Body,
Valve Head Facing, Valve Head Ring, Disc Seat Ring.
Disc Facing Ring - a ring of different material from the valve disc and permanently secured to it,
on which the disc face is machined. (The term permanently secured refers to a
ring which is separate and secured in such a way that it can only be removed by
machining, such as a weld-deposit ring.)
Disc Facing Ring Bolting - comprising studs, set screws, nuts or other components used to
secure the disc facing ring to the disc.
Disc Guide Disc Guide - 1) the valve part, integral with or separate from the body, cover or body seat ring, in
which the non-return mechanism is guided; 2) the part of the non-return
mechanism which, when in the form of a pin, engages with the disc guide.
Disc Guide - a valve part, integral with or separate from the body, bonnet or body seat ring, in
which the disc or disc holder is guided.
Disc Guide - the part of a valve in which the disc or disc holder gets guided.
Disc Guide Pin Disc Guide Pin - 1) the part of the valve disc or disc holder which, when in the form of a pin,
engages with the disc guide; 2) the part of the non-return mechanism which, when
in the form of a pin, engages with the disc guide.
Disc Guide Pin - the part of a valve disc or disc holder which, when in the form of a pin, engages
with the disc guide.
Disc Guide Pin - the pin which engages with the disc guide in a valve.
Disc Guide Wings Disc Guide Wings - 1) the part of the valve disc, disc holder or disc retaining nut which, when in
the form of wings, guides the disc to the body seat; 2) the part of the non-return
mechanism which, when in the form of wings, guides the disc to the body seat.
Disc Guide Wings - the part of a valve disc, disc holder or disc retaining nut which, when in the
form of wings, guides the disc to the body seat.
Disc Guide Wings - the part of the disc assembly in the form of wings, which guides the disc in a
valve.
Disc Holder Disc Holder - a valve part which holds a renewable type of disc.
Disc Holder - that part which hold a renewable type of disc.
Disc Holder - valve face holder

Disc Hub

a boss or housing formed on the disc to provide sufficient metal for the
accommodation of the shaft.
Disc Locking Device - a device for locking the disc in the opened or closed position.
Disc Non Return - a nonreturn valve in which the non-return mechanism is, or incorporates, a
disc.
Disc Retaining Nut Disc Retaining Nut - a nut which retains a renewable type disc in the disc holder of a valve.
Disc Retaining Nut - a nut which retains a renewable type disc in the disc holder; also known as
Valve Face Retaining Nut, or Valve Head Facing Retaining Nut.
Disc Seal - a renewable ring of non-metallic material, made separate from the disc and secured
to it, which makes contact with the body seat facing when the valve is closed; also
known as Resilient Set Ring, or Sealing Ring.
Disc Seal Retaining Ring - a solid or segmented ring to support the disc seal and secure it to
the disc; also known as Retaining Ring, or Seal Clamp Ring.
Disc Seal Retaining Ring Bolting - comprises stud, set screws and nuts used for securing the
disc seal retaining ring to the disc.
Disc Slip - a part which restricts the spreading of the discs in the open position.
Disc Spring - a spring inserted between the disc to maintain contact between the disc seats and
the body seats.
Disc Stem Nut Disc Stem Nut - a nut which secures the stem button or stem end collar in the valve disc or disc
holder.
Disc Stem Nut - a nut which secures the stem button or stem end collar in the disc or disc holder;
also variously called Disc Nut, Disc Stem Ring, Valve Head Nut, Valve Ring
Follower, Gland Follower.
Disc Stem Nut Lock Washer Disc Stem Nut Lock Washer - a device for locking the disc stem nut of a valve.
Disc Stem Nut Lock Washer - a device for locking the disc stem nut; also called Valve Head Nut
Lock Washer.
Disc Thrust Plate Disc Thrust Plate - a plate inserted between the stem end and the disc or disc holder to take the
thrust of the stem end; also called Valve Head Thrust Plate.
Disc Thrust Plate - a plate inserted between the valve stem end and the disc or disc holder to
take the thrust of the stem end.
Disc Wedge - the wedge-shaped component of a double disc gate valve, introduced between the
discs, which contacts a stop in the body and forces the disc against the body seats
when the valve is closed.
Discharge - the volume of water which flows through a section of a channel or pipe per second.
Discharge Channel - the passage in a pressure-relief device through which the fluid is released
to the outside of the device.
Discharge Valve Discharge Valve - a self-acting valve which is used for controlling the rate of discharge of a fluid
from a pipe or centrifugal pump.
Discharge Valve - a valve which is used to retard or accelerate flow through a pipe, as distinct
from a stop valve.
Dishing - in metal-forming or plastics-molding operations, producing a shallow concave surface.
Dishplate - the receptacle attached to the valve on which the valve head face is formed.
Disk Cam - a disk with a contoured edge which rotates about an axis perpendicular to the disk,
communicating motion to the cam follower which remains in contact with the edge
of the disk.
Disk Spring - a mechanical spring consisting of a dished circular plate and washer supported in
such a way that one opposing force is distributed uniformly around the periphery
and the second acts at the center. Washer type disk springs are sometimes known
as Belleville Washers.
Dislocation Line - layers of atoms can slide relative to each other, which explains the
malleability of metals and their ability to be formed into complex shapes by
mechanical pressure. Sometimes this is not an advantage in structural metals, and

methods of processing are used to prevent the slippage of atoms. The boundary
between the slipped and unslipped part of a crystal is known as a Dislocation Line,
and these dislocations can be complex. If pressure is put on a metal, dislocations
can interact and start to prevent slippage. This mechanism is called Strain
Hardening, and there comes a point when the metal cannot be deformed further
without fracture.
Displacement - the volume of fluid that can pass through a pump, motor, or cylinder in a single
revolution or stroke.
Dissociation - the breaking up of a compound into simpler components, as with heat or a
solvent, frequently in a reversible manner so that the components may recombine.
Distillate - 1) the distilled product from a fractionating column; 2) the overhead product from a
distillation column; 3) in the oil and gas industry the term distillate refers to a
specific product withdrawn from the column, usually near the bottom.
Distillation Distillation - a method of purifying a liquid by heating it to boiling point and condensing the vapor
formed to a liquid (called the distillate) which is then collected.
Distillation - vaporization of a substance with subsequent recovery of the vapor by condensation.
Divergent - moving away from each other; for example, the inner wall of a tube that flares
outward.
Diversion - to flow into the side opening and out both ends (of a 3 way, 2 port valve).
Diverter - a three-way valve; the flow can be diverted from one outlet to another, or different
inlets can be selected and sent to a common outlet.
Diverter Valve Diverter Valve - a valve which can change the direction of the flow of a medium to two or more
different directions.
Diverter Valve - a valve which can change the direction of the flow of a medium to two, three or
more different directions. This will save the user having to connect several single
valves and piping together to achieve the same thing.
DN - Diameter Nominal (Metric)
DNC - Does Not Comply
DO - 1) Delivery Order; 2) Drain Open
Document - a data medium and the data recorded on it. Documents include drawings, paper
documents, tapes, discs, radiographs, etc.
Dog Dog - a mechanical gripping device
Dog - any of several simple devices for fastening, gripping or holding.
Dog - any of various simple devices for holding, gripping, or fastening, such as a hook, rod, or
spike with a ring, claw, or lug at the end.
DOM - Drawn Over Mandrel
DOSH - Department of Occupational Safety and Health
Double Acting - 1) acting in two directions, as in a reciprocating compressor or valve actuator
where each piston has a working chamber at both ends of the cylinder; 2) an
actuator in which the power supply acts both to extend and retract the actuator
stem.
Double Beat Valve - a hollow cylindrical lift valve having two seating faces at the two ends of
only slightly different areas. When exposed to pressure, the valve gets nearly
balanced and easily operated. It is used for controlling high-pressure fluids; also
called Cornish Valve.
Double Block And Bleed Double Block and Bleed - a valve configuration in which positive shut-off is achieved at both the
inlet and outlet sides. A small port is fitted to discharge fluid in the intermediate
space. Fitting a gas detector to the port provides assurance of the integrity of the
upstream seal. This configuration is often required to isolate high pressure sections
of a system to facilitate safe maintenance, etc.
Double Block and Bleed - a valve configuration in which positive shut-off is achieved at both the
inlet and outlet sides. A small port is fitted to discharge fluid or gas in the
intermediate space. This port can help a user check if the valve is leaking.

Double Block And Bleed - the capability of a valve under pressure to obtain a seal across both
the upstream and downstream seat rings and to have its body cavity bled down to
atmospheric pressure.
Double Block and Bleed System - a valve system configuration in which a full-flow vent valve is
installed in a pipeline between two shutoff valves to provide a means of releasing
excess pressure between them.
Double Block and Bleed Valve - a valve with two seating surfaces which, in the closed position,
provides blockage of flow from both valve ends when the cavity between the
seating surfaces is vented or drained. A means is provided for draining or venting
the cavity between the seating surfaces.
Double Disc Gate - a flow control element of a gate valve that has two separate, parallel seating
surfaces.
Double Disc Gate Valve Double Disc Gate Valve - a gate valve in which the gate consists of two discs forced apart by a
spreading mechanism at the point of closure against both parallel body seats to
ensure effective sealing of the valve without the help of the fluid pressure.
Double Disc Gate Valve - a valve in which the gate consists of two disc which are forced apart by
a spreading mechanism at the point of closure against both parallel body seats,
thus ensuring an effective sealing of the valve without the assistance of the fluid
pressure; also called Parallel Gate Valve.
Double Flanged Valve - a valve having flanged ends for connection to pipe flanges by individual
bolting.
Double Seated Valve - a valve that has two separate seating surfaces in its body. The flow
control element comes into contact with both seats when the valve is closed.
Double Tempering - a treatment in which normalized or quench-hardened steel is given two
complete tempering cycles (cooling to a suitable temperature after each cycle) with
the second tempering cycle performed at a temperature at or below the first
tempering temperature. The object is to temper any martensite that may have
formed during the first tempering cycle.
Double U Groove Weld - a welding operation carried out on a workpiece having U-shaped
grooves on both sides.
Double V Groove Weld - welding carried out on workpieces having V-shaped grooves on both
sides.
Double Welded Butt Joint - a butt welded joint in which welding operations are performed on
both sides.
Double Welded Lap Joint - a lap welded joint in which overlapped edges of the members to be
joined are welded along the edges of both members.
Dowel - a thin cylindrical peg used to join two pieces by fitting into corresponding holes in each
piece.
Downhand Welding - the welding position in which welding is performed from the upper side of
the joint and the face of the weld is approximately horizontal.
Downstream Downstream - refining, marketing, supply, and transportation activities in the oil and gas
industries.
Downstream - the portion of a product stream that has already passed through the system; that
portion located after a specific process unit.
DPDT - Double Pole Double Throw
DPI - Dye Penetrant Inspection
DPT - Dye Penetrant Testing
DPTS - Draft Petronas Technical Standard
Drag Drag - the lower part of a molding flask
Drag - the resistance to motion that is encountered by an object traveling through a fluid.
DRAI - Drain
Drain - an opening in a valve body for the removal of fluid from the valve or the pipeline. It may
be filled with a removable plug or with a pipe nipple and a stop valve that is
normally closed.

Drain Boss Drain Boss - a body boss which is used for drainage purposes.
Drain Boss - a boss formed on the exterior of a body to provide sufficient metal to permit a
tapped connection to drain the outlet side of the valve body.
Drain Boss - a boss formed on the exterior of a valve body to provide sufficient metal to permit a
tapped connection for drainage purposes.
Drain Boss - a boss formed on the exterior of the body to provide for a tapped connection for
drainage purposes.
Drain Boss - a boss to provide for a tapped connection for drainage purposes.
Drain Plug Drain Plug - a fitting at the bottom of a valve, the removal of which permits draining and flushing
the body cavity.
Drain Plug - a plug for sealing a tapped hole in a drain boss.
Drain Plug - a plug for sealing a tapped hole in a drain boss.
Drain Valve - a valve used to drain off material that has separated from a fluid or gas stream, or
one used to empty a process line, vessel, or storage tank.
Draw - to make (wire) by pulling metal through successively smaller holes.
Drawing Drawing - in metal working, the process of pulling a material through a die to reduce its size of
shape, or to harden the material.
Drawn Over Mandrel - a procedure for producing specialty tubing using a drawbench to pull
tubing through a die and over a mandrel, giving excellent control over the inside
diameter and wall thickness. Advantages of this technique are its inside and
outside surface quality and gauge tolerance. Major markets include automotive
applications and hydraulic cylinders.
Drawpoint - a steel point used to scratch lines or to pierce holes.
Dress - to smooth, finish or shape a material
Drift Drift - 1) a gradual deviation from a set adjustment, such as frequency or balance current, or from
a direction; 2) the deviation, or the angle of deviation, of a borehole from the
vertical or from its intended course; 3) to measure the size of a pipe opening by
passing a mandrel through it.
Drift - a term which is used on occasions to describe creep at normal temperatures when under
constant elastic stress; also called Elastic Drift.
Drift Bolt - a bolt used to force out other bolts or pins.
Drift Plug - a plug that can be driven into a pipe to straighten it or to flare its opening.
Drill - a rotating-end cutting tool for creating or enlarging holes in a solid material; also known as
drill bit.
Drill Out - to locate and delineate the area of a subsurface ore body or of petroleum by a series
of boreholes.
Drill Pipe - pipe used in the drilling of an oil or gas well. Drill pipe is the conduit between the
wellhead motor and the drill bit. Drilling mud is pumped down the center of the pipe
during drilling, to lubricate the drill bit and transmit the drilled core to the surface.
Because of the high stress, torque and temperature associated with well drilling,
drill pipe is a seamless product.
Drill Press - a drilling machine in which a vertical drill moves into the work, which is stationary.
Drilling - the creation or enlarging of a hole in a solid material with a drill.
Drive - 1) to produce motion in something; 2) to make something operate.
Drive Fit - a fit in which the larger (male) part is pressed into a smaller (female) part; the
assembly must be effected through the application of an external force.
Drivescrew - a screw that is driven all the way in, or nearly all the way in, with a hammer.
Drop - a casting defect caused by dropping of the upper surface of the mold cavity in the molten
metal. This defect occurs in castings due to a) low green strength of sand, b) low
mold hardness, and c) insufficient reinforcements in sand projections.
Drop Forging - the difference between drop forging and smith forging is that in drop forging
closed-impression dies are used and there is drastic flow of metal in the dies due to
repeated blows, the impact of which compels the plastic metal to conform to the

shape of the dies.

Drop Valve - a conical-seated valve with rapid operation by a trip-gear and return spring.
Dropping Valve - a valve which is used for reducing the supply pressure by a constant.
Dropwise Condensation - condensation of a vapor on a surface in which the condensate forms
into drops.
Drosometer - an instrument used to measure the amount of dew deposited on a given surface.
Dross - metallic oxides that rise to the surface of molten metal in metallurgical processes.
Drossing - removal of scums, oxidized films and solidified metals from molten metals.
Drum - tower or vessel in a refinery into which heated products are conducted so that volatile
portions can separate.
Dry Abrasive Cutting - frictional cutting using a rotary abrasive wheel without the use of a liquid
coolant.
Dry Blast Cleaning Dry Blast Cleaning - blasting the surface of a work piece with abrasive material traveling at a high
velocity, including sand-blasting.
Dry Blast Cleaning - cleaning of metallic surfaces by blasting with abrasive material traveling at a
high velocity; abrasive may be accelerated by an air nozzle or a centrifugal wheel.
Dry Blast Cleaning - using a dry abrasive medium such as grit, sand or shot to clean metal
surfaces by driving it against the surface with a blast of air or by centrifugal force.
Dry Box Process - the passing of coke-oven or other industrial gases through boxes containing
trays of iron oxide coated on wood shavings or other supporting material in order to
remove hydrogen sulfide.
Dry Bulb Temperature - the temperature of the air indicated by thermometer not affected by the
water vapor content of the air.
Dry Bulb Thermometer Dry Bulb Thermometer - a thermometer that is not covered with a wet cloth; compare with WetBulb Thermometer
Dry Bulb Thermometer - an ordinary thermometer, especially one with an unmoistened bulb; not
dependent upon atmospheric humidity.
Dry Corrosion - atmospheric corrosion taking place at temperatures above the dew point.
Dry Desiccant Dehydration - the use of silica gel or other solid absorbent to remove liquids from
gases, such as water from air, or liquid hydrocarbons from natural gas.
Dry Film Thickness - the thickness, in microns, of the dried or cured paint or coating film;
abbreviated DFT.
Dry Galvanizing - a process in which steel is fluxed in hot ammonium chloride and subsequently
dried by hot air before being passed through a path of molten zinc.
Dry Gas - gas containing no water vapor.
Dry Strength - in casting, when molten metal is poured in the mold cavity, sand adjacent to the
hot metal quickly loses its water as steam. The dry sand must possess sufficient
strength to resist erosion and pressure of the metal acting on mold walls.
Dry Test Meter - a gas-flow rate meter with two compartments separated by a movable
diaphragm which is connected to a series of gears that actuate a dial; when one
chamber is full, a valve switches to the other empty chamber; it is used to measure
household gas-flow rates and to calibrate flow-measurement instruments.
Dry Welding - a type of underwater welding carried out in a pressurized enclosure having a
controlled atmosphere. The weld metal is not in direct contact with water.
Drying Oven - a closed chamber for drying an object by heating at relatively low temperatures.
DS - Drilling Supervisor
DSAW - Double Submerged Arc Weld
DSS - Duplex Stainless Steel
Dtd - dated (Abbreviation).
Dual Gravity Valve - a float-operated valve that operates on the interface between two
immiscible liquids of different specific gravities.
Dual Metal - two metals of different composition that are fusion bonded at all interfacial surfaces
by casting metal of one composition against metal of a second composition.
Dual Sealing Valve -

Dual Sealing Valve - a valve which uses a resilient seating material for the primary seal and a
metal to metal seat for a secondary seal.
Dual Seating - a valve is said to have dual seating when it uses a resilient or composition
material such as TFE, Kel-F, or Buna-N, etc. for its primary seal and a metal-tometal seat as a secondary seal. The idea is that the primary seal will provide tight
shut-off Class VI and if it is damaged the secondary seal will backup the primary
seal with Class IV shut-off.
Duckfoot - in a piping system, a support fitted to the bend of a vertical pipe to permit the direct
load of the pipework and fittings to be transferred to the floor, foundation, or
associated installations.
Ductile Ductile - a material which can be drawn to form wire. The most common ductile metals are mild
steel, wrought iron, copper, lead and light alloys.
Ductile - describes metal that can be stretched, drawn or hammered thin without breaking; not
brittle.
Ductile - the capacity of metal to be stretched or pressed into shape; pliable.
Ductile Cast Iron - cast iron in which the free graphite has been induced to form as nodules by
adding cerium or magnesium in the molten state, which gives a marked increase in
ductility; see Cast Iron.
Ductile Fracture - a type of fracture in any material where substantial deformation has occurred
away from fracture surfaces, usually associated with yielding in materials; see
Fibrous Fracture.
Ductile Iron - a cast iron that has been treated in the liquid state so as to cause substantially all
of its graphitic carbon to occur as spheroids or nodules in the as-cast condition.
Ductility Ductility - a property of a metal describing the degree to which it can deform beyond its elastic
limit before breaking; (opposite of brittleness)
Ductility - ability of steel to undergo permanent changes in shape without fracture at room
temperature.
Ductility - the ability of a material to undergo large permanent deformations in tension i.e.,
property which enables a material to be drawn into a wire.
Ductility - the ability of a metal to be drawn into wires without breaking. Copper, mild steel,
aluminum etc. are ductile and hence can be drawn into wires.
Ductility - the property of a metal that indicates its relative ability to deform without fracturing; it is
usually measured as percent elongation or reduction of area in a uniaxial tensile
test.
Ductility - this is the term used when plastic deformation occurs as the result of applying a tensile
load. A ductile material combines the properties of plasticity and tenacity (tensile
strength) so that it can be stretched or drawn to shape and will retain that shape
when the deforming force is removed. For example, in wire drawing the wire is
reduced in diameter by drawing it through a die.
Ductility and Brittleness - the ability of a metal to deform plastically without fracturing. It is most
commonly measured by means of elongation and reduction of area in a tensile test.
Dump Valve Dump Valve - a large valve in the bottom of a tank or container that can quickly empty the tank in
an emergency.
Dump Valve - a large valve located at the bottom of a tank or container used in emergency
situations to empty the tank quickly; for example, equipped with a body that
discharges its contents by gravity.
Dunnage - padding material placed in a container to protect shipped goods from damage.
Duplex - consisting of two parts working together or in a similar fashion.
Duplex (Austenitic / Ferritic) Stainless Steel - a stainless steel whose microstructure at room
temperature consists primarily of a mixture of austenite and ferrite.
Duplex Stainless Steel Duplex Stainless Steel - a category of stainless steel with high amounts of chromium and
moderate nickel content. The duplex class is so named because it is a mixture of
austenitic (chromium-nickel stainless class) and ferritic (plain chromium stainless

category) structures. This combination was originated to offer more strength than
either of those stainless steels. Duplex stainless steels provide high resistance to
stress corrosion cracking (formation of cracks caused by a combination of corrosion
and stress) and are suitable for heat exchangers, desalination plants, and marine
applications.
Duplexed System - a system with two distinct and separate sets of facilities, each of which is
capable of assuming the system function while the other assumes a standby status;
also known as Redundant System.
Durham Fitting - in plumbing, pipe fitting used for drainage and vent piping systems where the
threads of the fitting are recessed so the inside diameter of the fitting matches the
inside diameter of the pipe to provide a smooth water passageway.
Durometer Durometer - a) an instrument for measuring the hardness of rubber. Measure the resistance to
the penetration of an indentor point into the surface of rubber; b) a numerical scale
of rubber hardness.
Durometer - an instrument consisting of a small drill or blunt indenter point under pressure; used
to measure hardness of metals and other materials.
Durometer Hardness - the hardness of a material as measured by a durometer.
Duty - the statement of the load(s) to which the machine is subjected, including, if applicable,
starting, electric braking, no-load and rest and de-energized periods, and including
their duration and sequence in time.
Dye Penetrant - a low viscosity liquid containing a dye used in nondestructive examination to
detect surface discontinuities such as cracks and laps in both magnetic and
nonmagnetic materials.
Dye Penetrant Inspection - it is used for detecting surface porosity or cracks, more particularly
in non-magnetic substances. The part to be examined gets cleaned and coated
with a dye which penetrates any small cracks or openings. The surface then gets
wiped clean and coated with a white power. The dry power soaks up the dye which
is still held in the defects and thereby indicates their position.
Dynamic Dynamic - an application in which the seal is subject to movement or moving parts contact the
seal.
Dynamic - of force relating to movement
Dynamic Creep - creep resulting from fluctuations in a load or temperature.
Dynamic Hardness Number - the number which is given by a Herbert pendulum or a Shore
Scleroscope; also called Rebound Hardness.
Dynamic Leak Test - a type of leak test in which the vessel to be tested is evacuated and an
external tracer gas is applied; an internal leak detector will respond if gas is drawn
through any leaks.
Dynamic Load - a load exerted on a bearing in motion.
Dynamic Packing - a packing used in a joint whose members are in relative motion.
Dynamic Penetration Test - a test which is similar to the Raymond standard test.
Dynamic Performance - the speed that a check valve closes.
Dynamic Seal - a seal required to prevent leakage past parts which are in relative motion.
Dynamic Torque - turning force exerted on a valve stem due to fluid flow through the valve, and
its effect on the closure element.
Dynamic Unbalance - the total force produced on the valve plug in any stated open position by
the fluid pressure acting upon it. The particular style of valve; (i.e. single-ported,
double-ported, flow-to-open, flow-to-close) has an effect on the amount of dynamic
unbalance.
Dynamics Dynamics - that branch of mechanics which deals with the motion of a system of material
particles under the influence of forces, especially those which originate outside the
system under consideration.
Dynamics - the study of the motion of objects and the forces that cause such motion.
Dyne Dyne - a unit of force that will accelerate a particle having a mass of one gram, one centimeter

per second per second. Derived from the Greek word for power.
Dyne - the unit of force in centimeter-gram-second system of units, equal to the force which
imparts an acceleration of 1 cm/s2 to a 1 gram mass.

E - 1) Essential; 2) hydrocarbon, multiphase, sweet

E&P - Exploration And Production
E45B - Elbow 45 degree Butt-Weld Ends
E90B - Elbow 90 degree Butt-Weld Ends
EAI - End Area Inspection
Ear Ear - a permanent projection on an object for its support; also called a Lug
Ear - a projection integral with, or attached to, an object, for supporting it, or attaching another
part to it pivotally; also called Fin Plate, Lug.
Easing Lever - a lever by which the valve head may be manually eased off its seat
EBD - Emergency Blowdown
EBW - Electron Beam Welding
EC - 1) European Council; 2) hydrocarbon, multiphase, corrosive
ECC - Eccentric
Eccentric Eccentric - a circle or disk mounted off center.
Eccentric - distant from a center
Eccentric - not concentric
Eccentric - not having the same center
Eccentric - said of an orbit: not circular; said of a wheel: not having the axis at the center.
Eccentric Disc - an offset disc, used in high performance butterfly valves.
Eccentric Gear - a gear whose axis deviates from the geometric center.
Eccentric Orifice - an orifice whose centre does not coincide with the centerline of the pipe or
tube; usually, the eccentricity is toward the bottom of a pipe carrying flowing gas
and toward the top of a pipe carrying liquid, which tends to promote the passage of
entrained water or air rather than allowing entrained water or gas to build up in front
of the orifice.
Eccentric Reducer - a threaded or butt-welded fitting for pipes whose ends are not the same
size and are eccentric to each other.
Eccentric Valve - a rubber-lined slurry or fluid valve with an eccentric rotary cut-off body to
reduce corrosion and wear on mechanical moving valve parts.
Eccentricity - the distance of the geometric center of a revolving body from the axis of rotation.
Edge Preparation - a prepared contour on the edge of the workpieces to be welded.
Edge Rolling - rolling a strip of steel to smooth the edges. By removing the burr off the coil; it is
safer for customers to manipulate; also called Edge Conditioning.
EDMS - Electronic Document Management System
Effective Area (for a Diaphragm Actuator) - the effective area is that part of the diaphragm
area that is effective in producing a stem force. Usually the effective area will
change as the valve is stroked - being at a maximum at the start and at a minimum
at the end of the travel range. Flat sheet diaphragms are most affected by this,
while molded diaphragms will improve the actuator performance, and a rolling
diaphragm will provide a constant stem force throughout the entire stroke of the
valve.
Effective Depth - the thickness of weld overlay or back cladding having the specified chemical
composition.
Effective Discharge Area - a nominal or calculated area of flow through a pressure relief valve
for use in flow formulas to determine valve capacity.
Efficiency - the ratio of the output power to the input power, generally expressed as a
percentage.
Effluent - mixture of oil, gas, water and sand discharged from a well.
Egress - to go out or depart; (opposite of Ingress)
EHS - Environment, Health and Safety
EIS - Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy
Elastic Elastic - a material is said to be elastic if it expand or contracts by amounts which can be
calculated, regaining its original shape on the removal of known loads.

Elastic - capable of sustaining deformation without permanent loss of size or shape.

Elastic Aftereffect - the delay of certain substances in regaining their original shape after being
deformed within their elastic limits; also known as Elastic Lag.
Elastic Body - a solid body for which the additional deformation produced by an increment of
stress completely disappears when the increment is removed; also known as
Elastic Solid.
Elastic Deformation Elastic Deformation - any change in shape in response to an applied force in which the initial
shape is recoverable with no sensible time delay when the applied force is
removed.
Elastic Deformation - reversible alteration of the form or dimensions of a solid body under stress
or strain.
Elastic Failure - failure of a body to recover its original size and shape after a stress is removed.
Elastic Hysteresis - a phenomenon exhibited by some solids in which the deformation of the
solid depends not only on the stress applied to the solid but also on the previous
history of this stress; analogous to magnetic hysteresis, with magnetic field
strength and magnetic induction replaced by stress and strain respectively.
Elastic Lag - see Elastic Aftereffect
Elastic Limit Elastic Limit - the greatest stress a material can withstand without permanent elongation when
the load is removed the sample will return to its original length.
Elastic Limit - the limiting value of the force deforming a body beyond which it does not return to
its original shape and dimensions after the force gets removed; that is, no
permanent deformation. For steels it is usually regarded to coincide with the limit if
proportionality.
Elastic Limit - the maximum stress a solid can sustain without undergoing permanent
deformation.
Elastic Limit - the maximum stress to which a material may be subjected without any permanent
strain remaining upon complete release of stress.
Elastic Limit - the maximum unit stress to which a material can be subjected and still be able to
return to its original form after removal of stress.
Elastic Modulus - see Modulus of Elasticity
Elastic Ratio Elastic Ratio - the ratio of the elastic limit to the ultimate strength of a solid.
Elastic Ratio - the ratio of the elastic limit to the ultimate strength of a material.
Elastic Recovery - that fraction of a given deformation of a solid which behaves elastically.
Elastic Solid - see Elastic Body
Elastic Strain Elastic Strain - 1) strain in a material which disappears with the removal of the straining force; 2)
the amount of such a strain.
Elastic Strain - the recoverable strain or fractional deformation undergone by a material, i.e. that
which disappears as the straining force is removed.
Elastic Strength - the greatest stress which a bar or structure is capable of sustaining within the
elastic limit.
Elasticity Elasticity - the ability of a material to deform and return to its original shape after removal of the
load.
Elasticity - the ability of a material to deform under load and return to its original size and shape
when the load is removed.
Elasticity - the ability of a material to undergo deformation upon the application of external forces
and to regain its original shape or form when these forces are removed. All metals
are elastic to some extent. Rubber is an excellent example of elastic materials.
Elasticity - the degree to which a material can be stretched, twisted, bent, or otherwise deformed
and return to its original dimensions when the applied force is removed.
Elasticity - the existence of forces which tend to restore to its original position any part of a
medium (solid or fluid) which has been displaced.
Elasticity - the property of a body which returns, or tends to return, the body to its original size or

shape after deformation by external forces.

Elasticity - the property of an article which tends to return to its original shape after deformation.
Elasticity - the tendency of a body to return to its original size and shape, after having been
stretched, compressed or deformed. The ratio of the stress in the body to the strain
is termed as the Coefficient or Modulus of Elasticity.
Elasticity Modulus - see Modulus of Elasticity
Elastomer Elastomer - a general term for high polymers having the property of extensibility and elastic
recovery, i.e., the ability to be stretched and to retract rapidly to approximately the
original size; see Polymer.
Elastomer - a material that can be stretched to approximately twice its original length with
relatively low stress at room temperature, and which returns forcibly to about its
original size and shape when the stretching force is released.
Elastomer - a natural or synthetic elastic material, often used for o-ring seals. Typical materials
are Viton; Buna-n; EPDM (ethylene propylene dimonomer), etc.
Elastomer - a synthetic, non-metallic, rubber-like substance that may experience large and
reversible elastic deformations (as in a rubber band).
Elastomer - any of various plastic materials resembling rubber which can be stretched and which
return to their original dimensions when released.
Elastomer - any synthetic or natural material with resilience or memory sufficient to return to its
original shape after major or minor distortion.
Elastomer - refers to rubber-like materials which have resilience. After they are stretched, they
return to their original shape.
Elastomer - synthetic rubber
Elastomeric - a highly flexible material which can be extruded and is used primarily as a sealant
and as a preformed joint filler. Some elastomerics also have adhesive properties.
Elastomeric Energized Liner - a resilient elastomeric ring under the main liner in a butterfly
valve body is compressed by the disk acting through the main liner, thus generating
a resilient sealing action between the disk and the main liner.
Elastoplasticity - the state of a substance subjected to a stress greater than its elastic limit but
not so great as to cause it to rupture, in which it exhibits both elastic and plastic
properties.
Elbow Elbow - 1) a fitting that connects two pipes at an angle, usually 90 degrees but may be any other
angle less than 100 degrees; 2) a sharp bend in a pipe.
Elbow - a fitting that connects two pipes at an angle, often of 90 degrees.
Elbow Meter - a pipe elbow used as a liquids flow meter; flow rate is measured by determining
the differential pressure developed between the inner and outer radii of the bend by
means of two pressure taps located midway on the bend.
Electric Actuator - see Actuator, Electric
Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) - these furnaces make use of electric current at low voltage and high
amperage. Graphite electrodes are used for producing arc. These may be direct
arc type, indirect arc type or induction type.
Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) - steelmaking furnace where scrap is generally 100% of the charge.
Heat is supplied from electricity that arcs from the graphite electrodes to the metal
bath. Furnaces may be either an alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC).
DC units consume less energy and fewer electrodes, but they are more expensive.
Electric Failsafe Actuator - electrically driven actuator that contains an internal spring to close
the valve on loss of electricity.
Electric Motor Operator (EMO) - see Actuator, Electric
Electric Resistance Welded (ERW) Pipe - pipe made from strips of hot-rolled steel which are
passed through forming rolls and welded. While seamless pipe is traditionally
stronger and more expensive than comparable ERW pipe, ERW technology is
improving and the technique now accounts for approximately 48% of OCTG
shipments by tonnage.
Electric Resistance Welding - a form of plastic welding in which high currents at low voltage are

passed through the metal to be joined or welded, causing a local heating due to
their resistance to flow of current. The heat raises the work temperature to the
welding heat and the metals are simultaneously pressed together by mechanical
pressure, forcing the two pieces to join together to form a weld. The metallic pieces
to be joined are placed between two water-cooled copper electrodes incorporating a
low-pressure circuit. The heat required for resistance welding is generated by
passing a large electrical current of the order of 3000 to 100,000 amps with a
voltage between 1 and 25 through two pieces of metal.
Electrical Apparatus Category 'ia' - an electrical apparatus that is incapable of causing ignition
in normal operation, with a single fault and with any combination of two faults
applied, with safety factors of 1.5 in normal operation and with one fault and 1.0
with two faults.
Electrical Apparatus Category 'ib' - an electrical apparatus that is incapable of causing ignition
in normal operation and with a single fault applied, with safety factors of 1.5 in
normal operation and with one fault and 1.0 with one fault, if the apparatus contains
no unprotected switch contacts in parts likely to be exposed to a potentially
explosive atmosphere and the fault is self revealing.
Electrical Steel - see Silicon Electrical Steel
Electro Slag Welding - a welding process in which the weld is produced by the molten slag
which melts the filler metal and the surfaces of the workpieces to be welded. In this
process, firstly, the arc is initiated between the filler metal electrode and the
workpiece. This arc heats the flux and melts it to form a slag. The arc is then
extinguished and the slag is maintained in the molten condition by the resistance
offered by it to the flow of electric current between the electrode and the work piece.
Molten slag also acts as a shield to the molten metal. In the beginning an electric
arc is struck between the electrode and the workpiece and flux is added. The heat
of arc melts the molten metal. Then the arc is stopped and the slag is maintained in
the molten state by the resistance to the electric current passing between the
electrode and the workpiece through it. The inside temperature of the molten metal
pool is nearly 1950 C and the outside temperature is nearly 1650 C. This
temperature is sufficient to melt the base metal and filler material, to form a strong
weld after solidification. It is a progressive process of melting as solidification takes
place from the bottom towards upward direction. The welding flux used in electro
slag welding reduces oxidation, removes impurities from the molten metal and has
a small rate of consumption.
Electrode Electrode - a conductor through which electricity enters or leaves something.
Electrode - a conductor which leads an electric current into a welding implement.
Electrode - a material in the form of a wire or a rod through which current for welding is
conducted between the electrode holder and the arc. (Electrodes used generally
are of parent metal, tungsten and carbon).
Electrode - a material in the form of a wire or a rod through which current is conducted between
the electrode holder and the arc. (Electrodes used generally are of parent metal,
tungsten and carbon.)
Electrode Holder - a mechanical device used for holding electrodes.
Electrode Lead - the electrical conductor used for conducting electricity between the electrical
source and the electrical holder.
Electrogalvanizing - a continuous process used to produce a zinc coating on steel sheet by
electroplating. Both sulfuric or hydrochloric acid solutions are used. The most
common method uses sulfuric acid with insoluble anodes. Produces thin coatings
generally less than 10 um (0.4 mils) thick.
Electrogas Welding - a gas metal-arc welding process in which an external shielding is formed
by the gas and the molding shoe confines the molten metal for vertical position
weldings. This process has been developed from electro slag welding. The two
methods commonly used in electro slag welding are (a) solid electrode process,
and (b) flux cored electrode process.
Electroless - nickel-plating using chemical rather than electrical means.
Electroless Nickel Plating - used on metals for the purpose of improving the wear resistance of
the base metal (carbon steels and stainless steels). Also used for the purpose of

corrosion protection. It may be used for operating temperatures up to 200 Celsius,

but in the presence of hydrogen sulfide or sulfur compounds, the maximum
operating temperature should be restricted to 80 Celsius; abbreviated ENP.
Electrolysis - decomposition by electric current
Electromanometer - an electronic instrument used for measuring the pressure of gases or
liquids.
Electron Beam Welding Electron Beam Welding - a fusion welding process where the heat required for fusion is obtained
from the kinetic energy of a dense beam of high velocity electrons that are directed
at the joint to be welded. Before welding the workpieces are thoroughly cleaned
and demagnetized.
Demagnetization is necessary, as a small amount of
magnetism in materials causes deflection in the electron beam. The workpieces
are then placed in the welding chamber and the distance between the electron gun
and the job is adjusted. The chamber is pumped down to the required vacuum.
The voltage and current required are adjusted and the equipment is switched on.
The welding proceeds automatically to from a coalesced mass.
Electron Beam Welding - using an electron beam for fusing the metal to make a joint.
Electron Volt - a unit of energy in atom calculations, equal to 1.602 x 10-12 ergs.
Electroplate Electroplate - a process of putting a thin layer of metal onto another metal by electrolysis. The
metal to be plated is dipped into a conducting solution (called the electrolyte).
Electrons from the metal to be deposited (called the anode) flow to, and are
deposited on, the metal to be plated which acts as the cathode.
Electroplate - to coat an object with metal by electrolysis.
Electroplating - a batch process used to produce a zinc coating on manufactured articles. These
may be functional (for corrosion protection) or decorative coatings. Electric current
is used to force the deposition of negatively charged zinc ions from an acid solution
onto the positively charged cathode, which is the article to be coated. Produces
thin coatings generally less than 10 um (0.4 mils) thick.
Electroplating - electroplating is carried out for several reasons, one of which of course is
corrosion protection; another application is to impart a decorative finish. One
special application is in the case of gauges, where a layer of chrome can be
deposited to give an improved measure of wear resistance. The process of
electroplating, as the name suggests, involves the use of an electric current and
relies on the fact that when a direct current flows from a positive anode to a
negative cathode, in the presence of a conducting fluid, then atoms of the anode
are carried to and deposited on to the cathode. Nuts, bolts and washers are
sometimes electroplated with cadmium to resist corrosion.
Element - 1) any one of the 105 known substances that cannot be split by chemical means into
simpler substances; 2) a piece, segment, or feature; part of a larger whole.
ELL - Elbow
Elongation Elongation - 1) the total extension produced in a tensile test and determined after fracture by
holding together the pieces of the fractured tensile test piece, and measuring
between pop marks applied beforehand. It is expressed as a percentage of the
original gauge length, which should also be given. It is a measure of the ductility of
the steel. 2. the extension produced, as in rolling.
Elongation - in tensile testing, the increase in the gage length, measured after fracture of the
specimen within the gage length, usually expressed as a percentage of the original
gage length.
Elongation - it generally means "ultimate elongation" or percent increase in original length of a
specimen when it breaks.
Elongation - the fractional increase in a materials length due to stress in tension or to thermal
expansion.
Elongation - the ratio of stress to strain within the elastic limit. It is a measure of stiffness.
Elongation - the ratio of the increase in gauge length to the original gauge length expressed in
percentage.
Elongation - the total extension produced in a test specimen during a tensile test. It is expressed

as a percentage of the original length of the specimen.

Elute - to wash out or remove by dissolving.
Elutriation - separation of fine, light particles from coarser, heavier particles by passing a slow
stream of fluid upward through a mixture so that the finer particles are carried along
with it.
Embrittlement Embrittlement - a reduction in toughness developing after heat treatment or over a period of
service. Some metals and plastics exhibit reduced impact toughness at subzero
temperatures or may degrade at ordinary temperatures in ways which reduce their
ability to absorb energy when stressed to the point of fracture.
Embrittlement - reduction or loss of ductility or toughness in a metal or plastic with little change in
other mechanical properties.
Embrittlement Cracking - a form of metal failure that occurs in steam boilers at riveted joints
and at tube ends, the cracking being predominantly intercrystalline.
EMEPMI - ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Malaysia Incorporated
Emergency Panel - the main panel to shut off all the mechanical valves. The panel is located at
a safe distance from the valves to be operated.
Emergency Shut Down Valve Emergency Shut Down Valve - used for critical service duties; abbreviated ESD Valve
Emergency Shutdown Valve - ESVs are hydraulic, pneumatic and motor-operated rising stem
gate valves or ball valves, the largest percentage being ball valves with hydraulic
actuators. The ESVs are intended to isolate each section of a platform in the event
of a line break or fire, preventing hydrocarbons from flowing into the affected
system. They isolate the platform from both the oil / gas source and the distribution
headers. They are also located in other flow streams on the platform. An
emergency shutdown control system monitors many parameters and periodically
sends automatic signals to the valves to isolate the platform during emergency
shutdown events. The valves are also connected to the platforms main control
system, a separate system.
EMI - Electro-Magnetic Inspection
EMR - Extra Moisture Resistant
EMU - European Economic Monetary Unit
Encapsulated Body Liner - in a butterfly valve body, all surfaces of the body are covered by a
continuous surface layer of a different material, usually an elastomeric or plastic
material. A soft elastomer behind a harder encapsulating material may be used to
provide interference for disk and stem sealing areas.
Encapsulation - an international term describing a type of protection in which the parts that
could ignite an explosive atmosphere by either sparking or heating are enclosed in
an encapsulant in such a way that this explosive atmosphere cannot be ignited.
This type of protection is referred to by CENELEC as "Ex m" in draft standard
EN50028. NOTE: encapsulation is the potting or casting of electrical components
with epoxy, elastomer, silicone, asphaltic, or similar compounds for the purpose of
excluding moisture or vapors.
End Connection End Connection - the configuration provided to make a pressure tight joint to the pipe carrying the
fluid to be controlled.
End Connection - the configuration provided to make a pressure-tight joint to the pipe carrying
the fluid to be controlled. The most common of these connections are threaded,
flanged, or welded.
End Connection - the type of connection supplied on the ends of a valve which allows it to be
connected to piping; may be Weld End, Flanged End, Threaded or Socket Weld.
End Connections, Flanged
end connections incorporating flanges that mate with
corresponding flanges on the piping.
End Connections, Split Clamp - end connections of various proprietary designs using split
clamps to apply gasket or mating surface loading.
End Connections, Threaded - end connections incorporating threads, either male or female.
End Connections, Welded - end connections that have been prepared for welding to the line
pipe or other fittings. May be butt weld (BW), or socket weld (SW).

End Quench Test - see Jominy Test

End to End Dimension End To End Dimension - see Face to Face Dimension and Center to End Dimension
End to End Dimension - the length of a non-flanged-end valve; compare with Face to Face
Endothermic Reaction - any process, especially a chemical reaction, that involves the
absorption of heat.
Endurance Limit Endurance Limit - in fatigue testing, the maximum stress for any material below which fractures
will not occur. For steel this limit will get reached after from 6 to 10 million cycles of
stress.
Endurance Limit - the maximum stress that a member subjected to a completely reversed load
can withstand for an infinite number of load applications without failure; also called
Fatigue Limit.
Energized - current is flowing through the coil. The magnetic flux resulting from electricity
passing through the coil forces the plunger to pull against the end stop. When a
normally closed valve is energized, the valve opens and stays open until the
electrical current stops.
Energy - the ability or capacity to do work.
Engage - to cause part of a machine (such as the gears) to fit into and lock with another part.
ENP - Electroless Nickel Plating
Ensis MD - an easily removable rust protective fluid, manufactured by Shell.
EO - Ethylene Oxide
EOR - Enhanced Oil Recovery
EP - 1) Exploration and Production; 2) Ethylene-Propylene (Nordel)
EPDM - Ethylene-Propylene (Nordel)
EPM - Ethylene Propylene Rubber (Keltan)
EPMI - Esso Production Malaysia, Inc.
Epoxy - any of a group of synthetic thermosetting resins that are tough, resistant to abrasion and
chemical attack, and forms strong adhesive bonds.
EPR - Ethylene-Propylene Rubber
EPT - Ethylene-Propylene
EQA - Environment Quality Act (Malaysia)
Equal Percentage - a term used to describe a type of valve flow characteristic where for equal
increments of valve plug travel the change in flow rate with respect to travel may be
expressed as a constant percent of the flow rate at the time of the change. The
change in flow rate observed with respect to travel will be relatively small when the
valve plug is near its seat and relatively high when the valve plug is nearly wide
open.
Equal Percentage Plug - a valve plug shaped to allow flow of a medium in direct proportion to
the amount of plug lift.
Equilibrium - a state of balance between opposing forces or actions.
Equipment Specification - a project specific document which details the specific requirements
for the work or equipment being procured.
Equivalent Pipe Length - a measure of a valves resistance to flow where the resistance is
equal to and expressed as a length of pipe of the same size as that connected to
the valve.
ER&E - Exxon Research & Engineering
Erg - a unit of energy (in the Centimeter-Gram-Second system) equal to one dyne centimeter or
approximately equal to the work done by a force of 1 milligram causing a movement
of 1 centimeter.
Erode - to wear away or destroy gradually
Erosion Erosion - 1) deterioration by the abrasive action of fluids, usually accelerated by the presence of
solid particles in suspension; 2) the wearing away of refractory or of metal parts by
gas borne dust particles; 3) progressive destruction of a structural member by the
abrasive action of a moving fluid, often one that contains solid particles in
suspension; if the fluid is a gas, erosion may be caused by liquid droplets carried in

the moving gas stream.

Erosion - the gradual destruction of metal or other material by the abrasive action of liquids,
gases, solids or mixtures thereof.
Erosion - the gradual destruction or alteration of a metal or alloy caused by direct chemical attack
or by electromechanical reaction.
Erosion - the wearing away of a valve seat due to high velocity flow.
ERW - Electric Resistance Welding
Escape Valve - a safety valve or relief valve
ESD - Emergency Shut Down
ESV - Emergency Shutdown Valve
ESW - Electro Slag Welding
ETC - End Torque Close
Etch Cracks - shallow cracks in the surface of hardened steel due to hydrogen embrittlement
that sometimes occurs when the metal comes in contact with an acidic
environment.
ETD - Estimated Time of Departure
ETFE - Ethylene-Tetrafluoroethylene (Tefzel)
Ethylene - a gaseous hydrocarbon occurring in natural gas; a colorless flammable gas with a
sweet smell.
Ethylene Propylene - a non-metallic material used as valve trim. It is an elastomer also known
as EPT, EPDM, EP, EPR Rubber, and Nordel. It has very good resilience and
good abrasion resistance.
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) - a popular rubber seal material, compatible with
a wide range of chemicals.
ETO - End Torque Open
Eutectic Welding - a low-temperature metal welding process which uses the eutectic property of
the metals involved, there being a lower melting point for the mixture of the
particular combination of metals, which then behave like a pure compound with
simultaneous recrystallization after melting.
Evaporation - the direct conversion from liquid state to vapor state of a given fluid.
Ex - out of
Ex(d) - Explosion Proof
Ex(e) - Increased Safety
Expander Flange - a type of butt-welded flange designed with a tapered bore so that various
pipe sizes can be matched.
Expansion Joint - a pipe coupling which, under temperature change, allows movement of a
piping system without hazard to associated equipment.
Expansion Loop - a complete loop installed in a pipeline to mitigate the effect of expansion or
contraction of the line.
Expansion Opening - a chamber in line with a pipe or tunnel and of larger diameter than the
conduit containing liquid or gas, to allow lowering of pressure within the conduit by
expansion of the fluid.
Expansion Valve - a valve in which fluid flows under falling pressure and increasing volume.
Expected Lifetime - the expected lifetime of a motor is the time during which the motor remains
suitable for the application for which it was made when regularly inspected,
examined and serviced in accordance with the manufacturers instructions, with
replacement of lubricants and of parts subject to wear.
Exploration and Production (E&P) - see Upstream
Explosion Proof Enclosure - an enclosure that is capable of withstanding an explosion of a gas
or vapor within it and of preventing the ignition of an explosive gas or vapor that
may surround it and that operates at such an external temperature that a
surrounding explosive gas or vapor will not be ignited thereby. Refer also to
flameproof enclosure.
Explosionproof Apparatus - apparatus enclosed in a case that is capable of withstanding an
explosion of a specified gas or vapor which may occur within it and of preventing
the ignition of a specified gas or vapor surrounding the enclosure by sparks,
flashes, or explosion of the gas or vapor within, and which operates at such an

external temperature that a surrounding flammable atmosphere will not be ignited

thereby.
Explosionproof Enclosure - an enclosure that is capable of withstanding an explosion of a gas
or vapor within it and of preventing the ignition of an explosive gas or vapor that
may surround it and that operates at such an external temperature that a
surrounding explosive gas or vapor will not be ignited thereby. This type enclosure
is similar to a flameproof enclosure.
Explosive Cladding - producing a bimetallic material by explosion welding a thin layer of one
metal on a substrate; it is used most advantageously to yield a material with one
surface having a unique property, such as resistance to corrosion by certain strong
chemicals, while the bulk of the material possesses good fabrication and structural
properties.
Explosive Decompression - this occurs when gas at high pressure permeates into seal
materials. When the gas pressure is reduced, the absorbed gas expands, which
causes the seals to swell and blister.
Explosive Welding Explosive Welding - a solid state process for creating a metallurgical bond by driving one piece of
metal rapidly against another with the force of a controlled explosive detonation.
Explosive Welding - a process of welding metallic pieces by high velocity movement. High
velocity movement is produced by a controlled detonation. In this process a high
velocity plate is propelled by an explosive charge to a stationary plate. This
arrangement consists of an anvil, parent plate, flyer plate, buffer zone, explosive,
and detonator. The parent plate and the flyer plates are maintained at proper stand
off distance. The parent plate is joined by the flyer plate. Above the flyer plate
there is a buffer. The buffer consists of rubber, cardboard, or a similar material.
The buffer helps in protecting the top surface of the flyer plate from damage due to
detonation of the explosive charge. The parent plate is placed on the anvil to
restrict distortion of the final product after welding. A large explosive is placed
above the buffer. The detonation of the explosive takes place from the lower edge.
As the detonator is ignited, the detonation wave front progresses towards the right.
The explosion produces high pressure impulse. It produces high pressure normal
to the surfaces and shearing pressure between the flyer and the parent metal. It
produces high temperatures and high velocity impact. Consequently the metals
behave as fluids which obey laws of fluid mechanics. The explosives used in
explosive weldings are PETN, RDX, TNT, Metabel (ICI) and Tetryl.
Extended Body Valve - a small forged-steel gate or globe valve that has a body with one end
extended substantially for direct connection to pressure vessels, piping headers,
etc., without the use of a pipe nipple.
Extended Bonnet Extended Bonnet - a bonnet with a packing box that is extended above the body to bonnet
connection so as to maintain the temperature of the packing above (cryogenic
service) or below (high-temp service) the temperature of the process fluid. The
length of the extension depends upon the difference between the fluid temperature
and the packing design temperature limit, as well as upon the valve body design.
Extended Bonnet - used on a valve when the media is at high or low temperatures, to avoid
damage to the sealing elements.
Extended Bonnet - used when the media is at high or low temperatures, to avoid damage to the
sealing elements.
Extended Operating Gear - an operating means located above its normal position on a valve, to
allow above-ground access when the valve is installed below ground.
Extensometer Extensometer - an instrument designed to measure minute deformations of small objects
subjected to stress.
Extensometer - an instrument which is used for measuring minute extensions of a test piece
during a tensile test. This is necessary when determining the limit of proportionally
or proof stress.
External Centerless Grinding - a process by which a metal work piece is finished on its external
surface by supporting the piece on a blade while it is advanced between a

regulating wheel and grinding wheel.

External Grinding - grinding the outer surface of a rotating piece of work.
External Thread - a screw thread cut on an outside surface.
Extra Hard Temper - a level of hardness and strength in nonferrous alloys and some ferrous
alloys corresponding approximately to a cold worked state one third of the way from
full hard to extra spring temper.
Extra Spring Temper - a level of hardness and strength for nonferrous alloys and some ferrous
alloys corresponding to a cold worked state above full hard beyond which hardness
and strength cannot be measurably increased by further cold work.
Extrude - to squeeze or force out
Extrusion Extrusion - any item manufactured by forcing material through a Die. Many plastic and aluminum
products are formed by the extrusion process.
Extrusion - distortion of flow, under pressure, of portion of seal into clearance between mating
metal parts.
Extrusion Billet - a slug of metal, usually heated into the forging temperature range, which is
forced through a die by a ram in an extrusion process.
EXW - 1) Explosion Welding; 2) Ex-Works
Eye Bolt Eye Bolt - a bolt provided with a hole or eye at one end, instead of the usual head. The eye
receives a pin, stud, or hook, which takes the pull of the bolt.
Eye Bolt - a bolt with a loop at one end.
Eye Bolt - a bolt with a steel loop forged at one end instead of a head, a thread being cut at the
other end.
Eye Bolt - a bolt with one eye instead of the normal head, used for lifting or fastening.
Eye Screw - a screw with an open loop head.
Eyelet - a small ring or barrel-shaped piece of metal inserted into a hole for reinforcement.
Eyeleting - forming a lip around the rim of a hole.

F - 1) Fluorine; 2) Fahrenheit degrees; 3) Final; 4) Filter

F & D - Faced and Drilled
F&G - Fire and Gas
F, D&SF - Faced, Drilled & Spotfaced
FA - For Approval
FAB - Fully As-Built
Fabrication Fabrication - refers to the preparation of structural steel components in a workshop by detailed
operations like spearing, drilling, bending, straightening, sawing, oxygen profiling
and cutting.
Fabrication - the manufacture of parts, usually structural or electromechanical parts.
Face - the surface of a flange on a pipe that is fitted against another flange.
Face Milling - milling flat surfaces perpendicular to the rotational axis of the cutting tool.
Face to Face Dimension Face to Face Dimension - the dimensions from the face of the inlet opening to the face of the
outlet opening of a valve or fitting; see End to End Dimension.
Face to Face Dimension - the distance between the face of the inlet opening and the face of the
outlet opening of a valve or fitting. These dimensions are governed by ANSI / ISA
specifications.
Face to Face Dimension - the length of a flanged-end valve; compare with End to End
Face to Face Dimension - the overall dimension from the inlet face of a valve to the outlet face of
a valve (one end to another) allowing valves of the same size and pressure class to
be mutually interchangeable, regardless of manufacturer.
Facing Facing - a raised machined surface to which another part is to be attached.
Facing - an outer layer of trim, coating the underlying material (contrasted to solid).
Facing - machining the end of a flat rotating surface by applying a tool perpendicular to the axis
of rotation in a spiral planar path.
Facing - the finish of the gasket contact surface of a flange.
Facing Sand - special sand that contains a small amount of carbonaceous material. It is used
on the inner surface of the molding cavity to give better surface finish to castings.
Factor of Safety - the ratio of ultimate strength of a material to the allowable stress.
FAHR - Fahrenheit degrees
Fahrenheit - the temperature scale using the freezing point of water as 32 and the boiling point
as 212, with 180 equal divisions between, called degrees.
Fail Closed Fail Closed - a condition in which the valve closure member moves to a closed position when the
actuating energy source fails; see Normally Closed.
Fail Closed - another way of describing an air to open actuator. Approximately 80% of all spring
return diaphragm operators in the field are of this construction; also known as
Normally Closed.
Fail Closed - spring return pneumatic actuator is applied to the valve such that the spring will
drive the valve to the close position upon loss of air; also called Air-To-Open.
Fail In Place Fail In Place - a condition in which the valve closure component stays in its last position when the
actuating energy source fails.
Fail In Place - a term used to describe the ability of an actuator to stay at the same percent of
travel it was in when it lost its air supply. On spring return actuators this is
accomplished by means of a lock up valve. On piston actuators a series of
compressed air cylinders must be employed.
Fail Open Fail Open - a condition in which the valve closure member moves to an open position when the
actuating energy source fails; see Normally Open.
Fail Open - another way of describing an air to close actuator; also known as Normally Open.
Fail Open - spring return pneumatic actuator is applied to the valve such that the spring will drive
the valve to the open position upon loss of air; also called Air-To-Close.

Fail Safe Fail Safe - a characteristic of a particular valve and its actuator, which upon loss of actuating
energy supply, will cause a valve closure member to fully close, fully open or remain
in fixed position. Fail safe action may involve the use of auxiliary controls
connected to the actuator; 2) protection against effects of failure of equipment, for
example, burner fuel shut off on flame failure.
Fail Safe - a term used to describe the desired failure position of a control valve. It could fail
closed; fail open; or fail in place. For a spring-return operator to fail-in-place
usually requires the use of a lock-up valve.
Fail Safe - said of a mechanism: ensuring a return to a safe condition when something goes
wrong.
Fail Safe Device - a component, system or control device so designed that it places the
controlled parameter in a safe condition in case of a power interruption, controller
malfunction or failure of a load carrying member.
Fail Safe Valve - a valve that either fails in the open position or closes to prevent a costly or
dangerous situation within a system.
Failure Mode - the position to which the valve closure component moves when the actuating
energy source fails.
FAS - Free Alongside Steamer
Fast Joint - pertaining to a joint with a permanently secured pin.
Fast Moving (equipment and materials) - those in transit or at supply bases, construction sites
or storage yards for less than 6 months.
Fast Pin - a pin that fastens immovably, particularly the pin in a fast joint.
Fastmet - a process to directly reduce iron ore to metallic iron pellets that can be fed into an
electric arc furnace with an equal amount of scrap. This process is designed to
bypass the coke oven-blast furnace route to produce hot metal from iron ore. It is
also one of several methods that mini-mills might use to reduce their dependence
on high-quality scrap inputs; see Direct Reduced Iron and Hot Briquetted Iron.
FAT - Factory Acceptance Test
Fatigue Fatigue - 1) a diminishing resistance to fracture caused by continued application of varying or
alternating stresses; 2) weakness caused by a long period of use and stress; 3)
failure attributed to repeated loading and unloading.
Fatigue - a description of the behavior of metals under the action of alternating (cyclic) loads as
distinguished from the behavior under steady loads. Cyclic stressing may take
place in bending, tension, compression, and torsion or in combination of these and
may be found in such diverse applications as axles, connecting rods, springs, etc.
Fatigue - a phenomenon of metals leading to fracture, whereby repeated reversals of stress
cause a weakening of the metal such that failure can occur at a lower stress than
would normally be expected.
Fatigue - failure of a material by cracking resulting from repeated or cyclic stress.
Fatigue - progressive fracture of a material by formation and growth of minute cracks under
repeated or fluctuating stresses whose maximum value is less than the material's
tensile strength, and is often wholly within the elastic stress range.
Fatigue - the failure of a metal due to repeated stress.
Fatigue - the failure of a metal under cyclically repeated stresses. Fatigue is the only cause of
failure of over 50% and some cases it is even 90% in components of modern high
speed machines. Almost everyone has heard the failure of connecting rod, crankshafts, piston rods, spring, pin, etc. All these failures are due to fatigue. Tests like
strength, hardness, impact, etc, describe the behavior of metals when they are
stressed only once. In practice, metals have to be subjected to thousands, or even
millions of reversals of stresses. Practically, it has been seen that fracture takes
place at a much lower statistical ultimate strength when a piece is subjected to
repeated stresses. It has also been found that if the stresses are reversed, the
resistance to fracture is much less than if the stresses applied are of the same
nature. It is said in such cases that a material has fatigued. A careful examination
of the specimen after failure reveals important information about the causes of
failure. These may be summarized as follows: a) initially the crack starts from a

point of high stress concentration such as an oil hole, slag inclusion, keyway, etc.
This type of fatigue failure is more often due to bad design rather than the quality of
the metal. b) The fatigue limit increases by carburizing, cold working and nitriding
but decreases with decarburization. c) There is no direct relationship between Izod
impact, hardness, etc, but approximately the fatigue limit is 40 to 55% of the
ultimate tensile stress. d) The size of test piece has much effect on the fatigue also.
The fatigue strength of steels decreases with the increasing size of the test piece.
Fatigue - the process leading to the failure of metals (or other materials) under the repeated
action of a cycle of stress. The failure is dependent on the mean stress, the range
of stress and the number of cycles. With a decreased amount of stress, a material
can be able to withstand a greatly increased number of repetitions before failure, or
failure may not occur after millions of stress cycles. With a large amount of stress,
failure may take place after a relatively small number of reversals.
Fatigue Life Fatigue Life - the life of a test-piece, or of a part of a structure or mechanism, expressed as the
number of applications of a load before failure.
Fatigue Life - the number of applied repeated stress cycles a material can endure before failure.
Fatigue Life - the number of stress cycles that a material can sustain prior to fracture for a given
set of fatigue conditions.
Fatigue Limit Fatigue Limit - refers to the maximum value of the applied alternating stress which a test piece
can withstand indefinitely.
Fatigue Limit - the maximum stress that a material can endure for an infinite number of stress
cycles without breaking. Also known as endurance limit.
Fatigue Limit - the upper limit of range of stress that a metal is able to withstand indefinitely.
Fatigue of Metals - the phenomenon of the failure of metals under the repeated application of a
cycle of stress; factors involved include amplitude, average severity, rate of cyclic
stress and temperature effect; notch brittleness commences at a scratch or
blemish.
Fatigue Range - refers to the maximum range of stress which a metal will withstand indefinitely.
When the maximum stress in tension is equal to that in compression, the fatigue
range must be stated to define conditions.
Fatigue Ratio - the ratio of the fatigue limit or fatigue strength to the static tensile strength; also
known as Endurance Limit.
Fatigue Resistance - the property of a material which enables it to overcome fatigue caused by
repeated stresses.
Fatigue Strength Fatigue Strength - it can be increased by selecting suitable material, cold working, shot peening,
under stressing and overdressing (coaxing).
Fatigue Strength - the maximum stress a material can endure for a given number of stress cycles
without breaking; also known as Endurance Strength.
Fatigue Strength - the maximum stress that ordinarily leads to fatigue fracture in a specified
number of stress cycles; if the stress is not completely reversed during each stress
cycle, the minimum stress also should be given; see also Endurance Limit.
Fatigue Test Fatigue Test - a test on a sample of a material or on a complete piece of assembled equipment.
The test item has been subjected to repetitive loading, usually to verify a safe
fatigue life.
Fatigue Test - a test to determine the range of alternating stress which a material can withstand
without breaking.
Faucet - a valve on the end of water pipe by means of which water can be released from, or
held within, the pipe.
Faying Race - the portion of a work piece which is especially prepared to fit a mating part; also
called Faying Surface.
Faying Surface Faying Surface - either of two surfaces in contact with each other in a welded, fastened or
bonded joint, or in one about to be welded, fastened or bonded.

Faying Surface - the surfaces of materials in contact with each other and joined or about to be
joined together.
FB - Full Bore
FBH - Flat Bottom Hole
FCA - Free Carrier
FCAW - Flux Cored Arc Welding
FCC - Fluid Catalytic Cracker, or cat unit.
FCCU FCCU - Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit.
FCCU - Fluidized Catalytic Cracking Unit
FCPA - Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
FCV - Flow Control Valve
FD - Fuel, Diesel
FDT - Final Drawings Transmittal
Fe - Iron
Fe3C - Cementite
Feather Feather - to blend or otherwise form a tapering transition between one material or surface and
another.
Feather - to turn (the disc of a check valve) more parallel to the line of movement, to offer the
least resistance to the process fluid.
Feather Joint - a joint made by cutting a mating groove in each of the pieces to be joined and
inserting a feather in the opening formed when the pieces are butted together; also
known as Ploughed-and-Tongued Joint.
Feed Check Valve - a non return valve in the delivery pipe between a feed water pump and a
boiler.
Feed Control Valve - a small valve, usually a needle valve, on the outlet of the hydraulic-feed
cylinder on the swivel head of a diamond drill, used to control minutely the speed of
the hydraulic piston travel and hence the rate at which the bit is made to penetrate
the rock.
Feed Pipe - a pipe through which water is conducted into a boiler.
Feedback Feedback - a transfer of energy from the output of a device to its input.
Feedback - the process of bringing back information about the condition under control to
compare it with a target value.
Feedback Controller - a mechanism which measures the value of a controlled variable,
compares it to a command or set value, and manipulates a controlled system in
order to maintain a desired relationship between controlled variable and command.
Feedback Signal Feedback Signal - the return signal that results from a measurement of the directly controlled
variable. An example would be where a control valve is equipped with a positioner.
The return signal is usually a mechanical indication of valve plug stem position
which is fed back into the positioner.
Feedback Signal - the signal which is returned to the input of a system and compared to a
reference signal to establish an actuated signal which returns the controlled variable
to the desired value.
Feedhead - a reservoir of molten metal that extends above a casting to supply additional molten
metal and compensate for solidification shrinkage; also known as Riser; Sinkhead.
Feedstock Feedstock - any raw material
Feedstock - crude oil, natural gas liquids, natural gas or other materials used as raw ingredients
for making gasoline or other petroleum products.
Feet of Head - see Head
Female Fitting - in a paired pipe or an electrical or mechanical connection, the portion (fitting)
that receives, contrasted to the male portion (fitting) that inserts.
FEP - Fluorinated Ethylene-Propylene

Ferrite Ferrite - 1) a form of pure iron occurring in low-carbon steel; 2) a body-centered cubic crystalline
phase of iron-based alloys.
Ferrite - an almost pure form of iron. The maximum percentage of carbon in the form of solid
solution is 0.025% at 723 C. It is soft, malleable and ductile. The hardness of
ferrite lies between 80 BHN and 100 BHN.
Ferritic Steel Ferritic Steel - a steel whose microstructure at room temperature consists predominately of
ferrite. Ferritic stainless steels are hardened and strengthened by cold work
because they are not heat treatable.
Ferritic Steel - the second largest class of stainless steel, constituting approximately 25% of
stainless production. Ferritic stainless steels are plain chromium steels with no
significant nickel content; the lack of nickel results in lower corrosion resistance
than the austenitics (chromium-nickel stainless steels). Ferritics are best suited for
general and high-temperature corrosion applications rather than services requiring
high strength. They are used in automotive trim and exhaust systems, interior
architectural trim, and hot water tanks. Two of the most common grades are type
430 (general-purpose grade for many applications, including decorative ones) and
type 409 (low cost grade well suited to withstanding high temperatures).
Ferritize - to increase the quantity of ferrite in the matrix of a ferrous casting through an
appropriate heat treatment.
Ferritizing Anneal - the process of producing a predominantly ferritic matrix in cast iron through
an appropriate heat treatment.
Ferro- - a prefix meaning containing iron
Ferroalloy Ferroalloy - a metal product commonly used as a raw material feed in steelmaking, usually
containing iron and other metals, to aid various stages of the steelmaking process
such as deoxidation, desulfurization, and adding strength.
Examples are
ferrochrome, ferromanganese and ferrosilicon.
Ferroalloy - alloy containing iron and one or more other metals. Used as a raw material in steel
mills for obtaining the desired composition of the steel.
Ferrochrome - an alloy of iron and chromium with up to 72% chromium. Ferrochrome is
commonly used as a raw material in the making of stainless steel.
Ferrometer - an instrument used to make permeability and hysteresis tests of iron and steel.
Ferrous - metals that consist primarily of iron.
Ferrous Alloy - any alloy containing at least 50% of the element iron by weight.
Ferrous Alloy - see Alloy Steel
Ferrous Metal Ferrous Metal - a metal in which the major constituent is iron.
Ferrous Metal - those containing iron as the principal constituent e.g., cast iron, wrought iron and
various types of steels.
Ferrule Ferrule - 1) a metallic sleeve, joined to a pipe end, into which a plug is screwed that can be
removed for the purpose of cleaning or examining the interior of the pipe; 2) a tubeconnecting device, which is compressed by tightening a nut to effect the
connection.
Ferrule - 1) a ring, which may be in two halves, inserted between the adjusting screw and the
cover to prevent overloading; 2) the ring inserted between the collar of the spring
loading bolt and the body prevent overloading; also variously called Adjusting Ring,
Pressure Adjusting Ring, Safety Ring, Split Safety Ring.
Ferrule - a metal band which is forming or strengthening a joint.
Ferrule - a metal ring or cap attached to the end of a tool handle, post, or other device to
strengthen and protect it.
Ferrule - a metal ring or cap that is fitted onto the end of a tool handle, post or other similar
member to strengthen and protect it.
FF - Flat Face
FFQ - Full Face

FG - Fuel, Gas
FGS - Fire and Gas System
FHF - Full Hard Faced
FI - For Information
Fibrous Fracture - failure of a material resulting from a ductile crack; broken surfaces are dull
and silky; also known as Ductile Fracture.
Fibrous Structure - 1) in fractography, a ropy fracture surface appearance, which is generally
synonymous with "silky" or "ductile fracture"; 2) in forgings, a characteristic
macrostructure indicative of metal flow during the forging process, which is revealed
as a ropy appearance on a fracture surface or as a laminar appearance on a
macroetched section; a ropy appearance on the fracture surface of a forging does
not carry the same implication as a ropy fracture of other wrought metals, and
should not be considered the same as a silky or ductile fracture; 3) in wrought iron,
a microscopic structure consisting of elongated slag fibers embedded in a matrix of
ferrite.
FIC - Foreign Investment Committee
FIFO - First In, First Out
File and Hammer - these are some of the accessories needed by the welder to clean the surface
of the weld prior to welding and removal of chips, etc., if any. It is also used to
finish the weld.
Filler - chemically inert, finely divided material added to the elastomer to aid in processing and
improve physical properties, i.e., abrasion resistance and strength-give it varying
degrees of hardness.
Filler Metal - material added during welding
Fillet - a concave transition surface between two surfaces that meet at an angle.
Fillet Weld Fillet Weld - a roughly triangular weld that joins two members along the intersection of two
surfaces that are approximately perpendicular to each other.
Fillet Weld - a weld of approximately triangular cross-section used for joining two surfaces
approximately at right angles to each other. It is used in lap, tee or corner joints.
Fillet Weld - a weld of triangular cross-section which joins two plates at right angles or at the
edge of a thick plate overlapped by another.
Fillet Weld - a weld which is approximately triangular in cross section.
Filter Filter - a device through which air is passed to separate particle matter held in suspension. Using
filters prolongs the life of both cylinders and valves.
Filter - a device used to separate contaminates from a fluid flowing through it.
Filter - a device whose primary function is the retention by a porous media of insoluble
contaminants from a fluid.
Filter Element - the porous device that performs the actual process of filtration.
Filter Glass - colored glass used in welding helmets, goggles and hand shields.
Filter Media - the porous materials that perform the actual process of filtration.
Filter Media, Surface - Porous materials that primarily retain contaminants on the influent face.
Fin Fin - a defect consisting of a very thin projection of excess material at a corner, edge or hole in a
cast, forged molded or upset part, which must be removed before the part can be
used.
Fin - a thin, unintended projection on surface of a casting. Fins usually occur at the parting line.
Fins are produced a) due to too flexible bottom boards, b) loose pattern plates, and
c) inadequately weighted sand. Incorrectly assembled molds and cores also
produce fins. Fins are also produced by high metal pressure due to too long sprue,
insufficient weighting of the mold and improper clamping of flask.
Final Documentation - documentation to be delivered with, or soon after the equipment or
material. It contains as-built vendor documentation and user manuals.
Fineness - in casting, fineness and permeability of sand are in conflict with each other and must
be balanced for optimum results. Fine sand particles resist metal penetration and
show good surface finish.

Fineness Modulus - a number denoting the fineness of a fine aggregate or other fine material
such as sand or paint.
Finger Plate - a plate used to restrict the upward motion of the diaphragm and prevent
diaphragm extrusion into the bonnet cavity in the full open position.
Finish Finish - 1) the surface texture given to an item; 2) to give a particular treatment to the surface of
an item.
Finish - the surface appearance of steel after final treatment.
Finish Turning - the operation of machining a surface to accurate size and producing a smooth
finish.
Finmet - the process reduces iron ore fines with gas in a descending series of fluidized bed
reactors. The reduced iron is hot briquetted.
Fire Fighting Valve - a valve, usually of the globe type, specifically designed for use on the
outlet of fire fighting hoses.
Fire Resistant - resistant to combustion and to heat of standard intensity for a specified time
without catching fire or failing structurally.
Fire Safe Valve Fire Safe Valve - a valve design that is capable of passing a fire test with specified limits on
leakage to the atmosphere and downstream after being closed subsequent to fire
exposure.
Fire Safe Valve - a valve design which by nature of its features / properties is capable of passing
a fire test.
Fire Tested Valve - 1) a valve design which has successfully passed prototype fire testing. Fire
testing shall be done in accordance with BS 6755 part 2 or API spec. 6FA; 2) a
designation applied to a valve that has been verified by testing to adequately seal
against external and internal leakage during a fire. It is usually used in conjunction
with a soft-seated valve.
Fireproof - resistant to combustion or to damage by fire under all but the most severe conditions.
First Block Valve Off - the first block valve on a normally non-flowing branch connection on a
process fluid line or the closest block valve to the vessel in piping connected to a
pressure vessel nozzle.
Firth Hardometer - a hardness tester which uses a diamond indenter with loads of 10, 30, or 120
kg for hardened steels, or a steel ball for soft materials.
Fisheye - an area on a fracture surface having a characteristic white crystalline appearance,
usually caused by internal hydrogen cracking.
Fishtail - excess metal at the trailing end of an extrusion or a rolled billet or bar, which is
generally cropped and either discarded or recycled into a melting operation.
Fissure - a small, cracklike surface discontinuity, often one whose sides are slightly opened or
displaced with respect to each other.
Fit Fit - the closeness of mating parts in an assembly, as determined by their respective dimensions
and tolerances; fits may be classified as running (sliding), locational, transition or
force (shrink) fits, depending on the size and direction (positive for running or
negative for force fits) of the dimensional allowance; fits may also be termed
clearance or interference depending on whether there is always a gap between
mating parts or always interference, as long as the parts are within specified
tolerances.
Fit - to install or put something in place; to join together to form a whole.
Fitting - a small auxiliary part of standard dimensions used in the assembly of an engine, piping
system, machine, or other apparatus; see Fitment.
Fitting - any component, other than valves, used with pipe as part of the pressure system and
normally referring to items covered by a national standard.
Fittings Fittings - 1) small auxiliary but essential parts of an engine, machine or mechanism; 2)
accessories, especially for boilers, such as values, gauges, etc.
Fittings - fitted accessories or parts
Fittings - this is the general term used to describe parts such as flanges, crossovers etc. than can

be fitted onto other pieces of equipment.

FJ - Fuel, Jet
FKM - Fluoro Rubber of the Polymethylene type (Viton)
Flake - an internal hydrogen crack such as may be formed in steel during cooling from high
temperature; also known as Fisheye; Shattercrack; Snowflake.
Flame Cutting Flame Cutting - it is possible to cut steel and other metals with an oxyhydrogen, oxycoal gas, or
oxyacetylene flame up to thickness of about 40 in. Modern flame cutting profiling
machines operate to close tolerance.
Flame Cutting - severing metal by means of the chemical reaction of oxygen with the metal at
elevated temperatures.
Flame Hardening Flame Hardening - a form of surface hardening that uses the inherent hardenability of a steel or
other hardenable alloy to produce a hardened surface layer by spot heating the
metal with a fuel gas flame to a shallow depth and then rapidly cooling the heated
metal.
Flame Hardening - a process of hardening localized areas of a ferrous alloy part by heating with
a high-temperature flame followed by controlled cooling.
Flame Hardening - a type of case hardening in which the component is heated by a continuously
moving oxy-acetylene flame, followed by a quenching jet of water, air or nitrogen.
Flameproof Enclosure - a term describing an enclosure that can withstand the pressure
developed during an internal explosion of an explosive mixture and that prevents
the transmission of the explosion to the explosive atmosphere surrounding the
enclosure and that operates at such an external temperature that a surrounding
explosive gas or vapor will not be ignited thereby. Refer also to Explosionproof
Enclosure. This type of protection is referred to by IEC as "Ex d".
Flange Flange - a broad, flat projecting rim around the end of a valve, pipe, etc., added for strength and
for connecting with another object.
Flange - a rim on the end of a valve, pipe or fitting for bolting onto another pipe element.
Flange - a type of pipe fitting that attaches via nuts and bolts.
Flange, Blind - a flange without a bored center, used to completely close of a flanged end/ outlet
connection.
Flange, Loose - a flange not intended to be made integral with another piece of API spec 6A
equipment. Under this heading you could find blind, threaded, spacer, welding
neck, studded, adapter and more.
Flange, Threaded - a flange with a sealing face on one side, and a thread on the other
(female).used to join flanged connections to threaded ends.
Flange Facing - the finish on the end connection gasket surfaces of flanged or flangeless valves.
Flange Retained Liner - a liner retained in the body of a butterfly valve by the pipe flanges or by
a continuous or segmented ring. The segmented ring provides a means of
adjusting the liner to disk interference to achieve improved sealing. The bore of the
pipe flanges is smaller in diameter than the body bore; therefore, the flanges retain
the liner in the body.
Flange Taps - see Orifice Flange Taps
Flange Union - a pair of flanges that are screwed to the ends of pipes and then bolted or welded
together to hold two pipes together.
Flanged Body - valve body with full flanged end connections.
Flanged End Flanged End - a valve end that has an integral flange for bolting to a connecting pipe having a
similar flange.
Flanged Ends - valve end connections incorporating flanges which allow pressure seals by
mating with corresponding flanges on the piping.
Flanged Pipe - a pipe with flanges at the ends, which can be bolted end to end to another pipe.
Flangeless - a valve that does not have integral line flanges. This type of valve is sometimes
referred to as a Wafer Style Valve. The valve is installed by bolting it between the
companion flanges with a set of bolts or studs called line bolting. Care should be

taken that strain-hardened bolts and nuts are used in lieu of all-thread, which can
stretch when subjected to temperature cycling.
Flangeless Body - this type of valve is very economical from a manufacturing and stocking
standpoint because a valve that is rated as a 600# ANSI valve can also be used
between 150# and 300# ANSI flanges thus eliminating the need to manufacture
three different valve bodies or stock three different valve bodies. The down side is
that valves with flangeless bodies are not acceptable in certain applications particularly in refinery processes; see also Flangeless.
Flangeless Control Valve - a valve without integral line flanges, which is installed by bolting
between companion flanges, with a set of bolts, or studs, generally extending
through the companion flanges; also called a Wafer Style or Wafer Body Control
Valve.
Flanging - a forming process in which the edge of a metal is bent over to make a flange at a
sharp angle to the body of the part.
Flap Trap - refers to a non-return valve to prevent flooding.
Flap Valve Flap Valve - a valve fitted with a hinged flap or disk that swings in one direction only.
Flap Valve - a valve with a hinged flap or disc that swings in only one direction.
Flap Valve - refers to a non-return valve having a hinged disc which will open for a normal flow
and close by gravity or when the flow is reversed.
Flapper - the flow control element of a swing check valve; also called a Disc or a Clapper.
Flare Flare - a type of pipe fitting that uses a socket and a type of union nut to form a connection with
minimal crevice, for ultrapure processes. Usually seen on fluoropolymer or natural
polypropylene valves.
Flare - an open flame at an oil refinery; it burns off excess gas at the top of the pipe.
Flaring - the burning of gases in a thermal destruction device.
Flash Flash - excess rubber left around rubber part after molding due to space between mating mold
surfaces; removed by trimming.
Flash - in plastics or rubber molding or in metal casting, that portion of the charge which
overflows from the mold cavity at the joint line.
Flash Point Flash Point - the lowest temperature at which an oil releases enough vapor to ignite when open
flame is applied.
Flash Point - the temperature at which a fluid first gives off enough vapor to ignite with a spark or
flame.
Flash Point - the temperature to which a liquid must be heated under specified conditions of the
test method to give off sufficient vapor to form a mixture with air that can be ignited
momentarily by a specified flame.
Flash Welding Flash Welding - a resistance type weld in which mating parts are brought together under
considerable pressure and a heavy electrical current is passed through the joint to
be welded.
Flash Welding - a resistance welding operation carried out over the entire area of abutting
surfaces, by the heat obtained by the resistance to the flow of currents between the
two surfaces by application of pressure. It produces the flash at the surfaces of
contact.
Flash Welding - a resistance welding process commonly applied to wide, thin members,
irregularly shaped parts and tube to tube joints, in which the faying surfaces are
brought into close proximity, electric current is passed between them to partly melt
the surfaces by combined arcing and resistance heating, and the surfaces are then
upset forged together to complete the bond.
Flash Welding - similar to butt welding but the parts have been first brought lightly into contact,
then the full forging pressure is applied as electric arc flashing commences.
Flash Welding - the term flash welding derives its name from the flash produced during the
welding process. Flash welding is a resistance welding process in which

coalescence is produced simultaneously over the entire area of abutting surfaces,

by the heat obtained from resistance to electric current between the two surfaces,
and by application of pressure after heating is substantially completed. The
process is similar to butt welding, but differs in the method of heating the metals. In
flash welding, the parts are brought slowly in a very light contact together. The two
parts to be welded are clamped in the jaws of the machine and connected to current
supply through a transformer. One jaw is fixed while the other is movable and is
mounted on a slide through which pressure is applied. The current is switched on
and a little pressure is applied simultaneously to produce an arc between the
contact surfaces of the parts. Then a sharp blow is given and the weld is
completed. It is widely used for tubular furniture, rear axle, housing, steel rims,
steel forgings and rolled sections.
Flashing Flashing - in painting, the irregular appearance difference in color or gloss. Improper sealing of
porous surfaces usually causes it.
Flashing - a rapid change in fluid state, from liquid to gaseous. This frequently occurs when
frictional energy is added to a liquid as it passes between the primary seal faces or
when the fluid pressure is reduced below the fluid's vapor pressure because of a
pressure is reduced below the fluid's vapor pressure because of a pressure drop
across the sealing faces.
Flashing - the boiling or vaporizing of a liquid. When the vapor pressure downstream of a control
valve is less than the upstream vapor pressure, part of the liquid changes to a vapor
and remains as a vapor unless the downstream pressure recovers significantly, in
which case cavitation occurs. Flashing will normally cause a choked flow condition
to occur. In addition the vapor bubbles can also cause mechanical damage to the
valve and piping system; see also Cavitation and Choked Flow.
Flask - in casting, the part that holds the molding sand and keeps it intact. Depending upon the
position of the flask in the mold structure, it is called by various names such as
Cope, Drag and Cheek. It is generally made of mild steel. For temporary
applications sometimes it is made of wood.
Flat Face (FF) - a flange surface in which the gasket sealing area is the entire surface from the
ID to the outside edge. Usually used for class 125 cast iron valves.
Flat Position Welding - welding from above the work, with the face of the weld in the horizontal
plane; also known as Downhand Welding.
Flat Rolled Steel - a category of steel that includes Sheet, Strip, and Tin Plate, among others.
Flaw - a discontinuity or other physical attribute in a material that exceeds acceptable limits; the
term flaw is nonspecific, and more specific terms such as defect, discontinuity or
imperfection are often preferred.
FLEX - Flexible
Flex Cracking - a surface cracking induced by repeated bending or flexing.
Flex Resistance - the relative ability of a rubber article to withstand dynamic bending stresses.
Flexible Lip Seal - in a butterfly valve, a seal ring retained in the body bore with raised flexible lip
which contacts an offset disk in the closed position yet is clear of the disk in other
positions.
Flexible Wedge Gate - a wedge design flow control element of a gate valve made of a single
piece that has a groove around its perimeter to provide flexibility and some
movement of its seating surfaces; also called a Flex Wedge.
FLG - Flanged
Flinching Flinching - in inspection, failure to call a borderline defect a defect.
Flinching - in quality control inspection, failure of an inspector to call a borderline defect a defect.
Float Chamber - a vessel in which a float regulates the level of a liquid.
Float Switch - a switch actuated by a float at the surface of a liquid.
Float Valve Float Valve - 1) a valve provided in liquid tanks for preventing overflow; 2) valves installed on
inlets to services reservoirs and tanks which close automatically at a predetermined
height; 3) automatic valves to control pressure head in a pipeline. They shut off
when excess water accumulates in the lower portion of the pipeline and prevents

more water from entering the line.

Float Valve - a valve which automatically opens or closes as the level of a liquid changes. The
valve is operated mechanically by a float which rests on the top of the liquid.
Float Valve - a valve which automatically opens or closes as the level of a liquid changes. The
valve is operated mechanically by a float which rests on the top of the liquid.
Float Valve - a valve whose on-off action is controlled directly by the fall or rise of a float
concurrent with the fall or rise of liquid level in a liquid-containing vessel.
Float Valve - an on-off type valve whose action is triggered by the rise or fall of a float.
Float Valve Equilibrium - an automatic flow control valve, usually of the globe type, designed for
operation by a float mechanism for regulating flow or maintaining liquid level in a
tank.
Floating Ball Floating Ball - a flow control element of a ball valve that is held in position in the valve body solely
by the seat rings of the valve.
Floating Ball - a full ball positioned within the ball valve that contacts either of two seat rings and
is free to move toward the seat ring opposite the pressure source when in the
closed position to effect tight shutoff.
Floating Ball Valve Floating Ball Valve - a ball valve design in which the ball is not rigidly held on its rotational axis
and so is free to float between the seat rings.
Floating Ball Valve - a valve with a full ball positioned within the valve that contacts either of two
seat rings and is free to move toward the seat ring opposite the pressure source
when in the closed position to effect shutoff.
Flock - fibrous filler sometimes used in rubber compounding.
Flow - a forward movement in a continuous stream or sequence of fluids or discrete objects or
materials, as in a continuous chemical process or solids-conveying or productionline operations.
Flow Bean - calibrated orifice used to measure effluent flow.
Flow Characteristic Flow Characteristic - the relationship between the position of a valves flow control element and
the rate of fluid flow through the valve.
Flow Characteristic - The relationship between the stem travel, expressed in percent of travel,
and the flow of the fluid through the valve, expressed in percent of full flow.
Flow Characteristic - the relationship between valve capacity and valve travel. It is usually
expressed graphically in the form of a curve. Control valves have two types of
characteristics: inherent and installed. The inherent characteristic is derived from
testing the valve with water as the fluid and a constant pressure drop across the
valve. When valves are installed into a system with pumps, pipes, and fittings, the
pressure drop across the valve will vary with the travel. When the actual flow in a
system is plotted against valve opening, the curve is known as the installed flow
characteristic. Valves can be characterized by shaping the plugs, orifices, or cages
to produce a particular curve. Valves are characterized in order to try to alter the
valve gain. Valve gain is the flow change divided by the control signal change.
This is done in an effort to compensate for nonlinearities in the control loop.
Flow Characteristic, Equal Percentage Flow Characteristic, Equal Percentage - a flow characteristic in which equal increments of flow
control element travel distance produce equal percentage changes in the flow rate
through the valve. Changes in the flow rate are small at the start of flow control
element travel (when the valve begins to open) and become increasingly larger;
see Flow Characteristic; compare with Flow Characteristic, Linear and Flow
Characteristic, Quick Opening.
Flow Characteristic, Equal Percentage - In a valve having an equal percentage characteristic, like
movements of the valve stem at any point of the flow range changes the existing
flow an equal percentage regardless of the existing flow. Example: Suppose a
valve stem has been lifted 30 percent of its total lift and the flow at this time is 3.9
gal/min. Now assume that the valve opens an additional 10 percent of its full travel
and that the flow increases to 6.2 gal/ nun or a 60 percent increase. Next, suppose
that the valve stem moves an additional 10 percent so that it is now 50 percent

open. The flow now will be 10 gal/min or another 60 percent increase in flow.
Equal percentage discs are especially useful for control jobs where occasional wide
variations in loads occur.
Flow Characteristic, Equal Percentage - the inherent flow characteristic which, for equal
increments of rated travel, will ideally give equal percentage changes of the existing
flow coefficient (Cv).
Flow Characteristic, Inherant Flow Characteristic, Inherent - the flow characteristic of a valve if the pressure drop across the
valve is held constant.
Flow Characteristic, Inherent - the relationship between the flow rate through a valve and the
travel of the closure member as the closure member is moved from the closed
position to rated travel with constant pressure drop across the valve.
Flow Characteristic, Inherent - the relationship between the flow rate through a valve and the
travel of the closure member as the closure member is moved from the closed
position to rated travel with constant pressure drop across the valve.
Flow Characteristic, Inherent - the relationship between valve capacity and valve travel and is
usually expressed graphically. It is derived from testing a valve with water as the
fluid and with a constant pressure drop across the valve. The most common types
of inherent flow characteristics are: Linear, Equal Percentage, Modified Parabolic,
and Quick Opening.
Flow Characteristic, Installed Flow Characteristic, Installed - the flow characteristic exhibited by a valve when the valve is
installed in a pipeline. (The pressure drop across the valve varies.)
Flow Characteristic, Installed - the flow characteristic when the pressure drop across the valve
varies with flow and related conditions in the system in which the valve is installed.
The purpose of characterizing a control valve is to help compensate for
nonlinearities in the control loop.
Flow Characteristic, Installed - the relationship between the flow rate through a valve and the
travel of the closure member as the closure member is moved from the closed
position to rated travel when the pressure drop across the valve varies as
influenced by the system in which the valve is installed.
Flow Characteristic, Linear Flow Characteristic, Linear - a characteristic where flow capacity or (Cv) increases linearly with
valve travel. Flow is directly proportional to valve travel. This is the preferred valve
characteristic for a control valve that is being used with a distributive control system
(DCS) or programmable logic controller (PLC).
Flow Characteristic, Linear - a flow characteristic where equal increments of flow control element
travel distance produce equal increments of change of flow rate through the valve.
Flow rate is directly proportional to the position of the flow control element; see
Flow Characteristic; compare with Flow Characteristic, Equal Percentage and
Flow Characteristic, Quick Opening.
Flow Characteristic, Linear - an inherent flow characteristic which can be represented by a
straight line on a rectangular plot of flow coefficient (CV) versus percent rated
travel. Therefore, equal increments of travel provide equal increments of flow
coefficient (CV) at constant pressure drop.
Flow Characteristic, Linear - This flow-lift relationship, if plotted on rectilinear coordinates,
approximates a straight line, giving equal volume changes for equal lift changes,
regardless of percent of valve opening.
Flow Characteristic, Modified Parabolic - an inherent flow characteristic which provides fine
throttling action at low valve plug travel and approximately a linear characteristic for
upper portions of valve travel. It is approximately midway between linear and equal
percentage.
Flow Characteristic, Quick Opening Flow Characteristic, Quick Opening - a flow characteristic in which there are large changes in the
flow rate at the start of flow control element travel (valve begins to open), with
progressively smaller changes with flow control element travel; see Flow
Characteristic; compare with Flow Characteristic, Equal Percentage and Flow
Characteristic, Linear.

Flow Characteristic, Quick Opening - A flow characteristic that provides maximum change in flow
rate at low travels. The curve is basically linear through the first 40% of travel. It
then flattens out indicating little increase in flow rate as travel approaches the wide
open position. This decrease occurs when the valve plug travel equals the flow
area of the port. This normally happens when the valve characteristics is used for
on / off control.
Flow Characteristic, Quick Opening - an inherent flow characteristic in which there is a maximum
flow with minimum travel.
Flow Characteristic, Quick Opening - Maximum possible flow as soon as the stem starts to move
from a closed position. This characteristic is usually selected for two-position rather
than modulating valves.
Flow Coefficient Flow Coefficient - a measure of the flow capacity of a valve, designated as CV. It is the flow rate
in gallons per minute (gpm) of 60 Fahrenheit water that passes through the fully
open valve at 1 psi (pounds per square inch) pressure differential; see Coefficient
of Volume.
Flow Coefficient - see Cv
Flow Coefficient - a constant (Cv), related to the geometry of a valve, for a given valve opening,
that can be used to predict flow rate.
Flow Control Element - the part of a valve that obstructs and controls fluid flow. It determines
the valve type and the nature of fluid control for which the valve is suited.
Flow Control Valve Flow Control Valve - a valve used to control the rate of fluid flow.
Flow Control Valve - a valve whose flow opening is controlled by the rate of flow of the fluid
through it; usually controlled by differential pressure across an orifice at the valve;
also known as Rate-of-Flow Control Valve.
Flow Control Valve - a valve whose primary function is to control flow rate.
Flow Control Valve, Self Acting - a self-contained automatic valve for the control of flow in a
pipeline. Control is effected by upstream and downstream pressure differential on a
piston.
Flow Cracks - surface imperfections due to improper flow and failure of stock to knit or blend
with itself during the molding operation.
Flow Rate Flow Rate - the mass, weight or volume of a fluid flowing through a conductor per unit of time
Flow Rate - the volume, mass, or weight of a fluid passing through any conductor per unit of time.
Flow Valve - a valve that closes itself when the flow of a fluid exceeds a particular value.
Flow, Choked Flow, Choked - flow under conditions of critical pressure and temperature. The flow rate at this
point cannot be increased by lowering the outlet pressure.
Flow, Choked - the condition that exists when, with the upstream conditions remaining constant,
the flow through a valve cannot be further increased by lowering the downstream
pressure.
Flow, Choked - this condition exists when at a fixed upstream pressure the flow cannot be further
increased by lowering the downstream pressure. This condition can occur in gas,
steam, or liquid services. Fluids flow through a valve because of a difference in
pressure between the inlet (Pl) and outlet (P2) of the valve. This pressure
difference (Delta-P) or pressure drop is essential to moving the fluid. Flow is
proportional to the square root of the pressure drop, which means that the higher
the pressure drop is the more fluid can be moved through the valve. If the inlet
pressure to a valve remains constant, then the differential pressure can only be
increased by lowering the outlet pressure. For gases and steam, which are
compressible fluids, the maximum velocity of the fluid through the valve is limited by
the velocity of the propagation of a pressure wave which travels at the speed of
sound in the fluid. If the pressure drop is sufficiently high, the velocity in the flow
stream at the vena contracta will reach the velocity of sound. Further decrease in
the outlet pressure will not be felt upstream because the pressure wave can only
travel at sonic velocity and the signal will never translate upstream. Choked Flow
can also occur in liquids but only if the fluid is in a flashing or cavitating condition.

The vapor bubbles block or choke the flow and prevent the valve from passing more
flow by lowering the outlet pressure to increase the pressure drop. A good rule of
thumb on gases and steam service is that if the pressure drop across the valve
equals or exceeds one half the absolute inlet pressure, then there is a good chance
for a choked flow condition.
Example:
P1
=
100
psig
P2
=
25
psig
_________
Delta P = 75
P1

(ABS) = 100 + 14.7 or 114.7 1/2 of 114.7 = 57.35

Actual
pressure
drop
=
75
Choked Flow is probable.
The style of valve (that is, whether it is a high recovery or a low recovery style) will
also have an effect on the point at which a choked flow condition will occur.
Chocked Flow is also known as Critical Flow.
Flow, Clearance - that flow below the minimum controllable flow with the closure member not
seated.
Flow, Coefficient - a constant (Cv) that is used to predict the flow rate through a valve. It is
related to the geometry of the valve at a given valve opening; see Cv.
Flow, Cold Flow, Cold - continued deformation under stress
Flow, Cold - creep in polymer plastics
Flow, Cold - permanent deformation (of a seat)
Flow, Compressible - fluid flow under conditions which cause significant changes in density.
Flow, Confined - flow of a continuous stream fluid within a process vessel or conduit.
Flow, Counter - flow of a single fluid in opposite directions in adjacent portions of the same
device, such as a U bend tube; contrast with Flow, Countercurrent.
Flow, Countercurrent - flow of two fluids in opposite directions within the same device, such as
a tube in shell heat exchanger; contrast with Flow, Counter.
Flow, Elastic - return of a material to its original shape following deformation.
Flow, Fluid - the stream or movement of a fluid, or the rate of its movement.
Flow, Grain - fibrous appearance on a polished and etched section through a forging, which is
caused by orientation of impurities and inhomogeneities along the direction of
working during the forging process.
Flow, Isothermal - flow of a gas in which its temperature does not change.
Flow, Knudsen - Gas flow in a long tube at pressures such that the mean free path of a gas
molecule is significantly greater than the tube radius.
Flow, Laminar Flow, Laminar - 1) a type of streamline flow most often observed in viscous fluids near solid
boundaries, which is characterized by the tendency for fluid to remain in thin,
parallel layers to maintain uniform velocity; 2) a nonturbulent flow regime in which
the stream filaments glide along the pipe axially with essentially no transverse
mixing; also known as Viscous or Streamline Flow; 3) flow under conditions in
which forces due to viscosity are more significant than forces due to inertia.
Flow, Laminar - a condition of flow in which fluid moves in parallel layers. It occurs in situations
where the Reynolds number is less than approximately 2000.
Flow, Laminar - a flow in which the paths of individual particles do not cross or intersect one
another, and the velocity at any point remains constant both in magnitude and
direction.
Flow, Laminar - a flow situation in which fluid moves in parallel layers; also referred to as
streamline flow.
Flow, Laminar - fluid flow where fluid particles move in definite paths parallel to the overall
direction of flow; also called Viscous Flow and Streamline Flow; compare with
Turbulent Flow.
Flow, Laminar - it is the flow in which paths of individual particles of liquid do not cross each
other. For laminar flow, Reynolds number is less than 2000.

Flow, Metered - flow at a controlled rate.

Flow, Multiphase - a mixture of two or more distinct phases (such as oil, water, and gas) flowing
through a closed conduit.
Flow, Non Uniform - it is the flow in which velocities of liquid particles at all sections of the pipe
or channel are not equal.
Flow, One Dimensional - it is the flow whose stream lines may be represented by straight lines.
Flow, Pipe - the conveyance of fluids in closed conduits.
Flow, Plastic - the deformation of a plastic material beyond the point of recovery, accompanied
by continuing deformation with no further increase in stress; also known as Plastic
Deformation.
Flow, Pulsating - irregular fluid flow in a piping system often resulting from the pressure
variations of reciprocating compressors or pumps within the system.
Flow, Rated Flow, Rated - 1) design flow rate for a piping system or process vessel; 2) normal operating flow
rate for a fluid passing through a piping system.
Flow, Rated - 1) the normal operating flow rate at which a fluid product is passed through a
vessel or piping system; 2) the flow rate for which a vessel or process system is
designed.
Flow, Reverse - flow of fluid in the opposite direction from that normally considered the standard
direction. Some rotary valves are considered to be bi-directional although working
pressure drop capabilities may be lower and leakage rates may be higher in reverse
flow.
Flow, Steady Flow, Steady - a flow in which the velocity, pressure, and temperature at any point in the fluid
does not vary with time.
Flow, Steady - it is the flow in which the quantity of liquid flowing per second is constant.
Flow, Streamline - see Flow, Laminar
Flow, Three Dimensional - the flow of liquid whose stream lines may be represented by a curve.
Flow, Turbulent Flow, Turbulent - a flow condition in which the fluid moves in a random manner. It generally
occurs when the Reynolds number is greater than approximately 4000.
Flow, Turbulent - a flow is said to be turbulent when its path lines are irregular curves which
continually cross each other. In turbulent flow the velocity varies from point to point
in magnitude and direction. A flow of a liquid in a state of turbulence (state of
agitation, unsteady motion) as distinguished from laminar flow, which occurs along
a steady stream line. Any fluid subjected to forced circulation within the confines of
a pipe or other form of enclosed conduit and the Reynolds number exceeds 3100;
also known as Non-Viscous Flow.
Flow, Turbulent - a flow regime characterized by random motion of the fluid particles in the
transverse direction as well as motion in the axial direction. This occurs at high
Reynolds numbers and is the type of flow most common in industrial fluid systems.
Flow, Turbulent - a flow situation in which the fluid particles move in a random manner.
Flow, Turbulent - fluid flow in which fluid particles move in irregular paths, and no two particles
have similar paths. The motion of a particle at a given distance is not necessarily
parallel to the overall direction of flow. Turbulent flow is not caused by changes in
fluid direction or by obstacles in its path but is the result of fluid properties and
velocity; compare with Laminar Flow.
Flow, Turbulent - it is the flow in which paths of individual particles cross each other and particles
do not have definite paths. For turbulent flow, Reynolds number is more than
4000.
Flow, Turbulent - refers to the flow of a liquid at a speed greater than the critical velocity; it is
characterized by eddies and is the opposite of streamline flow.
Flow, Two Dimensional - the flow whose stream lines may be represented by a curve.
Flow, Uniform - it is the type of flow in which the velocities of liquid particles at all sections of the
pipe or channel are equal. This generally refers to flows in channels.
Flow, Unsteady - the flow in which the quantity of liquid flowing per second is not constant.
Flow, Viscous - see Flow, Laminar

Flow, Vortex - rotation of a fluid particle about a given axis, say the Z-axis, is defined as the
average angular velocity of two infinitesimal line elements in the particle which are
at right angles to each other and to the given axis. If the fluid particles within a
region have rotation about an axis, the flow is called rotational flow, or vortex flow.
If the fluid within a region has no rotation, the flow is called irrigational flow.
Flowability Flowability - a general term describing the ability of a slurry, plasticized material or semisolid to
behave like a fluid.
Flowability - in casting, the sand should be easily flowable and respond to molding processes.
Flowmeter Flowmeter - a device which is used to indicate either flow rate, total flow or a combination of both.
Flowmeter - an instrument used to measure pressure, flow rate, and discharge rate of a liquid,
vapor, or gas flowing in a pipe; also known as Fluid Meter.
Flowmeter - an instrument used to measure quantity or the flow rate of a fluid motion.
Fluid Fluid - a gas or liquid
Fluid - a general term for any liquid, gas, vapor or slurry used in a piping system.
Fluid - a liquid or gas.
Fluid - a substance deforming contiguously when subjected to a shear stress regardless of how
small the shear stress may be. A fluid may be a gas, liquid or fluidized solid powder
and is considered to consist of finite particles each much larger than a molecule but
infinitesimal in size compared to total volume of fluid.
Fluid - the state of matter that is not solid and is able to flow and change shape. The term fluid
includes both the liquid state and the gas or vapor state.
Fluid Catalytic Cracking - an oil refining process in which the gas-oil is cracked by a catalyst
bed fluidized by using oil vapors.
Fluid Controlled Valve - a valve for which the valve operator is activated by a fluid energy, in
contrast to electrical, pneumatic, or manual energy.
Fluid Film Bearing - an antifriction bearing in which rubbing surfaces are kept apart by a film of
lubricant such as oil.
Fluid Friction - friction due to the viscosity of fluids.
Fluid Meter - see Flowmeter
Fluid Power - energy transmitted and controlled through use of a pressurized fluid.
Fluid, Fire-Resistant - a fluid difficult to ignite, which shows little tendency to propagate flame.
Fluidity - the degree to which a substance flows freely.
Fluorel - see Viton
Fluorinate - to introduce fluorine into a compound.
Fluorocarbon - 1) a compound formed by replacing one or more of the hydrogen atoms in a
hydrocarbon with fluorine atoms; 2) a class of nonreactive organic compounds
containing carbon, fluorine, and in some cases, hydrogen. They are used as
aerosols, lubricants, and electrical insulators.
Flush Welding - in it the parts are brought together lightly with current flowing, and then
separated slightly; a flash occurring at the interface.
Flutter - the irregular alternating motion of the parts of a relief valve due to the application of
pressure where no contact is made between the valve disk and the seat.
Flutter Valve - a valve that is operated by fluctuations in pressure of the material flowing over it;
used in carburetors.
Flux Flux - 1) In metal refining, a substance added to the melt to remove undesirable substances such
as sand, dirt or ash, and sometimes to absorb undesirable elements or compounds
such as sulfur in steelmaking or iron oxide in copper refining; 2) in welding, brazing
and soldering, a substance preplaced in the joint or fed into the molten zone to
prevent formation of oxides or other undesirable compounds, or to dissolve them
and make it easy to remove them.
Flux - 1) in welding and soldering, a material that aids in the fusion of metals by preventing
oxidation; 2) in steel production, a material such as limestone, used in a blast
furnace to absorb and segregate impurities.

Flux - 1) the rate of flow of energy, fluids, etc. across a surface; 2) a substance, such as borax or
rosin, used to help fuse metals together by preventing oxidation, as in soldering; 3)
a substance mixed with a solid to lower the melting point in soldering or smelting.
Flux - a fusible material or gas used to prevent formation of oxides, nitrides, etc. during welding.
Flux - a substance which is added to a solid or applied when the solid gets melted to increase its
fusability, by dissolving the oxides which would prevent it adhering to the mating
part. It is usual to use flux when soldering, brazing or galvanizing.
Flux - an iron cleaning agent. Limestone and lime react with impurities within the metallic pool to
form a slag that floats to the top of the relatively heavier (and now more pure) liquid
iron.
Flux - welding of workpieces is always carried out at high temperatures. Due to working at high
temperatures, oxides are formed readily, which produce low strength poor quality
welds. To avoid the formation of oxides and get strong perfect welds, fluxes are
added to the welding areas. Fluxes absorb oxides and make the welding process
easier.
Flux Cored Arc Welding - a form of electric arc welding in which the electrode is a continuous
tubular wire of filler metal whose central cavity contains welding flux; welding may
be performed with or without a shielding gas such as CO2 or argon; abbreviated
FCAW.
Flux Cored Electrode Process - a type of electrogas welding process in which the outer surface
of the electrode is made of low carbon steel with flux filled inside the core.
Calculated quantities of alloying elements are added with the flux to adjust the
composition of weld pool. Thus in this process, a thin layer of slag is formed over
the welding pool. The equipment used for electrogas welding is similar to one used
in electro slag welding, with the exception of arrangement of the electrogas. This
process is suitable for welding workpieces between 20 to 75 mm thicknesses.
Flux Oxygen Cutting - severing metal by using a flux and oxygen.
Fly Cutting - cutting with a milling cutter provided with only one tooth.
FOB FOB - 1) Freight On Board; 2) Free On Board
FOB - Free On Board. FOB prices exclude all insurance and freight charges.
FOC - Free Of Charge
FOF - Face Of Flange
Fog Quenching - rapidly cooling an item by subjecting it to a fine mist, usually of water.
Fogged Metal - a metal surface whose luster has been greatly reduced by the creation of a film
of oxide or other reaction products.
Follower - 1) a toothed wheel which is driven by another wheel; 2) a pinion which is driven by a
toothed wheel; 3) that part of a mechanism, such as a lever arm, which is driven by
a cam and usually returned by a spring.
Foot Check Valve - 1) a valve which is fitted to the bottom of a suction pipe, usually with a
strainer; the lowest valve in a pump; 2) a non-return valve at the inlet end of a
suction pipe.
Foot Pound Foot Pound - 1) a unit of energy or work in the English gravitational system, equal to the work
done by 1 pound of force when the point at which the force is applied is displaced 1
foot in the direction of the force; equal to approximately 1,355818 joule;
abbreviated ft-lb; ft-lbf. 2) a unit of torque in the English absolute gravitational
system, equal to the torque produced by 1 pound of force acting at a perpendicular
distance of 1 foot from an axis of rotation; also known as Pound-foot. Abbreviated
lbf-ft.
Foot Pound - a force of one pound applied to a lever one foot long.
Foot Pound - the energy needed to raise one pound to a height of one foot.
Foot Valve Foot Valve - a check valve fitted to the bottom of a suction pipe. A strainer is often fitted to this
valve.
Foot Valve - a non-return valve at the inlet end if a suction pipe.
Foot Valve - a non-return valve fitted to the bottom of suction pipe. A strainer is often fitted to this

Foot Valve Foot Valve Foot Valve Force - that

valve.
a non-return valve which is present at the foot of a length of suction pipe attached to
a pump.
a type of check valve specifically for open-end and totally immersed location on the
suction side of a pump. It is always supplied with a filter or strainer.
a valve in the bottom of the suction pipe of a pump which prevents backward flow of
water.
influence on a body which causes it to accelerate; quantitatively it is a vector, equal
to the bodys time rate of change of momentum.

Force Fit Force Fit - a class of interference fit involving relatively large amounts of negative allowance,
which requires large amounts of force to assemble and results in relatively large
induced stresses in the assembled parts.
Force Fit - see Press Fit
Force Majeure - an unforeseeable or uncontrollable course of events which excuses a party from
fulfilling its part of a contract.
Forced Circulation - the use of a pump or other fluid-movement device in conjunction with
liquid-processing equipment to move the liquid through pipes and process vessels;
contrasted to gravity or thermal circulation.
Forced Lubricated Bearing - a bearing in which a continuous flow of lubricant is forced over the
journal or bearing.
Forehand Welding Forehand Welding - a gas welding process in which the flame is directed towards the progress of
welding.
Forehand Welding - welding in which the palm of the welder's torch or electrode hand faces the
direction of weld travel; it has special significance in oxyfuel gas welding, where the
welding flame is directed ahead of the weld puddle and provides preheating;
contrast with Backhand Welding.
Forge Forge - to shape metal by compressing, rolling, hammering, etc.
Forge - to shape metal by heating and hammering, or by heating and gradually applying
pressure.
Forge - to work hot metal into shape by hammering or pressing.
Forge Welding Forge Welding - a group of pressure welding process carried out by heating parts by external
heating and completing the weld by pressure or blows. The metals are heated in a
large furnace to a plastic state and then joined by pressure. Wrought iron and low
carbon steels are heated to a temperature of 1300 C. Forge welding is classified
according to the manner of joining the materials, i.e., hammer welding, roll welding
and die welding. The wrought iron and low carbon steels are joined by forging. In
this process, flux is used to avoid oxidation. Properly made forge welded joints are
as good in strength as arc or oxy-acetylene welded joints. However, forge welding
requires considerable skill. This process is also slower as compared to other
welding processes.
Forge Welding - a group of pressure welding processes (blacksmith, roll or hammer welding)
carried out by heating parts by external heating and completing the weld by
pressure or blows.
Forging Forging - 1) a metal article which is formed as a result of a forging process; 2) the operation of
shaping metal parts when hot by means of hammers or presses.
Forging - 1) using compressive force to plastically deform and shape metal; it is usually done
hot, in dies or between rolls; 2) a shaped part made by impact, compression or
rolling; if by rolling, the part is usually referred to as a "roll forging."
Forging - a metalworking process that involves hammering or squeezing, with or without a die, at
hot working temperatures to form a specific shape.
Forging - plastically deformed metal shaped by a forging method. Forgings are shaped via
compression making them superior than castings.

Forming Forming - a process for shaping or molding sheets, rods, or other pieces of hot glass, ceramic
ware, plastic, or metal by the application of pressure.
Forming - applying pressure to shape a material by plastic deformation without intentionally
altering its thickness.
Forming Tool - a non-rotating tool that produces its inverse form on the work piece.
FOT - Free On Truck (Acronym); see FOB
Foul - to become entangled with something so as to hinder its movement or functioning.
Foundry Foundry - a building where metal castings are produced.
Foundry - a workshop for melting and casting metal.
Foundry - foundry practice includes various basic production processes such as melting of metal,
manufacture of molds, pouring of the metal into molds, solidification, shakeout and
fettling of the castings.
Four Way Pilot Valve - a pilot valve used with double acting actuators.
Four Way Valve - a valve at the junction of four waterways which allows passage between any
two adjacent waterways by means of a movable element operated by a quarter
turn.
FR - 1) Filter Regulator; 2) For Review
Fraction - in chemical distillation, the proportion of a solution of two liquids consisting of a
specific chemical substance.
Fractional Distillation Fractional Distillation - a thermal process whereby a mixture of liquids that boil at different
temperatures is heated at a series of increasing temperatures, and the distillates
boiled off at each temperature are collected separately.
Fractional Distillation - the separation by distillation of the various constituents of a mixture of
liquids with different boiling points.
Fractional Sampling - mechanical sampling having equipment which is able to select samples of
uniformly graded material without segregation.
Fractionate - to separate the components of a liquid by distillation, particularly fractional
distillation.
Fractionating Column - an apparatus for fractional distillation in which rising vapor and falling
liquid are brought into intimate contact.
Fractography - the study of microscopic fractures in metal surfaces.
Fracture Fracture - the propagation of a crack through a material, usually due to repeated application of a
load.
Fracture - the type of surface which is formed on breaking a piece of steel.
Fracture Strength - see Fracture Stress
Fracture Test Fracture Test - a method for determining composition, grain size, case depth or material
soundness by breaking a test specimen and examining the fracture surface for
certain characteristic features.
Fracture Test - macro- or microscopic examination of a fractured surface to determine
characteristics such as grain pattern, composition, or the presence of defects.
Frame-Surface Cooled Machine - a closed machine with its surface cooled by means of
surrounding medium.
Frangible - breakable, fragile, or brittle.
Free Machining - a material description that indicates some alteration of chemical composition to
substantially improve machinability - such as by the addition of sulfur, phosphorus
or lead to steel, or lead to nonferrous metals; also called Free Cutting.
Free Machining Brass Rod - commonly known as commercial brass
Free Machining Steel - steel to which elements such as sulfur, selenium, or lead have been
added intentionally to improve machinability.
Freefit - a type of clearance fit having a relatively large allowance; it is used when accuracy of
assembly is not essential, or when large temperature variations may occur, or both;
also known as Free Running Fit.

Freight On Board (FOB) - the cost of shipping materials only from the factory to the ship or
plane.
Fremont Test - a notched bar impact test in which a beam specimen notched with a rectangular
groove gets broken by a falling weight.
Fretting Fretting - a combination of corrosion and wear. In a mechanical seal, a common example of
fretting occurs when the rubbing motion of a secondary seal continually wipes the
oxide coating from a shaft or sleeve.
Fretting - a form of wear that occurs between closely fitting surfaces subjected to cyclic relative
motion of very small amplitude; it is usually accompanied by corrosion, especially
of the very fine wear debris; also known as Chafing Fatigue; Fretting Corrosion;
Friction Oxidation; Molecular Attrition; Wear Oxidation; and in rolling element
bearings, False Brinelling.
Fretting - wearing away slowly by friction between two surfaces, similar to sharpening a cutting
on an oil stone. Fretting is an undesirable phenomenon.
Fretting Fatigue - fatigue which is accelerated by fretting; also called Chafing Fatigue.
Friction Friction - a force which always resists motion.
Friction - resistance to motion due to the contact of surfaces.
Friction - the sliding resistance to the relative motion of two bodies in contact with each other.
Friction Bearing - a solid bearing that directly contacts and supports an axle end.
Friction Fit - a perfect fit between two parts.
Friction Loss - in a piping system, the loss of pressure between the inlet and outlet of a pipe due
to the frictional resistance, or drag, as the fluid flows through the pipe.
Friction Oxidation - see Fretting
Friction Torque - the torque which is produced by frictional forces and opposes rotational
motion, such as that associated with journal or sleeve bearings in machines.
Friction Welding Friction Welding - a weld may be obtained by the heat generated by mechanical friction. For
example, dissimilar metal shafts can be joined if one has been spun up against the
other, with both being allowed to spin as the weld temperature is reached. Also,
some bolts can be attached to plates by firing them with a special gun, with the
impact temperature welding them on.
Friction Welding - a welding process for metals and thermoplastics materials in which two
members are joined by rubbing the mating faces together under high pressure.
Friction Welding - in this process coalescence is produced by the heat obtained from
mechanically induced sliding motion between rubbing surfaces produces. The parts
to be welded are held together under pressure. The sequence of operation of
friction welding is: 1) thoroughly clean the surfaces to be welded. 2) Hold the
components in perfect axial alignment. 3) One component is held rigidly and the
other component is rotated to the desired speed with the help of the motor. 4)
Pressure and rotation are maintained until the resulting high temperatures makes
the component metals plastic for welding. 5) When the temperature rises
sufficiently, the rotating part is stopped and the axial force is increased to join the
metallic portions together. 6) The upset portion is removed and the weld is finished
to shape. Friction weld quality and productivity depends upon many variables like
relative speed of rotation, friction pressure, duration of heating, type of materials
and forge pressure. Materials can be welded by friction welding process aluminum,
copper, magnesium, nickel, titanium, tantalum, molybdenum and its alloys. All
types of steels (stainless steels, high speed steels, tool steel, heat resisting steels)
and many dissimilar metals can be welded by this process.
Friction Welding - the welding of similar or dissimilar metals, the necessary temperature being
generated by friction between the two parts being welded. The parts are rotated
against one another under an applied load for a given time to form a plastic layer at
the interface, then the rotation is stopped. Then the parts are forged together,
without rotation of the materials becoming molten, forming binds having the strength
of the parent metal; also called Solid Phase Welding.
Friction, Break-Out - friction developed during initial or starting motion.

Friction, Running - constant friction developed during operation of a dynamic o-ring.

Front Slagging - skimming slag from the mixture of slag and molten metal as it flows through a
tap hole.
FS - Forged Steel
FSC - Full Size Container
FTTG - Fitting
FTZ - Free Trade Zone
Fuel, Aromatic - fuel which contains benzene or aromatic hydrocarbons. Causes high swell of
rubber.
Fuel, Distillate - any of the fuel hydrocarbons obtained during the distillation of petroleum which
have boiling points higher than that of gasoline.
Fuel, Non Aromatic - fuel which is composed of straight chain hydrocarbons. Causes little swell
of rubber.
Fugitive Emissions - a name used by environmental protection agencies for the external
leakage of hazardous gases from piping components and process equipment, such
as valves, flanges, pump and compressor seals, as well as tanks where
hydrocarbons are exposed to atmosphere.
Fulcrum Fork - the component which carries the fulcrum pin
Fulcrum Fork Locking Nut - the nut which locks the fulcrum fork in position
Fulcrum Pin - the pin about which the lever moves
Full - a term signifying slightly larger than the specified dimensions.
Full Annealing Full Annealing - an imprecise term that implies heating to a suitable temperature followed by
controlled cooling to produce a condition of minimum strength and hardness.
Full Annealing - annealing a ferrous alloy by austenitizing and then cooling slowly through the
transformation range. The austenitizing temperature for hypoeutectoid steel is
usually above Ac3 and for hypereutectoid steel usually between Ac1 and Ac cm.
Full Ball - a valve closure member that is a complete spherical surface with a flow passage
through it. The flow passage may be round, contoured or otherwise modified to
yield a desired flow characteristic.
Full Bore Full Bore - describes a valve in which the bore (port) is nominally equal to the bore of the
connecting pipe; also called Full Port.
Full Bore - see Full Port
Full Bore - term used e.g. of a ball valve, to indicate that the internal diameter of the valve
opening is the same as that of the piping to which it is fitted.
Full Bore Ball Valve - a ball valve having full bore round ports in the body, body connector (s)
and ball.
Full Bore Valve - a valve whose closure mechanism has the same bore dimensions as the
valve.
Full Face Gasket - a flat gasket which contacts the entire flat contact surface of two mating
flanges, extending past the bolt holes. This term applies to flat face flanges only.
Full Fillet Weld - a fillet weld whose size is equal to the thickness of the thinner member to be
welded.
Full Hard Temper - a level of hardness and strength for nonferrous alloys and some ferrous
alloys corresponding to a cold worked state beyond which the material can no
longer be formed by bending.
Full Lift Safety Valve - a safety valve in which the valve head lifts automatically a distance
giving, when the valve head is fully lifted, a discharge area round the edge of the
valve seat equal to the area through the seat orifice after deducting the area of
guides or other obstructions. NOTE: high lift and full lift safety valves are mainly
proprietary types.
Full Load - the highest value of load specified for a machine operating at rated output.
Full Penetration Weld - describes the type of weld in which the weld metal extends through the
complete thickness of the parts being joined.
Full Port - a bore (port) of a valve that is approximately the same size as the inside diameter of
the connecting pipe; also called Full Bore; compare with Regular Port, Reduced

Port, and Venturi Port.

Function - (mathematics) a quantity whose value depends on the varying values of others.
Fungible - relating to petroleum products whose characteristics are so similar they can be
commingled.
Furnace Brazing - a brazing process carried above 423 C in a furnace with the help of nonferrous metals.
Fusibility - the ability of a metal to become fluid through the application of heat.
Fusion Welding Fusion Welding - a welding method whereby fusion of parts to be joined is accomplished by a
high-contact pressure and heat.
Fusion Welding - any welding process that involves melting of a portion of the base metal.
Fusion Welding - various welding process by which metals are welded by bringing the
workpieces in the molten state at the surfaces to be joined. The process may be
carried out with or without filler metal.
Fusion Zone - in a weldment, the area of base metal melted, as determined on a cross section
through the weld.
FVO - First Valves On
FW - 1) Friction Welding; 2) Fire Water

G - 1) Gas; 2) process Gas, sweet; 3) process Gas, non corrosive, onshore or offshore
GA - 1) General Assembly (Drawing); 2) General Arrangement
Gain - the relationship of input to output. If the full range of the input is equal to the full range of
the output; then the gain is 1. Gain is another way to describe the sensitivity of a
device.
Gall - to wear or irritate by rubbing.
Galling - localized adhesive welding with subsequent spalling and roughening of rubbing metal
surfaces as a result of excessive friction and metal to metal contact at high spots.
GALV - Galvanized
Galvanic - relating to electric currents produced by chemical action.
Galvanic Cell - if two differing metals or alloys are adjacent, and if there is a medium which
allows for the passage of electrons (and hence a current to be carried), the
difference in potential can generate the formation of ions, and the metals form a
corrosion couple known as a Galvanic Cell. Electrons travel from the more negative
metal (anode) to the more positive metal (cathode).
Galvanic Corrosion Galvanic Corrosion - the accelerated corrosion of metal due to electrical contact with a more
passive metal.
Galvanic Corrosion - when two dissimilar metals come into contact and one of them is farther
down the electromotive series than the other, and if moisture is present, current will
flow from one to the other (see Electrolysis) causing corrosion of the one lower in
the electromotive series.
Galvanize Galvanize - refers to the protective process of dipping metals like mild steel into molten zinc after
fabrication, or of coating the metal with zinc by electrolytic action.
Galvanize - the coating of steel or iron with zinc by immersion in a path of molten zinc covered
with a flux.
Galvanize - to coat a metallic surface (usually iron or steel) with a thin layer of zinc, in order to
protect it from corrosion.
Galvanize - to dip steel into a bath of molten zinc. A zinc-iron alloy is formed at the steel surface,
which resists corrosion.
Galvanized Steel - steel coated with a thin layer of zinc to provide corrosion resistance in
underbody auto parts, garbage cans, storage tanks, or fencing wire. Sheet steel
normally must be cold-rolled prior to the galvanizing stage. There are two main
types of galvanizing: 1) Hot-Dipped - steel is run through a molten zinc coating bath,
followed by an air stream "wipe" that controls the thickness of the zinc finish; 2)
Electrogalvanized a zinc plating process in which the molecules on the positively
charged zinc anode attach to the negatively charged sheet steel. The thickness of
the zinc coating is readily controlled. By increasing the electric charge or slowing
the speed of the steel through the plating area; the coating will thicken.
Electrogalvanizing equipment is more expensive to build and to operate than hot
dipped, but it gives the steelmaker more precise control over the weight of the zinc
coating. The automotive manufacturers, because they need the superior welding,
forming and painting ability of electrogalvanized steel, purchase 90% of all tonnage
produced.
Gamma (g) Radiation - electromagnetic disturbance (photons) emanating from an atom nucleus.
This type of radiation travels in wave form much like x-rays or light, but has shorter
wave length (approximately 1 A or 10-7 mm). It is very penetrating.
Gamma Ray Radiography - Radium and its salts decompose at a constant rate, giving off
gamma rays, which are of shorter wavelength and are more penetrating than xrays. Originally radium and radon were used as a source of gamma rays, but these
days cobalt 60 is used. Cobalt 60 is an isotope of cobalt produced by neutron
irradiation, which is cheaper than radium and radon. The gamma way apparatus
consists of a cobalt 60 source with dimensions of 3 x 3 to 6 mm enclosed in a
sealed container or capsule.
Gas Carburizing Gas Carburizing - a surface hardening process in which steel or an alloy of suitable alternative
composition is exposed at elevated temperature to a gaseous atmosphere with a

high carbon potential; hardening of the resulting carbon rich surface layers is done
by quenching the part from the carburizing temperature or by reheating and
quenching.
Gas Carburizing - refers to the carburizing of steel by heating it in a current of carbon monoxide
or hydrocarbon gas.
Gas Cutting Gas Cutting - refers to the process of cutting ferrous metals by utilizing the chemical action of
oxygen on elements in the base metal.
Gas Cutting - severing metal pieces by means of chemical action of oxygen on the base metal.
Gas Duct Isolator - a type of valve primarily for use in waste heat recovery systems, individual
process control and environmental pollution protection equipment. Gas duct
isolators are of glandular guillotine, pivoted flap or louver design. They are used in
single or multiple modular form for the isolation and control of gas flow.
Gas Holes - holes that appear after machining of a casting. The gases generated during cooling
of a casting must escape easily. If the coreprint is of insufficient size, then gases
cannot escape easily, and produce gas holes. Other causes of gas holes are a)
faulty and poor quality of metal, b) non-directional solidification, and c) excessive
moisture content in sand.
Gas Lift - the technique of raising a liquid in a vertical flow line by injecting a gas below a portion
of the liquid column causing upward flow.
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) - a form of electric arc welding in which the electrode is a
continuous filler metal wire and in which the welding arc is shielded by supplying a
gas such as argon, helium or CO2 through a nozzle in the torch or welding head;
the term GMAW includes the methods known as MIG Welding.
Gas Oil - a type of fuel oil distilled from petroleum and heavier than paraffin oil (kerosene).
Gas Pliers - pliers for gripping round objects such as pipes, tubes, and circular rods.
Gas Regulator Gas Regulator - a device for controlling the delivery of gas at a substantially constant pressure.
Gas Regulator - an automatic valve which is used for maintaining a steady gas pressure in gas
supply mains.
Gas Shielded Arc Welding - an all inclusive term for any arc welding process that utilizes a gas
stream to prevent direct contact between the ambient atmosphere and the welding
arc and weld puddle.
Gas Torch - see Cutting Torch or Welding Torch
Gas Welding Gas Welding - in it heat is supplied by burning a mixture of oxygen and acetylene (usually). The
gases are mixed in a torch or blowpipe, which controls the welding flame. Ratio of
1:1 of oxygen and acetylene produces neutral flame.
Gas Welding - it uses an oxy-acetylene or oxy-hydrogen flame to get the desired temperature.
Gas Welding - the process of melting the edges or surfaces to be joined by a gas flame and
allowing the molten metal to flow together, thus forming a solid continuous joint
upon cooling. It is suitable for joining sheets up to 50mm thickness. In lower
thicknesses filler metals are not used, whereas in greater thicknesses a filler metal
is used. The composition of welding rod used as a filler metal is nearly the same as
that of the metals to be joined. A flux is always used to prevent oxidation except in
welding of mild steel. A filler metal is added in the form of a filler rod and must be
having the same composition as that of the parent metal. Flux is also needed for
proper flow of metal and for avoiding oxidation of the metal surfaces to be joined
during welding. It also removes impurities present on the surface of the metal.
Gas Welding - various welding process carried out with gas flames with or without the application
of pressure.
Gas Welding and Cutting - as opposed to arc welding, the heat required to melt and fuse the
metal parts together is supplied by a torch using a flammable gas burning in air or
oxygen. Propane and butane torches are used but do not produce a temperature
high enough for welding some metals. Since the burning of a flammable gas in
pure oxygen results in a higher temperature, the oxyacetylene torch is most often
used. A mixture or oxygen and acetylene generates an intense flame which, for
welding, melts the metal on each side of the joint and simultaneously a filler metal,

in the form of a rod, is melted into the space between the part to be joined. For
cutting, the metal is first heated where the cut is to be made and then a controllable
jet of oxygen is discharged from the nozzle to produce extremely high temperatures
and is directed into the area to burn through the metal.
Gasket Gasket - 1) a seal between two stationary parts of a machine; 2) packing material such as
cotton rope impregnated with graphite grease for packing stuffing boxes on valves,
pumps, etc.; 3) any ring or washer of packing material; 4) a soft thin metal sheet
having ridges which partially flatten on assembly.
Gasket - a component whose purpose is to seal a joint between two larger components. It is
softer than the surfaces of the joint being sealed and usually squeezed by means of
bolting to effect the seal.
Gasket - a device used to retain fluids under pressure or seal our foreign matter. Normally refers
to a static seal.
Gasket - a flat, yielding, ring-shaped part placed between mating components (such as body and
bonnet, flanges) in pressure-containing assemblies to form a fluid seal.
Gasket - a material used for sealing a joint in a piping system. It usually is a flat piece of
elastomer, cork, asbestos compound or similar material and is used between
mating flanges or similar surfaces. It provides a static permanent seal.
Gasket - a packing made of deformable material, usually in the form of a sheet or ring, used to
make a pressure-tight joint between stationary parts; also known as Static Seal.
Gasket - A sealing device used in between two parts to prevent leakage. Types include inside
the bolt circle, (no bolt holes) & full face, (has bolt holes, and is as large as flange
diameter).
Gasket - a sealing member, usually made by stamping from a sheet of cork, rubber, metal or
impregnated synthetic material and clamped between two essentially flat surfaces
to prevent pressurized fluid from leaking through the crevice; typical applications
include flanged joints in piping, head seals in a reciprocating engine or compressor,
casing seals in a pump, or virtually anywhere a pressure tight joint is needed
between stationary members; also known as Static Seal.
Gasket - a thin, flat seal placed between two joining parts to prevent leakage of air or liquid.
Gasket - material used between two static surfaces to prevent leakage.
Gasket - the replaceable, deformable metal or elastomeric component which, when compressed,
prevents the passage of gas from one side of the seal to the other. Gaskets are
used in the bonnet seal, the closure seal and the flange seals (when flanges are
used). Metal gaskets provide the best seal by virtue of their low permeability, low
outgassing rate and higher bakeout temperature. Elastomeric gaskets, chiefly
Viton, are used when vacuum requirements are less stringent. They are
economical and within limitations are reusable. Metal closure seals are reusable,
but must be replaced more often than elastomeric closure seals.
Gasoil - an intermediate distillate product used for diesel fuel, heating fuel and sometimes as
feedstock. Term is often used interchangeably with No. 2 heating oil.
Gate Gate - in casting, the actual entry point of molten metal to a mold cavity.
Gate - the closure element of a gate valve (sometimes called wedge or disc).
Gate - the flow control element of a gate valve; also called a Wedge or Slide.
Gate / Poppet - the gasket carrier which moves the closure gasket into position with the valve
seat and transfers the sealing force to the gasket.
Gate Valve Gate Valve - 1) a valve with a linear motion closure member that is a flat or wedge shaped gate
which may be moved in or out of the flow stream. It has a straight through flow
path; 2) a type of valve whose flow control element is a disc or plate that
undergoes translational motion in a plane transverse to the flow passage through
the valve body.
Gate Valve - a general service valve used primarily for on-off, non-throttling service. The valve is
closed by a flat face, vertical disc, or gate that slides down through the valve to
block the flow.
Gate Valve - a multi-turn valve which has a gate-like disk and two seats to close the valve. The

Gate Valve

Gate Valve

Gate Valve
Gate Valve

Gate Valve

Gate Valve

Gate Valve
Gate Valve

Gate Valve
Gate Valve
Gate Valve

gate moves linearly, perpendicular to the direction of flow. This type of valve is
normally used in the fully opened or fully closed position; it is not suited to throttling
applications. Gate valves provide robust sealing, and are used extensively in the
petrochemicals industries. This class of valves also includes knife gate valves,
conduit gate valves and wedge gate valves. Knife gate valves have much thinner
gates with a knife-like edge, making them suited to use with floating solids, e.g., as
in the pulp & paper industries. Conduit gate valves have a rectangular disk as the
closing element. One half of the disk is solid, to close the valve; the other has a
circular port, which can be used to open the valve. Wedge gate valves have a
wedge-shaped gate which wedges between floating seats to close the valve
tightly.
- a multi-turn valve which has a gate-like disk and two seats to close the valve. The
gate moves linearly, perpendicular to the direction of flow. This type of valve is
normally used in the fully opened or fully closed position; it is not suited to throttling
applications. Gate valves provide robust sealing, and are used extensively in the
petrochemicals industries. This class of valves also includes knife gate valves,
conduit gate valves and wedge gate valves. Knife gate valves have much thinner
gates with a knife-like edge, making them suited to use with floating solids, e.g., as
in the pulp & paper industries. Conduit gate valves have a rectangular disk as the
closing element. One half of the disk is solid, to close the valve, the other has a
circular port, which can be used to open the valve. Wedge gate valves have a
wedge-shaped gate which 'wedges' between floating seats to close the valve tightly.
- a straight through pattern valve in which closure element is a wedge situated
between two fixed seating surfaces, with means to move it in or out of the flow
stream in a direction perpendicular to the pipeline axis. Used as a block valve, or
on-off valve.
- a type of valve in which the flow control element enters the fluid path from the side
and traverses it.
- a type of valve which is usually multi-turn in operation and use a gate-like disc and
two seats for closure. In wedge gate valves, the closing member is tapered and
may be solid, flexible or double disc type. Parallel slide gate valves have two
parallel slide discs usually separated by a spring. Conduit gate valves use a
parallel disc, which is extended with a circular port to obtain a smooth full bore in
the open position. Knife gate valves use a narrow section parallel disc, usually
tapered at the end to provide a simple cutting edge. Knife gate valves are often
referred to as Slide or Blade valves. Gate valves are usually screwed or otherwise
fitted to the valve body.
- a valve in which a sliding disc or gate is moved by an actuator perpendicular to the
direction of flow. They are normally used in the fully opened or fully closed position
and not for throttling purposes.
- a valve in which the flow of water is controlled by means of a circular disk fitting
against, and sliding on, machine-smoothed faces. The motion of the disk is raised
or lowered by turning a threaded stem connected to the handle of the valve. The
opening of the valve is usually as large as the full bore of the pipe. Gate valves
enable shut-off of certain pipe sections without the necessity of draining the entire
system. Their use is preferred to globe valves because they offer less resistance to
water flow.
- a valve that works by lowering a gate to block the flow of fluid, the gate can be lifted
to resume the flow of fluid.
- a valve which provides a straight-through passage for the flow of a fluid. The gate
gets moved between the body seats by a stem whose axis is at right angles to that
of the body ends which are themselves in line. The actuating thread of the stem is
either contained inside the valve or is exterior to the bonnet.
- a valve which provides a straight-through passage for the flow of fluid. The body
seats by stem whose axis is at right angles to that lf the body ends.
- a valve with disk-shaped closing elements that fits tightly over an opening through
which water passes.
- gate valves have a rising and lowering gate, when the gate is lowered it will shut off
the flow, the gate acts to block the flow.

Gate Valve - refers to a stop valve which is able to control flow of liquid in a pipe by a plate at
right angles to the direction of flow.
Gate Valve - this type of valve has three advantages: It offers a full line of sight transmission from
port to port; it has the best conductance available; and it can be made in large
sizes at a reasonable price.
Gauge Gauge - an instrument used for measuring some physical property such as pressure,
temperature, etc.
Gauge - the thickness of sheet steel. Better quality steel has a consistent gauge to prevent weak
spots or deformation.
Gauge Cock Gauge Cock - a valve attached to a water column or drum for checking water level.
Gauge Cock - a valve located on a water column of a boiler drum.
Gauge Length - in materials testing, the original length of an elongated specimen over which
measurements of strain, thermal expansion or other properties are taken.
Gauge Snubber - a device installed in the line to the pressure gauge used to dampen pressure
surges and thus provide a steady reading and a protection for the gauge.
Gauge, Bellows - a gauge in which the sensing element is a convoluted closed cylinder. A
pressure differential between the outside and the inside causes the cylinder to
expand or contract axially.
Gauge, Bourdon Tube - a pressure gauge in which the sensing element is a curved tube that
tends to straighten out when subjected to internal fluid pressure.
Gauge, Diaphragm - a gauge in which the sensing element is relatively thin and its inner portion
is free to deflect with respect to its periphery.
Gauge, Pressure - a gauge that indicates the pressure in the system to which it is connected.
Gauge, Vacuum - a pressure gauge for pressures less than atmospheric.
GBP - General Business Principles
Gbp - pound sterling (Abbreviation)
GC - 1) General Correspondence; 2) process Gas, Corrosive, onshore or offshore
Gear - A toothed wheel, sometimes referred to as a cog.
Gear Operator - the operator of a valve that uses a gear set to reduce the force required to close
the valve.
Gear Ratio - the ratio of the number of teeth on two engaged gearwheels.
Gear Wheel - a wheel that meshes gear teeth with another part.
Gearbox Gearbox - used to ensure easier operation of larger valves by requiring less torque to open or
close and are used when people want to use smaller actuators or use less force to
open or close.
Gearbox - used to ensure easier operation of larger valves, particularly ball valves.
General Specification (GS) - a document which defines the minimum standards of quality for
the execution of work and / or supply of equipment or systems.
GF - CO2 fire extinguisher
Gib - a removable plate designed to hold other parts in place or act as a bearing or wear surface.
Girbotal Process - a regenerative absorption process to remove carbon dioxide, hydrogen
sulfide, and other acid impurities from natural gas, using mono-, di-, or triethanolamine as the reagent.
GJ - Ground Joint
GKTI - Gasket, RF Tanged Insert
Gland Gland - 1) a device for preventing a pressurized fluid from leaking out of a casing at a machine
joint, such as at a shaft penetration; also known as Gland Seal; 2) a movable part
that compresses the packing in a stuffing box; see Packing Follower; see also
Lantern ring.
Gland - 1) a device for preventing leakage at a machine joint, as where a shaft emerges from a
vessel containing a pressurized fluid; 2) a movable part used in a stuffing box to
compress the packing.

Gland - 1) a device which is used to prevent leakage at a point where a shaft emerges from a
vessel containing fluid under pressure or from a vacuum; 2) a sleeve or nut of onepiece or two-piece design which retains and forms a means of compressing the
packing in a stuffing box.
Gland - 1) a moveable tubular part that fits over a valve stem or shaft that is used to compress
the packing in a stuffing box on a valve; 2) a sleeve used to produce a seal around
a shaft; 3) a device for preventing leakage at the point where a rotating or
reciprocating shaft emerges from a vessel containing fluid under pressure; also
called a Gland Bushing.
Gland - a part which retains and forms a means of compressing the packing. Glands are usually
of the screwed or bolted type, of one-piece or two-piece design.
Gland - a sleeve which is used to compress the packing in the stuffing box of a valve or pump.
Gland - a valve part which retains and forms a means of compressing the packing. Glands are
usually of the screwed or bolted type, of one-piece or two-piece design.
Gland - cavity into which o-ring is installed. Includes the groove and mating surface of second
part which together confines the o-ring.
Gland - follower, gland follower
Gland - the cavity of a stuffing box into which the packing is stuffed.
Gland - the part of the valve which retains or compresses the stem packing in a stuffing box; also
called Gland Bushing.
Gland Bolting Gland Bolting - comprises bolts, eye-bolts, stud bolts, studs, set screws and nuts by which
pressure is applied to bolted glands.
Gland Bolting - valve parts comprised of bolts, eye-bolts, stud bolts, studs, set screws and nuts
by which pressure is applied to bolted glands.
Gland Bush Gland Bush - a bush which is inserted in a gland.
Gland Bush - a bush which is inserted in the gland of a valve.
Gland Cock - a taper-seated cock in which the plug is retained in the body by means of gland
and gland packing.
Gland Flange Gland Flange - a part that fastens to the bonnet of a valve and used to apply load (force) against
the packing gland to prevent external leakage. It is adjustable, and usually found
on valves with outside-screw-and-yoke stem designs.
Gland Flange - the flange, of a bolted one-piece or two piece gland, by which pressure is
transmitted to the gland of a valve.
Gland Flange - the flange, of a bolted one-piece or two-piece gland, by which pressure is
transmitted to the gland.
Gland Follower - the component used to hold down or retain the gland in the stuffing box; also
called Gland Flange.
Gland Nut Gland Nut - a nut that threads onto or into the top of the bonnet of a valve to apply force to the
gland.
Gland Nut - the nut of a screwed gland of a valve, by which pressure is transmitted to the gland.
Gland Nut - the nut of a screwed gland, by which pressure (load) is transmitted to the gland.
Gland Packing Gland Packing - compressible material inserted into the stuffing box or packing nut to prevent
leakage of fluid; 2) for gland cocks, material inserted into the stuffing box to prevent
leakage of fluid and to retain the plug in the body.
Gland Packing - material inserted into the stuffing box or packing nut of a valve to prevent
leakage of fluid.
Gland Packing - material which is inserted into a gland to disallow leakage of fluid.
Gland Plate - an end plate which connects the stationary assembly of a mechanical seal to the
seal chamber.
Glassed Steel - process piping or vessels lined with glass; a glassed-steel composite has
structural strength of steel and corrosion resistance of glass.
Glazed - an abrasive surface that has become smooth and cannot abrade efficiently.

Globe Valve Globe Valve - 1) a valve with a linear motion closure member, one or more ports and a body
distinguished by a globular shaped cavity around the port region; 2) a type of flow
regulating valve consisting of a movable disc and a stationary ring seat in a
generally spherical body. In the general design, the fluid enters below the valve
seat and leaves from the cavity above the seat.
Globe Valve - a device for regulating flow in a pipeline, consisting of a movable disk-type element
and a stationary ring seat in a generally spherical body.
Globe Valve - a family of valves characterized by a closure member which travels in a line
perpendicular to the valve seat. They are used primarily for throttling purposes and
general flow control.
Globe Valve - a multi-turn valve with a closing element that moves perpendicularly to the valve
body seat and generally seals in a plane parallel to the direction of flow. This type
of valves is suited both to throttling and general flow control.
Globe Valve - a multi-turn valve with a closing element that moves perpendicularly to the valve
body seat and generally seals in a plane parallel to the direction of flow. This type
of valves is suited both to throttling and general flow control.
Globe Valve - a piping valve similar to a gate valve but having a stopper-like disk which screws
down to seat over an opening that is at right angles to the direction of the flow.
Globe Valve - a screw-down valve having the casing or body of a spherical shape. The axis of
the stem is at right angles to the body ends, which are in line with each other.
Globe Valve - a type of valve in which the flow control element moves parallel to the direction of
fluid flow. Its name derives from the spherical shape of its body.
Globe Valve - a type of valve which is multi-turn in operation and use a disc and seat closure.
Seats are integrally cast into the valve body or are of the screwed-in renewable
type. Soft seated valves have an elastomer insert in the seat or disc. Valve bodies
may be straight, angle or oblique. Special forms of oblique globe valves are
available for use as regulating and commissioning valves in heating systems. In the
piston valve, the disc and seat is replaced by a piston sealing arrangement. Stop
and Check valves combine the functions of the two valve types using the lift check
principle. Three Port or Changeover valves have two separate seats in the valve
body.
Globe Valve - a valve having generally a spherical body in which the body ends are in line with
each other and in which the axis of the stem is at right angles to that of the body
ends.
Globe Valve - a valve having generally a spherical body in which the body ends are in line with
each other and in which the axis of the stem is at right angles to that of the body
ends.
Globe Valve - a valve which is formed by a circular metal disk which, when forced on to a seating
in a pipe, stops the flow.
Globe Valve - a valve whose closure element is a flat disc or conical plug sealing on a seat which
is usually parallel to the flow axis. Can be used for throttling services.
Globe Valve - a valve with a linear motion closure component, one or more ports and a body
distinguished by a globular shaped cavity around the port region.
Globe Valve - a valve with a linear motion, push-pull stem, whose one or more ports and body
are distinguished by a globular shaped cavity around the port region. This type of
valve is characterized by a torturous flow path and is also referred to as a low
recovery valve because some of the energy in the flow stream is dissipated, and the
inlet pressure will not recover to the extent that it would in a more streamlined high
recovery valve.
Globe Valve - effects closure by a plug with a flat or convex bottom lowered onto a matching
horizontal seat located in the center of the valve. Raising the plug opens the valve,
allowing fluid flow. The globe valve is used for on-off service and handles throttling
applications.
Globe Valve Plug Guides - the means by which the plug is aligned with the seat and held stable
throughout its travel. The guide is held rigidly in the body or bonnet.
GLVF - Globe Valve Flanged
GMAW - see Gas Metal Arc Welding

GMAWP - Pulsed Arc Welding

GMAWS - Short-Circuit Arc Welding
GMAWST - Spray Transfer (welding)
GO - Gear Operator
Go / No-Go Gauge - a composite gauging device that enables an inspector to quickly judge
whether specific dimensions or contours are within specified tolerances; in many
instances, the device is so constructed that the part being inspected will fit one part
of the gauge easily and will not fit another part if it is within tolerance, and will pass
both parts or pass neither if it is not within tolerance.
Go / No-Go Test Go / No-Go Test - a test base on the measurement of one or more parameters but which can
have only one of two possible results: to pass or reject the device under test.
Go / No-Go Test - a test in which one or more parameters are determined, but which can result
only in acceptance or rejection of the test object, depending on the value(s)
measured.
Goggles - tinted lenses used during welding or gas cutting to protect the eyes from harmful
radiations.
GP - General Purpose
GPA - General Platform Alert
GPM - Gallons Per Minute; expresses volume of flow.
GPP - Gas Processing Plant
GPP - Glass-Filled Polypropylene; offers the chemical resistance of polypropylene, with glass
fibers added for strength.
GR - Grade
Grain Grain - a roughness of surface or texture
Grain - in metals and other crystalline substances, an individual crystallite in a polycrystalline
mass.
Grain Growth - an increase in the average grain size in a metal, usually as a result of exposure
to high temperature.
Grain Size Grain Size - 1) for metals, the size of crystallites in a polycrystalline solid, which may be
expressed as a diameter, number of grains per unit area, or standard grain size
number determined by comparison with a chart such as those published by ASTM;
in most instances the grain size is given as an average, unless there are substantial
proportions which can be given as two distinct sizes; if two or more phases are
present, grain size of the matrix is given; 2) for abrasives, also known as Grit Size.
Grain Size - in killed steels, grain size is specified as either coarse (grain size 1 to 5 inclusive) or
fine (grain size 5 to 8 inclusive), determined in accordance with ASTM Designation
E1 12. Standard Methods for Estimating the Average Grain Size of Metals (by the
comparison procedure).
Granular Fracture - a rough, irregular fracture surface, which can be either transcrystalline or
intercrystalline, and which often indicates that fracture took place in a relatively
brittle mode, even though the material involved is inherently ductile.
Graphite - a flexible carbon material used to make gaskets and packing. The gaskets may be
flat graphite sheet or have metal inserts for added strength. The packing is a
combination of lattice braided rings used as anti-extrusion or wiper rings and dieformed rings which are compressed to effect the seal.
Graphite Rosette Graphite Rosette - a form of graphite present in gray cast iron which appears in the
microstructure as graphite flakes extending radially outward from a center of
crystallization.
Graphite Rosette - arrangement of graphite flakes in which the flakes extend radially from centers
of crystallization in gray cast iron.
Graphite, Compacted - a graphite shape that is intermediate between flake graphite and nodular
graphite that typically appears in a polished section as thick flakes with blunt ends.
Graphite, Flake -

Graphite, Flake - a form of graphite present in gray cast iron which appears in the microstructure
as an elongated, curved inclusion.
Graphite, Flake - an irregularly shaped particle of graphite, usually appearing in a polished
section as curved plates, such as found in gray cast irons.
Graphite, Nodular Graphite, Nodular - graphite in the form of nodules or spheroids in iron castings.
Graphite, Nodular - spheroidal shaped graphite typically found in ductile irons and compact
clusters of graphite typically found in malleable irons.
Graphite, Primary - graphite precipitated in cast iron during solidification.
Graphite, Spheroidal - spheroidal shaped graphite having a polycrystalline radial structure,
usually found in ductile iron and to a controlled, limited extent in compacted graphite
iron.
Graphitic Carbon - free carbon present in the microstructure of steel or cast iron; it is an
essential feature of most cast irons but is almost always undesirable in steel.
Graphitic Corrosion - corrosion of gray cast iron in which the iron matrix is slowly leached away,
leaving a porous structure behind that is largely graphite but that may also be held
together by corrosion products; this form of corrosion occurs in relatively mild
aqueous solutions and on buried pipe and fittings.
Graphitic Steel - alloy steel in which some of the carbon is present in the form of graphite.
Graphitization - formation of graphite in iron or steel; it is termed primary graphitization if it forms
during solidification, and secondary graphitization if it forms during subsequent heat
treatment or extended service at high temperature.
Graphitize Graphitize - to precipitate graphite in an iron-carbon alloy.
Graphitize - to put graphite in or on; to change into graphite, such as by heating.
Graphitizing - annealing a ferrous alloy in such a way that at least some of the carbon present is
converted to graphite.
Grease Fitting - a device which permits injection of grease into a bearing surface.
Green strength - in casting, the sand used for molding after water has been mixed in it. Green
sand must possess adequate strength and plasticity for making and handling of the
mold.
Grey Cast Iron Grey Cast Iron - grey cast iron shows grey color on fracture. A high carbon and high silicon
content followed by a slow rate of cooling encourages the production of grey cast
iron. Most of the carbon in the grey cast iron is present in the form of graphite. The
production of grey cast iron depends on the following factors: a) chemical
composition of the melt, b) the rate of cooling, and c) the temperature of casting.
Large flakes of graphite produce a soft, weak casting, while short flakes of graphite
produce a strong casting. If the graphites present are small, round, well distributed
particles, their weakening effects are much less pronounced and the iron develops
much better mechanical properties. If the graphite constituent of a casting is
controlled, almost all the properties of grey cast iron are controlled. The presence
of graphite in grey cast iron depends on the following factors: a) the ratio of carbon
to silicon. Silicon is a strong graphitizer; b) addition of steel to the melt; c) high
temperature of melting dissolves graphite and thus reduces the tendency to
graphitize; d) the rate of cooling; and e) the addition of special alloys to cast iron
like nickel and chromium.
Grey Cast Iron - if cast iron is melted and then slowly cooled, most of the carbon separates out
as graphite and a softer and less brittle variety of iron, known as grey iron, is
obtained. The composition of grey cast iron is 92% iron, 3% graphite, 0.5% carbon
and remaining other impurities. The grey color of this cast iron is due to the
presence of graphite flakes. Grey cast iron is cheap and its melting point is low. Its
tensile strength is low and ranges from 2 to 2.5 tonnes per sq. cm. It is brittle and
breaks under an impact.
Grey Cast Iron - iron containing carbon in the free form. Generally it contains high percentages
of carbon and silicon.
Grey Cast Iron - see Cast Iron
Grey Iron - cast iron containing free graphite in flake form; so named because a freshly broken

bar of the alloy appears gray.

Grey Iron - cast iron that has a relatively large proportion of the graphitic carbon present in the
form of flake graphite. The metal has a gray fracture.
Grid - that part of a vertical ball non-return valve which restricts the travel of the ball and through
which the fluid passes.
Grinding Test - residual tensile or compressive test, or a combination of both, on the surface of
a material due to grinding.
Grit Blasting Grit Blasting - a process used in preparation for a coating system (painting), which cleans the
surface and gives it the required roughness to retain the applied coating system.
Grit Blasting - abrasively cleaning metal surfaces by blowing steel grit, sand or other hard
particulate against them to remove soil, rust and scale;
also known as
Sandblasting.
Grommet - 1) a metal washer or eyelet; 2) a piece of fiber soaked in a packing material and
used under bolt and nut heads to preserve tightness.
Groove - an opening provided between two members to be joined.
Grooved End - a valve end that has a circumferential groove around it to receive a clamping
mechanism, which couples the valve to similarly grooved connecting pipe.
GRP - Glass Reinforced Polyester
Grub Screw Grub Screw - a headless screw that is slotted at one end to receive a screw driver.
Grub Screw - a headless screw with a slot at one end to receive a screwdriver.
Grub Washer - a screw having no head but with a slot across the top end for the insertion of a
screwdriver.
Grummel Washer - a washer which is made of spun yarn or tar twine, etc. It is used to make a
watertight joint under the head of a square-shouldered bolt; also called Grommet
Washer.
GS - General Specifications
GSI - Global Solutions International (Shell)
GST - Government Sales Tax
GTAW - Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
GTAW-HW - Hot Wire Welding
GTAW-P - Pulsed Arc Welding
GTL - Gas To Liquid
Gudgeon - a pivot
Guide - That part of the valve plug that keeps the plug aligned with the valve seat. Top or
bottom guides on a valve plug are usually located so they do not influence flow but
merely accomplish the centering function. Valve guides often have the added
function of determining the valve flow characteristic. These are known as skirt
guides and usually have notches or Vs cut into them to characterize flow.
Guide Bearing Guide Bearing - a plain bearing used to guide a machine element in its lengthwise motion,
usually without rotation of the element.
Guide Bearing - a plain bushing used to prevent lateral movement of a machine element while
allowing free axial translation, with or without (usually without) simultaneous
rotation; also known as Guide Bushing.
Guide Bushing - see Bushing
Gunmetal - a copper-tin alloy with lead and zinc added.
GW - Gravity Welding
GWP - Global Warming Potential
Gyration - the act of turning or whirling, as around a fixed center; a circular or spiral motion;
motion about an axis; rotation; revolution.

H - 1) Hydrogen; 2) High
H2S - Hydrogen Sulphide
Habitual Welding - an underwater welding process used for joining large pipelines. It is
applicable in large chambers containing sufficient amount of breathable atmosphere
with a life support system for the welder. This system requires seal-proof
chambers. Another drawback of these processes is maintenance of proper
pressure inside the chamber.
Hair Line Cracks - fine, random cracks in a coating such as paint or any rigid surface.
Halar - Ethylene-Chlorotrifluoroethylene. This material is sometimes used for some external
valve components; it is also a valve body material for high temperature / high purity
applications.
Half Dog Setscrew - a setscrew with a short, blunt point.
Half Nut - a nut split lengthwise so that it can be clamped around a screw.
Hammer Lug Unions - used to join (union) two parts together. The Lug refers to the nut that can
be hit with a hammer to uncouple the union. Sometimes referred to as Wing
Unions, Couplings, Sleeves or just Unions.
Hamming - forming of an edge by bending the metal back on itself.
Hand Shield - a protective device used by a welder to protect the hands from heat and spatter
during welding.
Hand Valve - a valve with a manual actuator.
Handle Extension - a length of bar or pipe used to manually operate a valve. The handle
extension is sized to fit the head. The handle extension is separable from the head
that is attached to the valve stem.
Handwheel Handwheel - a manual override device to stroke a valve or limit its travel.
Handwheel - a manual override device used to stroke a valve or limit its travel. The handwheel is
sometimes referred to as a hand jack. It may be top mounted, side mounted, inyoke mounted or shaft mounted and declutchable.
Handwheel - a wheel by which a valve is manually operated.
Handwheel - a wheel consisting of a rim connected to a hub by spokes, which is used to
manually operate a valve requiring multiple turns.
Handwheel - a wheel-shaped valve operating device intended to be grasped with one or both
hands which allows turning the valve stem or operator shaft to which it is attached.
Handwheel - the wheel by which a valve is manually operated. (normally applicable to gearoperated valves).
Handwheel - the wheel by which the valve is manually operated.
Handwheel Fixing Handwheel Fixing - a nut, set screw washer, key, feather or other means used to secure the
handwheel to the valve stem.
Handwheel Fixing - the nut, washer, set screw, set screw washer, key, feather or other means
used to secure the hand wheel to the stem.
Handwheel, In-Yoke Mounted - in-yoke gear types are designed with a worm gear drive which
is contained in a lubricated housing. The gear box is integral with the yoke which is
usually elongated to provide space for the worm gear assembly. With this type of
handwheel, stops may be set in either or both directions to limit the travel of the
valve stem. This type of handwheel is declutchable.
Handwheel, Shaft-Mounted, Declutchable - a shaft-mounted worm gear drive that can be
declutched from the power actuator.
Handwheel, Side-Mounted - bellcrank lever types are externally mounted on the control valve
yoke. They can provide a limit to the extent a valve stem will travel in either
direction, but not in both directions.
Handwheel, Top-Mounted - the handwheel is mounted on top of the valve actuator case. This
type of handwheel does not have a clutch; is usually used to restrict the motion of
the valve stem in one direction only.
Hard Facing Hard Facing - a hard material, such as Stellite, that is deposited on a relatively soft base metal
by welding to produce surfaces that are wear and corrosion resistant.

Hard Facing - a material harder than the surface to which it is applied. Used to resist fluid
erosion and/or to reduce the chance of galling between moving parts, particularly at
high temperature.
Hard Facing - a material that is harder than the surface to which it is applied. It is normally used
to resist fluid erosion or to reduce the chance of galling between moving parts.
Hard facing may be applied by fusion welding; diffusion; or spray coating the
material. Alloy #6 or Stellite is a common material used for this purpose.
Hard Facing - a surface preparation in which an alloy is deposited on a metal surface, usually by
weld overlay, to increase resistance to abrasion and or corrosion.
Hard Facing - a welding process used for producing hard surfaces with a soft core. This process
is not only used for repair but also for manufacture of cutting tools, rock drills,
forging dies, and wear-resisting tools. Alloying additions resembling the cutting tool
materials are incorporated in the electrode and the flux used for hard surfacing.
During welding these alloys form a molten pool that produces hard surfaces after
solidification. This process can be carried out by oxy-acetylene as well as gas
welding.
Hard Surfacing - application of a hard, wear resistant alloy to the surface of a softer metal by an
arc or gas welding process.
Hardenability Hardenability - in a ferrous alloy, the property that determines the depth and distribution of
hardness induced by quenching.
Hardenability - in welding, this term refers to the loss of ductility between weld and parent metal.
This brittleness in a metal may cause cracking and even failure.
Hardenability - the response of a metal to quenching to improve its hardness. The effectiveness
is frequently assessed by a joining test.
Hardening Hardening - a process that increases the hardness of steel, i.e., the degree to which steel will
resist cutting, abrasion, penetration, bending and stretching. The increased
endurance provided by hardening makes steel suitable for additional applications.
Hardening can be achieved through various methods; including a) heat treatment,
where the properties of steel are altered by subjecting the steel to a series of
temperature changes; and b) cold working, in which changes in the structure and
shape of steel are achieved through rolling, hammering or stretching the steel at a
relatively low temperature.
Hardening - producing increased hardness in a metal by quenching from high temperature, such
as hardening steel, or by precipitation hardening (aging) a dilute alloy, such as
hardening certain aluminum or other nonferrous alloys.
Hardening - steel having more than 0.5% of carbon may be hardened by rapid cooling from a
temperature of about 800 Celsius in water, oil or air. Tempering generally follows
this process.
Hardening - when high carbon steel is heated to bright redness and slowly cooled, it is
comparatively soft. If it is rapidly cooled, by quenching in water, oil or mercury, it
becomes harder than glass. This hardened steel can be tempered for hardness
and toughness. Medium and high carbon steels are generally hardened. Low
carbon steels do not show any marked hardness due to low carbon contents. The
samples of steel are heated in the same manner as in annealing, soaked at that
temperature for some time and then quenched in cold water, oils or in molten-salt
bath. As a result of rapid cooling, the austenite so formed does not get sufficient
time to be transformed to the normal constituents of pearlite and cementite, but is
forced to form a solid solution of carbon in ferrite called martensite. Martensite
being a hard, brittle and unstable material makes steel hard and brittle. The
hardness and brittleness of hardened steels tends to disappear slowly due to the
unstable nature of martensite.
Hardness Hardness - a property of metals that is discussed frequently when speaking of various
component parts used in valve construction; particularly valve trim. There are two
hardness scales which are commonly used - Rockwell and Brinell.
Hardness - it is the ability to resist very small indentation, abrasion and plastic deformation. It is

a combination of several properties.

Hardness - resistance to a distorting force. Measured by the relative resistance of the material to
an indentor point of any one of a number of standard hardness testing instruments.
Hardness - the ability of a material to withstand the effects of indentation, penetration, wear,
abrasion and scratching. The commonly used tests for measuring hardness are
Brinell, Rockwell, Vickers, Knoop and Shore Scleroscope.
Hardness - the ability of a material to withstand the effects of indentation, penetration, wear,
abrasion and scratching. The commonly used tests for measuring hardness are
Brinell, Rockwell, Vickers, Knoop and Shore scleroscope.
Hardness - the ability of a metal to cut another metal. High-speed steel and high carbon steel are
hard metals, hence they are suitable for making cutting tools.
Hardness - the resistance of metal to plastic deformation usually by indentation. However, the
term may also refer to stiffness or temper, or to resistance to scratching, abrasion or
cutting. Indentation hardness may be measured by various hardness tests, such as
Brinell, Rockwell and Vickers.
Hardness - the resistance of metal to plastic deformation, usually by indention.
Hardness - the resistance to deformation which is usually measured by the resistance to
indentation by one of various hardness tests.
Hardness - this is the ability of a material to withstand scratching (abrasion) or indentation by
another hard body. It is an indication of the wear resistance of a material.
Processes which increase the hardness of material also increase their tensile
strength. At the same time the toughness of the material is reduced as it becomes
more brittle. Hardenability must not be confused with hardness. Hardenability is
the ability of a metal to respond to the heat treatment process of quench hardening.
To harden it, the hot metal must be chilled at a rate in excess of its critical cooling
rate. Since any material cools more quickly at the surface than at the center there
is a limit to the size of bar which can cool quickly enough at its center to achieve
uniform hardness throughout. This is the ruling section for the material. The
greater its hardenability the greater will be its ruling section.
Hardness - this is usually measured by determining resistance to indentation, as in the Brinell,
Diamond Indenter, Rockwell and Shore tests. The values of hardness obtained by
the different methods have been to some extent related to each other, and to the
ultimate tensile strength of non-brittle metals. In Mohs scale, comparative
hardness has been determined by testing against ten standard minerals: (1) talc, (2)
gypsum, (3) calcite, (4) fluorite, (5) apatite, (6) orthoclase, (7) quartz, (8) topaz, (9)
corundum, (10) diamond. Thus, a mineral with hardness 5 will scratch fluorite, but
will be scratched by orthoclase.
Hardness Number Hardness Number - a number representing the relative hardness of a mineral, metal, or other
material as determined by any of more than 30 different hardness tests.
Hardness Number - any arbitrary scale of numbers which are determined by one of various
hardness tests.
Hardness Shore A - the rubber durometer hardness as measured on a Shore "A" gauge. Higher
numbers indicate harder material. 35 Shore "A" durometer reading is considered
soft. 90 is considered hard.
Hardness Test Hardness Test - a single hardness reading in either the weld metal, base metal or HAZ (Heat
Affected Zone).
Hardness Test - a test to determine the relative hardness of a metal, mineral, or other material
according to one of several scales, such as Brinell, Mohs, or Shore.
Hardness Test - any of various tests which determine either (a) the ability of one solid to scratch
another (see Scratch Hardness), or (b) the area of indentation formed in a given
test (see Indentation Hardness). Dynamic tests are used to measure rebound
hardness by a Herbert pendulum or Shore scleroscope.
Hardness Test - the hardness of a material is the property by virtue of which a material resists
indentation, penetration or scratching. It is mainly a surface property. More than
thirty tests are used throughout the world to measure hardness.
Hartfield Time Yield - refers to a short time criterion of creep test. A specimen placed under the

time yield stress should not show an extension exceeding 0.5% of the gauge length
in the first 24 hours, and during the next 48 hours, should show no further
extension, within a sensitivity of measurement of 1 over 10,000 in. on a 2-in. gauge
length. This approximates a rate of creep of one-millionth of an in./in. hr during this
period.
Hastelloy B - an International Nickel co. alloy having a nominal composition of nickel (Ni)
66.7%; iron (Fe) 5%; molybdenum (Mo) 28%; vanadium (V) 0.3%.
Hastelloy C Hastelloy C - a nickel based, 16% chromium, 16% molybdenum alloy. It is used in severe
service conditions that usually involve acids at high temperatures.
Hastelloy C - an International Nickel Co. alloy having a nominal composition of nickel (Ni) 59%;
iron (Fe) 5%; molybdenum (Mo) 16%; tungsten (W) 4%; chromium (Cr) 16%.
Hastelloy - a trade name for a hard, non-corroding metal.
HAZ - Heat Affected Zone
Hazardous (Classified) Location - a location where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to
flammable gases or vapors, flammable liquids, combustible dust, or easily ignitable
fibers or flyings.
Hazardous Area Hazardous Area - an area in which an explosive gas mixture is or may be expected to be present
in a quantity such as to require special precautions for the construction and use of
electrical apparatus, cables and accessories.
Hazardous Area - an area in which explosive gas/air mixtures are, or may be expected to be,
present in quantities such as to require special precautions for the construction and
use of electrical apparatus.
Hazardous Area Classifications - 1) Division 1 (hazardous). Where concentrations of
flammable gases or vapors exist a) continuously or periodically during normal
operations; b) frequently during repair or maintenance or because of leakage; or c)
due to equipment breakdown or faulty operation which could cause simultaneous
failure of electrical equipment. (See "National Electrical Code, Paragraph 500 4(a)"
for detailed definition); 2) Division 2 (normally nonhazardous). Locations in which
the atmosphere is normally nonhazardous and may become hazardous only
through the failure of the ventilating system, opening of pipe lines, or other unusual
situations. (See "National Electrical Code, Paragraph 500 4(b)" for detailed
definition); 3) Nonhazardous. Areas not classified as Division 1 or Division 2 are
considered nonhazardous. NOTE: It is safe to have open flames or other
continuous sources of ignition in nonhazardous areas.
Hazardous Atmosphere - 1) a combustible mixture of gases and/or vapors; 2) an explosive
mixture of dust in air.
Hazardous Material - any substance that requires special handling to avoid endangering human
life, health or well being. Such substances include poisons, corrosives, and
flammable, explosive or radioactive chemicals.
HB - Hardness Brinell
HC - Hydrocarbon
HDPE - High Density Polyethylene
He - Helium
Head Head - 1) a measure of fluid pressure used by piping designers. A foot of head exerts a pressure
equal to that produced by the weight of a column of the flowing fluid one foot high;
2) fluid pressure expressed in terms of the height of a column of the fluid.
Head - the height of a column of liquid above a specified point expressed in units such as feet of
water, inches of mercury, etc. It is a measure of pressure exerted by the column of
liquid.
Head - the height of a column or body of fluid above a given point expressed in linear units.
Head is often used to indicate gauge pressure. Pressure is equal to the height
times the density of the fluid.
Head - the height of a column or body of fluid above a given point, expressed in linear units.
Head - the height of a liquid column and the pressure resulting from that height.
Head, Friction -

Head, Friction - the head required to overcome the friction at the interior surface of a conductor
and between fluid particles in motion. It varies with flow, size, type, and condition of
conductors and fittings, and fluid characteristics.
Head, Friction - the loss of energy due to friction in a pipe.
Head, Lost - friction loss in a pipe or channel expressed in terms of potential energy, in ft.
Head, Static - the height of a column or body of fluid above a given point.
Head, Velocity - the equivalent head through which the liquid would have to fall to attain a given
velocity. Mathematically it is equal to the square of the velocity (in feet) divided by
64.4 feet per second square.
Header Header - a conduit or chamber that receives fluid flow from a series of smaller conduits
connected to it, or that distributes fluid flow among a series of smaller conduits.
Header - a manifold which supplies fluid to a number of tubes or passages, or connecting them in
parallel.
Header - a pipe, tube, etc. that brings together other pipes to direct the flow of a fluid through
them.
Heat Heat - 1) a single heating of metal, ore, etc. in a furnace or forge; 2) the amount processed in a
single heating.
Heat - Cast lot, Material originating from a final melt. For remelted alloys it is defined as the raw
material originating from one remelted ingot.
Heat - the total molten metal output from a single heating in a batch melting process or the total
metal output from essentially a single heating in a continuous melting operation
using basically constant charge and processing conditions and targeted at a fixed
metal chemistry at the furnace spout. A heat can also be defined as a fixed time
period for a continuous melting operation provided that it is shorter than the time
period covered by the above definition.
Heat (of steel) - a batch of refined steel. A basic oxygen or electric furnace full of steel. One
heat of steel will be used to cast several slabs, blooms or billets.
Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) - 1) the zone of the base metal affected by the heat input of welding;
2) that portion of the base metal that was not melted during brazing, cutting, or
welding, but whose microstructure and properties were altered by the heat of these
processes.
Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) - in welding, the portion of the base metal which has not been melted,
but whose microstructure and mechanical properties have been altered due to the
heat produced by the electric arc or gas flame.
Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) - refers to the area of a base metal of which the structure of property
could be altered by the heat of welding.
Heat Analysis - a chemical analysis conducted by a foundry immediately prior to pouring which
measures the exact chemical composition of a particular batch of molten metal.
Heat Check - a condition of minute radial cracks on and beneath the surface of a seal face
caused by highly localized thermal stresses.
Heat Distortion Point - the temperature at which a standard test bar (American Society for
Testing and Materials test) deflects 0.010 inch (0.254 millimeter) under a load of
either 66 or 264 pounds per square inch, as specified.
Heat Exchanger - a device that transfers heat through a conducting wall from one fluid to
another.
Heat Seal - a union between two thermoplastic surfaces by application of heat and pressure to
the joint.
Heat Treatment Heat Treatment - controlled heating/ cooling of materials that change a materials properties.
Heat Treatment - a process in which steel in the solid state has been taken through one or more
temperature cycles in order to obtain certain desired properties. Heating for the
sole purpose of hot working gets excluded from the meaning of this definition.
Heat Treatment - altering the properties of steel by subjecting it to a series of temperature
changes. Used to increase the hardness, strength, or ductility of steel so that it is

suitable for additional applications. The steel is heated and then cooled as
necessary to provide changes in the structural form that will impart the desired
characteristics. The time spent at each temperature and the rates of cooling have
significant impact on the effect of the treatment.
Heat Treatment - controlled heating and cooling to alter the properties or structure of a metal,
alloy or glass like material.
Heat Treatment - describes any process or procedure by which the internal structure of steel is
altered by heating to produce desired physical and mechanical characteristics.
Heat Treatment - heat treatment of metals involves heating and then cooling at a suitable rate in
a medium. This has a remarkable effect in changing the properties of steel. This
treatment is done to bring about certain desired properties in steel. In the past and
even up to this day this treatment is carried out in the Blacksmiths fire. This is a
crude method as heating is not uniform except in the case of small tools and the
estimation of temperature depends upon the experience of the Blacksmith, which is
not reliable. In the present age of advanced technology with strict quality control,
Blacksmiths experience in this field has been replaced by certain refined, practical
and reliable methods of heat treatment. Furnaces with provision for temperature
monitoring are utilized. The methods of heating are usually by coal, oil, gas or
electricity. The properties obtained in a sample of heat treated steel depend on the
range of heating temperature, rate of cooling temperature, and form and quantity of
carbon contents. Carbon contents in plain carbon steel undergo various changes in
microstructure as a result of different methods of heating and cooling. These
changes are effective in altering the mechanical properties of steel. Changes in the
microstructure of steel take place between a critical range of temperature, with a
lower critical temperature and an upper critical temperature. Steel is an alloy of iron
and carbon. Carbon in steel may remain either in the form of a chemical compound
with iron, or in the form of solid solution with iron, or in a combination of both the
forms. The aim of heat treatment is to bring about the desired changes in the form
of carbon combination in steel. All metals are crystalline in structure. The crystals
of pure iron are called ferrites. Ferrite may contain a very little amount of carbon in
solid solution with iron. It is soft, ductile and strongly magnetic. A chemical
compound of ferrite and carbon is called Cementite. It remains as round particles in
steel. Cementite is a hard, brittle and magnetic substance. A mechanical mixture
of ferrite and cementite is called pearlite, which is hard, strong and machinable. A
solid solution of cementite and ferrite is called austenite. It is not stable at
temperatures below 723 C. At lower temperature, austenite breaks up into ferrite
and cementite or pearlite. When high carbon solids are heated to temperatures
above 850 C and suddenly cooled down to room temperature, the cementite in
steel is forced to enter into a solid solution in ferrite. This force solution of
cementite in ferrite is called martensite, which is a very hard, brittle and unstable
substance. The principal heat treatment processes are a) annealing or normalizing,
b) hardening, c) tempering and d) case-hardening.
Heat Treatment - heating and cooling a solid metal or alloy in such a way as to obtain desired
properties. Heating for the sole purpose of hot working is not considered heat
treatment; see Hot Working and also Solution Heat Treatment.
Heat Treatment - heating and cooling a solid metal or alloy in such a way as to obtain desired
conditions or properties. Heating for the sole purpose of hot working is excluded
from the meaning of this definition.
Heavy Ends - the fraction of a petroleum mixture having the highest boiling point.
Heavy Fraction - the final products retrieved by distilling crude oil.
Heavy Oil Heavy Oil - A viscous fraction of petroleum or coal tar oil having a high boiling point.
Heavy Oil - any of the relatively dense hydrocarbons (denser than water) derived from petroleum,
coal tar, and similar substances.
Heavy Structural Shapes - a general term given to rolled flanged sections that have at least one
dimension of their cross sections three inches or greater. The category includes
beams, channels, tees and zees if the depth dimension is three inches or greater,
and angles if the length of the leg is three inches or greater.
Heli Arc Welding - welding using helium as the inert gas; see Gas Tungsten Arc Welding

Helium Arc Welding Helium Arc Welding - a welding process in which helium is used to shield the weld area from
contamination by atmospheric oxygen and nitrogen.
Helix - a spiral-like coil; the threads of a screw form a helix.
Herbert Pendulum - a massive pendulum having a 1.588 mm (1/16 in) diameter steel ball as a
pivot which rocks over the surface of a specimen. The period of the pendulum and
its rate of damping give a measure of the hardness and ductility of the metal.
Hereditary Mechanics - a field of mechanics in which quantities, such as stress, depend not
only on other quantities, such as strain, at the same instant but also on integrals
involving the values of such quantities at previous time.
Hermetic Seal Hermetic Seal - an airtight seal evidencing no detectable leakage.
Hermetically Sealed - a container that is closed or sealed completely; made airtight.
Hertz - a unit of frequency, equal to one cycle per second; abbreviated Hz.
HEX - Hexagonal
Hex Nut - a nut in the shape of a hexagon.
Hexagonal Head Bolt - a standard wrench head bolt with a hexagonal head.
Hexagonal Nipple - a nipple for joining pipe with a hexagonal configuration around the center of
the exterior surface to permit tightening with a spanner.
Hexagonal Nut Hexagonal Nut - a plain nut in hexagon form.
HF - 1) Hard Faced; 2) Hydro Fluoric
HFI - High Frequency Induction (Welding)
HGO - Heavy Gas Oil
HH - High High
HIC - 1) Hydrogen Induced Cracking; 2) Hydrogen Induced Corrosion
High Alloy Steel High Alloy Steel - an iron-carbon alloy containing at least 5% by weight of additional elements.
High Alloy Steel - stainless steels, 12% chromium and higher
High Brass - a commercial wrought brass containing 65% copper and 35% zinc.
High Carbon Steel High Carbon Steel - a plain carbon steel with a carbon content of at least 0.6%.
High Carbon Steel - carbon steel, having more than 0.5% of carbon. It is used for springs and
similar components; stronger and more easily tempered but less ductile than mild
steel.
High Carbon Steel - iron containing 0.55 to 2.0% carbon
High Carbon Steel - steel containing carbon from 0.5 to 1.5% and have granular structures.
High Carbon Steel - steel with more than 0.3% carbon. The more carbon that is dissolved in the
iron, the less formable and the tougher the steel becomes. High-carbon steel's
hardness makes it suitable for plow blades, shovels, bedsprings, cutting edges, or
other high-wear applications.
High Lift Safety Valve - a safety valve in which the valve head lifts automatically at least D/12,
where D = bore of valve seat.
High Performance Butterfly Valve (HPBV) - a butterfly valve in which the disc seating surface
is offset from its axis of rotation, producing an uninterrupted seating surface and
camming action when seating and unseating.
High Recovery Valve - a valve design that dissipates relatively little flow stream energy due to
streamlined internal contours and minimal flow turbulence. Therefore, pressure
down stream of the valve vena contracta recovers to a high percentage of its inlet
value. These types of valves are identifiable by their straight-through flow paths.
Examples are most rotary control valves, such as the eccentric plug, butterfly, and
ball valve.
High Solids Coating - for the heavy-duty protective coatings industry, it is assumed that high
solids coatings have a minimum volume solids content of 65%. A volume solids
content of 80% is considered as the general accepted standard for high solids
coating.

High Speed Steel High Speed Steel - high alloy steel which is capable of intense hardening. It is used for metalcutting tools. It retains its hardness at a low red heat, so that such tools can be
used in lathes and other machine tools operating at high speed. Generally it has
12-22% tungsten, up to 5% chromium, up to 1% carbon, and varying amounts of
vanadium, cobalt, etc. Half its weight of molybdenum may replace part or all of the
tungsten.
High Speed Steel - steels capable of cutting materials at red hot temperatures.
High Speed Steel - when ordinary steel is used for making cutting tools, they become soft if they
are used at temperatures other than normal temperatures. Thus, they become
useless. In order to increase the hardness of steel up to 660 C, tungsten is added
to steel. This tungsten-alloyed steel is used for making cutting tools. These can be
used to cut the metals at a higher speed as compared to the tools of plain carbon
steel, and hence the name high speed is assigned to this steel. The tungstenalloyed steel is used for making parts of drilling machines, high-speed tools, lathe
tools etc. High Speed Steel is also known as Tungsten Steel.
High Strength Alloy - a metallic material having a strength considerably above that of most
other alloys of the same type or classification.
High Temperature Alloy - a metallic material suitable for use at 500 C (930 F) or above. This
classification includes iron base, nickel base and cobalt base superalloys, and the
refractory metals and their alloys, which retain enough strength at elevated
temperature to be structurally useful and generally resist undergoing metallurgical
changes that weaken or embrittle the material.
High Tensile Bolt - a bolt that is adjusted to a carefully controlled tension by means of a
calibrated torsion wrench; used in place of a rivet; also known as High-Tension
Bolt.
High Tensile Steel High Tensile Steel - a type of structural steel which is having a maximum yield point.
High Tensile Steel - steel in which enhanced mechanical properties and increased resistance to
corrosion have been obtained by the incorporation of some alloying elements.
Hindley Screw - an endless screw or worm of hourglass shape that fits a part of the
circumference of a worm wheel so as to increase the bearing area and thus
diminish wear; also known as Hourglass Screw; Hourglass Worm.
Hinge Hinge - a pair of metal leaves forming a jointed device in which a swinging part turns.
Hinge - the part or parts of swing non-return valve, which enable the disc to swing.
Hinge / Disc Connection - comprises stud, nut, washer and cotter pin which secure the hinge
to the disc when the hinge is separate from the disc.
Hinge Pin - the pin about which the disc of a swing non-return valve swings.
Hinge Pin Boss Hinge Pin Boss - a boss formed on or in the body of a swing check valve to accommodate the
hinge pin and hinge pin plug.
Hinge Pin Boss - a boss formed on or in the body of swing non-return valve to accommodate the
hinge pin and hinge pin plug.
Hinge Pin Plug Hinge Pin Plug - a plug fitted in the body of a swing check valve to retain the hinge pin.
Hinge Pin Plug - a plug fitted in the body to retain the hinge pin.
Hinge Valve - see Check Valve
HKD - Hong Kong dollar (Acronym)
HM - Heating Medium (hot oil)
HMI - Human Machine Interface
Hob - 1) a master model made from hardened steel which is used to press the shape of a
plastics mold into a block of soft steel; 2) a rotary cutting tool with its teeth arranged
along a helical thread; used for generating gear teeth.
Hobbing - 1) in plastics manufacturing, the act of creating multiple mold cavities by pressing a
hob into soft metal cavity blanks; 2) cutting evenly spaced forms, such as gear
teeth, on the periphery of cylindrical work piece.

Hobbing Machine - a machine for cutting gear teeth in gear blanks or for cutting worm, spur, or
helical gears; also known as Hobber.
Hold Point - a mandatory inspection point. No work can proceed until the applicable inspection
activity has been completed or manufacturer receives a formal written waiver.
Holiday Holiday - 1) pinholes and small size defects in a coating system, penetrating the entire thickness
of the coating; 2) voids in protective coating.
Holiday - an undesirable discontinuity or break in the anticorrosion protection on pipe or tubing.
Holiday Detector - an electrical device used to determine the location of a gap or void in the
anticorrosion coating of a metal surface.
Hollow Jet Valve - essentially a needle valve with the needle, or closure member, pointing
upstream. The nozzle is eliminated, allowing the water to discharge from the bell
shaped body in a tubular or hollow jet.
Homogeneous Homogeneous - a) general - a material of uniform composition throughout; b) in seals - a rubber
seal without fabric or metal reinforcement.
Homogeneous - uniform consistency
Honing - the process of removing a relatively small amount of material from a cylindrical surface
by means of abrasive stones to obtain a desired finish or extremely close
dimensional tolerance.
Hood Test - a leak detection method in which the vessel under test is enclosed by a metallic
casing so that the dynamic leak test may be carried out on a large portion of the
external surface.
Hook Bolt - a bolt with a hook or L band at one end and threads at the other to fit a nut.
Hookes Law Hookes Law - it states that for the materials loaded within elastic limits the stress is proportional
to strain.
Hookes Law - strain is proportional to stress in an elastic material below the elastic limit.
Hookes Law - the characteristic of a material to deform in exact proportion to the intensity of the
stress within it, and to resume its original shape after the removal of stress. The
ratio of stress to strain is a constant for each material and is called its Modulus of
Elasticity.
HORIZ - Horizontal
Horizontal Pattern - in which the body ends are in line with each other, for installation in a
horizontal position.
Horizontal Pattern Check Valve - a check valve design in which the body ends are in line with
each other, for installation in a horizontal position; compare with Angle Pattern
Check Valve and Vertical Pattern Check Valve.
Horsepower Horsepower - the unit of power in the British engineering system, equal to 550 foot-pounds per
second, approximately 745.7 watts; abbreviated hp.
Horsepower - the unit of power in the British system of units. One horsepower equals 550 ftlb/sec.
Hose - a flexible tube used for conveying fluids.
Hot Band (Hot-Rolled Steel) - a coil of steel rolled on a hot-strip mill (hot-rolled steel). It can be
sold in this form to customers or further processed into other finished products.
Hot Bar Forging - this process is used for reducing an ingot heated at around 1300 Celsius into
bars.
Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI) - direct reduced iron that has been processed into briquettes.
Instead of using a blast furnace, the oxygen is removed from the ore using natural
gas and results in a substance that is 90%-92% iron. Because DRI may
spontaneously combust during transportation, HBI is preferred when the metallic
material must be stored or moved.
Hot Chamber Die Casting - a die-casting process in which a piston is driven through a reservoir
of molten metal and thereby delivers a quantity of molten metal to the die cavity.
Hot Dip Coating - refers to the process of dipping metal components in molten tin or zinc to
protect them against corrosion.

Hot Dip Galvanizing Hot Dip Galvanizing - a process for rust proofing iron and steel products by the application of a
coating of metallic zinc.
Hot Dip Galvanizing - a process in which steel articles are zinc coated by immersion in a molten
zinc bath.
Hot Dip Galvanizing After Fabrication - a batch process used to produce a zinc coating on
manufactured steel products by total immersion of structural or fabricated steel in a
bath of molten zinc. The process provides a metallurgically bonded coating,
generally 100 um (4 mils) thick, consisting of iron-zinc alloy layers covered with
zinc.
Hot Dipping Hot Dipping - a process for coating parts by briefly immersing them in a molten metal bath, then
withdrawing them and allowing the metal to solidify and cool.
Hot Dipping - the hot dipping process consists of dipping finished articles into another molten
metal, rather as we can paint by dipping, the difference being that because of the
elevated temperature some alloying takes place between the parent metal and the
coating metal. The most common hot dipping process consists of dipping steel
components into molten zinc and is called galvanizing. Zinc is a good choice
because is it relatively cheap with a low melting point (460 C) and has a high level
of resistance to atmospheric corrosion. Low-carbon steel sheet may be purchased
already coated with an even layer of zinc and on examination of the surface of such
a sheet, grains of zinc are clearly visible. The zinc coating will adhere to the steel
through vigorous bending and rolling operations, but if the sheet is to be cut,
punched or drilled, then the steel will be exposed at the cut edges. It is sometimes
more advantageous to produce an article in uncoated carbon steel and then dip the
completed job into the molten zinc.
Hot Draw - to draw a material while it is hot.
Hot End - the section of a steelmaking complex from the furnace up to, but not including, the hotstrip mill.
Hot Gas Welding - joining of thermoplastic materials by softening first with a jet of hot air, then
joining at the softened points.
Hot Isostatic Pressing - a process in which a ceramic or metal powder as consolidated by
heating and compressing the powder equally from all directions inside a sealed
flexible mold; abbreviated HIP.
Hot Metal - the name for the molten iron produced in a blast furnace. It proceeds to the basic
oxygen furnace in molten form or is cast as pig iron.
Hot Pressing - fabrication of a composite material through joining the reinforcement and the
matrix by means of heat and pressure, usually in a hydraulically actuated press.
Hot Rolled Products - in the "as-rolled condition" from any hot mill operation.
Hot Rolling Hot Rolling - forming of structural steel shapes by forcing a molten bar through a succession of
rollers, each one of which changes the shape slightly toward the shape desired,
such as to an Angle, Bar, Channel, or I-Beam.
Hot Rolling - hot working a metal through dies or rolls to obtain a desired shape.
Hot Rolling - hot working of metal, using a rolling process, which can remove some defects in the
metal, such as voids in the original cast metal.
Hot Saw - a power saw used to cut hot metal.
Hot Short Hot Short - brittleness resulting from working hot metal; in the case of steel it is caused by a low
manganese and a high sulphur content.
Hot Short - said of a metal that becomes brittle when hot.
Hot Spraying - a paint-spraying technique in which paint viscosity is reduced by heat rather than
a solvent.
Hot Stamp - an impression on a forging made in a heated condition.
Hot Strength Hot Strength - in casting, sand must possess sufficient strength at elevated temperatures, i.e.
above 100 C. Metallostatic pressure of the liquid-metal bearing against the mold

walls may cause mold enlargement, or if the metal is still flowing, erosion, cracks or
breakage may occur in molds. Thus sand must possess adequate hot strength.
Hot Strength - see Tensile Strength
Hot Strip Mill - a rolling mill of several stands of rolls that converts slabs into hot-rolled coils.
The hot-strip mill squeezes slabs, which can range in thickness from 2-10 inches,
depending on the type of continuous caster, between horizontal rolls with a
progressively smaller space between them (while vertical rolls govern the width) to
produce a coil of flat-rolled steel about a quarter-inch in thickness and a quarter
mile in length.
Hot Tap - a connection made to a pipeline while the line is under pressure or in service. A
special procedure is required to make an opening in the pipe without leaking any of
the line contents.
Hot Tears Hot Tears - a defect occurring in castings caused where partially solidified or weak, newly
solidified sections are subjected to a pull resulting from the contraction of thinner
parts that have solidified earlier. A hot tear is an intergranular failure.
Hot Tears - internal or external ragged discontinuities or crack on a casting surface. Metals have
low strengths immediately after solidification. At high temperatures, this defect
occurs due to high stresses developed during solidification. Hot tears are produced
due to a) excessive mold hardness, b) high dry and hot strength, c) too much
shrinkage of metal, d) faulty casting design, e) low flowability of molten metal, and f)
too low pouring temperature of the metal.
Hot Working Hot Working - deforming metal plastically at such a temperature and strain rate that
recrystallization takes place simultaneously with the deformation, thus avoiding any
strain hardening.
Hot Working - refers to the shaping of metal components by extrusion forging, hot rolling or
similar processes at temperatures which are high enough to prevent the hardness
and brittleness caused by cold working.
Hourglass Screw - see Hindley Screw
Hourglass Worm - see Hindley Screw
Howell Bunger Valve - see Cone Valve
HP - 1) Hold Point; 2) High Pressure
HPBV - High Performance Butterfly Valve
HPU - Hydraulic Power Unit
HR - Hardness Rockwell
HRA - Rockwell A Hardness
HRC - Rockwell C Hardness
HS - 1) High Solid; 2) High Sulfur
HSE - Health, Safety and Environment
HSE - MS - Health, Safety and Environment Management System
HU&C - Hook Up and Commissioning
Hub Hub - a component secured to the plug head through which the bar of a bar-operated valve
passes.
Hub - a short coupling that joins plumbing pipes.
Hub - the central part of a wheel or disc, rotating on or with the axle; a pivot.
Huddling Chamber - a space adjacent to the seating surfaces of a safety valve or a safety relief
valve that captures high-pressure fluid at disc unseating, producing higher
unseating force and instantaneous full valve opening.
HUET - Helicopter Underwater Escape Training
Huey Test - a corrosion resistance test for stainless steels, most useful for predicting resistance
to intergranular corrosion.
Hunting Tooth - an extra tooth on the larger of two gear wheels so that the total number of teeth
will not be an integral multiple of the number on the smaller wheel.
HV - 1) High Voltage; 2) Hand Valve
HW - Hand Wheel

HWO - Hand Wheel Operation

HY - Hydraulic oil
Hydrant Valve - a valve in an underwater pipe with its operating mechanism and outlet above
ground, usually a globe valve with the valve head below the seat so that the
pressure will tend to close the valve.
Hydraulic Hydraulic - operated or effected by the action of water or other fluid of low viscosity.
Hydraulic - referring to any device, operation or effect that uses pressure or flow of oil, water or
any other liquid of low viscosity.
Hydraulic Circuit - a fluid flow circuit that operates somewhat like an electric circuit.
Hydraulic Fluid - a light oil or other low viscosity liquid used in a hydraulic circuit.
Hydraulic Friction - resistance to flow due to roughness in a pipe or channel.
Hydraulic Packing - packing material that resists the effects of water even under high pressure.
Hydraulic Test - a test for pressure tightness and strength or for fatigue, by pumping water into a
vessel up to a prescribed pressure.
Hydraulic Valve - a valve for controlling liquid.
Hydraulics Hydraulics - engineering science relating to liquid pressure and flow.
Hydraulics - the science of the behavior of fluids.
Hydrocarbon Hydrocarbon - a chemical compound of hydrogen and carbon.
Hydrocarbon - a compound consisting mainly of hydrogen and carbon, often of fossil origin.
Examples: oil, coal, natural gas.
Hydrocarbon - any of a large group of organic and chemical compounds that contain only carbon
and hydrogen, occurring notably in oil, natural gas and coal.
Hydrocarbon - compound formed from Carbon and Hydrogen, for example oil and gas.
Hydrocracker - a chemical reactor in which large hydrocarbon molecules are fractured in the
presence of hydrogen.
Hydrodynamics - refers to that branch of hydraulics which relates to the flow of liquids over
weirs, or through pipes, channels and openings.
Hydrofluoric Acid - an acid composed of hydrogen and fluorine.
Hydroforming - a forming process in which a tube is placed into a forming die. The tube is then
formed to the shape of the die through the application of internal water pressure.
The hydroforming process allows for severe shape deformation, making it ideal for
automotive structural parts such as engine cradles, radiator supports and body rails.
Various shaped and sized holes can be punched in the tube almost anywhere
during the process.
Hydrogen Brazing - the process of furnace brazing in a hydrogen atmosphere.
Hydrogen Damage - any of several forms of metal failure caused by dissolved hydrogen,
including blistering, internal void formation, and hydrogen induced delayed cracking.
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) - a colorless, toxic gas composed of hydrogen and sulfur with a
characteristic smell of rotten eggs, found in natural gas, and produced by decaying
matter.
Hydrometer - an instrument for determining the specific gravities of liquids.
Hydrophilic - referring to a substance that readily absorbs water or is easily wetted by water.
Hydrophobic - referring to a substance that repels or does not absorb water.
Hydropneumatics - relating to the combination of hydraulic and pneumatic fluid power.
Hydrostatic Test Hydrostatic Test - a pressure test in which a valve is tested with water to detect leaks; it may be
a shell test or a seat closure test.
Hydrostatic Test - determining the burst resistance or leak tightness of a fluid component or
system by imposing internal pressure.
Hydrostatic Test - refers to the hydraulic or water test to which newly laid drains are subjected to
expose any leakage.
Hydrostatic Test - test of strength and leak-resistance of a vessel, pipe, or other hollow
equipment by internal pressurization with a test liquid.

Hydrostatics Hydrostatics - deals with the behavior and power of fluids which are not in motion.
Hydrostatics - engineering science relating to the energy of liquids at rest.
Hydrotreating - oil refinery catalytic process in which hydrogen is contacted with petroleum
intermediate or product streams to remove impurities, such as oxygen, sulfur,
nitrogen, or unsaturated hydrocarbons.
Hygienic Valve - a valve which will not contaminate the flowing fluid, built under clean conditions
with no internal cavities and capable of internal cleaning, e.g. a cleaning fluid.
Hypalon Hypalon - a thermoplastic used as a trim material. It is also known as CSM (chloro-sulfonated
polyethylene). It has excellent tear and abrasion resistance, but poor compressionset resistance. It is used for butterfly valve liners and diaphragm valve diaphragms.
Hypalon - DuPont trade name for chlorosulphonated polyethylene, an elastomer.
Hyperbasic Welding - an underwater welding process carried out in a dry chamber constructed
around the joint to be welded. Water is expelled by providing a gaseous
atmosphere in the chamber. The pressure inside the chamber is equal to water
pressure. It keeps the water out.
Hysteresis Hysteresis - in a cyclic process, hysteresis is the failure to follow the same path in the forward
direction as in the backward direction.
Hysteresis - refers to the loop which water is boiled and the boiling temperature noted. It is used
either for determining altitude by calculating the air pressure or for calibrating a
thermometer.
Hysteresis - the difference between up-scale and down-scale results in instrument response
when subjected to the same input approached from the opposite direction.
Example: A control valve has a stroke of 1.0 inch and we give the valve a 9 psig
signal. The valve travels 0.500 of an inch. We then give the valve a 12 psig signal,
and the valve travels to 0.750 of an inch. When the valve is then given a 9 psig
signal, the stroke is measured at 0.501. That represents hysteresis. Hysteresis
can be caused by a multitude of variables - packing friction, loose linkage, pressure
drop, etc. If someone asks you what the hysteresis of your control valve is, it is a
bum question because hysteresis is more aptly applied to an instrument than to a
control valve. There are simply too many variables in the valve and the system to
answer the question properly. The control valve only responds to the controller
signal and will move to a position to satisfy the controller - thus negating the effects
of hysteresis.

I Beams - structural sections on which the flanges are tapered and are typically not as long as
the flanges on wide-flange beams. The flanges are thicker at the cross sections
and thinner at the toes of the flanges. They are produced with depths of 3-24
inches.
I.S. - see Intrinsic Safety
I/P - an abbreviation for current-to-pneumatic signal conversion. This term is commonly used to
describe a type of transducer that converts an electric (4-20 mA) input signal to a
pneumatic (3-15 psig) output signal.
IA - Instrument Air
IAPD - International Association of Plastics Distributors; formerly NAPD
IATA - International Air Transport Association
IBBM - Iron Body, Bronze Mounted (bronze trim)
ICAO - International Civil Aviation Organization
ICC - International Chamber of Commerce
ICT - Information and Communications Technology
ID ID - Inside Diameter
ID - the measurement of the Inside Diameter of a circular part.
Identification - colored dots or stripes on seals for identification purposes. Seldom used today.
Idle Wheel - 1) a wheel introduced in a gear train either to reverse rotation or to fill up a gap in
the spacing of centers, without affecting the drive ratio; also called Cock Wheel; 2)
an intermediate wheel; also called Carrier Wheel.
Idler Gear Idler Gear - a gear placed between two other gears to transfer motion from one to the other
without changing their direction or speed; also call an Idle Wheel.
Idler Gear - a gear situated between a driving gear and a driven gear to transfer motion, without
any change of direction or of gear ratio.
Idler Gear - when one gear drives another, the driven gear rotates in a direction opposite to that
of the driving gear. If an idler gear is introduced, the relative speeds of the two
gears remain unaltered but the driven gear will now rotate in the same direction as
the driving gear.
Idler Wheel - a wheel used to transmit motion or to guide and support something.
IEC - International Electrotechnical Commission
IEE - Institution of Electrical Engineers
IEEE - Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
IFB - 1) Issued For Bid; 2) Invitation to Bid
IFC - Issued For Construction
IG - Instrument Gas
IHPP - Industrial Hygiene Personnel Protection
IIQ - Indicators of Image Quality
IIR - Butyl Rubber (Butyl)
IMM - Institute of Materials, Malaysia
Immediate Set - the deformation found by measurement immediately after removal of the load
causing the deformation.
Immersion - placing an article into a fluid, generally so it is completely covered.
Immersion Coating - applying material to the surface of a metal or ceramic by dipping into a
liquid.
Immunity - an inherent or induced electrochemical condition that enables a metal to resist attack
by a corrosive solution.
IMO - International Maritime Organization
IMP - Inspection and Maintenance Philosophy
Impact Impact - a forceful collision between two bodies which is sufficient to cause an appreciable
change in the momentum of the system on which it acts; also known as Impulsive
Force.
Impact - refers to the sudden application or fall of a load upon a specimen, structure, etc.

Impact - the single, instantaneous stroke or contact of a moving body with another, either moving
or at rest, such as a large lump of material dropping onto a conveyor belt.
Impact Bar - a specimen used to test the relative susceptibility of a plastic material to fracture by
shock.
Impact Energy - the energy necessary to fracture a material; also known as Impact Strength.
Impact Strength Impact Strength - a material property that indicates its ability to resist breaking under extremely
rapid loading, usually expressed as energy absorbed during fracture.
Impact Strength - a measure of the resistance of a material to impact loading applied in an impact
test. It is not a true strength, but is a measure of the energy absorbed per unit area
of fractured material.
Impact Strength - the ability of a material to resist shock loading.
Impact Strength - the ability of a material to withstand shock loading.
Impact Test Impact Test - a test to determine the behavior of materials when subjected to high rates of
loading, usually in bending, tension or torsion. The quantity measured is the energy
absorbed in breaking the specimen by a single blow, as in the Charpy or lzod tests.
Impact Test - a test which is used to determine the resistance of a material to a shock load. A
notched test piece is normally used, the test machines being the Izod impact and
Charpy. Resistance is generally given as the energy in ft/lb, or kg/m required to
break or bend the test piece, or as kg m/cm square of section behind the notch.
Impact Test - under very rapid loading, the response of a material may be very different to that
under slower rates of loading. If the loading rate is comparable to the velocity of
elastic waves in the material, interactions can occur which greatly increase the
stress locally. Testing the response of material under impact loading, together with
the tensile tests and hardness tests are among the most widely used mechanical
tests on materials, and usually employ standard specimens whose shape and
dimensions are prescribed by BSI, ASTM, ISO or DIN. The tests are classified by
their deformation mode, as tensile, flexed beam or flexed plate. Tensile impact is
essentially a high-speed variant of the tensile test where loading is by a falling
pendulum in the pendulum impact test.
Impact Testing Machine - a machine which is used for testing the strength of test specimens
under a single blow and for measuring the amount of energy absorbed in a fracture
of the specimen. The commonest form of test piece is a notched bar.
Impeller - rotating element of a centrifugal pump driven by a motor or turbine. The impeller has
vanes or grooves to impart rotary velocity to the product.
Imperial Gallon - a British measure, equal to 4.546 liters, as opposed to U.S. gallon, which is
3.785 liters.
Imperial Units - non-metric measures or weights
Impingement Impingement - removal of liquid droplets from a flowing gas or vapor stream by causing it to
collide with a baffle plate at high velocity, so that the droplets fall away from the
stream; also known as Liquid Knockout.
Impingement - the striking or dashing upon with a clash or sharp collision, such as air impinging
upon the rotor of a turbine or motor.
Impulse Sealing - heat-sealing of plastic materials by applying a pulse of intense thermal energy
to the sealing area for a very short time, followed immediately by cooling.
Impulse Turbine - a turbine driven by a fluid at high velocity under relatively low pressure.
Impulse Welding - a welding process in which two layers of thermoplastic film are heated and
fused to form a welded seam by clamping them together in close contact with a
shielded electric heating element.
IN LB - Inch Pound
In Line Valve - a valve having a piston actuated closure member shaped like a globe valve plug
which moves to seat axially in the direction of the flow path. In line valves are
normally operated by a fluid energy source but may be operated mechanically.
In Situ - on site
Inch Pound - the lifting of a pound weight a distance of one inch. Foot-pound is the more

commonly used unit of work.

Inch Ton - the lifting of a ton weight a height of one inch. Foot-ton is the more commonly used
unit of work.
Incident - an unplanned event or chain of events that has or could have caused injury, illness
and / or damage.
Incipient Cavitation - a term used to describe the early stages of cavitation. At this point the
bubbles are small, and the noise is more of a hiss, like the sound of frying bacon.
There is normally no mechanical damage associated with incipient cavitation,
although it could have an effect on the corrosive properties of some fluids.
Inclusion - a small amount of foreign solid, liquid or gas encapsulated in a metal.
Incoloys - a proprietary range of corrosion resistant and high temperature alloys containing 30%
nickel, 20% chromium and 48% iron with small amounts of carbon, aluminum and
titanium.
Incompressibility - quality of a substance which maintains its original volume under increased
pressure.
Inconel - a series of International Nickel Co. high nickel, chromium and iron alloys characterized
by inertness to certain corrosive fluids.
Incorrect Shape of Weld - a welding defect caused by use of improper electrodes, which
causes slag traps and forms convex welds in intermediate runs. It produces
incorrect shape of the weld. Unsymmetrical fillet welds and very weak welds are
caused by wrong procedures. Incorrect current setting, travel spreads or electrode
manipulation may result in excessive deposits at the weld.
Increased Safety - a type of protection by which measures are applied so as to reduce the
probability of excessive temperatures and of the occurrence of arcs or sparks in the
interior and on the external parts of electrical apparatus which does not produce
them in normal service and which is intended for use in hazardous locations defined
by the IEC as Zone 1. Referred to by IEC as type "Ex e" protection.
Increaser - an adapter for connecting a small-diameter pipe to a larger-diameter pipe.
Indent Indent - 1) an official order or requisition for goods; 2) an order form used in foreign trade and
usually drawn up in duplicate or triplicate, specifically, a) any order for foreign
merchandise, or b) an export order to buy certain goods at stated terms.
Indent - to make out a written order, usually for foreign goods; an official requisition for goods.
Indentation Hardness Indentation Hardness - in metal working, hardness means resistance to scratching, abrasions, or
cutting. Indentation hardness is generally measured in terms of Brinell hardness
number or Vickers pyramid number or Rockwell (Scale B or C) hardness number.
Indentation Hardness - the estimation of the hardness of a material by the permanent
deformation formed in a material by an indenter. The hardness is expressed in
terms of the load and the area of the indentation formed. Bell-shaped indenters find
use to measure Brinell hardness number and Meyer hardness number. Ludwik
introduced conical indenters and the hardness number is equal to the load divided
by the surface area of contact between indenter and material. Pyramidal indenters
get shaped like a square-based pyramid and are used for determining Vickers
hardness numbers, in Rockwell hardness tests, in Knoop hardness tests, and in the
Firth hardometer. Dynamic or rebound hardness is measured by the Shore
rebound scleroscope and the Herbert pendulum.
Indenter - an instrument used for making indentations in materials. The depth of indentation
gives a measure of their hardness.
Index Center - one of two machine-tool centers used to hold work and to rotate it by a fixed
amount.
Indication - in ultrasonic testing, determination of the presence of a flaw by detection of a
reflected ultrasonic beam.
Indicator - device on the valve showing the position of the disc, plug ports, or ball ports.
Indium - a metal, element No. 49 in the Periodic Table. It is ductile and softer than lead with a
very low vapor pressure. It is used for radiation resistant seals.
Induction - the production of an electric or magnetic state by the proximity (without contact) of an
electrified or magnetized body.

Induction Hardening Induction Hardening - a process for hardening steel surfaces by induction heating followed by
quenching.
Induction Hardening - a type of case hardening in which the surface of the component is heated
to red hot by passing it through a high frequency induction coil. The component is
then passed through a quenching jet. The speed at which the component passes
through the coil and the frequency of current determines the depth of hardness.
Induction Hardening - refers to a process of hardening steel by heating it with an alternating
magnetic field, to a temperature within or above the transformation range, and by
following immediately with quenching. This process is applicable to both surface
hardening and full hardening.
Induction Hardening - using high frequency induction to heat a metal part for surface hardening.
The heating is rapid and lends itself to control of the thermal gradient as well as the
depth of hardening, since the penetration is inversely proportional to the frequency.
Induction Heating - the heating of a material by inducing an electric current within it.
Induction Machine - a machine comprised of a magnetic circuit interlinked with two or more
electrical circuits moving relative to one another, of which one is connected to an
alternating current system. Power is transferred from the stationary part to the
moving part, or vice versa, by electromagnetic induction.
Induction Valve - see Inlet Valve
Inelastic - not capable of sustaining a deformation without permanent change in size or shape.
Inert - without active chemical properties; unreactive or little reaction with other chemicals.
Inert Gas Carbon-Arc Welding - an arc welding process carried out by heating with an electric
arc between a carbon electrode and the work. Shielding is obtained from inert gas
such as helium and argon.
Inert Gas Metal-Arc Welding (MIG) Inert Gas Metal-Arc Welding (MIG) - an arc welding process carried out by striking an arc
between the metal electrode and the workpiece.
Inert Gas Metal-Arc Welding (MIG) - this process utilizes a consumable electrode and hence, the
term metal appears in the title. The process is similar to the TIG process. This
process is used for welding stainless steel and high temperature melting metals and
alloys. Inert gas metal arc welding (MIG) is also known as Gas Metal Inert Gas
Welding (GMAW).
Inertia - the tendency of a body at rest to remain at rest, and a body in motion to continue to
move at a constant speed along a straight line, unless the body is acted upon in
either case by an unbalanced force.
Inertia Welding - inertia welding is similar to friction welding. In both the process heat is
developed by friction to form the weld. In both the cases, the temperatures
developed are below the melting point of the metals. The difference between
friction and inertia welding is the process of providing rotation to the shafts. In
friction welding the energy is supplied from conventional source (an electric welding
or hydraulic motor) whereas in inertia welding the energy is supplied through the
rotating flywheel. Inertia welding has the following advantages over friction welding:
1) the flywheel is an effective source of continuous power. 2) The supply of power
can be controlled by proper selection of the flywheel.
In-Feed Centerless Grinding - a metal-cutting process by which a cylindrical work piece is
ground to a prescribed surface smoothness and diameter by the insertion of the
work piece between a grinding wheel and a canted regulating wheel; the rotation of
the regulating wheel controls the rotation and feed rate of the work piece.
Ingot Ingot - a form of semi-finished steel. Liquid steel is teemed (poured) into molds, where it slowly
solidifies. Once the steel is solid, the mold is stripped, and the 25 to 30 ton ingots
are then ready for subsequent rolling or forging.
Ingot - a mass of metal cast in a form convenient for storage or transportation. The cross section
of most ingots approximates a square or rectangle with rounded corners. All ingots
are tapered and are commonly cast big-end-down. For certain purposes, however,
ingots are cast big-end-up.
Ingot - a metal casting in a shape suitable for subsequent hot working, e.g. for rolling or forging.

Ingot - a metal casting of a suitable shape for subsequent rolling or forging.

Ingot - a vertical casting, usually of metal such as aluminum, iron, or steel, for melting, storing,
transporting, to a manufacturer, or otherwise processing into a finished product.
Ingress - to go in or enter; (opposite of egress)
Inherent Diaphragm Pressure - the high and low values of pressure applied to the diaphragm to
produce rated valve plug travel with atmospheric pressure in the valve body. This is
more commonly referred to as Bench Set.
Inhibitor Inhibitor - a substance that interferes with a chemical process.
Inhibitor - any substance which slows or prevents chemical reactions such as corrosion or
oxidation.
Injection Mold - a plastics mold into which the material to be formed is introduced from an
exterior heating cylinder.
Injection Molding - molding metal, plastic, or non-plastic ceramic shapes by injecting a
measured quantity of the molten material into dies.
Injection Ram - in injection molding, the ram that applies pressure to the feed plunger in the
process of either injection or transfer molding.
Inlay - to embed one material into another material in such a way that the surfaces are flat.
Inlet Inlet - 1) the body end opening through which fluid enters the valve; 2) a passage or opening
where fluid enters a conduit or chamber.
Inlet - an entrance or orifice for the admission of fluid
Inlet Port - a tubular opening, usually flanged, through a chamber wall, permitting access or
installation of a device into the chamber.
Inlet Valve - the valve through which a fluid a fluid is drawn into the cylinder of a positivedisplacement engine, pump, or compressor; also known as Induction Valve.
Inline Valve - a valve with the outlet port parallel to, but not necessarily axial with, the inlet port.
Inoculating Alloy - an alloy added to molten iron for the principle purpose of nucleating a
primary phase such as graphite. Inoculating alloys are frequently used to avoid the
formation of primary carbide by enhancing the nucleation of graphite.
Insert - that component which features a body throat and sometimes acts as a body seat ring
follower. In axial entry valves it also provides accessibility to the ball.
Insert Component - those components which are associated, but not integral, with the insert.
Insert Fastenings - those components, including set-screws, pins and clips which retain the
insert in the body.
Insert Gasket - the gasket for effecting a fluid-tight joint between the body and insert.
Insert Seal - the seal for effecting a fluid-tight joint between the body and insert.
Inside Diameter - the length of a line which passes through the center of a hollow cylindrical or
spherical object, and whose end points lie on the inner surface of the object;
abbreviated ID.
Inside Screw Inside Screw - in which the actuating thread of the stem is contained inside the valve. This may
take three forms: a) inside screw, rising stem. Where the hand wheel is attached to
the stem and rises with it when the valve is opened; b) Inside screw, non-rising
stem. Where the hand wheel is attached to a non-rising stem, the gate rising on the
stem when the valve is opened; c) Inside screw, rising spindle, rising stem. Where
the handwheel is attached to a rising spindle, and the stem rises within and with the
spindle when the valve is opened.
Inside Screw - the actuating thread of the valve stem is engaged within the bonnet; compare with
Outside Screw.
Inside Screw - where the actuating thread of the stem is engaged within the bonnet.
Inside Screw Rising Stem (ISRS) Inside Screw Rising Stem (ISRS) - a common term for any valve design in which the stem
threads are exposed to the fluid below the packing and the stem rises up through
the packing when the valve is opened.
Inside Screw Rising Stem (ISRS) - a stem design in which male threads on the stem mate with
female threads in the valve bonnet. Turning the stem causes it to move out of (rise)

or into the valve.

Inspect - to examine an object to determine whether it conforms to standards; may employ sight,
hearing, touch, odor, or taste.
Inspection Inspection - the critical examination of a product to determine its conformance to applicable
quality standards or specifications.
Inspection By Variables - a quality control inspection method in which the sampled articles are
evaluated on the basis of quantitative criteria.
Inspection Lot - with the exception of bolting, a group of components from the same heat
number from which a (metal) sample is drawn. For bolting, a lot is a group of
similar components in terms of alloy type and size.
Inspector - refers to a buyer or owner representative appointed to carry out shop or field
inspection.
Installed Diaphragm Pressure - the high and low values of pressure applied to the diaphragm
to produce rated travel with stated conditions in the valve body. The "stated
conditions" referred to here mean the actual pressure drops at operating conditions.
Example: A control valve may have an inherent diaphragm pressure or bench set
of 8 to 15 psig. But when subjected to a 600 psig inlet pressure, it may start to
open at 3 psig and be full open at 15 psig. It is because of the forces acting on the
valve plug and the direction of flow through the valve (flow-to-open or flow-to-close)
that the installed diaphragm pressure will differ from the inherent diaphragm
pressure.
Instantaneous Strain - the immediate deformation of a solid upon initial application of a stress;
compare with Creep Strain.
INSTL - Installation
Instructions to Bidders - printed instructions issued to bidders on larger projects indicating the
time and date set for opening of bids and other items of information pertaining to the
legality of the bids; a part of contract documents.
Instrument - a device for measuring and sometimes also recording and controlling the value of a
quantity under observation.
Instrument Correction - a correction of measurement made on a unit under test for either
inaccuracy of the instrument or eroding effect of the instrument.
Instrument Housing - a case or enclosure to cover and protect an instrument.
Instrument Shutoff Valve - the valve or valve manifold of the sample line located nearest the
instrument; also referred to as Component Isolation Valve.
Instrumental Analysis - the use of an instrument to measure a component, to detect the
completion of a quantitative reaction, or to detect a change in the properties of a
system.
Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society (ISA) - a U.S. society of instrument and
controls professionals.
INT - Integral
Integral - a necessary part of a whole; included as part of a whole.
Integral Bonded Cladding - represents composite materials produced by roll bonding or
explosion welding (EXW).
Integral Controls - pertaining to equipment that is supplied and housed or mounted locally with
the valve and actuator.
Integral Flange Integral Flange - a flange on a length of pipe, a nozzle or a pressure vessel which is cast or
forged with the item itself, or is permanently attached to it by welding.
Integral Flange - a flange which is forged or cast with, or butt-welded to, a nozzle neck, pressure
vessel, or piping wall.
Integral Flange - a valve body whose flange connection is an integral or cast part of the body.
Valves with integral flanges were traditionally known to have the ANSI short face to
face dimension ANSI / ISA S75.03. However many manufacturers now produce
valve bodies with both integral and separable flanges that will meet both the ANSI
short and long face to face dimensions.
Interbraid - a type of braiding used in making packing materials. Strands of yarn are wound so

that the strands criss-cross from the surface diagonally through the body of the
packing.
Interceptors - in plumbing, box-like devices in a building drainage and vent piping system to trap
and retain material not suitable for discharge into public sewers, such as grease, oil
or sand. They consist of an inlet and outlet pipe and a baffle or baffles to prevent
through-flow of the deterious material. They must be cleaned out periodically.
According to their intended use they are called grease traps or sand traps.
Interceptors are also called Separators.
Interchangeability - the ability to replace the components, parts, or equipment of one
manufacturer with those of another, without losing function or suitability.
Intercooler - a device which is designed to cool air or gas between one stage and another in a
multi-stage compressor.
Intercrystalline Failure - metal fractures that follow the crystal boundaries instead of passing
through the crystals, as in the usual transcrystalline fracture. It is frequently due to
the combined effect of stress and chemical action, but may be produced by stress
alone when the conditions permit a certain amount of recrystallization under
working conditions.
Interference Fit Interference Fit - a fit in which one of the mating parts of an assembly is forced into a space
provided by the other part in such a way that the condition of maximum metal
overlap is achieved.
Interference Fit - a fit in which the external dimension of one part exceeds the internal dimension
of the part into which it has to fit.
Interference Fit - a negative fit, necessitating force sufficient to cause expansion in one mating
part, or contraction in the other, during assembly.
Interlock - 1) to arrange the control of machines or devices so that their operation is
interdependent in order to assure their proper coordination; 2) instrument which will
not allow one part of a process to function unless another part is functioning; 3) a
device such as a switch that prevents a piece of equipment from operating when a
hazard exists.
Intermediate Gear - an idler gear interposed between a driver and driven gear.
Intermesh - see Interfit
Intermittent Duty Intermittent Duty - a rating given to a coil whose heat rise is too high for continuous duty. By
using the coil with minimum 'ON' time, the coil will not reach extreme temperatures
that would cause the valve not to operate, or fail prematurely.
Intermittent Duty - an operating cycle that consists of alternating periods of use and idle time - for
example, on and off, load and no load, load and rest, or load, no load and rest; in
most instances, successive periods of use or idle time vary widely in length,
although some intermittent duty cycles follow well defined patterns.
Intermittent Weld Intermittent Weld - a weld having broken unwelded spaces.
Intermittent Weld - a weld whose continuity is broken by unwelded spaces is not suitable where
maximum strength is required. However, where welds are not critical nature, such
welds can be employed to reduce the cost of welding.
Internal Gear Internal Gear - an annular gear having teeth on the inner surface of its rim.
Internal Gear - any ring type or annular gear whose teeth are on the inner surface of the rim.
Internal Screw Thread - a screw thread cut on the inside of a cylindrical surface, as distinct from
an external screw thread.
Internal Soundness - relative freedom from segregation and porosity, as evaluated by means of
a macroetch test which is performed on representative samples.
Internal Thread - a screw thread out on the inner surface of a hollow cylinder.
International Standard (IS) - The third (and highest) stage of the ISO standard process.
Prospective ISO standards are balloted three times. The first stage is a Draft
Proposal (DP). After a Draft Proposal has been in use a period of time (typically six
months to a year) the standard, frequently with corrections and changes, is
reballoted as a Draft International Standard (DIS). After the Draft International

Standard has been in use for a period of time (typically one to two years) it is
reballoted as an International Standard (IS).
International Thread International Thread - a metric system in which the pitch of the thread is related to the diameter of
the thread; it has a rounded root and flat crest and a 60 degree included angle.
International Thread - a standardized metric system in which the pitch and diameter of the thread
are related, with the thread having a rounded root and flat crest.
Interpolate - to estimate the value of a function at a point between values that are already
known.
Interrupted Screw - a screw with longitudinal grooves cut into the thread, and which locks
quickly when inserted into a similar mating part.
Intrinsic - belonging to something as an inherent and essential part of its nature.
Intrinsic Safety (I.S.) - 1) a type of protection in which a portion of the electrical system contains
only intrinsically safe equipment (apparatus, circuits, and wiring) that is incapable of
causing ignition in the surrounding atmosphere. No single device or wiring is
intrinsically safe by itself (except for battery-operated self-contained apparatus such
as portable pagers, transceivers, gas detectors, etc., which are specifically
designed as intrinsically safe self-contained devices) but is intrinsically safe only
when employed in a properly designed intrinsically safe system. This type of
protection is referred to by IEC as "Ex I." see also Associated Equipment
(Apparatus); 2) design methodology for a circuit or an assembly of circuits in which
any spark or thermal effect produced under normal operating and specified fault
conditions is not capable under prescribed test conditions of causing ignition of a
given explosive atmosphere; 3) a method to provide safe operation of electric
process control instrumentation where hazardous atmospheres exist. The method
keeps the available electrical energy so low that ignition of the hazardous
atmosphere cannot occur; 4) a protection technique based upon the restriction of
electrical energy within apparatus and of interconnecting wiring, exposed to a
potentially explosive atmosphere, to a level below that which can cause ignition by
either sparking or heating effects. Because of the method by which intrinsic safety
is achieved, it is necessary to ensure that not only the electrical apparatus exposed
to the potentially explosive atmosphere but also other electrical apparatus with
which it is interconnected is suitably constructed; 5) Certification method for use of
electrical equipment in flammable atmospheres.
Intrinsically Safe Apparatus - apparatus in which all circuits are intrinsically safe.
Intrinsically Safe Circuit - a circuit in which no spark nor any thermal effect produced under
prescribed test conditions (which include normal operation and specified fault
conditions) is capable of causing ignition of a given explosive atmosphere.
Intrinsically Safe Equipment And Wiring - equipment and wiring which are incapable of
releasing sufficient electrical or thermal energy under normal or abnormal
conditions to cause ignition of a specific hazardous atmospheric mixture in its most
easily ignited concentration.
Intumesce - to swell up
Invar - an alloy having one-third nickel with two-thirds iron and other elements. It is used to
make surveying tapes and some instruments owing to its very low coefficient of
expansion.
Inverse Cam - a cam that acts as follower instead of a driver.
Inverse Proportion - the relation that exists between two quantities when an increase in one of
them produces a corresponding decrease in the other.
Invitation to Bid - a document distributed as part of the contract documents to prospective
bidders on a project. It gives a brief description of the project and summarizes its
requirements so that a bidder can decide whether or not he wants to submit a bid.
Involute Gear Tooth - a gear tooth whose profile is established by an involute curve outward
from the base circle.
Involute Spline - a spline having the same general form as involute gear teeth, except that the
teeth are one-half the depth and the pressure angle is 30 degrees.
IOM - Instruction for Installation, Operation and Maintenance
IP - 1) International Practices; 2) Ingress Protection

IPF - Instrumented Protective Function

IPP - Independent Power Producer
IPS - 1) Instrumented Protective System; 2) Iron Pipe Size
IQI - Image Quality Indicators
IRD - Inland Revenue Department of Malaysia
Iris Valve - a valve with a flexible flow tube, usually rubber, one end of which is rotated about the
flow axis and closes like the aperture in a camera lens.
Iron (Fe) - a strong, hard silvery-white metallic element that is naturally magnetic.
Iron Body, Bronze Mounted (IBBM) Iron Body, Bronze Mounted (IBBM) - a common term for valves with a cast iron body and bonnet
and bronze trim (seating surfaces, stem, and bushings).
Iron Body, Bronze Mounted (IBBM) - a phrase used to describe a cast iron valve with bronze
trim.
Iron Carbide - one of several substitutes for high-quality, low-residual scrap for use in electric
furnace steelmaking. Iron carbide producers use natural gas to reduce iron ore to
iron carbide.
Iron Carbon Equilibrium - an alloy of iron and carbon containing a maximum of 1.7% carbon is
known as steel. If the percentage of carbon is more than 2.0% the alloy is known
as cast iron. Steel containing 0.8% carbon is known as eutectoid steel. If the
percentage of carbon is less than 0.8%, it is known as hypoeutectoid steel. Steel
containing more than 0.8% carbon is known as hypereutectoid steel. Commercially,
steels are classified as mild steel, medium carbon steel and high carbon steel.
Steel containing up to 0.3% carbon is known as mild steel. If the percentage of
carbon lies between 0.3 and 0.6%, it is known as medium carbon steel. Steels
containing more than 0.6% carbon are designated as high carbon steels.
Iron Ore - a mineral containing enough iron to be a commercially viable source of the element for
use in steelmaking. Except for fragments of meteorites found on Earth, iron is not a
free element; instead, it is trapped in the earth's crust in its oxidized form.
Iron Oxide Process - a process by which a gas is passed through iron oxide and wood shavings
to remove sulfides.
IS - 1) Intrinsically Safe; 2) see International Standard
ISA ISA - 1) Instrument Society of America; 2) see Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation
Society
ISA - the Instrumentation Systems and Automation Society. Formerly Instrument Society of
America.
ISNRS - Inside Screw Non-Rising Stem
ISO - International Standards Organization
ISO 9001 - international Standards Organization. Model for Quality Assurance in Design &
Development, Production, Installation and Servicing
Isobaric - proceeding at constant pressure
Isoclinic - within a stressed body, it refers to the imaginary line along which all points have
corresponding principal stresses with the same orientation.
Isocracking - a hydro cracking process for conversion of hydrocarbons into more valuable,
lower-boiling products; operates at relatively low temperatures and pressures in the
presence of hydrogen and a catalyst.
Isolation Valve - The isolation valve nearest the instrument, grab sample point, or in line
component which is available to personnel during normal plant operation. The root
valve may or may not perform the function of the isolation valve, depending on its
location.
Isothermal Annealing - austenitizing a ferrous alloy and then cooling to and holding at a
temperature at which austenite transforms to a relatively soft ferric carbide
aggregate.
Isothermal Expansion - expansion of a substance while its temperature is held constant.
Isothermal Layer - a layer of fluid, all points of which have the same temperature.
Isotropic - a material which has the same elastic properties in all directions.
ISRS - Inside Screw Rising Stem

ITB - Invitation To Bid

ITCS - Impact Tested Carbon Steel
ITP - Inspection and Test Plan
Izod Test Izod Test - a flexed cantilever beam, notched specimen impact test in which one end of a
notched specimen is held in a vice while the other end is struck by a striker carried
on a pendulum. The energy absorbed in fracture is then calculated from the height
to which the pendulum rises as it continues its swing.
Izod Test - a pendulum type of single-blow impact test In which the specimen, usually notched, is
fixed at one end and broken by a falling pendulum. The energy absorbed, as
measured by the subsequent rise of the pendulum, is a measure of impact strength
or notch toughness.
Izod Test - an impact test in which a test piece of 10 mm square in section is notched
transversely by a V-cutter to a depth of 2 mm and an angle of 45 degrees. The
radius at the bottom of the notch is one-quarter mm. The piece is fixed vertically in
the vice of the machine by the lower end, with the notch at the level of the face the
vice. When the pendulum of the machine gets released it swings freely, and a
knife-edge carried in the tup of the machine strikes the piece at a distance of 22 mm
above the notch, on the same side as the notch. The angle of swing of the
pendulum beyond the vertical after breaking the test piece would be indicated by a
pointer, which should have been previously set to zero. From the amount by which
the angle falls short of the angle to which the pendulum would have swung if there
had been no test piece would be known, and would be indicated by the pointer in ft.
lb. The height of fall of the center of mass of the pendulum would be 2 ft 6 in, and
the capacity of the machine 150 ft. lb or 120 ft. lb., the distance from the pivot to the
striking edge being 4 ft. the striking velocity, when using the full capacity of the
machine, has been 13.6 ft/sec.
Izod Value - the energy absorbed in fracturing a standard specimen in an Izod pendulum impact
testing machine.

Jacketed Pipe - a double-walled pipe in which liquids that are too viscous for pipeline transport
at normal temperatures flow through the inner pipe that is surrounded by a pipe
circulating hot fluids.
Jacketed Valve Jacketed Valve - a valve body cast with a double wall or provided with a double wall by welding
material around the body so as to form a passage for a heating or cooling medium.
Also refers to valves which are enclosed in split metal jackets having internal heat
passageways or electric heaters. Also referred to as Steam Jacketed or Vacuum
Jacketed. In a vacuum jacketed valve, a vacuum is created in the space between
the body and secondary outer wall to reduce the transfer of heat by convection from
the atmosphere to the internal process fluid, usually cryogenic.
Jacketed Valve - this valve design incorporates a jacket around the valve body. Steam is
introduced into the jacket to keep the fluids being controlled at the required
temperature.
Jacketed Valve - this valve design incorporates a so-called jacket around the valve body. Steam
is introduced into the jacket to keep the fluids being controlled at the required
temperature.
Jackscrew - a screw which can be turned to adjust the position of an object into which it fits.
Jam Nut - see Locknut
JDA - Joint Development Area
Jewel - a bearing lining of soft metal
JFS - Joint Feasibility Study
Jig - a device used to position and hold parts for machining operations and to guide the cutting
tool.
Jig Grinder - a precision grinding machine used to locate and grind holes to size, especially in
hardened steels and carbides.
JIT - see Just-In-Time
Job Shop - a manufacturing facility that generates variety of products in relatively low numbers
and in batch lots.
Joggle - 1) a small projection on a piece of metal fitting into a corresponding recess in another
piece, to prevent lateral movement; 2) a lap joint in which one plate is slightly
cranked so as to allow the inner edges of the two plates to form a continuous
surface.
Joint Ring - a pipe-joint flange whose outside diameter is less than the diameter of the circle
containing the connecting bolts and thus fits inside the bolts.
Jointer - a pipe of random length made from two joined, relatively short lengths.
Jominy Test Jominy Test - a hardenability test in which a standard test piece, 4 in. long and 1 in. diameter,
gets heated to a predetermined temperature, rapidly transferred to a jig fixture and
quenched, under standard conditions, but a jet of water impinging at one end.
When the specimen is cool, determinations of hardness are done along the
specimen from the quenched end. The diagram relating hardness to distance from
the quenched end of the specimen is termed as a hardenability curve.
Jominy Test - a test which is used for determining the relative hardenability of steels in which one
end of a heated cylindrical specimen gets quenched, the resulting hardness
decrease towards the unquenched end giving a measure of improved hardness;
also called End Quench Test.
Joule Joule - a unit of work or energy, equal to the work done when a force of one Newton moves
through a distance of one meter in the direction of the force.
Joule - a unit of work, energy and heat. It may be defined as the work done when a force of one
Newton moves through a distance of one meter.
Joule - the unit of energy or work in the meter-kilogram-second system of units, equal to the work
done by a force of 1 Newton magnitude when the point at which the force is applied
is displaced 1 meter in the direction of the force; symbolized J; also known as
Newton-Meter of Energy.
Journal -

Journal - that part of a shaft or crank which is supported by and turns in a bearing.
Journal - That part of the shaft that rides in a plain cylindrical bearing.
Journal - the part of a rotating shaft that rests on and is supported by bearings.
Journal - the part of a shaft which is in contact with and supported by a bearing.
Journal Bearing - a cylindrical bearing which supports a rotating cylindrical shaft.
Journal Box - a metal housing for a journal bearing.
Journal Friction - friction of the axle in a journal bearing arising mainly from viscous sliding
friction between journal and lubricant.
Junction Box - a protective enclosure into which wires or cables are led and connected to form
joints; also known as J Box.
Just In Time - a systems approach to developing and operating a manufacturing system so that
the least amount of resources is expended in producing the final products.

K - Potassium
Kalrez Kalrez - a carbon-black filled compound with good mechanical properties and excellent
chemical resistance, manufactured by DuPont. A maximum intermittent operating
temperature of 366 C is recommended. It is used as a gasket material in high
temperature applications.
Kalrez - a fluorinated elastomer used for high temperature / high purity or highly aggressive
applications. Kalrez is a trademark of DuPont Dow Elastomers.
KBD - Thousand Barrels per Day
KEL-F - a polymer with high thermal stability, resistance to chemical corrosion, high dielectric
strength, and high impact and tensile strengths. It is used for gaskets and seals.
Kellering - three-dimensional machining of a contoured surface by tracer-milling the die block or
punch; the cutter path is controlled by a tracer that follows the contours on a die
model.
Kelvin Scale - the temperature scale using absolute zero as the zero point and divisions that are
the same size as centigrade degrees.
Kennison Nozzle - a specially shaped nozzle designed for measuring flow through partially filled
pipes; because of its self-scouring, nonclogging design, it is especially useful for
measuring flow of liquids containing suspended solids or debris and at low flow
rates or widely varying flow rates.
Kerf - a cut made in wood, metal, or other material by a saw or cutting torch.
Kerosene - a light fuel oil obtained by distilling petroleum; also called Paraffin Oil.
KeV - Kilo-electronvolt (a unit of x-ray energy)
Key Key - 1) the relative roughness of a surface; 2) a pin or wedge for fixing (holding stationary)
something.
Key - a piece inserted between a shaft and a hub to prevent relative rotation. It fits in a way
parallel with the shaft axis, in one or both members, the commonest form being the
parallel key, or rectangular section.
Key - a piece of iron or steel which is inserted between a shaft and a hub to prevent relative
rotation and fitting into a keyway parallel with the shaft axis.
Key - a projecting portion that serves to prevent movement of parts at a construction joint.
Key Bed - a keyway
Key Boss Key Boss - a local thickening of a hub at a point where a keyway has been cut to compensate for
loss of strength due to the cut.
Key Boss - a local thickening up of a boss or hub at the point at which a key way is cut, to
compensate for loss of strength due to the cut.
Key Seat - see Keyway
Keyhole - a hole or a slot for receiving a key.
Keyseater - a machine for milling beds or grooves in mechanical parts which receive keys.
Keyway Keyway - a groove or channel for a key in any mechanical part; also known as Key Seat.
Keyway - a shallow longitudinal slot which is cut in a shaft or a hub for receiving a key; also
called Key Seating.
Keyway - a slot cut in a part of a machine or electrical connector, to ensure correct orientation
with another part which is fitted with a key.
Killed Steel Killed Steel - steel deoxidized with certain deoxidizing elements, such as aluminum, silicon, etc.
The term "killed" is used because such additions cause the steel to lie quietly in the
molds during solidification.
Killed Steel - steel that has been fully deoxidized before casting by the addition of manganese,
silicon and sometimes aluminum. There is practically no evolution of gas from the
reaction between carbon and iron oxide during solidification, and therefore sound
ingots are obtained.
Killed Steel - steels that have been deoxidized up to the maximum extent to enable them to be
used in machine tools. Deoxidation is carried out by the addition of aluminum and

silicon. These steels are known as killed steels. During solidification a cavity is
formed at the upper portion of the ingot due to shrinkage. It is reduced by making
the top portion of the ingot a little bigger than the remaining mold and making a
refractory top.
Kiln - a heated enclosure used for drying, burning, or firing materials such as ore or ceramics.
Kinetic Energy Kinetic Energy - the energy possessed by a moving body because of its weight and motion.
Kinetic Energy - the energy that a substance has while it is in motion.
Kinetic Head - refers to the energy of flowing water due to its speed.
Kinetic Theory - a theory of matter that assumes that the molecules of matter are in constant
motion.
Kingston Valve - a sea valve fitted to a ships side for the purpose of admitting water to
circulating pumps, or flooding or blowing out ballast tanks.
Kip - a 1000-pound (453.6-kilogram) load.
Kish - solid graphite which has separated from and floats on the top of a molten bath of cast iron
or pig iron which is high in carbon.
Kiss-Roll Coating - procedure for coating a substrate web in which the coating roll carries a
metered film of coating material; part of the film transfers to the web, part remains
on the roll.
Knife Coating - procedure for coating a continuous-web substrate in which coating thickness is
controlled by the distance between the substrate and a movable knife or bar.
Knife Gate Valve - a gate valve design that is distinguished from the standard design by use of a
simple metal plate for the gate and the absence of a bonnet; also called a Slide
Valve.
Knock Off - a device that causes automatic stopping.
Knockout Vessel - a vessel, drum, or trap used to remove fluid droplets from flowing gases.
Knoop Hardness Test - a hardness test using an indenter in the form of a four-sided pyramid
whose indentation is a parallelogram with the longer diagonal about seven times
that of the shorter.
Knurl - to provide a surface, usually a metal, with small ridges or knobs to ensure a firm grip or
as a decorative feature.
KSB - Kemaman Supply Base
Ksi - pounds per inch x 1000
Kynar - a brand of Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF). A dense, high-purity plastic that is used in
critical applications, such as semiconductor manufacturing. Kynar is a trademark of
Atofina.

L - Low
L / D - Length / Diameter
Lack of Fusion - in welding, incomplete fusion; fusion that is not complete.
Lack of Penetration - in welding, if the depth of fusion up to which the weld metal penetrates is
insufficient, the weld is weaker at the weldment. The joint must allow entry of the
electrode and permit unrestricted manipulation. It requires proper design of joints
with respect to size and type of electrodes. Use of electrodes of wrong
classification may not give correct penetration. The most common cause of lack of
penetration is use of too low welding currents. When DC is used, wrong polarity
also causes lack of penetration. Improper technique of welder, bad incorporation of
tack welds and inadequate deslagging also result in lack of penetration; also called
Incomplete Fusion or Lack of Fusion.
Laden - heavily loaded or weighed down
Lading - the cargo that a ship or plane carries.
Ladle Metallurgy Furnace (LMF) - an intermediate steel processing unit that further refines the
chemistry and temperature of molten steel while it is still in the ladle. The ladle
metallurgy step comes after the steel is melted and refined in the electric arc or
basic oxygen furnace, but before the steel is sent to the continuous caster.
Lamella - a thin sheet or plate, usually made of many thin layers.
Laminate - 1) to cover with a thin layer of protective or strengthening material; 2) to beat metal
into thin sheets.
Land Installation - an installation located at sufficient distance from open saliferous water to
minimize the effects of a salt laden atmosphere.
Lantern Pinion - a pinion with bars (between parallel disks) instead of teeth.
Lantern Ring Lantern Ring - a metal spacer ring placed in a stem packing set so that it lines up with a leakoff
connection in the bonnet. It divides the packing into an upper set and a lower set;
see Leakoff Connection.
Lantern Ring - a rigid spacer assembled in the packing box with packing normally above and
below it and designed to allow lubrication of the packing or access for a leak off
connection.
Lantern Ring - a rigid spacer used in the packing with packing above and below it. The lantern
ring is used to allow lubrication to the packing or allow access to a leak off
connection. On some of the new fugitive emission packing systems, it also acts as
a stem guide.
Lantern Ring - a ring or sleeve around a rotating shaft; an opening in the ring provides for forced
feeding of oil or grease to bearing surfaces; particularly effective for pumps
handling liquids.
Lantern Ring - a spacing ring inserted in the stuffing box to form a pressure relief or condensing
chamber.
Lantern Ring - a spacing ring inserted in the valve stuffing box to form a pressure relief or
condensing chamber.
Lantern Ring - a spacing ring which is inserted in a stuffing box of a valve to form a pressure
relief or condensing chamber.
Lantern Wheel - a cylindrical gearwheel
Lap Lap - a rotating abrasive disc for polishing metal.
Lap - a surface defect appearing as a seam caused by folding over hot metal, fins, or sharp
corners and then rolling or forging them into the surface but not welding them.
Lap Joint Lap Joint - a connection between two parts made by overlapping members at the junction and
welding, riveting or bolting them together.
Lap Joint - a riveted or welded joint in which one member overlaps the other.
Lap Joint - a simple joint between two members made by overlapping the ends and fastening
them together with bolts, rivets, or welding.
Lapped In - a term that describes a procedure for reducing the leakage rate on metal-to-metal
seated valves and regulators. The plug and seat are lapped together with the aid of

an abrasive compound in an effort to establish a better seating surface than would

normally be achieved by means of machining.
Lapping Lapping -

a finishing operation used to produce an extremely smooth and flat surface on

mechanical seal faces.
Lapping - an abrading process for refining the surface finish and the geometrical accuracy of a
surface.
Large Dyne - see Newton
Laser Beam Welding Laser Beam Welding - a welding process in which heat is obtained from the application of a
concentrated coherent light beam impinging upon the surfaces to be joined.
Concentrated energy is available with the development of Light Amplified
Stimulated Emission Radiation. A laser beam is a coherent light having identical
and parallel waves. It is based on the principle of concentrating and amplifying the
very divergent radiation from an intense source of light into a finely focused beam of
light. It is done by using a laser crystal. The crystal consists of ruby or a specially
constituted glass. In the apparatus a man-made cylindrical ruby crystal is used.
Ruby is aluminum oxide with chromium dispersed through it. The ends of the
crystal are silvered to from mirrors internally, while one end has a tiny hole in the
silver layer, through which the laser beam emerges. Around the crystal is placed a
flash tube containing the inert gas xenon. The flash tube converts electrical energy
into light energy and is designed for operation at a rate of thousands of flashes per
second. When electrical discharges from the capacitor are supplied to the xenon, it
converts high proportions of electrical energy into white light flashes. The ruby
crystal converts the white light flashes into red fluorescent light. This light is
amplified by the crystal which is concentrated on the workpiece to be welded
through a focusing lens. The electrons in the ruby rod are stimulated by this light
source, and in returning to their normal energy level, release energy at a constant
wavelength. A laser beam is a high-energy beam suitable for both cutting and
welding of metals. This is used for connecting leads for small electronic
components, to weld high melting point metals like stainless steel, tungsten,
molybdenum, columbium, titanium, zirconium, and tantalum. It is also used for
welding wire-to-wire, sheet-to-sheet, tube to sheet in aeronautical and ship building
industry. It is also used to weld lead wires without removing the polyurethane
insulation. In using this method care is needed that operators eyes do not come in
contact with either the direct or indirect laser rays.
Laser Beam Welding - welding using a laser as the heat source.
Latent Defect - a flaw or other imperfection in any article which is discovered after delivery;
usually, latent defects are inherent weakness which normally are not detected by
examination or routine tests, but which are present at time or manufacture and are
aggravated by use.
Lathe - a machine for shaping a work piece by gripping it in a holding device and rotating it under
power.
Lattice - a regular repeated three-dimensional arrangement of atoms, ions or molecules that
forms the structure of a metal or other crystalline solid.
Lay Up - production of reinforced plastics by positioning the reinforcing material (such as glass
fabric) in the mold prior to impregnation with resin.
Lazy Jack - a device that accommodates changes in length of a pipeline or similar structure
through the motion of two-linked bell cranks.
LBF - Foot Pound
LBM - Laser Beam Welding
LCB - a Low Temperature Cast Carbon Steel
LCC - a Low Temperature Cast Carbon Steel
LCL - Loose Cargo Load
LCOT - Labuan Crude Oil Terminal
LCS - Local Control Station
LD - Liquidated Damages
LDPC - Level Displacer Chamber

LE - Large End
Lead - the distance that a screw will advance or move into a nut in one complete turn.
Lead (Pb) Lead (Pb) - a soft, heavy, bluish-gray, highly toxic metallic element that is resistant to corrosion.
Lead Joint - a pipe joint made by caulking with lead wool or molten lead.
Lead Screw - a threaded shaft used to convert rotation to longitudinal motion; in a lathe it moves
the tool carriage when cutting threads.
Lead Time Lead Time - 1) the time between the conception or design of a product and its actual production
or completion; 2) the time between the ordering and delivery of goods.
Lead Time - the time allowed or required to initiate and develop a piece of equipment that must
be ready for use at a given time.
Leaf - one of the two halves of a cavity wall.
Leak Detection - the establishment by various detection methods that a leak is present and
significant to system performance. Mass spectrometer helium leak detectors,
offering sensitivity to about 5 x 10-10 Torr l/sec or better, are excellent for this
purpose. NOTE: Teflon is permeable to helium, so care must be exercised to avoid
saturating the Teflon tape used with thermocouple tubes. This permeation can
sharply curtail the usefulness of a helium mass spectrometer.
Leak Detector - an instrument used for finding small holes or cracks in the walls of a vessel; the
helium mass spectrometer is an example.
Leak Off - a term used to describe a threaded connection located on the bonnet of a valve that
allows for the detection of leakage of the process fluid past the packing area.
Leak Off Gland - a packing box with packing above and below the lantern ring so as to provide a
sealed low pressure leak collection point for fluid leaking past the primary seal
(lower packing).
Leakage Leakage - the amount of fluid passing through a valve when it is off. It is usually expressed in
units of volume/time at a given pressure and temperature.
Leakage - the quantity of fluid passing through a valve when the valve is in the full closed position
under stated closure forces, with the pressure differential and temperature as
specified. Leakage is usually expressed as a percentage of the valve capacity at
full rated travel.
Leakage - undesired and gradual escape or entry of a quantity.
Leakage Classification - a term used to describe certain standardized testing procedures for
control valves with a flow coefficient greater then 0.1 (Cv). These procedures are
outlined in ANSI Standard B16.104-1976, which gives specific tests and tolerances
for six seat leakage classifications. It should be remembered that these tests are
used to establish uniform acceptance standards for manufacturing quality and are
not meant to be used to estimate leakage under actual working conditions. Nor
should anyone expect these leakage rates to be maintained after a valve is placed
in service. There is no standard test for self contained regulators at this time. Note
- you will see many instances where regulators are specified using the above
criteria.
Leakage Rate Leakage Rate - 1) the maximum rate at which a fluid is permitted or determined to leak through a
seal. NOTE: The type of fluid, the differential pressure across the seal, the direction
of leakage and the location of the seal must be specified; 2) the amount of leakage
across a boundary per unit of time; see also Bubble-Tight.
Leakage Rate - the rate at which a fluid (either gas or liquid) passes a barrier. Total leakage rate
includes the amounts that diffuse or permeate through the material of the barrier as
well as the amount that escapes around it.
Leakoff Connection - a threaded hole through a valve bonnet wall in the area of the stuffing box.
It is used to collect leakage past a lower packing set or to inject lubricant into the
stuffing box.
Ledeberite - the eutectic mixture of iron and carbon.
Ledoux Bell Meter - a type of manometer used to measure the difference in pressure between
two points generated by any one of several types of flow measurement devices

such as pitot tube; it is equipped with a shaped plug which makes the reading of
the meter directly proportional to the flow rate.
Left Hand Screw - a screw that advances when turned counterclockwise.
LEGR - Level Gauge Reflex
LEGT - Level Gauge Through Vision
Leo - a unit of acceleration, equal to 10 meters per second per second; it has rarely been
employed.
LER - Local Equipment Room
Less Than Carload - too light to fill a freight car and therefore not eligible for carload rate.
Abbreviated LCL.
Leveling Line - a process to flatten any shape deficiencies (wavy edges and buckles) in the
sheet, prior to final shipment. Most cold-rolled sheet initially has a crowned crosssection that, if such a shape is undesirable to the customer, it must be flattened in
the leveling line.
Lever - a handle type operating device for quarter-turn valves.
Lever and Spring Loaded - in which the load is applied to the valve head by a spring acting
through a lever and fulcrum.
Lever Limiting Guide - the guide in which the lever works and which limits its travel.
Lever Valve - a valve operated by a lever which travels through a maximum arc of 180 degrees.
LH - Left Hand
Life Expectancy - the predicted useful service life of an item of equipment.
Life Test Life Test - a destructive test in which a device is operated under conditions that simulate a
lifetime of use.
Life Test - a laboratory procedure used to determine the amount and duration of resistance of an
article to a specific set of destructive forces or conditions.
Lift - the actual travel of the disc away from closed position when a valve is relieving.
Lift Check - this non-return valve design incorporates a piston to damp the disk during operation.
Lift Check Valve Lift Check Valve - a mechanism incorporating a disc, piston or ball which lifts along an axis of the
body seat.
Lift Check Valve - a non-return valve in which the non-return mechanism incorporates a disc,
piston or ball which lifts along an axis in line with the axis of the body seat.
Lift Check Valve - a type of check valve in which the flow control element moves parallel to the
direction of fluid flow. The force of the fluid lifts the flow control element off its seat.
Lift Check Valve - a type of check valve in which the non-return mechanism incorporates a disc
piston or ball which lifts along an axis in line with the axis of the body seat. The
three sub-categories of lift check valves are disc check, piston check and ball
check.
Lift Valve Lift Valve - a valve in which the disc, ball, plate, etc., lifts or is lifted vertically, to allow the
passage of a fluid.
Lift Valve - a valve that moves perpendicularly to the plane of the valve seat.
Lifting Device - a device to manually open a pressure relief valve by decreasing the spring
loading in order to determine if the valve is in working order.
Light Alloys - the general term for alloys of aluminum, which are used for structural purpose;
alloys of magnesium are also in use and are even lighter.
Light Coated Electrode - a filler metal electrode used in arc welding, consisting of metal wire
and a light coating of flux.
Light Crude - crude oil rich in low viscosity hydrocarbons of low molecular weight.
Light Gauge Steel - a very thin steel sheet that has been temper-rolled or passed through a
cold-reduction mill. Light gauge steel normally is plated with tin or chrome for use in
food containers.
Light Gauge Steel - usually refers to structural members such as metal decking or metal studs
fabricated from sheets less than one-quarter inches thick. The design and
specification standard for such members is in the Light Gauge Cold-Formed Steel
Design Manual published by the American Iron and Steel Institute.

Light Running - the running of mechanisms, e.g., shafting, under no load and with a minimum of
friction.
Lime - Calcium Oxide. Produced from limestone (common mineral) and extensively used as a
slag forming agent in the steel industry.
Limestone - a mineral substance. It contains calcium carbonate, silica, aluminum etc. On
heating, limestone breaks up into lime and carbon dioxide. This lime then combines
with the oxides of impurities in an ore to form a fusible substance called slag. Slag
= impurities + flux; limestone is also known as Flux.
Limit Control - in machine-tool operation, a sensing device which terminates motion of the work
piece or tool at prescribed points.
Limit Gauging - a method of measurement to ensure the fitting of two pieces together within
specified clearance limits and thus permitting inter-changeability.
Limit of Elasticity - see Elastic Limit
Limit of Proportionality Limit of Proportionality - the point on the stress-strain curve at which the strain ceases to the
proportional to the stress; also called Creep Limit.
Limit of Proportionality - the stress, or load divided by original cross-sectional area of the test
piece, at which the strain-elongation per unit of gauge length ceases to be
proportional to the corresponding stress. It is determined by inspecting a loadelongation diagram, obtained by plotting extensometer reading and is the stress at
which the load elongation line ceases to be straight.
Limit Switch Limit Switch - an electrical cutoff switch, usually for safety purposes, installed on cranes and
similar moving equipment to cut off power at the end of a run in the event the
operator does not do so. They are usually mechanically activated by arm on the
moving part.
Limit Switch - electrical switches which may be applied to manual or automated valves to signal
that the valve cycle has been completed. When applied to manual or pneumatically
actuated valves, it is most common to provide two switches in a Nema Rated
Enclosure. Each switch is activated by an adjustable tripping device driven by the
actuator or valve system. Normally one switch is adjusted to trip in the open
position and one is adjusted to trip in the closed position. Optional additional
switches are available to perform other functions; i.e., pump start-up or shut-down.
All electric actuators have Open/Close limit switches.
Limiting Link - 1) the component attached to the spring loading bolt and to the loading and
easing lever to limit the travel of the latter; 2) the component attached to the spring
loading bolt and the body to prevent overloading.
Limiting Temperature - the maximum permissible temperature for apparatus or parts. It is
determined by: (a) the danger of ignition of the explosive atmosphere, or (b) the
thermal stability of the materials used. The lesser of these temperatures is the
limiting temperature.
Line - a tube, pipe, or hose that is used as a conductor of fluid.
Line Blind Line Blind - a pipeline shut-off device, in which a flat disk is forced between two flanges. Line
blinds are less expensive than valves, but require much more time to operate.
Line Blind - a pipeline shut-off device, whereby a flat disk is forced between two flanges.
Line Blind Valve - a pipeline shut off device which uses a plate arranged to rotate between two
flanges; sometimes referred to as a Spectacle or Goggle valve.
Line Class Valve - a valve qualified by its design characteristics to be used as the first valve off
the process line.
Line Loss - the quantity of gas that is lost in a distribution system or pipeline.
Line Pack - the actual amount of gas in a pipeline or distribution system.
Line Pipe - pipe used in the surface transmission of oil, natural gas and other fluids.
Linear Linear - a straight line relationship between two variables.
Linear - having an output that varies in direct proportion to the input.
Linear Expansion - expansion in any one linear dimension or the average of all linear

dimensions.
Linear Strain - the ratio of the change in the length of a body to its initial length; also known as
Longitudinal Strain.
Linear Valve Linear Valve - another name for a globe valve. It refers to the linear or straight-line movement of
the plug and stem.
Linear Valve - see Multi-Turn
Lined Butterfly Valve - a design of a butterfly valve that has a body liner and a disc whose axis
of rotation passes through the seating surfaces of the disc and body (generally
referred to as a conventional disc).
Lined Valve Body - a valve body to which a protective coating or liner has been applied to
internal surfaces of pressure containing parts or to the surfaces exposed to the
fluid.
Liner - a non-metallic covering applied to the inside of the body of a valve. Liners are mostly
used on butterfly, plug, and diaphragm valves for corrosion resistance.
Liner Bushing - a bushing, provided with or without a head that is permanently installed in a jig
to receive the renewable wearing bushings; also known as Master Bushing.
Link - a connecting piece in the moving parts of a machine.
Liquefied Natural Gas - natural gas in the liquid state, consisting mainly of methane, used as a
domestic fuel.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) - butane, propane, or pentane in the liquid form, used as a
portable fuel, as in cigarette lighters and camping stoves.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) - propane, butane or similar hydrocarbon gas, usually
compressed to liquid form.
Liquid - a form of matter that has a definite volume but takes the shape of its container.
Liquid Penetrant Inspection - a nondestructive method of detecting the presence of surface
cracks and imperfections through use of a special dye. Abbreviated as LPI or PT.
Liquid Penetrant Test - a penetrant method of nondestructive testing used to locate defects
open to the surface of nonporous materials; penetrating liquid is applied to the
surface, and after 1-30 minutes excess liquid is removed, and a developer is
applied to draw the penetrant out of defects, thus showing their location, shape, and
size.
List - to lean to one side, or deviate from the vertical.
Live Load - a moving load or a load of variable force acting upon a structure, in addition to its
own weight.
Live Loaded Valve - to live-load the packing gland by installing springs under the bolt nut of the
gland flange. These springs help maintain packing compression after cycling and
aging of the packing.
LL - Low Low
LM - 1) Licensed Manufacturer; 2) Large Male Face
LME - Liquid Metal Embrittlement
LMU - Length Measuring Unit
LMW - Licensed Manufacturing Warehouse
LNG - Liquefied Natural Gas
LO - Lube Oil
LOA - Letter Of Award
Load Load - 1) the power demand on an electrical distribution system; 2) the amount of power needed
to start or maintain motion in a power driven machine; 3) in a physical structure, the
externally applied force, or the sum of external forces and the weight of the
structure borne by a single member or by the entire structure.
Load - a term that can denote force or pressure.
Load - mechanical force that is applied to a body.
Load - the power output of an engine or power plant under given circumstances.
Load - the power that is being delivered by any power-producing device. The equipment that
uses the power from the power-producing device.

Load Full Torque - the torque the load demands on the shaft-end of a motor when the torque of
the driven machine is at its full value.
Load Starting Torque - the torque required by the load over the starting period from zero speed
to load speed. The starting torque includes, if applicable, compression torque and
bearing friction torque.
Loading and Easing Lever - the lever to which the spring is attached by means of which the
load is applied to the valve head and by which the valve head may be manually
eased off its seat.
Loading Lever - that component which transmits the load to the spindle.
Lobe Lobe - a projection on a cam wheel or a noncircular gear wheel.
Lobe - a rounded projection or cam
Local Heating - in welding, heating only a specific portion of a workpiece.
Local Panel - the operating panel located close to the mechanical valve to be operated.
Location Fit - the characteristic wherein mechanical sizes of mating parts are such that, when
assembled, the parts are accurately positioned in relation to each other.
Lock Bolt - 1) a bolt equipped with a locking collar instead of a nut; 2) a bolt for adjusting and
securing parts of a machine.
Lock Up Valve - a special type of regulator that is installed between the valve positioner and the
valve actuator, where it senses the supply air pressure. If that pressure falls below
a certain level, it locks or traps the air loaded into the actuator causing the valve to
fail in place.
Lock Washer Lock Washer - a solid or split washer placed underneath a nut or screw that prevents loosening
by exerting pressure.
Lock Washer - a washer which is designed to prevent loosening of a nut or bolt head.
Lock Washer - a washer with tongue and prongs to hold a locknut in place.
Locked In Liner - in a butterfly valve body, a liner retained in the body bore by a key ring or other
means.
Locked Rotor Current - the maximum measured steady-state root-mean-square (RMS) current
taken from the line with the motor held at rest, with rated voltage and frequency
applied. (Note: maximum relates to the angular position of the locked rotor.)
Locked Rotor Torque - the minimum measured torque the motor develops at its shaft-end with
the rotor locked and rated voltage and frequency applied.
Locking Device Locking Device - a part or an arrangement of parts providing a means to secure a valve in the
open or closed position.
Locking Device - a part or an arrangement of parts providing a means to secure a valve in the
open or closed position.
Locking Device - any valve attachment whose purpose is to prevent the operation of the valve by
unauthorized persons.
Locking Fastener - a fastening used to prevent loosening of a threaded fastener in service, for
example, a seating lock, spring stop nut, interference wedge, blind or quick release.
Locknut Locknut - 1) an auxiliary (thin) nut which is used in conjunction with another to prevent it from
loosening under vibration; 2) a nut which is designed to obviate accidental
loosening; it may have a plastic insert, or be of a special shape, so that one part of
a nut locks against another, or a lock wire or pin can get inserted.
Locknut - 1) a nut screwed down on another to keep it tight; 2) a nut designed so that once
tightened, it cannot be accidentally loosened.
Locknut - a nut screwed down firmly against another or against a washer to prevent loosening;
also known as Jam Nut.
Locknut - a nut used in combination with a lock washer to hold a bearing in place on a shaft.
Locknut - a specially designed nut used with screws or bolts to prevent their working loose from
the pieces joined.
LOFC - List of Operations of Fabrication and Control
Logy - sluggish, low snap or recovery of a material.

LOI - Letter Of Intent

Long Products - classification of steel products that includes bar, rod and structural products,
that are "long", rather than "flat".
Long Stand Still Service - a valve in open or closed position for more than one week.
Long Term Storage - materials and equipment to be preserved in storage yards for a period of
more than 12 months.
Long Time Creep Test - long time tests are carried out with a Martene type extensometer. The
test is based upon observations of test pieces at constant stress and temperatures.
A series of tests are carried out at a single temperature and limited creep stress is
estimated for a certain arbitrary rate of creep, and a factor of safety is used in
design.
LONGIT - Longitudinal
Longitudinal - running lengthwise; relating to length
Longitudinal Bead Test - refers to a test for weldability in which a welded test piece has been
bent double; if the parent metal or the weld metal gets cracked then neither has
been weldable.
Longitudinal Strain - see Linear Strain
Looping - laying a parallel pipeline along another, or along just a section of it, to increase
capacity.
Loose Cargo Load - one or more different shipments combined together.
Loose Fit - a fit with enough clearance to allow free play of the joint members.
Lost Motion - the delay between the movement of a driver and the movement of a follower.
Low Alloy Steel Low Alloy Steel - 1) steel with a total alloying element content of less than about 5%, but more
than specified for carbon steel; 2) steels from 0.5% up to 9% chromium with 1%
molybdenum, or steels from 0.5% up to 9% nickel.
Low Alloy Steel - an iron-carbon alloy which contains up to about 1% C, and less than 5% by
weight of additional elements.
Low Alloy Steel - steel containing less than 5% alloying elements, or less than 11% chromium.
Low Carbon Steel Low Carbon Steel - an iron-carbon alloy containing about 0.05 to 0.25% C, and up to about 0.7%
Mn.
Low Carbon Steel - steel having 0.04 to 0.25% of carbon.
Low Carbon Steel - steel with less than 0.005% carbon is more ductile (malleable). It is capable
of being drawn out or rolled thin for use in automotive body applications. Carbon is
removed from the steel bath through vacuum degassing.
Low Leakage Rate Service - a valve which has an allowed leakage in the closed position.
Low Pressure Area - the point in a bearing where the pressure is the least and the area or
space for a lubricant is the greatest.
Low Recovery Valve - a valve design that dissipates a considerable amount of flow stream
energy due to turbulence created by the contours of the flow path. Consequently,
pressure downstream of the valve vena contracta recovers to a lesser percentage
of its inlet value than a valve with a more streamlined flow path. The conventional
globe style control valve is in this category.
Low Temperature Flexibility - the ability of a rubber product to be flexed, bent, or bowed at a
low temperature without cracking.
Low Voltage (LV) - a voltage not exceeding 1,000 volts
Lowenhertz Thread - a screw that differs from U.S. Standard form in that the angle between that
flanks measured on an axial plane is 538 degrees 8; height equals 0.75 times the
pitch, and width of flats at top and bottom equals 0.125 times the pitch.
Lower Critical Temperatures - in ferrous metals, the temperatures at which austenite begins to
form during heating or at which the transformation of austenite is completed during
cooling.
Lower Spreader - in a double disc gate valve, the component complementary to the upper
spreader.
LPG - Liquefied Petroleum Gas
LR - Long Radius (R = 1.5 D)

LS LS - Low Sulfur
LS - Lube / Seal oil
LSS - Long Stand Still service
LT - Low Temperature
LTCS - Low Temperature Carbon Steel
Lubricant Check Valve - a check valve fitted to a lubricated plug valve to prevent leakage of line
fluid through the lubricant feed.
Lubricant Ring - nonstandard valve term; see Lantern Ring.
Lubricant Screw - a screw fitted to a lubricated plug valve to force the lubricant to the working
parts of the valve.
Lubricated Packing Box - a packing arrangement consisting of a lantern ring with packing rings
above and below with provision to lubricate the packing.
Lubricator Lubricator - a device that adds controlled or metered amounts of lubricant into a fluid power
system.
Lubricator - a device used to add lubricants into a fluid power system.
Lubricator Isolating Valve - in a control valve, an isolating valve is a small hand operated valve
located between the packing lubricator assembly and the packing box assembly. It
shuts off the fluid pressure from the lubricator assembly.
Lug Lug - a projection or head on a metal part to serve as a cap, handle, support, or fitting
connection.
Lug - a protruding part on something that acts as a kind of handle, allowing the object to be
carried or turned; sometimes called a Boss.
Lug - any projection, like an ear, used for supporting or grasping.
Lug Body - a valve body that does not have ends but has lugs (bosses), with threaded holes
around its perimeter for fastening to pipe flanges.
Lug Bolt - a bolt with a flat extension or hook instead of a head.
Lump Sum - a fixed price for a specified amount of work, as opposed to a Unit Cost.
LV - Low Voltage
LVO - Last Valves Off

M - Monitor
Machinability - the ability of a metal to be easily cut by a tool. Grey cast iron, mild steel etc. are
machinable, while high carbon steel, white cast iron etc. are not machinable.
Machinable - material capable of being finished by tools or cutters in or on a machine tool.
Machine Machine - a combination of rigid or resistant bodies having definite motions and capable of
performing useful work.
Machine - a device for transforming or transferring energy.
Machine - any apparatus which is used to overcome one force by applying another force. Simple
machines include the lever, the screw, the wheel, and the tackle and lifting jack.
Machine - any device capable of performing useful work, especially a device for producing
controlled motion or for regulating the effect of a given force.
Machine Bolt Machine Bolt - a small, thick, round bar of metal with a screw thread, used with a nut to fasten
things together. A head is attached on the end opposite where the nut screws on;
compare with Stud Bolt
Machine Bolt - a heavy-weight bolt with a square, hexagonal, or flat head used in the automotive,
aircraft, and machinery fields.
Machine Element - any of the elementary mechanical parts, such as gears, bearings, fasteners,
screws, pipes, springs, and bolts used as essentially standardized components for
most devices, apparatus, and machinery.
Machine Key - a piece inserted between a shaft and a hub to prevent relative rotation; also
known as Key.
Machine Oxygen Cutting - oxygen cutting of metal with cutting equipment that performs the
cutting with the help of a machine.
Machine Screw - a blunt ended screw with a standardized thread and a head that may be flat,
round, fillister, or oval, and may be slotted, or constructed for wrenching; used to
fasten machine parts together.
Machine Stop - a workshop in which work, metal or other material is machined to specified size
and assembled.
Machine Tight - the extent of the tightening of a screwed fitting that can be accomplished without
damaging or stripping the thread.
Machine Tool - any machine which is used for cutting metal, such as boring machine, drill
grinder, planning machine, hobber, sharper or lathe.
Machining - performing various cutting or grinding operations on a piece of work.
Machining Center - manufacturing equipment that removes metal under computer numerical
control by making use of several axes and a variety of tools and operations.
Macor - a machinable glass-ceramic manufactured by Corning, which retains the usual hardness
and strength of ordinary ceramics without needing to be fired after machining.
Magnetic Crack Detection - the part to be examined is magnetized either by passing a heavy
current through it or by making it the core of a coil through which a heavy current is
passed. Small cracks, or non-magnetic phases such as inclusions, make the
magnetic flux break the surface thus forming small magnets. If the part gets
sprayed with a suspension of iron oxide particles in paraffin, the particles cling to
the small magnets and thereby reveal defects.
Magnetic Hardness Comparator Magnetic Hardness Comparator - a device for checking the hardness of steel parts by placing a
unit of known proper hardness within an induction coil; the unit to be tested is then
placed within a similar induction coil, and the behavior of the induction coils
compared; if the standard and test units have the same magnetic properties, the
hardness of the two units is considered to be the same.
Magnetic Hardness Comparator - a device for determining hardness of a steel part by comparing
its response to electromagnetic induction with the response of a similar part of
known hardness.
Magnetic Particle Inspection - see Magnetic Particle Testing
Magnetic Particle Testing Magnetic Particle Testing - a nondestructive method of detecting the presence of surface cracks

and imperfections through use of fine iron particles in an electrical field.

Abbreviated as MPI or MT.
Magnetic Particle Testing - a test for defects in metal and welded joints. The metal to be tested is
magnetized and sprayed with a white paint, then a dark magnetic powder is
oversprayed and the powder collects on both sides of a crack, acting as a defect
indicator.
Magnetite - a shiny, black magnetic mineral which consists of an oxide of iron, and is an
important form of iron ore.
Main - a duct or pipe that supplies or drains ancillary branches.
Maintenance - the upkeep of industrial facilities and equipment.
Maintenance Painting - periodic painting (repair / touch up of corroded areas or deteriorated
paintwork) after initial painting.
Major Defect - defect which causes serious malfunctioning of a product.
Major Diameter - the largest diameter of a screw thread, measured at the crest for an external
(male) thread and at the root for an internal (female) thread.
Major Repair - repair work on items of material or equipment that need complete overhaul or
substantial replacement of parts, or that require special tools.
Malleability Malleability - it is the ability to undergo large permanent deformation in compression, or property
which enables a material to be beaten or rolled into thin sheets.
Malleability - the ability of a metal to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets without breaking.
Most metals are malleable. Instead of being smashed into splinters when struck by
a hammer, a piece of metal is flattened into a sheet or a foil.
Malleability - this is the term used when plastic deformation occurs as the result of applying a
compressive load. A malleable material combines the properties of plasticity and
compressibility, so that it can be squeezed to shape by such processes as forging
and rolling.
Malleable - able to be hammered or pressed into shape without breaking or cracking.
Malleable Cast Iron - see Malleable Iron and Cast Iron
Malleable Iron Malleable Iron - a cast iron of such composition that it solidifies as white iron, which upon proper
heat treatment is converted to a metallic matrix with nodules of temper carbon.
Malleable Iron - a somewhat ductile form of cast iron made by heat treating white cast iron to
convert the carbon containing phase from iron carbide to nodular graphite.
Malleable Iron - an iron casting which is heat treated by being packed in an oxidizing agent and
held for about four days at a temperature of 800 C. Its average tensile strength is
approximately double that of ordinary cast iron.
Malleable Iron - it is made by transforming white-iron castings by heat treatment that converts it
into a matrix of ferrite containing nodules of temper carbon, and thus it becomes
tough and ductile, resistant to impact, and easily machinable.
Malleable Iron - it is tougher and less brittle than either white or ordinary grey cast iron and is
made by heat treatment of grey cast iron of suitable composition. Under this
treatment, the flakes of graphite coalesce into globular particles, which because of
their small cross-sectional area, weaken the ferrite less than do flakes. Cast iron is
the cheapest form of iron, but its usefulness is limited by its low strength. A great
amount is converted into steel, and a smaller amount into wrought iron.
Malleable, Ferritic - a ferrous alloy that is cast as white is converted by an appropriate heat
treatment to a microstructure of temper carbon embedded in a ferritic matrix
essentially free of pearlite and carbide.
Malleable, Pearlitic - a ferrous alloy that is cast as white iron but which is converted by an
appropriate heat treatment to a microstructure of temper carbon embedded in a
matrix containing a controlled quantity, form, and distribution of pearlite or tempered
martensite.
Malleableize - to convert white iron into malleable iron through an appropriate graphitizing heat
treatment.
Mandrel Mandrel - a cylindrical metal rod or bar used as a core around which metal or other material is

cast, molded, forged or shaped.

Mandrel - an accurately turned rod over which metal is forged, drawn or shaped during working
so as to create or preserve a desired axial cavity. A tapered mandrel is also used
for holding and locating a bored component so that external diameters can be
machined true to the bore; in USA it is spelled Mandril; also known as Arbor.
Mandrel - the core around which continuous strands of impregnated reinforcement materials are
wound to fabricate hollow objects made of composite materials.
Mandrel Press - a press for driving mandrels into holes.
Manganese (Mn) Manganese (Mn) - a hard, brittle, pinkish-gray metallic element. It is used to make alloys that
are very hard and resistant to wear.
Manganese (Mn) - contributes to strength and hardness in steel, but to a lesser degree than
carbon. The amount of increase in these properties is dependent upon the carbon
content. i.e., higher carbon steels are affected more by manganese than lower
carbon. Manganese tends to increase the rate of carbon penetration during
carburizing.
Manganese (Mn) - it increases hardenability and beyond certain limits increases the liability to
quenching cracks. All the commercial steels contain 0.3 to 0.8% manganese, to
reduce oxides and to counteract the harmful effects of sulphur. Any manganese in
excess of these requirements partially dissolves in iron and partly forms Mn3C
which occurs with Fe3C. Manganese lowers Ac1 and Ac3 and quite small
quantities increase hardenability. Manganese also acts as a cheaper substitute for
nickel. Steels with 0.3 to 0.4% carbon, 1.3 to 1.6% manganese and 0.3%
molybdenum have replaced 3% nickel steel for some purposes. Non-shrinking tool
steel contains 0.8 to 0.9% carbon and 2% manganese. Steels with 5 to 12%
manganese are martensitic after slow cooling and have little commercial use.
Hatfields manganese steel contains 12 to 14% Mn and 1% carbon. It is
characterized by a great resistance to wear and therefore used for railway points,
rock drills and stone crushers.
Manganese Steel - steel having about 1% manganese and up to 0.4% molybdenum is used for
railway points and crossing, dredger components and similar heavily stressed parts.
Austenitic manganese steel having about 14% manganese and 1% carbon gives
extremely high resistance to abrasion.
Mangle Gearing - gearing for producing reciprocating motion; a pinion rotating in a single
direction drives a rack with teeth at the ends and on both sides.
Manifold Manifold - a fluid conductor that has provisions for multiple connections to it.
Manifold - a pipe or header for collecting a fluid from, or the distributing of a fluid to a number of
pipes or tubes.
Manifold - a pipe with one inlet and several outlets, or with one outlet and several inlets, for
conducting flow.
Manifold - a type of fluid conductor that provides multiple connections ports.
Manifold Valve - a multiple valve comprising of 2 or more valves in one body. Manifold valves of
through-valve or fire-valve combination are often connected to differential pressure
instruments or orifice flanges.
Manifolding - the gathering of multiple-line fluid inputs into a single intake chamber (intake
manifold), or the division of a single fluid supply into several outlet streams
(distribution manifold).
Manifolds - set of pipes and valves directing fluid.
Manipulator - a device to which work has been clamped during welding so that all welds can be
done in the download position.
Manometer Manometer - a differential pressure gauge in which pressure is indicated by the height of a liquid
column of known density. Pressure is equal to the difference in vertical height
between two connected columns multiplied by the density of the manometer liquid.
Some forms of manometers are U tube, inclined tube, well, and bell types.
Manometer - a double-leg liquid-column gauge that is used to measure the difference between
two fluid pressures.

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.
Manual Gate Valve - block valves that are operated manually, placed in check valve segments
periodically to provide more positive isolation than can be provided by check valves.
Manual Oil Shutoff Valve - a manually operated valve in the oil line for the purpose of
completely turning on or shutting off the oil supply to the burner.
Manual Override Manual Override - a device to manually impart motion in either one or two directions to the valve
stem. It may be used as a limit stop; see also Handjack and/or Handwheel.
Manual Override - any mechanical device by which an automated valve may be manually
operated. On smaller actuators, this may simply be wrench flats on the output shaft
of the actuator. Larger actuators may require a more sophisticated system, such as
declutchable handwheels, manual gears, or jack screws, or hydraulic hand pump
over-ride.
Manual Reset Safety Shutoff Valve - a manually opened, electrically latched, electrically
operated safety shutoff valve designed to automatically shutoff fuel when de
energized.
Manufactured Gas - fuel gas manufactured from coal, oil, etc., as differentiated from natural gas.
Manufacturer - the firms or persons involved in some or all phases of manufacturing or
assembly of components.
Manufacturers Part Number - identification number or symbol assigned by the manufacturer to
a part, subassembly, or assembly.
Maraging Maraging - a heat treatment, (martensite ageing), used to harden alloy steels (commonly those
containing 18% nickel) involving precipitation of intermetallic compounds in a
carbon free martensite. These include nickel-iron martensites with high toughness
and resistance to shock and saline corrosion.
Maraging - a precipitation hardening treatment applied to a special group of iron base alloys to
precipitate one or more intermetallic compounds in a matrix of essentially carbonfree martensite.
Margin of Safety - a design criterion, usually the ratio between the load that would cause failure
of a member or structure and the load that is imposed upon it in service.
Marine Environment - offshore and coastal areas
Martensite Martensite - 1) a very hard, brittle solid solution of carbon in iron (or the carbide of iron, Fe3C),
into which hot steel turns when suddenly chilled by cold water. It is the main
constituent of hardened steel; 2) a supersaturated solid solution of carbon in iron
characterized by an acicular (needle-like) microstructure.
Martensite - obtained by the sudden cooling of high carbon steels from the austenitic range. It is
the hardest constituent obtained in steels and has a hardness of around 750 VPN.
It is magnetic and brittle. It shows a needle-like structure under a microscope.
Martensitic Stainless Steel Martensitic Stainless Steel - a small category of stainless steel characterized by the use of heat
treatment for hardening and strengthening. Martensitic stainless steels are plain
chromium steels with no significant nickel content. They are utilized in equipment
for the chemical and oil industries and in surgical instruments. The most popular
martensitic stainless steel is type 410 (a grade appropriate for non-severe corrosion
environments requiring high strength).
Martensitic Stainless Steel - a steel in which a microstructure of martensite can be attained by
quenching at a cooling rate fast enough to avoid the formation of other
microstructures. Martensitic stainless steels are capable of being heat treated in
such a way that martensite is the prime constituent.
Martensitic Stainless Steel - this contains 12.5% chromium. It is very hard, magnetic and used
for making cutlery and surgical instruments and chemical plants.
Mash Seam Welding - an electrical resistance welding process in which the slightly overlapping
edges of the workpiece are forged together during welding by broad-faced, flat
electrodes.
Mash Weld - it is a seam weld in which the finished weld is only slightly thicker than the sheets,

and the lap disappears.

Mass Effect - the tendency for hardened steel to decrease in hardness from the surface to the
center, as a result of the variation in cooling throughout the section becoming less
marked as the rate of cooling required for hardening decreases, i.e. as hardenability
of the steel imparted by the content of alloying elements increases.
Mass Flowmeter - an instrument that measures the mass of fluid that flows through a pipe, duct,
or open channel in a unit time.
Master Bushing - see Liner Bushing
Master Valve - the lowermost valve on the vertical bore of the Christmas tree. It is used to
completely shut in the well.
Mastic - 1) a gum used in making varnish; 2) any of various waterproof, putty-like pastes used
as joint sealers or fillers.
Masticate - to process rubber on a machine to make it softer and more pliable before mixing with
other substances.
Matched-Metal Molding - forming of reinforced-plastic articles between two close-fitting metal
molds mounted in a hydraulic press.
Material Take Off - a general, not fully specific list of materials needed.
Material Test Reports - certificates provided by the steel manufacturer indicating the chemical
analysis and mechanical properties of a specific batch of steel traced by
sequentially assigned heat numbers or codes.
Matte - 1) having a dull surface, without gloss or shine or finish; 2) an impure product of smelting
of suphide ores, particularly those of copper or nickel.
MAV - Motor Actuated Valve
MAWP - Maximum Allowable Working Pressure
Maximum Design Metal Temperature - the temperature used to determine the allowable stress
for the material when calculating equipment wall thickness required for pressure
containment.
Maximum Operating Pressure Differential (MOPD) Maximum Operating Pressure Differential (MOPD) - the maximum difference between the
pressure upstream of a valve and the pressure downstream when measured at
specific locations.
Maximum Operating Pressure Differential (MOPD) - the maximum difference in pressure,
measured in Pounds per Square Inch between the valve inlet and outlet at which
the solenoid can safely operate the valve.
Maximum Operating Temperature - the highest temperature which can be attained by the
process fluid, including but not limited to, the highest operating temperature in one
of the applicable heat and material balance streams, and the highest operating
temperature encountered during start-up, shut-down, recycling, cleaning or purging.
May - indicates an option or possible course of action acceptable to the buyer.
Mbd - Million Barrels a Day
MBG - Manual Bleed Valve with Gauge
MBV - Manual Bleed Valve
MC - Management Committee
MCC - Motor Control Center
MDMT - Minimum Design Metal Temperature
Mean Average Boiling Point - pseudo boiling point for a hydrocarbon mixture; calculated from
the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) distillation curves
volumetric average boiling point.
Mechanical - referring to tools or machinery
Mechanical Advantage - the ratio of the resisting weight to the acting force. The ratio of the
distance through which the force is exerted divided by the distance the weight is
raised.
Mechanical Galvanizing - a batch process used to produce a zinc coating on manufactured
steel items by shot peening. Small iron and steel parts are coated with zinc by
drum-tumbling with a mixture of promoter chemicals, zinc powder, and glass beads.
The tumbling action peens the zinc powder onto the part.
Mechanical Hysteresis - the dependence of the strain of a material not only on the

instantaneous value on the stress but also on the previous history of the stress; for
example, the elongation is less at a given value of tension when the tension is
increasing than when it is decreasing.
Mechanical Limit Stop - a mechanical device to limit the valve stem travel.
Mechanical Limit Switch - any limit switch, usually plunger or lever type, which is mechanically
activated by the tripping mechanism making physical contact with the switch, and
are normally used for remote valve position indication.
Mechanical Properties - such as hardness, ductility, malleability, strength etc.
Mechanical Seal - mechanical assembly that forms a leak proof seal between flat, rotating
surfaces to prevent high pressure leakage.
Mechanism - that part of a machine which contains two or more pieces so arranged that the
motion of one compels the motion of the others.
Mechatronics - the term is a blend of mechanics and electronics. A cross-disciplinary
combination of mechanics, electronics, electrical engineering and computing - in
essence the use of microelectronics to control mechanical devices.
Media Media - the material flowing through the valve.
Media - the material that passes through the valve, i.e. air, gases, water, hydraulic fluids,
petroleum products, corrosive and non-corrosive liquids and gases.
Medium Carbon Steel Medium Carbon Steel - an alloy of iron and carbon containing about 0.25 to 0.6% C, and up to
about 0.7% Mn.
Medium Carbon Steel - iron containing 0.3 to 0.55% carbon
MEK - Methyl Ethyl Ketone
Melt - the total molten metal produced in a single heat.
Melting Rate - the weight or length of a welding electrode melted in a unit of time.
Member - one component of a complex structure
Membrane - a thin, pliable sheetlike structure acting as a boundary, lining or partition.
Memory - tendency of a material to return to its original shape after deformation.
Mercaptan - molecules containing sulfur, very light because of low molecular weight.
Merchant Bar - a group of commodity steel shapes that consist of rounds, squares, flats, strips,
angles, and channels, which fabricators, steel service centers and manufacturers
cut, bend and shape into products. Merchant products require more specialized
processing than reinforcing bar.
Merchant Pig Iron - pig iron produced for commercial sale to foundries.
MESC - Material and Equipment, Standards and Code
Mesh Mesh - engagement of a gear with its mating pinion or rack.
Mesh - engagement or working contact of teeth of gears or of a gear and a rack.
Metal - a chemical element that is crystalline in the solid state, exhibits relatively high thermal
and electrical conductivity, and has a generally lustrous or reflective surface
appearance.
Metal Arc Cutting - severing metal pieces carried out with the heat of an arc between a metal
electrode and the base metal.
Metal Arc Welding Metal Arc Welding - a welding process in which the heat to form a molten pool of metal is
produced by an electric arc. The process uses either AC or DC for striking the arc
between the electrode and the work piece. One terminal is connected to the
electrode and the other to the work piece and the circuit is completed through an air
gap between the electrode and the work piece. Depending upon the current and
voltage, the air gap is between 3mm and 6mm. The temperature of the arc varies
between 3500 and 4000 C. A coated electrode that is of nearly the same
composition as that of the metal is used in metal arc welding. Coated electrodes
may either be lightly or heavily coated by a suitable flux to prevent oxidation of the
weld.
Metal Arc Welding - an arc welding process in which the metal acts as a filler material.
Metal Arc Welding - this is the most commonly used method of welding. In this process the arc is

struck between the workpieces to be welded and a metallic rod, which form the two
terminals of the arc. Bare electrode has nearly the same composition as that of the
base metal. Bare electrodes have the disadvantage that their surfaces may be
subjected to oxidation. Coated electrodes may either be lightly or heavy coated by
a suitable flux to prevent oxidation of the weld. When a coated metal electrode is
used, this process is called Shielded Metal Arc Welding. The shielding is done due
to production of gas by the decomposition of the electrode coating. Both AC or DC
currents may be used. For currents above 750 ampere, AC equipment is preferred
as it has high efficiency, negligible loss at no load and minimum maintenance and
initial cost. When a bare electrode is used, the process is called Bare Metal Arc
Welding as no shielding of gas is obtained. While using DC the work or base metal
is connected to a positive pole because the heat generated at this pole is more than
that at the other pole. This type of welding is called welding with Straight Polarity.
Bare electrodes are generally used for welding non-ferrous metals. If the electrode
is connected to the positive pole and the workpiece to the negative pole, then it is
called Reverse Polarity. Reverse Polarity arc is used with covered electrodes for
welding ferrous metals. The temperature produced by the arc is nearly 3,500 C,
which is concentrated on a small area, and sufficient to form a pool of metal.
Metal Dip Brazing - a dip brazing process in which the filler metal is obtained from the molten
metal bath.
Metal Electrode - a metallic wire used in arc welding, with or without covering or coating.
Metal Electrode Arc Welding - various arc welding processes carried out with suitable
electrodes.
Metal Fiber Welding - it is used for making lap joints and can be said to be an extension of
resistance spot welding process. The equipment used is the same as for resistance
spot welding. In this process a small piece of metallic sheet (material used is the
same as for parent metal) is introduced between the pieces to be joined. The
pieces are held between the electrodes and welding is completed under low
pressure.
Metal Foil Welding - this process is used for butt welding of sheet metal. The equipment
consists of two wheel type electrodes similar to wheels used in seam welding. The
sheets to be welded are butted together and a thin foil of sheet is placed over and
below the joint. The sheet used is less than 0.20mm thickness and of the same
material as the parent metal. The sheets to be joined are placed between the rolls
and operation is similar to seam welding.
Metal Inert Gas (MIG) Welding Metal Inert Gas (MIG) Welding - recent developments in MIG welding is the introduction of semiautomatic processes. It reduces cost of high diving operations. Automatic feeding
of feeler wires does automatic operation or flux cored wires. MIG welding is faster
than TIG welding. MIG dry welding is preferred over MIG wet welding for better
results.
Metal Inert Gas Arc Welding - this process involves welding of metals in an inert gas atmosphere
using a consumable metal electrode. The inert gas generally used is argon or
helium. The electrode, made of the parent metal, is made in the form of
consumable wire and is continuously fed into the arc by an adjustable electric
speed motor. The speed of feeding is the same at which the rod is being melted
and deposited in the weld. The arc is struck between the consumable electrode
and the workpiece. The electrode holder used is specially designed to enable
passage of inert gases in addition to movement of the consumable electrode;
abbreviated MIG Welding.
Metal Oxide - rust
Metal Piston Type Seal - in a butterfly valve, a self expandable metal seal ring installed in a
groove on the disk circumference to block the clearance between the disk outer
diameter and the liner bore with the disk in closed position.
Metal to Metal Seal - a seal effected by very smooth finishes on mating metal parts.
Metallizing - a process used to produce a zinc coating on manufactured steel items by metal
spraying. Zinc metal wire or powder is fed into a spray gun where it is melted and
sprayed onto the part to be coated. Melting is accomplished either by combustion
in an oxygen-fuel gas flame or an electric arc. Combustion gases and/or auxiliary

compressed air provide the necessary velocity to spray the liquid metal onto the
part.
Metallurgy - the science concerned with the production, purification and properties of metals and
their application.
Meter - a device for measuring the value of a quantity under observation; the term is usually
applied to an indicating instrument alone.
Meter In - to regulate the amount of fluid into a system or an actuator.
Meter Out - to regulate the flow of fluid from a system or actuator.
Meter Stop - a valve installed in a water service pipe for control of the flow of water to a building.
Metering Metering - 1) regulating the flow of a fluid so that only a measured amount is permitted to flow
past a given point in the system; 2) measuring any variable (flow rate, electrical
power, etc.)
Metering - an adjustable pin that regulates the flow of media over a specified path; placed as a
restriction in the media path.
Methane (CH4) - a hydrocarbon compound that is the primary component of natural gas. It is a
colorless, odorless, flammable gas, used in the manufacture of organic chemicals
and heating fuel. It is formed naturally by the decomposition of vegetable matter, as
in marshes and mines, or produced artificially by heating carbon monoxide and
hydrogen. It is reported separately from the category of gases called Volatile
Organic Compounds (VOCs).
Methylethyl Ketone (MEK) - a common solvent
Metric Screw Thread - a standard screw-thread in which the diameter and pitch are specified in
millimeters with a 60 degree angle.
Meyer Hardness Number - a number which is obtained by the same test as for the Brinell
hardness number; it refers to the ratio of the load divided by the projected area of
the indentation.
MFC - Multivariable Controller
MFD - Mechanical Flow Diagram
Mg - Magnesium
MHS - Medical / Health Services
MI - Mineral Insulated (cables)
Micrometer Micrometer - a caliper for making precise measurements; a spindle is moved by a screw thread
so that it touches the object to be measured; the dimension can then be read on a
scale; also known as Micrometer Caliper.
Micrometer Gauge - a U-shaped length gauge in which the gap between the measuring faces is
adjustable by an accurate screw whose end forms one face. The gap is read off a
scale uncovered by a thimble carried by the screw, and by a circular scale which is
engraved on the thimble; commonly called Micrometer.
Micron Micron - a millionth of a meter or about 0.00004 inch.
Micron - one-thousandth of a millimeter
Microstructure Microstructure - the fine crystalline structure in a metal, which is visible under a microscope.
Microstructure - the structure of a metal as revealed by microscopic examination of a suitably
prepared specimen.
MIG - Gas Metal Arc Welding
MIG Welding MIG Welding - metal-inert gas welding; see Gas Metal Arc Welding
Mild Steel Mild Steel - an alloy of iron containing less than 0.03% carbon.
Mild Steel - steel which contains from 0.15 to 0.25% carbon. Because of its low carbon content it
cannot get hardened by quenching, but it is more ductile than high carbon steel.
Mill Mill - a building that houses machinery for manufacturing processes.

Mill - machine which is used for grinding or crushing material, such as a hammer mill, a ball mill
or a pug mill.
Mill - to cut or shape metal with a rotating tool.
Mill Certificate - chemical and physical analysis
Mill Scale - black iron oxide which gets formed on steel sections during rolling. This scale should
always be removed before painting.
Mill Shearing - a defect in metal which can be described as a feathering type light surface lap.
Mill Test Report - Material Test Report
Millibar - a unit of pressure equal to one-thousandth of a bar; abbreviated mb; also known as
Vac.
Milling Milling - a machine process which is used for the removal of metal shavings from a surface by
passing it under a rotating toothed cutter.
Milling - shaping of metal pieces by removing metal with a revolving multi-tooth cutter to produce
flat and profiled surfaces, slots and grooves.
Milling Machine - a machine for the removal of metal by feeding a work piece through the
periphery of a rotating circular cutter; also known as Miller.
Mineral Oil Mineral Oil - a colorless, odorless, oily liquid obtained from petroleum.
Mineral Oil - petroleum and the oils derived from it, or other oils obtained from underground
mineral deposits.
Mini Mills - normally defined as steel mills that melt scrap metal to produce commodity products.
Although the mini-mills are subject to the same steel processing requirements after
the caster as the integrated steel companies, they differ greatly in regard to their
minimum efficient size, labor relations, product markets and management style.
Minimum Design Metal Temperature - the temperature used to select materials with
appropriate toughness properties.
Minimum Metal Condition - the condition corresponding to the removal of the greatest amount
of material permissible in a machined part.
Minimum Operating Temperature - the lowest temperature which can be attained by the
process fluid, including but not limited to, the lowest operating temperature in one of
the applicable heat and material balance streams, and the lowest operating
temperature encountered during start-up, shut-down, de-pressurizing, repeated
start-up and de-pressurizing, cleaning or purging.
Minor Detect - a defect which reduces the effectiveness of the product, without causing serious
malfunctioning.
Mirror Finish - a bright, polished surface.
Mismatch - unsymmetrical seal caused by dissimilar cavities in mating mold sections.
Miter Bend - a pipe bend made by mitering (angle cutting) and joining pipe ends.
Miter Gear - a bevel gear whose bevels are in 1:1 ratio.
Miter Valve Miter Valve - a safety valve having the annular seating cut at an angle of 45 degrees; also
spelled Mitre Valve.
Miter Valve - a valve in which a disk fits in a seat making a 45 degree angle with the axis of the
valve.
Miter Valve - a valve in which the disc is at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the axis of
the valve body.
MITI - Ministry of International Trade and Industry
Mixing - to flow into both ends (of a 3 way, 2 port valve) and out the side.
Mixing Chamber - a portion of a gas welding torch in which gases are mixed for combustion.
Mixing Valve Mixing Valve - a valve having more than one inlet but only one outlet port; it is used to blend two
or more fluids to give a mixture of predetermined composition.
Mixing Valve - multi-inlet valve used to mix two or more fluid intakes to give a mixed product of
desired composition.
MLD - Million Liters per Day

mm Hg - millimeters of mercury. In vacuum work, this is a measure of absolute pressure, being

the height of a column of mercury that the air or other gas will support. Standard
atmospheric pressure will support a mercury column 760 mm high (760 mmHg).
Any value less than this represents some degree of vacuum.
Mmboe - Million Barrels of Oil Equivalent
MMCFD - Million Cubic Feet per Day
MMS - Maintenance Management System
MMSCFD - abbreviation for million standard cubic feet per day; usually refers to gas flow.
MMSCFH - abbreviation for million standard cubic feet per hour; usually refers to gas flow.
MMSCFM - abbreviation for million standard cubic feet per minute; usually refers to gas flow.
Mn - Manganese
MN - Meganewton
Mo - Molybdenum
MOD - MODification Instructions
Modification - a major or minor change in the design of an item, effected in order to correct a
deficiency, to facilitate production, or to improve operational effectiveness.
Modified Parabolic - a flow characteristic that lies somewhere between linear and equal
percentage. It provides fine throttling at low flow capacity and an approximately
linear characteristic at higher flow capacities.
Modulating - the actions to keep a quantity or quality in proper measure or proportion; see also
Throttling.
Modulating Service - when the valve is being used to throttle or regulate the rate of flow by
being positioned at varying positions between open and closed.
Modulation - the action of a control valve to regulate fluid flow by varying the position of the
closure component.
Modulus Modulus - a quantity expressing the response of a sample of material to an external stimulus,
such as mechanical stress. The response is usually expressed as a fractional
change in the physical quantity being affected.
Modulus - tensile stress at a specified elongation. (Usually 100% elongation for elastomers).
Modulus of Elasticity Modulus of Elasticity - generally termed as Youngs modulus (E), this is the ratio between the
stress and the strain of a material under load. Some common values of E in
millions of lb/in2 have been steel, 30; aluminum alloys 10; magnesium alloys, 6.5:
concrete loaded over a long period, 2, and over a short period, 6.
Modulus Of Elasticity - in any solid, the slope of the stress-strain curve within the elastic region;
for most materials, the value is nearly constant up to some limiting value of stress
known as the elastic limit; modulus of elasticity can be measured in tension,
compression, torsion or shear; the tension modulus is often referred to as Young's
modulus.
Modulus of Elasticity - it is the ratio of stress to strain within the elastic limit. It is a measure of
stiffness.
Modulus of Elasticity - one of the several measurements of stiffness or resistance to deformation,
but often incorrectly used to indicate specifically static tension modulus.
Modulus of Elasticity - the rate of change of unit tensile stress to unit tensile strain for uniaxial
stress with the elastic limit. It is also called Young's Modulus.
Modulus of Elasticity (E) - it is the constant which expresses the ratio of unit stress to unit
deformation for all values unit stress not exceeding the proportional limit of material.
Modulus of elasticity in shear is sometimes known as the Modulus of Rigidity.
MOF - Ministry Of Finance
Mold - a hollow cavity, frequently in packed sand, for giving a desired shape to a material in a
molten or plastic shape.
Mold Cavity - a hollow space or cavity in the mold which is used to impart the desired form to the
product being molded.
Mold Finish - the uninterrupted surface produced by intimate contact of rubber with the surface
of the mold at vulcanization.
Mold Lubricant - a material usually sprayed onto the mold cavity surface prior to the introduction

of the uncured rubber to facilitate the easy removal of the molded rubber parts.
Mold Marks - indentations or ridges embossed into the skin of the molded product by
irregularities in the mold cavity surface.
Mold Register - accuracy of alignment or fit of molded sections.
Molding Sand - the freshly prepared refractory sand used for making a mold cavity. It contains
various constituents such as silica, clay binders, moisture, etc. in appropriate
proportions to get the desired results. It surrounds the pattern while making the
mold.
Mole (mol) - the SI unit of amount of substance equal to the quantity containing as many
elementary units, including molecules, atoms or ions, as there are atoms in 12
grams of pure carbon-12.
Molecular Attrition - see Fretting
Molecule - a small natural particle of matter composed of two or more atoms.
Molten - melted; made liquid by heat
Molybdenum (Mo) Molybdenum (Mo) - 3% can be added to low chromium steel to improve impact properties.
Molybdenum (Mo) - a hard, brittle, silvery-white metallic element, used as a hardening agent in
steel and other alloys.
Molybdenum (Mo) - a metallic element the influence of which on steel is closely related to that of
chromium and tungsten. Molybdenum may replace tungsten in high speed steel,
being twice as effective weight for weight. When added to low alloy steels it has a
marked effect in reducing temper brittleness. In solid solution, molybdenum is able
to increase strength and toughness, improving resistance to creep at high
temperature.
Molybdenum (Mo) - an alloying element used as a raw material for some classes of stainless
steel. Molybdenum in the presence of chromium enhances the corrosion resistance
of stainless steel.
Molybdenum (Mo) - molybdenum is soluble both in a- and y-iron and in the presence of carbon
forms complex carbides (Fe Mo)6C, Fe2, Mo2 C6, Mo2C. Molybdenum is similar to
chromium in its effect but up to 0.5% carbon retards pearlitic formation and
increases bainitic formation. 0.5% molybdenum increases the strength of steels at
boiler temperature of 400 C. Generally, molybdenum is used in combination with
other alloying elements.
Ni-Cr-Mo steels are widely used for ordnance
components, turbine rotors and other large components, since molybdenum tends
to minimize temper brittleness and reduces mass effect. Molybdenum is also used
as a cheaper substitute for tungsten in high speed steels. It is also used in magnet
steels, heat resisting and corrosion resisting steels.
Molybdenum (Mo) - promotes hardenability in steel, and is useful where close hardenabilitycontrol is essential. It increases depth-hardness and widens the range of effective
heat-treating temperatures.
MOM - Minutes Of Meeting
Moment Moment - 1) of force, the effectiveness of a force in producing rotation about an axis; it equals
the product of the radius perpendicular to the axis of rotation that passes through
the point of force application and the tangential component of force perpendicular to
the plane defined by the radius and axis of rotation; 2) of inertia, the resistance of a
body at rest or in motion to changes in its angular velocity.
Moment - a turning effect (torque) produced by a force on an object.
Moment - static moment of some quantity, except in the term moment of inertia.
Moment Load - load which acts eccentrically on a body, such as a bearing, producing a motion
or rotation about a point or axis.
Moment Of Force - see Torque
Moment Of Inertia - the sum of the products formed by multiplying the mass (or sometimes, the
area) of each element of a figure by the square of its distance from a specified line;
also known as Rotational Inertia.
Monel Monel - a high strength, corrosion resistant steel used in valve trim, made with 65% nickel and
30% copper.

Monel

a series of International Nickel Co. high nickel, high copper alloys used for their
corrosion resistant properties to certain conditions.
Monitor - an optional inspection point. Work is not to be held up if an inspection is not available.
Monkey Wrench - a wrench having one jaw fixed and the other adjustable, both of which are
perpendicular to a straight handle.
Monomer - a simple molecule that can be joined to many others to form a much larger molecule
known as a polymer.
Mooney Scorch - the measurement of the rate at which a rubber compound will cure or set up
by means of the Mooney Viscometer test instrument.
Mooney Viscosity - the measurement of the plasticity or viscosity of an uncompounded or
compounded, unvulcanized, elastomeric seal material by means of the Mooney
Shearing Disk Viscometer.
MOP - Maximum Operating Pressure
Mortise - a groove or slot in a timber for holding a tenon.
Mortise and Tenon - a type of joint, principally used for wood, in which a hole, slot, or groove
(mortise) in one member is fitted with a projection (tenon) form the second member.
MOS - Maintenance Override Switch
MOT - Means Of Transportation
Motion - a continuous change of position of a body.
Motive - having to do with motion
Motor - a device that converts power into mechanical force and motion. It usually provides rotary
mechanical motion.
Motor Driven Reset Safety Shutoff Valve - an electrically operated safety shutoff valve
designed to automatically shut off fuel flow upon being de energized. The valve is
opened and reset automatically by integral motor device only.
Motor Operated Valve (MOV) - an isolation valve which, due to its size and / or pressure rating,
is fitted with a motorized (electric) actuator to facilitate ease of operation. These
valves are not utilized as SDVs (Shutdown Valves); compare with Blowdown Valve
and Shutdown Valve.
Motor, Cage Induction - an induction motor with secondary cage (squirrel cage) winding(s).
Motor, Fixed-Displacement - a motor in which the displacement per unit of output motion
cannot be varied.
Motor, Linear Motor, Linear - see Cylinder
Motor, Linear - some cylinder manufacturers use this term to describe cylinders.
Motor, Rotary - a motor capable of continuous rotary motion.
Motor, Rotary Limited - a rotary motor having limited motion.
Motor, Variable-Displacement - a motor in which the displacement per unit of output motion can
be varied.
Mottled Cast Iron - see Mottled Iron
Mottled Iron Mottled Iron - a cast iron containing a mixed structure of gray iron and white iron of variable
proportions. The fracture has a mottled appearance.
Mottled Iron - cast iron containing the structure of free cementite, free graphite and pearlite.
Mottled Iron - when cast iron is melted and then subjected to normal cooling, mottled cast iron is
obtained. Its composition is 93.5% iron, 1.75% graphite, 1.75% combined carbon
and remaining other impurities. As carbon is present in the mottled cast iron partly
in the combined form and partly in the free form, its color as well as its properties
are in between those of grey and white cast iron. Its resistance to corrosion is more
than that of the grey variety. It is hard and brittle and its fluidity is good and is
therefore, a good material for casting. It is mainly used for making main-hole cover,
fire plugs, lamp posts etc.
MOU - Memorandum Of Understanding
Mounce - a unit of mass, equal to 25 grams; also known as Metric Ounce.
Mounting Flange - a flange or pad formed on the exterior of the body for the attachment of the
valve operating mechanism.
Mounting Position - the location and orientation of an actuator or auxiliary component relative to

a valve. This can apply to the valve itself relative to the piping.
MOV - Motor Operated Valve
Mpa - Megapascal
MPI - Magnetic Particle Inspection
MPT - Magnetic Particle Testing
MRI - see Magnetic Resonance Imaging
MRIC - Pressure Instrument connection on meter run
MRO - Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul
MRP - see Material Requirements Planning
MRTD - see Minimum Resolvable Temperature Difference
MS - 1) Malaysian Standard; 2) Management System
Ms - see Megasound
ms - see Millisecond
MSBF - Monoflange Single Block Ball
MSCF - Thousand (Milli-) Square Cubic Feet
MSDS - Materials Safety Data Sheet
MSE - Malaysian Shipyard and Engineering
MSIR - Minimum Source Inspection Requirements
MSL - Mean Sea Level
MSNF - Monoflange Single Block Needle
MSS - Manufacturers Standardization Society (of the Valve and Fittings Industry)
MT - 1) Magnetic Particle Examination (Test); 2) Metal Seat
MTJDA - Malaysia Thailand Joint Development Area
MTO - 1) Material Take Off; 2) Multimodal Transport Operator
MTR - 1) Material and Test Report; 2) Mill Test Report; 3) Manual Bleed Valve with Thermal
Relief
MTRR - Meter Run
Mud - mud is drilling fluid. Mud consists mainly as a mixture of water, or oil distillate, and 'heavy'
minerals such as Bentonite or Barites. Mud is pumped into a well at densities
calculated to provide a hydrostatic pressure sufficient to overcome down hole
formation pressures such as gas kick. The mud is continuously circulated down to
the bit, and returns in the annular space outside the drill-string, bringing with it rock
cuttings for inspection and keeping the well clean. Mud is also engineered to
maintain a thin protective layer of filter-cake on the bore hole wall, but without
excessive weight which would decrease the weight on the bit and hence penetration
(see Drill String). Wrongly configured mud could also possibly lead to differential
sticking and formation damage. Mud is pumped from the mud pit / tank into the drill
stem. On return from down hole the mud is recovered and the shale shakers
remove rock cuttings, it can then be re-circulated.
Mud Valve Mud Valve - provide resilient sealing in harsh applications. They are purposely made for mud,
cement, fracturing and water service. Mud valves are particularly suited to abrasive
applications
Mud Valve - a valve that acts under the same principles as the gate valve. The mud valve is
specifically suitable to abrasive applications such as the control of mud.
Mull - to mix thoroughly or grind.
Multi Port Valve Multi Port Valve - a ball valve or a plug valve with more than two ends that is used for changing
flow direction.
Multi Ported - multi-ported valves include additional inlet / outlet ports, to allow fluids to be
directed. The ball and plug valve types are ideally suited to multi-port designs.
Multi Turn Multi Turn - a category of valves (such as gate, globe, needle) which require multiple turns of the
stem to move the valve from the fully open to the fully closed positions. Also known
as linear valves.
Multi Turn - category of valves (such as gate, globe, needle) which require multiple turns of the

stem to move the valve from the fully open to the fully closed position; also known
as Linear Valves; see also Quarter-Turn.
Multiple Sampling - a plan for quality control in which a given number of samples from a group
are inspected, and the group is either accepted, resampled, or rejected, depending
on the number of failures found in the samples.
Multistage - functioning or occurring in separate steps.
Muntz Metal - a filler material generally used for braze welding, consisting of 60% copper and
40% zinc.
Muskhelishvilis Method - a method of solving problems concerning the elastic deformation of a
planar body that involves using methods from the theory of functions of a complex
variable to calculate analytic functions which determine the plane strain of the body.
MVC - Measurement Validation Comparison Technology
MW - see Megawatt
mW - see Miliwatt

N - 1) Nitrogen; 2) Newton
Na - Sodium
NAB - No As-Built work required
NACE - National Association of Corrosion Engineers
NAMAS - National Measurements Accreditation Service.
Naphtha - 1) the feedstock used to make ethylene and propylene, the basic building blocks for
the chemical industry; 2) hydrocarbon distillate used as solvent and washing agent.
NATA - National Association of Testing Authorities (Australia)
National Electrical Code (NEC) - a set of regulations governing construction and installation of
electrical wiring and apparatus, established by the National Fire Protection
Association. It is widely used by state and local authorities within the United States.
National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) - used in valve terminology to define
the level of external resistance an enclosure or solenoid coil is suited for. e.g.:
NEMA 1 is dust tight; NEMA 9 is explosion proof, etc.
National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) - provides
certification in "Industrial Instrumentation Engineering Technology Technician."
National Pipe Taper - see National Pipe Thread
National Pipe Thread (NPT) National Pipe Thread (NPT) - a specification for tapered pipe threads from ANSI (American
National Standards Institute). Actually taken from American National Standard
Taper Pipe Threads. When listed as NPT-F, it indicates female ends.
National Pipe Thread (NPT) - a standard tapered thread for pressure pipe and components.
Requirements are defined in ASME B1.20.1.
Natural - describes resins, frequently PP or PVDF, that have not had colorants, fibers, or other
components added prior to processing. Sometimes mistakenly interchanged with
"Virgin."
Natural Gas (NG) Natural Gas (NG) - a mixture of gaseous hydrocarbons trapped in rock formations below the
earth's surface. The mixture consists chiefly of methane and ethane, with smaller
amounts of other low molecular weight combustible gases, and sometimes
noncombustible gases such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, helium and H2S called
Sour Gas.
Natural Gas (NG) - a mixture of gaseous hydrocarbons, chiefly methane, occurring naturally
under the ground or seabed in petroleum-bearing regions, and piped to cities, etc.
to be used as a fuel.
Natural Gas and Gas Products (NG&GP) - includes the gathering, processing, distribution and
marketing of natural gas and natural gas liquids.
Natural Gasoline Plant - compression, distillation, and absorption process facility used to
remove natural gasoline (mostly butanes and heavier components) from natural
gas.
Nb - Niobium
NB - Take Note (from Latin - Nota Bene)
NBR - 1) Nitrile (Acrylonitrile Butadiene); 2) Nitrile Rubber (Buna N)
NC - describes the resting (non-activated) position of a valve. In this case the valve is Normally
Closed.
NCR - Non-Conformance Report
NDE - Non-Destructive Examination
NDT - Non-Destructive Testing
Ne - Neon
NE - Normally Energized
NEC - National Electric Code
Necking - tensile testing involves the application of load onto a specimen and physically
stretching it under an increasing load, measuring the extension of the metal and the
reduction of the cross-sectional area until fracture occurs, often referred to as
Necking.
Need Date - the date within which documents are to be transmitted to purchaser for review,
comments and approval or to be available for review at vendors premises.

Needle Bearing - a roller-type bearing with long rollers of small diameter; the rollers are retained
in a flanged cup, have no retainer, and bear directly on the shaft.
Needle Point Valve - see Needle Valve
Needle Valve Needle Valve - a screw-down stop valve which has the body ends in line or at right-angles to
each other or may be of the oblique type with the disc in the form of a needle point.
Needle valves are usually restricted to small sizes.
Needle Valve - a form of screwdown stop valve, generally restricted to small sizes, which may
have the body ends in line or at right angles with each other or may be of the
oblique type. The disc is in the form of a needle point.
Needle Valve - a form of screw-down stop valve, generally restricted to small sizes, which may
have the body ends in line or at right angles with each other, or may be of the
oblique type. The disc is in the form of a needle point.
Needle Valve - a small globe valve without a separate disc, but with a stem with an integral
conical seating surface.
Needle Valve - a small valve in which the moving sealing element is small and sharply tapered or
needle shaped.
Needle Valve - a type of metering valve used chiefly for precisely controlling flow. Its essential
design feature is a slender tapered rodlike control element which fits into a circular
or conoidal seat. Operating the valve causes the rod to move into or out of the
seat, gradually changing the effective cross sectional area of the gap between the
rod and its seat.
Needle Valve - a type of valve having a needle point plug.
Needle Valve - a type of valve which has a needle point plug and a small seat orifice for metering
low flows.
Needle Valve - a valve closed by a thin tapering part.
Needle Valve - a volume-control valve that restricts flow in small lines. The fluid going through
the valve turns 90 degrees and passes through an orifice that is the seat for a rod
with a cone-shaped tip. The size of the orifice is changed by positioning the cone in
relation to the seat.
Needle Valve - cone-shaped valve terminating in a sharp point, which finds use in controlling the
flow to a water turbine.
Needle Valve - this multi-turn valve derives its name from the needle-shaped closing element.
The design resembles that of the globe valve. Typically available in smaller sizes,
they are often used on secondary systems for on / off applications, sampling, etc.
Needle Valve - this multi-turn valve derives its name from the needle-shaped closing element.
The design resembles that of the globe valve. Typically available in smaller sizes,
they are often used on secondary systems for delicate control and shut off, e.g. with
analyzers.
Negative Position - the installation position of a multi-port valve such that fluid inlet pressure can
be into a closed body opening, thereby retarding valve sealing; compare with
Positive Position.
Negative Rake - the orientation of a cutting tool whose cutting edge lags the surface of the tooth
face.
Negatoscope - a box containing a source of light with one face of the box acting as a translucent
screen for examination of transparencies or films.
NEMA - National Electrical Manufacturer Association
Nema 4 - weather-proof enclosure suitable for indoor/outdoor applications to protect from
windblown dust, rain or hose-directed water.
Nema 4x - offers the same protection as Nema 4 with the addition of corrosion resistance.
Nema 6 - enclosure that may be submerged up to six feet for 30 minutes.
Nema 7 - enclosure for hazardous locations, must be capable of withstanding an internal
explosion of gases so as not to ignite an external gas-air mixture.
Nema Rating - National Electrical Code Ratings for electrical component enclosures.
Neoprene Neoprene - a non-metallic material used as a valve trim. It is an elastomer also known as
chloroprene rubber. It has excellent abrasion resistance and compression-set

resistance and very good resilience. The addition of carbon black increases its tear
resistance. It is used for butterfly valve liners and for diaphragm valve linings and
diaphragms.
Neoprene - a synthetic rubber highly resistant to oil, light, heat, and oxidation.
Neoprene - a synthetic rubber made by polymerization of chloroprene (2 chlorobutadiene 1,3).
Its color varies from amber to silver to cream. It exhibits excellent resistance to
weathering, ozone, flames, various chemicals and oils.
Neoprene Washers - washers made from neoprene, usually to provide insulating protection
such as to prevent galvanic corrosion between dissimilar materials, as between a
steel screw fastening an aluminum sheet.
Nett - no more additions to the price includes tax, shipping, etc.
Neutral Flame - a gas welding flame having neither oxidizing nor reducing characteristics.
Neutralization Number - a measure of the total acidity or basicity of an oil; this includes organic
or inorganic acids or bases or a combination of them.
Newton Newton - a unit of force equivalent to that which gives a one kilogram mass an acceleration of
one second every second.
Newton - metric unit for force
Newton - the force required to accelerate a mass of one kilogram at one meter per second
squared; abbreviated N.
Newton - the unit of force in the meter-kilogram-second system, equal to the force which will
impart an acceleration of 1 meter per second squared to the International Prototype
Kilogram mass: symbolized N; formerly known as Large Dyne.
Newtons First Law - the law that a particle not subjected to external forces remains at rest or
moves with constant speed in a straight line; also known as First Law of Motion;
Galileos Law of Inertia.
Newtons Laws of Motion - three fundamental principles (called Newtons first, second, and
third laws) which form the basis of classical, or Newtonian, mechanical problems
not involving speeds comparable with the speed of light and not involving atomic or
subatomic particles.
Newtons Second Law - the law that the acceleration of a particle is directly proportional to the
resultant external force acting on the particle and is inversely proportional to the
mass of the particle; also known as Second Law of Motion.
Newtons Third Law - the law that, if two particles interact, the force exerted by the first particle
on the second particle (called the action force) is equal in magnitude and opposite
in direction to the force exerted by the second particle on the first particle (called the
reaction force); also known as Law of Action and Reaction.
NFPA - National Fire Protection Association
NG - Natural Gas
NG & GP - Natural Gas And Gas Products
NGL - Natural Gas Liquids; includes ethane, propane, butane and condensate.
Ni - Nickel
Nib - a small projecting point.
Nickel (Ni) Nickel (Ni) - a grayish-white, malleable metal element used especially in steels, alloys, and for
plating.
Nickel (Ni) - added to steel to improve strength
Nickel (Ni) - an alloying element used as a raw material for certain classes of stainless steel.
Nickel provides high degrees of ductility (ability to change shape without fracture)
as well as resistance to corrosion. Approximately 65% of all nickel is used in the
making of stainless steel.
Nickel (Ni) - in behavior, nickel is very similar to manganese and both lower the critical
temperatures. Eutectoid temperature is lowered progressively with the increase of
nickel (approximately 10 C for 1% of nickel) on heating, but the lowering of the
change on cooling is greater and irregular. The addition of nickel acts similarly to
increasing the rate of cooling of a carbon steel. With a constant rate of cooling, 5 to
8% nickel steels become troostitic; at 8 to 10% nickel, where a drop in cooling rate

appears, the structure is martensitic, while above 24% nickel the critical point is
depressed below room temperature and austenite remains. In mechanical
properties, much change takes place with the increase in the nickel content. Steels
with 0 to 5% nickel are similar to carbon steel, but are stronger on account of the
finer pearlite formed and the presence of nickel in solution in the ferrite. When 10%
nickel is exceeded, the steels have a high tensile strength and great hardness, but
are brittle. When the nickel is sufficient to produce austenite, the steels become
non-magnetic, ductile, tough and workable, with a drop in strength and elastic limit.
Steels containing 0.1% carbon and 2 to 5% nickel are used for case hardening, but
the principal pearlitic nickel steels in commercial use are those containing 0.25 to
0.40% carbon with 3 to 3.75% nickel. They are used for crankshafts, axles and
connecting rods. By quenching and tempering, nickel steels give superior
properties. Since Ac3 point is lowered, a lower hardening temperature than for
carbon steels is permissible and also a wider range of hardening temperatures
above Ac3 without excessive grain growth, which is hindered by the slow rate of
diffusion of the nickel. Martensitic nickel steels are not utilized and the austenitic
alloys cannot compete with similar manganese steels owing to the higher cost.
High nickel steels are used only for special purposes, owing to the marked influence
of nickel on the coefficient of expansion of the metal. Steel containing 0.2% carbon,
36% nickel and 0.5% manganese has practically zero coefficient of expansion
between 0 and 100 C. The alloy is called invar and is used in clocks. Binary
alloy, known as Permalloy, contains 78.5% nickel and 21.5% iron (the alloy is free
from carbon) and has high permeability in small magnetic fields. This alloy is
annealed at 900 C followed by air cooling at 600 C.
Nickel (Ni) - it occurs with iron in meteorites. Its principal ores are niccolite NiAs, millerite NoS
and pentlandite (NiFe)S. The metal is produced as an alloy containing iron and
other elements by roasting the ore and reducing with carbon. In the purification of
nickel by Mond process the compound nickel carbonye (Ni(CO)4) is manufactured
and then decomposed. The ore is reduced with hydrogen to metallic nickel under
conditions so that iron oxide is not reduced. Carbon monoxide is then passed
through the reduced ore at room temperature; it combines with the nickel to form
nickel carbonye, a gas. It is then passed into a decomposer, and heated to 150 C.
The gas decomposer, depositing pure metallic nickel and the liberated carbon
monoxide is returned to be used again. Nickel is white metal, with a faint tinge of
yellow. It is used in making alloys including the copper-nickel alloy (75% copper,
25% nickel) used in coinage. Iron objects are plated with nickel by electrolysis.
The metal is still less reactive than cobalt and displaces hydrogen only very slowly
from acids.
Nickel (Ni) - provides properties in steel such as improved toughness at low temperatures, good
resistance to corrosion when used in conjunction with chromium in stainless grades,
deep hardening, and ready response to conventional methods of heat treating.
Nickel Silver - an alloy of copper, zinc and nickel, that looks like silver.
Nickel Steel - it generally contains 4% nickel. The addition of nickel increases elasticity,
hardness and resistance to fatigue. It is generally used for making precision
instruments.
Niobium (Nb) - a rare, relatively unreactive, soft, bluish-gray metallic element with a brilliant
luster, resistant to corrosion, and formerly known as Columbium.
Nipple Nipple - 1) a small drilled bush or tubular nut; 2) a short length of externally threaded pipe.
Nipple - a short piece of pipe or tube, usually with an external thread at each end.
Nipple - A short piece of pipe threaded on both ends.
Nipple - a short piece of tubing, usually with an internal or external thread at each end, used to
couple pipes: also know as Bushing.
Nipple - any small projection with a hole through it, which a flow is regulated or machine parts
lubricated.
Nitric Acid (HNO3) - a colorless corrosive poisonous liquid
Nitride - a nitride coating is a very hard coating that will increase the hardness and thus wear life
of a surface. Useful when abrasive substances come into contact with equipment,
e.g. mud valves.

Nitriding Nitriding - a case-hardening process whereby nitrogen is introduced into the surface of metallic
materials (most commonly ferrous alloys). Typical processes include, but are not
limited to, liquid nitriding, gas nitriding, and ion or plasma nitriding.
Nitriding - a type of case hardening in which the steel materials are heated in an atmosphere of
ammonia (NH3) for a prolonged period and then cooled slowly. The heating
temperature for nitriding ranges from 480 to 550 C. In this process of casehardening the case is saturated with the nitrogen of ammonia. Besides increasing
surface hardness and wear resistance, nitriding provides a very good resistances to
corrosion due to atmospheric air, water, steam, etc.
Nitriding - case hardening of steel by holding it at a temperature of about 500 Celsius for
approximately two and a half days in an atmosphere of ammonia, with the object of
introducing nitrogen into the surface of the metal.
Nitrile Seals - nitride has excellent resistance to mineral oils and is specially formulated to give
low temperature flexibility coupled with resistance to most oil well fluids.
Nitrogen (N) - an element which is the colorless, odorless and tasteless gas making up fourfifths of the air we breathe.
Nitrogen Oxides (NOX) - a general term for nitrogen oxide gases, produced by combustion.
Nm - Newton meter
NO - describes the resting (non-activated) position of a valve. In this case the valve is Normally
Closed.
No. 1 Heavy Melt - obsolete steel scrap grade, at least one-quarter inch in thickness and in
sections no larger than five feet by two feet. Much of the metal comes from
demolished buildings, truck frames and heavy duty springs. Mini-mills are primary
consumers of No. 1 heavy scrap.
Noble Metals Noble Metals - metals such as gold, silver, platinum, etc. which have a relatively positive
electrode potential, and which do not enter readily into chemical combination with
non-metals. They have a high resistance to corrosive attack by acids and other
agents, and resist atmospheric oxidation.
Noble Metals - metals, such as gold, silver or platinum that are highly unreactive and resist attack
by acids, and so do not easily tarnish on exposure to air, and do not corrode;
(opposite of Base Metal).
NOC - National Oil Companies
Nodular Cast Iron - see Cast Iron
Nodularity - the volumetric proportion of spheroidal or nodular graphite to total graphite in a
ductile iron or a compacted graphite iron matrix.
Nodularity, Degree of - the volumetric proportion of spheroidal or nodular graphite to total
graphite in a ductile iron matrix.
Nodulizing Alloy - an alloy added to molten iron for the primary purpose of causing the
formation of spheroidal graphite during solidification.
No-Go-Gauge - a limit gauge designed not to fit a part being tested; usually employed with a go
gauge to set the acceptable maximum and minimum dimension limits of the part.
Noise Sources, Control Valve - control valve noise can be caused by the following: a) turbulent
flow of liquid, b) aerodynamic flow, c) liquid cavitation flow, d) mechanical vibration.
Nominal Dimension - nearest fractional equivalent to actual decimal dimension.
Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) - a dimensionless number used to indicate sizes of pressure pipe and
valves; used interchangeably with valve size in inches.
Nominal Size Nominal Size - 1) the standard dimension closest to the central value of a toleranced dimension;
2) size used for general identification.
Nominal Size - size used for purposes of general identification. The actual size of a part will be
approximately the same as the nominal size but need not be exactly the same. For
example, a rod may be referred to as inch, although the actual dimension on this
drawing is 0.2495 inch, and in this case inch is the nominal size.
Non Blooming - the absence of bloom.
Non Destructive Testing -

Non Destructive Testing - a means of testing the quality of materials without breaking or
otherwise damaging them. Example of non-destructive includes Dye Penetrant
Testing, Magnetic Particle Testing, Ultrasonic Testing and X-Ray Inspection.
Non Destructive Testing - any form of testing which is used to verify the integrity and expected
full service life of an item, which does not itself reduce longevity of that item.
Non Destructive Testing - any testing method which does not damage or destroy the sample.
Usually, it consists of stimulating the sample with electricity, magnetism,
electromagnetic radiation or ultrasound, and measuring the sample's response.
Non Destructive Testing - any testing method which does not involve damaging or destroying the
test sample; includes use of x-rays, ultrasonic, radiography, magnetic flux, and so
on.
Non Destructive Testing - methods of inspecting materials and products without affecting their
subsequent properties and performance.
Non Ferrous Materials - those which do not contain iron as principal constituent e.g., aluminum,
copper, zinc etc.
Non Ferrous Metal Non Ferrous Metal - a metal in which the major constituent is one other than iron.
Non Flashing - fluid state that does not change to a vapor phase at any normal operating
condition or temperature.
Non Hazardous Area - an area in which an explosive gas mixture is not expected in a quantity
such as to require special precautions for the construction and use of electrical
apparatus, cables and accessories.
Non Metallic Materials - plastics have low cost, light weight, good resistance to shock and
vibration, self-lubrication, ease of fabrication. However, these have low strength,
high thermal expansion, low heat resistance, high creep and deformation under
load and embrittlement at low temperature.
Non Pressure Thermit Welding - a thermit welding process carried out by superheated liquid.
The heat is generated by the chemical reaction of metal oxide and aluminum.
Non Pressure Welding - a welding operation carried out without external mechanical pressure.
Non Return Mechanism - the term for the part or assembly of parts operated by the flow of fluid.
Non Return Valve Non Return Valve - a valve which prevents reversal of flow by means of the non return
mechanism, the valve being opened by the flow of fluid and closed by the weight of
the non return mechanism when the flow ceases, or by back pressure; also
variously called Check Valve, Reflux valve, Retention Valve, Clack valve, BackPressure Valve.
Non Return Valve - see Check Valve
Non Return Valve - see Stop Check Valve
Non Sparking Apparatus - apparatus meeting the requirements of a recognized standard for
industrial equipment, which in normal service does not arc or spark or produce
ignition-capable hot surfaces.
Non Transferred Arc Process - a plasma arc welding process in which the arc is formed
between the electrode and the water cooled constructing nozzle. The arc is
independent of the workpiece. The main advantage of this process is that the arc
flame can be moved from one place to another and can be better controlled.
Nonhazardous Area - an area in which explosive gas/air mixtures are not expected to be
present so that special precautions for the construction and use of electrical
apparatus are not required.
Nonincendive - equipment and wiring which in its normal operating condition is incapable of
igniting a specific hazardous atmosphere or hazardous dust layer. Equipment and
wiring having exposed blanketed surface temperatures above 80 percent of the
ignition temperature in degrees centigrade of the specific hazardous dust layer are
NOT classed as nonincendive. The blanketed surface temperature shall be
determined at the outside surface of the enclosure beneath the surface of a dust
accumulation 0.2 inch or more thickness.
NON-IS - Non Intrinsically Safe
Nonreclosing Pressure Relief Device Nonreclosing Pressure Relief Device - a device for relieving internal pressure which remains

open when actuated and must be replaced or reset before it can actuate again.
Nonreclosing Pressure Relief Device - a device which remains open after relieving pressure and
must be reset before it can operate again.
Nordel 1070 - an ethylene propylene rubber by E. I. du Pont de Nemours Co.
Nordel - see EPT
Normal Operation - intrinsically safe electrical apparatus or associated electrical apparatus is in
normal operation when it complies electrically and mechanically with the
requirements of its design specification and is used within the limits specified by the
manufacturer.
Normal Operational Conditions - equipment is in normal operational conditions when it
conforms electrically and mechanically with its design specifications and is used
within the limits specified by the manufacturer. This includes: a) supply voltage,
current, and frequency, b) environmental conditions (including process interface), c)
all tool removable parts in place, (e.g., covers), d) all operator accessible
adjustments at their most unfavorable settings, and e) opening, shorting, or
grounding of nonincendive field wiring.
Normalizing Normalizing - 1) to heat steel in order to refine the crystal structure and to relieve internal stress
and improve strength; 2) heating a ferrous metal to a suitable temperature above
the transformation range (austenitizing), holding at temperature for a suitable time,
and then cooling in still air or protective atmosphere to a temperature substantially
below the transformation range.
Normalizing - a general type of annealing that usually involves air cooling of ferrous metals after
first heating to a specific temperature for a designated period of time. It is generally
done to soften and increase ductibility but not to as great a degree as full annealing.
The process is sometimes carried out on large or thick parts as a preliminary step in
a multistage heat-treating procedure.
Normalizing - a heat treatment applied to steel. It involves heating above the critical range,
followed by cooling in air, performed to refine the crystal structure and eliminate
internal stress.
Normalizing - heating a ferrous alloy to a suitable temperature above the transformation range
and then cooling in air to a temperature substantially below the transformation
range.
Normalizing - in heat treating ferrous alloys, to heat 50 to 100 F above the upper transformation
temperature, then cool in still air.
Normalizing - the process of normalizing is similar to that of annealing except that cooling is done
in air instead of cooling inside a furnace. The purpose is to refine the grains or to
reduce the size of the crystals and to remove all internal strains caused by cold
working. In normalizing, steels are heated to 40 to 50 C above the upper critical
temperature, soaked at the temperature for short period of time and then cooled
slowly in still open air. Normalized low carbon steels contain ferrite and pearlite.
Normalized medium carbon steel contains pearlite and cementite.
Normally Closed - a condition of no flow through a valve or other system when there is no input
signal.
Normally Closed - see Air To Open
Normally Closed (NC) Normally Closed (NC) - 1) a switch position where the usual arrangement of contacts permits the
flow of electricity in the circuit; 2) in a solenoid valve, an arrangement in which the
disk or plug is seated when the solenoid is deenergized; 3) a field contact that is
closed for a normal process condition and open when the process condition is
abnormal; 4) a valve with means provided to move to and/or hold in its closed
position without actuator energy supply; 5) relay contacts that are closed when the
coil is not energized; see also Field Contact.
Normally Closed (NC) - describes a valve that is "fail-safe" to the closed position. This is usually
accomplished by a spring built into the valve.
Normally Closed (NC) Valve - a valve with means provided to move to and/or hold in its closed
position without actuator energy supply; see Fail Close.
Normally Open (NO) -

Normally Open (NO) - 1) in a solenoid valve, an arrangement in which the disk or plug is seated
when the solenoid is energized; 2) a valve with means provided to move to and/or
hold wide open position without actuator energy supply.
Normally Open (NO) - a valve or other device which allows fluid flow when there is no input
signal. An input action must be applied to close the valve.
Normally Open (NO) - describes a valve that is "fail-safe" to the open position. This is usually
accomplished by a spring built into the valve.
Normally Open (NO) - see Air To Close
Normally Open (NO) Valve - a valve with means provided to move to and/or hold in its wide open
position without actuator energy supply; see Fail Open.
Normally Open Solenoid Valve - a valve in which the inlet port is open when the solenoid coil is
de-energized.
NOT - Notational As-Built
Not Closed Position - a position that is more than zero percent open. A device that is not
closed may or may not be open.
Notch Brittleness - the brittle property of a material causing fracture with small absorption of
energy in an Izod or Charpy test.
Notched-Bar Test - subjecting a notched metal test-piece to a sudden blow by a striker which is
performed by a pendulum or falling weight by which the energy of fracture is
measured; also called Impact Test or Izod Test.
Nox - Nitrogen Oxides
NPS NPS - Nominal Pipe Size
NPS - Nominal Pipe Size (inches)
NPS - Nominal Pipe Size in inches.
NPT - 1) National Pipe Threads; 2) Nominal Pipe Thread; 3) National Standard Pipe Thread
Taper
NPTF - National Pipe Thread - Female
NR - Natural Rubber
NRM - Not Required for this Material specification
NRO - Not Required for this Purchase Order
NRS - Non-Rising Stem
NS - Nominal Size (metric)
NTP - Normal Temperature and Pressure
NTS - Not To Scale
Nugget - a welding bead
Nut Nut - a small, usually hexagonal, piece of metal with a threaded hole through it, for screwing on
the end of a bolt.
Nut - an internally threaded fastener for bolts and screws.
Nut - the mating part of screwed members which get rotated to tighten their hold. The heads may
have various shapes, (square, hexagonal, etc.), to fit the wrenches used to rotate
them.

O - 1) Oxygen; 2) Original
O Ring O Ring - a flat ring made from synthetic rubber, used as an airtight seal or a seal against high
pressures.
O Ring - a gasket in the form of a ring with a circular cross section.
O Ring - a toroidal (doughnut shaped) sealing ring made of synthetic rubber or similar material.
The cross section through the torus is usually round or oval, but may be rectangular
or some other shape.
O Ring - a toroidal ring of circular cross-section which is made of rubber, neoprene or similar
material usually fitting into a carefully machined groove to provide a sealing
between two making parts; sometimes called O-Seal.
O Ring - a torus; a circle of material with a round cross section which effects a seal through
squeeze and pressure.
O Ring - a type of seal. An O-ring is a round elastomeric ring, ideally suited to be a compressed,
static seal between non moving parts. O-rings can be used as a face seal on a
valve, and used on rotating shafts inside a valve.
O Ring - an elastomeric or synthetic seal ring of circular cross section.
O Ring - an elastomeric sealing ring with an O-shaped (circular) cross section. It may be used as
a secondary seal or as a gasket.
O Ring Groove - space into which an O-ring is inserted and retained.
O Ring Seal - the combination of a gland and an o-ring providing a fluid-tight closure. (Some
designs may permit momentary or minimum leakage). a) Moving (dynamic) an oring seal in which there is relative motion between some gland parts and the o-ringoscillating, reciprocating, or rotary motion; b) Non-moving (static) an o-ring seal in
which there is no motion between any part of the gland and the o-ring (distortion
from fluid pressure or swell from fluid immersion is excluded).
OBF - Oil Based Fuels
Oblique Valve Oblique Valve - a screw-down stop-valve having a casing or body of spherical shape. The axis of
the stem is oblique to the body ends, which are in line with each other.
Oblique Valve - a type of globe valve having an inclined orifice that serves to reduce the
disruption of the flow pattern of the working fluid.
Oblique Valve - a valve having generally a spherical body in which the body ends are in line with
each other and in which the axis of the stem is oblique (not at a right angle) to that
of the body ends.
Oblique Valve - a valve having generally a spherical body in which the body ends are in line with
each other and in which the axis of stem is oblique to that of the body ends.
Obsolescence - decreasing value of functional and physical assets or value of a product or facility
from technological changes rather than deterioration.
Obsolescent Obsolescent - lower in physical or functional value due to changes in technology rather than to
deterioration.
Obsolete Obsolete - no longer satisfactory for the purpose for which obtained, due to improvements or
revised requirements.
Obsolete - no longer suitable for the intended use because of changes in technology or
requirements.
Occlusion - a) the mechanical process by which vapors, gases, liquids, or solids are entrapped
within the folds of a given substance during working or solidification; b) the
materials so trapped.
OCTG - Oil Country Tubular Goods
Octoid - pertaining to a gear tooth form used to generate the teeth in bevel gears; the octoid
form closely resembles the involutes form.
OD OD - 1) Outside Diameter; 2) Optical Density
OD - the measurement of the Outside Diameter of a circular part.
ODC - Over Dimension Cargo

OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer

Off - designating the inoperative state of a device, or one of two possible conditions (the other
being on) in a circuit.
Off Line - 1) a borehole that has deviated from its intended course; 2) a state in which
equipment or a subsystem is in standby, maintenance, or mode of operation other
than on-line.
Off Register - misalignment of mold halves causing out-of-round o-ring cross section.
Off the Shelf - available for immediate shipment.
Offset Offset - the amount by which something is out of line.
Offset - the steady-state difference between the desired control point and that actually obtained in
a process control system. The value of strain between the initial linear portion of
the stress-strain curve and a parallel line that intersects the stress-strain curve of an
arbitrary value of strain; used as an index of yield stress; a value of 0.2% is
common.
Offset Yield Strength - that stress at which the strain surpasses by a specific amount (called the
offset) an extension of the initial proportional portion of the stress-strain curve;
usually expressed in pounds per square inch.
Offshore Installation - an installation located in open saliferous water, at a location remote from
the nearest land.
OFW - Oxy Fuel Gas Welding
Ohm - the metric unit for electrical resistance; it is the resistance (or impedance) of a conductor
such that an electrical potential of one volt exists across the ends of the conductor
when it carries a current of one ampere.
OI - Operating Instructions
Oil Bath - oil, in which a piece of apparatus is submerged.
Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) - a label applied to the pipe products used by petroleum
exploration customers. Includes casing, drill pipe and oil well tubing, which,
depending on their use, may be formed through welded or seamless processes.
Oil Dilution Valve - a valve used to mix gasoline with engine oil to permit easier starting of the
gasoline engine is cold weather.
Oil Fired Furnaces - these are normally used for castings of non-ferrous materials.
Oil Groove - one of the grooves in a bearing which distribute and collect lubricating oil.
Oil Hardening Oil Hardening - the hardening of cutting tools of high carbon content by heating and then
quenching in oil, which cools it less suddenly than in water.
Oil Hardening - the hardening of steels of medium and high carbon content by heating to the
austenitic condition, followed by quenching into a bath of oil, resulting in a cooling
less sudden than is effected by water, and consequently a reduced risk of cracking.
Oil Hardening Steel - any alloy steel which will harden when cooled in oil instead of in water. The
limiting diameter or cross section which will harden fully in this manner must also be
stated, since this depends on the alloy composition and transformation
characteristics of the steel.
Oil Hole - a small hole for injecting oil for a bearing.
Oil Lift - hydrostatic lubrication of a journal bearing by using oil at high pressure in the area
between the bottom of the journal and the bearing itself so that the shaft is raised
and supported by an oil film whether it is rotating or not.
Oil Quench - the immersion of hot metal in oil, for purpose of tempering.
Oil Ring - a ring on a journal, dipping into an oil bath for lubrication.
Oil Ring Lubricated Bearing - a bearing in which a ring, encircling the journal and rotated by it,
raises the oil to lubricate the bearing from a reservoir into which the ring dips.
Oil Swell - the change in volume of a rubber article due to absorption of oil or other fluid.
Oiliness - the effect of a lubricant to reduce friction between two solid surfaces in contact; the
effect is more than can be accounted for by viscosity alone.
Oiliness Bearing - a self-lubricating bearing containing solid or liquid lubricants in its material.
OIM - Offshore Installation Manager
Olefins - a group of chemicals characterized by their straight or branched structure. Includes

ethylene, the largest volume petrochemical, and butadiene and propylene.

On - designating the operating state of a device or one of two possible conditions (the other
being off) in a circuit.
On Off Control On Off Control - a simple control system in which the device being controlled is either full on or
full off, with no intermediate operating positions; also known as On-Off System.
On Off Control - a system of control in which the final control element has only two positions from
which to choose; also known as Two-Position Control.
On Off Service - when the valve is being used to start or stop flow by being cycled to the full
open or full closed position.
On Off System - see On-Off Control
On Stream - of a plant or process-operations unit, being in operation.
On Stream Factor - the ratio of the number of operating days to the number of calendar days per
year.
On Stream Time - in plant or process operations, the actual time that a unit is operating and
producing product.
One Barrel - 42 gallons
One Piece Body Ball Valve - a ball valve which utilizes a one-piece body incorporating body
ends. There are five main variants of the construction: a) axial entry, b) top entry, c)
bottom entry, d) side entry, e) sealed.
One Piece Element Clamp - a one piece element clamp or pinch valve is a valve consisting of a
one piece flexible element or liner installed in a body with the element or liner
extending over the flange faces and acting as gaskets between the valve and
connecting piping; compare with Two Piece Element Clamp; see Pinch Valve.
One Piece Gland One Piece Gland - a bolted design in which the gland is integral with the gland flange.
One Piece Gland - a bolted design in which the gland of a valve is integral with the gland flange.
One-Sided Acceptance Sampling Test - a test against a single specification only, in which
permissible values in one direction are not limited.
OP - Operator
OPEC - Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries
Open Circuit Voltage - in welding, voltage across the terminals of a power source when no
current is flowing in the circuit.
Open Hearth Furnace - a broad, shallow hearth to refine pig iron and scrap into steel. Heat is
supplied from a large, luminous flame over the surface, and the refining takes seven
to nine hours. Open Hearths, at one time the most abundant steelmaking furnaces
among integrated companies, have been replaced by the basic oxygen furnace.
Operating Temperature - the nominal or average temperature of a fluid in a system.
Operation - a job, usually performed in one location, and consisting of one or more work
elements.
Operational Maintenance - the cleaning, servicing, preservation, lubrication, inspection, and
adjustment of equipment; it includes the minor replacement of parts not requiring
high technical skill, internal alignment, or special locative training.
Operator Operator - a mechanical device used to reduce the force required to operate a valve manually;
also called an Actuator.
Operator - a person whose duties include the operation, adjustment, and maintenance of a piece
of equipment.
Operator Training - the process to prepare the employee to make his expected contribution to
his employer, usually involving the teaching of specialized skills.
Optimum Cure Optimum Cure - the degree of vulcanization at which maximum desired property is reached.
Optimum Cure - the state of vulcanization at which the most desirable combination of properties
is attained.
OPU - Operating Units
Ordinary Lift Safety Valve - a valve in which the valve head lifts automatically at least D/24,
where D = bore of valve seat. These valves may be a) direct spring loaded, b)

direct weight loaded, c) weight and lever loaded, d) lever and spring loaded, e)
ramsbottom valve.
Ordinary Safety Valve Direct Spring Loaded - pop safety valve
ORF - Onshore Receiving Facility
ORFS - Orifice Flange Set
Organization Chart - graphic representation of the interrelationships within an organization,
depicting lines of authority and responsibility and provisions for control.
ORIC - Pressure Instrument connection on orifice flanges
Orifice - an opening inside the valve that can be either open or closed to control the passage of
media.
Orifice Meter - an instrument that measures fluid flow by recording differential pressure across a
restriction placed in the flow stream and the static or actual pressure acting on the
system.
Orifice Plate - a disk, with a hole, placed in a pipeline to measure flow.
Orthogonal - a term meaning at right angles.
Orthophosphoric Acid - see Phosphoric Acid
Orthotropic - the description applied to the elastic properties of material such as timber, which
has considerable variations of strength in two more directions at right angles to one
another.
OS&Y - Outside Screw and Yoke
OSFAM - Offshore Structure Fabricators Association of Malaysia
Osmium (Os) - a hard, dense, silvery-white metallic element, used in alloys and as a catalyst.
OSS - Optical Sensing System
Ounce - a unit of mass in avoirdupois measure equal to 1 over 16 pound or to approximately
0.0283495 kilogram. Abbreviated oz.
Ouncedal - a unit of force equal to the force which will impart an acceleration of 1 foot per
second per second to a mass of 1 ounce; equal to 0.0086409346485 Newton.
Outgassing - a vacuum phenomenon in which a substance spontaneously releases volatile
constituents in the form of vapors or gases. In rubber compounds, these
constituents may include water vapor, plasticizers, air, inhibitors, etc.
Outlet Port - a tubular opening through a chamber wall, usually flanged, permitting access for
pumping or the extraction of components from the chamber.
Output Power - the useful mechanical power measured at the shaft-end of a motor.
Output Shaft - the shaft that transfers motion from the prime mover to the driven machine.
Outside Diameter - the outer diameter of a pipe, including the wall thickness; usually measured
with calipers; abbreviated OD.
Outside Screw Outside Screw - in which the actuating thread of the stem is exterior to the bonnet. This may
take three forms: a) outside screw, stem rising with hand wheel. Where the hand
wheel is attached directly to the stem and rises with it when the valve is opened, b)
outside screw, stem rising through handwheel. Where the handwheel is attached to
a yoke sleeve or bridge sleeve which revolves in the yoke or bridge and through
which the stem rises when the valve is opened, c) outside screw, non-rising spindle,
rising stem. Where the handwheel is attached to a non-rising spindle and the stem
rises when the valve is opened.
Outside Screw - where the actuating thread of the valve stem is exterior to the bonnet; compare
with Inside Screw
Outside Screw and Yoke (OS&Y) Outside Screw and Yoke (OS&Y) - a stem design in which the threaded portion of the stem is
outside the pressure boundary of the valve. It must be used with a bonnet having a
yoke, which holds a yoke nut to allow valve operation.
Outside Screw and Yoke (OS&Y) - a valve design in which the stem threads are above the
packing gland or outside the valve body and there is a yoke to support the top or
outer end of the stem.
OVA - Organic Vapor Analyzer
Oven - a heated enclosure for baking, heating, or drying.
Over Center Locking - a gate valve mechanical feature which ensures that the valve will remain

closed in the event of loss of either air pressure or electrical power.

Over Cure Over Cure -

a condition resulting from vulcanizing longer than necessary to achieve full

development of physical strength; causes softness or brittleness and impaired ageresisting quality of the material.
Over Cure - a degree of cure greater than the optimum causing some desirable properties to be
degraded.
Overhaul Overhaul - a maintenance procedure for machinery involving disassembly, the inspecting,
refinishing, adjusting, and replacing of parts, and reassembly and testing.
Overhaul - to thoroughly examine and repair as necessary.
Overhead Position - a welding operation carried out from the underside of the joint.
Overlay - a covering; something that is laid over something else.
Overpressure - a pressure increase over the set pressure of a pressure relief valve. It is usually
expressed as a percentage of set pressure.
Override - to cancel the influence of an automatic control by means of a manual control.
Overshoot - the exceeding or surpassing of a target value as operating conditions change.
Overstrain - the result of stressing an elastic material beyond its yield point.
Overtravel Stop - on a butterfly valve, a lug that prevents the disc from rotating too far.
OWG - Oil, Water & Gas; see CWP
Oxidation Oxidation - the addition of oxygen to a substance. The oxygen of air oxidizes silicon of iron ore.
Oxidation - the process by which oxygen unites with some other substance, causing rust or
corrosion.
Oxidation - the reaction of oxygen on a compound, usually detected by a change in the
appearance or fell of the surface, or by a change in physical properties, or both.
Oxidation - this take places when any substance reacts chemically with oxygen. The rate at
which oxidation takes place depends on several factors, the most important being
temperature. Oxidation may be rapid, as in the case of uncontrolled combustion or
burning. Flame cutting relies on rapid combustion. The oxidation or rusting of steel
on the other hand is a relatively slow process. The rapid reaction of oxygen with
another substance can be dangerous and damaging, or it may be extremely useful.
Oxide Oxide - a compound of oxygen with another element or group.
Oxide - chemical compound of an element, usually metal, with oxygen.
Oxidize - 1) to become rusty; 2) a chemical reaction with oxygen.
Oxidizing Flame - a gas welding flame having an oxidizing effect.
Oxy Acetylene Cutting Oxy Acetylene Cutting - severing metal by means of chemical reaction of oxygen with the base
metal at elevated temperatures. The heat necessary for high temperature is
obtained from gas flames by combustion of acetylene.
Oxy Acetylene Cutting - the flame cutting of ferrous metals in which the preheating of the metal is
accomplished with a flame produced by an oxyacetylene torch; also known as
Acetylene Cutting.
Oxy Acetylene Welding Oxy Acetylene Welding - various gas combinations like oxy-hydrogen, oxy-benzene, oxy-propane
and oxy-acetylene are used for welding of metals. The selection of combustible gas
depends on many factors, such as a) temperature of the flame required, b) cost of
gases, c) material to be welded. Oxy-acetylene flame is most commonly used as it
produces a very high temperature of 3500 C at its hottest portion and is most
suitable for welding. However, an oxy-hydrogen mixture can be used for welding
metals of low melting point like magnesium, aluminum, lead, tin, zinc and their
alloys. In gas welding, care is needed that the gases used are highly pure, so that
the high temperature of the flame can be obtained. Even small amounts of
impurities like nitrogen, argon and water vapor have a marked effect on the flame
temperatures. Gas welding can be used for preheating the area of the section
being welded. This is not possible in arc welding. The flame temperature is also

lower than the arc. The flame can be adjusted to make it neutral, reducing or
oxidizing. An oxidizing flame is used for welding brasses and bronzes, reducing
flame for nickel alloys and hard-facing materials and neutral flame for welding lowcarbon steels.
Oxy Acetylene Welding - a process of joining metals by heating with a gas flame. The heat is
obtained by the combustion of acetylene and oxygen.
Oxy Acetylene Welding - the welding of steel is performed without any flux, while fluxes are
necessary for welding particularly all other metals. Oxygen cutting is used for
wrought iron, steel and cast iron.
Oxy Arc Cutting - severing metal carried out by chemical reaction between the metal and
oxygen. The heat necessary is supplied by the arc between the electrode and the
base metal.
Oxy Hydrogen Cutting - severing metal, effected by means of the chemical reaction of oxygen
with the base metal at an elevated temperature. The heat required for carrying out
the process is obtained by the combustion of hydrogen and oxygen.
Oxy Hydrogen Welding - a welding process carried out by the heat produced by the combustion
of hydrogen and oxygen.
Oxyacetylene Flame - flame which is obtained from the combustion of oxygen and acetylene,
fed from separate steel cylinders. It is used for cutting metals.
Oxyacetylene Torch - a torch that mixes acetylene and oxygen to produce a hot flame for the
welding or cutting of metal; also known as Acetylene Torch.
Oxygen Bomb - a chamber capable of holding oxygen at an elevated pressure which can be
heated to an elevated temperature. Used for an accelerated aging test.
Oxygen Bomb Aging - a means of accelerating the change in physical properties of rubber
compounds by exposing them to the action of oxygen at an elevated temperature
and pressure.
Oxygen Cutting Oxygen Cutting - any of several types of cutting processes in which metal is removed with or
without a flux by a chemical reaction of the base metal with oxygen at high
temperatures.
Oxygen Cutting - severing metal at elevated temperature, effected by means of the chemical
reaction of oxygen with the base metal.
Oxygen Lance - a length of cutting torch used in conveying oxygen to the point of cutting.
Oxygen Service - solenoid valves specified for oxygen service require special cleaning, handling
and packaging and are generally furnished free of any oils or contaminants.
Ozone Resistance - ability to withstand the deteriorating effect of ozone (which generally causes
cracking).

P - 1) Phosphorus; 2) Preliminary; 3) liquid hydrocarbon, non corrosive; 4) hydrocarbon, liquid,

sweet
P&ID - Piping and Instrument Diagram
P1 - used to designate Inlet Pressure
P2 - used to designate Outlet Pressure
PA - 1) Price Agreement; 2) Public Address; 3) Pascal
Pack Hardening - a form of case-hardening. It uses a solid carburizing medium which is packed
around the low carbon steel objects and the whole object is then heated for such a
time and such a temperature so as to allow carbon to diffuse into the surface to the
desired depth.
Packing Packing - 1) a sealing system consisting of deformable material of one or more mating and
deformable elements contained in a packing box which may have an adjustable
compression means to obtain or maintain an effective pressure seal; 2) a method
of sealing a mechanical joint in a fluid system. A material such as oakum or treated
asbestos is compressed into the sealing area (known as a "packing box" or "stuffing
box") by a threaded seal ring.
Packing - a class of seal that is used to provide a seal between two parts of a unit which move in
relation to each other.
Packing - a deformable sealing material inserted into a valve stuffing box which when
compressed by the gland provides a tight seal about the stem.
Packing - a device used to seal a valve or other components. It consists of a deformable material
or deformable mating element.
Packing - a flexible device used to retain fluids under pressure or seal out foreign matter; it
normally refers to a dynamic seal.
Packing - a sealing system that normally consists of a deformable material such as TFE,
graphite, asbestos, etc. It is usually in the form of solid or split rings contained in a
packing box that are compressed so as to provide an effective pressure seal.
Packing - any variety of materials such as carbon, cotton, hemp, or synthetic materials fit into a
seal chamber. The packing material is used to make sealing contact with the shaft
by adjustment of a gland which compresses the material against face and bore of
the seal chamber.
Packing - deformable non-metallic material formed into rings, used to form a seal between the
shell and the valve stem or shaft.
Packing - material which is inserted in the stuffing box of a pump to provide water tightness.
Packing - see Stuffing
Packing Box Packing Box - the chamber located in the bonnet which surrounds the stem and contains the
packing and other stem-sealing components.
Packing Box - the chamber, in the bonnet, surrounding the stem and containing packing and
other stem sealing parts.
Packing Box, Purged - a packing arrangement consisting of a lantern ring inside the packing
rings to permit introduction of a purge fluid to continually flush the space between
the stem and body.
Packing Chamber - see Stuffing Box
Packing Follower Packing Follower - a part that transfers a mechanical load to the packing from the packing flange
or nut.
Packing Follower - a ring shaped device that is installed on top of the packing to hold it in place.
It may also be used to adjust the pressure on the packing.
Packing Gland - a separate part from the gland flange, used to prevent uneven load distribution
against the packing.
Packing Nut Packing Nut - (usually associated only with small relatively low-pressure valves) a nut which itself
contains and compresses the packing in cases where a gland and stuffing box are
not used.
Packing Nut - a nut similar to a gland nut, but which itself contains and compresses the packing

in cases where a gland and stuffing box are not used; usually associated only with
small, relatively low-pressure valves.
Packline - oil flow that completely fills a pipeline.
Pad - 1) a layer of material used as a cushion for protection; 2) a projection of excess metal on a
casting forging, or welded part.
Paint - in the general sense, includes primers, enamels, varnishes, emulsions, catalyzed
coatings, bituminous coatings, and other organic coatings. Inorganic coatings
which are applied in the same manner as paints are included in this definition.
Painting - used to protect large areas of steel, particularly on structures where other methods
would be impractical: one could hardly paint dip a super tanker. The painting of
steel not only protects against rusting but also enhances the appearance. Although
painting appears to be a simple process, unless carried out correctly it will fail to
give prolonged protection.
Painting System - a term intended to include, with equal emphasis, not only the well accepted
components of a system such as surface preparation and paint materials, but also
the application, inspection, and safety functions.
Pallet - a tray or platform used in conjunction with a fork lift for lifting and moving materials.
PAMI - Positive Alloy Material Identification
Pan Bolt - a bolt with a head resembling an upside-down pan.
Pane - one of the sides on a nut or on the head of a bolt.
PAPA - Prepare to Abandon Platform Alarm
Parallel Gate Valve - double disc (gate) valve.
Parallel Slide Valve Parallel Slide Valve - a gate valve having one or two discs sliding between parallel body seats
without a spreading mechanism as in a double disc (gate) valve. The pressure of
the fluid forcing the downstream disc face against its mating body seat obtains the
effective closure.
Parallel Slide Valve - a gate valve in which the gate disc or discs are parallel to the seat or seats,
and closure is dependent on the mass of fluid holding the disc against the seat.
This type of valve is distinguishable by its stem, which runs between parallel guides.
Parallel Slide Valve - a valve in which the gate consists of one or two discs, without spreading
mechanism, which slide between parallel body seats, effective closure being
obtained by the pressure of the fluid forcing the downstream disc face against its
mating body seat.
Parent Metal - see Base Metal
Particulate Matter (PM) - finely divided liquid and solid material in gaseous emissions that result
from combustion or refining.
Parting Line - in casting, the dividing line between the two molding flasks that make up the sand
mold. It is also the dividing line between the two halves of the pattern.
PAS - Platform Automated System
Pascal Pascal - a unit of pressure equal to the pressure resulting form a force of 1 Newton acting
uniformly over an area of 1 square meter; symbolized Pa.
Pascal - a unit of pressure, equal to a force of one Newton per square meter.
Pascal - a unit of pressure, which equals 1 N/m2; abbreviated Pa.
Pascal - metric unit for pressure or stress
Pascals Law Pascals Law - a pressure applied to a confined fluid at rest is transmitted with equal intensity
throughout the fluid.
Pascals Law - in hydrostatics, a law which states that in a perfect fluid the pressure exerted on it
anywhere gets transmitted undiminished in all directions.
Pascals Law - it states that when a pressure is applied to a fluid enclosed in a container it is
transmitted to every portion of the fluid and walls of the container.
Pass - in metal rolling, the passage in one direction of metal deformed between rolls.
Passivate Passivate - a process for the treatment of stainless steel in which the material is subjected to the
action of an oxidizing solution which augments and strengthens the normal

protective oxide film providing added resistance to corrosive attack.

Passivate - to treat a metal in order to form a protective coating on its surface and reduce its
chemical activity.
Passivation of Metal - the chemical treatment of a metal to improve its resistance to corrosion.
Passive - 1) resistant to corrosion; 2) unreactive because of a thin inert surface layer of oxide.
Passive Metal - a metal which has a natural or artificially produced surface film that makes it
resistant to electrochemical corrosion.
Patch Bolt - a bolt with a countersunk head having a square knob that twists off when the bolt is
screwed in tightly; used to repair boilers and steel ship hulls.
Path Line - it is the path followed by a fluid particle in motion.
Pattern Pattern - a duplicate made of wood or metal of a part to be cast. It is used to form the mold into
which the molten metal is poured.
Pattern - in casting, the replica of the final object to be made with some modifications. The cavity
in the mold is made with the help of a pattern.
Pattern - pattern is a model of an object to form a cavity of a sand mould for casting. Materials
used for pattern making are: wood, metals (brass, aluminum, etc.), plaster, plastic
compounds, wax, etc.
PAW - see Plasma Arc Welding.
Pb - Lead
PBE - Plain Both Ends
PC - 1) Piece; 2) liquid hydrocarbon, Corrosive, onshore or offshore
PCN - Personnel Certification in Non-destructive Testing (British National Scheme)
PCTFE - Poly-Choro-Tri-Fluoro-Ethylene
PDA - Petroleum Development Act
PE - Plain End
Pearlite Pearlite - a finely laminated mixture of ferrite and cementite present in cast iron and steel; also
spelled Perlite.
Pearlite - a mixture of iron and cementite, which crystallizes during the slow cooling of hightemperature steel and cast iron.
Pearlite - the eutectoid mixture of ferrite and cementite. It consists of alternate layers of ferrite
and cementite in its grains. It is very strong, tough and possesses about 0.8%
carbon. It is stable below the critical temperatures. Its hardness is about 180 VPN.
Pectee - Ethylene-Chlorotrifluoroethylene. a Halar brand, for some external valve components;
it is also a valve body material for high temperature / high purity applications.
PEEK PEEK - (polyether-etherketone) a non-metallic material used as valve trim. It is a thermoplastic
suited for high temperatures and up to 450 psi. It is used for ball and butterfly valve
seats.
PEEK - Polyether-etherketone
Peel Test - a test to determine the adhesive strength of bonded strips of metals by peeling or
pulling the metal strips back and recording the adherence values.
PEFS - Process Engineering Flow Scheme
Penalty Clause - a clause sometimes put into a construction contract indicating the amount to be
paid as a penalty for non-fulfillment of a provision of the contract. It usually refers to
a penalty for each days delay beyond a specified completion date.
Penetration - in welding, the distance from the original surfaces of the base metal to that point at
which fusion ceases; also know as Depth of Fusion.
Peninsular Gas Utilization (PGU) - in Malaysia, an infrastructure development to process and
transmit natural gas fed from the fields offshore Terengganu to end-users in the
power, industrial and commercial sectors.
Penstock - a valve or sluice gate for regulating water or sewage flow.
Penstock Valve Penstock Valve - a type of simple gate valve, used to contain fluids in open channels. Often
found in waste water treatment plants.

Penstock Valve - a type of simple gate valve, used to contain fluids in open channels. Often
found in waste water treatment plants.
Penstock Valve - a vertically sliding gate usually in an open fluid channel, which seals against
abutments on the end walls of the downstream channel.
Percussion Welding Percussion Welding - a resistance welding process in which coalescence is produced over the
entire area of abutting surfaces, by the heat obtained by the arc from stored
electrical energy.
Percussion Welding - a resistance welding process in which coalescence is produced from the
heat of the arc by a rapid discharge of stored electrical energy followed by impact to
complete the weld. Since electrostatic capacitors are used in this process, it is also
known as electrostatic stored energy system or process of welding. It differs from
other welding processes, as in those processes a transformer is used, while in this
system discharge from a condenser is applied directly to the weld. The workpieces
to be welded are cleaned from grease, oil, dust, or rust. The workpieces are then
clamped into machine clamps or fixtures. The ends of the two pieces are brought
near to each other by application of light force. An arc between the workpieces is
struck. Then the welding force is applied. It extinguishes the arc and holds the
parts together while the weld cools. The welding force is then released and the
workpieces are unclamped. This process is suitable for welding copper and its
alloys, aluminum alloys, nickel alloys, low carbon steels, medium carbon steels,
stainless steels and high carbon steels. This process is advantageous as there is
complete absence of flash or upset. Heat treated and cold drawn metals can also
be welded. This process is limited to weld joints only.
Percussion Welding - a welding procedure in which heat is produced simultaneously over the
entire area of abutting surfaces from an arc produced by a rapid discharge of stored
electric energy, followed immediately by the application of pressure.
Perfect Lubrication - a complete, unbroken film of liquid formed over each of two metal surfaces
moving relatively to one another with no contact.
Periphery - the outside surface, especially that of a rounded object or body.
Perlite - see Pearlite
Permafrost - any rock or soil material that has remained below 32 F continuously for two or
more years.
Permanent Gas - a gas at a pressure and temperature far from its liquid state.
Permanent Pressure Drop - the unrecoverable reduction in pressure that occurs when a fluid
passes through a nozzle, orifice or other throttling device.
Permanent Set Permanent Set - 1) the extension which is remaining after removal of a load from a test piece
when the elastic limit has been exceeded; 2) the permanent deflection of any
structure after having been subjected to a load.
Permanent Set - an extension which remains in a test piece after the load has been removed, the
elastic limit of the material having been exceeded.
Permanent Set - permanent plastic deformation of a structure or a test piece after removal of the
applied load; also known as Set.
Permanent Set - the deformation remaining after a specimen has been stresses in tension for a
definite period.
Permeability Permeability - in casting, metal is poured in the mold at high temperatures. Heat from casting
causes evolution of steam and hot gases. As such, the mold must be permeable,
i.e., porous so that the gases can escape easily through it.
Permeability - in high vacuum devices, the degree of vacuum that can be maintained depends, in
part, upon the quantity of gas passing through (permeating) the wall or gasket from
outside the chamber. Materials used for gaskets and chamber walls should be of
low permeability.
Permeability - the rate at which a liquid or gas under pressure passes through a solid material by
diffusion and solution. In rubber terminology, it is the rate of gas flow expressed in
atmospheric cubic centimeters per second through an elastomeric material one
centimeter square and one centimeter thick (atm cc/cm2/cm/sec).

Perpendicular - vertical; at a right angle to something

PET - Polyethylene Terephthalate. Used on certain housings. (PETRA is a brand name of this
material).
Peter Out - to fail gradually in size, quantity, or quality; for example, a mine may be said to have
petered out.
PETRA - see PET
Petrochemicals - chemicals derived from petroleum :.i.e. feedstock for the manufacture of
plastics and synthetic rubber etc. petrochemicals include benzene, toluene, xylem,
styrene, and methanol.
Petroleum - means Stone Oil from the Latin petroleum, an inflammable liquid varying in color
(yellow-black), consisting mainly of hydrocarbons.
Petroleum is found in
sedimentary strata of the Earths crust.
Petroleum Engineering - the application of almost all types of engineering to the drilling for and
production of oil, gas, and liquefiable hydrocarbons.
Petroleum Processing - the recovery and processing of various usable fractions from the
complex crude oils; usable fractions include gasoline, kerosene, diesel oil, fuel oil,
and asphalt; also known as Petroleum Refining.
PFA - Perfluoroalkoxy (a thermoplastic)
PFD - Process Flow Diagram
PFP - Passive Fire Protection
PFS - Process Flow Scheme
PGU - Peninsular Gas Utilization
PH - the logarithm to the base ten of the reciprocal of the concentration of hydrogen ions in an
aqueous solution.
Phase - the type of state of a system, such as solid, liquid, or gas.
Phase Structure - Most metallic materials in general use are alloys since this allows their
properties to be manipulated for the most appropriate performance in use.
Although alloys are mixtures of identifiable individual metals, their combination can
precipitate quite complex intermetallic compounds. In a solution of metals, after
cooling and solidification, it may be possible to identify the original pure element
constituents, or there may be new combinations with two metals yielding a new
solid solution, or one identifiable metal may be suspended in a new solution. All of
these variants are individually identifiable to a metallurgist, and they are called
Phases. The formation of different but identifiable phases is controlled by the
temperature the metals are heated to and their rate of cooling as well as the relative
proportions of the original constituents used in the mixture. Atoms diffuse through
metals at different rates at different temperatures and this rate of movement is
arrested when the cooling process starts. Consequently, the final Phase Structure
is determined by the rate of cooling. This is why subsequent heat treatments to
metals have to be carefully controlled. Phase structures can be altered and this will
affect the strength and other properties of the metal. This explains why welding is
such a critical process and has to follow precise standards.
Philips Screw - a screw having in its head a recess in the shape of a cross; it is inserted or
removed with a Philips screwdriver that automatically centers itself in the screw.
Phosphating - a method for applying a thin layer of phosphate on a metal surface.
Phosphor Bronze - a hard copper-tin alloy, deoxidized with phosphorus, and sometimes
containing lead to enhance its machinability.
Phosphoric Acid - a transparent, crystalline, water-soluble compound used in rust removers and
for forming a corrosion resistant layer on iron and steel;
also called
Orthophosphoric acid.
Phosphorus Phosphorus - in appreciable amounts, it increases strength and hardness in steel, but at the
sacrifice of ductility and impact toughness, particularly in higher carbon steels that
are quenched and tempered. Consequently. for most applications phosphorus is
maintained below a specified maximum.
Phosphorus - phosphorus has a powerful tendency to segregate. Hence, steels with an average
phosphorus content of 0.05% have a few areas that contain 0.1%, which then
becomes dangerous. The phosphorus content should be kept at 0.02 to 0.05%.

Phosphorus forms Fe3P which dissolves in iron up to 1.7%, but in the presence of
3.5% carbon its solubility is reduced to 0.3% and the excess forms the brittle
eutectic found in cast iron.
Phosphorus - up to 0.15% (by weight) can harden steels, to aid accurate machining.
Physical Properties - such as shape, size, color, specific gravity, melting point, atomic structure
etc.
PIC - Project Inspection Coordinator
Pickling Pickling - a process of removing a coating of scale, oxide, tarnish, etc. from metal objects, in
order to obtain a chemically clean surface. It is usually accomplished by immersing
the metal in an acid bath. Acid pickling is a more convenient method of scale
removal in many cases than mechanical cleaning and sand blasting.
Pickling - preferential removal of oxide scale from the surface of metal by immersion in a strong
alkaline or inhibited acid solution.
Pickling - the process of chemically removing scale or oxide from metal objects to get a
chemically clean surface prior to galvanizing or painting. This is usually done by
immersion in an acid bath.
Pickling - the removal of scale, grease, or salt water deposits by dipping in a suitable dilute acid
circulating bath. It is done before bounding metals with high-grade adhesive.
Pieze - a unit of pressure equal to 1 sthene per square meter, or to 1000 Pascal; abbreviated pz.
Piezometer - an instrument for measuring fluid pressure, such as a gauge attached to a pipe
containing a gas or liquid.
Pig Pig - 1) an in line scraper for removing scale and deposits from the inside surface of a pipeline; a
holder containing brushes, blades, cutters, swabs, or a combination is forced
through the pipe by fluid pressure; 2) a crude metal casting, usually of primary
refined metal intended for remelting to make alloys.
Pig - a device which fits snugly inside an oil or gas pipeline, and is sent through it to clean or test
the inside, or to act as a barrier.
Pig - a handleable mass of metal (e.g. cast iron, copper or lead), cast in a simple shape for
transportation or storage, and subsequently remelted for purification, alloying,
casting into final shapes, or into ingots for rolling.
Pig - an in-line scraper (brush, blade cutter, or swab) forced through pipelines by fluid pressure;
used to remove scale, sand, water, and other foreign matter from the interior
surfaces of the pipe.
Pig Iron Pig Iron - a semi-refined iron with approximately 4% (by weight) of carbon, and also containing
unwanted elements such as silicon, manganese, sulphur and phosphorus. Pig iron
needs to be further refined to reduce the carbon content and the other undesirable
elements.
Pig Iron - crude iron produced by reducing iron ore in a blast furnace and casting it into pigs for
subsequent use in making steel, cast iron or wrought iron. Principal impurities are
carbon from 2.5 to 5%, and varying amounts of silicon, manganese, sulphur and
phosphorus.
Pig Iron - it is manufactured by smelting iron ore in a blast furnace along with coke, limestone and
hot air. Iron ore is a mineral substance. It contains iron oxide )Fe2O3) along with
silicon, manganese, sulphur, phosphorus as impurities. Iron ore used in India for
the extraction of iron contains at least 60% iron.
Pig Iron - the high carbon iron product obtained by the reduction of iron ores, typically in a blast
furnace or an electric furnace, and cast into uniform shapes having physical and
chemical characteristics suitable for end as foundry melting stock.
Pig Iron - the name for the melted iron produced in a blast furnace, containing a large quantity of
carbon (above 1.5%). Named long ago when molten iron was poured through a
trench in the ground to flow into shallow earthen holes, the arrangement looked like
newborn pigs suckling. The central channel became known as the "sow," and the
molds were "pigs."
Pigment - a solid coloring agent in paint.
Pillar / Bonnet Connection - (obsolete term) the bosses or flange on the bonnet to which the

pillars are secured.

Pillar Nuts - nuts used to secure the pillars to a valve bridge or to the bonnet.
Pillars Pillars - (obsolete term) distance pieces connecting the bridge to the cover; also formerly called
Columns.
Pillars - distance pieces connecting the bridge to a valve bonnet.
Pillars - the lower half of a journal bearing.
Pillars Nuts - (obsolete term) nuts used to secure the pillars to the bridge or to the bonnet.
Pilot Hole - a small hole drilled ahead of a larger borehole.
Pilot Tube - an instrument that measures the stagnation pressure of a flowing fluid, consisting of
an open tube pointing into the fluid and connected to a pressure-indicating device;
also known as Impact Tube.
Pilot Valve Pilot Valve - a device acting between the source pressure and the actuator that directs (controls)
flow.
Pilot Valve - a small valve requiring little power which is used to operate a larger valve.
Pilot Valve - a valve used to operate another valve or control.
PIM - Pre-Inspection Meeting
Pin - a cylindrical fastener made of wood, metal, or other material used to join two members or
parts with freedom of angular movement at the joint.
Pin Joint - a joint made with a pin hinge which has a removable pin.
Pinch Point - on a ball valve, the area of the seat insert that experiences an increased velocity
when the valve is seated closed and unseated open. This is where the seat seal
experiences the most wear.
Pinch Valve Pinch Valve - a valve consisting of a flexible elastomeric tubular member connected to two rigid
flow path ends in which modulation and/or shut off of flow is accomplished by
squeezing the flexible member into eventual tight sealing contact.
Pinch Valve - a valve consisting of a flexible elastomeric tubular member connected to two rigid
flow path ends in which modulation and/or shut off of flow is accomplished by
squeezing the flexible member into eventual tight sealing contact. The flexible
member may or may not be reinforced. The flexible member may or may not be
surrounded by a pressure retaining boundary consisting of a metal housing with
stem packing box. Squeezing of the flexible member may be accomplished by: a)
single stem and leverage acting from both sides so that the total collapse and
sealing occurs along the horizontal center line of the flexible member; b) double
stem action involving two separate actuator assemblies diametrically opposed, or c)
a separate source of fluid pressure applied to an annulus surrounding the flexible
member. A Clamp Valve is a pinch valve but with clamps and shaped inserts used
to provide stress relief in the creased area of the tubular member; see One Piece
Element Clamp, Two Piece Element Clamp.
Pinch Valve - a valve in which a flexible hose is pinched between one or two moving external
elements to stop the flow. This valve is often used in slurry and mining applications,
as its operation is not affected by solid matter in the medium. It is also used with
certain gases, as the absence of possible leak paths to the atmosphere ensures
good emission control.
Pinch Valve - a valve in which a flexible hose is pinched between one or two moving external
elements to stop the flow. This valve is often used in slurry and mining applications,
as its operation is not affected by solid matter in the medium.
Pinch Valve - a valve with a flexible flow tube, usually rubber, which is flattened to close the tube
and stop the flow.
Pinch Valve - particularly suited for applications of slurries or liquids with large amounts of
suspended solids. It seals by means of one or more flexible elements, such as a
rubber tube, that can be pinched to shut off flow.
Pinholes Pinholes - a fault in a casting or coating resulting from small blisters that have burst or from small
voids that formed during plating.

Pinholes

numerous small gas holes at the surface or just below the surface of castings,
generally occurring in the thicker parts of the casting as a reduction in the solubility
of gases in the metal as the metal cools.
Pinholes - numerous very small holes revealed on a casting surface after shot blasting. They are
caused due to a) high moisture content, b) faulty metal, c) dissolved gases in metal,
and d) sand containing gas-producing ingredients.
Pinion Pinion - 1) a small wheel in gear with a much larger one; 2) a small gear wheel meshing with a
rack.
Pinion - a small, toothed gear that engages with a larger wheel or rack.
Pinion - the smaller of a pair of gear wheels or the smallest wheel of a gear train.
Pinion - the smaller of two gear wheels, or the smallest gear in a gear train.
Pinion Leaf - a tooth of a pinion
Pinion Shaft - the external input shaft of certain gear operators which drive the internal reduction
gearing.
Pintle Pintle - a pin or bolt upon which some other part pivots or turns.
Pintle - a vertical pivot pin, as on a rudder or a gun carriage.
Pipe Pipe - a tube made of metal, clay, plastic, wood, or concrete and used to conduct a fluid, gas, or
finely divided solid.
Pipe - a type of fluid line whose dimensions are designated by nominal (approximate) inside
diameter and wall thickness.
Pipe - technically a tube used to transport fluids or gases. However, pipe and tube are often
used interchangeably in steel lexicon, with a given label applied primarily as a
matter of historical use.
Pipe - used to carry liquids, gases, or solids suspended in liquid, and is manufactured in a wide
range of materials, some of which are better suited than others for specific uses.
Pipe is roughly classified as either pressure pile, which can be subjected to internal
pressure such as for water supply system or drainage pipe, which is also called
non-pressure or gravity pipe and is used primarily for drainage, waste lines and
venting. Pipe is specified in terms of its internal diameter as opposed to tubing,
which is specified by the outside diameter. The term class refers to pressure pipes
and indicates pressure-resisting characteristics; the term schedule refers to wall
thickness.
Pipe Elbow Meter - a variable head for measuring flow around the bend in a pipe.
Pipe Fitting - a piece, such as couplings, unions, nipples, tees, and elbows for connecting
lengths of pipes.
Pipe Flange - a round, collar-like plate around the end of a pipe, used to join sections of pipe
together by bolting a matching flange on one pipe to another flange on the other
pipe. A blind flange is one without a hole for passage of liquids, used to close the
end of the pipe.
Pipe Run - the path followed by a piping system.
Pipe Scale - rust and corrosion products adhering to the inner surfaces of pipes; it decreases
ability to transfer heat and increases the pressure drop for flowing fluids.
Pipe Still - a petroleum-refinery still in which heat is applied to the oil while it is being pumped
through a coil or pipe arranged in a firebox, the oil then running to a fractionator with
continuous removal of overhead vapor and liquid bottoms.
Pipe Tap - a small threaded hole or entry made into the wall of a pipe; used for sampling of pipe
contents, or connection of control devices or pressure drop measurement devices.
Pipe Tee - a T-shaped pipe fitting with two outlets, one at 90 degrees to the connection to the
main line.
Pipe Thread - most commonly, a 60 degrees thread used on pipes and tubes, characterized by
flat crests and roots and cut with three quarter inch taper per foot (about 1.9
centimeters per 30 centimeters); also known as Taper Pipe Thread.
Pipe Wrench - a wrench with slightly curved, serrated jaws, designed to tighten the grip on the
pipe as the handle is turned; also called Stillson Wrench.

Pipeline Pipeline - a line of pipe connected to valves and other control devices, for conducting fluids,
gases, or finely divided solids.
Pipeline - a pipe laid across country, either on the surface or in a trench which is later filled in, to
transport oil, natural gas and many other substances over long distances.
Pipework - see Piping
Piping Piping - a system of pipes provided to carry a fluid; also known as Pipework.
Piping - can occur during the solidification of a steel in a slightly tapered ingot mold, placed
narrow end uppermost. Firstly, a layer of solid metal forms around the ingot walls
and contraction in liquid metal takes place that results in the fall of the level of liquid.
In this way, the successive layers of solid are formed, each accompanied by a fall in
the liquid metal that results in the formation of primary piping. When an ingot is
used with the narrow end up, a conical volume of steel still remains liquid, though
metal at the top has solidified. Solidification of this metal produces further cavity
known as secondary piping. Secondary piping can be prevented by using the wide
end of the mold upward. In this case, the shrinkage is counteracted by feeding
down the molten metal from the top, the region last to solidify. A brick-lined top at
the mold also helps in reducing primary piping. Though forging eliminates a lot of
piping, there are chances that the material may not weld properly during forging.
Piping or sinking also takes place in shaped castings. It is minimized by placing
feeders, risers, or reservoirs of molten metal to compensate for solidification
shrinkage. Some exothermic materials are also added at the top of the risers to
delay cooling at the top and compensate for shrinkage of metal during solidification.
Chills are also used to accelerate cooling at thick sections.
Piping And Instrumentation Drawing (P&ID) - 1) shows the interconnection of process
equipment and the instrumentation used to control the process. In the process
industry, a standard set of symbols is used to prepare drawings of processes. The
instrument symbols used in these drawings are generally based on Instrument
Society of America (ISA) Standard S5.1; 2) the primary schematic drawing used for
laying out a process control installation.
Piston Piston - a disc or short cylinder fitting closely within a tube in which it moves up and down, as in a
pump.
Piston - that part of the non-return mechanism of a piston non-return valve which works in the
dashpot cylinder.
Piston Check Valve - a type of lift check valve in which a dashpot is incorporated, consisting of a
piston and cylinder, which provides a cushioning effect during operation.
Piston Non Return Valve Piston Non Return Valve - a disc non-return valve in which is incorporated a dashpot, consisting
of a piston and cylinder, which provides a cushion effect during operation.
Piston Non Return Valve - dashpot valve
Piston Rod - in a linear actuator, a rod attached to the piston to transfer the pistons motion to
the valve stem via the stem adapter.
Piston Valve - a cylindrical type of steam engine slide valve for admission and exhaust of steam.
Pit Pit - a circular depression, usually small; also called Pock Mark.
Pit - a hollow or indentation in a surface.
Pit - a small surface cavity in a metal part or coating usually caused by corrosion or formed
during electroplating.
Pitch Pitch - a product of coal tar. It is used up to 3% in the form of ground powder. Pitch is used
along with clay and sulphite binder for making cores. Pitch provides hot strength to
the core in the presence of molten metal around the core.
Pitch - the distance between similar elements arranged in a pattern or between two points of
mechanical part, as the distance between the peaks of two successive grooves on
a screw.
Pitch Circle - in toothed gears, an imaginary circle concentric with the gear axis which is defined

at the thickest point on the teeth and along which the tooth pitch is measured.
Pitch Cone - a cone representing the pitch surface of a bevel gear.
Pitch Cylinder - a cylinder representing the pitch surface of a spur gear.
Pitch Diameter - the diameter of the pitch circle of a gear.
Pitting Corrosion Pitting Corrosion - a concentrated attack by oxygen or other corrosive chemicals in a boiler,
producing a localized depression in the metal surface.
Pitting Corrosion - passive metals have been resistant to a wide variety of corrosive media but
under certain conditions breakdown of the passive film may take place at various
points. Depending on conditions, this may lead to complete breakdown of the
passive film or the attack may concentrate at these initial areas, leading to rapid
failure by pitting.
Plain Carbon Steel - steels containing iron and carbon only.
Plane Strain - a deformation of a body in which the displacement of all points in the body are
parallel to a given plane, and the values of these displacements do not depend on
the distance perpendicular to the plane.
Planishing - smoothing the surface of a metal by a rapid series of overlapping, light hammer like
blows or by rolling in a planishing mill.
Plasma Arc Cutting - metal cutting by melting a localized area with an arc followed by removal
of metal by high-velocity, high-temperature ionized gas.
Plasma Arc Welding (PAW) - a welding process in which coalescence is produced by the heat
obtained from a concentrated arc set up between a tungsten electrode and a water
cooled nozzle. Arc plasma is the temporary state of a gas. The process employs
two inert gases. One gas forms the arc plasma and the second shields the arc
plasma. In plasma arc welding the arc is constructed with the help of a watercooled small diameter nozzle. The nozzle increases the gas pressure, intensely
raises the temperature, improves arc stability and arc shape. When electric current
is passed through a gas, the gas gets ionized. The ionized gas consists of
electrons and ions. Arc plasma is the temporary state of a gas. The energy on arc
plasma depends upon the electrical power used to create the arc plasma. The
temperature obtained by arc plasma is as high as 20000 C as compared to 3600
to 4000 C by the ordinary arc. Depending upon the nature of the arc, plasma arc
welding can be divided into 2 categories: 1) non -transferred arc process, and 2)
transferred arc process.
Plasma Arc Welding (PAW) Plasma Arc Welding (PAW) - metals are heated with a constricted arc between an electrode and
the workpiece (transferred arc), or the electrode and the constricting nozzle
(nontransferred arc). Shielding is obtained from the hot, ionized gas issuing from
the orifice which may be supplemented by an auxiliary source of shielding gas.
Plasma Torch - a torch in which temperatures as high as 50,000 Celsius are achieved by
injecting a plasma gas tangentially into an electric arc formed between electrodes in
a chamber; the resulting vortex of hot gases emerges at very high speed through a
hole in the negative electrode. To form a jet for welding, spraying of molten metal,
and cutting of hard rock or hard metals.
Plastic - any of a large number of synthetic, non-metallic materials (polymeric substances) that
can be molded by heat and / or pressure into any rigid or semi-rigid shape.
Plastic Collision - a collision in which one or both of the colliding bodies suffers plastic
deformation and mechanical energy is dissipated.
Plastic Deformation Plastic Deformation - deformation while a material is in a plastic state.
Plastic Deformation - permanent change in shape or size of a solid body without fracture resulting
from the application of sustained stress beyond the elastic limit.
Plastic Deformation - permanent deformation caused by stressing beyond the elastic limit.
Plastic Fracture - refers to the breakage of a metal under tensile load when being drawn out.
Plastic State - see Stress-Strain Relationship
Plastic Welding - a welding process in which the pieces of metal to be joined are heated to the
plastic state and then forced together by external pressure without the addition of
filler material.

Plasticate - to soften a material by heating or kneading; also known as Plastify.

Plasticity Plasticity - the ability of a material to undergo permanent deformation at a certain stage of
working. Plastic materials can be molded to any shape. Clay is a plastic material.
Plasticity - the property of a solid body in which it undergoes a permanent change in shape or
size when subjected to a stress exceeding a particular value, called the yield value.
Plasticity - the susceptibility of a material at a certain temperature and lading condition to exhibit
a permanent deformation after it gets induced by a stress taking it past the yield
point.
Plasticity - this property is the exact opposite of elasticity. It is the state of a material which has
been loaded beyond its elastic state. Under a load beyond that required to cause
elastic deformation (the elastic limit) a material possessing the property of plasticity
deforms permanently. It takes a permanent set and will not recover when the load
is removed.
Plasticize - to soften a material to make it plastic or moldable by adding a plasticizer or by using
heat.
Plasticizer - a substance, usually a heavy liquid, added to an elastomer to decrease stiffness,
improve low temperature properties, and improve processing.
Plastics - a broad classification covering a variety of non-metallic, synthetic or organic materials
capable of being molded or formed into desired shapes. Typical materials include
nylons and tetrafluoroethylenes such as Teflon.
Plastify - see Plasticate
Plastometer - an instrument for measuring the plasticity of raw or unvulcanized compounded
rubber.
Plate Plate - flat metallic materials greater than 5mm (3/16 in) thick.
Plate - sheet steel with a width of more than eight inches, with a thickness ranging from one
quarter of an inch to more than one foot; see Sheet Steel.
Plate - the flow control element of a wafer check valve.
Platform - set of facilities used to extract oil from sea fields. The platform rises above the sea.
Play - free or unimpeded motion of an object, such as the motion between poorly fitted or worn
parts of a mechanism.
PLC - 1) Public Limited Company; 2) Programmable Logic Controller
PLE - Plain Large End
Plenum - a condition in which air pressure within an enclosed space is greater than that in the
outside atmosphere.
Plug Plug - a term sometimes used to refer to the closure component in a valve.
Plug - see Closure Member
Plug - that component which is turned within the body to control the flow of fluid.
Plug - the flow control element of a plug valve.
Plug - the moveable part of the valve that makes contact with the valve seat when the valve is
closed; and which varies the area controlling the flow. The three most common
types of control valve plugs are contoured, V-port, and quick opening. A contoured
plug controls flow by a shaped end. and is usually end-guided at the top or bottom
(or both) of the valve body. A V-port plug has a cylinder (called a skirt) which rides
up and down in the seat ring. The skirt guides the plug, and by virtue of shaped
openings in the skirt, varies the flow area. Quick-opening plugs are machined to
provide maximum flow quickly when the plug lifts from its seat. These plugs can be
either end-guided or guided by wings riding in the seat ring.
Plug Cock Plug Cock - a small plug valve. Plug cocks have no provision for reducing friction between the
plug and body; also called a Cock.
Plug Cock - a taper-seated cock in which the plug is retained in the body by means of a washer,
screw and nut at the smaller end of the plug.
Plug Cock - see Plug Valve
Plug Components - those parts which are associated, but not integral, with the plug.

Plug Face - the surface of the plug or of the plug facing, which makes contact with the body seat.
Plug Facing - a deposit of material, different from that of the plug, on which the plug face is
formed.
Plug Fastening - comprises washer, screw and nut, or other device, to retain the plug in a plug
cock.
Plug Forming - thermoforming process for plastics molding in which a plug or male mold is used
to partially preform the part before forming is completed, using vacuum or pressure.
Plug Head - that part of the plug shank or stem to which the wrench or other operating device is
attached.
Plug Holding Down Plate - the component, of certain compound gland cocks, which seats the
plug.
Plug Holding Down Plate Fastening - comprise bolts, stud bolts, studs, set screws and nuts
used to secure the plug holding-down plate.
Plug Meter - a variable-area flow-meter in which a tapered plug, located in an orifice and raised
until the resulting opening is sufficient to handle the fluid flow, is used to measure
the flow rate.
Plug Packing - material inserted in a packed cock to effect a seal between the plug face and the
body seat.
Plug Port - the passage-way or passage-ways through the plug. These may be a) Straightthrough, b) Tee port, c) L or angle port, d) Double L or double angle port.
Plug Shank - the integral part of the plug which passes through the body or cover, and on which
the plug head is formed.
Plug Valve Plug Valve - 1) a valve with a closure member that may be cylindrical, conical or a spherical
segment in shape. It is positioned, open to closed, with rotary motion; 2) A type of
shutoff valve consisting of a tapered rod with a lateral hole through it. As the rod is
rotated 90 degrees about its longitudinal axis, the hole is first aligned with the
direction of flow through the valve and then aligned crosswise, interrupting the flow.
Plug Valve - a form of shut-off device, having a plug which can be turned to move its port or ports
relative to the body seat ports to control the flow of fluid and which incorporates
design features which reduce the friction between the plug face and the body seat
during turning of the plug and/or seal them against leakage.
Plug Valve - a type of valve using a cylindrical or conical flow control element with a passage
through it and that rotates 90 degrees from open to closed.
Plug Valve - a valve fitted with a plug that has a hole through which fluid flows and that is
rotatable through 90 degrees for operation in the open or closed position; also
known as Plug Cock.
Plug Valve - a valve which is quarter turn in operation and uses either a cylindrical or conical plug
as the closing member. A sealing compound is usually injected between the plug
and the valve body. Lubricated plug valves have a special lubricant, which also
acts as a seal, injected between the plug and the valve body. Eccentric plug valves
are non-lubricated and have a cylindrical seating surface offset from the center of
the valve stem. Sleeved plug valves have a soft inset between the plug and valve
body. Multi-ported valves have a special plug and body with various flow
configurations.
Plug Valve - a valve with a cylindrical rotating center, through the cylinder is a hole. When the
hole is correctly lined up fluid can flow through the valve. Similar to a stopcock but
on a larger scale.
Plug Valve - this multi-turn valve derives its name from the rotating plug which forms the closing
element. The plug may be cylindrical or truncated. In the open position, the fluid
flows through a hole in the plug. Lubricated plug valves rely on a sealing compound
injected between the plug and the valve body, while sleeved plug valves are fitted
with a soft insert between the plug and the body.
Plug Valve - this multi-turn valve derives its name from the rotating plug which forms the closing
element. The plug may be cylindrical or truncated.
Plug Valve - used primarily for on-off service and some throttling services. It controls flow by
means of a cylindrical or tapered plug with a hole in the center that lines up with the
flow path of the valve to permit flow. A quarter turn in either direction blocks the

flow path.
Plug Valve, Characterized Plug Configuration - plug with contoured face to provide various
flow characteristics.
Plug Valve, Cylindrical Configuration Plug - plug is cylindrical, with a flow passage through it,
or is a partial cylinder.
Plug Valve, Eccentric Configuration Plug - plug face is not concentric with plug stem centerline
and moves into seat when closing.
Plug Valve, Eccentric Spherical Disk Configuration Plug - disk is spherical segment, not
concentric with the disk stem.
Plug Valve, Lift - in which mechanical means are provided to lift the plug from the body seat
during turning of the plug.
Plug Valve, Lubricated Plug Valve, Lubricated - a design of a plug valve that uses injected sealant (lubricant) to reduce
the required operating force and achieve a tight seal against internal leakage.
Plug Valve, Lubricated - a plug valve which incorporates design features in which lubricant is
injected under pressure between the plug face and body seat.
Plug Valve, Non Lubricated - a plug valve which incorporates design features to reduce the
friction between the plug face and body seat during turning of the plug. Common
types are lift plug and split plug.
Plug Valve, Sleeved - a plug valve design that has a non-metallic lining on the body seating
surfaces.
Plug Valve, Split - in which the plug is split and mechanical means are provided to contract the
plug whilst it is being turned.
Plug Valve, Tapered Configuration Plug - plug is tapered and may be lifted from seating
surface before rotating to close or open.
Plug Valve, Venturi Plug Valve, Venturi - a valve with a substantially reduced opening through the plug, in which the
transition from each full opening end to the reduced opening is well streamlined.
Plug Valve, Venturi - a valve with a substantially reduced opening through the plug, in which the
transmission from each full opening end to the reduced opening is well streamlined.
Plug Weld - a series of holes drilled in one plate are fillet welded to join it to another overlaping
undrilled plate. Alternatively, pins, jig pins or plugs may project from one part
through holes in another to which they are then welded.
Plummet - a loose-fitting metal plug in a tapered rotameter tube which moves upward (or
downward) with an increase (or decrease) in fluid flow rate upward through the
tube; also known as Float.
Plunging - the formation of a barrier (plug) of solid material in a process flow system, such as a
pipe or reactor.
Ply - the number of strands or layers
PM - Particulate Matter
PMI - Positive Material Identification
PMIV - Positive Material Identification Verified
PN - Pressure Nominal (Metric)
Pneumatic Pneumatic - 1) a device which converts the energy of a compressible fluid, usually air, into
motion; 2) pertaining to or operated by a gas, especially air.
Pneumatic - a pneumatic valve is supplied with the pneumatic actuator alone, without a solenoid
valve; see Electro-Pneumatic.
Pneumatic - operated by compressed air
Pneumatic Control System - 1) a control system that uses air or gas as the energy source; 2) a
system which makes use of air for operating control valves and actuators.
Pneumatic Control Valve Pneumatic Control Valve - a spring loaded valve that regulates the area of a fluid flow opening by
changing position in response to variable pneumatic pressure opposing the spring
force.
Pneumatic Control Valve - a valve in which the force of compressed air against a diaphragm is
opposed by the force of a spring to control the area of the opening for a fluid

stream.
Pneumatic Controller - a device activated by air pressure to mechanically position another
device, such as a valve stem; also known as Pneumatic Positioner.
Pneumatic Test Pneumatic Test - a test in which a valve is tested with air; usually a seat closure test.
Pneumatic Test - pressure testing of a process vessel by the use of air pressure.
Pneumatic Valve - a valve for controlling gas
Pneumatics - engineering science relating to gaseous pressure and flow.
PNPP - Pipe Nipple
PO - Purchase Order
Polishing - in petroleum refining, removal of final traces of impurities.
Polishing Wheel - an abrasive wheel used for polishing.
Polyether Etherketone - see PEEK
Polyethylene - see Polythene
Polymer Polymer - a chemical compound or mixture consisting essentially of repeating structural units.
Polymers with special elastic properties are called elastomers.
Polymer - a compound composed of one or more large molecules that are formed from repeated
units of small molecules.
Polymer - a material formed by the joining together of many (poly) individual units (mer) of one or
more monomers; synonymous with elastomer.
Polymer - hydrocarbon chains made from monomers. The most common include widely traded
plastics like, polypropylene, polyethylene and polystyrene.
Polymeric Material - a compound formed by molecular bonding (polymerizing) of two or more
simple molecules (monomers). This material is commonly referred to as plastic.
Polymide - a high molecular weight polymer with high temperature stability (up to 375 C) and
low outgassing at high temperatures. It is used for gate, bonnet, poppet and other
seals. It absorbs large amounts of water when exposed to air. Thus it should be
avoided in systems which are frequently cycled using room air.
Polypropylene - a lightweight plastic that offers relatively high purity characteristics at a price
well below PVDF or PTFE. Impervious to many chemicals; also known as PP and
PPL.
Polysulfide Treating - a petroleum refinery process used to remove elemental sulfur from
refinery liquids by contacting them with a nonregenerable solution of sodium
polysulfide.
Polytetrafluoroethylene - see Teflon
Polythene - a waxy, translucent, easily molded thermoplastic, used for packing and insulating
materials, and to make pipes and molded articles.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) - a polymer used as raw material for many common products.
Pop Action - the action of a safety valve as it opens under steam pressure when the valve disk
is lifted off its seat.
Pop Valve - a boiler safety valve in which the head of the valve is shaped so as to cause the
steam to accelerate the rate of lift when a small lift occurs, giving rapid pressure
release.
Poppet Poppet - a gasket or O-ring carrier which moves the closure gasket or O-ring into position with
the valve seat and transfers sealing force to the gasket or O-ring to effect a leaktight seal.
Poppet - a spring loaded ball that engages a notch.
Poppet Valve Poppet Valve - a cam-operated or spring-loaded reciprocating-engine mushroom-type valve used
for control of admission and exhaust of working fluid; the direction of movement is
at right angles to the plane of its seat.
Poppet Valve - a mushroom shaped valve that controls the intake or exhaust of working fluid in a
reciprocating engine; it may be cam operated or spring loaded, and its direction of
movement is at right angles to the plane of its seat.
Porosity -

Porosity - a defect found in castings or welds consisting of gas bubbles or voids in the solidified
metal.
Porosity - a large number of holes in a casting. In casting, porosity may result in leaking castings
and reduced pressure tightness. Porosity can also occur due to a) dissolved
hydrogen or sulphur dioxide, b) excessive pouring temperature, c) damp ladles, d)
slow rate of solidification, and e) excessive moisture content of the mold.
Porosity - a welding defect which is the presence of gas pockets or inclusions in a weld. Gases
entrapped in the weld metal cause it. When the cavities formed are in tubular
shape, then the defect is known as piping or wormholes. A large associated cavity
due to the same cause is known as a blowhole. Some of the major causes of
porosity are the use of damp electrodes, very long arc, improper electrode,
improper current intensity and defective work surface. Rust, scale, oil, grease, or
galvanizing moisture on the surface promotes porosity.
Porosity - the quality or state of being porous.
Port Port - an internal or external terminus of a passage in a component.
Port - openings through which the media enters and exits the valve.
Port - the flow control orifice of a control valve. It is also used to refer to the inlet or outlet
openings of a valve.
Port - the internal or external terminus of a passage in a component.
Port - the plug opening in a plug valve; see Bore
Port - this term refers to the flow-controlling opening between the seat and the disc when the
valve is wide open. It does not refer to body size or end connection size. Standard
valve ports are the sizes normally used in the valves. Valves with reduced ports
have flow contequal to a smaller valve with a standard port. Example: A one-inch
valve with 3/4-inch reduced port size usually has the same flow-controlling area as
a 3/4 inch valve with standard port size.
Port Guide - a valve plug with wings or a skirt fitted to the seat ring bore.
Port Guided - a valve plug that fits inside the seat ring, which acts as a guide bushing.
Examples are Splined Plug, Hollow Skirt, and the Feather-Guide Plug.
Port Size - the diameter of the hole in the ball of a ball valve or plug valve.
Position Indicator Position Indicator - a device to show whether a valve is in the open or closed position.
Position Indicator - any external device which visually indicates the open and closed position of
valve.
Position Switch Position Switch - a pneumatic, hydraulic or electrical device which is linked to the valve stem to
detect a single, preset valve stem position.
Position Switch - a switch that is linked to the valve stem to detect a single, preset valve stem
position. Example: Full Open or Full Closed. The switch may be pneumatic,
hydraulic, or electric.
Position Transmitter - a device that is mechanically connected to the valve stem and will
generate and transmit either a pneumatic or electric signal that represents the valve
stem position.
Positioner Positioner - a control accessory that accepts a varying input signal and direct air to the actuator
to position the valve for flow control.
Positioner - a device used to position a valve with regard to a signal. The positioner compares
the input signal with a mechanical feed back link from the actuator. It then
produces the force necessary to move the actuator output until the mechanical
output position feedback corresponds with the pneumatic signal value. Positioners
can also be used to modify the action of the valve (reverse acting positioner), alter
the stroke or controller input signal (split range positioner), increase the pressure to
the valve actuator (amplifying positioner), or alter the control valve flow
characteristic (characterized positioner).
Positioner - a feedback device that aids in the accurate positioning of a valve closure or the
throttling element with respect to the magnitude of the signal being received.

Positioner - a position controller, which is mechanically connected to a moving part of a final

control element or its actuator, and automatically adjusts its output pressure to the
actuator in order to maintain a desired position that bears a predetermined
relationship to the input signal. The positioner can be used to modify the action of
the valve (reversing positioner), extend the stroke/controller signal (split range
positioner), increase the pressure to the valve actuator (amplifying positioner) or
modify the control valve flow characteristic (characterized positioner).
Positioner - device that ensures the closing or throttling element of a valve moves to or maintains
the correct position.
Positioner - devices that help control the opening and closing of valves remotely by controlling
pneumatic or hydraulic elements. Positioners can be controlled by adjusting
currents to its circuits or by using air. More and more positioners have feedback
control options.
Positioner - instrument attached to a pneumatic valve actuator, providing accurate, automatic
modulating control of the valve between the open and closed positions by
increasing, decreasing, and balancing the air supply to the actuator as determined
by a varying input signal generated by an external instrument source. While the
operation positioners may vary, the basic function is usually either the pneumatic
positioner, designed to receive a 3 to 15 PSI signal, or the electro-pneumatic,
designed to receive a 4 to 20 milliamp signal.
Positive Material Identification (PMI) Positive Material Identification (PMI) - a method for cross checking the identity of a piece of
material, often using a portable spectrometer, usually with x-rays (TN 9266, nuclear
analyzer) or a welding arc (Arc Met 900, optical spectrometer).
Positive Material Identification (PMI) - a procedure used to assure that specified metallic alloy
materials are properly identified as to their true elemental composition and are
marked according to specific industry standards and procedures.
Positive Position - the installation position of a multi-port valve such that the valves flow control
element is between the pressure inlet body openings and the body openings that
are closed off, thereby assisting in sealing the valve; compare with Negative
Position.
Post Cure - the second step in the vulcanization process for the more exotic elastomers.
Provides stabilization of parts and drives off decomposition products resulting from
the vulcanization process.
Post Guide - a guiding system where the valve stem is larger in the area that comes into contact
with the guide bushings than in the adjacent stem area.
Post Weld Heat Treatment (PWHT) - heating and cooling a weldment in such a way as to
obtain desired properties.
Postcure Bonding - a method of postcuring at elevated temperatures of parts in order to obtain
higher heat-resistant properties of the adhesive bond.
Postforming - forming, bonding, or shaping of heated, flexible thermoset laminates before the
final thermoset reaction has occurred; upon cooling, the formed shape is held.
Postheating - annealing or tempering a weldment to remove strain or prevent local hardening.
Pot Life Pot Life - the period of time during which paint remains useful after its original package has been
opened or after a catalyst or other additive has been incorporated; also known as
Spreadable Life and Useful Life.
Pot Life - the time interval, after mixing of paint or coating materials, during which the mixture can
be applied without difficulty or loss of final coating quality.
Potential Energy - the energy a substance has because of its position, its condition, or its
chemical composition.
Pounds - pressure classes are frequently referred to as pounds. For instance, a class 600 valve
is often called a 600 pound valve. This can be misleading, because a class 600
valve can contain an internal pressure of much more than 600 psi under some
conditions, but less than 600 psi under other conditions.
Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI) Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI) - a unit of pressure equal to the pressure resulting from a force of
1 pound applied uniformly over an area of 1 square inch; abbreviated psi.

Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI) - the force per unit area exerted against a resisting body.
Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI) - used to indicate the amount of pressure in a given piping
system.
Pounds Per Square Inch Absolute (PSIA) - the absolute, thermodynamic pressure, measured
by the number of pounds-force exerted on an area of 1 square inch.
Pounds Per Square Inch Differential - the difference in pressure between two points in a fluidflow system, measured in pounds per square inch; abbreviated psid.
Pour Point - the lowest temperature in which liquid will flow under specified conditions.
Pouring Basin - a small funnel-shaped cavity placed at the top of a mold. Molten metal is
poured into it from a ladle.
Powder Filling - an international term that describes a type of protection in which an enclosure
of electrical apparatus is filled with a material in a finely granulated state so that, in
the intended conditions of service, any arc occurring within the enclosure of an
electrical apparatus will not ignite the surrounding atmosphere. No ignition is
allowed to be caused either by flame or by excessive temperature of the accessible
surfaces of the enclosure. This type of protection is referred to by IEC as "Ex q".
Powder Metals - fabrication technology in which fine metallic powder is compacted under high
pressure and then heated at a temperature slightly below the melting point to
solidify the material. Primary users of powder metal parts are auto, electronics and
aerospace industries.
Power - the rate of doing work or the rate of expanding.
Power Actuated Pressure Relief Valve - a pressure relief valve connected to and controlled by
a device which utilizes a separate energy source.
Power Control Valve - a safety relief device operated by a power-driven mechanism rather than
by pressure.
Power Factor - the relationship between air pressure and surface area of the piston in an air
cylinder. Multiply the power factor by the air pressure you intend to operate at to
calculate the maximum working force of a cylinder. For example; I have a device I
wish to operate at 100 psi, which has a power factor of 1.4. 100x1.4=140. The
cylinder therefore has maximum force capability of 140 pounds.
Power Pack - the compact installation for the generation of the power source to serve the valve
actuators.
Power Source - the medium which drives the actuators.
Power Unit - A combination of pump, pump drive, controls, and conditioning components which
may be required for its application.
PP - see Polypropylene
PPL - see Polypropylene
PQR - Procedure Qualification Record
PRE - Pitting Resistance Equivalent
Pre Production Meeting - a meeting convened between the purchaser and vendor, to determine
full understanding by all parties of the purchase order specifications.
Pre Tension - the amount of tensile load applied to a bolt or tie-rod when it gets installed, but not
subjected to its working environment.
Precipitate - a suspension of small solid particles formed in a solution as a result of chemical
reaction.
Precipitation Hardening (PH) Precipitation Hardening (PH) - a small group of stainless steels with high chromium and nickel
content, with the most common types having characteristics close to those of
martensitic (plain chromium stainless class with exceptional strength) steels. Heat
treatment provides this class with its very high strength and hardness. Applications
for PH stainless steels include shafts for pumps and valves as well as aircraft parts.
Precipitation Hardening (PH) - hardening a ferrous metal by austenitizing and then cooling
rapidly enough so that some or all of the austenite transforms to martensite.
Precision Casting - a metal die is used to make wax (Lost Wax process) or a frozen mercury
(Mercast) pattern. This gets invested with refractory slurry forming a mould, which,
after drying and baking, can be used for casting into. The pattern melts and runs
out when the mould is warmed. Large numbers of very small accurate castings can

be made this way. The Lost Wax process is used only recently for steel.
Sometimes it is known as the Cire Perdue process. It was used for bronze and
precious metals by the ancient Egyptians and by Benvenuto Cellini among others.
Precision Grinding - machine grinding to specified dimensions and low tolerances.
Preclude - prevent; rule out; prohibit
Preheating - the application of heat to the base metal prior to a welding.
Preloading - for back-pressure-control gas valves, a weight or spring device to control the gas
pressure at which the valve will open or close.
PREN - Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number
PRES - Pressure
Press Fit - an interference or force fit assembled through the use of a press; also known as
Force Fit.
Pressure Pressure - a type of stress which is exerted uniformly in all directions; its measure is the force
exerted per unit area.
Pressure - measure of applied force compared with the area over which the force is exerted.
Pressure - the amount of force distributed over each unit of area, usually expressed in pounds
per square inch.
Pressure Class - a pressure rating expressed as a dimensionless number. The class rating
charts give actual pounds per square inch maximum allowable pressure at a given
temperature.
Pressure Containing Member - the part of a pressure relieving device which is in direct contact
with the pressurized medium in the vessel being protected.
Pressure Containing Parts Pressure Containing Parts - the valve parts whose failure to function as intended would result in a
release of retained fluid to the atmosphere such as bodies, bonnets, and stems.
Pressure Containing Parts - those parts whose failure to function as intended would result in a
release of retained fluid to the atmosphere. Examples are valve bodies, bonnets,
and stems.
Pressure Controlling Parts Pressure Controlling Parts - the valve parts intended to control or regulate the movement of
pressurized fluids, such as valve bore sealing mechanisms.
Pressure Controlling Parts - those parts intended to control or regulate the movement of
pressurized fluids, such as valve bore sealing mechanisms.
Pressure Die Casting - the usual die casting process in which the molten metal gets forced into
highly finished moulds under heavy pressure by plungers, compressed air or
combined methods.
Pressure Differential - the difference in pressure between any two points in a fluid system; also
called pressure drop.
Pressure Dye Test - a leak detection method in which a pressure vessel is filled with liquid dye
and is pressurized under water to make possible leakage paths visible.
Pressure Energized Seal - in a butterfly valve, a seal that is energized by interference fit
between the disk groove and valve liner and also by differential pressure acting
across the seal. The seal may be a solid section or have internal pressure ports.
Pressure Energized Stem Seal - a part and/or packing material deformable by fluid pressure
that bears against the stem to make a tight seal.
Pressure Forming - a plastics thermoforming process using pressure to push the plastic sheet
to be formed against the mold surface, as opposed to using vacuum to suck the
sheet flat against the mold.
Pressure Gas Welding - a gas welding process carried out simultaneously over the entire area
of abutting surfaces under pressure, without the use of filler metal.
Pressure Rating Pressure Rating - the maximum allowable internal force per unit area of a pressure vessel, tank
or piping system during normal operation.
Pressure Rating - the operating (allowable) internal pressure of a vessel, tank, or piping used to
hold or transport liquids or gases.
Pressure Recovery Factor (F1) - a number used to describe the ratio between the pressure

recovery after the vena contracta and the pressure drop at the vena contracta. It is
a measure of the amount of pressure recovered between the vena contracta and
the valve outlet. Some manufacturers use the term Km to describe the pressure
recovery factor. This number will be high (0.9) for a globe style valve with a
torturous follow path and lower (0.8 to 0.6) for a rotary style valve with a streamlined
flow path. On most rotary products the F1 factor will vary with the degree of
opening of the valve closure member. Note! F1 does not equal Km.
Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) - a pressure control valve whose primary function is to limit
outlet pressure.
Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) - a self-operating valve used to reduce any excess pressure in
a system, for example, steam. The valve opens if the internal pressure exceeds
that holding the valve disc onto the seat; also known as a PRV.
Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) - a self-operating valve used to reduce any excess pressure in
a system, e.g. steam. The valve opens if the internal pressure exceeds that holding
the closing element onto the seat.
Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) - a valve used to limit the outlet pressure from a source.
Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) - a valve which maintains a uniform pressure and keeps the
system full. It opens when the pressure and keeps the system full. It opens when
the pressure drops under 12 psi. and closes against higher pressure.
Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) - an automatic valve which reduces the upstream line pressure
to a given level downstream and maintains the reduced pressure irrespective of
upstream pressure change or variation in flow. Valves may be direct acting or pilot
operated, the latter having a small direct operated pilot which controls the main
valve.
Pressure Regulating Valve Pressure Regulating Valve - a valve that can assume any position between fully open and fully
closed, or that opens or remains closed against fluid pressure on a spring loaded
valve element, to release internal pressure or hold it and allow it to build up, as
desired.
Pressure Regulating Valve - a valve that releases or holds process-system pressure (that is,
opens or closes) either by preset spring tension or by actuation by a valve controller
to assume any desired position between full open and full closed.
Pressure Regulating Valve - a valve which is the reverse acting version of the pressure reducing
valve and maintains the level of upstream line pressure; sometimes called a
Pressure Maintaining Valve, Surplus Valve, Pressure Retaining Valve, Pressure
Sustaining Valve.
Pressure Regulator Pressure Regulator - a valve used to automatically reduce and maintain pressure below that of a
source.
Pressure Regulator - an open-close device used on the vent of a closed, gas-pressured system
to maintain the system pressure within a specified range.
Pressure Relief - a valve or other mechanical device (such as a rupture disk) that eliminates
system overpressure by allowing the controlled or emergency escape of liquid or
gas from a pressured system.
Pressure Relief Device Pressure Relief Device - 1) in pressure vessels, a device designed to open in a controlled
manner to prevent the internal pressure of a component or system from increasing
beyond a specified value, that is, a safety valve; 2) a spring-loaded machine part
which will yield, or deflect, when a predetermined force is exceeded.
Pressure Relief Device - a mechanism that vents fluid from an internally pressurized system to
counteract system overpressure; the mechanism may release all pressure and shut
the system down (as does a rupture disc) or it may merely reduce the pressure in a
controlled manner to return the system to a safe operating pressure (as does a
spring loaded safety valve).
Pressure Relief Valve Pressure Relief Valve - a pressure relief device which is designed to re-close and prevent the
further flow of fluid after normal conditions have been restored.

Pressure Relief Valve - a valve designed to open automatically to relieve pressure and keep it
below a designated level.
Pressure Relief Valve - a valve that automatically opens at a set pressure, allows fluid to
discharge, and automatically recloses when the fluid pressure drops below the set
pressure.
Pressure Relief Valve - a valve which relieves pressure beyond a specified limit and recloses
upon return to normal operating conditions.
Pressure Relief Valve - an automatic valve designed to automatically engage in the event that the
maximum working pressure of the system is exceed; also known as a pop-off
valve.
Pressure Relief Valve - an emergency type valve which bleeds water from pipes when the
system pressure exceeds a set amount. It is spring operated and should be
positioned where water discharge will not cause damage.
Pressure Relief Valve - designed to provide protection from over-pressure in steam, gas, air and
liquid lines. The valve "lets off steam" when safe pressures are exceeded, then
closes again when pressure drops to a preset level.
Pressure Retaining Member Pressure Retaining Member - that part of a pressure beyond a specified limit and recloses upon
return to normal operating conditions.
Pressure Retaining Member - that part of a pressure-relieving device loaded by the restrained
pressurized fluid.
Pressure Seal - a seal used to make pressure-proof the interface (containing surfaces) between
two parts that have frequent or continual relative rotational or transnational motion.
Pressure Seal Joint - a design of body-bonnet joint that uses the fluid pressure to compress a
specially designed seal ring to form a tight seal and prevent external leakage.
Pressure Spike - a sudden, brief rise in pressure.
Pressure Still - a continuous-flow, petroleum-refinery still in which heated oil (liquid and vapor) is
kept under pressure so that it will crack (decompose into smaller molecules) to
produce lower-boiling products (pressure distillate or pressure naphtha).
Pressure Surge - a pressure spike/excursion moving through the pipeline at sonic velocity,
produced by a sudden change in velocity of the moving stream that results from
shutting down a pump station or pumping unit, closure of a valve or any other
blockage of the moving stream.
Pressure Switch Pressure Switch - a switch that is operated by a change in the applied pressure.
Pressure Switch - an electrical switch operated by the increased decrease of fluid pressure.
Pressure System - any system of pipes, vessels, tanks, reactors, and other equipment, or
interconnections of them, operating with an internal pressure greater than
atmospheric.
Pressure Tap - a small perpendicular hole in the wall of a pressurized, fluid-containing pipe or
vessel; used for connection of pressure-sensitive elements for the measurement of
static pressures; also known as Piezometer Opening and Static Pressure Tap.
Pressure Temperature Ratings - the maximum allowable working pressures at specified
temperatures. For steel valves, the ratings are defined by "Classes" and are found
in ASME B16.34. For iron and bronze valves, the ratings are defined in the
applicable MSS specifications.
Pressure Thermit Welding - a thermit welding process in which heat is produced by
superheated liquid metal by chemical reaction of materials. The chemical reaction
takes place by iron oxide and aluminum.
Pressure Transducer - an instrument component that detects a fluid pressure and produces an
electrical signal related to the pressure; also known as Electrical Pressure
Transducer.
Pressure Vessel Pressure Vessel - a metal container designed to withstand a specified bursting pressure; it is
usually cylindrical with hemispherical end closures (but may be of some other
shape, such as spherical) and is usually fabricated by welding.
Pressure Vessel - a metal container, generally cylindrical or spheroid, capable of withstanding
bursting pressures.

Pressure Welding - any welding process where pressure is used to complete the weld.
Pressure, Absolute Pressure, Absolute - 1) the pressure measured relative to zero pressure (vacuum); 2) the
pressure above the absolute zero value of pressure that is theoretically obtained in
empty space or at the absolute zero for temperature, as distinguished from gauge
pressure.
Pressure, Absolute - PSIA. Sum of gauge pressure and atmospheric pressure.
Pressure, Absolute - the sum of atmospheric and gauge pressures.
Pressure, Absolute - the total pressure measured from an absolute vacuum. It is the sum of
gauge pressure and the prevailing atmospheric pressure measured on a barometer.
The unit of pressure is the Pascal (Newton per square meter). Secondary units
include dynes per square centimeter (metric), pounds per square inch (British),
inches of water, millimeters of mercury.
Pressure, Absolute - true pressure above absolute zero. It takes into account barometric
pressure and is the sum of such pressure and that created by other means above
or below atmospheric pressure and gauge pressure.
Pressure, Atmospheric Pressure, Atmospheric - force exerted on a unit by the weight of the atmosphere. The pressure
at seal level is 14.7 psi.
Pressure, Atmospheric - pressure exerted by the atmosphere at any specific location.
Pressure, Atmospheric - the barometric reading of pressure exerted by the atmosphere. At sea
level 14.7 lb per sq in. or 29.92 in. of mercury.
Pressure, Atmospheric - The pressure exerted by the atmosphere. Common units are psi,
Pascals (Newtons/meter2), Bars, and Dynes/cm2.
Atmospheric pressure
decreases approximately exponentially with altitude.
Pressure, Back Pressure, Back - the absolute pressure level as measured four pipe diameters downstream from
the turbine flowmeter under operating conditions, expressed in pascals.
Pressure, Back - the pressure exerted on the downstream side of a valve seat.
Pressure, Back - the pressure exerted on the downstream side of a valve.
Pressure, Back - the pressure on the upstream side of a valve seat.
Pressure, Back - the pressure uncountered by the return side of a system.
Pressure, Back - the static pressure existing at the outlet of a pressure relief device due to
pressure in the discharge system.
Pressure, Bearing - load on a bearing surface divided by its area; also known as Bearing
Stress.
Pressure, Built Up Back - pressure existing at the outlet of a pressure relief device occasioned
by the flow through that particular device into a discharge system.
Pressure, Closing Pressure, Closing - in a safety relief valve, the static inlet pressure at the point where the disc has
zero lift off the seat.
Pressure, Closing - the amount of static inlet pressure in a safety relief valve when the valve disk
has zero lift above the seat.
Pressure, Cold Differential Test - the inlet static pressure at which the pressure relief valve is
adjusted to open on the test stand, expressed in pounds per square inch gage.
This pressure includes the corrections for service conditions of back pressure or
temperature, or both.
Pressure, Cold Working (CWP) Pressure, Cold Working (CWP) - 1) the working pressure of a valve in psi at 100 Fahrenheit; 2)
the maximum pressure-retaining capability of a valve at ambient temperature. It is
marked on the valve as CWP. It is also known as the Water Oil Gas (WOG) rating;
see Water Oil Gas.
Pressure, Cold Working (CWP) - the maximum allowable pressure under non-shock conditions
at ambient temperature ( -20 F to +100 F).
Pressure, Cold Working (CWP) - the maximum pressure rating of a valve or fitting coincident
with ambient temperature, generally the range from -20 F to +100 F (-29 C to
+38 C).

Pressure, Constant Back - back pressure which does not change appreciably under any
condition of operation whether the pressure relief valve is closed or open.
Pressure, Design Pressure, Design - the maximum allowable working pressure permitted under the rules of the
ASME Construction Code.
Pressure, Design - the pressure used in the calculation of minimum thickness or design
characteristics of a boiler or pressure vessel in recognized code formulas; static
head may be added where appropriate for specific parts of the structure.
Pressure, Design - the pressure used in the design of a vessel or device for the purpose of
determining the minimum permissible thickness or physical characteristics of the
parts for a given maximum working pressure (MWP) at a given temperature.
Pressure, Design - the pressure which is used for calculating the minimum equipment wall
thickness required for pressure containment.
Pressure, Differential Pressure, Differential - pressure difference between the inlet line and the outlet line, i.e. 100 PSI
operating pressure on inlet minus 80 PSI back pressure from outlet line = 20 PSI
differential pressure.
Pressure, Differential - the difference in pressure between any two points of a system or a
component.
Pressure, Differential - the difference in pressure between two points in a system (e.g. the
difference between the discharge pressure and suction pressure in the pump).
Pressure, Differential Set - the pressure differential in pounds per square inch between the set
pressure and the constant superimposed back pressure. It is applicable only when
a conventional type safety relief valve is being used in service against constant
superimposed back pressure.
Pressure, Discharge - pressure of the oil as it exits a pump station.
Pressure, Gauge Pressure, Gauge - 1) pressure measured relative to ambient pressure; 2) the difference between
the local absolute pressure of the system and the atmospheric pressure at the place
of the measurement.
Pressure, Gauge - pressure above atmospheric pressure.
Pressure, Gauge - pressure measured relative to ambient pressure.
Pressure, Gauge - PSIG. Corrected pressure; the difference between a given pressure and that
of the atmosphere.
Pressure, Gauge - the amount by which the pressure measured in a fluid exceeds that of the
atmosphere.
Pressure, Gauge - the amount by which the total absolute pressure exceeds the ambient
atmospheric pressure.
Pressure, Head - the pressure to the height of a column or body of fluid. It is usually expressed
in feet.
Pressure, Hydrostatic - refers to the pressure in a liquid at rest; equals its depth multiplied by
its density.
Pressure, Impact - the pressure of a moving fluid brought to rest that is in excess of the
pressure the fluid has when it does not flow; that is, total pressure less static
pressure. Impact pressure is equal to dynamic pressure in incompressible flow, but
in compressible flow, impact pressure includes the pressure change owing to the
compressibility effect.
Pressure, Instrument - the output pressure from an automatic controller that is used to operate
a control valve. It is the input signal to the valve.
Pressure, Leak Test - the inlet pressure used for a standard quantitative seat leakage test.
Pressure, Loading - the pressure used to position a pneumatic actuator. It is the pressure that
is actually applied to the actuator diaphragm or piston. It can be the instrument
pressure if a valve positioner is not used or is bypassed.
Pressure, Maximum Allowable Operating - a rating indicating the maximum pressure at which a
pipeline or segment of a pipeline may be operated under the D.O.T. regulations in
normal conditions; also called Pressure Rating; see Pressure, Maximum
Allowable Working

Pressure, Maximum Allowable Working Pressure, Maximum Allowable Working - the maximum gage pressure permissible in the top of a
completed vessel in its operating position for a designated temperature. This
pressure is based on calculations for each element in a vessel using nominal
thicknesses, exclusive of allowances for corrosion and thickness required for
loadings other than pressure it is the basis for the pressure setting of the pressurerelieving devices protecting the vessel. The design pressure may be used in place
of the maximum allowable working pressure in cases where calculations are not
made to determine the value of the latter.
Pressure, Maximum Allowable Working - the maximum gauge pressure in a pressure vessel at a
designated temperature, used for the determination of the set pressure for relief
valves.
Pressure, Maximum Allowable Working - the highest gage pressure that can safely be applied to
an internally pressurized system under normal operating conditions. It is usually
well below the design bursting pressure and the hydrostatic test pressure for the
system, and is the pressure at which relief valves are set to lift.
Pressure, Maximum Operating - the highest pressure to which pressure containing equipment
is exposed during operation. It includes pressure caused by normal operation, i.e.
the highest operating pressure in one of the applicable heat and material balance
streams, and all normal transient conditions such as start-up, shut-down,
depressurizing, pigging, cleaning, flushing and purging. It does not include
pressure caused by equipment failure or incorrect operation.
Pressure, Maximum Shut Off (Delta-P) - the pressure of the media flowing into the valve
against which the valve will have to close.
Pressure, Maximum Working (MWP) - the maximum total pressure permissible in a device
under any circumstances during operation, at a specified temperature. It is the
highest pressure to which it will be subjected in the process. It is a designed safe
limit for regular use. NOTE: MWP can be arrived at by two methods: a) designed by adequate design analysis, with a safety factor; b) tested - by rupture testing of
typical samples; see Pressure, Design.
Pressure, Nominal (PN) - the maximum permissible working pressure in bar gauge at 20 C.
This rating is not generally used in the petroleum and petrochemical industries.
Pressure, Operating Pressure, Operating - the nominal or average pressure in a fluid system.
Pressure, Operating - the pressure to which the vessel is usually subjected in service, expressed
in pounds per square inch gage. A vessel is usually designed for a maximum
allowable working pressure, in pounds per square inch gage, which will provide a
suitable margin above the operating pressure in order to prevent any undesirable
operation of the relief device. (It is suggested that this margin be as great as
possible consistent with economical vessel and other equipment design, system
operation and the performance characteristics of the pressure relieving device.)
Pressure, Operating - the pressure which a system operates.
Pressure, Operating - the system pressure at which a process is operating.
Pressure, Partial - ideally, in a mixture of gases, each component exerts the pressure it would
exert if present alone at the same temperature in the total volume occupied by the
mixture. The partial pressure of each component is equal to the total pressure
multiplied by its mole fraction in the mixture. For an ideal gas, the mole fraction is
equal to the volume fraction of the component; see Mole.
Pressure, Piping - 1) the pressure at which a safety valve opens; 2) the pressure the pipe
cannot withstand without exceeding its design characteristics.
Pressure, Popping Pressure, Popping - in compressible fluid service, the inlet pressure at which a safety valve disk
opens.
Pressure, Popping - in compressible fluid systems, the inlet pressure at which a safety relief
valve opens.
Pressure, Proof - the nondestructive test pressure in excess of the maximum rated operating
pressure.
Pressure, Rated Working - the maximum internal pressure equipment is designed to contain,

not to be confused with test pressure.

Pressure, Resealing - the inlet pressure at which fluid no longer leaks past a relief valve after it
is closed.
Pressure, Rupture - the pressure, determined by test, at which a device will burst. NOTE: This
is an alternate to the design procedure for establishing maximum working pressure
(MWP). The rupture pressure test consists of causing the device to burst.
Pressure, Set Pressure, Set - the inlet pressure at which a relief valve begins to open as required by the code
or standard applicable to the pressure vessel to be protected.
Pressure, Set - the inlet pressure at which the pressure relief valve is adjusted to open under
service conditions, expressed in pounds per square inch gage. In a safety or safety
relief valve in gas, vapor, or steam service, the set pressure is the inlet pressure at
which the valve pops under service conditions. In a relief or safety relief valve in
liquid service, the set pressure is inlet pressure at which the valve starts to
discharge under service conditions.
Pressure, Set - the pressure at which a pressure relief valve begins to open. It is established by
adjusting the valve spring.
Pressure, Start-to-Leak - the amount of inlet pressure at which the first bubble occurs at the
outlet of a safety relief valve with a resilient disk when the valve is subjected to an
air test under a water seal.
Pressure, Static - the pressure in a fluid at rest.
Pressure, Steam Working - the maximum working pressure capability of a valve when used with
steam, provided that the steam temperature does not exceed the maximum for the
valve shell material. It is marked on the valve as S, SP, or SWP.
Pressure, Suction - pressure of the oil as it enters a pump station.
Pressure, Superimposed Back Pressure, Superimposed Back - the static pressure at the outlet of an operating pressure relief
device, resulting from pressure in the discharge system.
Pressure, Superimposed Back - the static pressure existing at the outlet of a pressure relief
device at the time the device is required to operate. It is the result of pressure in
the discharge system from other sources.
Pressure, Supply Pressure, Supply - the plant air supply pressure available to operate a pneumatic actuator.
Pressure, Supply - the pressure at the supply port of a device such as a controller, positioner, or
transducer. Common values of control valve supply pressures are 20 psig for a 315 psig output and 35 psig for a 6-30 psig output.
Pressure, Total - the gross load applied on a given surface.
Pressure, Vapor Pressure, Vapor - pressure at a given temperature below which a liquid will convert to a gas. It is
measured in pounds per square inch absolute (psia) and is a function of the
temperature of the liquid.
Pressure, Vapor - the maximum pressure exerted by a liquid (or solid) heated to a given
temperature in a closed container.
Pressure, Vapor - the pressure, at a given temperature, in which the liquid and gaseous phases
coexist in equilibrium.
Pressure, Working Pressure, Working - 1) the maximum pressure-retaining capability of a valve; 2) the pressure of
the fluid passing through a valve measured at the valve inlet. Fluid pressure varies
as it passes through the valve and is lower at the valve outlet.
Pressure, Working - the allowable operating pressure in a pressurized vessel or conduit, usually
calculated by ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) or API (American
Petroleum Institute) codes.
Pressure, Working - the maximum allowable operating pressure for an internally pressurized
vessel, tank or piping system, usually defined by applying the ASME Boiler and
Pressure Vessel Code or the API piping code.
Pressure, Working - the pressure (pounds per square inch) at which a valve is designed to
operate.

Pressure, Working - the pressure at which an apparatus or engine works, as distinct from its test
pressure.
Pressurization - the technique of preventing an external atmosphere, which may be ignitable,
from entering an enclosure by maintaining the internal pressure of the enclosure's
protective gas (with or without continuous flow) at a pressure level above that of the
external atmosphere. This type of protection is referred to by IEC as "Ex p".
NOTE: In the United States, pressurization is the process of supplying an enclosure
in a Class II application with clean air or an inert gas, with or without continuous
flow, at sufficient pressure to prevent the entrance of combustible dusts.
Presswork - the entire range of bending and drawing operations in the cold forming of sheet
metal products.
Pretensioning - process of precasting concrete beams with tensioned wires embedded in them;
also known as Hoyer Method of Prestressing.
PRIC - Pressure Instrument Connection on Piping
Primary Carbide - carbide precipitated in cast iron during solidification.
Primary Creep - see Primary Stage Creep
Primary Service Rating - the working pressure class rating for a valve.
Primary Stage Creep Primary Stage Creep - in the primary stage, relatively rapid expansion takes place, but at a
slower rate. Primary stage creep is of interest to a designer since it forms part of
the total extension reached in given time and may affect clearances. Thus it is of
much design value to engineers.
Primary Stage Creep - the initial high strain-rate region in a material subjected to sustained
stress.
Prime Mover - the source of mechanical power used to drive the pump or compressor.
Priming - in a boiler, the excessive carryover of fine water particles along with the steam
because of insufficient steam space, faulty boiler design, or faulty operating
conditions.
Principal - the person on behalf of whom an agent is acting; someone ultimately responsible for
fulfilling an obligation.
Principal Axis of Strain - one of the three axes of body that were mutually perpendicular before
deformation; also known as Strain Axis.
Principal Strain - the elongation or compression of one of the principal axes of strain relative to
its original length.
Priority Valve - a valve that directs flow to one operating circuit at a fixed rate and directs excess
flow to another operating circuit.
Procedure - a document that defines the purpose and scope of an activity and details how it is to
be carried out.
Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) - sets out the code essential variables under which
code qualification of the weld metal and weld joint properties are achieved. The
PQR documents the primary weld control data from which Welding Procedure
Specification production conditions are derived.
Process Process - a series of stages which a product (such as crude oil) passes through, resulting in the
development or transformation of it.
Process - a system or series of continuous or regularly occurring actions taking place in a
predetermined or planned manner to produce a desired result.
Process Annealing - heating a material, like steel or aluminum in sheet or wire form, between
cold-working operations, such as stretch forming or rolling, at just below its critical
temperature followed by slow cooling, to improve its structural properties.
Process Block Valve - the first valve off the process line or vessel used to isolate the
measurement piping; see Line Class Valve.
Process Control System - the automatic control of a continuous operation.
Process Piping - in an industrial facility, pipe work whose function is to convey the materials
used for the manufacturing processes.
Processing - the act of converting material from one form into another desired form.
Product - 1) an item or goods made by an industrial firm; 2) the total of such items or goods.

Product Analysis - the chemical analysis of a material done on a finished component to show
compliance with the material specifications. It usually has tolerances defined for
each element to allow for differences in the completed product compared to the
molten metal.
Product Line - 1) the range of products offered by a firm; 2) a group of basically similar
products, differentiated only by such characteristics as color, style or size.
Production - output, such as units made in a factory, oil from a well, or chemicals from a
processing plant.
Profiled Keyway - a keyway for a straight key formed by an end-milling cutter; also known as
End-Milled Keyway.
Profiling Machine - a machine used for milling irregular profiles; the cutting tool is guided by the
contour of a model.
Program - an undertaking of significant scope that is enduring rather than occurring within a
limited time span.
Project - a specifically defined task which is established to meet a single requirement, either
stated or anticipated, for research data, an end item of material, a major
component, or a technique.
Projection Welding Projection Welding - in it, the heat for welding is derived from the localization of resistance at
predetermined points by means of projections, embossments, under adequate
welding pressure.
Projection Welding - this process is a developed form of spot welding. In this process, spots at
which welding operation is to be performed are located by providing projections at
the desired located points on the surfaces of the workpieces. Different projections
are given on the surfaces and only surfaces where welding is to take place are in
contact with each other. In this case pressure is exerted mechanically, and as they
come in contact, current is switched on. The pressed workpieces get welded after
cooling at the projected surfaces. This method differs from spot welding, as in this
case welding is completed at different points, while in spot welding the welding
takes place at one spot only.
Proof Proof - reproduction of a die impression by means of a cast.
Proof - test, trial or demonstration
Proof Load Proof Load - 1) a load which is greater than the working load to which a structure or a mechanism
has been tested to ascertain whether it can withstand a like load without permanent
distortion or damage; 2) the product of the limit load and the proof factor of safety;
also called Test Load.
Proof Load - a predetermined test load, greater than the service load, to which a specimen is
subjected before acceptance for use.
Proof Resilience - the tensile strength necessary to stretch an elastomer from zero elongation to
the breaking point, expressed in foot-pounds per cubic inch of original dimension.
Propane Deasphalting - petroleum-refinery solvent process using propane to remove and
precipitate asphalt from petroleum stocks, such as for lubricating oils.
Proportional Elastic Limit - the greatest stress intensity for which stress is still proportional to
strain.
Proportional Limit - the greatest stress a material can sustain without departure from linear
proportionality of stress and strain.
Protective Finish - a coating applied to equipment to protect it from corrosion and wear; many
substances, including metals, glass, and ceramics, are used.
Protein Binders - caseine and glue are known as protein binders. These binders harden by
baking.
Proximity Limit Switch - a solid state switch is electrically tripped without mechanical contact
being made. This type of switch is generally used to interface with computer or
microprocessor controls.
PRT - Petroleum Revenue Tax
PSB - Pressure Seal Bonnet

PSC - Production Sharing Contract

PSE - Plain Small End
PSFS - Process Safeguarding Flow Scheme
PSI - the abbreviation for Pounds per Square Inch, the unit of pressure in the British Engineering
System.
PSIA PSIA - Pounds per Square Inch Absolute
Psia - Pounds per square inch absolute
PSIA - pounds per square inch, absolute. The sum of atmospheric pressure and gauge
pressure. This will vary with altitude.
PSIG PSIG - pounds per square inc, gauge. Pressure differential above or below atmospheric
pressure.
Psig - Pounds per square inch gage
PSIG - Pounds per Square Inch Gauge
PSSB - Petronas Carigali Sdn. Bhd.
PSV - Pressure Safety Valve
Psychrometer Psychrometer - a device comprising two thermometers, one a dry bulb, the other a wet or wickcovered bulb, used in determining the moisture content or relative humidity of air or
other gases; also known as Wet and Dry Bulb Thermometer.
Psychrometer - a device consisting of two thermometers, one a dry bulb, the other a wet bulb or
wick-covered bulb, used to determine the moisture content or relative humidity of air
or other gases.
Psychrometer - a device consisting of two thermometers, one of which is covered with a water
saturated wick, used for determining relative humidity; for a given set of wet bulb
and dry bulb temperature readings, relative humidity is read from a chart; also
known as Wet And Dry Bulb Thermometer.
Psychrometer - an instrument with wet-bulb and dry-bulb thermometers, for measuring moisture
in the air.
PT - 1) Liquid Penetrant Examination; 2) Pressure - Temperature
P-T - Pressure-Temperature
PTFE PTFE - Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon)
PTFE - Polytetrafluoroethylene; a type of fluorinated thermoplastic with outstanding chemical
resistance, low leachability, and excellent lubricity.
PTFE Bellows - a sealing mechanism that is made of PTFE, formed in a bellows shape, used on
some solenoid valves.
PTS - Petronas Technical Standards
PTT - Petroleum Authority of Thailand
PTTEP - PTT Exploration and Production Company of Thailand
Pull - to produce the required propelling power.
Pull In Torque - the largest steady torque with which a motor will attain normal speed after
accelerating from a standstill.
Pull In Torque (of a synchronous motor) - the maximum torque against which the motor will
pull its connected load into synchronism, at rated voltage and frequency, and when
the field circuit is energized, if the excitation is provided. (note: the pull-in torque
depends on the total inertia of the rotating parts).
Pull Out Torque - the largest torque under which a motor can operate without sharply losing
speed.
Pull Out Torque (of a synchronous motor) - the maximum torque a (synchronous) motor
develops at operating temperature and at synchronous speed with rated voltage,
frequency and field current.
Pull Strength - a unit in tensile testing; the bond strength in pounds per square inch.
Pull Up Torque (of an AC motor) - the smallest torque the motor develops between zero and
the speed which corresponds to the breakdown torque when the motor is supplied

at the rated voltage and frequency. (note: this definition does not apply to those
asynchronous motors of which the torque continually decreases with increase in
speed).
Pulsation Dampening - device installed in a fluid piping system (gas or liquid) to eliminate or
even out the fluid-flow pulsations caused by reciprocating compressors, pumps, and
such.
Pulsation Welding - a spot, projection or seam-welding process in which the welding current is
interrupted one or more times without release of pressure or change of location of
electrodes.
Pump Pump - a device that converts mechanical force and motion into hydraulic fluid power.
Pump - a machine that draws a fluid into itself through an entrance port and forces the fluid out
through an exhaust port.
Pump Controls - controls applied to positive-displacement variable delivery pumps to adjust
their volumetric output or direction of flow.
Pump, Axial Piston - a pump having multiple pistons disposed with their axes parallel.
Pump, Bucket - a pump having a bucket or piston which has valves through it for passage of the
fluid lifted.
Pump, Centrifugal - a pump that produces fluid velocity and converts it to pressure head.
Pump, Fixed-Displacement - a pump in which the displacement per cycle cannot be varied.
Pump, Force - a pump fitted with a solid plunger and a suction valve which draws and forces a
liquid to considerable height above the valve or puts the liquid under a considerable
pressure.
Pump, Radial Piston - a pump having multiple pistons disposed radially, actuated by an
eccentric element.
Pump, Slush - a pump normally used to circulate drilling fluids through the drill stem into the
annulus of the hole and to the surface for the purpose of removing cuttings and
maintaining a hydrostatic head.
Pump, Variable-Displacement - a pump in which the volume of fluid per cycle can be varied.
Pumping Station, Automatic - an installation on a pipeline that automatically provides the
proper pressure when a fluid is being transported.
Pup - on a butt weld valve, a valve extension welded on in the factory, to move welding heat
further away the seat when the valve is welded into a pipeline later. After the pup is
welded in the factory, the valve can be re-tested to ensure the pup welding did no
seat damage.
Purify - to remove unwanted constituents from a substance.
Push Down To Close - a term used to describe a linear or globe style valve that uses a direct
acting plug and stem arrangement. The plug is located above the seat ring. When
the plug is pushed down, the plug contacts the seat, and the valve closes. Note:
most control valves are of this type.
Push Down To Open - a term used to describe a linear or globe style valve that uses a reverse
action plug and stem arrangement. The plug is located below the seat ring. When
the plug is pushed down, the plug moves away from the seat, and the valve opens.
Push Fit - a hand-tight sliding fit between a shaft and a hole.
Push Nipple - a short length of pipe used to connect sections of cast iron boilers.
PV - Pilot Operated Valve
PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride. This is the most popular material used for plastic piping systems.
PVDF - Polyvinylidene Fluoride; a dense, high-purity plastic that is used in critical applications,
such as semiconductor manufacturing. Kynar PVDF is a trademark of Elf-Atochem.
PVF - Pipes, Valves, Fittings. Used to describe a segment of the plastics industry, or distributors
who specialize in these products.
PWHT - Post Weld Heat Treatment
PXT - Plain large end X Threaded small end
PXU - Plain large end X female thread small end
Pyrolysis - the chemical decomposition of a substance that occurs when it is heated to a high
temperature in the absence of air.

Q + T - Quench and Tempering

QA - Quality Assurance
QAR - Quality Assurance Requirements
QC - 1) Quality Control; 2) Quick Coupling
QEV - Quick Exhaust Valve
QMI - Quality Measuring Instrument
QP - Quality Plan
Quadrant - a frame, typically in the form of a quarter circle, enclosing a control lever.
Qualification - demonstrated skill, documented training, knowledge and experience required for
personnel to properly perform the duties of a specific job.
Qualified Valve - a valve that provides full conductance.
Quality Assurance - a series of planned or systematic actions required to provide adequate
confidence that a product or service will satisfy given needs.
Quality Control - inspection, analysis, and action applied to a portion in a manufacturing
operation to estimate overall quality of the product and determine what, if any,
changes must be made to achieve or maintain the required level of quality.
Quantimet - a machine which analyses material surfaces for microstructural variables such as
grain size, diameter, orientation etc. It was based originally on the optical
microscope, now extended to electron optical examination.
Quarter Turn Valve Quarter Turn Valve - a category of valves (such as ball and plug valves) which require just a 90
degree turn of the stem to move from the fully open to the fully closed positions.
Quarter Turn Valve - a valve whose flow control element is rotated through 90 degrees from open
to closed. It can be a ball valve, a butterfly valve, or a plug valve.
Quarter Turn Valve - category of valves (such as ball, plug, butterfly) which require just a 90
degree turn of the stem to move from the fully open to the fully closed position. See
also multi-turn. Note: some larger valves may, for simpler manual operation, be
fitted with gearboxes, giving them the appearance of a multi-turn valve.
Quench and Temper - quench hardening followed by tempering.
Quenching Quenching - a process of controlled, usually rapid, cooling of heated metal in liquid such as
water, brine, oil or molten salt, or in a gas such as air, nitrogen, hydrogen, argon or
various mixtures of hydrocarbons, to effect hardening to tempering.
Quenching - a process of cooling by plunging a heated object into a fluid, with the purpose of
retaining the material in a metastable state. Quenching into water gives a more
rapid cooling rate than into oil. The term also applies to cooling in salt and molten
metal baths or by means of an air blast. It is applied to steels heated above their
upper critical temperatures in order to harden them prior to tempering and to other
alloys for solution treatment prior to precipitation hardening.
Quenching - fast cooling of metal by dipping in oil. Instead of the normal crystal structure,
needle-shaped crystals of martensite form, creating a great deal of stress inside the
metal. Quenching is frequently followed by tempering, to reduce the internal
stresses created by quenching.
Quenching - rapid cooling. When applicable, the following more specific terms should be used:
Direct Quenching. Fog Quenching. Hot Quenching, Interrupted Quenching,
Selective Quenching, Spray Quenching, and Time Quenching.
Quenching - shock cooling by immersing liquid or molten material into a cooling medium (liquid or
gas); used in metallurgy, plastics forming, and petroleum refining.
Quenching - the dipping of heated steel into water, oil or other bath, to impart necessary
hardness.
Quenching - the rapid cooling of steels from an above-critical temperature by plunging them into
water, oil salt, a molten metal or a cold blast of air.
Quenching - to cool hot metal rapidly by plunging in cold liquid in order to alter its properties.
Quenching Oils - oils used in heat treating. Fish oils are much used but have offensive odors.
Mineral, fish, vegetable, and animal oils are often compounded and sold under
trade names.
Quick Opening Valve - a control valve with trim characteristic designed to produce large flow

capacity with small amount of valve opening.

Quill - a hollow shaft into which another shaft is inserted in mechanical devices.

R - Review
R / C PSC - Revenue-Over-Cost Production Sharing Contract
Ra - abbreviation for "Arithmetic Average Roughness Height" - the measure of the roughness of a
surface expressed in micro inches. The higher the number, the rougher the
surface. Used to designated the desired surface finish for end flange raised faces.
Rabbet - a joint formed by fitting one member into a groove, channel, or recess in the face or
edge of a second member.
Rabbling - stirring a molten charge, such as metal or ore.
Race Race - 1) the inner or outer steel rings of a ball bearing or a roller bearing; 2) a straight bar or a
flat plate having a series of equi-distant teeth on one face; see also Rack and
Pinion.
Race - a groove in which something (such as a ball bearing) moves or slides.
Race - either of the concentric pair of steel rings of a ball bearing or roller bearing.
Rack Rack - a bar containing teeth on one face for meshing with a gear.
Rack - a bar having teeth along one of its long faces for meshing with a gear.
Rack - a bar with teeth which connect the teeth on a pinion to convert linear motion into rotary
motion, or vice versa.
Rack and Pinion Rack and Pinion - a method of transforming rotary into linear motion, or vice versa; it is
accomplished by a pinion or small gear wheel which engages a straight, toothed
rack.
Rack and Pinion - an arrangement of a straight-toothed rack and a pinion which is used to
convert rotary into linear and reciprocal motion, generally a pinion wheel with a fixed
center actuating a movable rack.
Rack and Pinion - used to convert rotary motion to linear motion.
Radial - said of lines: spreading out from the center of a circle, like rays.
Radial Bearing - a bearing with rolling contact in which the direction of action of the load
transmitted is radial to the axis of the shaft.
Radial Force - in machining, the force acting on the cutting tool in a direction opposite to depth of
cut.
Radial Load Radial Load - a load exerted perpendicular to the axis.
Radial Load - load acting in a direction perpendicular to the shaft/axis, i.e. along the radius.
Radiation - an emission of varying energy content from a disturbed atom undergoing internal
change.
There are two broad classifications or types: a) Corpuscular compromising streams of particles either neutral or charged, e.g. protons, electrons,
neutrons; b) Electromagnetic - compromising wave-like emissions as gamma,
ultraviolet, etc.
Radiation Damage - a measure of the loss in certain physical properties of organic substances
such as elastomers, due principally to ionization of the long chain molecule. It is
believed that this ionization process (i.e. electron loss) results in redundant crosslinking and possible scission of the molecule. This effect is cumulative.
Radiation Dosage - the total amount of radiation energy absorbed by a substance. This value is
expressed in ergs per gram, and is denoted by the following units: a) Roentgen - a
quantity of gamma or x-ray radiation equal to approximately 83 ergs of absorbed
energy per gram of air; b) REP (Roentgen equivalent-physical) - a quantity of
ionizing radiation that causes an energy absorption of approximately 83 to 93 ergs
per gram of tissue; c) REM (ROENTGEN equivalent-man) - similar to REP except
used to denote biological effects; d) RAD - the unit of dosage related to elastomers.
It is independent of type of radiation or specimen, and denotes an energy
absorption level of 100 ergs per gram (of elastomer). The RAD is approximately
equal to 1.2 Roentgens.
Radiator Valve - a valve for controlling the flow of water through a radiator.
Radiographic Inspection (RT) Radiographic Inspection (RT) - a nondestructive inspection method using x-rays to locate

internal flaws in castings, fabricated parts and welds.

Radiography - the technique of examining the interior of an item by means of recorded images
(known as radiographs), which are produced by X-rays on photographic film.
Radiography Technique - the use of x-rays and i-rays, in the inspection of castings and forgings
for defects like blowholes, cracks, shrinkage cavities and slag inclusions, is of
primary metallurgical interest to a metallurgist. These defects are of special
importance in the components designed to withstand high temperature and
pressure employed in power plants, atomic reactors, chemical and pressure vessels
and oil refining equipment. The principal radiography technique is based upon the
principle of exposing the cast or forged metal to short wavelength radiations.
Casting are exposed to x-rays (wavelength 0.001 x 10-8 cm) and i-rays
(wavelength 0.005 x 10-10 cm to 3 x 10-8 cm) from suitable sources, i.e. x-ray tube
and cobalt 60, respectively. These rays can penetrate opaque matter and thus are
used to detect defects in the metal. The penetrating power of the x-rays is lesser as
compared to the i-rays. Thus, for small thickness x-rays are used and for greater
thickness i-rays are used.
Radius Rod - a rod which restricts movement of a part to a given arc.
Raffinate - in solvent refining, that portion of the treated liquid mixture that remains undissolved
and is not removed by the selective solvent; also known as Good Oil to petroleumrefinery operators.
Rag Bolt - see Barb Bolt
Raised Face (RF) - a flange face having a flat surface protruding 1/16 or 1/4 inch beyond the
outer flange face.
Raised Face Flanged Globe-Style Angle Control Valve - a valve design in which one port is
collinear with the valve stem or actuator and the other port (usually the inlet) is at
right angles to the valve stem.
Raised Faced (RF) Raised Faced (RF) - the raised area of a flange face which is the gasket sealing surface
between mating flanges. It is defined in ASME B16.5. Class 150 and 300 valves
have 0.06" RF and Classes 600 and up have a 0.25" RF.
RAL Paint - a European standard for paint colors in powder form. There are no standard paint
colors available in wet form.
Ramping - in the production of parts fabricated from composite materials, a gradual and
programmed sequence of changes in temperature or pressure that control curing
and cooling.
Ramsbottom Valve - in which the load is applied to two coupled valve heads by a tension
spring.
Rangeability Rangeability - the range over which a control valve can control. It is the ratio of the maximum to
minimum controllable flow coefficients. This is also called Turndown, although
technically it is not the same thing. There are two types of rangeability - inherent
and installed. Inherent rangeability is a property of the valve alone and may be
defined as the range of flow coefficients between which the gain of the valve does
not deviate from a specified gain by some stated tolerance limit. Installed
rangeability is the range within which the deviation from a desired installed flow
characteristic does not exceed some stated tolerance limit.
Rangeability - the ratio of maximum to minimum controllable Cv (Kv).
Rangeability - the ratio of the maximum controllable flow to the minimum controllable flow. For
instance, a valve with a rangeability of 50 to 1 and having a total flow capacity of
100 gal/min, fully open, will control flow accurately down as low as 2 gal/min. The
valve may or may not have tight shutoff. However, for this particular valve you
could not depend upon getting steady flow of, for instance, 1.5 gal/min if this were
necessary to maintain stable load conditions. Generally, rangeabilities in the range
of 50 to 1 or 40 to 1 are considered excellent for extreme precision of control.
Valves with high rangeability are very expensive to manufacture since very close
tolerances are involved between the disc and the seat. Competitively priced control
valves ordinarily have rangeability of less than 30 to 1. In many cases wide
rangeability compensates automatically for deviations from anticipated conditions

without loss of control.

Ranking Scale - a thermometer scale based on absolute zero of the Fahrenheit scale, in which
the freezing point of water is approximately 492 R.
Rat Distillate - a refinery designation for gasoline and other fuels as they come from the
condenser, before undesirable substances are removed by further processing.
Ratchet and Pawl Mechanism - a cogwheel (ratchet) with which a single pivoted catch (pawl)
engages, thereby disallowing any backward turning.
Rate - the speed of movement or change
Rate of Flow Control Valve - see Flow Control Valve
Rated Capacity - the manufacturers stated capacity rating for mechanical equipment, for
instance, the maximum continuous capacity in pounds of steam per hour for which
a boiler is designed.
Rated Flow Coefficient - the flow coefficient (Cv) of the valve at rated travel.
Rated Horsepower - the maximum or allowable power output of an engine, turbine or other
prime mover under normal, continuous operating conditions.
Rated Load Rated Load - the maximum design load for a machine, structure or vehicle.
Rated Load - the maximum load a machine is designed to carry.
Rated Output (Power) - the value of the output power included in the rating.
Rated Relieving Capacity - the measured relieving capacity for which the pressure relief device
is rated in accordance with the applicable code or standard.
Rated Supply Voltage - the supply voltage, or range of voltages, for which the manufacturer has
designed the equipment.
Rated Torque - the torque the motor develops at its shaft-end at rated output and speed.
Rating Rating - a designation of an operating limit for a machine, apparatus, or device used under
specified conditions.
Rating - the whole of the numerical values of the electrical and mechanical quantities, with their
duration and sequences, assigned to the machine by the manufacturer, the
machine complying with the specified conditions. (Note: the duration may be
indicated by a qualifying term).
Ratio - the value obtained by dividing one number by another, indicating their relative
proportions.
Ray - any of a set of lines fanning out from a central point.
RB - Reduced Bore
RC - Regular Cycling
Rc - Rockwell "C"
RCC - Remote Control Center
Re - (European rust scale)
Ream - to enlarge or clean out a hole.
RECB - Reducer Concentric Butt Weld Ends
Receiver - a container in which gas is stored under pressure as a supply source for pneumatic
power.
Recess - a surface groove or depression.
Reciprocating - moving back and forth, as a piston reciprocating in a cylinder.
Record Copy - a document to be retained at vendors premises and to be available for review
when required. This document is for record purposes and does not require
purchasers approval.
Recrystallization Recrystallization - 1) the change from one crystal structure to another, as occurs on heating or
cooling through a critical temperature; 2) the formation of a new, strain-free grain
structure from that existing in cold worked metal, usually accomplished by heating.
Recrystallization - a nucleation and growth process in which new, strain free grains in a metal or
alloy form from a distorted structure that has undergone at least a threshold amount
of cold work; it occurs in a few metals at room temperature but requires annealing
at elevated temperature for detectable amounts to occur in most.

Recrystallization Temperature Recrystallization Temperature - that marking a change in crystal form at which new crystals
nucleate and grow to consume the existing structure. Range of temperature
through which strain hardening disappears, approximately 0.6 tm.
Recrystallization Temperature - the minimum temperature at which a new strain-free structure is
produced in cold-worked metal within a specified time.
Recrystallization Temperature - the minimum temperature at which complete recrystallization of a
cold worked metal occurs in a specified time, usually one hour.
Reduce - 1) to undergo a chemical reaction in which a substance gains hydrogen or loses
oxygen; 2) to make into a more concentrated form: 3) to bring into a metallic state
by removing nonmetallic elements, i.e. to covert ore into metal.
Reduced Bore Reduced Bore - a valve bore (port) found on gate valves and ball valves that is substantially
smaller than full bore, approximately one pipe size on gate valves and 60% of full
bore on ball valves; compare with Full Port, Regular Port, and Venturi Port.
Reduced Bore - a valve bore opening that is smaller than the line size or the valve end
connection size; also called Reduced Port.
Reduced Bore - indicates that the internal diameter of the valve is lower than the piping to which
the valve is fitted.
Reduced Bore - indicates that the internal diameter of the valve is smaller than the piping to
which the valve is fitted as opposed to full bore; see Full Bore.
Reduced Bore Ball Valve - a ball valve having reduced bore round ports in the body throat,
body connector (s) and ball.
Reduced Opening Valve - a valve with either a venturi or other opening through the closure
mechanism.
Reducer Reducer - a fitting for connecting two pipes (or a pipe and a valve) of different sizes.
Reducer - a fitting having a larger size at one end than at the other and threaded inside, unless
specifically flanged or for some special joint.
Reducing Agent - either natural gas or coal can be used to remove the oxygen from iron ore in
order to produce a scrap substitute. In gas-based processes, the iron ore is heated
in a vessel as reformed natural gas passes through. In coal-based processes, iron
ore is combined with gasified or ground coal and heated. The oxygen in the ore
combines with carbon and hydrogen in the gas or coal, producing reduced, or
metallic, iron.
Reducing Coupling - a coupling used to connect a smaller pipe to a larger one.
Reducing Flame - a gas welding flame which has reducing effects.
Reducing Valve Reducing Valve - a valve which is used for reducing the pressure of a fluid in a supply line.
Reducing Valve - see Pressure-Reducing Valve
Reduction Reduction - 1) gain of electrons by a constituent of a chemical reaction; 2) removal of oxygen
from a chemical compound.
Reduction - the removal of oxygen from an oxide. Iron oxide is reduced to metallic iron by carbon
monoxide gas.
Reduction - this type of reaction may be considered as the opposite to oxidation in that its
function is to remove oxygen. The principle of reduction relies on the fact that in
nature some substances combine more readily with oxygen-rich compounds. The
oxygen can, under the correct conditions, be induced to change partners. A simple
example of this phenomenon is when hydrogen is passed over heated copper
oxide. A reaction takes place and the oxygen leaves the copper and combines with
the hydrogen to leave pure copper. (hydrogen + copper oxide = copper + water :
H2 + CuO = Cu + H2O). Thus copper is separated from its oxide by what is termed
a reduction process. Note: the heat allows the atoms of oxygen to escape more
freely. Reducing agents do not necessarily need to be gaseous, they may be solid.
There are two major examples of the use of reduction processes in engineering.
The first is employed in the steel industry to separate iron from iron oxide ore, and
the second is the protection of steel components while they are undergoing heat

treatment.
Reduction of Area - 1) commonly, the difference, expressed as a percentage of original area,
between the original cross-sectional area of a tensile test specimen and the
minimum cross-sectional area measured after complete separation; 2) the
difference, expressed as a percentage of original area, between original crosssectional area and that after straining the specimen.
REEB - Reducer Eccentric Butt Weld Ends
Refine - to free from impurities, as the separation of petroleum, ores, or chemical mixtures into
their component parts.
Refinery Refinery - a system of process units used to convert crude petroleum into fuels, lubricants, and
other petroleum-derived products.
Refinery - plant where hydrocarbons are separated and transformed into more marketable
products.
Refining - the process of converting crude oil into a more valuable commodity.
Refining Residuals - by-products of petroleum refining, largely consisting of petroleum-based
sludge, spent catalysts, and nonhazardous wastes.
Reflux Valve Reflux Valve - a check valve
Reflux Valve - a valve fitted on the delivery side of a pump so that the pump and its suction
system are protected against inertia surges in the delivery pipe.
Refractoriness - in casting, ferrous metals and alloys are poured into molds at temperatures of
1600 to 1800 C. It requires refractory properties of sand, i.e. it must be capable of
withstanding high temperatures.
Refractory Metals - a term applied to transition group elements in the periodic table which have
high melting points. They include chromium, titanium, platinum, tantalum, tungsten
and zirconium.
Register, Off or Uneven - see Off-register
Regrind - thermoplastic that has been processed once, then is placed in a grinder to be
shredded / pelletized for re-molding. In injection molding, runners etc. are often reground. No thermoplastic can be successfully reground and remolded indefinitely;
eventually the molecular bond begins to break down and the plastic is no longer
usable.
Regular Cycling - opening or closing a valve once a week or more.
Regular Pattern - having substantially full-area seats ports of rectangular or similar shape.
Regular Port - a valve bore (port) found on ball valves and plug valves that is smaller than full
bore, approximately 75% to 90% of full bore on ball valves and 60% to 70% on plug
valves; compare with Full Port, Reduced Port, and Venturi Port.
Regulating Valve - a valve intended for regulating purposes and which may have a clearance
between the disc and the body in the closed position.
Regulating Valve Regulating Valve - this valve type is used to regulate flows to provide a constant pressure output.
Regulation - the process of holding constant a quantity such as speed, temperature, voltage, or
position by means of an electronic or other system that automatically corrects errors
by feeding back into the system the condition being regulated; regulation thus is
based on feedback, whereas control is not.
Regulator Regulator - a device for controlling the supply of gases in welding.
Regulator - a device that maintains a desired quantity at a predetermined value or varies it
according to a predetermined plan.
Regulator - a type of control system or device that maintains the value of an output variable
constant relative to a set input value.
Regulator - the device by which the operating pressure of a compressed air system is controlled.
A regulator will allow you to variably adjust the pressure from the minimum to
maximum working pressure of the system.
Reinforcing Agent - material dispersed in an elastomer to improve compression, shear, or other
stress properties.

Reinforcing Bar (Rebar) - a commodity-grade steel used to strengthen concrete in highway and
building construction.
Relative Flow Coefficient - the ratio of the flow coefficient (Cv) at a stated travel to the flow
coefficient (Cv) at rated travel.
Relative Humidity Relative Humidity - the ratio between the weight of water vapor in the air and that in saturated air,
at the same temperature, which has the same as the corresponding ratio of the
vapor pressure.
Relative Humidity - the ratio of the quantity of water vapor actually present in the atmosphere to
the greatest amount possible at the given temperature.
Relaxation Relaxation - 1) relief of stress in a strained material due to creep; 2) the lessening of elastic
resistance in an elastic medium under an applied stress resulting in permanent
deformation.
Relaxation - decrease of stress with time at constant strain.
Relaxation Test - a creep test in which the decrease of stress in an elastic medium under an
applied stress resulting in permanent deformation.
Relay - an electrical switching device that, in response to a change in an electric circuit (such as
a small change in current), opens or closes one or more contacts in the same or
another circuit.
Relief Valve Relief Valve - a device used to protect piping and components from overpressure.
Relief Valve - a direct spring loaded valve normally closed, which automatically opens in the
event of pressure reaching a predetermined maximum limit. It thus provides
protection to that part of a system in which it is located.
Relief Valve - a pressure control valve whose primary function is to limit system pressure.
Relief Valve - a pressure relief valve designed for use with liquids.
Relief Valve - a safety device designed to open before dangerous pressure is reached.
Relief Valve - a safety valve
Relief Valve - a self-operated, fast acting valve which is used to bleed off excessive pressure in a
fluid system.
Relief Valve - a valve which automatically discharges fluid relieve pressure.
Relief Valve - an automatic pressure relieving device actuated by the static pressure upstream of
the valve, which opens in proportion to the increase in pressure over the opening
pressure.
Relief Valve (Safety) - an automatic pressure relieving device actuated by the pressure upstream
of the valve and characterized by opening pop action with further increase in lift with
an increase in pressure over popping pressure.
Remote Gate Valve - a remotely controlled block valve for the primary purpose of protecting
segments of the line in the event of a catastrophic pipeline break.
Repair - anything requiring at least partial disassembly of a valve.
Representative Sample - Positive Material Identification (PMI) testing of a sample, consisting of
one or more pieces (components) selected at random from the inspection lot, which
will be examined to determine acceptability of the inspection lot.
Reservoir Reservoir - a container for storage of liquid in a fluid power system.
Reservoir - a container used to store the liquid in a fluid power system.
Reservoir - a place where something is kept in store.
Resilience Resilience - refers to the power of an elastically strained body to spring back on removal of load.
Resilience - the capacity of a material to absorb or store energy. When a material is subjected to
external forces, it develops stress. When the stress is removed, the amount of
energy that can be recovered within the elastic limit is called the Elastic Resilience.
The energy stored per unit volume at the elastic limit is called the Modulus of
Resilience.
Resilience - the capacity of a material to absorb or store energy. When a material is subjected to
external forces, it develops stress. When the stress is removed, the amount of

energy that can be recovered within the elastic limit is called the elastic resilience.
The energy stored per unit volume at the elastic limit is called the modulus of
resilience.
Resilience - the stored energy of a strained or elastic material, such as on a compressed spring
or in rubber dampers which have inherent damping properties.
Resilient Resilient - able to return quickly to its original shape or position after being bent, twisted,
stretched, etc.
Resilient - capable of returning to original size and shape after deformation.
Resistance Resistance - an opposition to the flow of a fluid through a device or system. A measure of the
effect of friction.
Resistance - the resistance to flow in pipe or channel is expressed in ft head of water, and is
obtainable from various hydraulic formulae.
Resistance Brazing - a brazing process in which heat is produced due to resistance to flow of
current. This process is carried out above 430 C.
Resistance Coefficient - a measure of the resistance of a valve to fluid flow. It is determined by
the geometry of the valve.
Resistance Seam Weld - overlapping plates are joined by fusion as in a spot weld with the
electric current flowing between two rotating wheels.
Resistance Welding Resistance Welding - a group of welding processes in which coalescence is produced by the
heat obtained from resistance of the work to the flow of current.
Resistance Welding - a group of welding processes in which heat is obtained from resistance of
the work to electrical current in a circuit of which the work is one part.
Resistance Welding - a process of electric welding in which the pieces to be welded are raised to
the required temperature by the passage of a heavy current through them while
held in contact under mechanical pressure, e.g. butt welding, spot welding and
seam welding.
Resistance Welding - in resistance welding, coalescence is obtained by the heat obtained from
the resistance offered by the flow of electric current in a circuit of which the work is
a part, and by the application of pressures.
Resistance Welding - joins metals by the simultaneous application of pressure and heat.
Response Time Response Time - the time lag between a signal input and the resulting change of output.
Response Time - the time necessary for a closed valve to fully open, and for an open valve to
totally close. Voltage, pressure size and media affect response time. Typical
response times for solenoid valves is 10-12 milliseconds.
Restrictor - a device that reduces the cross-sectional flow area.
Restrictor, Orifice - a restrictor, the length of which is relatively small with respect to its crosssectional area. The orifice may be fixed or variable. Variable types are noncompensated, pressure compensated, or pressure and temperature compensated.
Retainer Retainer - a device that holds a mechanical component in place.
Retainer - a mechanical part that holds something in place.
Retaining Ring - a steel ring between the races of a ball bearing to maintain the correct
distribution of the balls in the races.
Retort - a vessel for heating metals such as iron and carbon to make steel.
Return - a bend or turn in a piping system that causes a change in flow direction.
Return Bend - a pipe fitting, equal to two ells, used to connect parallel pipes so that fluid flowing
into one will return in the opposite direction through the other.
Return Line - a line used for returning fluid back into the reservoir or atmosphere.
Return Valve - an overflow valve, which allows the return of fluid.
Reverse Acting - this term has several different meanings depending upon the device it is
describing. A Reverse Acting Actuator is one in which the actuator stem retracts
with an increase in diaphragm pressure. A Reverse Acting Valve is one with a
Push Down To Open plug and seat orientation. A Reverse Acting Positioner or a

Reverse Acting Controller outputs a decrease in signal in response to an increase

in set point.
Reverse Acting Controller - an air-operated controller in which the output pressure decreases
as the controlled medium increases.
Reverse Acting Valve - a valve that is normally closed and which requires an increase of fluid
pressure or other mechanical means to open.
Reverse Flange - a flange made by shrinking.
Reverse Polarity - in welding, the arrangement of D.C. current flow in which the electrode acts
as the positive pole and the workpiece acts as the negative pole.
Reversing Mill - the stand of rolls used to reduce steel sheet or plate by passing the steel back
and forth between the rolls; the gap between the rolls is reduced after each pass.
Review - mandatory review point. Applies only at the final documentation stage for a sales order
item.
Reynolds Number - a dimensionless criterion of the nature of flow in pipes. It is proportional to
the ratio of dynamic forces to viscous forces: the product of diameter, velocity and
density, divided by absolute viscosity.
RF - Raised Face
RFQ - Request For Quotation
RG - Ring Groove
RGS - Rigid Galvanized Steel
RH - 1) Relative Humidity; 2) Right Hand
Ri - (ISO rust scale)
Rig Rig - a collective term to describe the permanent equipment needed when drilling a well. It has
come to include the onshore and offshore vehicles, mobile platforms, or vessels on
which the equipment is installed. Offshore platforms are often referred to as oilrigs.
Rig - a tripod, derrick, or drill machine complete with auxiliary and accessory equipment needed
to drill.
Rim Pull - the force required at the edge of the handwheel to generate the required torque at the
center of the handwheel.
Rimmed Steel Rimmed Steel - a type of steel characterized by a gaseous effervescence when cooling in the
mold. This results in a relatively pure iron outer rim.
Rimmed Steel - the bulk of low carbon steel produced for sheets, nails, etc., is partially oxidized
by the addition of nearby 400 gms of aluminum to 1 ton of steel. When this partial
deoxidation is properly controlled, a thick rim of exceptionally pure metal solidifies.
The residual liquid is enriched sufficiently in carbon and oxygen for the reaction
FeO+C-> Fe+CO to occur. It forms deep-seated blowholes at a uniform depth
below the surface and piping is counteracted. The central core is enriched in
impurities and it corrodes more rapidly than pure iron.
Ring Joint Face - a flange face having a specially shaped groove located between the bolt holes
and the flange bore.
Ring Type Joint (RTJ) - a flange connection using a specially shaped soft metal ring as a
gasket. It is generally used on high pressure valves. It may be the body and
bonnet connection and / or the end flange connection.
Ringbolt - an eyebolt with a ring passing through the eye.
Riser Riser - a vertical pipe on an oil or gas rig.
Riser - a vertical steam, water, or gas pipe.
Riser - metal contracts on cooling. A riser is a reservoir of molten metal provided in a casting so
that hot molten flows back into the mold cavity when there is reduction in volume on
solidification.
RJ - Ring Joint
RMS RMS - Root Mean Square
RMS - Root Mean Square Roughness Height
Rockwell C Hardness (HRC) - a hardness value obtained by use of a cone-shaped diamond

indenter and a load of 150 kg, in accordance with ASTM E 18.

Rockwell Hardness - a measure of hardness of a material as determined by the Rockwell
hardness test.
Rockwell Hardness Test Rockwell Hardness Test - a commercial indentation test which uses a conical indenter for hard
metals and a spherical indenter for soft metals. The indentation is directly recorded
on a suitable dial after the load has been removed.
Rockwell Hardness Test - a test for determining the hardness of a material based upon the depth
of penetration of a specified penetrator into the specimen under certain arbitrarily
fixed conditions of test.
Rockwell Hardness Test - one of the arbitrarily defined measures of resistance of a material to
indentation under static or dynamic load; depth of indentation of either a steel ball
or a 120 degrees conical diamond with rounded point, 1.5875, 3.175, 6.35, 12.7
millimeters in diameter, called a brale, under prescribed load is the basis for
Rockwell hardness; 60, 100, 150 kilogram load is applied with a special machine,
and depth of impression under initial minor load is indicated on a dial whose
graduations represent hardness number.
Rockwell Hardness Test - Rockwell hardness numbers have been based on the additional depth
to which an indenter has been driven into a metal by heavy load beyond the depth
to which the same indenter has been driven by a light load, the conditions under
which this happens being arbitrary but definite. For the inspection of hard steel
parts the sphero-conical diamond Brale penetrator has been used with a major load
of 150 kg.
Rockwell Hardness Test - this machine uses different scales and loads, but B and C scales are
commonly used. B scale uses a 1/16 diameter hardened steel ball loaded with 100
kg. A diamond cone having 120 degree apex angle with 150 kg load is used for the
C scale. This machine simplifies the process of the Brinell testing, because in this
machine, microscopic reading are not required as the depth of the indentation has
been adjusted to give direct reading on the scale. As different indentors and loads
are used for scales B and C, different dials are used for taking readings. Actually,
the same dial is marked in two different colors to differentiate between the testings.
Scale B is used for soft materials and scale C for hard materials. The penetrator is
first loaded with a minor load of 10 kg to take out any slack in the machine and the
indicator for measuring the depth of the impression is set to zero. Then the major
load is applied and after its removal the dial gauge records the depth of the
impression in terms of Rockwell numbers.
Rod - round, thin semi-finished steel length that is rolled from a billet and coiled for further
processing. Rod is commonly drawn into wire products or used to make bolts and
nails. Rod trains (rolling facilities) can run as fast as 20,000 feet per minutemore
than 200 miles an hour.
Rod Out - the act of pushing a specially designed rod through a valve or opening to loosen
deposits.
Roentgen - see Radiation Dosage
Roll - a cylinder mounted in bearings; used for such functions as shaping, crushing, moving, or
printing work passing by it.
Rolled In Scale - rolled-in oxides of iron which form on the surface of hot steel.
Roller Bearing Roller Bearing - 1) a shaft bearing consisting of inner and outer steel races between which a
number of parallel or tapered steel rollers are located by a cage. It suits heavier
loads than a ball bearing. 2) roller bearings have a single or double row of straight
cylindrical rollers in a cage held between the two races. The rollers may be barrelshaped, concave or tapered to make the bearing self-aligning and capable of taking
greater thrust than ball bearings.
Roller Bearing - a bearing in a shaft which is composed of a number of steel rollers and located
by a cage between inner and outer steel races. Roller bearings can carry heavier
loads than ball bearings.
Roller Bearing - a bearing like a ball bearing but with small cylinders instead of balls.
Roller Bearing - a shaft bearing characterized by parallel or tapered steel rollers confined

between outer and inner rings.

Roller Bearings - hard steel cylinders in bearings which have very low frictional resistance.
Rolling Diaphragm - a type of seal, also senses pressure. This is a diaphragm formed in a
convoluted shape. It gets its name because as the stem moves, the diaphragm
"rolls" at the convolution. It is sometimes used in a manner similar to a U-cup; that
is, to seal the gap between a linear moving shaft and the valve body.
Rolling Mill - a factory or machine for rolling steel or other metal into sheets.
Room Temperature - the reduced range standard ambient (18 Celsius to 28 Celsius) stated in
footnote 5 of Table I of IEC 212.
Root Mean Square Value (RMS) - 1) a statistical averaging technique where all data are
individually squared, the average of those squares taken and the square root of that
average taken; 2) equal to 0.707 times the peak.
Root Valve - the first valve located in a sample line after it taps off the process. It is typically
located in close proximity to the sample tap.
ROS - Required On Site
Rotary Forging - rotary forging uses four mechanically driven hammers to rapidly exert force
simultaneously on four sides of the work piece. It results in spreading to take place
in the desired longitudinal direction.
Rotary Valve Rotary Valve - a valve for the admission or exhaust of working fluid, where the valve is a ported
piston or disk that turns on its axis.
Rotary Valve - a valve style in which the flow closure member is rotated in the flow stream to
modify the amount of fluid passing through the valve.
Rough Trim - the removal of superfluous material by pulling or picking. Usually the removal of a
small portion of the flash or sprue which remains attached to the product.
Roughness - a value entering into every formula for calculating flow through pipes
Round Opening Pattern - having full-bore round ports in both and plug
ROV - 1) Remote Operated Valve; 2) Remote Operated Vehicle
RR - Report Required
RS - Rising Stem
RT - 1) Radiographic Examination; 2) Radiographic Testing; 3) Run Torque; 4) Running-up
Time
RTD - Resistance Temperature Detector
RTFE - Reinforced Tetrafluoroethylene (Reinforced Teflon)
RTJ - Ring Type Joint
Rubber Rubber - it is an excellent material for seals and diagrams for water-lubricated bearings, for parts
subjected to vibratory forces. It should be protected from high temperature, oil and
sunlight.
Rubber - same as elastomer
Rubber Hardness Degree, International - a measure of the depth of penetration of an indenter
into an elastomer, used to monitor the degree of cure.
Rubber, Chloroprene - see Neoprene
Rubber, Conductive - a rubber capable of conducting electricity. Most generally applied to
rubber products used to conduct static electricity.
Rubber, Natural - raw or crude rubber obtained from vegetable sources.
Rubber, Nitrile Rubber, Nitrile - a copolymer made from acrylonitrile and butadiene, the composition depending
on use. It is widely used in solvent-resistant applications, e.g. petrol hose, brake
hose.
Rubber, Nitrile - a synthetic rubber formed by random polymerization of acrylonitrile with
butadiene used for gaskets and O-rings.
Rubber, Nitrile - see Buna-N
Rubber, Nitrile (Buna-N) - the most commonly used elastomer for o-rings because of its
resistance to petroleum fluids, good physical properties, and useful temperature
range.

Rubber, Silicone - an elastomer that retains good properties through extra wide temperature
range.
Rubber, Synthetic - manufactured or man-made elastomers
Run - a portion of pipe or fitting lying in a straight line in the same direction of flow as the pipe to
which it is connected.
Runner - in casting, the passage in the parting plane used for regulating the flow of molten metal
to the mold cavity.
Running Fit - the intentional difference in dimensions of mating mechanical parts that permits
them to move relative to each other.
Running In - running a new engine, machine or mechanism under a light load and at moderate
speed, to allow time for proper clearances to become established and frictionsurfaces polished.
Running Up Time (RT) - the time for a motor to complete one start with rated voltage and
frequency applied and coupled to the actual load.
Runout, Shaft - same as Gyration; when expressed in inches alone or accompanied by an
abbreviation "TIR" (total indicator reading), it refers to twice the radial distance
between shaft axis and axis of rotation.
Rust - a product of the oxidation of iron or its alloys, due either to atmospheric attack or the
electrolytic effect of cell action around impurities.
Rust Prevention - surface protection of ferrous structures or equipment to prevent formation of
iron oxide; it can be by coatings, surface treatment, plating, chemicals, cathodic
arrangements, or other means.
RUTQ - Regret Unable To Quote

S - 1) Standard; 2) Standard Pattern; 3) Sulphur; 4) Steam

Sacrificial Anodes - the anodes which are used in cathodic protection, against corrosion.
Sacrificial Metal - a base metal, used to cover a noble metal. The corrosion of the outer
sacrificial metal forms a protective coating over the noble metal; see Base Metal
and Noble Metal.
Sacrificial Protection Sacrificial Protection - prevention of electrolytic corrosion in a component by providing another
electrochemically more active metal close by and electrically connected to it.
Sacrificial Protection - the property possessed by zinc, cadmium, aluminum and similar coatings
to protect an iron surface.
SAE - Society of Automotive Engineers
Safe Area - 1) nonhazardous (unclassified) location; 2) an area in which explosive gas/air
mixture are not expected to be present so that special precautions for the
construction and use of electrical apparatus are not required.
Safe Fatigue Life - the period of time during which the continued applications of a load is
extremely unlikely to result in failure.
Safe Impact Loading - the maximum acceleration to which equipment, etc., can get subjected
under impact or shock without mechanical damage or operational break-down. The
magnitude of the acceleration is given in multiples of g; its duration and its rate of
change should be specified; also called Impact Load Factor.
Safety Factor - the provision of an extra margin in stress calculation, etc. to allow for errors and
uncertainties. Thus a safety factor of two allows for twice the allowable stress
calculated for a product specification.
Safety Plug - a protective device used on a heated pressure vessel (for example, a steam
boiler), and containing a fusible element that melts at a predetermined safe
temperature to prevent the buildup of excessive pressure; also known as Fusible
Plug.
Safety Relief Valve Safety Relief Valve - a pressure relief valve that can be used with gases, liquids, and vapors.
Safety Relief Valve - an automatic pressure actuated relieving device suitable for use as either a
safety or relief valve, depending on application.
Safety Relief Valve - an automatic pressure relieving device actuated by the pressure upstream
of the valve and characterized by opening pop action with further increase in lift with
an increase in pressure over popping pressure.
Safety Relief Valve - see Safety Valve
Safety Stop - a device that prevents mechanical over travel on a piece of equipment.
Safety Valve Safety Valve - a pressure relief valve designed for use with gases and vapors.
Safety Valve - a spring loaded valve that automatically opens when pressure attains the valve
setting. Used to prevent excessive pressure from building up in a boiler.
Safety Valve - a spring-loaded, pressure-actuated valve that allows steam to escape from a boiler
at a pressure slightly above the safe working level of the boiler; fitted by law to all
boilers; also known as Safety Relief Valve.
Safety Valve - a valve which automatically discharges fluid to atmosphere so as to prevent a predetermined safe pressure being exceeded.
Safety Valve - a valve which is controlled by a spring or weighted with a dead-weight, and fitted
to a vessel or engine to allow the escape of steam, air or other gas when the
internal pressure exceeds the maximum safe value. It acts without the application
of any external energy, and the valve is designed to re-close and prevent any
further flow of the fluid after normal pressure conditions have been resumed.
Safety Valve - a valve which operates automatically to discharge compressible gases or vapors
from a system, to prevent a pre-set pressure being exceeded. These can also be
pilot operated.
Safety Valve - an automatic pressure relieving device actuated by the static pressure upstream of
the valve, and characterized by rapid full opening or pop action. It is used for
steam, gas, or vapor service.
Saliferous - producing or containing salt; filled with salt

Salt Bath - a bath of molten salts used for heat treatment, i.e. for hardening, tempering or
solution treatments. Salt baths give rapid, uniform heating and protect against
oxidation. Different salts are used for different temperatures. An electric salt-bath
furnace is a conductor-type electric furnace in which the salt is melted by the
passage of the current.
SAM - Subsea Accumulator Module
Sample - one or more portions of a liquid or solid material taken in an unbiased manner from a
batch, heat, lot or process stream to be representative of the whole, for subsequent
testing to determine the chemical, physical, mechanical, or other quality
characteristics of the material, or combination thereof.
Sampling Plan - a plan stating sample sizes and the criteria for accepting or rejecting items or
taking another sample during inspection of a group of items.
Sampling Valve Sampling Valve - a valve which is fitted to a pipeline to allow samples of a fluid to be withdrawn
for analysis.
Sampling Valve - a valve which is fitted to a reactor or pipeline to allow small sample of a fluid to
be withdrawn for further testing. In simple cases a standard gate or needle valve,
for example, may be used. The disadvantage is that inappropriate use may result
in spillage. As an alternative, valves are available which trap a small quantity of
fluid in a chamber; and only this small amount of fluid is released when the valve is
operated.
Sampling Valve - a valve which is used to take off a small quantity of fluid for test purposes.
Sand Blasting Sand Blasting - a compressed air impact cleaning process. In this process a high velocity stream
of compressed air along with abrasive particles is directed by means of blast gun
against the metal surface. The blast gun is designed to converge air at high
velocity into a mixing chamber. The abrasive is fed into this chamber through a
side tube by suction feed, gravity feed or direct pressure. In small guns, the
abrasive is drawn in the mixing chamber due to the vacuum created by the passage
of high velocity air. The blasting operation is carried out in special cabinets and
rooms. The metal to be blasted is placed over the trolley and rolled inside the
cabinet. The operator direct the blast against the surfaces to be cleaned. Care is
needed that blast is forced from different angles to clean all the surfaces. Small
size metals are cleaned in cabinets equipped with windows. The operator
manipulates the gun and the blast from outside. Unlike tumbling, sand blasting
operation is suitable for fragile and large-size metals. The metals cleaned by this
process possess good polish.
Sand Blasting - a method of cleaning metal surfaces by sand, steel shot or grit blown from a
nozzle at high velocity.
Sand Blasting - a method of removing all surface impurities from old metal surfaces and consists
of forcible driving under pressure hard particles of sand, causing controlled erosion
of the surface against which the blast is directed.
Sand Blasting - grit blasting, especially when the abrasive is ordinary sand; see Grit Blasting.
Sand Blasting - refers to a method of cleaning metal surfaces with sand sprayed over them
through a nozzle at high velocity.
Sand Blasting - the terms Sandblasting, Abrasive Blasting, and Blasting are interchangeable
and refer to open, dry or wet blasting of surfaces using abrasive materials to
develop an anchor profile on the surfaces to be coated.
Sand Blasting - the use of compressed air mixed with sand to discharge a high velocity stream of
sand. The sand particles act as an abrasive to remove paint or to provide a
decoration texture to a smooth concrete wall.
Sand Casting - a pattern is embedded in sand and then removed to leave a cavity of the needed
shape and size. Metal is then poured into the cavity, where it cools to form a
casting.
Sandwich Ball Valve - a ball valve in which the valve is made up of three pieces incorporating a
body and two body connectors, the later featuring body ends. The design is so
arranged that the body can be removed from the line leaving the body connectors
attached to the mating pipework without any significant lateral displacement of the

latter.
Saturated Vapor - a vapor whose temperature equals the temperature of boiling at the pressure
existing on it.
Saunders Valve - see Weir Diaphragm Valve
SAW - Submerged Arc Welding
SBC - Split Body Construction
SBFL - Spectacle Blind Flange
SBR - Styrene - Butadiene Rubber (Buna - S)
SC - Swing Check Valve
Scabs Scabs - elongated patches of loosened metal which have been rolled into the surface.
Scabs - forms of projection on a casting which occur when a portion of the mold face or core lifts
and the metal flows beneath it in a thin layer. Scabs can be classified as a)
expansion scabs, and b) erosion scabs. An expansion scab is caused in a casting
by the expansion of surface layers of the sand mold. It may occur on any part but
mainly occurs where to sand gets strongly heated. Due to excessive heat from the
molten metal, the mold gets heated first by radiation and then by actual contact with
the molten metal. Excessive heat causes a thin layer of the top sand to dry up and
expand, leaving the interior green. It causes strains and cracks. It thus appears as
a shallow, flat topped projection on the casting. Olivine or zircon sand are less
prone to scabbing than silica sand due to their lower thermal expansion. Erosion
scab occurs when the metal has been agitated or has partly eroded the sand. It
leaves behind a solid mass of sand and metal at the spot where erosion took place.
Erosion scabs are mainly caused by hard and uneven ramming.
Scale Scale - 1) a thick metallic oxide, usually formed by heating metals in air; 2) a hard coating or
layer of materials on surfaces of boiler pressure parts.
Scale - a crusty or flaky deposit formed on a surface.
Scale - a dense deposit bonded on the surface of a tube in a heat exchanger or on the surface of
an evaporating device.
Scale - excessive oxidation; a coating of oxide formed on heated metal.
Scale - the oxide of iron that forms on the surface of steel after heating.
Scale - the oxidized surface of steel which is produced during hot working or by exposure to air or
steam at high temperature.
Scaling Scaling - 1) a misnomer for descaling; 2) forming a thick layer of oxide on a metal, especially at
high temperatures.
Scaling - oxidation
Scaling - removing scale (rust or salt) from a metal or other surface.
Scalp - to remove the surface layer of a billet, slab or ingot, thereby removing surface defects
that might persist through later operations.
Scarfing - 1) tapering the ends of materials for a lap joint, so that the thickness at the joint is
substantially the same as that on the other side of it; 2) preparing metal edges for
forge welding.
Scavenging Scavenging - an addition made to molten metal to counteract an undesired substance.
Scavenging - removing dissolved gases or other impurities from molten metal by reaction with an
additive.
SCC - Stress Corrosion Cracking
SCFH - Standard Cubic Feet per Hour
SCFM - Standard Cubic Feet per Minute
SCH - Schedule (Pipe Wall Thickness)
Sch. or Sched. - Schedule (Pipe Wall Thickness)
Schedule Schedule - 1) a list or inventory; 2) a supplement to a document
Schedule - a system for indicating the wall thickness of pipe. The higher the schedule number,

the thicker the wall for a certain pipe size.

Schematic Drawing - a drawing of the general arrangement or outline of an object or its parts.
Schematic Drawing Schematic Drawing - a diagrammatic or preliminary drawing concept (scheme) as opposed to
definitive working drawings.
Scintillation Counter - a device for detecting very low levels of radiation.
Sclerometer Sclerometer - an instrument that determines hardness of a material by measuring the force
needed to scratch or indent the surface with a diamond point.
Sclerometer - an instrument use to determine the hardness of a material by measuring the
pressure needed to scratch or indent a surface with a diamond point.
Sclerometer - an instrument which is used for measuring hardness. It consists of a diamond at
one end of a lever attached to a vertical pillar. The diamond gets loaded and the
pillar rotated to make a scratch of standard depth, the weight in grams to produce
this depth giving a measure of the hardness.
Scleroscope Scleroscope - an instrument that determines hardness of a material by measuring the height to
which a standard steel ball rebounds when dropped from a standard height.
Scleroscope - an instrument used to determine the hardness of a material by measuring the
height to which a standard ball rebounds from its surface when dropped from a
standard height.
Scleroscope Hardness Test Scleroscope Hardness Test - refers to a method of estimating the hardness of a metal by
measuring the rebound from it of a standard diamond tipped test weight dropped
from a given height.
Scleroscope Hardness Test - the determination of the hardness of metals by measuring the
rebound of a diamond tipped hammer, weighing about two grams (one-twelfth of an
once), when dropped from a given height.
SCM - Subsea Control Module
Scorching - premature curing or setting up of raw compound during processing.
Scoring Scoring - deep scratches on the surface of a metal.
Scoring - scratching the surface of a material.
Scotch - a wedge or block to prevent turning or slipping of a wheel or other movable part.
Scotch Yoke Scotch Yoke - a type of four bar linkage used to convert uniform rotation into simple harmonic
motion. Also converts linear motion to rotary motion.
Scotch Yoke - a type of four-bar linkage; it is employed to convert a steady rotation into a simple
harmonic motion.
Scouring Scouring - 1) physical or chemical attack on internal surfaces of process equipment; 2)
mechanical finishing or cleaning using a mild abrasive and low pressure.
Scouring - physical or chemical attack on process equipment surfaces, as in a furnace or fluid
catalytic cracker.
Scrap (Ferrous) - ferrous (iron-containing) material that generally is remelted and recast into
new steel. Integrated steel mills use scrap for up to 25% of their basic oxygen
furnace charge; 100% of the mini-mills' raw material for their electric furnaces
generally is scrap.
Scratch Hardness - 1) a measure of the resistance of minerals or metals to scratching; for
minerals it is defined by comparison with 10 selected minerals comprising the Mohs
scale; 2) a method of measuring metal hardness in which a cutting point is drawn
across a metal surface under a specified pressure, and hardness is determined by
the width of the resulting scratch.
SCRD - Screwed End (NPT)
Screw - 1) a cylindrical body with a helical groove cut into its surface; 2) a fastener with
continuous ribs on a cylindrical or conical shank and a slotted, recessed, flat, or
rounded head; also known as Screw Fastener.

Screw Bonnet - Body and Bonnet Threaded Together

Screw Dowel - a metal dowel pin having a straight or tapered thread at one end.
Screw Down Stop and Non Return Valve Screw Down Stop and Non Return Valve - a non-return valve which incorporates a mechanism
which can hold the disc in the closed position independently of the flow or,
alternatively, can restrict the lift of the disc. NOTE: screw-down stop and non-return
valves differ from globe valves only in that the disc is not attached to the stem. In
some types a dashpot and piston are incorporated with the disc as in the piston
type non-return valve. Therefore the definitions of components and trim as given in
section 1 of this standard will apply, together with those definitions of components
for the piston type non-return valve in this section, where applicable; also variously
called Screw-Down Check and Flood Valve, Controllable check Valve, Controllable
Non-Return Valve.
Screw Down Stop and Non Return Valve - screw-down check and flood valve, controllable check
valve, controllable non-return valve.
Screw Down Stop Check Valve - a check valve having a mechanism to hold the disc in the
closed position independently of the flow or to restrict the lift of the disc.
Screw Down Stop Check Valve - a type of check valve which incorporates a mechanism which
can hold the disc in the closed position independently of the flow, or alternately, can
restrict the lift of the disc.
Screw Down Stop Check Valve - see Screw Down Stop and Non Return Valve
Screw Down Stop Valve Screw Down Stop Valve - a type of valve in which the disc is lifted from and lowered on to the
body seat by a stem whose axis is at a right angle to the face of the body seat. This
valve category includes globe, needle, angle, elbow, and oblique valves.
Screw Down Stop Valve - a valve in which the disc is lifted from and lowered on to the body seat
by a stem whose axis is perpendicular to the face of the body seat.
Screw Fastener - see Screw
Screw Gear - a gear consisting of an endless screw that meshes with a gear or pinion.
Screw Thread - a helical ridge formed on a cylindrical core, as on fasteners and pipes.
Screwed End - a type of end fitting on a valve or other fluid component which is joined by
threaded connections.
Screwed Gland Screwed Gland - a gland which gets adjusted by a special nut, the gland nut, to engage with a
stuffing box.
Screwed Gland - a type of gland which is adjusted by a nut which engages the stuffing box, stem
or ball shank.
Screwed Gland - a type of valve gland which is adjusted by a nut which engages the stuffing box.
Screwed Nut - the nut of a screwed gland, by which pressure is transmitted to the gland.
Scribe - to mark and cut the edge of a sheet of material in such a way that it will fit tightly against
an adjoining irregular surface.
Scriber - a sharp-pointed tool used for drawing lines on metal work pieces.
Scrubber - a device for the removal, or washing out, of entrained liquid droplets or dust, or for
the removal of an undesired gas component from process gas steams; also known
as Washer or Wet Collector.
SCSSV - Surface Controlled Subsurface Safety Valve
SDH - Side Drilled Hole
SDRL - Supplier Document Requirement List
SDS - Shut Down System
SDU - Subsea Distribution Unit
SDV - Shut Down Valve
SE - 1) Screwed End; 2) Small End; 3) Stress range
Seal Seal - 1) any device or system that creates a nonleaking union between two mechanical or
process-system elements; for example, gaskets for pipe connection seals,
mechanical seals for rotating members such as pump shafts, and liquid seals to
prevents gas entry to or loss from a gas-liquid processing sequence; 2) a tight,

perfect closure or joint.

Seal - 1) any device or system that creates a nonleaking union between two mechanical
components; 2) a perfectly tight closure or joint.
Seal - any device used to prevent the passage of a fluid (gas or liquid).
Seal Weld Seal Weld - a weld that does not contribute anything to the mechanical integrity of an assembly,
but is made purely to seal or prevent leakage from, for instance, a threaded joint.
Seal Weld - Threaded Joint Back Welded for Seal
Seal Welded Bonnet - a bonnet welded to a body, at assembly, to provide a zero leakage joint.
This construction consists of a low strength weld with the bonnet retained to the
body by other means to withstand the body pressure load acting on the bonnet
area.
Sealant Sealant - a compound used to fill and seal a joint as opposed to a sealer which is a liquid used to
seal porous surfaces. It is intended to remain elastic and bounded to the sides of a
joint so that water tightness is retained with minor movement of the joint.
Sealant - a grease-like substance that is injected into lubricated plug valves to reduce operating
force and to achieve a tight seal against internal leakage.
Sealed Ball Valve - a ball valve in which means of access to the valve does not utilize fixings
and fastenings.
Seam - a mechanical or welded joint
Seam Welding Seam Welding - a resistance welding process in which pieces are joined due to heat produced by
resistance to flow of current. The electrodes used are circular in shape and the
weld is in the form of a seam.
Seam Welding - a welding process in which pressure is applied continuously along the whole
length of the lap joint to produce a seam weld. The metal pieces are held in two
copper disc roller electrodes. A motor drives one of the electrodes so that pieces
are moved in between the rollers in a suitable speed. In welding thin sections,
intermittent current is passed by means of an interrupter with a duration ratio from
1:1 to 1:10. An interrupter is necessary because if a continuous heavy current is
allowed to pass, high heat is generated. Due to high resistance, the metal gets
melted on the surface and sticks to the electrode disc, thus spoiling it. As high
current is passed between two electrodes, and workpieces are moved slowly
between the two rollers, under pressure, the weld is completed. This process is
used for producing pressure tight joints on oil drums, tanks, boilers, water pipes,
refrigerators, motor car bodies, utensils and stoves. Materials like high carbon
steel, mild steel, medium carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, nickel and its
alloys, copper and its alloys, aluminum and its alloys can be welded by this process.
Seam Welding - in it the parts are lapped and held in place under pressure.
Seamless Pipe - pipe made from a solid billet, which is heated, then rotated under extreme
pressure. This rotational pressure creates an opening in the center of the billet,
which is then shaped by a mandrel to form pipe.
Seams - open, broken surface running in straight longitudinal lines caused by the presence of
oxides near the surface of a metal.
Season Cracking Season Cracking - 1) a type of failure common to rods, tubes, sheets and other articles made of
brass or bronze due to initial internal stress; 2) a term applied to a stress corrosion
of copper alloys, mainly brasses.
Season Cracking - a term usually reserved for describing stress corrosion cracking of copper or
copper alloys in an environment that contains ammonium ions.
Seat Seat - the fixed area of a valve into which the moving part of a valve rests when the valve is
closed to retain pressure and prevent flow.
Seat - the fixed, pressure-containing portion of a valve which comes into contact with the moving
portions of the valve.
Seat - the part of a valve against which the closure element effects shut-off.

Seat - the part of a valve against which the closure element presses to effect a seal.
Seat - the portion of the body which is polished and aligned to provide the docking/receiving
surface against or into which the gate or poppet seals.
Seat - the portion of the valve body that the flow control element contacts to seal against internal
leakage. It can be a separate part fastened in the body or can be integral with the
body (a machined surface in the body).
Seat Angle - the angle between the axis of the seat orifice and the seating surface. A flat seated
valve has a seat angle of 90 degrees. The seat angle of the closure member and
seat may differ slightly to provide line contact.
Seat Joint - the area of contact between the closure member and the valve seat which
establishes the sealing action.
Seat Leakage - the quantity of fluid passing through a valve when the valve is in the fully closed
position with pressure differential and temperature as specified.
Seat Load Seat Load - the contact force between the seat and the valve plug. When an actuator is selected
for a given control valve, it must be able to generate enough force to overcome
static, stem, and dynamic unbalance, with an allowance made for seat load.
Seat Load - the total net contact force between the closure member and seat with stated static
conditions.
Seat Retaining Ring - the component which locks the body seat ring in position.
Seat Retaining Ring Fastening - the stud and nut, or set screw, which secures the retaining ring
to the body.
Seat Ring Seat Ring - a part of the flow passageway that is used in conjunction with the closure member to
modify the rate of flow through the valve.
Seat Ring - a part that is assembled in the valve body and may provide part of the flow control
orifice. The seat ring may have special material properties and may provide the
contact surface for the closure member.
Seat Ring - a ring-shaped part that is fastened in a valve body to be a body seat. It is used in
gate, globe, check, ball, and high performance butterfly valves.
Seat Ring, Arched - a type of soft seat for ball valves where resilient seat rings are placed into
circular recesses in the body, and seal against both the ball and the body. The seat
ring is arch-shaped in cross section and flexes when contacted by the ball during
assembly. The stresses produced by flexing are much lower than those produced
by compression. Therefore the ring maintains its sealing pressure even with
temperature and pressure fluctuations.
Seat Ring, Lip Type - a type of soft seat for ball valves where resilient seat rings are placed into
circular recesses in the body and seal against both the ball and the body. The seat
ring is made with a lip that flexes when contacted by the ball during assembly. The
stresses produced by flexing are much lower than those produced by compression.
Therefore the ring maintains its sealing pressure even with temperature and
pressure fluctuations.
Seat, Back Seat, Back - a machined seat, which may be on the bonnet or on a part separate from and
secured in the bonnet, which makes contact with the back face when the valve is
fully open; also called Bonnet Back Face, or Spindle Seat.
Seat, Back - a machined seat, which may be on the bonnet or on a part separate from and
secured in the bonnet, which makes contact with the back face when the valve is
fully open.
Seat, Back - a seating surface in the bonnet area that mates with the closure member or valve
stem in the extreme open position to provide pressure isolation of the stem seal.
Seat, Back - a shoulder on the stem of a gate or globe valve which seals against a mating
surface inside the bonnet to prevent leakage of media through the bonnet stuffing
box when the valve is fully opened.
Seat, Back - an auxiliary seat in the bonnet of a gate valve or globe valve that provides a seal
between the stem and bonnet, to enable packing replacement while the valve is
under pressure.
Seat, Conical - a design of a globe valve seat in which the seating surface of both the disc and

the seat ring are cone-shaped.

Seat, Flat - a seat for a globe valve in which the seating surfaces of the discs and seat ring are
flat rings that are perpendicular to the direction of flow.
Seat, Flexible - a seat design of a ball valve that provides controlled deformation of the nonmetallic seat rings when the valve is assembled.
Seat, Integral Seat, Integral - a flow control orifice and seat that is an integral part of the body or cage material
or may be constructed from material added to the body or cage.
Seat, Integral - the flow control orifice and seat that is an integral part of the valve body or cage.
The seat is machined directly out of the valve body and is normally not replaceable
without replacing the body itself - although some can be repaired by welding and remachining.
Seat, Jam - a ball valve seat design in which the non-metallic seat rings are compressed
(jammed) by the ball when the valve is assembled.
Seat, Resilient - a valve seat containing a soft seal such as an O-ring or plastic to assure tight
shut-off.
Seat, Reversible - refers to the seat ring with seating surfaces on both sides such that when one
surface has worn, the ring may be reversed to present a new surface to contact the
closure member.
Seat, Soft - a seat ring that is made of non-metallic material.
Seat, Spherical - a seat design of a globe valve in which the disc has a spherical seating surface
that mates with a conical seat ring surface to produce line contact.
Seat, Spring Loaded Seat, Spring Loaded - a seat design that utilizes a mechanical means, such as a spring, to exert
a greater force at the point of ball contact to improve the sealing characteristics,
particularly at low pressure differential. The spring action may be accomplished by
a metal spring arrangement or a compressed elastomer.
Seat, Spring Loaded - a seat utilizing a design that exerts a greater force at the point of closure
component contact to improve the sealing characteristics, particularly at low
pressure differential.
Seated, Soft - a term used to describe valve trim with an elastomeric or plastic material used
either in the valve plug or seat ring to provide tight shutoff with a minimal amount of
actuator force. A soft seated valve will usually provide CLASS VI seat leakage
capability.
Seating Lock Locking Fastener - a locking fastener that locks only when firmly seated and is
therefore free-running on the bolt.
Seating Surfaces - the contact surfaces of the closure member and seat which effect valve
closure.
Seating, Downstream Seating, Downstream - seating assisted by pressure differential across the closure component in
the closed position, moving the closure component slightly downstream into tighter
contact with the seat ring seal that is supported by the body.
Seating, Downstream - seating is accomplished by pressure differential thrust across the ball in
the closed position, moving the ball slightly downstream into tighter contact with the
seat ring seal which is supported by the body.
Seating, Upstream Seating, Upstream - a seat on the upstream side of a ball, designed so that the pressure of the
controlled fluid causes the seat to move toward the ball.
Seating, Upstream - a seat on the upstream side of the ball, designed so that the pressure of the
controlled fluid causes the seat to move toward the ball.
Secondary Creep - the change in shape of a substance under a minimum and almost constant
differential stress, with the strain time relationship a constant.
Secondary Hardening - hardening of certain alloy steels by precipitation hardening during
tempering; the hardening occurring during this stage supplements hardening
achieved by controlled cooling from above the critical temperature in a step that
precedes tempering.
Secondary Stage Creep - in the second stage, creep occurs more or less at constant rate;

sometimes referred to as Minimum Creep Rate. This is an important part of the

curve for most applications.
Secondary Steel - steel that does not meet the original customer's specifications because of a
defect in its chemistry; gauge or surface quality. Mills must search to find another
customer (that can accept the lower quality) to take the off-spec steel at a discount.
Segmented Ball - a closure member that is a segment of a spherical surface which may have
one edge contoured to yield a desired flow characteristic.
Segregation - a phenomenon associated with solidification, which causes non-uniformity in
chemical composition.
Seize Up - for a machine to become stiff or jammed, especially through overuse or lack of
lubrication.
Seizing - abrasive damage to a metal surface caused when the surface is rubbed by another
metal surface.
Seizure - seizing up, locking or partial welding together of sliding metallic surfaces normally
lubricated, e.g. a journal or bearing.
Selector Valve - a directional control valve whose primary function is to selectively interconnect
two or more ports.
Self Annealing - a term applied to metal such as lead, tin and zinc which recrystallize at ambient
temperature and consequently exhibit little strain hardening when cold worked.
Self Contained Regulator - a valve with a positioning actuator using a self-generated power
signal for moving the closure member relative to the valve port or ports in response
and in proportion to the changes in energy of the controlled variable. The force
necessary to position the closure member is derived from the fluid flowing through
the valve.
Self Cooled Machine - a machine where the cooling is obtained by means of its own rotation.
Self Locking Nut - a nut having an inherent locking action, so that it cannot readily be loosened
by vibration.
Self Locking Screw - a screw that locks itself in place without requiring a separate nut or lock
washer.
Self Relieving - the process by which excessive internal body cavity pressure is automatically
relieved either into the upstream or downstream line; it is generally found in ball
valves.
Self Tapping Screw - a screw with a specially hardened thread that makes is possible for the
screw to form its own internal thread in sheet metal and soft materials when driven
into a hole; also known as Sheet-metal Screw and Tapping Screw.
Semi Finished Steel - steel shapes, for example, blooms, billets or slabs, that later are rolled
into finished products such as beams, bars or sheet.
Semikilled Steel Semikilled Steel - made by adding a comparatively lesser amount of aluminum than killed steel.
It reduces the cost of hot tops and the large percentage of metal discard when
making mild steel. It produces some blowholes in the steel on solidification. Such
blowholes weld more or less completely during hot rolling. Owing to the presence
of piping, practically no material is discarded. Steel oxidized by this manner is also
known as Balanced Steel.
Semikilled Steel - steel that is partially deoxidized so that there is a greater degree of gas
evolution than in killed steel, but less than in capped or rimmed steel. The
uniformity in composition lies between that of killed steel and rimmed steel.
Semikilled Steel - steel that is partly deoxidized during teeming so that only a small amount of
dissolved gas is evolved as the metal solidifies.
Sems - a pre-assembled screw and washer combination.
Sensitivity - the measure of the response of an instrument or control unit to a change in the
incoming signal.
Sensitized Stainless Steel - any austenitic stainless steel having chromium carbide deposited at
the grain boundaries. This deprives the base alloy of chromium resulting in more
rapid corrosion in aggressive media.
SEP - 1) Standard Engineering Procedures; 2) Standard Engineering Philosophy
Separable Flange - a flange that fits over a valve body flow connection. It is generally held in
place by means of a retaining ring. This style of flange connection conforms to

ANSI / ISA 275.20 and allows for the use of different body and flange materials.
Example: a valve with a stainless steel construction could use carbon steel flanges.
This type of valve is very popular in the chemical and petrochemical plants because
it allows the use of exotic body materials and low cost flanges; also known as Slip
On Flange.
Separately Cooled Machine - a machine where the cooling is obtained by means other than its
own rotation.
Separator Separator - a device whose primary function is to isolate undesirable fluids and or contaminants
by physical properties other than size.
Separator - a process vessel used to separate gases and various liquids. A Wellhead Separator
is the first process vessel in a production operation, the wellhead separator
operates at or near wellhead pressures.
Sequence Valve - a valve whose primary function is to direct flow in a pre-determined sequence.
Serrate - notched like the blade of a saw.
Service Service - operating conditions to be met
Service - replacement of consumable material or items needed to keep equipment in operating
condition; it does not include preventive or corrective maintenance.
Service - to perform services of maintenance, supply, repair, installation, distribution, and so on,
for or upon an instrument, installation, vehicle, or territory.
Service Temperature - the maximum and minimum temperature of the media.
Service Valve - in a pipe work system, a valve that isolates a piece of equipment from the rest of
the system.
Servo - a device used to convert a small movement into a greater movement of force.
Servo Valve - a directional control valve that modulates flow or pressure as a function of its input
signal.
SES - Standard Engineering Specification
Set - to become solid, rigid, firm
Set Point - the target value which an automatic control device attempts to reach or to hold.
Set Screw Set Screw - a screw for adjusting or clamping parts of a machine. It prevents motion by exerting
pressure with its point.
Set Screw - a screw, usually thread along the entire shank length, which is used to prevent
relative motion of a component by exerting pressure with its point.
Set Screw - a small headless machine screw, usually having a point at one end and a recessed
hexagonal socket or a slot at the other end, used for such purposes as holding a
knob or gear on a shaft.
Set Screw - a small, headless machine screw used for holding a knob, gear or collar on a shaft;
it usually has a sharp or cupped point on one end and a slot or recessed socket on
the other end.
Sfr - Swiss Franc
SGA - Spur Gear Attachment
SGBP - Shell General Business Principles
Sgd - Singapore dollar
SGS - Safeguarding System
SH - 1) Short; 2) Short Pattern
Shading Ring - usually, a round copper ring is pressed into a groove of the end stop in all AC
(alternating current) valves. The ring overcomes oscillation and chatter associated
with AC valves. Silver shading rings are available when copper is not compatible
with the media.
Shaft Shaft - 1) a rotating rod that transmits motion; 2) the part of a ball, butterfly, or plug valve that
turns the flow control element. On a plug valve it is usually integral with the plug.
Shaft - a cylindrical piece of metal used to carry rotating machine parts, such as pulleys and
gears, to transmit power or motion.
Shaft - a reciprocating or rotating member usually within a cylinder; not in contact with walls.

Shaft - a revolving metal rod that transmits motion or power through axial rotation.
Shaft - that part which support and/or transmit movement to the disc.
Shaft Bearing - a bearing inserted in the shaft boss to support the shaft.
Shaft Boss - a boss formed on the exterior of the body to support shaft; also called Trunnion
Boss.
Shaft Cover - a cover used in the sealing of the non-driven end of the shaft.
Shaft Cover Bolting - comprising bolts, stud-bolts, studs, set screws and nuts used for the
body/shaft cover connection.
Shaft Cover Components - those parts which are associated, but not integral, with the shaft
cover.
Shaft Cover Seal - any form of seal between the shaft cover and the body.
Shaft Fixing - comprises the component used to secure the shaft to the disc. Examples of these
are : taper pins, dowels, key, bolts, stud and nuts.
Shaft Seal - the component which forms the shaft sealing.
Shaft Seal Retainer - the component which retains a non-adjustable shaft seal; also called End
Plate, or Gland Ring.
Shaft Seal Retainer Bolting - comprises bolts, stud-bolts, stud, set screws and nuts used to
secure the shaft seal retainer to the body.
Shaft Seal Retainer Gasket - a component for effecting a fluid-tight joint between the shaft seal
retainer and the body.
Shaft Sealing - any form of seal, which may be adjustable or non-adjustable, between the shaft
and the body.
Shaft Sealing Components - those parts which are associated with the shaft sealing.
Shall - indicates a requirement
Shall, Should, and,May - the word "Shall," is to be understood as a requirement, the word
"Should" as a Recommendation, and the word "May" as Permissive, neither
mandatory nor recommended.
Shank Shank - a long, narrow part of a tool or machine which connects the handle to the operating end;
a shaft, stem, or other long straight part.
Shank - the cylindrical part of a screw or bolt (other than its head).
Shape Correcting - rolling, heating and quenching steel sheets often affect the dimensions of
the steel. Levelers, temper mills and edge trimmers rework the processed steel to
match customer specifications.
Shear Shear - a deformation in which parallel planes in a body remain parallel, but get displaced in a
direction parallel to themselves.
Shear - a strain produced by pressure in the structure of a substance, when its layers are laterally
shifted in relation to each other.
Shear - a type of stress tending to separate solid material by moving the portions on opposite
sides of a plane through the material in opposite directions.
Shear Face - the plane of the material which is subjected to shear from external forces.
Shear Strain - 1) a deformation of a solid body in which a plane in the body is displaced parallel
to itself relative to parallel planes in the body; quantitatively, it is the displacement
of any plane relative to a second plane, divided by the perpendicular distance
between planes; 2) the force causing such deformation; also known as Shear.
Shear Strength - this is the ability of a material to withstand offset or transverse loads without
rupture occurring. The rivet connecting the two bars shown is in shear while the
bars themselves are in tension. Note that the rivet would still be in shear if the bars
were in compression.
Shearing Shearing - if the edges of sheet and strip are not controlled during reduction, they must be
trimmed parallel by shears. This process may be performed by either the steel mill
or steel processor to match customer needs.
Shearing - the operation of cutting blank from continuous sheet for carrying further operation.
Sheet Steel - thin, flat-rolled steel. Coiled sheet steel accounts for nearly one-half of all steel
shipped domestically (USA) and is created in a hot-strip mill by rolling a cast slab

flat while maintaining the side dimensions. The malleable steel lengthens to several
hundred feet as it is squeezed by the rolling mill. The most common differences
among steel bars, strip, plate, and sheet are merely their physical dimensions of
width and gauge (thickness).
Shelf Aging - the change in a material's properties which occurs in storage with time.
Shell - the parts of a valve that hold the fluid the body, bonnet, cap, and so on. Shell parts are
also called Pressure-Retaining Parts.
Sherardising Sherardising - a particular process of producing a protective zinc coating on iron and steel.
Sherardising - developed by Sherard Cowpercoles in 1900, it is a process of cementation using
zinc powders as a coating metal. Sherardising is used especially for small steel
articles like bolts, screws, nuts and threaded parts. The main advantage is
powdered zinc in which electric heating is employed.
Shielded Carbon Arc Welding - an arc welding process in which the arc is struck between a
carbon electrode and the workpiece. Shielding is obtained by flux. The flux is
supplied regularly from a blanket of container ahead of the weld.
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) - a welding process carried out with DC welding equipment
having a minimum current carrying capacity of 300 amps. All electrical leads,
lighting gear, electrode holder, gloves, etc., are fully insulated. For striking the arc,
the electrode is held in the electrode holder at an angle of 35-40 degrees to the
surface of the plate and its end is struck against the plate. The process of welding
is similar to Metal Arc Welding.
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) - an arc welding process in which the arc is struck between
the metal and the workpieces under a blanket of flux.
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) - metals are heated with an arc between a covered metal
electrode and the work. Shielding is obtained from decomposition of the electrode
covering. Pressure is not used and filler metal is obtained from the electrode.
Shielded Tungsten Arc Welding - it is carried out with a tungsten electrode. The process is
similar to Shielded Metal Arc Welding.
Shielding - in welding terminology, the protection of quarry or tunneling work.
Shipping and Storage Container - a reusable non-collapsible container of any configuration
designed to provide protection for a specific item against impact, vibration, climatic
conditions, and the like, during handling, shipment, and storage.
Shipping Document - a document listing the items in a shipment, and showing other supply and
transportation information that is required by agencies concerned in the movement
of a material.
Shipping Time - the time elapsing between the shipment of material by the supplying activity
and receipt of material by the requirement activity.
SHOC - Safe Handling Of Chemical
Shock - a pressure increase considerably greater than the static working pressure, caused by a
sudden cessation of flow in a pipeline.
Shoe - 1) a renewable friction element whose contour fits that of a drum and stops it from turning
when lateral pressure is applied. Also known as brake shoe; 2) a metal block used
as a form or support during bending of tubing, wire, rod or sheet metal; 3) a generic
term for machine elements that provide support, or separate two members, while
allowing relative sliding motion.
Shop Standards - written criteria established to govern methods and procedures at an
installation.
Shop Weld Shop Weld - a weld made in a workshop. It is often better and cheaper than one made on a site.
Shop Weld - a weld made in the workshop prior to delivery to the construction site.
Shore A Hardness - see Hardness and Durometer
Shore Hardness - a method of rating the hardness of a metal or of a plastic or rubber material.
Shore Scleroscope - it is an instrument which is comprised of a small diamond-shaped hammer
which falls freely down a graduated tube of glass from a constant height. The
hardness of the surface under test is measured by the height of the rebound. In

one type of this instrument the rebound of the hammer actuates the pointer of a
scale so that the height of rebound could be recorded.
Short Pattern Valve Short Pattern Valve - a valve design that has a face-to-face or end-to-end dimension less than
standard.
Short Pattern Valve - having substantially full-area or reduced-area ports of rectangular or similar
shape, with restricted face-to-face dimensions.
Short Term Creep Tests - a rupture test is carried out and the time to rupture is noted under
specified conditions of temperature and stress with only an approximate
measurement of strain by a dial gauge during the course of experiments. Different
strain curves are plotted and the creep is measured.
Shot - 1) small spherical particles of a metal; 2) small, roughly spherical steel particles used in a
blasting operation to remove scale from a metal surface; 3) an explosive charge.
Shot Blasting Shot Blasting - a mechanical impact cleaning process. The process implies hurling of abrasive
grit towards the metal to be cleaned by centrifugal force exerted by means of an
impeller wheel. The abrasive used in this case consists of steel shot. The shot is
directed over the metal at very high velocity, hitting the metal surface with
enormous impact. Large cleaning units are equipped with one or more blasting
impellers strategically positioned at different places, so that the metal can be
cleaned thoroughly. Many shot blasting plants are equipped with rotating tables.
The metals to be cleaned are carried by a power conveyor into the shot blasting
machine for carrying out the operation. After the operation the metal is taken out
and inspected.
Shot Blasting - a method similar to sand blasting for cleansing the surface of metals, using
broken shot or steel grit instead of sand. It is less effective than sand blasting as
the peening effect to the shot tends to drive unwanted deposits such as oxides into
the surface.
Shot Blasting - to clean or strip a surface by directing a high-speed stream of steel particles at it.
Shot Peening Shot Peening - blasting the surface of a metal with small hard steel balls driven by an air blast to
harden the surface layers.
Shot Peening - inducing compressive stresses in a materials surface layer by bombarding it with
a selected medium (usually round steel shot) under controlled conditions.
Shot Peening - superficial cold working, which is achieved by directing a stream of metal shot
onto the surface of a metal article.
Should - indicates a recommendation
Shoulder - a portion of a cylindrical machine element such as a shaft, screw or flange that is
larger in diameter than the remainder.
Shoulder Screw - a screw with an unthreaded cylindrical section, or shoulder, between the
threads and screw head; the shoulder is larger in diameter than the threaded
section and provides an axis around which close-fitting moving parts operate.
SHP - Safety and Health Passport
Shrink Fit Shrink Fit - a tight interference fit between mating parts made by shrinking-on, that is, by heating
the outer member to expand the bore for easy assembly and then cooling so that
the outer member contracts.
Shrink Fit - a tight interference fit between mating parts where the amount of interference varies
almost directly with diameter; parts are assembled by heating the outer member so
that it expands, assembling the parts, and then allowing the outer member to cool
and shrink onto the inner member; see also Force Fit.
Shrink Forming Shrink Forming - a process for forming metal parts that uses a combination of mechanical force
and shrinkage of a heated blank to achieve final shape.
Shrink Forming - forming metal wherein the piece undergoes shrinkage during cooling following
the application of heat, cold upset, or pressure.
Shrink Ring - a heated ring placed on an assembly of parts, which on subsequent cooling fixes
them in position by contraction.

Shrinkage Shrinkage - internal defect in castings that are internal voids, irregular in shape, caused by
volume contraction during solidification. It can be caused by not maintaining a fluid
channel to the riser during solidification.
Shrinkage - the decreased volume of seal, usually caused by extraction of soluble constituents by
fluids followed by air drying.
Shrinkage Cavity - a depression produced in a casting due to uncontrolled and haphazard
solidification of the metal. It may be due to improper size gating system,
inadequate risers or poor design of the casting. Too high pouring temperatures
also produce shrinkage. This defect can be eliminated by creating conditions
conducive to directional solidification of castings.
Shrinkage Effects in Casting - when a molten metal is allowed to solidify, it is found that the
solid metal does not completely fill the mold. This is due to shrinkage of metal,
which is caused by a) contraction in the liquid state between casting and freezing
temperatures, b) shrinkage owing to solidification, and c) contraction in the solid
state. All of the above types of shrinkages vary from metal to metal. The overall
shrinkage in metals and alloys vary from 0 to 7%. In uneven section, stresses are
set up in castings and may be sufficiently high to cause either warping or fracture.
Solidification shrinkage needs consideration since it produces defects in ingots and
castings.
Shunt - to divert all or part of a process flow away from the main stream and into a secondary
operation, holding area, or bypass.
Shunt Valve Shunt Valve - a valve that allows a fluid under pressure to escape into a passage that is of lower
pressure or can accommodate higher flow rates than the normal passage.
Shunt Valve - a valve that gives a fluid under pressure a more readily available escape route than
the normal route.
Shutdown Valve (SDV) - 1) pneumatic or hydraulic actuated valve, fail close. Shutdown valves
are typically used to close off the first separator from the second separator on a
drilling platform; 2) an actuated valve installed in a pipeline or piping system which
isolates a given process unit from an upstream or downstream inventory upon
activation of the process unit alarm and shutdown system; compare with
Blowdown Valve and Motor Operated Valve.
Shutoff Valve Shutoff Valve - a manually operated valve used to isolate particular items of equipment or
sections of an installation in order to facilitate removal or site repair work.
Shutoff Valve - a valve designed to operate fully open or fully closed, but not at an intermediate
position.
Shutoff Valve - a valve that operates fully open or fully closed.
Shutoff Valve - any device used in piping to shut off the flow of a fluid (liquid or gas).
SI SI - 1) Soft Iron; 2) Systeme Internationale dUnites (International System of weights and
measures)
Si - Silicon
SI - the International System of Units is derived from the six basic units; meter, kilogram, second,
ampere, Kelvin and candela.
SIA - 1) Secured Instrument Air; 2) Source Inspection Agency
SIC - Shell International Chemicals
Side Entry Ball Valve - a ball valve in which there is access for means of assembly from that
part of the valve body other than axial, top or bottom.
SIEP - Shell International Exploration and Production
SIL - Safety Integrity Level
Silicon (Si) Silicon (Si) - a shiny, gray, crystalline, non-metallic element with semi-conducting properties.
Silicon (Si) - one of the principle deoxidizers used in steelmaking, and therefore, the amount of
silicon present is related to the type of steel. Silicon increases strength and
hardness.

Silicon (Si) - silicon is a strong deoxidizer and improves the quality of steel. It is soluble in ferrite,
and is a fairly effective hardener, and raises the Ac change points and Ar points
when slowly cooled. There are three main types of silicon steel in common use:
one in conjunction with manganese for springs, the second for electrical purposes,
used in the form of a sheet for transformer cores and poles of dynamos and motors,
that demand high magnetic permeability and electrical resistance, and the third is
used as automobile valves. The presence of silicon in most steels is beneficial. As
it has a tendency to graphitize, the amount is generally kept less than 0.4%.
Silicon Bronze - a corrosion resistant alloy of copper and 1 to 5% silicon that has good
mechanical properties.
Silicon Electrical Steel - a type of specialty steel created by introducing silicon during the
steelmaking process. Electrical steel exhibits certain magnetic properties, which
make it optimum for use in transformers, power generators and electric motors.
Silky Fracture - a type of fracture surface appearance characterized by a fine texture, usually
dull and non-reflective, typical of ductile fractures.
Siloxane - any of a class of compounds, varying from liquids to hard resins, whose molecules
are composed of chains of alternate silicon and oxygen atoms, usually with
hydrogen or hydrocarbon groups attached to the silicon atoms. The name
Siloxane is based on the Si O (Silicon Oxygen) unit.
Silver Alloy Brazing - a brazing process in which a silver alloy is used for brazing; also known
as Silver Soldering.
Silvers - surface ruptures in a metal somewhat similar in appearance to skin laminations, but
usually more prominent.
Simmer Simmer - detectable leakage from a safety relief valve at a pressure below the popping pressure.
Simmer - the detectable leakage of fluid in a safety valve below the popping pressure.
Simple Apparatus - a device which will neither generate nor store more than 1.2 V, 0.1 A, 25
mW, or 20 mJ. Examples are: switches, thermocouples, light emitting diodes, and
resistance temperature devices (RTDs).
Single Phase - designating a circuit or device energized by a single alternating voltage, either in
phase or 180 degrees out of phase; compare with Three Phase.
Single Sampling - a sampling inspection in which the lot is accepted or rejected on the basis of
one sample.
Sink Mark - a depression on the outer surface of a molding, often an inevitable defect created at
thick sections.
Sinter Sinter - 1) to heat a mixture of powdered metals, usually under pressure, to the melting point of
the metal in the mixture which has the lowest melting point, which then binds
together the harder particles; 2) a bonded mass of metal particles, shaped and
partially fused by pressure and heating below the melting point.
Sinter - to make solid blocks from powder, using heat and pressure below the melting point.
Sintering - 1) a process of cold pressing metals or powders into a desired shape and then using
heat to establish a strong bond; 2) a process employed for blending metallic
powders which have been pressed into shape.
Sintering - a process that combines iron-bearing particles, once recovered from environmental
control filters, into small pellets. Previously, these materials were too fine to
withstand the air currents of the smelting process and were thrown away. The iron
is now conserved because the chunks can be charged into the blast furnace; see
Agglomerating Processes.
Sintering - bonding of metal particles which are shaped and partially fused by pressure and
heating below the melting point.
SIOP - Shell International Oil Products
SIPM - Shell Internationale Petroleum Maatschappij B.V.
SIS - 1) Safety Instrumented System; 2) Swedish Standard
Site Conditions - the external factors, e.g. altitude, air temperature, wind velocity, vibrations,
earthquakes, relative humidity, voltage and frequency variations, etc., which may
influence the operation of the machine.
Site Weld - a weld which is made during construction on a site.

Size Number - a number assigned to indicate inside and cross section diameters of an o-ring.
Sizes established in SAE standard AS 568 have been adopted by the military and
the industry.
Size Of Weld - in a fillet weld it is the leg length of the largest isosceles right triangle. In a groove
weld it is the length of the groove.
Size, Actual - actual dimensions of the o-ring or other seal, including tolerance limits.
Size, Nominal - approximate size of part in fractional dimensions. It may also indicate the actual
size of the groove into which a nominal size seal fits.
Sizing - a finishing operation to correct surfaces and shapes to meet specified dimensions and
tolerances.
Sizing Treatment - a surface treatment applied to glass used in reinforced plastics.
Skelp Skelp - mild steel strip, often of bessemer steel from which tubes are made by drawing it through
a welding bell, at welding temperature to produce butt welded or lap welded.
Skelp - steel that is the entry material to a pipe mill. It resembles hot-rolled strip, but its
properties allow for the severe forming and welding operations required for pipe
production.
Skin - the hard surface layer found on iron castings due to the rapid cooling effect of the mold, or
on steel plates, strips and sheets due to rolling, or on other materials or products
due to the surface hardening effect of the finishing process.
SL - Longitudinal Stress
Slab - the most common type of semi-finished steel. Traditional slabs measure 10 inches thick
and 30-85 inches wide (and average about 20 feet long), while the output of the
recently developed "thin slab" casters is approximately two inches thick.
Subsequent to casting, slabs are sent to the hot-strip mill to be rolled into coiled
sheet and plate products.
Slack - looseness or play in a mechanism
Slackline - oil flow that does not completely fill a pipeline.
Slag Slag - the impurities in a molten pool of iron. Flux such as limestone may be added to foster the
congregation of undesired elements into a slag. Because slag is lighter than iron, it
will float on top of the pool, where it can be skimmed.
Slag - the layer of waste material formed on the surface of molten metal ore during smelting and
refining.
Slag Holes - smooth depressions or cavities on the upper surface of a casting or near it. Slag
holes also occur near in gates or when the slag finds its ways into the mold cavity
along with the molten metal. Two main causes of this defect are incorrect gating
system and poor fluxing of metal.
Slag Inclusion Slag Inclusion - a welding defect in which non-metallic solid material is entrapped in weld metal
or between weld metal and base metal. Mainly, slag enters the weld from the
electrode. A dirty surface also produces defects. Design of joints play an important
part in producing a sound weld, free from slag. The design must be such that it
allows correct manipulation of electrode in order to avoid trapping of slag. In
general, a slag is lighter than the parent metal and floats freely over the weld pool.
It can be easily removed after solidification of weld.
Slag Inclusion - non-metallic solid material entrapped in a weld.
Sleeve - a cylindrical part designed to fit over another part.
Sleeve Bearing - a machine bearing in which the shaft turns and is lubricated by a sleeve.
Sleeve Coupling - a hollow cylinder which fits over the ends of two shafts or pipes, thereby
joining them.
Sleeve Lining - refers to the installation of a cylindrical sleeve of alloy material on the inside
diameter of a connection.
Sleeve Valve - an admission and exhaust valve on an internal-combustion engine consisting of
one or two hollow sleeves that fit around the inside of the cylinder and move with
the piston so that their openings align with the inlet and exhaust ports in the cylinder
at proper stages in the cycle.

Slide - a common name for the gate of a knife gate valve.

Slide Valve Slide Valve - a sliding mechanism to cover and uncover ports for the admission of fluid, as in
some steam engines.
Slide Valve - see Knife Gate Valve
Sling Psychrometer Sling Psychrometer - a device for determining relative humidity that consists of a wet and dry
bulb thermometer mounted in a frame that can be whirled about, usually by means
of a handle and short piece of chain or wire rope attached to the upper end of the
frame.
Sling Psychrometer - an hygrometer, which is held on a short length of chord and whirled around,
the observer standing sideways to the air current. The wet-bulb is thereby rapidly
reduced to its final reading.
Slip on Flange - a flange that slips onto a pipe and is welded in place.
Slitting - cutting a sheet of steel into narrower strips to match customer needs. Because steel
mills have limited flexibility as to the widths of the sheet that they produce, service
centers normally will cut the sheet for the customer.
Slot Slot - 1) a long groove in a machine part into which another part slides; 2) a groove into which a
mating member can be inserted for the mechanism of torque, such as screwdriver
slot.
Slot - a narrow, vertical opening
Slot Washer - a lock washer with an indentation on its edge through which a nail or screw can be
driven to hold it in place.
Slot Weld - a means of welding two plates together where a hole in one plate is filled with metal
and is bonded at the bottom to the backing plate.
Slotted Head Screw - a screw fastener with a single groove across the diameter of the head.
Slotted Nut - a regular hexagon nut with slots cut across the flats of the hexagon so that a cotter
pin or safety wire can hold it in place.
Sluice Valve - a solid wedge gate valve used for waterworks purposes.
Slurry Slurry - a fluid consisting of small solid particles suspended in a liquid.
Slurry - a suspension of fine solids in a liquid which can be pumped or can flow freely in a
channel.
Slurry - material in a semi-liquid form; the suspension of solids in liquid.
SMAW - see Shielded Metal Arc Welding
SME - Subject Matter Expert
Smelting - the process of strongly heating an ore so as to melt it.
Smithing - forging or working iron or steel while hot.
SMLS - Seamless
SMTS - Specified Minimum Tensile Strength
SMYS - 1) Specified Minimum Yield Strength; 2) Standard Measured Yield Strength
SN - Serial Number
Sn - Tin
Snap Ring Snap Ring - a form of spring used as a fastener; the ring is elasticity deformed, put in place, and
allowed to snap back toward its unstressed position into a groove or recess.
Snap Ring - a type of retaining fastener in the shape of the letter C which is expanded across its
diameter and allowed to snap back into a groove to hold parts in position, and
especially keep them from sliding axially along a shaft.
Snifter Valve Snifter Valve - a valve on a pump that allows air to enter to escape, and accumulated water to be
released.
Snifter Valve - a valve which opens for the passage of air but closes if liquids attempt to pass.
Snubber - 1) a device which is used to damp the motion of the valve stem. This is usually
accomplished by an oil filled cylinder/piston assembly. The valve stem is attached

to the piston and the flow of hydraulic fluid from one side of the piston to the other is
restricted; 2) a mechanical or hydraulic device for restraining motion; 3) a device
installed between an instrument and the process used to protect the instrument
from rapid pressure fluctuations.
SO - 1) Safety Officer; 2) Sales Order
SO2 - Sulphur Dioxide
Soaking - a phase of a heating operation during which metal is maintained at the requisite
temperature until uniformly heated, and / or until any required phase transformation
has occurred.
Soap Bubble Test - a leak test in which a soap solution is applied to the surface of the vessel
under internal pressure test; soap bubbles form if the tracer gas leaks from the
vessel.
Socket Socket - a device designed to receive and grip the end of a tubular object, such as a tool or pipe.
Socket - a hollow for something to fit into, or stand firm, or revolve in.
Socket Fitting - a fitting used to join pipe in which the pipe is inserted into the fitting. A fillet weld
is then made around the edge of the fitting and the outside wall of the pipe.
Socket Head Screw - a screw fastener with a geometric recess in the head into which an
appropriate wrench is inserted for driving and turning, with consequent improved
non-tamperability.
Socket Weld - an external weld joining the plain ended male portion and the corresponding
socket. Used here as a male valve inlet in a process line or vessel socket.
Socket Weld End (SWE) - a valve end that is counter-bored to receive the connecting pipe,
which is then fillet welded to the valve.
Socket Weld End (SWE) Socket Weld End (SWE) - the end connection of a valve suitably prepared for socket welding to
a connecting pipe.
Socket Welded - a valve or other fitting which slips over the end of a pipe and is made pressure
tight by welding.
Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) - a white crystalline solid that dissolves in water to form a highly
corrosive alkaline solution; used in petroleum refining and the chemical industry.
Soffit - the internal surface of a pipe at the upper end of a vertical diameter; also called Crown.
Soft Patch - a patch in a crack in a vessel such as a steam boiler consisting of a soft material
inserted in the crack and covered by a metal plate bolted or riveted to the vessel.
Softening Softening - 1) the end result of annealing or tempering, i.e. a reduction in hardness and strength;
2) a process for removing arsenic, antimony and tin from lead.
Softening - reducing the hardness of a metal by heat treatment, usually tempering, but at times,
annealing primarily to facilitate machining.
SOHIC - Stress-Oriented Hydrogen Induced Cracking
SOHO - Senior Occupational Health Officer
SOL - Sockolet
SOLAS - Safety Of Life At Sea
Solder - 1) to join two pieces of metal without melting them, by applying a layer of molten alloy to
the joint between them and allowing it to cool and solidify; 2) any of several alloys
with a low melting point, often containing tin and lead, applied when melted to the
joint between two metals to form an airtight seal.
Solder End - a valve end that is counter-bored to receive copper tubing, which is then soldered
to the valve.
Soldering Soldering - a method of joining metals using fusible alloys, usually tin and lead, having melting
points under 700 F (371 C).
Soldering - the hot bonding of metal parts, using a thin film of low melting point alloy (solder).
Soldering - the method of joining two metal parts by melting solder at a temperature lower than
the melting temperatures of the metals to be soldered. Soldered joints are
generally weak. Soldering is applied to sheets, wires etc. at lower temperatures.
Solenoid -

Solenoid - a coil of wire usually in cylindrical form that when carrying a current acts like a magnet
so that a movable core is drawn into the coil when a current flows and that is used
especially as a switch or control for a mechanical device ( as a valve ). The
solenoid turns on the valve.
Solenoid - a cylindrical coil of wire acting as a magnet when carrying electric current. It often
contains a movable iron or steel core that can be used to operate a switch, relay,
circuit breaker, etc.
Solenoid - a type of electromechanical operator in which reciprocal axial motion of a
ferromagnetic core within an electromagnetic coil performs some mechanical
function; common applications include opening or closing valves or electrical
contacts; normally a solenoid armature is spring loaded so that the core moves
against the action of the spring when the coil is energized, and the spring returns
the core to its original position when the energizing electric current is turned off.
Solenoid Valve Solenoid Valve - a shutoff valve whose position is determined by whether or not electric current is
flowing through a coil surrounding a moving iron valve stem; the valve may be
normally open, in which case gas or liquid flows through the valve when electricity
to the coil is turned off; normally closed, in which case gas or liquid flows only when
electricity is turned on; or three way, in which gas or liquid flows in one path
through the valve when electricity is off and in a different path when electricity is on.
Solenoid Valve - a valve actuated by a solenoid, for controlling the flow of gases or liquids in
pipes.
Solenoid Valve - a valve that uses an electromagnetic coil for actuation.
Solenoid Valve - a valve usually of the needle globe type where the closing member moves
under the action of an electrical solenoid.
Solenoid Valve - an electromagnet with a moving core which serves as a valve, or operates a
valve; the valve is actuated by magnetic action by means of an electrically
energized coil.
Solenoid Valve - an electro-magnetically operated valve which enables electrical control of the air
supply to a pneumatic actuator. Double-acting actuators require a four-way
solenoid, while the spring-return actuators require a three-way solenoid to achieve
the proper supply-exhaust air flow patterns.
Solenoid Valve - solenoid valves are operated by an electrical solenoid. They are often deployed
as piloting valves, i.e., fitted to actuators which in turn control larger valves.
Solenoid Valve - solenoid valves, typically of the needle globe type, are operated by an electrical
solenoid. They are often deployed as pilot valves, i.e., fitted to actuators which in
turn control larger valves.
Solid - the form of matter that has a definite shape and a definite volume.
Solid Electrode Process - a gas metal arc welding process in which an external shielding is
formed by the gas and a molding shoe confines the molten metal for vertical
position weldings. The plates to be welded are cleaned and placed in position. The
welding gun is installed over the plates to be welded. The weld area is shielded by
an inert gas (CO2 or argon) and an electrode is fed through the welding gun. The
arc is struck between the workpiece and the electrode. The heat of the arc melts
the electrode and the grooves faces. The molten metal is confined between the
water-cooled molding shoes. The movement of the molding shoes are adjusted in
such a way that they move upwards as the molten metals solidifies. Depending
upon the welding conditions, two metal wires can be fed as electrodes. In this
process no flux is needed.
Solid Phase Welding - in metals, sufficient pressure has to be applied to cause plastic flow of
the two surfaces and to make large areas to come into intimate contact. This
includes friction welding, indent lap welding, diffusion welding, high frequency
welding, and explosion welding. These welds are made by the creation of a
metallic bond between the two surfaces being joined. The surfaces to be joined are
brought so close together that the atoms are separated by less than relaxation
distance.
Solid Solution - a single crystalline phase containing two or more elements.
Solid State Welding -

Solid State Welding - a type of welding process in which coalescence is produced between the
workpieces at temperatures below the melting point of the base metal, with or
without a filler metal, but always with the application of pressure. Different solid
state welding processes used in industry are: Forge welding, diffusion welding,
inertia welding, explosive welding, cold welding, friction welding, and ultrasonic
welding.
Solid State Welding - any welding process that produces a permanent bond without exceeding
the melting point of the base materials and without using a filler metal.
Solid Wedge Gate - a flow control element of a gate valve made of a single piece with no
measures taken to introduce flexibility.
Solution - a liquid mixture consisting of a solid or gas (the solute) and the liquid (the solvent) in
which it is completely dissolved.
Solution Anneal - see Solution Heat Treatment
Solution Heat Treatment - heating a metal to a suitable temperature and holding at that
temperature long enough for one or more constituents to enter into solid solution,
then cooling rapidly enough to retain the constituents in solution.
Solvent Welding - a technique for joining plastic pipe work in which a mixture of solvent and
cement is applied to the pipe end and to the socket, with the parts then being joined
and allowed to set.
Sonic Flaw Detection - the process of locating imperfections in solid materials by observing
internal reflections or a variation in transmission through the materials as a function
of sound-path location.
Sonicate - to apply high-frequency sound waves to matter.
SOP - Standard Operating Procedure
SOR - Start Of Run
Sorbite Sorbite - 1) a phase of steel produced if plain carbon steel is heated to temperature range from
395 to 595 C, it changes into a structure called sorbite. In sorbite, cementite is in
granular form. Sorbite is after and more ductile than troostite; 2) a product formed
by the tempering of martensite to produce rounded particles of cementite in a ferrite
matrix, thus distinguishing it from pearlite, which forms directly from austenite by
eutectoid decomposition.
Sorbite - produced by tempering plain carbon steels between 450 and 630 C. It is softer than
troostite and is commonly found in heat-treated constructional steels like axles,
shafts and crankshafts.
Sorption - the term used to denote the combination of absorption and adsorption processes in
the same substance.
Sour Crude - crude oil containing excessive amounts of sulphur, which liberate corrosive sulphur
compounds during refining; contrast with Sweet Crude.
Sour Gas Sour Gas - a natural gas containing a significant amount of hydrogen sulfide (H2S).
Sour Gas - natural gas containing significant amounts of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). It requires
special material treatments to avoid failures from Sulfide Corrosion Cracking.
Sour Gas - natural gas that contains corrosive sulphur bearing compounds such as H2S or
mercaptans.
Source Inspection - an inspection process of the purchased materials / equipment at the
vendors premises, conducted at regular intervals throughout the manufacturing or
fabrication period.
Source Inspection Agency - a recognized and qualified third party organization with
engineering expertise to conduct inspection on behalf of the contractor.
Source Inspector - a designated inspector of the appointed source inspection agency who does
the inspection work at the vendor or sub-vendors premises.
SOV - Solenoid Valve
SP - 1) Special Procedure; 2) Steam Pressure; 3) Stay Put; 4) Standard Practice
Spacer Spacer - a device for holding two members at a given distance from each other; also known as
Spacer Block.

Spacer - a pressure containing piece of equipment used to connect and provide separation
between other pieces of equipment.
Spall - to break off thin chips from, and parallel to, the surface of a material, such as a metal or
rock.
Spar - an installation that is anchored above a submarine manifold and which is designed for
both storing oil and for loading tankers.
Spare Part - in supply usage, any part, component, or subassembly kept in reserve for the
maintenance and repair of major items of equipment.
Spare Parts List - list approved by designated authorities, indicating the total quantities of spare
parts, tools, and equipment necessary for the maintenance of a specified number of
major items for a definite period of time.
Spark Lighter - a convenient process for lighting a welding torch. In it a grinding stone is used
and a spark is produced by friction, igniting the torch.
Spark Test Spark Test - refers to a method of determining the approximate composition of steel by holding a
sample on a grinding wheel and producing sparks. An experienced operator is able
to detect differences in carbon content of steels of 0.05% in the range up to 0.35%
and 0.10% in the range from 0.35 to 0.60%.
Spark Test - the spark test is frequently used for the identification of metals and alloys. When a
piece of particular metal or alloy is held gently against a running grinding wheel, a
specific pattern of sparking is produced, which helps in identifying the metals and
alloys. The spark test is also used to identify the chemistry of steel. It requires a lot
of practice and only by repeated practice does one become familiar with the
chemical composition of materials. A fairly accurate identification is obtained by
comparing the spark picture of the unknown with that of the known steel or metal.
One main advantage of this test is that it can be applied to metals in practically all
stages of production. Mild steel produces long white sparks and high carbon steel
produces bushy streams with secondary bursts.
Spatter Spatter - metal particle expelled during welding. It does not form a part the weld.
Spatter - particles of molten metal expelled during a welding operation and becoming adhered to
an adjacent surface.
SPC - Singapore Petroleum Company
SPDC - Shell Petroleum Development Corporation
SPDT - Single Pole Double Throw
SPE - Society of Petroleum Engineers
Special Bar Quality (SBQ) - SBQ represents a wide variety of higher-quality carbon and alloy
bars that are used in the forging, machining and cold-drawing industries for the
production of automotive parts, hand tool,; electric motor shafts and valves. SBQ
generally contains more alloys than merchant quality and commodity grades of
steel bars, and is produced with more precise dimensions and chemistry.
Special Protection - a protection technique other than those that have been standardized. This
type of protection is referred to by IEC as "Type s".
Specialty Steel - a category of steel that includes electrical (see Silicon Electrical Steel), alloy
(see Alloy Steel), stainless (see Stainless Steel) and tool (see Tool Steels) steels.
Specialty Tube - refers to a wide variety of high-quality custom-made tubular products requiring
critical tolerances, precise dimensional control and special metallurgical properties.
Specialty tubing is used in the manufacture of automotive, construction and
agricultural equipment, and in industrial applications such as hydraulic cylinders,
machine parts and printing rollers. Because of the range of industrial applications,
the market typically follows general economic conditions.
Specific Gravity Specific Gravity - the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of some standard, such as
water (for a liquid) or air (for a gas).
Specific Gravity - the ratio of the weight of a given substance to the weight of an equal volume of
water at a specified temperature.
Specific Gravity - the ratio of the weight of a given volume of a substance to the weight of an
equal volume of water at 4 C.

Specific Gravity - the ratio of the weight of a given volume of a substance to the weight of an
equal volume of some standard substance.
Specification - 1) a list of requirements that must be met when making a material, part,
component or assembly; installing it in a system; or testing its attributes or
functions; 2) a set of standard requirements applicable to any product or process
within the jurisdiction of a given standards making organization; an industry
consensus standard.
Specifications Specifications - a document that defines the requirements that a finished product must conform
to; it may include chemical and mechanical properties, tolerances, marking,
shipping, etc.
Specifications - an organized listing of basic requirements for materials of construction, product
compositions, dimensions, or test conditions; a number of organizations publish
standards (for example, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, American
Petroleum Institute, and American Society for Testing and Materials), and many
companies have their own specifications; also known as Specs.
Specifications - written data, drawings, and instructions that form the complete requirement the
system must meet. This may include equipment lists, approved vendor lists,
applicable company standards, and references to published standards (e.g., the
National Electrical Code and ISA Standards).
Specifications - written instructions accompanying the drawings and describing the types and
qualities of required workmanship and materials. By convention, specifications are
usually bound together with other accompanying contract documents such as
general conditions, supplementary conditions, invitation to bid, instructions to
bidders, bid form, agreement, and addenda. Specifications are usually divided into
divisions in accordance with the uniform construction index format.
Specular - having the properties of a mirror, especially a polished metal mirror.
Speed Control - a valve used to meter flow and thus adjust actuating time. It incorporates the
use of an adjustable check valve which allows free flow in one direction and
metered flow in the other.
SPEX - 1) Shell Philippines Exploration; 2) Specular Excluded
Spherical Seated Bearing - a journal bearing in which the bearing liner is supported in such a
manner as to permit the axis of the journal to be moved through an appreciable
circular angle.
Spheroidite Spheroidite - a phase of steel produced by slow cooling of hypereutectoid austenite (steel
containing more than 0.83% carbon) or by reheating (temperature) magnetite in the
range 650 to 705 C.
Spheroidite - formed by heating martensitic steels from 650 to 700 C. In this process, the
needle-like structure is transformed to small spheres and the operation is known as
spheroidizing.
Spheroidizing - heating and cooling to produce a spheroidal or globular form of carbide in steel.
Spheroidizing methods frequently used are: a) prolonged holding at a temperature
just below Ae1; b) heating and cooling alternately between temperatures that are
just above and just below Ae1; c) heating to a temperature above Ae1 or Ae3 and
then cooling very slowly in the furnace or holding at a temperature just below Ae1;
d) cooling at a suitable rate from the minimum temperature at which all carbide is
dissolved, to prevent the reformation of a carbide network, and then reheating in
accordance with Method 1 or 2 above.
Spigot - a type of fitting, essentially a section of pipe fused cleanly into a valve. This protruding
pipe is then fused into the piping system. Usually found in high purity systems.
SPII - Shipping, Packing and Invoicing Instructions
Spike Welding - a resistance welding process in which a large amount of instantaneous stored
energy is used to form a weld. The electrical energy is stored in capacitors, which
is released rapidly through the electrodes and the metal pieces to be joined.
Current flow is controlled numerically for very little time. Due to high electrical
energy the edges of the workpieces form a weld. It is a very rapid process. In this
process the chances of war-page and contamination are eliminated. This process

is suitable for welding all types of metals and alloys having great variations in
dimensions.
Spill - an unplanned or accidental loss of petroleum hydrocarbons from primary containment.
Spin Welding - fusion of two objects (for example, plastics) by forcing them together while one of
the pair is spinning; frictional heat melts the interface, spinning is stopped, and the
bodies are held together until they are frozen in place (welded).
Spindle Spindle - a short, slender or tapered shaft.
Spindle - see Stem
Spindle - that component through which the load is transmitted to the valve head.
Spindle Housing Cap - a cap which houses the top of the spindle and the adjusting screw.
Spindle Key - used for opening and closing the valves of the gas cylinders.
Spindle Lever Link - the component attached to the spindle which keeps the spindle in position
relative to the lever.
Spinning - a cold metal working process that forces a circular piece of metal into a thinner
section.
SPIR - Spare Parts and Interchangeability Record
Spiral Wound Gasket Spiral Wound Gasket - a gasket composed of alternate layers of preformed metal bands and
non-metallic filler.
Spiral Wound Gasket - a requirement of any gasket is the ability to recover under variable loads.
The effects of pressure and temperature fluctuations, the temperature difference
across the flange face, together with flange rotation, bolt stress relaxation and
creep, require a gasket with adequate flexibility and recovery to maintain a seal
under variable and uneven loading. The spiral wound gasket meets these
requirements. A spiral wound gasket is manufactured by spirally winding a
preformed metal strip and filler on the outside periphery of metal winding mandrels.
The metal winding mandrel outside diameter forms the inner diameter of the gasket
and the laminations are continually wound until the required outer diameter is
attained. Normal practice is to reinforce the inner and outer diameters with several
piles of metal with no sort of fillers being introduced. The winding material (hoop)
can be Stainless Steel, Monel, Titanium, etc. with options of filler materials such as
CAF (Compressed Asbestos Fiber), Non-asbestos jointing, PTFE, Flexible
Graphite, ceramic, etc. Note: many Oil & Gas companies no longer allow CAF filler.
SPL - Sound Pressure Level
Splash Zone - arbitrary area (-) 1.5 meters MSL (Mean Sea Level) to (+) 1.5 meters MSL.
Splay - a slanted or beveled surface making an oblique angle with another surface.
Spline Spline - a strip of wood or metal fitting into a slot, usually to form a longitudinal side-to-side
connection between two members.
Spline - any of a number of rectangular keys that fit into grooves in the shaft of a wheel and
which allow for movement.
Spline - one of a number of equally spaced keys cut integral with a shaft, or similarly, keyways in
a hubbed part; the mated pair permits the transmission of rotation or translatory
motion along the axis of the shaft.
Splined Shaft - a shaft with longitudinal gear-like ridges along its interior or exterior surface.
Split Bearing - a shaft bearing composed of two pieces bolted together.
Split Body - a valve body design in which trim is secured between two segments of a valve
body.
Split Body - a valve whose body is split. This design allows for easy plug and seat removal.
Split-bodied valves are made in both the straight-through and angle versions.
Split Body Ball Valve - a ball valve in which the valve comprises a body and body connector (s).
There are three main variants: a) two-piece ball valve, b) sandwich ball valve, c)
constrained ball valve.
Split Nut - a nut cut axially into halves to allow for rapid engagement (closed) or disengagement
(open).
Split Pin - a pin with a split at one end so that it can be spread to hold it in place.

Split Wedge Gate - a flow control element of a gate valve made of two separate pieces.
SPMT - Self-Propelled Modular Transporters
Sponge - wood shavings coated with iron oxide and used as a catalyst in processes for removing
hydrogen sulfide from industrial gases.
Spot Facing - a finished circular surface around the top of a hole to seat a bolt head or washer,
or to allow flush mounting of mating parts.
Spot Welding Spot Welding - 1) to join by welding at a number of separate points; 2) to join metal with singular
circle welds.
Spot Welding - a form of resistance welding where a weld nugget is produced along the interface
between two pieces of metal, usually sheet metal, by passing electric current across
the joint which is clamped between two small diameter electrodes or between an
electrode and an anvil or plate.
Spot Welding - a resistance method of welding sheets, etc, by passing current through the two
surfaces lapping one over the other from electrodes which holds them tightly in
contact, and repeating the process at regularly spaced intervals, so that the sheets
are welded.
Spot Welding - a resistance welding process carried out at different spots on a workpiece, held
between the electrodes under pressure.
Spot Welding - a series of spot welds made by circular or wheel type electrodes.
Spot Welding - the joining of two or more thin metal plates at a number of spots by local heating
at these places with a heavy electric current for a short time.
Spot Welding - the principle of spot welding is the same as that of electric resistance welding.
Electric supply, regulated by a transformer, is allowed to pass through high
resistance at the point of weld, in between the tips of water-cooled copper
electrodes. The electrodes are water-cooled to minimize the danger of overheating
and softening of the tip which is occasionally filled to keep it clean and pointed.
One end of the secondary winding of the transformer is connected to the upper
moveable electrode and the other end is connected to the lower fixed electrode.
The workpieces to be welded are pressed between the tips of the electrodes and a
strong current at low voltage is switched on. Due to resistance offered by the
workpieces to the flow of this current, the temperature at the contact surfaces rises
to fusion point and the weld is completed on freezing. Operations are repeated by
changing the position of the plate to get the weld at another place. Spot welding
usually produces slight depressions or indentations on the workpieces. These are
often undesirable on the show side of the finished products. Using large-sized
electrodes can minimize these depressions. Metals like mild steel, hardenable
steels, high speed steels, steels bits, stainless steel, coated steels, aluminum and
its alloys, copper and its alloys, nickel alloys and Monel metal can be welded by this
process.
Spotfacing - a flat surface for a nut or bolt to sit securely on.
SPQP - Suppliers Quality Control Plan
Spring Spring - a machined element which is capable of storing energy and releasing it as required.
Spring - the loading medium of the valve
Spring Bolt - a bolt which must be retracted by pressure and which is shot into place by a spring
when the pressure is released.
Spring Bracket - a bracket on the valve body forming a support for the spring.
Spring Loading Bolt - the bolt which attaches the spring to the body.
Spring Pipe - that part of the valve, attached to the body, which encloses the loading spring;
also called Spring Case, or Spring Casing.
Spring Pipe / Body Flange - the flange of the spring pipe to which the body is connected.
Spring Pipe / Cover Flange - the flange on the spring pipe to which the cover is connected.
Spring Pipe Bolting - comprises bolts, stud bolts, stud, set screws and nuts used for the
body/spring pipe connection and spring pipe/cover connection.
Spring Pipe Bush - a bush in the spring pipe to guide the spindle.
Spring Pipe Components - those parts which are associated, but not integral, with the spring

pipe.
Spring Plate - a plate fitted at each end of the spring.
Spring Rate - a term usually applied to self contained regulators describing the range of set point
adjustment available for a particular range spring.
Spring Retainer - the component which retains the spring in the body.
Spring Retaining Components - comprises nuts, pins and washers
Spring Return - see Pneumatic Actuator
Spring Steel - carbon or low alloy steel that is cold worked or heat treated to give it the high yield
strength normally required in springs; if it is a heat treatable composition, the
springs may be formed prior to heat treatment (hardening).
Spring Temper - a level of hardness and strength for nonferrous alloys and some ferrous alloys
corresponding approximately to a cold worked state two thirds of the way from full
hard to extra spring temper.
Spring Washer - a washer consisting of a steel ring cut through and bent into helical form, which
prevents a nut from unscrewing.
SPRT - Spacer Ring Type (ASME Flange)
Sprue Sprue - in casting, the passage through which molten metal from a pouring basin reaches the
mold cavity. It controls the flow of metal into the mold cavity.
Sprue - the passage through which the molten metal from the pouring basin reaches the mold
cavity. It controls the flow of metal into the mold cavity.
Sprue Marks - marks left on the surface of a rubber part, usually elevated, after removal of the
sprue or cured compound in the gate through which the compound is injected or
transfer molded.
Spur Gear Spur Gear - a gearwheel with teeth projecting parallel to the wheels axis.
Spur Gear - a toothed wheel with radial teeth parallel to the axis.
Spur Gear - the simplest of gears; in a gear set, the pinion and ring gear are aligned on parallel
shafts. It can be added to another gear operator to further increase the mechanical
advantage afforded by the gear.
Spur Gear Operator - a gear operator set that uses a spur gear set.
SPW - 1) Spiral Wound; 2)Spring Wound
Square Operating Nut - a nut, usually 2" x 2", which is attached to a valve stem or the pinion
shaft of a gear operator, allowing use of wrenches to quickly operate the valve.
Square Thread - a robust type of screw thread which can transmit thrust in both directions.
Squeeze - cross section diametral compression of o-ring between surface of the groove bottom
and surface of other mating metal part in the gland assembly.
Squirrel Cage - a form of rotor in small electric motors, resembling a squirrel cage (a rotating
cylindrical cage in which a small captive animal can exercise on as a treadmill).
SR - 1) Spring Return; 2) Short Radius
SRB - Sulphur Reducing Bacteria
SRC - Specification Review Committee
SRD - Suppliers Required Documents
SRE - Senior Resident Engineer
SS - Stainless Steel
SSB - Shell Sarawak Berhad
SSC - Sulfide Stress Cracking
SSE - Sime Sembcorp Engineering Sdn. Bhd.
SSPC - 1) Sabah Shell Petroleum Company; 2) Steel Structures Painting Council
SSS - Shell Sabah Selatan
SSV - Surface Safety Valve
ST - 1) Set; 2) Soft Seat (Nylon)
ST / STL - Stainless Steel
Stainless Alloy - any member of a large and complex group of alloys containing iron, at least 5%
chromium, and often other alloying elements, and whose principal characteristic is
resistance to atmospheric corrosion or rusting; also known as Stainless Steel.

Stainless Steel (SS) Stainless Steel (SS) - 1) a form of steel containing chromium, highly resistant to tarnishing, rust
and corrosion; 2) steel containing 10.5% or more chromium. Other elements may
be added to secure special properties; 3) a steel that meets one of the following
descriptions: (a) martensitic or ferritic chromium stainless steels containing more
than 10% chromium (typically AISI 400 series), (b) austenitic chromium-nickel
stainless steels containing more than 16% chromium and more than 6% nickel
(typically AISI 300 series). This also includes the super austenitic stainless steels
(with 6% molybdenum) and the alloys with nominally 20% chrome and 35% nickel
such as Incoloy 825 or Alloy 20, (c) duplex ferritic-austenitic stainless steels
containing approximately 15% to 30% chromium and 2% to 8% nickel (typically the
2205 and 2507 alloys).
Stainless Steel (SS) - can be 7 times the cost of ordinary steel
Stainless Steel (SS) - corrosion resistant steel, more than 11% chromium.
Stainless Steel (SS) - corrosion-resistant steel having from 10 to 35% of chromium with or
without the addition of nickel, manganese, silicon, cobalt, copper, molybdenum,
tungsten, vanadium, niobium or titanium.
Stainless Steel (SS) - it is generally manufactured in an electric furnace. It is an iron-base alloy
having chromium or chromium and nickel as alloying elements. Stainless steel
possesses a great resistance to corrosion. There are two main types of stainless
steels: Austenitic and Martensitic.
Stainless Steel (SS) - steel with more than 12% chromium. Chromium in steel forms a strong,
passive chromium oxide protective film, making it corrosion resistant.
Stainless Steel (SS) - steels that do not rust due to the action of heat, moisture or atmosphere.
Stainless Steel (SS) - the term for grades of steel that contain more than 10% chromium, with or
without other alloying elements. Stainless steel resists corrosion, maintains its
strength at high temperatures, and is easily maintained. For these reasons, it is
used widely in items such as automotive and food processing products, as well as
medical and health equipment. The most common grades of stainless steel are: a)
Type 304 - The most commonly specified austenitic (chromium-nickel stainless
class) stainless steel; accounting for more than half of the stainless steel produced
in the world. This grade withstands ordinary corrosion in architecture, is durable in
typical food processing environments, and resists most chemicals. Type 304 is
available in virtually all product forms and finishes; b) Type 316 - Austenitic
(chromium-nickel stainless class) stainless steel containing 2%-3% molybdenum
(whereas 304 has none). The inclusion of molybdenum gives 316 greater
resistance to various forms of deterioration; c) Type 409 - Ferritic (plain chromium
stainless category) stainless steel suitable for high temperatures. This grade has
the lowest chromium content of all stainless steels and thus is the least expensive;
d) Type 410 The most widely used martensitic (plain chromium stainless class with
exceptional strength) stainless steel, featuring the high level of strength conferred
by the martensitics. It is a low-cost, heat-treatable grade suitable for non-severe
corrosion applications; e) Type 430 - The most widely used ferritic (plain chromium
stainless category) stainless steel, offering general-purpose corrosion resistance,
often in decorative applications.
Stainless Steel (SS) - any of a number of types of iron alloy with chrome, nickel, or other
elements that does not oxidize in free air.
Stall Torque - the amount of torque provided by a motor at close to zero speed.
Stalling Time - the time taken for any other part of the motor, when the motor is energized at
rated voltage and in the stalled condition, to be heated up from the temperature
reached under full load and maximum coolant temperature condition, to the highest
temperature which does not impair its subsequent performance.
Standard Cubic Foot of Gas - the quantity of a gas occupying one cubic foot at a pressure of
one atmosphere or 0.10133 megapascals (14.696 psia) and a temperature of 15
Celsius (59 Fahrenheit).
Standard Fit - a fit whose allowance and tolerance are standardized.
Standpipe - 1) a vertical pipe for holding a water supply for fire protection; 2) a high tank or
reservoir for holding water that is used to maintain a uniform pressure in a watersupply system.

Starting Current - the steady-state root-mean-square (RMS) current taken from the line over the
starting period from zero speed to load speed with rated voltage and frequency
applied.
Starting Torque - the electromagnetic torque generated by the motor minus the ventilation and
friction torque losses of the motor, over the starting period from zero speed to load
speed with rated frequency and voltage applied.
State of Strain - a complete description, including the six components of strain, of the
deformation within a homogeneously deformed volume.
Static - passive; not changing; not moving; compare with Dynamic.
Static Load - a load exerted on a bearing not in motion.
Static Seal Static Seal - a part designed to seal between parts having no relative motion; see Gasket.
Static Seal - a seal between two surfaces which have no relative motion.
Static Seal - see Gasket
Static Unbalance - the net force produced on the valve stem by the fluid pressure acting on the
closure member and stem within the pressure retaining boundary. The closure
member is at a stated opening with a stated flow condition. This is one of the forces
an actuator must overcome.
Station Block Valve - a gate valve installed at the inlet (suction) side and the outlet (discharge)
side of the pump station to isolate the pump station from the pipeline in the event of
an emergency.
Statistical Process Control (SPC) - a technique used to predict when a steelmaking function's
quality may deteriorate.
By tightly monitoring the product's variance from
specifications, the operator can determine when to apply preventative maintenance
to a machine before any low-quality (secondary) steel is produced.
Stator Stator - the part in an electric motor that does not move; compare with Rotor.
Stator - the stationary portion of a machine that interacts with a rotor to produce power or motion.
Stay Bolt Stay Bolt - a bolt threaded through or welded at each end, into two spaced sheets of a firebox or
box header to support flat surfaces against internal pressure.
Stay Bolt - a bolt with a thread along the entire length of the shaft; used to attach machine parts
that are under pressure to separate.
Stay Put - the valve remains in the position it had prior to instrument air failure. Valve spring
action is defined in the requisition / indent.
STBT - Stud Bolt With Nuts
STD - 1) Standard; 2) Standard Wall Thickness
Steady State Creep - see Secondary Creep
Steam Cock - a valve for the passage of steam.
Steam Jacket - a steam-filled casing that is fitted around a cylinder in order to heat its contents.
Steam Trap - a device that automatically collects condensate in a steam line and drains it away.
Steam Trap Valve - a self-adjusting valve which automatically separates steam from its
condensates and allows the latter to be used for other purposes, thus increasing the
overall efficiency of a plant.
Steam Valve - a valve used to regulate the flow of steam.
Steam, Dry Steam, Dry - steam containing no moisture. Commercially dry steam containing not more than
one half of one percent moisture.
Steam, Dry - steam with no water particles mixed in
Steam, Saturated - steam in contact with liquid water at the boiling point
Steam, Superheated - steam at any pressure which is heated to a temperature above the steam
temperature at that pressure.
Steckel Mill - a reversing steel sheet reduction mill with heated coil boxes at each end. Steel
sheet or plate is sent through the rolls of the reversing mill and coiled at the end of
the mill, reheated in the coil box, and sent back through the Steckel stands and
recoiled. By reheating the steel prior to each pass, the rolls can squeeze the steel
thinner per pass and impart a better surface finish.

Steel Steel - a purified alloy of iron, carbon and other elements that is manufactured in the liquid state.
Most steels are almost free from phosphorus, sulphur, and silicon and contain
between 0.1 and 1.5% of calcium. Mild steels are low carbon steels (less than
0.2%). They are malleable and ductile and are used in place of wrought iron. They
are not hardened by being quenched (suddenly cooled) from a red heat. Medium
steels containing from 0.2 to 0.6% carbon are used for making rails, and structural
elements (beams and girders and so on). Mild steel and medium steel can be
forged and welded. High carbon steels (0.75 to 1.5% carbon) are used for making
scissors, surgical instruments, drills and other tools. Medium steels and high
carbon steels can be hardened and tempered.
Steel - an alloy of iron and carbide and having less than 1% of all other components.
Steel - any alloy of iron with up to 2% carbon that may or may not contain other alloying elements
to enhance strength or other properties.
Steel - any of a number of iron alloys that contain small amounts of carbon, and in some alloys,
additional elements such as chromium, nickel, manganese, silicon, molybdenum,
etc.
Steel Ingots - after melting steel to the required specification, it is cast into ingot molds. Great
care is needed for making steel to exact specifications and casting in molds as it
may give a number of defects at later stages of processes.
Steel Intensity - the amount of steel used per unit of gross domestic product. Intensity reflects
the secular demand for steel, as opposed to cyclical demand. The amount of steel
used in vehicles and the popularity of alternative materials affect the intensity, or
how much steel is needed per unit produced. The state of the economy, however,
determines the number of units.
Steel Strapping - banding and packaging material that is used to close and reinforce shipping
units, such as bales, boxes, cartons, coils, crates and skids.
STEL - Stellite
Stellite Stellite - a material used in valve trim known for its hardness, wear and corrosion resistance.
Stellite is available as a casting, barstock material, and may be applied to a softer
material such as 316 stainless steel by means of spray coating or welding; also
called #6 Stellite or Alloy 6.
Stellite - any of a family of cobalt containing alloys known for their wear resistance, corrosion
resistance, and resistance to softening at high temperature.
Stellite - see CoCr-A Hardfacing
Stem Stem - 1) the rod, shaft or spindle which connects the valve actuator with the closure member; 2)
the part, usually a rod or shaft, which connects to the valve stem and transmits
motion (force) from the actuator to the valve. The actuator stem delivering an
output thrust may or may not be the same stem as that on the power unit stem; 3)
a rod connecting a knob or handwheel to the moving part it operates.
Stem - a spindle which can be manually rotated or automatically moved towards or away from a
valve seat, in order to effect the closing or opening of valve. The end of the spindle
is within the valve body, and in the proximity of the seat.
Stem - in a linear motion valve, the part which connects the actuator stem with the closure
component.
Stem - the axial shaft in angle and inline valves connecting actuator and bellows assembly.
Many valve stems rise as the valve is opened, while other valves may have a nonrising feature.
Stem - the component not integral with the closure member which passes through the body or
cover and on which the stem head is formed.
Stem - the part of a gate valve, globe valve, or diaphragm valve that moves the flow control
element.
Stem - the rod by means of which the disk or plug is moved to open and close a valve.
Stem - the rod or shaft transmitting motion from an operator (handwheel or gear operator) to the
closure element of the valve.
Stem - the valve component on which the actuating thread is formed and by which control of the

disc is effected.
Stem - the Valve Plug Stem is a rod extending through the bonnet assembly to permit positioning
of the plug or closure member. The Actuator Stem is a rod or shaft which connects
to the valve stem and transmits motion or force from the actuator to the valve.
Stem / Gate Connection - the means of attaching the gate to the stem. This is generally of the
following forms: a) Tee Head, b) Button Head, c) Screwed and pinned, d) Belt Eye.
Stem Bearings - butterfly stem bearings are referred to as either the outboard or the inboard
type, depending on their location, outside or inside of the stem seals.
Stem Boot - a protective device similar to a flexible bellows, used outside the bonnet to protect
the valve stem from the surrounding atmosphere.
Stem Bush - that part, separate from and secured in the bonnet, which takes the thrust of the
stem thrust collar.
Stem Bushing - see Yoke Nut
Stem Button Stem Button - the formed end of a valve stem to which the disc or disc holder is attached.
Stem Button - the formed end of the stem to which the disc or disc holder is attached; also
known as Spindle Collar.
Stem Connector - the device which connects the actuator stem to the valve stem.
Stem Drive - that part of the stem which transmits torque to the ball.
Stem Guide Stem Guide - a guide bushing closely fitted to the valve stem and aligned with the seat.
Stem Guide - a guide bushing closely fitted to the valve stem and aligned with the seat. Good
stem guiding is essential to minimizing packing leakage.
Stem Head - 1) that part of the stem to which the wrench or other operating device is attached;
2) that end of the stem formed for the attachment of the gate.
Stem Nut Stem Nut - Operating Nut
Stem Nut - see Yoke Nut
Stem Nut - the threaded nut that surrounds a reciprocating valve stem and causes the stem to
move when the nut is rotated; also called Yoke Nut.
Stem or Ball Shank Seal - the non-adjustable component(s) which form(s) the stem or ball
shank sealing.
Stem or Ball Shank Seal Retainer - the component which retains a non-adjustable stem or ball
shank seal.
Stem or Ball Shank Seal Retainer Bolting - comprises bolts, stud-bolts, studs, set screws and
nuts, used to secure the stem or ball shank seal retainer to the body cover.
Stem or Ball Shank Seal Retainer Gasket - a component for effecting a fluid-tight joint between
stem or ball shank seal retainer and the body or cover.
Stem or Ball Shank Sealing Components - those components which are associated with the
stem or ball shank sealing.
Stem or Spindle - that component on which the actuating thread is formed and by which control
of the closure member is effected. Where this is two parts, the part to which the
gate is attached is stem, and the part to which the hand wheel is attached is the
spindle.
Stem Retaining Yoke - that external component which secures the stem in the valve.
Stem Seal Stem Seal - a pressure containing seal / packing to prevent leakage of the process fluid to the
atmosphere through the interfaces of the valve stem in contact with the valve body
and adjacent parts.
Stem Seal - the part or parts needed to effect a pressure tight seal around the stem while
allowing movement of the stem.
Stem Stop - a part fitted to the stem or spindle; also called Belt Eye Sleeve Stop.
Stem Stop Nut - a nut which secures the stop to the stem spindle; also called Belt Eye Sleeve
Stop Nut.
Stem Thrust Bearing - a bearing whose prime function is to take thrust and may also provide
stem sealing.
Stem Thrust Collar - a collar formed on the stem of a non-rising stem valve.

Stem Torque - the force required at the valve stem to open or close the valve against system
pressure and service conditions. Torque is usually expressed in inch pounds or
foot pounds.
Stem, Integral - a design in which the stem is either physically a part of the ball or mechanically
made part of the ball. Some integral stems are designed to perform a turning and
then lifting action.
Stem, Loose - a design in which the stem is not physically or mechanically attached to the ball,
but drives the ball through intimate contact of surfaces. Typical loose stem drives
are: a) tang, b) pin, c) splined.
Stem, Non Rising (NRS) Stem, Non Rising (NRS) - a gate valve having its stem threaded into the gate. As the stem turns
the gate moves but the stem does not rise. The stem threads are exposed to the
line fluid.
Stem, Non Rising (NRS) - a stem design used on gate valves in which male threads on the stem
mate with female threads in the valve gate. Turning the stem causes the gate to
move, but the stem does not translate (rise).
Stem, One Piece - An inseparable Stem and Disc made from one piece of metal.
Stem, Rising (RS) Stem, Rising (RS) - a stem that comes out of a valve (rises) as the valve is opened.
Stem, Rising (RS) - a valve stem that turns and rises when the valve is open.
Stem, Rising (RS) - a valve stem with threads arranged so that as the stem turns, the threads
engage a stationary threaded area and lift the stem along with the closure element
attached to it.
Step Bearing - a bearing that supports the lower end of a vertical shaft; also known as Pivot
Bearing.
Sthene - the force which, when applied to a body whose mass is one metric ton, results in an
acceleration of 1 meter per second per second; equal to 1000 newtons; formerly
known as Funal.
Stick Slip - a function phenomenon which can be described as a jerky motion which sometimes
results when one surface is dragged against another. Normally it is associated with
a non-lubricated or boundary-lubricated condition.
Stiction - friction that tends to prevent relative motion between two movable parts at their null
position.
Stiffness Stiffness - 1) the ability to resist bending, or any type of elastic or viscoelastic deformation; 2) the
reciprocal of compliance, and equals the ratio of force to deflection.
Stiffness - the ability of a metal to resist bending, stretching, shortening and twisting. It is defined
by the modulus of elasticity. The modulus applies only within the elastic range (the
range within which a metal will return to its original shape if the load is removed). It
is the ratio of stress to strain.
Stiffness - the ability to resist deformation under stress.
Stiffness - the resistance a material offers to deformation below the elastic limit. It is needed in
crankshafts, springs, beams, machine parts and structural members in which the
extent of elastic deformation or deflection under load is significant. The stiffness of
a material is determined from the extent of deformation produced by any given load
below the elastic limit. Under constant load, the smaller the elastic deformation, the
stiffer the material in question.
Stiffness - the resistance of a material offered to deformation, below the elastic limit. The
stiffness of a material is indicated by the slope of the stress-strain curve below the
elastic limit. The greater the slope of the curve, the lesser the stiffness and vice
versa. Modulus of Elasticity of a material refers to its stiffness in the elastic limit.
The term flexibility is often used to refer to the opposite of stiffness.
Stiffness - the resistance offered to deformation, below the elastic limit of a material. The
stiffness of a material is indicated by the slope of the stress-strain curve below the
elastic limit. The greater the slope of the curve, the lesser the stiffness and vice
versa. Modulus of Elasticity of a material refers to its stiffness in the elastic limit.
The term flexibility is often used to refer to the opposite of stiffness.
Stitch Welding - making a welded seam using a series of spot welds that do not overlap.

Stoke - the standard unit of kinmatic viscosity in the CGS (Centimeter-Gram-Second) system. It
is expressed in square centimeters per second; 1 centistoke equals 0.01 stoke.
Stop Check Valve Stop Check Valve - 1) a check valve in which the closure member can be mechanically closed;
2) a lift check valve design that also has a stem that can be used to hold the disc
against its seat and have the valve function as a stop valve; also called a NonReturn Valve.
Stop Check Valve - a check valve in which the closure member can be mechanically closed.
Stop Cock Stop Cock - a conventional term applied loosely to valves and cocks of many different types.
Stop Cock - a small valve for stopping or regulating the flow of a fluid through a pipe.
Stop Nut - 1) an adjustable nut that restricts the travel of an adjusting screw; 2) a nut with a
compressible insert that binds it so that a lock washer is not needed.
Stop Stud - the component which restricts the travel of the cover.
Stop Valve Stop Valve - 1) a valve which, when shut, prevents the flow of liquid or gas; 2) the main steam
valve on a boiler for controlling the steam supply and isolating the boiler from the
main steam pipe.
Stop Valve - a valve that can be opened or closed to regulative or stop the flow of fluid in a pipe.
Stop Valve - a valve used only for starting and stopping fluid flow.
Stop Valve - a valve which is used for controlling the flow of liquid or gas by turning it on or
completely shutting it off.
Stops - 1) components or features of the valve which limit the rotary movement of the ball; 2)
parts integral with or fitted to the valve, to limit the turning angle of the plug.
Stored Energy Welding - a welding process carried out by stored electrostatic, electromagnetic
or electrochemical energy.
Stove Bolt - a coarsely threaded bolt with a slotted head, which with a square nut is used to join
metal parts.
STP - Standard Temperature and Pressure
Straight Polarity - a direct current arc welding process where the electrode acts as negative and
the workpiece positive; also known as Electrode Negative.
Straight Through Valve - this valve offers a line of sight valve opening (generally somewhat
smaller than port I.D.) from inlet port to outlet port. It is a design particularly suited
for metal closure seals.
Strain Strain - change of shape or size of a body produced by the action of a stress.
Strain - deflection due to a force
Strain - refers to the change in shape or length of material when subjected to a force, the strain
producing a change in length being expressed as a ratio to original length.
Strain - the change in length per unit length.
Strain - the deformation per unit length produced in a solid as a result of stress.
Strain - when a material gets distorted by external or internal forces acting on it, it is said to be
strained.
Strain Aging Strain Aging - a change in properties of a metal or alloy that occurs at room or slightly elevated
temperature following cold working.
Strain Aging - refers to the gradual changes in physical and mechanical properties, generally an
increase in hardness, which takes place following cold working. At atmospheric
temperature the change is slow; heating to, say, 200 Celsius may accelerate it.
Such changes occur principally in iron and steel.
Strain Gauge Strain Gauge - a device that can be attached to a surface, usually with an adhesive, and that
indicates strain magnitude in a given direction by changes in electrical resistance of
fine wire; it may be used to measure strain due to static or dynamic applied
loading, in tension or compression, or both, depending on design of the gage,
bonding technique, and type of instrumentation used to determine resistance
changes in the strain element.

Strain Gauge

- a device which is used for converting mechanical strain into a measurable

electrical signal. It consists of a very thin metal wire, metal foil or semiconductor
filament bonded onto a backing sheet by which it can be attached to a body before
it is put under strain. As the body gets strained, the electrical conductor gets
correspondingly strained. This alters its electrical properties and with prior
calibration the value of the strain is obtained. A Wheatstone Bridge circuit is used
for static analysis and temperature compensated dynamic analysis, while a
potentiometer circuit can be used for direct readout of dynamic analysis when
temperature compensation is not needed.
Strain Hardening Strain Hardening - if any material has been worked cold, such as a steel wire being drawn
through a die, it is said to be strain hardened.
Strain Hardening - layers of atoms can slide relative to each other, which explains the malleability
of metals and their ability to be formed into complex shapes by mechanical
pressure. Sometimes this is not an advantage in structural metals, and methods of
processing are used to prevent the slippage of atoms. The boundary between the
slipped and unslipped part of a crystal is known as a Dislocation Line, and these
dislocations can be complex. If pressure is put on a metal, dislocations can interact
and start to prevent slippage. This mechanism is called Strain Hardening, and
there comes a point when the metal cannot be deformed further without fracture.
Strain Hardening - the increase in tensile and yield strengths, and the corresponding reduction in
ductility, associated with plastic deformation of a metal at temperatures below its
recrystallization range.
Strainer Strainer - a coarse filter
Strainer - a device through which a fluid is passed to remove insoluble materials.
Strand Casting - the direct casting of steel from the ladle into slabs, blooms or billets. In strand
casting a heat of steel is tapped into a ladle in the conventional manner. The liquid
steel is then teemed into a tundish which acts as a reservoir to provide for
controlled casting rate. The steel flows from the tundish into the casting machine
and rapid solidification begins in the open-ended molds. The partially solidified
slab, bloom or billet is continuously extracted from the mold. Solidification is
completed by cooling the moving steel surface.
Strength Strength - properties related to the ability of steel to oppose applied forces. Forms of strength
include withstanding imposed loads without a permanent change in shape or
structure and resistance to stretching.
Strength - the ability of a material to resist the effect of external forces. Steel has a higher
mechanical strength than that of aluminum.
Strength - the resistance by which materials oppose deformation.
Strength - the strength of any material measured by its maximum safe working stress. It is equal
to the yield point, ultimate strength or proof stress divided by the factor of safety
appropriate to the material and conditions of loading.
Strength - the stress at which material ruptures or fails.
Stress Stress - force per unit of original cross section area
Stress - it is force per unit area
Stress - the force acting across a unit area in a solid material resisting the separation,
compacting, or sliding that tends to be induced by external forces.
Stress - the force per unit area. There are three kinds: tensile, compressive and shear. Bending
produces both tensile and compressive stresses while torsion produces a shear
stress. An alternating stress exists when a force keeps changing sign. An
alternating stress can be superimposed on a steady stress and the resultant
combination may be of alternating sign or the steady stress may so dominate that
the resultant has been of one sign but, of course varying magnitude.
Stress Corrosion Stress Corrosion - certain metallic alloys are susceptible to premature failure under sustained
tensile stress in a corrosive environment. This stress corrosion takes place when

the material is kept in a corrosive under tension of sufficient magnitude and duration
to allow the initiation and growth of cracks. Failure then takes place at a stress
which is lower than that which the material would normally be expected to
withstand.
Stress Corrosion - the combined effect of static tensile strength and a corrosive environment on a
metal.
Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) - cracking due to a combination of corrosion and stress.
Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) - cracking of metal produced by the combined action of
corrosion and tensile stress (residual or applied).
Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) - deep cracking in a metal part due to the synergistic action of
tensile stress and a corrosive environment, causing failure in less time than could
be predicted by simply adding the effects of stress and the corrosive environment
together. The tensile stress may be a residual or applied stress, and the corrosive
environment need not be severe but only must contain a specific ion that the
material is sensitive to.
Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) - slow growth of cracks in stainless steel caused by the
combined effect of mechanical stress and exposure to a corrosive environment.
Stress Corrosion Cracking, Chloride - failure by cracking under the combined action of tensile
stress and corrosion in the presence of chlorides and water.
Stress Crack - an external or internal crack in a solid body (metal or plastic) caused by tensile,
compressive, or shear forces.
Stress Cracking, Sulfide (SSC) - brittle failure by cracking under the combined action of tensile
stress and corrosion in the presence of water and H2S.
Stress Number Curve - a curve which is obtained from fatigue tests in which a series of
specimens of a given material are subjected to different ranges of stress. The
range of stress is plotted against the number of cycles required to produce failure.
In steel and many other metals, there is a limiting range of stress below which even
an infinite number of cycles will not produce failure. This is often known as the
fatigue limit. The Stress- Number Curve is also called S-N Curve.
Stress Relief Annealing - heating metal to a point where there can be some re-crystallization,
and then cooling. The temperature is usually raised to approximately 0.6 of the
melting temperature of the metal; for steel, this is approximately 650 C. If the
steel is cooled in air, it is called Normalized Steel. Stress relief annealing allows
internal stresses in the metal to be relaxed, so further working can take place.
Stress Relief Heat Treatment - refers to a process of reducing residual stress in a metal object
by heating it to 600 or 650 Celsius and holding at this temperature for sufficient
time for the internal stresses to the released by creep.
Stress Relieving Stress Relieving - a process of heat-treating to lessen of eliminate internal stresses in metal parts
that generally occur from fabrication, or other processes. It is usually done at a
lower temperature than annealing or normalizing.
Stress Relieving - heating a metal to a suitable temperature, holding at that temperature long
enough to reduce residual stresses, and then cooling slowly enough to minimize the
development of new residual stresses.
Stress Relieving - heating to a suitable temperature, holding long enough to reduce residual
stress, and then cooling slowly enough to avoid inducing new residual stresses.
Stress Relieving - heating to a suitable temperature, holding long enough to reduce residual
stresses and then cooling slowly enough to minimize the development of new
residual stresses.
Stress Relieving, Local - a stress relieving operation carried out only on a specific portion of a
workpiece.
Stress Strain Relationship - the effect of increasing the stress on a material and its
corresponding increase in strain which will have a unique relationship for each
material. For stresses up to the elastic limit, the material will return to its original
length upon removal of the stress, and over this length of the curve the ratio of
stress over strain is a constant, known as Youngs Modulus of the material, and the
material is obeying Hookes Law. Under the influence of loads inducing stresses

above the yield point, the material is no longer elastic and after passing through a
plastic state will eventually fracture.
Stress Test - a test of equipment under extreme conditions, outside the range anticipated in
normal operation.
Stress, Allowable - the maximum force per unit area that may be safely applied to a solid.
Stress, Breaking Stress, Breaking - the crushing strength of a material such as concrete, brick work or masonry;
the ultimate tensile strength of a ductile material such as steel.
Stress, Breaking - the stress required to fracture a material whether by compression, tension, or
shear.
Stress, Compressive - a stress which causes an elastic body to shorten in the direction of the
applied force.
Stress, Compressive - one that resists a force tending to crush a body.
Stress, Cooling - stress resulting from uneven contraction during cooling of metals and ceramics
due to uneven temperature distribution.
Stress, Damaging - the minimum unit stress for a given material and use that will cause damage
to the member and make it unfit for its expected length of service.
Stress, Design - the permissible maximum stress to which a machine part or structural member
may be subjected, which is large enough to prevent failure in case the loads exceed
expected values, or other uncertainties turn out unfavorably.
Stress, Flow - the stress along one axis at a given valve of strain that is required to produce
plastic deformation.
Stress, Fluid - stress associated with plastic deformation in a solid metal.
Stress, Fracture - the minimum tensile stress that will cause fracture; also known as Fracture
Strength.
Stress, Impact - force per unit area imposed on a material by a suddenly applied force.
Stress, Inelastic - a force acting on a solid which produces a deformation such that the original
shape and size of the solid are not restored after removal of the force.
Stress, Internal Stress, Internal - a stress system within a solid that is not dependent on external forces; also
known as Residual Stress.
Stress, Internal - residual stress in a material due to the differential effects of heating, cooling or
working operation, or to constitutional (e.g. phase) changes in a solid. To satisfy
equilibrium, the net force on the body due to internal stresses must equal zero.
Stress, Limiting Creep - a somewhat loose term which is used to denote the maximum stress at
which a material will not creep by more than a certain amount within the working life
of the part. It also finds use in some short-time creep tests, as for example, the
Hatfield Time Yield.
Stress, Limiting Range of Stress, Limiting Range of - refers to the greatest range of stress that a metal is able to withstand
for an indefinite number of cycles without failure. If exceeded, the metal fractures
after a certain number of cycles, which decreases as the range of stress increases.
When the mean stress is zero, half this range is the fatigue limit.
Stress, Limiting Range of - the greatest range of stress about a mean stress of zero that a metal
can withstand for an indefinite number of cycles without failure. The fatigue limit is
half this range; also called Endurance Range.
Stress, Normal - it is on a section. It is the stress that acts in a direction perpendicular to section
considered.
Stress, Operating - the stress to which a structural unit is subjected in service.
Stress, Plane - a state of stress in which two of the principal stresses are always parallel to a
given plane and are constant in the normal direction.
Stress, Pre - to apply a force to a structure to condition it to withstand its working load more
effectively or with less deflection.
Stress, Primary - a normal or shear stress component in a solid material which results from an
imposed loading and which is under a condition of equilibrium and is not selflimiting.
Stress, Principal - a stress occurring at right angles to a principal plane of stress.

Stress, Principal Axis of - one of the three mutually perpendicular axes of a body that are
perpendicular to the principal planes of stress; also known as Stress Axis.
Stress, Principal Plane of - for a point in an elastic body, a plane at that point across which the
shearing stress vanishes.
Stress, Proof Stress, Proof - 1) the stress that causes a specified amount of permanent deformation in a
material; 2) a specified stress to be applied to a member or structure in order to
assess its ability to support service loads.
Stress, Proof - in metals which do not exhibit a sudden yield point, the stress which is required to
produce a certain amount of extension.
Stress, Proof - refers to the stress in a metal at which a permanent elongation gets produced
equal to a specified percentage of the original gauge length.
Stress, Residual Stress, Residual - refers to the stress which exists in an elastic solid body in the absence of, or in
addition to, stresses caused by an external load. Such residual stress may be due
to: a) deformation, caused by cold working, as in drawing or stamping, b) change in
the specific volume due to thermal expansion, a phase change or magnetostriction,
or c) by the joining together of structural parts by force, such as welding.
Stress, Residual - stress present in a component free of external forces or thermal gradients.
Stress, Shear - see Stress, Shearing
Stress, Shearing Stress, Shearing - a force causing two contacting parts or layers to slide upon each other, in
opposite directions parallel to the plane of their contact.
Stress, Shearing - a stress in which the material on one side of a surface pushes on the material
on the other side of the surface with a force which is parallel to the surface; also
known as Shear Stress and Tangential Stress.
Stress, Shearing - one that resists a force tending to make one layer of a body slide across
another layer.
Stress, State of - a complete description, including the six components of stress, of a
homogenously stressed volume
Stress, Surge - the physical stress on process equipment or systems resulting from a sudden
surge in fluid (gas or liquid) flow rate or pressure.
Stress, Tangential - see Stress, Shearing
Stress, Tensile Stress, Tensile - one that resists a force tending to pull a body apart.
Stress, Tensile - stress developed by a material bearing a tensile load.
Stress, Tensile - stress produced when external forces tend to stretch a body or pull particles
away from one another.
Stress, Tensile - the net tensile component of all combined stresses: axial or longitudinal,
circumferential or hoop, and residual.
Stress, Torsional - one that resists forces tending to twist a body.
Stress, Total - the resultant internal force that changes the size or shape of a body acted on by
external forces.
Stress, Ultimate Stress, Ultimate - it is ratio of the maximum load that a specimen sustains to its original area of
the cross-section.
Stress, Ultimate - the stress at which failure occurs.
Stress, Ultimate Tensile Stress, Ultimate Tensile - refers to the load at which a test piece breaks divided by its original
area.
Stress, Ultimate Tensile - the maximum load that a specimen of a material can sustain under
tension divided by the original cross sectional area of the specimen.
Stress, Ultimate Tensile - the ratio of the highest load applied to a piece of metal during a tensile
test divided by the original cross-sectional area; also called Tenacity.
Stress, Uniaxial - a state of stress in which two of the three principal stresses are zero.
Stress, Unit Stress, Unit - the load per unit of area.

Stress, Unit - the stress per unit area.

Stress, Working Stress, Working - the safe stress for a structure or mechanism, based on experience and distinct
from any proof stress.
Stress, Working - the stress which is considered to be a safe maximum for a particular material
under ordinary conditions.
Stress, Yield Stress, Yield - the lowest stress at which extension of the tensile test piece increases without
increase in load.
Stress, Yield - the stress at the onset of plastic deformation, determined from the yield point or
from a defined amount plastic strain called the proof stress.
Stressing, Under - repeatedly stressing a part at a level below the fatigue limit or below the
maximum service stress to improve fatigue properties.
Stretch Forming - it is a method of producing contours in sheet metal and of bending previously
rolled formed sections.
Strip Strip - thin, flat steel that resembles hot-rolled sheet, but it is normally narrower (up to 12 inches
wide) and produced to more closely controlled thicknesses. Strip also may be cut
from steel sheet by a slitting machine; see Sheet Steel.
Strip - to break or otherwise damage the threads of a nut or bolt.
Stroke Stroke - see Travel
Stroke - 1) a single operation of a valve from the fully open position to the fully closed position or
vice-versa; 2) one whole motion of a piston (on an actuator) in either direction.
Stroke - the linear extent of movement of a reciprocating mechanical part; see also Travel.
Stroke Cycle - travel of the closure member from its closed position to the rated travel opening
and return to the closed position.
Stroke Time - the time required for one half a stroke cycle at specified conditions.
Structural Transformations in Steel (during cooling) - a steel containing 0.8% carbon is
known as eutectoid steel. A hypoeutectoid steel contains less than 0.8% carbon,
while a hypereutectoid steel contains more than 0.8% carbon. When a steel
containing 0.8% carbon is cooled from austenitic temperature to lower
temperatures, it undergoes transformation into pearlite.
Stub Shafts - two separate shafts, one or both of which transmits movement to the disc; also
called Trunnions.
Stud - a bolt, threaded on both ends, often used in bolting together bodies and bonnets or bodies
and closures.
Stud / Stud Bolt - A stud bolt is used to hold two or more pieces together. It is threaded the full
length (T.F.L.) and fits through bolt holes which are not tapped. A hex nut is used
on both ends. A stud is similar to stud bolt except it threads into a tapped hole and
a hex nut is used on one end only.
Stud Bolt Stud Bolt - a small, thick round bar of metal, with a screw thread along its entire body, used with
a nut on both ends to fasten things together; compare with Machine Bolt.
Stud Welding - a means of attaching a short piece of round metal rod, usually threaded, onto
another metal surface by using a gun-like device which holds the stud perpendicular
to, and against, the surface. By a timing device, an intense electrical current flows
from the stud to the base metal and within a specially processed tip, fusion takes
place to join the two.
Studded Flange Connections - flanges end and outlet connections in which thread anchored
studs screwed into tapped holes replace the holes for bolt studs.
Stuffing Stuffing - a method of sealing the mechanical joint between two metal surfaces; packing
(stuffing) material is inserted within the seal area container (the stuffing or packing
box), and compressed to a liquid-proof seal by a threaded packing ring follower;
also known as Packing.
Stuffing - the purpose of stuffing is to seal off the space around a rotating shaft where it passes

through a casing.
Stuffing Box Stuffing Box - ( applicable only to adjustable forms of stem or shaft sealing ). the part of the body
or cover which provides an annular space around the shaft or stem to contain the
gland packing.
Stuffing Box - a cavity and closure with manual adjustment for a sealing device.
Stuffing Box - a cavity around a rod or shaft that penetrates a pump casing, valve body or other
portion of a pressure boundary which can be filled with packing material and
compressed to form a leak tight seal while still permitting axial or rotary motion of
the shaft.
Stuffing Box - a cylindrical recess which is tightly filled with some form of pacing, to prevent
leakage of stem from an engine or of water from a pump.
Stuffing Box - a packed, pressure-tight joint for a rod that moves through a hole, to reduce or
eliminate fluid leakage.
Stuffing Box - a part of the valve bonnet which provides an annular space around the stem to
contain the gland and the gland packing.
Stuffing Box - an annular space through which a machinery part moves, and in which packing is
compressed by a gland to make a pressure-tight joint, such as the rod of a pump or
the stem of a valve.
Stuffing Box - gland box
Stuffing Box - Packing Chamber
Stuffing Box - the annular (ring shaped) chamber provided around a valve stem in a sealing
system into which deformable packing is placed; also called Packing Chamber.
Stuffing Box - the part of the body or cover which provides an annular space around the shank or
stem to contain the gland and the gland packing.
Stuffing Box - the part of the bonnet which provides an annular space around the stem to contain
the gland and the gland packing.
Stuffing Box - the part of the bonnet, or separate component attached to it, which provides an
annular space around the stem or spindle to contain the gland and the gland
packing.
Stuffing Box - the space in the bonnet of a valve that holds the packing used to seal against
external leakage along the stem; also called a Packing Chamber.
Stuffing Box - used with packing glands to reduce leakage of a liquid from a machine at the point
where the shaft passes through the casing wall.
Stuffing Box Bolting - comprises bolts, stud-bolts, studs, set screws and nuts used to secure
the stuffing box, where separate, to the body or bonnet. This bolting may be
extended to form gland bolting.
Stuffing Box Boss - a boss on the side of the stuffing box to provide sufficient metal to permit
tapping.
Stuffing Box Gasket - a component for effecting a fluid-tight joint between the body or bonnet
and the stuffing box.
Stuffing Box Tapping - a tapping on the side of the stuffing box leading to the space provided
by the lantern ring.
Stuffing Nut - a nut for adjusting a stuffing box.
STYB - Strainer Y-Type
Subassembly Subassembly - a structural unit, which, though manufactured separately, was designed for
incorporation with other parts in the final assembly of a finished product.
Subassembly - any parts of an assembly which can be treated as a separate item.
Sublimation - the direct conversion of a substance from solid state to vapor state without
passing through a transitory liquid state. The vapor, upon recondensing, reforms
into the solid state with no intervening liquid phase.
Submerged Arc Welding Submerged Arc Welding - an arc welding process in which the arc is produced between the bare
metal electrode and the workpiece under a blanket or granular fusible material.
Submerged Arc Welding - an electric arc welding process in which coalescence is produced by
striking an arc between a bare metal electrode and the workpiece. In this process

the electrode is a continuously fed wire and shielding takes place under a layer of
protective powder known as flux. Flux powder is fed continuously by mechanical
devices ahead of the welding portion and the arc is submerged under the powder.
This process is very suitable for production of quality butt welds in thick plates. The
pieces to be joined are properly cleaned, shaped and placed in position. The
trigger is pulled and flux starts depositing on the joint to be welded. The flux flows
on the weld through a flux feeding tube. The electrode wire is brought near the
workpiece underneath the flux and the arc is struck. The heat generated by the arc
brings the metal and the flux to the molten state. Since flux is lighter, it forms a
covering and floats on the molten pool of metal. Flux protects the metal from
formation of oxides and nitrites of metal by not allowing the air to come in contact
with the metal. The welding bead advances at predetermined speed and whole of
flux in hopper unit slides ahead of the arc. The process is continued till the whole
surface is welded. Unused flux is collected and slag is removed after completion
and cooling of weld.
Submerged Arc Welding - an electric arc welding process in which the arc between a bare wire
welding electrode and workpiece is completely covered by granular flux during
welding.
Submerged Zone - the region below the splash zone including seawater, sea bottom and buried
zones.
Subscale - subsurface oxides formed by reaction of a metal with oxygen that diffuses into the
interior of the section rather than combining with metal in the surface layer.
Subsea Valve Subsea Valve - a valve which is designed for use in sea water. For example, installed in a
pipeline on the sea bed.
Subsea Valve - a valve which is suitable for operation submerged is sea water, usually in a
pipeline on the seabed.
Subsonic Inlet - an entrance or orifice for the admission of fluid flowing at speeds less than the
speed of sound in the fluid.
Subsonic Nozzle - a nozzle through which a fluid flows at speed less than the speed of sound in
the fluid.
Substation - an intermediate compression station to repressure a fluid being transported by
pipeline over a long distance.
Substrate Substrate - a surface underlying a coating such as paint, porcelain enamel or electroplate.
Substrate - basic surface on which a material adheres, for example, paint or laminate.
Substrate - raw material used as an input for steel processing; for example, hot-rolled steel is the
substrate for cold-rolling operations.
Substrate - the surface to be painted or coated
Subsystem - a major part of a system which itself has the characteristics of a system, usually
consisting of several components.
Suction Lift - the head, in feet, that a pump must provide on the inlet side to raise the liquid from
the supply well to the level of the pump; also known as Suction Head.
Suction Valve - a non-return check valve, which is fitted on a suction pipe.
Sulphide - a compound of sulphur with another element.
Sulphur (S) Sulphur (S) - a pale yellow non-metallic element that burns with a blue flame and a suffocating
smell.
Sulphur (S) - in steels, sulphur is either present in the form of MnS or FeS. Ferrous sulphide
forms brittle, low melting yellowish brown films around the solid steel crystals and
causes the metal to split on forging and is thus undesirable. Manganese sulphide is
slightly soluble in iron and collects into large globules irregularly distributed through
the steel. It is plastic at high temperatures, being elongated into threads by rolling
without seriously impairing the properties of the material. In tool steels, sulphur
should not exceed 0.035%. The manganese should be about five times that
theoretically required to combine with the sulphur present.
Sulphur (S) - increased sulphur content in steel lowers transverse ductility and notched impact
toughness, but has only a slight effect on longitudinal mechanical properties.

Weldability decreases with increasing sulphur. Sulphur is added, however; to

improve machinability.
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) - a strong and sharp smelling, colorless gas produced in the burning of
hydrocarbons and other sulphur-containing compounds. It is used in metal refining,
in the manufacture of sulphuric acid, and as a solvent.
Sulphuric Acid (H2SO4) - a colorless, odorless, dense, oily liquid that is highly corrosive and
slightly acidic when diluted with water.
Dilute sulphuric acid is used for
electroplating.
Sun Checking - surface cracks, checks, or crazing caused by exposure to direct or indirect
sunlight.
Super Cobalt Drill - a drill made of 8% cobalt high speed steel; used for drilling work-hardened
stainless steels, silicon chrome, and certain chrome-nickel alloy steels.
Super Cooling - cooling of a substance below the temperature at which a change of state would
ordinarily take place without such a change of state occurring, for example, the
cooling of a liquid below its freezing taking place; this results in a metastable state.
Supercritical - property of a gas which is above its critical pressure and temperature.
Supercritical Fluid - a fluid at a temperature and pressure above its critical point.
Superheat Superheat - 1) to heat a liquid under pressure above its boiling point without vaporizing it; 2) to
heat (steam not in contact with water) beyond its saturation point, so that a drop in
temperature will not cause reconversion to water.
Superheat - sensible heat in a gas above the amount needed to maintain the gas phase.
Superheat - to heat a substance above the temperature at which a change of state would
ordinarily take place without such a change of state occurring, for example, the
heating of a liquid above its boiling point without boiling taking place; this results in
a metastable state.
Superheated Vapor - a vapor that has been heated above its boiling point.
Superstructure - the part of a valve located above the body. It may include the stem, handle,
bonnet and other parts.
Supply Control - the process by which an item of supply is controlled within the supply system,
including requisitioning receipt, storage, stock control, shipment, disposition,
identification, and accounting.
Supply Line - a line that conveys fluid from the reservoir to the pump.
Support Legs Support Legs - a metal structure attached to a valve body to provide a stable footing when the
valve is to be set on a fixed base.
Support Ribs - see Support Legs
Support Ribs or Legs - a metal structure attached to a valve body to provide a stable footing
when the valve is to be set on a fixed base.
Surface - the outer part (skin with a thickness of zero) of a body; can apply to structures, to
micrometer-sized particles, or to extended-surface zeolites.
Surface Finish Surface Finish - casting produced in sand moulds must possess good surface finish.
Surface Finish - the surface roughness of a component after final treatment, measured by a
surface profile.
Surface Gauge - 1) a scribing tool in an adjustable stand, used to mark off castings and to test
the flatness of surfaces; 2) a gauge for determining the distances of points on a
surface from a reference plane.
Surface Hardening Surface Hardening - any of several processes for producing a surface layer on steel that is
harder and more wear resistant than the softer, tougher core; the process usually
involves some kind of heat treatment, and may or may not involve changing the
chemical composition of the surface layer.
Surface Hardening - see Case Hardening
Surface Roughness - the closely spaced unevenness of a solid surface (pits and projections)
that results in friction for solid-solid movement or for fluid flow across the solid
surface.

Surface Safety Valve (SSV) - an automatic wellhead valve which closes upon loss of power.
Surface Treating Surface Treating - any method of treating a material (metal, polymer, or wood) so as to alter the
surface, rendering it receptive to inks, paints, lacquers, adhesives, and various
other treatments, or resistant or weather or chemical attack.
Surface Treating - any of several processes for altering properties of a metal surface, making it
more receptive to ink, paint, electroplating, adhesives or other coatings, or making it
more resistant to weathering or chemical attack.
Surfacing - see Weld Overlay
Surge Surge - 1) an upheaval of fluid in a processing system, frequently causing a carryover (puking) of
liquid through the vapor lines; 2) the peak system pressure.
Surge - a momentary rise of pressure in a circuit.
SUS - Seat Up Stream
SV - Solenoid Valve
SW - Socket Weld
SWA - 1) SingleWire Armored; 2) Steel Wire Armoring
SWAA - Spray Water Assembly Type 1
SWAB - Spray Water Assembly Type 2
Swab Valve - see Crown Valve
SWAC - Spray Water Assembly Type 3
SWAD - Spray Water Assembly Type 4
Swage Swage - a tool or die that is used in the working, bending and shaping of cold metal.
Swage - a tool used with a hammer, for shaping metal to a round or hexagon finish.
Swaging Swaging - a forging operation consisting of applying compressive or impact forces on the metal
below the recrystallization temperature. It causes the metal to flow in the
predetermined shape according to the design of the dyes; also known as Cold
Forging.
Swaging - it is a metal-forming process where in a series of impact blows transferred on dies to
the solid or tubular work cause a change in cross-section or geometric shape.
Swarf - chips, shavings, and other fine particles removed from the work piece by grinding tools.
SWB - 1) SingleWire Braided; 2) Steel Wire Braiding
SWE - Socket Weld End
Sweet Crude - crude petroleum containing very little sulphur.
Sweet Gas - natural gas containing no hydrogen sulfide or mercaptans.
Sweetening - improvement of a petroleum-product color and odor by converting sulphur
compounds into disulfides with sodium plumbite (doctor treating), or by removing
them by contacting the petroleum steam with alkalis or other sweetening agents.
Swell Swell - in castings, an enlargement of the mold cavity by localized metal pressure. It is caused
due to a) insufficient ramming, b) low mold strength, c) inadequately supported
molds, and d) insufficient weighting of the mold.
Swell - the increased volume of a specimen caused by immersion in a fluid (usually a liquid).
SWG - an abbreviation for Standard Wire Gauge, defining the diameters and breaking strains of
steel wire.
SWGBP - Swage (BLE/PSE)
SWGBT - Swage (BLE/TSE)
SWGP - Swage (PBE)
SWGT - Swage (TBE)
Swing Check Valve Swing Check Valve - a check mechanism incorporating a disc which swings on a hinge.
Swing Check Valve - a check valve design in which the flow control element rotates about an axis
that is perpendicular to the fluid path and is outside the fluid path and the flow
control element; compare with Tilting Disc Check Valve.

Swing Check Valve - a check valve in which the closure element is a hinged clapper which
swings or rotates about a supporting shaft.
Swing Check Valve - a type of check valve in which the non-return mechanism incorporates a
disc which swings on a hinge.
Swing Check Valve - this non-return valve has a hinged disk as the closing element.
Switch - a device for making, breaking, or charging the connections in an electrical circuit.
Swivel Swivel - a coupling between two parts enabling one to revolve without turning the other. A swivel
nut with a swivel nut pin can be used to hold the plug disc in a globe valve.
Swivel - a part that oscillates freely on a headed bolt or pin.
Swivel Coupling - a coupling that gives complete rotary freedom to a deflecting wedge-setting
assembly.
SWOP - Single Well Oil Pressure
SWP - Steam Working Pressure
SWT - Socket Weld equal Tee
SXU - Socket weld X screwed
SY - Pneumatic pilot valve
Symmetry - exact similarity between two parts or halves, as if one were the mirror image of the
other.
Synchronize - to make two or more events or operations occur at the proper time with respect to
each other.
Synchronous Machine - an alternating current machine in which the frequency of the generated
voltage and speed of the machine are in a constant ratio.
Synthetic Material - a complex chemical compound that is artificially formed by the combining of
two or more simpler compounds or elements.
Synthetic Sands - sands deficient in clay which have been blended with bentonite or other claylike material to make them suitable for molding.
Systeme Internationale d'Unites (SI) - the current International System of Units

T - 1) Thickness; 2) Tee
T & C - Threaded and Coupled
T Slot - a recessed slot, in the form of an inverted T, in the table of a machine tool, to receive the
square head of a T-slot bolt.
TAC - Technical Assistance Contract
Tack - the stickiness of a paint or varnish film during the drying period. Oil paints and some
varnishes may maintain a certain degree of tack for some weeks after they are
basically considered dry.
Tack Weld Tack Weld - 1) any small, isolated arc weld especially one that does not bear load but rather
merely holds two pieces in a fixed relationship; 2) a weld joint made by arc welding
at small, isolated points along a seam.
Tack Weld - a small, temporary weld to hold a member in position until permanent connections
can be made.
Tack Weld - a weld made to hold parts in a proper position before the actual welding.
Tack Weld - a weld that is made to hold parts of a weldment in proper alignment until the final
welds are made. After preparation, accurate alignment of plate edges is needed. It
is necessary when the gap is uniform throughout the joint. If the job is not held in
fixture, the practice of tack welding is used to hold the pieces in position to avoid
their movement during welding.
Tack Weld - making short, provisional welds along a joint to hold it in position and prevent
distortion during a subsequent continuous welding.
Taconite - a natural mineral containing less than 30% iron. It is the primary ore used in blast
furnaces. Domestic supplies of iron-rich ores (greater than 50% iron) were largely
depleted in the 1940s, so integrated steel companies now process the lower-grade
taconite to make it useful.
Tailored Blanks - a section of sheet or strip that is cut-to-length and trimmed to match
specifications for the manufacturer's stamping design for a particular part. Because
excess steel is cut away (to save shipping costs), all that remains for the stamper is
to impart the three-dimensional shape with a die press; see also Blanking.
Tandem Mill - a type of cold-rolling mill. The tandem mill imparts greater strength, a uniform and
smoother surface, and reduced thickness to the steel sheet. Unlike the original
single-stand mills, a tandem mill rolls steel through a series of rolls (generally three
to five in a row) to achieve a desired thickness and surface quality.
Tank - a container for the storage of fluid in a fluid power system.
Tank Valve - a valve arranged for fitting at the bottom of a tank or process vessel.
Tank Valve, Flush Fitting - a valve arranged for flush fitting at the bottom of a tank or process
vessel. Closure is effected with a disc and seating located in the tank-connecting
flange.
Tantalum - tantalum is used in some special steels to give increased resistance to scaling at
high temperatures.
Tap Tap - 1) a screwed plug of accurate thread, form and size, on which cutting edges are formed
along longitudinal grooves; 2) to cut an internal thread.
Tap - 1) a threaded plug, where the threads are of accurate form and dimensions, and have
cutting edges that form internal threads in a hole as the plug is screwed into the
hole; 2) a small hole in the wall of a pipe or process vessel, usually threaded,
where an instrument, control device or sampling device is attached.
Tap - a small, threaded hole drilled into a pipe or process vessel, used as connection points for
sampling devices, instruments, or controls.
Tap - internally threaded; to cut a thread in something to accept a screw.
Tap - to form an internal screw thread in a hole or other part by means of a tap.
Tap Bolt - a bolt with a head that can be screwed into a hole and held in place without a nut;
also known as Tap Screw.
Tap Drill - a drill used to make a hole of a precise size for tapping.
Tap Screw - see Tap Bolt
Taper Rolling Bearing - a roller bearing capable of sustaining end thrust by means of tapered

rollers and coned races.

Taper Tap - a threaded cone-shaped tool for cutting internal screw threads.
Taper Washer - a type of washer designed to be used underneath nuts with tapered flanges to
enable the bolt assembly to fit properly when tightened.
Tapered Roller Bearing - a roller bearing having tapered rollers that run in conical races; it can
support both radial and thrust loads.
Tappet Tappet - a sliding bar between a cam and a push rod, which changes the circular motion of the
cam into the up and down motion of the rod.
Tappet - an oscillating part such as a lever, operated by a cam or push rod, and used to tap or
push another machine element such as a valve.
Tapping - the operation of running molten metal from a furnace into a ladle.
Tapping Screw - see Self-tapping Screw
Tarnish - discoloration of a finished surface by a thin film of corrosion products.
TAS - Technical Audit and Safety Department
TBA - To Be Advised
TBE - Threaded Both Ends
TE - Threaded End
Tear Resistance - the resistance to growth of a cut or nick when tension is applied to the cut
specimen. Commonly expressed as pounds per inches thickness.
Technical Specifications - a detailed description of the technical characteristics of an item or
system in sufficient detail to form the basis for design, development, production
and, in some cases, operation.
Tee - a three-port fitting used to join one pipe at right angles to two other pipes.
Tee Valve - a valve with an extra port on the system side. It is useful for roughing manifolds.
TEEB - Equal Tee Butt-Weld Ends
Teeming Teeming - pouring molten metal into an ingot mold; most often used with reference to steel
production.
Teeming - pouring; ingot molds are filled (teemed) by iron-bearing ladles.
TEFC - Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled
Teflon Teflon - a non-metallic material used as valve trim. It is a thermoplastic also known as
tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), Virgin TFE, and PTFE (Poly-TFE). It is abrasion
resistant, relatively soft but tough, and has a very low coefficient of friction. Glass
fibers are added to Teflon to produce reinforced, or filled Teflon (RTFE).
Teflon - a trademarked (DuPont) elastomer (tetrafluoroethylene) with good chemical resistance.
It is used for seals, gaskets, O-rings, and recommended for temperatures up to
300C. It is permeable to helium. It has no melting point, but turns into an
amorphous jelly above 327C. Above 400C, it decomposes, releasing poisonous
fluorine volatiles.
Teflon - this is the brand name for a number of fluorinated polymers manufactured by E.I.
DuPont de Nemours. Many valve manufacturers use this term illegally, when in fact
their products are not Teflon but generic PTFE, PFA etc.
Tefzel - a non-metallic material used as valve trim. It is a thermoplastic also known as ETFE
(ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene). It is tough, and has no known solvent below 390
Fahrenheit. It is used for butterfly valve seats and diaphragm valve linings.
Telescoping Valve - a valve, with sliding telescoping members, to regulate water flow in a pipe
line with minimum disturbance to stream lines.
Temper Temper - 1) in masonry construction, the moistening of mortar and remixing it to the proper
consistency to compensate for moisture lost between the time it is mixed and the
time it is used; also called Retempering; 2) in nonferrous alloys (i.e., aluminum) an
indication of the hardness and strength produced by mechanical or heat treatment.
Temper - 1) reheating a quench hardened or normalized ferrous alloy to a temperature below the
transformation range (Ac) and then cooling at any desired rate; 2) a term used in
conjunction with a qualifying adjective to designate the relative properties of a

particular metal or alloy induced by cold work or heat treatment, or both.

Temper - 1) the relative hardness and strength of flat rolled steel or stainless steel that cannot be
further hardened by heat treatment; 2) the relative hardness and strength of
nonferrous alloys, produced by mechanical or thermal treatment (or both) and
characterized by a specific structure, range of mechanical properties or reduction of
area during cold working; 3) in the production of casting molds, to moisten mold
sand with water; 4) in the heat treatment of ferrous alloys, to reheat after hardening
for the purpose of decreasing hardness and increasing toughness without
undergoing a eutectoid phase change; 5) in tool steels, an imprecise shop term
sometimes used to denote carbon content.
Temper - 1) to heat a metal or hardened alloy (such as steel) to a certain temperature and then
allow it to cool slowly, in order to toughen it by reducing its hardness and making it
less brittle; 2) the degree of hardness and elasticity in steel or other metal; 3) in
heat treatment, reheating hardened steel or hardened cast iron to some
temperature below the critical temperature for the purpose of decreasing the
hardness and increasing the toughness. The process is also sometimes applied to
normalized steel.
Temper - a heat-treating process for metals that generally follows quenching or normalizing.
Usually it is done to increase toughness and ductility and is accompanied by
decreases in strength and hardness.
Temper - a vague term describing the relative condition of the hardness and mechanical
properties of a metal; for example, a solid solution alloy which can be extensively
cold worked may exhibit a range of properties from its softest state when annealed
to fully work hardened. This range is divided into hardness bands, referred to as
tempers, e.g. quarter hard, half hard etc. A given temper can be achieved either by
full annealing followed by careful work-hardening or by full work-hardening followed
by careful annealing; the latter is referred to as temper annealing or back
annealing.
Temper - decreasing the hardness of a metal by reheating the metal to a temperature below the
critical range.
Temper - heating already hardened steel to a temperature lower than its own hardening
temperature and then allowing it to slowly.
Temper - heating hardened ferrous alloys below the transformation temperature to reduce
hardness and improve toughness.
Temper - the treatment given to already hardened steel in order to reduce brittleness and
unequal stress developed as a result of hardening. Tempering reduces brittleness
and hardness but improves tensile strength in steels. Tempering involves heating
steels to much below the lower initial temperature and then cooling it slowly in
tempering oils, air or liquid salt baths. The range of heating temperatures and the
rate of cooling depends on the amount of hardness and brittleness to be removed.
Heating to a higher temperature and then cooling at a slower rate produces a
softening effect on steel as in the process of annealing. Plain carbon steels are
generally heated to about 280 C for tempering. As a result of tempering steels,
extremely hard martensite in hardened steels is partly transformed to softer
constituents of pearlite and cementite and hence brittleness is reduced at the cost
of hardness.
Temper Carbon - compact aggregates or nodules of graphite found in malleable iron as a result
of heat treatment.
Temper Mill - a type of cold-rolling mill, usually with only one or two stands, that finishes coldrolled, annealed sheet steel by improving the finish or texture to develop the
required final mechanical properties. By changing the rolls of the temper mill, steel
can be shipped with a shiny, dull or grooved surface.
Temperature Actuated Pressure Relief Valve - a pressure relief valve which operates when
subjected to increased external or internal temperature.
Temperature Control Valve - a valve with actuating means operated by a temperature
measuring device used to control the temperature level on a system.
Temperature Range - the maximum and minimum temperature limits within which a seal
compound will function in a given application.
Tempilstick - a crayon made of a material having a sharp reaction at a specific temperature; in

use, a crayon sensitive to a specific temperature is used to mark the surface of a

metal to be heated; confirmation that the intended temperature was reached or
exceeded is indicated by a change in color of the mark.
Template - 1) a two-dimensional representation of a machine or other equipment used for
building layout design; 2) a guide or a pattern used in manufacturing items; also
spelled Templet.
Templet - see Template
Temporary Storage - materials and equipment in transit at supply bases, construction sites or
storage yards for a period of 6 to 12 months.
Temprite - this is a formulation of Corzan CPVC that is used for injection molded valve bodies.
Tenacity - the ability of a material to resist the effect of tensile forces without rupture. Mild steel,
wrought iron, cooper etc. are tenacious metal.
Tender - 1) a formal offer; 2) to do work or supply goods for a stated amount of money and
within a stated period of time.
Tenon - a tongue like projection from the end of a framing member which is made to fit into a
mortise.
Tensile - able to be drawn out or stretched
Tensile Bar - a molded, cast, or machined specimen of specified cross-sectional dimensions
used to determine the tensile properties of a material by use of a calibrated pull test;
also known as Tensile Specimen and Test Specimen.
Tensile Specimen Tensile Specimen - a bar, rod or wire of specified dimensions used in a tensile test; also known
as Tensile Bar; Test Specimen.
Tensile Specimen - see Tensile Bar
Tensile Strength Tensile Strength - the maximum tensile stress which a material will develop. The tensile strength
is usually considered to be the load in pounds per square inch at which a test
specimen ruptures.
Tensile Strength - (Maximum Stress). refers to the highest load applied in breaking a tensile test
piece divided by the original cross-sectional area of the test piece.
Tensile Strength - 1) the resistance of a material to breaking under tension; 2) in tensile testing,
the ratio of maximum load to original cross-sectional area (refer to ASTM A 370);
also called Ultimate Strength; compare with Compressive Strength.
Tensile Strength - in tensile testing, the ratio of maximum load to original cross-sectional area;
also called Ultimate Strength.
Tensile Strength - the force in pounds per square inch required to cause the rupture of a
specimen of a rubber material.
Tensile Strength - the highest tensile stress that a material can withstand before failure or rupture
occurs, the force being applied in a direction tending to elongate the material.
Tensile Strength - the maximum load per unit area that a material can withstand before fracture,
usually computed as maximum load divided by original cross-sectional area of a
standard specimen pulled to fracture in uniaxial tension.
Tensile Strength - the maximum stress a material subjected to a stretching load can withstand
without tearing; also known as Hot Strength.
Tensile Strength - the resistance of a material to a pulleying stress; it is the property possessed
by a material which enables it to withstand a force acting upon it with a tendency to
break it by tearing. It is expressed in kg/cm of cross section.
Tensile Strength - this is the ability of a material to withstand tensile (stretching) loads without
rupture occurring. The material is in tension.
Tensile Test Tensile Test - a destructive test performed on a specially machined specimen taken from material
in its delivered condition to determine mechanical properties, such as tensile
strength, yield strength, and percent elongation.
Tensile Test - a method of determining mechanical properties of a material by loading a
machined, cast or molded specimen of specified cross sectional dimensions in
uniaxial tension until it breaks; the test is used principally to determine tensile
strength, yield strength, ductility and modulus of elasticity; also known as Pull Test.

Tensile Test - a test in which a specimen is subjected to increase longitudinal pulling stress until
fracture occurs.
Tensile Test - a test in which specimens have been subjected to an increasing tensile load until
they fracture. A stress-strain curve could be plotted and the limit of proportionality,
proof stress, yield point, tensile strength, elongation and reduction of area
determined.
Tensile Test - the tensile test is widely used for determining the strength and ductility of a
material. The test involves loading a standard specimen axially. The load is
increased at a constant rate mechanically or hydraulically. The specimen increases
in length until it finally fractures. During the test the specimen is gripped at each
end to ensure simple uneasily loading and freedom of bending. The extension is
measured from the gauge length. The mid-portion of the specimen is reduced in
diameter to ensure fracture occurs within the gauge length.
Tension - the condition of a string, wire, or rod that is stretched between two points.
Tensometer - a portable machine that is used to measure the tensile strength and other
mechanical properties of materials.
TEP - Total Equivalent Pressure
TERB - Tee Reducing Butt Weld Ends
Terne - sheet steel coated with a mixture of lead and tin. Terne principally is used in the
manufacture of gasoline tanks, although it also can be found in chemical containers,
oil filters and television chassis.
Terneplate - a corrosion-resistive coating applied over steel, consisting of a mixture of lead and
tin.
Terpolymer - a polymer consisting of three different monomers chemically combined.
Tertiary Stage Creep - in the tertiary stage, the rate of extension accelerates and finally leads to
rupture. The use of alloys in this stage should be avoided, but the change from
secondary to tertiary stage is not easy to determine. Yield strength is the practical
measure of the stress necessary to start plastic deformation at room temperature.
On the other hand, at high temperature, plastic deformation (creep) appears to
occurs at all stresses. Careful measurements are required to determine the small
rates of plastic deformation involved in creep. A special testing machine is used for
measuring creep strength which is fitted with precision strain measuring devices.
The relatively constant second stage creep is preceded by a brief first stage creep
and it is followed eventually by accelerated creep and the final fracture in the third
stage of creep.
TERV - Thermal Relief Valve
Test Test - a procedure in which the performance of a product is measured under various conditions.
Test - a standard procedure for determining an attribute or performance characteristic of a
material, part, component, assembly or system; a test may be used to determine
basic properties, verify a function or condition, establish a response characteristic or
calibration, or provide information about operating behavior.
Test Bar - a bar-shaped coupon that is tested with or without subsequent preparation for the
determination of physical or mechanical properties.
Test Coupon - specially designed casting, or portion thereof, that is used to provide a
representative sample of the iron from which it was cast.
Test Lug - a sample produced as an appendage on a casting, that may be removed and tested
to qualify the casting or the iron which it was produced.
Test Piece Test Piece - a piece of material which is prepared in a suitable shape so that it can be tested in a
testing machine.
Test Piece - an accurately made piece of material which is used for a tensile test, impact test or
other testing machine.
Test Specimen Test Specimen - a test object, suitably prepared from a sample, for evaluation of the chemical,
physical, mechanical, or metallurgical quality of the sample.
Test Specimen - see Tensile Bar
Testing Machine - a machine which is used for applying test loads to standard test pieces or to

structural members. Machines are available for carrying out tensile, compressive,
impact and fatigue tests.
Tetrafluoroethylene - see Teflon
TFE - Tetrafluoroethylene (Teflon)
TFL - 1) Threaded Full Length; 2) Through Flow Line
THD - Threaded
Thermal Cracking - a petroleum refining process that decomposes, rearranges, or combines
hydrocarbon molecules by the application of heat, without the aid of catalysts.
Thermal Equilibrium - the state reached when the temperature rises of the several parts of a
machine do not vary by more than a gradient of 2K per hour.
Thermal Expansion Thermal Expansion - an expansion caused by increase in temperature. May be linear or
volumetric.
Thermal Expansion - change in pipe length due to a change in crude oil temperature.
Thermal Expansion - the increase in volume of a substance due to temperature change.
Thermal Fatigue - fatigue failure resulting from strains caused by expansion and contraction
during thermal cycling.
Thermal Hysteresis - a phenomenon sometimes observed in the behavior of a temperaturedependent property of a body; it is said to occur if the behavior of such a property
is different when the body is heated through a given temperature range from when it
is cooled through the same temperature range.
Thermal Relief - a valve or other device that is preset to open when pressure becomes
excessive due to increased temperature of the system.
Thermal Relief Valve - a valve which operates as a safety valve to prevent a pre-determined
pressure being exceeded due to thermal expansion of contained fluid.
Thermal Shocks - the heat of cast metal may cause rapid expansion of sand surface in a mold.
As such, sand must possess low coefficient of thermal expansion and be capable of
withstanding high temperatures.
Thermal Valve - a valve controlled by an element made of material that exhibits a significant
change in properties in response to a change in temperature.
Thermit Welding Thermit Welding - a fusion welding process in which a mixture of finely divided iron oxide and
aluminum particles is ignited, reducing the iron oxide and producing a molten
ferrous alloy that is then cast in a mold built up around the joint to be welded.
Thermit Welding - a welding process carried out by the heat produced by the chemical burning of
thermit mixtures. Thermit mixtures generally contain iron oxides, aluminum and
alloying elements.
Thermit Welding - this comprises a group of thermo-chemical welding processes in which
coalescence is produced by heating with superheated liquid metal that contains
aluminum and metallic oxides. Thermit welding is based on casting and foundry
practice. It consists of melting the metal by means of chemical reactions and
pouring the metal into the joint. The mixture of aluminum and iron oxide is known
as thermite mixture. The practical temperatures obtained by this process are of the
order of 2500 C. Other elements are also added to the thermit mixture to adjust
the chemical composition. The metal surfaces to be joined are cleaned thoroughly
to get a strong weld. After cleaning, the parts to be welded are lined up with a
space of 1.5 to 5mm between the ends. This space is provided between the joint
for contraction of steel on cooling and shrinkage of the base metal during welding.
A wax pattern to form the mold is prepared and placed in a container. It is then
heated until it reaches its plastic stage. The wax is then shaped around the parts
that are to be welded together. A molding box is then placed around the portion to
be welded and a molding material is rammed into the box. The mold is provided
with the requisite number of pouring gates and risers. The mold is preheated to
remove the wax, which leaves a mold cavity of the exact shape of the weld. The
parts to be welded are heated to the desired temperature to prevent chilling of the
hot thermit metal. The thermit mixture is placed in the crucible. A low ignition point
thermit in the form of a powder is placed on top of the thermit in the crucible.
Reaction is initiated by contact with a hot rod. The ignition immediately starts in the

main thermit charge. The crucible is tapped and the metal is poured into the cavity
to fill the mold. After some time the welding is complete. The mold is opened and
the weld is finished. The heat necessary for welding is obtained from the chemical
reaction of thermit mixture. As such no costly equipment is needed.
Thermite Thermite - a mixture of aluminum powder and half an equivalent amount of iron oxide (or other
metals oxides) which gives out a large amount of heat on igniting with magnesium
ribbon; the molten metal forms the medium for welding iron and steel (thermal
welding).
Thermite - a mixture of finely powdered aluminum and iron oxide that produces a very high
temperature on combustion; used in welding.
Thermite - a mixture used for thermit weldings. It consists mainly of iron oxide and aluminum
with different alloying elements. Also spelled Thermit.
Thermocouple Thermocouple - 1) a temperature measuring instrument that develops an electric voltage when
heated because of the combined thermoelectric effect due to dissimilar composition
between two electrically connected conductors (usually wires) and to temperature
difference between the connection (hot junction) and the other end of the
conductors (cold junction); 2) two dissimilar wires joined together that generate a
voltage proportional to temperature when their junction is heated.
Thermocouple - a temperature-sensitive device using the principle that two dissimilar metals in
contact at different temperatures will generate an electric current such as for gasfired water heaters, wall heaters, etc.
Thermocouple - device which generates electricity, using the principle that if two dissimilar metals
are welded together and the junction is heated, a voltage will develop across open
ends.
Thermoplastic - a substance (usually a synthetic resin) that can be repeatedly softened and
hardened, without any significant change in its properties, by heating and cooling it.
A thermoplastic substance becomes or remains soft and moldable when heated;
compare with Thermosetting.
Thermoplastic / Thermoset - two basic types of plastic resins. Thermoplastics are resins that
can be reground after molding; and molded again. Thermosets can be molded
once only; they tend to be denser materials for special purposes. PVC is a
thermoplastic. A PVC valve could conceivably be reground, then molded into a
coffee mug. The resin used on a solenoid coil is a thermoset. A good analogy is
paraffin wax vs. paraffin paste; both are petroleum products, but the wax can be
melted and reformed while the lubricant cannot. Just as paraffin cannot be melted
and reshaped indefinitely, no thermoplastic can be successfully reground and
remolded indefinitely; eventually the molecular bond begins to break down and the
plastic is no longer usable. In another analogy, thermosets are often compared to
an egg; once the egg is hard boiled it can't be returned to a liquid and recooked as
sunny side up.
Thermosetting Thermosetting - a substance (usually a synthetic resin) that becomes permanently hard after a
single melting and molding; compare with Thermoplastic.
Thermosetting - these are the materials that harden during heat as a result of polymerization.
Urea formaldehyde and phenoformaldehyde are the thermosetting materials used
for core making in casting. These materials make the cores stick to core boxes.
This difficulty is overcome by the addition of 0.25% kerosene oil to the core sands.
Thermostatic Control Valve - a valve fitted with a temperature measuring device and automatic
actuator means. It is used to control the temperature of the environment.
Thinner - a volatile liquid added to ease application of paint.
THK - Thickness
THR - Threaded
THRD - Threaded
Thread - a continuous helical rib, as on a screw or pipe.
Thread Contour - the shape of thread design as observed in a cross section along the major
axis, for example, square or round.

Thread Cutter - a tool used to cut screw threads on a pipe, screw, or bolt.
Thread Gauge - a design gauge used to measure screw threads.
Thread Plug Gauge - a thread gauge used to measure female screw threads.
Thread Projector - a short-threaded ring to screw onto a piece or into a coupling to protect the
threads while the pipe is being handled or transported.
Thread Rating - the maximum internal working pressure allowable for threaded pipe or tubing
joints; important for pressure systems, chemical process, and oil-well systems.
Thread Ring Gauge - a thread gauge used to measure male screw threads.
Thread Rolling - producing a screw thread by rolling between flat or cylindrical dies an alloy
sufficiently plastic to withstand the cold working forces without disintegrating.
Threaded End Threaded End - a valve end that has female pipe threads cut into it to allow for screwing in male
connecting pipe.
Threaded End - valve end connections incorporating threads, either male or female.
Threading Die - a die which may be solid, adjustable, or spring adjustable, or a self-opening die
head, used to produce an external thread on a part.
Threading Machine - a tool used to cut or form threads inside or outside a cylinder or cone.
Three Phase Three Phase - operating by means of combination of three alternating current circuits which differ
in phases by one third of a cycle.
Three Phase - referring to an electricity supply using three separate alternating components with
phases differing by one third of a cycle, or 120 electrical degrees.
Three Way Ball - a closure member that is a spherical surface with one or more flow passages
through it. The passages may be round, contoured or otherwise modified to yield a
desired flow characteristic.
Three Way Diverting Valves - A valve which has three openings (one inlet and two outlets).
Fluid entering the inlet point can he diverted to either of the two outlet ports, in any
proportion desired, by moving the valve stem. Valves designed for diverting service
can usually be used in mixing applications.
Three Way Pilot Valve - a pilot valve used with single acting (spring-return) actuators.
Three Way Valve - 1) a control valve with three end connections; 2) a ball valve with three end
connections that is used for switching flow between one common connection and
the other two connections.
Threshold - the maximum tolerance of an elastomer to radiation dosage expressed as a total
number of ergs per gram (or rads) beyond which the physical properties are
significantly degraded. This is generally an arbitrary value, depending on function
and environment.
Throat - the least thickness of a weld, the calculation of its strength being based on the thickness
at the throat.
Throat of a Weld - the place of least cross sectional area of a weld. In a fillet weld, this is the
plane formed by an angle bisecting the corner angle.
Throttle - see Throttle Valve
Throttle Valve Throttle Valve - a chocking device to regulate flow of a liquid, for example, in a pipeline, to an
engine to turbine, from a pump or compressor; also known as Throttle.
Throttle Valve - a device for regulating flow of a fluid by alternatively opening up or closing down
a restriction in a passage or inlet.
Throttling Throttling - control by means of intermediate steps between full on and full off.
Throttling - modulating control as opposed to On/Off control.
Throttling - reducing the pressure of a fluid by causing it to pass through minute or tortuous
passages.
Throttling - the actions to regulate fluid flow through a valve by restricting its orifice opening; see
also Modulating.
Throttling - the intentional restriction of flow by partially closing or opening a valve.
Throttling - the process of reducing the pressure of a fluid by causing it to pass through minute or
tortuous passages so that no kinetic energy is developed and the total heat remains

constant.
Throttling - the process of regulating the rate of fluid flow in a pipeline by moving the flow control
element of a valve.
Throttling - the regulation of flow through a valve or other device.
Through Shaft - a shaft extending completely through one disc; also called Spindle.
Throw Throw - the maximum diameter of the circle moved by a rotary part.
Throw - the motion of a moving part driven by a cam, eccentric wheel, limit switch, etc.
Throw - the total travel of a crank or similar element, being twice the radius of eccentricity;
sometimes half this distance is called the throw.
Thrust Thrust - a force exerted on an object which causes a linear movement.
Thrust - a strong continuous pressure that one part of an object exerts against another.
Thrust - generically, the force any body exerts on another body - both can be stationary, both can
be in motion, or one can be stationary and the other in motion.
Thrust - the net force applied to a part in a particular direction; for example, on the end of a valve
stem.
Thrust Bearing Thrust Bearing - a bearing designed primarily for thrust loads.
Thrust Bearing - a bearing on a shaft for taking an axial load (thrust) such as a ball-bearing with
lateral races, a Michell bearing or a plain bearing pad; also called Thrust Block.
Thrust Bearing - a bearing that prevents the lengthwise movement of a rotating shaft by
counteracting the axial thrust of the shaft. The simplest types of this bearing may
be made by providing collars on shafts bearing against flat rings of the journal type
bearings. Thrust bearings may also be made in ball or roller construction for small
and moderately heavy loads.
Thrust Bearing - a bearing that supports axial load on a shaft and prevents the shaft from moving
in an axial direction.
Thrust Bearing - a bearing to take end thrust which is caused by forces acting along the line of
the valve shaft (s); also called Thrust Collar.
Thrust Bearing - a bearing which sustains axial loads and prevents axial movement of a loaded
shaft.
Thrust Bearing - ball or roller bearing for axial loads
Thrust Bushing - used between the shaft collar and the body or bonnet of a valve to reduce
friction and wear when the shaft is turned.
Thrust Collar - a collar on a shaft or spindle which transmits thrust bearing.
Thrust Face Thrust Face - face of thrust bearing against which housing or shaft shoulder pushes.
Thrust Faces - faces which are acted upon by end thrust.
Thrust Load - a load or pressure parallel to or in the direction of a shaft.
Thrust Washer - a washer, normally on the end of the non-driven shaft, which enables end
thrust to be transmitted to thrust bearings; also called Thrust Disc, or Thrust Pad.
Ti - Titanium
TICO - Temperature Instrument Connections on Piping
TIG Welding TIG Welding - see Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
TIG Welding - welding using a tungsten filler rod while the weld is surrounded by a continuous
flow of an inert gas.
Tight - the absence of leaks in a pressure system.
Tight Fit - a fit between mating parts with slight negative allowance, requiring light to moderate
force to assemble.
Tight Shut Off - A valve having tight shutoff will have virtually no flow or leakage in its closed
position. Generally speaking, only single-seated valves have tight shutoff. Doubleseated valves may be expected to have a leakage of two to five percent while in
closed position.
Tight Shut Off Service - a valve primarily intended for isolation purposes, and which does not

leak in the closed position.

Tilt Hammer - a heavy pivoted hammer used in forging, raised mechanically and allowed to drop
on the metal being worked.
Tilting Disc Check Valve - a check valve design in which the flow control element rotates about
an axis that is perpendicular to the fluid path and is in the fluid path and passes
through the flow control element; compare with Swing Check Valve.
Tin (Sn) - a soft, silvery-white metallic element used as a component of various alloys such as
bronze and solder.
Tin / Chrome Plating - a plating process in which the molecules from the positively charged tin
or chromium anode attach to the negatively charged sheet steel. The thickness of
the coating is readily controlled through regulation of the voltage and speed of the
sheet through the plating area.
Tin Free Steel - chromium-coated steel. Tin-free steel is easier to recycle because tin will
contaminate scrap steel in even small concentrations.
TIR - Total Indicator Reading
Titanium (Ti) Titanium (Ti) - a hard, silvery-gray metallic element used to make strong, light, corrosion
resistant alloys.
Titanium (Ti) - titanium fixes carbon in inert particles. It reduces martensitic hardness in
chromium steels.
Titanium Alloys - titanium alloys are developed for useful strength and corrosion resistance at
temperature range between 230 Celsius and 540 Celsius.
TLD - Thermoluminescent Dosimeter
TMCP - Thermo-Mechanical Control Process
Toe - the junction between the face of a weld and the adjacent base metal.
Toe Crack - a crack in the weldment that runs into the base metal from the toe of a weld.
TOL - Threadolet
Tolerance (Tol) - an acceptable range of variation of some dimension.
Tolerance (Tol) - an allowable amount of variation in the dimensions of a machine or part.
Tolerance (Tol) - the maximum permissible variation in size of the part.
Tolerance (Tol) - the permissible variations in the dimensions of machine parts.
Tolerance (Tol) - the range between the permissible maximum and minimum limits of a size of a
work piece, or of distance between features (e.g. hole centers) on a workpiece.
Tolerance (Tol) Tolerance (Tol) - 1) permissible variation in the dimension of a part; 2) permissible deviation
from a specified value; may be expressed in measurement units or percent.
Tolerance Limits - the extreme values (upper and lower) that are permitted by the tolerance.
Ton - unit of measure for weight
Ton, Gross - 2,240 pounds
Ton, Long (Net) - 2,240 pounds
Ton, Metric - 1,000 kilograms. 2,204.6 pounds or 1.102 short tons.
Ton, Short (Net) - 2,000 pounds. Normal unit of statistical raw material input and steel output in
the United States.
Tonne - a metric unit of weight equal to 2,205 pounds or 1.1 English tons.
Tool and Die Steels - steels used for making tools and dies.
Tool Steels - steels that are hardened for the use in the manufacture of tools and dies.
Tooth - one of the shaped projections on the rim or face of a gear.
Top and Bottom Guided - a type of valve design in which the plug is aligned by guides in the
valve body or in the bonnet and bottom flange.
Top Entry Ball Valve - a ball valve in which there is access for means of assembly from that part
of the valve body incorporating the stem.
Top Entry Check Valve Top Entry Check Valve - a valve that can regulated the direction of the flow of fluid in one
direction. It can be checked for maintenance purposes by unscrewing the top.
Top Entry Check Valve - with this sort of check valve the valve doesnt have to be removed from
its position in order to be checked.

Topping - the distillation of crude petroleum to remove the light fractions only; the unrefined
distillate is called Tops.
Topping Unit - a mini-refinery that draws crude off the line and produces turbine fuel to power
the station.
Topworks - a nonstandard term for control valve actuator.
Torch - a welding blowpipe (torch) or cutting blowpipe (torch).
Torch Brazing - a brazing process using a non-ferrous material to join metallic pieces with the
help of a torch.
Toroidal - doughnut-shaped
Toroidal Sealing Ring - an O- ring
Torque Torque - a force or combination of forces that produces or tends to produce a twisting or rotary
motion.
Torque - a measure of the tendency of a force to cause rotation, loosely defined as force
multiplied by distance; more exactly, equal to the force multiplied by the
perpendicular distance between the line of action of the force and the center of
rotation.
Torque - a rotary force, such as that applied by a rotating shaft at any point on its axis of rotation.
Torque - a turning or twisting force
Torque - a twisting force which tends to cause rotation about some point.
Torque - the rotational force imposed on or through a shaft, usually expressed in foot-pounds.
Torque - the turning force of a shaft
Torque Wrench Torque Wrench - 1) a hand or power tool that can be adjusted to deliver a preset rotary force to a
nut or bolt; 2) a wrench that can measure the torque required to start rotary motion
when tightening or loosening a bolt.
Torque Wrench - 1) a hand or power tool used to turn a nut on a bolt that can be adjusted to
deliver a predetermined amount of force to the bolt when tightening the nut; 2) a
wrench that measures torque while being turned.
Torr - the unit of pressure used in vacuum measurement. It is equal to 1/760 of a standard
atmosphere, and for all practical purposes is equivalent to one millimeter of mercury
(mm Hg). Example: 25 mm Hg=254 torr 1 x 10-3 mm Hg=10-3 torr (millitorr) 1 x 106 mm Hg=10-6 torr (microtorr)
Torsiometer - an instrument consisting of angular scales mounted around a rotating shaft to
determine the amount of twist in the loaded shaft, and thereby determine the power
transmitted; also known as Torsionmeter.
Torsion Torsion - a twisting action in which load applied to a member causes the member to twist (or
rotate) about its longitudinal axis.
Torsion - a twisting deformation of a solid body about an axis in which lines that were initially
parallel to the axis become helices.
Torsion - the application of twist without any bending.
Torsion - the stress produced in a body, such as a shaft or stem, by twisting one end while the
other end is held firm or twisted in the other direction.
Torsion - the twisting of material by force which turns one end of a bar about its longitudinal axis
while the other end is either clamped in a rigid fixture or twisted in the opposite
direction. Torsion develops shear stresses in the material and occurs in such
applications as propeller shafts, springs etc.
Torsional Strength - the ability of rubber to withstand twisting.
Total Depth - the total thickness of weld overlay or back cladding.
Toughness Toughness - 1) the property of a material which enables it to withstand bending or torsion without
fracture. It is highly desirable property of any metal; 2) the resistance of a material
to fracture by bending, twisting, fatigue or impact of load. Toughness enables
materials to undergo relatively large deformations at high stress. Defection of a test
piece under load gives some indication of the toughness of a material. This factor
depends upon the chemical composition and the heat treatment given.

Toughness - a condition which is intermediate between brittleness and softness, and indicated by
a high ultimate tensile stress. With a low to moderate elongation and area
reduction of a test-piece, plus a high value in a notched-bar test.
Toughness - a property of a material capable of absorbing energy by plastic deformation;
intermediate between softness and brittleness.
Toughness - resistance of a material to repeated bending and twisting, as measured by the work
needed to break it during an impact test.
Toughness - the ability of materials to resist shatter. If a material shatters it is brittle (e.g. glass).
If it fails to shatter when subjected to an impact load it is tough (e.g. rubber).
Toughness should not be confused with strength. Any material in which the spread
of surface cracks does not occur or only occurs to a limited extent is said to be
tough. Impact resistance.
Toughness - the ability to withstand high unit stress along with great unit deformation without
complete fracture.
Toughness - the amount of energy that a material absorbs before fracture. It is also known as
the ability of a material to resist impact. Toughness is a measure of ultimate energy
strength and is associated with high values of notched bar tests. The value of
toughness is very useful in the selection of a material where impact loads are
frequently applied.
Toughness - the amount of energy that a material absorbs before fracture. It is also known as
the ability of material to resist impact. Toughness is a measure of ultimate energy
strength and is associated with high values of notched bar tests. The value of
toughness is very useful in the selection of a material where impact loads are
frequently applied.
Toughness - the property of a metal which enables it to be twisted, bent or stretched without
rupture. Mild steel and copper etc. are examples of tough metals.
Toughness Index - refers to the ratio between the index of plasticity and the flow index.
TPI - Third Party Inspector
TRA - Thermal Relief to Atmosphere
Traceable Mill Certificate - a document that permits each component to be identified according
to the original heat or material from which it was produced.
Transducer Transducer - 1) an element or device which receives information in the form of one quantity and
converts it to information in the form of the same or another quantity; 2) a device
which provides a usable output in response to a specified measurand. NOTE: the
term transducer is usually preferred to Sensor and Detector and to such terms as
Flowmeter, Accelerometer and Tachometer; it is always preferred to Pickup, Gage
(when not equipped with a dial indicator), Transmitter (which has an entirely
different meaning in telemetry technology), Cell, and End Instrument; 3) a device to
convert one form of signal to another; 4) a general term for a device that receives
information in the form of one or more physical quantities, modifies the information
and/or its form, if required, and produces a resultant output signal. Depending on
the application, the transducer can be a primary element transmitter, relay,
converter or other device. Because the term transducer is not specific, its use for
specific applications is not recommended.
Transducer - an element or device which receives information in the form of one quantity and
coverts it to information in the form of the same or another quantity; see I/P.
Transducer - an element used to convert one form of energy into another, e.g., pressure into
electrical voltage.
Transferred Arc Process - a plasma arc welding process in which an arc is struck between the
electrode and the workpiece. The transferred arc possesses high energy plasma
jet velocity. Due to high velocity it is mainly used for cutting and melting metals.
For initiating the plasma arc, a current limiting resistor is used. It permits the flow of
high current between the nozzle and the electrode.
Transformation Ranges - those ranges of temperature for steels within which austenite forms
during heating and transforms during cooling. The two ranges are distinct,
sometimes overlapping, but never coinciding.
Transformation Temperature - the temperature at which phase changes occur during the

heating of iron and steels.

Transformer - a device for reducing or increasing the voltage of an alternating current by
electromagnetic induction.
Transition Metals - most industrial metals, chromium, manganese, iron, copper, nickel and zinc
are known as the transition metals and form one continuous block in the periodic
table from Group IIIB to IIB. They have high melting points and high densities,
which increase their atomic number. Aluminum stands outside this block and is in
Group III of the periodic table with a much lower density and melting point.
Translate - to move from one place or condition to another.
Translating Stem Valve - a gate, globe, or diaphragm valve. The valve stem moves along its
primary axis, and may also simultaneously rotate.
Translation - the linear movement of a point in space without any rotation.
Translational Motion - motion of a rigid body in such a way that any line which is imagined
rigidly attached to the body remains parallel to its original direction.
Transversal - a line that cuts across a set of other lines.
Transverse - extending across something in a crosswise direction.
Trapezoid - a four-sided figure with only one pair of sides parallel, and no right angles.
Trapped Air - air which is trapped in a product or a mold during cure. Usually causes a loose ply
or cover, or a surface mark, depression or void.
Travel Travel - the amount of movement of the closure member from the closed position to an
intermediate or the rated full open position.
Travel - the distance of a mechanical stroke
Travel - the distance the plug or stem moves in order to go from a full-closed to a full-open
position; also called Stroke.
Travel Coefficient - The ratio between the flow at a given valve stem position and the flow
through the valve at its wide open position, usually expressed as a decimal fraction.
Example: If a valve having a lift of one inch passes 100 gal/min when fully open and
passes 66 gal/min at a valve lift of.5-inch, this valve is said to have a.66 valve travel
coefficient at a.5-inch lift. Valve travel coefficients can be read directly from any plot
showing valve flow characteristics.
Travel Indicator - a means of externally showing position of the closure member; typically in
terms of percent of or degrees of opening. It can be a visual indicator at or on the
valve or a remote indicating device by means of transmitter or appropriate linkage.
Travel Indicator Scale - a scale or plate fastened to a valve and marked with graduations to
indicate the valve opening position.
Traverse - movement to right or left on a pivot or mount.
TRB - Thermal Relief to Body
Treat - to put something through a process or apply something to it.
Treated Iron - molten cast iron to which all basic alloys and nodulizing alloys have been added
but not necessarily all inoculating alloy additions.
TRG - Thermal Relief valve with Gauge
Trim Trim - a collective term relating to the materials of certain major internal valve components which
are directly affected by the fluid or by the action of the fluid flow through the valve.
When the trim components are made in materials of similar composition but not
necessarily similar mechanical properties, the valve is referred to as having a trim
of that specific material, for example, 13% chrome trim. When the components are
of dissimilar materials, the material of each is specified separately.
Trim - a collective term relating to the materials of certain major internal components which are
directly affected by the fluid or by the action of the flow thereof through the valve.
Where these components are made in materials of similar composition but not
necessarily with similar mechanical properties, the valve is referred to as having a
trim of that specific material, e.g. 13 per cent chrome trim. Where the
components are of dissimilar materials, the material of each is specified separately.
Trim - commonly refers to the valves working parts and to their materials. Usually includes seat
ring sealing surfaces, closure element sealing surfaces, stems, and back seats.

Trim numbers which specify the materials are defined in API 600 and API 602.
Trim - includes all the parts that are in flowing contact with the process fluid except the body,
bonnet, and body flanges and gaskets. The plug, seats, stem, guides, bushings,
and cage are some of the parts included in the term trim.
Trim - the internal components of a valve which are exposed to the flowing fluid.
Trim - the internal parts of a valve which are in flowing contact with the controlled fluid.
Trim - the materials of the disc, body seat ring and stem of valves and stating the percentage of
some element of the alloy of which the part is made, such as 13% chrome trim.
Trim - the process involving removal of mold flash.
Trim - the valve parts inside the shell that come in contact with the fluid (wetted), generally the
flow control element, its mover (stem or shaft), and the seat rings.
Trim - tim consists of all parts of a valve that are in contact with the flowing medium but are not
part of the valve shell or casting. Thus, plugs, seats, discs, stems, packing rings,
etc. are all trim components. The term "trim" is usually used in connection with trim
materials.
Trim Cut - damage to mold skin or finish by too close trimming.
Trim, Anti Cavitation Trim, Anti Cavitation - a combination of control valve trim that by its geometry reduces the
tendency of the controlled liquid to cavitate.
Trim, Anti Cavitation - a combination of plug and seat ring or plug and cage that by its geometry
permits noncavitating operation or reduces the tendency to cavitate, thereby
minimizing damage to the valve parts, and the downstream piping.
Trim, Anti Cavitation - a special trim used in control valves to stage the pressure drop through the
valve, which will either prevent the cavitation from occurring or direct the bubbles
that are formed to the center of the flow stream away from the valve body and trim.
This is usually accomplished by causing the fluid to travel along a torturous path or
through successively smaller orifices or a combination of both.
Trim, Anti Noise Trim, Anti Noise - a combination of control valve trim that by its geometry reduces the noise
generated by fluid flowing through the valve.
Trim, Anti Noise - a combination of plug and seat ring or plug and cage that by its geometry
reduces the noise generated by fluid flowing through the valve.
Trim, Balanced Trim, Balanced - a trim arrangement that tends to equalize the pressure above and below the
valve plug to minimize the net static and dynamic fluid flow forces acting along the
axis of the stem of a globe valve. Some regulators also use this design, particularly
in high pressure service.
Trim, Balanced - an arrangement of ports and plug or combination of plug, cage, seals and ports
that tends to equalize the pressure above and below the valve plug to minimize the
net static and dynamic fluid flow forces acting along the axis of the stem of a globe
valve.
Trim, Balanced - control valve trim designed to minimize the net static and dynamic fluid flow
forces acting on the trim.
Trim, Characterized - control valve trim that provides a predefined flow characteristic.
Trim, Choke - choke components, including beans, one piece stems, multi piece stems etc.
Trim, Erosion Resistant - valve trim that has been designed with special surface materials or
geometry to resist the erosive effects of the controlled fluid flow.
Trim, Globe Valve - the internal parts of a valve which are in flowing contact with the controlled
fluid. Examples are the plug, seat ring, cage, stem and the parts used to attach the
stem to the plug. The body, bonnet, bottom flange, guide means and gaskets are
not considered as part of the trim.
Trim, Reduced Trim, Reduced - an undersized orifice. Reduced or restricted capacity trim is used for several
reasons: a) it adapts a valve large enough to handle increased future flow
requirement with trim capacity properly sized for present needs; b) a valve with
adequate structural strength can be selected and still retain reasonable travel vs.
capacity relationships; c) a valve with a large body using restricted trim can be

used to reduce inlet and outlet fluid velocities; d) it can eliminate the need for pipe
reducers; e) errors in over sizing can be corrected by use of restricted capacity
trim.
Trim, Reduced - control valve trim which has a flow area smaller than the full flow area for that
valve.
Trim, Restricted - control valve trim which has a flow area less than the full flow area for that
valve.
Trim, Soft-Seated - a valve trim with an elastomeric, plastic or other readily deformable material
used either in the closure component or seat ring to provide shutoff with minimal
actuator forces.
Trip - to release a lever or set free a mechanism.
TRM - Technology Resource Management
Troostite Troostite - a phase of steel if martensite is reheated (tempered). In the case of plain steels
between temperatures 205 to 395 C., troostite is formed. Troostite is softer and
more ductile than sponeroidite. Troostite consists of sub-microscopic particles of
cementite.
Troostite - fine pearlite found in steels. It is obtained by the slow cooling from the hardening
temperature. It is also produced by tempering martensite between 200 and 450
C. It differs from pearlitic structure in its degree of fineness only. Under a high
power microscope, it is seen in the form of alternate layers of ferrite and cementite.
TRP - Technical Requisition Package
TRS - Technology Resource Management (Petronas)
Truncate - to cut off the top or end
Trunnion Trunnion - 1) a short shaft extension at the bottom of a trunnion ball; 2) a pin or pivot forming
one of a pair on which something is supported.
Trunnion - 1) either of two opposite pivots, journals, or gudgeons, usually cylindrical and
horizontal, projecting one from each side of a piece of ordnance, the cylinder of an
oscillating engine, a molding flask, or a converter, and supported by bearings to
provide a means of swiveling or turning; 2) a pin or pivot usually mounted on
bearings for rotating or tilting something.
Trunnion - extensions of the ball used to locate, support and turn the ball within the valve body.
May be integral or attached to the ball.
Trunnion - the part of a ball valve which holds the ball on a fixed vertical axis and about which the
ball turns.
Trunnion Ball - a flow control element of a ball valve that is held in position in the body by two
integral, short-shaft extensions (trunnions) on the ball.
Trunnion Bearing Trunnion Bearing - a bearing inserted in the trunnion boss to support the trunnion.
Trunnion Bearing - a bearing on which a vessel or cylinder can rotate or oscillate.
Trunnion Boss - a boss formed on or in the body to support the trunnion.
Trunnion Mounting Trunnion Mounting - a pair of short journals, supported in bearings, projecting co-axially from
opposite sides of a vessel or cylinder required to pivot about their axis.
Trunnion Mounting - a style of mounting the disc or ball on the valve shaft or stub shaft with two
bushings diametrically opposed.
Trunnion Thrust Bearing - the thrust bearing used to support thrust loads on the ball trunnion.
TSE - Threaded Small End
TSO - 1) Tight Shut Off (valve); 2) Total Shut Off
TSSC - Technical Standards Steering Committee
TT - Threaded equal Tee
Tuberculation - a condition which develops on the interior of pipelines due to corrosive materials
present in the fluid passing through the pipe, and which results in the creation of
small, more or less hemispherical lumps (tubercules) on the walls of the pipe, which
increase the friction loss, and by reducing the velocity also reduce the capacity of
the pipe.

Tubing Tubing - a type of fluid line whose dimensions are designated by actual measured outside
diameter and by actual measured wall thickness.
Tubing - when referring to OCTG, tubing is a separate pipe used within the casing to conduct the
oil or gas to the surface. Depending on conditions and well life, tubing may have to
be replaced during the operational life of a well.
Tubular Component - a cylindrical component (pipe) having a longitudinal hole that is used in
drilling / production operations for conveying fluids.
Tundish - the shallow refractory-lined basin on top of the continuous caster. It receives the liquid
steel from the ladle, prior to the cast, allowing the operator to precisely regulate the
flow of metal into the mold.
Tungsten (W) Tungsten (W) - a very hard, dense, silvery-white metallic element with a very high melting point.
Tungsten (W) - this metal has the highest melting point of any metal; it is used as an alloying
element in steel to increase strength and hardness at very high temperatures such
as for high-speed tools.
Tungsten (W) - tungsten is soluble both in a-iron and i-iron. It forms different carbides like Wc,
W2C, Fe3W3C and Fe4W2C with carbon. A compound with iron Fe3W2 provides
an age-hardening system. Tungsten raises the critical points in steel and the
carbides dissolve slowly over a range of temperatures. When completely dissolved,
the tungsten renders transformation sluggish, especially to tempering, and its use is
made of in most hot working tools like high-speed steel and die steels. Tungsten
provides the property of red hardness to steel. It is used in magnets, corrosion and
heat-resisting steels. It refines the grain size and produces less tendency to
decarburization during working.
Tungsten Carbide Tungsten Carbide - a very hard material which is used to strengthen the cutting edge of a boring
tool.
Tungsten Carbide - an extremely hard coating used in tools, abrasives and wear resistant parts.
Tungsten Inert Gas Arc Welding (TIG) - a non-consumable electrode inert gas arc welding
process. In this process coalescence is produced by the heat of an electric arc
produced between a tungsten electrode and the workpiece. The electrode does not
melt and becomes a part of the weld. Filler metal is required and is fed into the
weld zone and melted with the base metal in the same manner as that used with
oxy-acetylene welding. The molten metal pool is protected by shielding it with an
inert gas. The inert gases generally used are helium or argon. In this process AC
currents are used for welding light materials. DC may be use for welding heavier
metals.
Tungsten Inert Gas Arc Welding (TIG) Tungsten Inert Gas Arc Welding (TIG) - a non-consumable electrode inert gas arc welding
process. In this process, coalescence is produced by the heat of an electric arc
produced between the tungsten electrode and the work piece. The electrode does
not melt and become a part of the weld. A filler metal, if required, is fed into the
weld zone and melted with the base metal in the same manner as used in oxyacetylene welding. This process is used for welding copper, nickel, aluminum,
magnesium, zinc and their alloys. It is also suitable for welding stainless steels, and
high temperature welding materials like inconel, titanium and zirconium.
Tungsten Inert Gas Welding - a nonpreferred term for gas tungsten arc welding; also known as
TIG welding.
Turbine - a rotary motor actuated by the reaction, impulse, or both, of a flow of pressurized fluid.
Turbulence Turbulence - a state of unsteady flow in which a liquid has been subjected to disturbance.
Turbulence - any deviation from parallel flow in a pipe due to rough inner walls, obstructions or
directional changes.
Turnaround - the process of completing or the time needed to complete a task.
Turndown Turndown - a term used to describe the ratio between the minimum and maximum flow
conditions seen in a particular system. Example: If the minimum flow is 10 Gallons

Per Minute and the maximum flow is 100 Gallons Per Minute, the turndown would
be 10:1. This term is sometimes incorrectly applied to valves; see also
Rangeability.
Turndown - the ratio between maximum usable flow and the minimum controllable flow, usually
less than the rangeability. For instance, as stated above, after the 100 gal/min
valve has been applied at a job, it might turn out that the most flow you would ever
need through the valve is 68 gal/min. Since the minimum controllable flow is 2
gal/min, the turndown for this valve is 34 to 1. In comparing rangeability and
turndown, we may say that rangeability is a measure of the predicted stability of the
control valve, and turndown is a measure of the actual stability of the valve.
Turning - a method of cold-finishing by machining to size in a lathe or turning machine to remove
surface metal formed during hot-rolling.
Turnkey Contract - a contract in which an independent agent undertakes to furnish for a fixed
price all materials and labor, and to do all the work needed to complete a project.
Turns to Operate - the number of complete revolutions of a handwheel or the pinion shaft of a
gear operator required to stroke a valve from fully open to fully closed or vice versa.
TWA - Time Weighted Average
Twin Carbon Arc Welding - an arc welding process in which heat is produced by producing an
arc maintained between two carbon electrodes and by using a non-ferrous filler
metal.
Two Phase - a fluid state comprising a mixture of liquid with gas or vapors.
Two Piece Ball Valve - a ball valve in which the valve is made up from the body and a body
connector, each of which has a body end.
Two Piece Element Clamp - a two piece element clamp or pinch valve is a valve consisting of
two flexible elastomeric elements or liners installed between a two piece flanged
body. The flexible elements or liners also extend over the flange faces and act as
gaskets between the valve and the connecting piping; compare with One Piece
Element Clamp; see Pinch Valve.
Two Piece Gland - a bolted design in which the gland of a valve is separate from the gland
flange, generally having a self-aligning feature.
Two Way Valve - a mechanical device that controls the flow of fluid by allowing flow in either of
two directions.
TWSG - Thermowell Straight
TXS - male Thread one end X Socket welded one end
Type of Protection d - an enclosure for electrical apparatus that will withstand an internal
explosion of the flammable gas or vapor which may enter it without suffering
damage and without communicating the internal inflammation to the external
flammable gas or vapor for which it was designed, through any joints of structural
openings in the enclosure.
Type of Protection e - the method of protection by which additional measures are applied, so
as to give increased security against the possibility of excessive temperatures and
of the occurrence of arcs and sparks in apparatus which does not produce arcs or
sparks in normal service.
Type of Protection n - a type of protection applied to electrical apparatus such that, in normal
operation, it is not capable of igniting a surrounding explosive gas atmosphere and
a fault capable of causing ignition is not likely to occur.
Type of Protection p - an enclosure in which a protective gas is maintained at a pressure
greater than that of the surrounding atmosphere, so as to prevent the introduction of
explosive mixtures from the surrounding atmosphere.

U Bolt - a U-shaped bolt with threads at the ends of both arms to receive nuts.
U Cup - a type of seal. A U-cup is an O-ring formed into a U-shaped channel. Liquid or air
pressure "inflates" the U-cup and affects a seal. The U-cup is used in instances

where an O-ring is not desirable.

UB - Union Bonnet
UKOOA - United Kingdom Offshore Operators Association
UL - Underwriters Laboratory
Ultimate Elongation - see Elongation
Ultimate Load - see Breaking Load
Ultimate Strain - the unit elongation (elongation per unit of length) at the specimen breakingpoint. It is a measure of ductility.
Ultimate Strength Ultimate Strength - it is the highest unit stress it can sustain before rupturing.
Ultimate Strength - see Tensile Strength
Ultimate Strength - the breaking load of a material under tension; also called Tensile Strength.
Ultimate Strength - the maximum load that a specimen of a material can sustain divided by the
original cross sectional area of the specimen.
Ultimate Strength - the maximum stress needed to break a specimen.
Ultimate Strength - the maximum stress which a material is able to withstand without any failure.
Ultimate Strength - the stress level at which the pipe will fail/rupture or "break." The ultimate
strength of the steel is determined by testing during the manufacture of the pipe.
Ultimate Strength - the tensile stress, per unit of the original surface area, at which a body will
fracture, or continue to deform under a decreasing load.
Ultrasonic Inspection (UT) Ultrasonic Inspection (UT) - an inspection procedure using high frequency sound waves to
detect wall thickness or flaws throughout the thickness of metal parts; sometimes
called Ultrasonic Test.
Ultrasonic Inspection (UT) - due to piezo electric effect, certain crystals can be made to vibrate
when influenced by an oscillating electric current. For ultrasonic inspection, the
crystal is made to vibrate at frequencies ranging from half to 10 Mc/sec, and when
held against a piece of steel causes the vibrations to travel through the steel and to
be reflected back from the opposite side or from any intervening defects. The
echoes are made visible on a cathode-ray tube.
Ultrasonic Leak Detector - an instrument which detects ultrasonic energy resulting from the
transition from laminar to turbulent flow of a gas passing through an orifice.
Ultrasonic Testing Ultrasonic Testing - a nondestructive testing method in which high frequency sound waves are
projected into a solid to detect and locate flaws, to measure thickness, or to detect
structural differences.
Ultrasonic Testing - the use of very high frequency sound waves to investigate the continuity of
the material of a work piece.
Ultrasonic Testing - ultrasonic vibrations are used to locate defects in ferrous metals, non-ferrous
metals as well as plastics and ceramics. Ultrasonic waves are usually generated by
the piezo-electric effect which converts the electrical energy to mechanical energy.
A quartz crystal is used for this purpose. Pulses of high frequency (20 KHz to 20
MHz) are applied to the part under test. In the interval between pulses, a crystal
detects echoes reflected either from the far edge of the test bar or from any flaws in
the path of the beam. The signals received are shown on a cathode ray tube, which
also has a time base connected to it. The position of the signal on the screen
gives an indication of the distance between the crystal generator and the surface
from which the echo originates. Ultrasonic testing is employed to detect and locate
defects such as shrinkage cavities, internal bursts or cracks, porosity and nonmetallic inclusions. It is useful for routine inspection of locomotive axles also. This
method of inspection is non-destructive, fast and reliable. The minimum flaw size
which can be detected is equal to about 0.1% of the distance from the probe to the
defect.
Ultrasonic Welding - a type of solid state welding process in which coalescence is produced by
the local application of high frequency (ultrasonic) vibratory energy to the
workpieces. The frequency of vibrations varies from 15 KHz to 170 KHz. The
workpieces are clamped together and high frequency (ultrasonic) shear stresses
are applied parallel to the plane. Ultrasonic vibrations and pressure causes

movement of the metal molecules to bring a strong union of workpieces. Ultrasonic

welding is a rapid process and the time of weld varies from 0.5 to 2.0 second,
depending upon the size and characteristics of the material. Ultrasonic welding
equipment consists of a transducer-coupling system, frequency converter, anvil,
force application device, a timer and appropriate hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical
and electronic control. Pieces to be welded are held between the tips of the
electrode and the anvil. A motor generator set (frequency converter) converts
normal frequency to high frequency. The transducer converts the high frequency
electrical power into ultrasonic vibratory energy. This energy is transmitted to the
joint through the welding tip attached to the transducer. The tip oscillates in the
plane of the joint interface and induces dynamic shear stresses in the workpieces.
It results in local plastic deformation of joint materials to form a coalesced weld joint
on cooling. Depending upon the type of joints ultrasonic welding can be classified
into spot welding, line welding, ring welding, and continuous stream welding.
Ultrasonic welding is used for welding a large number of similar and dissimilar
materials like copper, aluminum, beryllium, geranium, gold, iron, all types of steels,
nickel, niobium, platinum, silver and their alloys. Even glass and plastics can be
welded by this process.
Ultrasound - sound consisting of waves with frequencies higher than 20,000 Hertz (above the
limit of human hearing). It is used for detecting flaws and impurities in metal.
UMC - Underwater Manifold Center
Unalloyed Steel - carbon-manganese steels, including 0.3% and 0.5% molybdenum steels.
UNCITRAL - United Nations Commission on International Trade Law
Under Cure - a degree of cure less than optimum. May be evidenced by tackiness, loginess, or
inferior physical properties.
Underbead Crack - a crack in the heat affected zone of a weldment that does not extend to the
base metal surface.
Undercutting - a welding defect in which a groove created into the base metal adjacent to the
toe of the weld is left unfilled. This defect is related to reduction in plate section or
burning away of the sidewalls of the joint. The main cause of this defect is
excessive welding current resulting in the melting of relatively large section of the
workpiece at the corner of the welds. Excessive speed of travel of the electrode
leaves the groove unfilled or partially filled. One-sided undercut is produced due to
concentration of heat on one side. Bad positioning of the component plates also
contribute to undercutting.
Underwater Safety Valve - valve used in an underwater wellhead location which closes upon
loss of power, uses a USV actuator.
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) - an independent USA testing and certifying organization.
Unfired Pressure Vessel Unfired Pressure Vessel - a pressure vessel that is not in direct contact with a heating flame.
Unfired Pressure Vessel - a vessel designed to withstand internal pressure, neither subjected to
heat from products of combustion nor an integral part of a fired pressure vessel
system.
Unidirectional Valve - a valve designed for sealing in one direction only.
Unified Screw Thread Unified Screw Thread - a system of standard 60 degree V threads that are classified coarse, fine
and extra fine (UNC, UNF and UNEF) to provide different levels of strength and
clamping power.
Unified Screw Thread - three series of threads: coarse (UNC), fine (UNF), and extra fine (UNEF);
a one quarter inch-diameter (0.006 millimeter) thread in the UNC series has 20
threads per inch, while in the UNF series it has 28.
Union - a screwed or flanged pipe coupling usually in the form of a ring fitting around the outside
of the joint.
Union Bonnet - a type of valve construction in which the bonnet is held on by a union nut with
threads on the body.
Union Joint Union Joint - a body-bonnet joint in which a female-threaded nut slides over the bonnet and
screws onto a male-threaded body, clamping the bonnet in place.

Union Joint - a threaded assembly used for the joining ends of lengths of installed pipe or tubing
where rotation of neither length is feasible.
Unit Cost - a pricing system based upon the cost of individual items, as opposed to a Lump Sum
(for an aggregate of items).
Unit Strain - 1) for tensile strain, the elongation per unit length; 2) for compressive strain, the
shortening per unit length; 3) for shear strain, the change in angle between two
lines originally perpendicular to each other.
United States Standard Dry Seal Thread - a modified pipe thread used for pressure-tight
connections that are to be assembled without lubricant or sealer in refrigeration
pipes, automotive and aircraft fuel-line fittings, and gas and chemical shells.
Universal Coupling - a joint or coupling that can transmit rotary power by a shaft at any angle.
Unloading Valve - a pressure control valve whose primary function is to permit a pump or
compressor to operate at minimum load.
UNS - Unified Numbering System
Unshielded Metal Arc Welding - a welding process using a metallic electrode where no
shielding medium is used.
Unsoundness - the condition of a solid metal which contains blowholes or pinholes due to
gases, or cavities resulting from its shrinkage during contraction from liquid to solid
state, i.e. contraction cavities.
UOM - Unit Of Merchandise
Upper Spreader - the component of a double disc gate valve which is attached to, or engages,
the actuating thread of the stem, and which, in conjunction with the lower spreader
and the stop in the body, constitutes the spreading mechanism which forces the
discs apart against the body seats when the valve is closed.
Upper Spreader Bushing - a bushing in a double disc gate valve, secured in the upper spreader
and threaded internally to engage the actuating thread of the stem. It is associated
only with non-rising stem.
Upper Spreader Nut - in a double disc gate valve, the nut retained in the upper spreader and
threaded internally to engage the actuating thread of the stem. It is associated only
with non-rising stem.
Upset Upset - metalworking in order to produce an increase in section of part of a component over and
above its starting size, as in the forming of the head of a bolt or rivet from a round
bar.
Upset - to cause a local increase in diameter or other cross sectional dimension by applying an
axial deforming force to a piece of rod or wire, such as is used to produce heads on
nails or screws.
Upset Butt Welding - see Butt Welding
Upset Forging - in upset forging operation, a bar of uniform section is gripped in the fixed half of
the die so that the requisite length projects, and pressure is applied at the heated
end thus causing it to upset or be formed into some desired shape.
Upstream Upstream - the inlet side of an instrument.
Upstream - the process of developing oil fields, exploring for oil, and producing oil from oil fields.
Downstream is the opposite of upstream.
Upstream Operations - oil and natural gas exploration and production, and gas processing
activities.
UPVC - Unplasticized PVC
UT - 1) Ultrasonic Examination; 2) Ultrasonic Test
UTS - Ultimate Tensile Strength

V - 1) Vanadium; 2) Vital; 3) Vent / flare, non corrosive, onshore or offshore; 4) flare and vent,
sweet
VAC - Volts Alternating Current
Vacuum Vacuum - a region in which the air pressure is less than atmospheric pressure.
Vacuum - refers to the pressures below atmospheric.
Vacuum - the term denoting a given space that is occupied by a gas at less than atmospheric
pressure. For degrees of vacuum; see Vacuum Level.
Vacuum Breaker - a device used in a water supply line to relieve a vacuum and prevent
backflow; also known as 'Backflow Preventer.
Vacuum Degassing - an advanced steel refining facility that removes oxygen, hydrogen and
nitrogen under low pressures (in a vacuum) to produce ultra-low-carbon steel for
demanding electrical and automotive applications. Normally performed in the ladle,
the removal of dissolved gases results in cleaner, higher-quality, more pure steel;
see Ladle Metallurgy.
Vacuum Fusion - a laboratory technique for determining dissolved gas content of metals by
melting them in vacuum and measuring the amount of hydrogen, oxygen and
sometimes nitrogen released during melting; the process can be used on most
metals except reactive elements such as alkali and alkaline earth metals.
Vacuum Level - the term used to denote the degree of vacuum evidenced by its pressure in torr
(or mm Hg). a) Rough vacuum - 760 torr to 1 torr; b) Medium vacuum - 1 torr to
10-3 torr; c) High vacuum - 10-3 torr to 10-6 torr; d) Very high (hard) vacuum - 106 torr to 10-9 torr; e) ultra high (ultra hard) vacuum-below 10-9 torr.
Vacuum Oxygen Decarburization (VOD) - process for further refinement of stainless steel
through reduction of carbon content. The amount of carbon in stainless steel must
be lower than that in carbon steel or lower alloy steel (i.e., steel with alloying
element content below 5%). While electric arc furnaces (EAF) are the conventional
means of melting and refining stainless steel, VOD is an economical supplement,
as operating time is reduced and temperatures are lower than in EAF steelmaking.
Additionally, using VOD for refining stainless steel increases the availability of the
EAF for melting purposes. Molten, unrefined steel is transferred from the EAF into
a separate vessel, where it is heated and stirred by an electrical current while
oxygen enters from the top of the vessel. Substantial quantities of undesirable
gases escape from the steel and are drawn off by a vacuum pump. Alloys and
other additives are then mixed in to refine the molten steel further.
Vacuum Relief Valve Vacuum Relief Valve - a pressure relief device which is designed to allow fluid to enter a
pressure vessel in order to avoid extreme internal vacuum.
Vacuum Relief Valve - a valve automatic in operation used to release vacuum when filling or
emptying a pipeline or tank; sometimes called a Vacuum Breaker Valve.
Valve Valve - 1) a valve is a device used for the control of fluid flow. It consists of a fluid retaining
assembly, one or more ports between end openings and a movable closure
member which opens, restricts or closes the port(s); 2) an in line device in a fluid
flow system that can interrupt flow, regulate the rate of flow, or divert flow to another
branch of the system.
Valve - a device for regulating the flow of fluid through a system.
Valve - a device that controls fluid flow direction, pressure, or flow rate.
Valve - a device to regulate or stop the flow in a pipe.
Valve - a device used to control the flow of fluid contained in a pipe line.
Valve - a device used to regulate the flow of fluids in piping systems and machinery.
Valve - a device which dispenses, dissipates, or distributes energy in a system.
Valve - a mechanical device used to control the flow of fluid in piping systems.
Valve - in plumbing, a device to control the flow of liquid through a pipe.
Valve Body Valve Body - see Body
Valve Body - the main part of a valve. It contains the passages for the flow medium, seating

surfaces and inlet and outlet fittings.

Valve Body Assembly - an assembly of a body, bonnet assembly, bottom flange and trim
elements. The rim includes a valve plug which opens, shuts or partially obstructs
one or more ports.
Valve Face - the sealing surface of a valve which slides over, or beds on to the seating.
Valve Flow Coefficient (CV) - see Cv
Valve Flow Coefficient (CV) Valve Flow Coefficient (CV) - the number of US gallons per minute of 60F water that will flow
through a valve with a one pound per square inch pressure drop.
Valve Follower - a linkage that transmits motion from a cam to the push rod of a valve,
especially in an internal combustion engine.
Valve Gain - see Flow Characteristic
Valve Guide - a channel which supports the stem of a valve for maintenance of alignment.
Valve Head Valve Head - the closing components of the valve on which the valve head face is formed.
Valve Head - the disk part of a poppet valve that gives a tight closure on the valve seat.
Valve Head Face - a machined face which makes contact with the body seat when the valve is
closed.
Valve Head Guide Wings Valve Head Guide Wings - that part connected to the cover by pillars and in which the adjusting
screw engages.
Valve Head Guide Wings - that part of the valve head which, when in the form of wings, guides
the valve head to the body seat.
Valve Head Pin - 1) the component which makes contact with the body seat when the valve is
closed; 2) the component which connects the valve head to the spindle.
Valve Lifter - a device for opening the valve of a cylinder as in an internal combustion engine.
Valve Plug Valve Plug - an obsolete term; see Closure Member, which is the preferred term.
Valve Plug - see Closure Member
Valve Plug - the part of a valve which moves to restrict the area through which the fluid travels.
Valve Seat - the circular metal ring on which the valve head of a poppet valve rests when closed.
Vanadium Vanadium - used to refine the grain size and enhance the mechanical properties of steel.
Vanadium - vanadium forms a carbide V4C3 and has beneficial effects on the mechanical
properties of heat-treated steel, especially in the presence of other elements. It is a
strong deoxidizer. It toughens and strengthens steel. It refines the grain and
reduces the grain growth. It widens the hardening range and hardness is retained
at higher temperatures than carbon steel. With other elements, it slows up
tempering in the range of 500 to 600 C and can induce induction hardening. With
chromium it forms double carbides and gives a keen edge quality to steel.
Chromium-Vanadiums (0 to 17%) are used for coil springs, torsion bars, automobile
axles and locomotive forgings.
Vapor Vapor - 1) the gaseous form of any substance which is usually a liquid or a solid; 2) a gas that
can be condensed to a liquid by pressure alone, without being cooled; 3) a gas
whose temperature and pressure are very near the liquid phase. Dry steam is
considered a vapor because its state is normally near that of water. (Wet steam is
a two-phase mixture of vapor and fluid particles.)
Vapor - the gaseous state of a fluid that normally exists as a liquid under atmospheric conditions,
i.e. a gas whose temperature is below its critical temperature.
Vapor Space Length - the distance between the bottom of the stuffing box and the top of the:
(a) bonnet bushing for rising stem (gate and globe) valves, or (b) body stem
bearing for rotary (e.g. ball and high performance butterfly) valves. (Note: the
bottom of the stuffing box means excluding the room for a spacer that may be
installed below the packing rings.)
VB - Valve, Ball
VC - 1) Valve, Check; 2) Vent / flare, Corrosive, onshore or offshore

VCI 386 - a clear water based rust inhibiting primer

VDBT - Valve Ass. Double Block Ball Threaded
VDC - Volts Direct Current
VDCC - Vendor Document Control Center
VDP - Vendor Development Program
VDRL - 1) Vendor Data Requirement List; 2) Vendor Documentation Requirement List
VDRS - Vendor Document Requirement Schedule
Vector - 1) a quantity having magnitude and direction, as contrasted with a scalar which has
quantity only; 2) a one-dimensional matrix.
Vee Orifice - a "V"-shaped flow control orifice which allows a characterized flow control as the
gate moves in relation to the fixed Vee opening.
Velocities in Pipes - experience has proved that the following have been allowable velocities in
pipes: for air 30 to 50 ft/sec, compressed air 25 to 40 ft/sec, steam 160 to 250
ft/sec, and water 5 to 10 ft/sec.
Velocity Velocity - the rate of change of position with time. Common units are meters per second (SI
metric) and feet per second (British).
Velocity - the rate of motion in a particular direction. The velocity of fluids is usually expressed in
feet per second.
Velocity - time rate of motion in a given direction and sense, usually expressed in feet per
second.
Vena Contracta Vena Contracta - the location where cross sectional area of the flowstream is at its minimum.
The vena contracta normally occurs just downstream of the actual physical
restriction in a control valve.
Vena Contracta - the location where cross-sectional area of the flow stream is at its minimum
size, where fluid velocity is at its highest level, and where fluid pressure is at its
lowest level. The vena contracta normally occurs just downstream of the actual
physical restriction in a control valve.
Vendor Document Requirement Schedule - document lists submitted by vendor, listing all
contract data with its appropriate document numbering and guidance on its
completion and submission; abbreviated VDRS.
Vendor Documentation Requirement List (VDRL) - a list of documents issued with the
enquiry, specifying the minimum information required from vendor.
Vent Vent - an opening for the release of air or gas into an open area to prevent pressure buildup.
Vent - an opening provided for the discharge of pressure or the release of pressure from tanks,
vessels, reactors, processing equipment, and so on.
Vent Port - an opening that allows air, gas or liquid into or out of a confined space.
Venting of Valve Plate / Poppet - provision for venting of any gas which might be trapped in the
seal groove by means of a pump out opening.
Venturi Venturi - a constriction in a pipe, tube or flume consisting of a tapered inlet, a short straight
constricted throat and a gradually tapered outlet; fluid velocity is greater and
pressure is lower in the throat area than in the main conduit upstream or
downstream of the venturi; it can be used to measure flow rate, or to draw another
fluid from a branch into the main fluid stream.
Venturi - a tube having a narrowing throat or constriction to increase the velocity of fluid flowing
through it. The flow through the venturi causes a pressure drop in the smallest
section, the amount being a function of the velocity of flow.
Venturi Meter Venturi Meter - a flow meter which is used for closed pipes, in which a constriction is followed by
an expansion to normal width.
Venturi Meter - a meter in which flow rate is measured in terms of pressure drop across a venturi
in a pipe.
Venturi Meter - an instrument for efficiently measuring fluid flow rate in a piping system; a nozzle
section increases velocity and is followed by an expanding section for recovery of

kinetic energy.
Venturi Pattern - having reduced-area seat port, and a body throat approaching a venturi.
Venturi Port - a valve bore (port) found on plug valves that is substantially smaller than a full
port, approximately 40% to 50% of full bore; compare with Full Port, Regular Port,
and Reduced Port.
Venturi Tube - a closed pipe which is gradually contracted to a throat, causing a reduction of
pressure head by which velocity through the throat may be determined. The
contraction is generally followed, but not necessarily so, by gradual enlargement to
the original.
Venturi Valve - has a reduced opening and is well streamlined to reduce pressure loss. In some
ways similar to a crossover.
Vertical Pattern - in which the body ends are in line with each other, for installation in a vertical
position.
Vertical Pattern Check Valve - a check valve design in which the body ends are in line with
each other, for installation in a vertical position; compare with Angle Pattern Check
Valve and Horizontal Pattern Check Valve.
Vessel - a container in which materials are processed, treated, or stored; for example, pressure
vessels, reactor vessels, agitator vessels, and storage vessels (tanks).
VF - Valve, Butterfly
VG - Valve, Gate
VGO - Vacuum Gas Oil
VHAP - Volatile Hazardous Air Pollutants
Vibration Severity - the root-mean-square (RMS) value of the vibration velocity.
Vickers Diamond Pyramid Method - this test is not suitable for measuring hardness of hard
materials. The drawback of the Brinell hardness testing is eliminated in this
machine by using a diamond square-based pyramid which does not readily deform
and gives geometrically a similar impression under different loads. It employs a
diamond pyramid indentor under varying loads from 5 to 120 kg. Vickers test is the
most accurate method in which a pointed diamond is pushed perpendicularly into
the surface by a standard load. The rate and duration of the loading are controlled
by a piston and dashpot of oil. The difference, however, between the Vickers
Diamond Pyramid method and Brinell Hardness Method is that the former gives a
square impression at the surface while the latter gives a circular impression. It is
easier to make an accurate measurement with a microscope across the corners of
the square impression, than with the circular Brinell impression on hard materials.
The apex angle of a diamond pyramid used in Vickerss hardness tester is 136
degrees. Vickers method can be used for exceedingly thin materials. The indentor
gives geometrically similar impressions with different loads.
Vickers Hardness Test Vickers Hardness Test - in this teat a diamond indenter is used in the form of a square based
pyramid.
Vickers Hardness - see Diamond Pyramid Hardness
Vickers Hardness Number - a number equal to 0.927 p. where p denotes the yield pressure, the
area on which it acts being 0.927 times that of the surface area of the contacting
faces. The pyramidal indenter is square-based and the opposite faces contain an
angle of 135 degrees. The Vickers and Brinell hardness numbers for a given load
are nearly equal; abbreviated VHN.
Vickers Diamond Hardness Tester - a small impression machine, which is capable of testing
very hard metals, finished components and very thin sheets. The diamond is
similar to that used in the diamond pyramid hardness test. The duration of
application of the load is controlled automatically, being always applied and
removed in exactly the same manner. This machine can also be used with a ball
indenter for the Brinell hardness test.
Victaulic Coupling - a development in which a groove is cut around each end of pipe instead of
the usual threads; two ends of pipe are then lined up and a rubber ring is fitted
around the joint; two semicircular bands, forming a sleeve, are placed around the
ring and are drawn together with two bolts, which have a ridge on both edges to fit
into the groove of the pipe; as the bolts are tightened, the rubber ring is

compressed, making a watertight joint, while the ridges fitting in the grooves make it
strong mechanically.
Virgin - describes thermoplastic resins that have no "regrind" in the processing mix. Sometimes
mistakenly interchanged with "Natural."
Virgin TFE - see Teflon
Virtual Leak - an "apparent" leak in a vacuum system that is traceable, in fact, to some internal
(and often accidental) release of occluded and/or absorbed gases. Example: An
undetected blister in a fused joint may eventually break down in a vacuum and
suddenly (or slowly) release its entrapped air, thereby indicating a "leak".
Viscosity Viscosity - 1) the internal friction of a fluid which makes it resist flowing past a solid surface; 2) a
measure of the resistance of a fluid to flow, caused by internal friction which results
in different rates of flow in different parts of the liquid.
Viscosity - a measure of the internal friction or resistance of a fluid to flow.
Viscosity - measure of the internal friction of a fluid or its resistance to flow.
Viscosity - the internal friction due to molecular cohesion in a field; the resistance to the sliding
motion of adjacent layers of a fluid when in motion.
Viscosity - the property of fluids and plastic solids by which they resist an instantaneous change
of shape, i.e. resistance to flow.
Viscosity - the resistance of a fluid to flow, due to the mutual adherence of its molecules. A
measure of a liquid's resistance to flow. Several viscosity scales are used
depending on the type of oil being measured.
Viscosity - the resistance of a fluid to flow. Molasses has a higher viscosity than water.
Viscosity Index - a measure of the viscosity-temperature characteristics of a fluid as referred to
that of two arbitrary reference fluids.
Viscosity, Kinematic - the absolute viscosity divided by the density of the fluid. It is usually
expressed in centistokes.
Viscous - having a thick, sticky consistency between sold and liquid.
Viton A - a fluorocarbon rubber by E.I. du Pont de Nemours co.
Viton Viton - a fluorinated elastomer, used in making O-rings and other seals. Viton is a trade mark
of DuPont Dow Elastomers.
Viton - a non-metallic material used as valve trim. It is an elastomer also known as Fluorel,
FKM, and fluorocarbon. It has good abrasion and tear resistance and resilience,
but poor compression-set resistance. It is used for butterfly valve seats and liners
and for diaphragm valve diaphragms.
Viton - a trademarked fluoroelastomer used for bonnet, gate, poppet, and other seals. It can be
used for 250C continuous service, and is useful for ultra-high vacuum systems.
VML - Vendor Master List
VN - Valve, Needle
VOC - Volatile Organic Compounds
VOD - Vacuum Oxygen Decarburized
Void Void - 1) a hollow formed within a molding, especially at thick sections; 2) a defect lowering a
products strength by concentrating stress.
Void - the absence of material or an area devoid of materials where not intended.
Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) - organic liquid which vaporizes at room temperature. Often
abbreviated VOC. Used as solvent and washing or cleaning agent.
Volatile Organic Compounds - loosely defined as carbon-containing compounds that exist as a
toxic gas at ambient pressure and temperature. They are organic compounds,
excluding methane and ethane, which contain many hydrocarbons, oxygenated
compounds and compounds containing sulfur. VOCs react with nitrogen oxides
and sunlight.
Volatilization - the transition of either a liquid or a solid directly into the vapor state. In the case
of a liquid, this transition is called evaporation, while in the case of a solid, it is
termed sublimation.

Volt - a unit of electromotive force which when steadily applied to a conductor whose resistance
is one ohm will produce a current of one ampere.
Voltage Regulation - in welding, an automatic electrical control device used for regulating
voltage.
Volume Change - a change in the volume of a seal as a result of immersion in a fluid expressed
as a percentage of the original volume.
Volume Flow Rate (Q) - calculated by multiplying the cross-sectional area of the pipe or conduit
times the average velocity of the fluid. NOTE: pipe must be full of the measured
fluid.
Volume of Flow - the quantity of fluid that passes a certain point in a unit of time. The volume of
flow is usually expressed in gallons per minute for liquids and cubic feet per minute
for gases.
Volume Swell - an increase in physical size caused by the swelling action of a liquid.
VP - Valve, Plug
VPI - Vapor Phase Inhibitor
VS - Valve, Special
VSDS - Variable Speed Drive System
VSM - Vertical Support Member
VT - Valve, Globe
VTC - Vendor To Confirm / Complete
VTI - Visual Thread Inspection
Vulcanize Vulcanize - a chemical reaction of sulfur (or other vulcanizing agent) with rubber or plastic to
cause cross-linking of the polymer chains; it increases strength and resiliency of
the polymer; also known as Cure.
Vulcanize - a thermo-setting reaction involving the use of heat and pressure, resulting in greatly
increased strength and elasticity of rubber-like materials.
Vulcanize - to treat natural or artificial rubber with sulfur at high temperatures to harden it and
increase its elasticity.
Vulcanizing - producing a hard, durable, flexible rubber product by steam curing a plasticized
mixture of natural rubber, synthetic elastomers and certain chemicals.
Vulcanizing Agent - a material which produces vulcanization of an elastomer.

W - 1) Tungsten; 2) Witness; 3) Water

WAD - Weeks After Delivery
WAF - Wafer
Wafer Body Wafer Body - a body whose end surfaces mate with the pipeline flanges. It is located and
clamped between the piping flanges by long bolts extending from flange to flange.
A wafer body is also called a flangeless body.
Wafer Body - a thin annular section body whose end surfaces are located and clamped between
the piping flanges by bolts extending from flange to flange.
Wafer Body - a valve body that does not have ends, but is held in place between two flanges by
the flange studs.
Wafer Check Valve - a check valve design featuring two spring-loaded flow control elements and
a wafer-style body.
Wafer Design - the construction of wafer design valves allows them to be sandwiched between
flanged sections of pipeline. The benefit is lower bolting requirements. Typically
used with certain butterfly and check valves.
Wafer Lugged Body - a thin annular section body whose end surfaces mount between the
pipeline flanges, or may be attached to the end of a pipeline without any additional
flange or retaining parts, using either through bolting and/or tapped holes.
Wafer Valve - a valve for clamping between pipe flanges using through bolting; also called Solid
Ring Valve.
WAFO - Weeks After Firm Order
Waist - the center portion of a vessel or container that has a smaller cross section than the
adjacent areas.
Wall Ratio - ratio of the outside radius of a tube or jacket to the inside radius, or ratio of the
corresponding diameters.
Wall Thickness - the thickness of the wall of the pressure vessel or valve. For steel valves,
minimum thickness requirements are defined in ASME B16.34, API 600, and API
602.
Warpage - the action, process, or result of twisting or turning out of shape.
Warped Casting - undesirable deformation in a casting is called warping. Warpage may occur
during or after solidification. Large and thin sections are particularly prone to
warpage. Warpage in a casting occurs a) due to faulty design, b) absence of
directional solidification, c) poor core strength, and d) non-provision of camber
allowance. A warped casting can be straightened wherever the shape permits and
where the metal of the casting is not brittle.
Warranty - an assurance that, at the risk of voiding the original contract, all statements and
claims made in writing by the seller to the buyer are, in fact, as stated.
Washer Washer - 1) a flat ring of rubber or metal inserted at a joint for keeping a joint or nut secure, or to
tighten and prevent leakage; 2) a similar ring placed under the head of a screw to
disburse its pressure.
Washer - a flattened, ring-shaped device used to improve the tightness of a screw fastener.
Washer - a ring shaped component used to distribute a fastener's holding force, insulate or
cushion a nut or bolthead from its baring surface, lock a nut in place, or improve
tightness of a bolted joint.
Washer - a small metal device under the head or nut of a bolt or screw to spread the crushing
force over a larger contact area. Washers are of two basic types: a cut washer is
round with a hole in the center and is manufactured by stamping out of metal strip,
and a plate washer is a square metal plate with a hole. A beveled washer is steel,
which is tapered on one side so that a bolt or rod can pass through it at an angle
but still have full bearing of the nut against the retaining surface. A lock washer is
one which has been cut through, and the cut edges twisted in opposite directions to
provide further biting power into the surface of the material as well as the bottom
of the tension between the fastener and the parent material.
Washout Valve - refers to a valve in a pipeline or a dam which can be opened occasionally to
clear out sediment.
Wastes - material produced as a by-product of an industrial operation for which there is no

economic demand and which must be disposed of or recycled.

WAT - Weeks After Test / Process
Water Hammer Water Hammer - 1) a sudden increase in pressure of water due to an instantaneous conversion
of momentum to pressure; 2) a series of shocks, sounding like hammer blows,
caused by suddenly reducing fluid flow velocity in a pipe.
Water Hammer - a phenomenon that occurs when the velocity of a fluid in a pipeline is abruptly
decreased (such as when a valve is rapidly closed). At the point of fluid velocity
decrease there is a corresponding increase in fluid pressure that is reflected back
upstream as a pressure wave, causing noise and vibration. If the initial pressure is
great enough, the pipe may burst.
Water Hammer - a sharp hammer-like blow from a steep fronted pressure wave in fluid, caused
by the sudden stoppage of flow in a long pipe when a valve Is closed sufficiently
rapidly.
Water Hammer - a term applied to the noise made by a fast-moving liquid inside a pipe when its
flow is abruptly shut off.
Water Hammer - the phenomena of oscillations in the pressure of water in a closed conduit,
resulting from checking the flow. Momentary pressure, greatly in excess of the
normal static pressure, may be produced in this manner. It occurs in turbines,
pumps and such other machines when the velocity of flowing fluid is suddenly
changed, such as may take place when a valve rapidly closes or opens. When it
happens, shock pressure waves are set up, which damage control devices.
Water Hammer - vibration in a fluid system due to a rapid decrease in the velocity of a liquid from
closing a valve.
Water Hammer - water hammer is caused because of sudden stoppage of water flow in a pipe.
Sudden stoppage produces a pressure wave, which moves upstream with velocity
of sound in the medium, which is reflected back and fourth until dissipated by
friction and imperfect elasticity.
Water Oil Gas (WOG) Water Oil Gas (WOG) - a number along with the letters WOG on a valve indicate the allowable
working pressure of the valve when used at ambient temperatures; abbreviated
WOG; also called Cold Working Pressure (CWP); see Cold Working Pressure.
Water Oil Gas (WOG) - a rating designation generally used for small valves chiefly in low ratings.
Indicates maximum working pressure at ambient + 32 F to +100 F; also called
Nonshock Rating.
Water Soluble Binders - molasses and dextrine are the water soluble binders added to core
sands. Increased moisture content of water-soluble binders produces a higher
tensile strength and edge hardness in baked cores. A water-soluble binder air
hardens rapidly and resists core sagging during handling.
Waterblasting - similar to Sandblasting but using a high velocity stream of water (5,000 to
10,000 psi, depending on use) to remove paint or other coating materials, rust, and
for general cleaning purposes. For special purposes such as smoothing concrete
surfaces, sand is added to the water.
Way - a body opening in a plug valve; compare with Port.
Waybill - a list that gives details of goods being carried by a commercial vehicle.
WB - Welded Bonnet
WC - 1) Water, Corrosive (CO2 content); 2) Water, process (corrosive)
WCB - 1) Cast Carbon Steel; 2) The ASTM standard also has a WCA and a WCC. For lowtemperature service there are LCA, LCB and LCC. There are slight variations in the
compositional and strength requirements between each alloy in the series.
ASTM/ASME A216 has three grades, namely WCA, WCB & WCC for carbon steel
castings with slight variations in chemical/mechanical values. The W or L refer to
Welding or Low Temperature, C for Casting, and the A, B and C for the position in
the series. ASTM A216 is entitled Steel Castings, Carbon, Suitable for Fusion
Welding, for High Temperature Service. ASTM A352 is Steel Castings, Ferritic and
Martensitic, for pressure containing parts, Suitable for Low Temperature Service.
WD - Water, Disposal (corrosive)
WE - Welded End

Wear Wear - progressive deterioration of a solid surface due to abrasive or adhesive action resulting
from relative motion between the surface and another part or a loose solid
substance.
Wear - the process of losing material from two surfaces that have rubbed against one another.
Wear Oxidation - see Fretting
Weatherometer - a device used to subject articles and finishes to accelerated weathering
conditions; for example, a rich ultraviolet source, water spray, or salt water.
Wedge Wedge - a flow control element of a gate valve which is wedge-shaped in cross-section.
Wedge - Gate
Wedge - in ultrasonic testing, a device which directs waves of ultrasonic energy into the test
piece at an angle.
Wedge - the component of a wedge gate valve, in the form of solid or split wedge, attached to the
stem, and on which the wedge faces are machined.
Wedge Bush - in a wedge gate valve, the bush secured in the wedge and threaded internally to
engage the actuating thread of the stem of an inside screw, non rising stem valve.
Wedge Faces - in a wedge gate valve, machined faces which make contact with the body seats
when the valve is closed. They may be machined on the wedges themselves or on
the wedge facing rings.
Wedge Facing Rings - in a wedge gate valve, rings of different material from the wedges and
secured to them, on which the wedges faces are machined.
Wedge Gate - the flow control element of a gate valve that is wedge-shaped in cross-section for
use with body seating surfaces that are inclined to the stem centerline. There are
three designs available: solid, flex, and split.
Wedge Gate Valve Wedge Gate Valve - a gate valve in which closure is effected by the wedge action between the
gate and the body seats, the gate being either solid or cored on one piece or in two
pieces.
Wedge Gate Valve - a valve in which closure is effected by the wedge action between the gate
and the body seats. Wedge gate valves may take the following forms: a) solid
wedge - in which the gate is in one piece, either solid or cored. b) split wedge - in
which the gate is in two pieces.
Wedge Nut - in a wedge gate valve, the nut retained in the wedge and threaded internally to
engage the actuating thread of the stem of an inside screw, non-rising stem valve.
Wedge Ring - on some butterfly valves, a metal band wedged between the valve body and
retainer ring by setscrews, used to lock the seat and retainer ring in position.
Weep - a term usually applied to a minute leak in a boiler joint which forms droplets (or tears) of
water very slowly.
Weight - the loading medium of the valve
Weight (WT) Weight (WT) - the force with which a body is attracted by gravity. The Newton is the unit force in
this Standard.
Weight Casing - that component, attached to the cover, which forms part of the load and carries
the loading weights.
Weight Casing Bolting - comprises bolts and nuts used for the cover/weight casing connection.
Weight Casing Cover Flange - the flange on the weight casing to which the cover flange is
connected.
Weight Loaded Regulator - a pressure-regulator valve for pressure vessels or flow systems;
the regulator is preloaded by counterbalancing weights to open (or close) at the
upper (or lower) limit of a preset pressure range.
Weight Test - different metals have different densities (weight per unit volume). Sometimes the
density of a material serves as a useful test to differentiate one metal from another,
especially in cases where both possess similar color or luster. This comparison is
made on the basis of the specific gravity of materials. Specific gravity is the ratio of
weight of a substance compared to the weight of an equal volume of water, taken
as unity. To find the specific gravity of metal we have to find the volume and

measure the weight of the metal to be identified. Then, either its specific gravity or
density is calculated and a comparison is made to distinguish or identify it. For this
purpose, knowledge of densities and specific gravities is essential.
Weights - plateweights
Weir Body - a body having a raised contour contacted by a diaphragm to shut off fluid flow.
Weir Diaphragm Valve Weir Diaphragm Valve - a body having a raised contour contacted by a diaphragm to shut off
fluid flow.
Weir Diaphragm Valve - a diaphragm valve featuring a dam, or weir, formed in the body across
the fluid flow path. This design reduces diaphragm flexing, but increases flow
resistance.
Weld Crack - a crack at any portion of the weld metal.
Weld Decay - a form of pitting corrosion which takes place in heat affected zones adjacent to
welds in non-stabilized stainless steels. It can be overcome by small additions of
titanium or niobium, which prevent separation of chromium carbides.
Weld Ends - valve end connections which have been prepared for welding to the line pipe or
other fittings. May be butt weld (BWE), or socket weld (SWE).
Weld Gauge - a device used to check the shape and size of welds.
Weld Joint - a joint between two metals or plastics, made by fusion or diffusion to create
interatomic bonding between the parts joined.
Weld Line - a line on the surface of a molding where melt fronts have met, but fused poorly.
Weld Metal Weld Metal - that portion of a weldment that has been molten during welding.
Weld Metal - the metal in the fusion zone of a welded joint.
Weld Overlay - produced by weld depositing a dissimilar material on a base metal surface; also
called Surfacing.
Weld Testing - the principal means of examining or testing for the quality of a weld. In addition
to physical testing and examination, the following non-destructive testing methods
are available:
- Dye Penetrant Testing - a means whereby a dye is place on the weld and subsequently rubbed
off. Minute cracks and voids, which are penetrated by the dye, can be seen.
- Magnetic Particle Testing - a means of testing by applying finely ground iron particles, then
brushing them away. By means of a magnetic detection system, remaining
particles in minute cracks and other defects can be determined.
- Ultrasonic Testing - a means whereby high-frequency sound waves are directed at the joint and
reflected back to a recorder by a transponder. The weld area can be scanned with
the results displayed on an oscilloscope, which will indicate voids or other defects in
the weld.
- X-Ray Inspection - a means whereby an X-ray film is made of welded joints such that voids or
other defects in the weld show up on the film.
Weldability Weldability - the ability of a material to be welded together by the application of heat and / or
pressure.
Weldability - the capacity of a metal to be welded under suitable conditions.
Welded Joints - the two basic types of welds are the butt weld, where the weld metal fills the
space between parts to be joined, and the fillet weld, where a triangular (fillet-like)
weld is placed in the corner between the parts. The value of such a weld is limited
by the stress at the throat (plane of minimum cross section). A plug weld is a sideto-side joining of plates by filling a hole in one plate with weld metal that also fuses
to the plate below; if such a hole is elongated, it is called a slot weld. A tack weld,
or spot weld, is a very short length of weld to temporarily join two pieces in such a
way as to hold them in position for further welding.
Welder - a person who performs welding operations.
Welder Qualification Record (WQR) - like a Welding Procedure Specification record of the skill
test performed by each qualified tradesman to meet code requirements. Each
WQR will reference the Procedure Qualification Record used and will attach the test
results obtained. Welders that made an approved Procedure Qualification Record
are qualified by that Procedure Qualification Record if they have a WQR derived

from that result on file.

Welding Welding - 1) to join two pieces of metal by heating them to the melting point and fusing them
together, or by applying pressure alone, producing a stronger joint than soldering;
2) joining two or more pieces of metal by applying heat and / or pressure with or
without filler metal, to produce a union through localized fusion of the substrates
and solidification across the interface.
Welding - a process of joining metals by heating until they are fused together, or by heating and
applying pressure until there is a plastic joining action. Filler metal may or may not
be used.
Welding - producing a coherent bond between two similar or dissimilar metals by heating the
joint, with or without pressure, and with or without filler metal, to a temperature at or
above their melting point.
Welding - the coalescence of metal by heating to a suitable temperature with or without the
application of pressure or filler metal.
Welding - the joining or fusion of pieces of metal by raising the temperature at the joint to make
metal plastic so that the pieces can be joined or fused together.
Welding - the process of joining metals by heating them to a suitable temperature with or without
the application of pressure and with or without the use of filler metal. The filler
metal used in welding has approximately the same melting point as those of the
metals or workpieces to be joined, or a little lower, but always above 430 C.
Welding - the process of jointing metal parts by causing their fusion (melting) by the application of
heat and pressure. A filler material is often used in welding. The filler material sets
in the joints on cooling.
Welding - to join metals by applying sufficient heat to melt and fuse two pieces together.
Welding Current - the current through the welding circuit during a welding operation.
Welding Fluxes - used to prevent oxidation of a weld
Welding Generator - any electrical current generating equipment used for welding.
Welding Goggles - goggles used by a welder during a welding operation to protect his eyes.
Welding Machine - equipment used to carry out welding operations.
Welding Procedure Welding Procedure - the detailed methods and procedures used to perform a perfect welding
operation.
Welding Procedure - the detailed methods which are followed in producing any particular welded
structure.
Welding Procedure Proposal Sheet (WPPS) - a draft form of Welding Procedure Specification
prepared for the purpose of client approval of a proposed Procedure Qualification
Record for testing or client review of production Welding Procedure Specification.
Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) - sets out all joint preparation, welding and post weld
controls required by the production welder to make and repeat a specific weld joint.
It is issued by a competent welding supervisor or engineer using conditions within
code allowable variations from the parent Procedure Qualification Record named on
the WPS. Each welder works from a specific WPS and no quality critical weld can
be produced to code without reference to a WPS.
Welding Rod Welding Rod - a filler metal or wire used in welding.
Welding Rod - filler metal in the form of a wire or rod; in electric welding the electrode supplies
the filler metal to the joint.
Welding Rod - used for filler metal
Welding Symbols - symbols used on drawings to indicated various types of welded joints.
Welding Tip - a replaceable nozzle for a gas torch used in welding.
Welding Torch Welding Torch - a gas-mixing and burning tool for the welding of metal.
Welding Torch - equipment used in gas welding in which mixing of gases takes place and burning
occurs at the tip; also know as Welding Blowpipe.
Welding Transformer - A.C. equipment used for regulating voltage and current in welding.
Weldment -

Weldment
Weldment
Weldment
Weldment

- a structure or assembly whose parts are joined together by welding.

- a welded assembly
- an assembly or structural part whose component parts are joined by welding.
- that portion of a component on which welding has been performed. A weldment
includes the weld metal, the heat affected zone (HAZ), and the base metal.
Wellhead - some use the term "Wellhead" as a description of a location or function rather than a
specific item of equipment. See also Production Wellhead. API6A says that a
wellhead is all permanent equipment between the uppermost portion of the surface
casing and the tubing head adapter connection.
Wellhead Valve Wellhead Valve - a valve, usually a plug or gate valve, used to isolate the flow of oil or gas at the
takeoff from an oil or gas well.
Wellhead Valve - used to isolate the flow of oil or gas at the takeoff from an oil or gas well. The
design is usually a plug or gate valve.
Wet and Dry Bulb Thermometer - see Psychrometer
Wet Bulb Thermometer Wet Bulb Thermometer - a thermometer having its bulb covered with a wet cloth. The water
evaporates to cool the wet bulb and by comparing its temperature to a dry bulb
thermometer, the amount of water vapor in the air can be determined.
Wet Bulb Thermometer - a thermometer having the bulb covered with a cloth, usually muslin or
cambric, saturated with water.
Wet Film Thickness (WFT) - the thickness, in microns, of the wet coating film.
Wet Grinding - 1) the milling of materials in water or other liquid; 2) the practice of applying a
coolant to the work and the wheel to facilitate the grinding process.
Wet Welding - welding directly carried out in water using water proof stick electrodes.
Wetted Surface - if a surface will ever be in contact with pressurized well fluid it is a wetted
surface.
WF - 1) Water, Fire, seawater; 2) Water, Fire, raw, corrosive / non corrosive
WFMT - Wet Florescent magnetic Particle Test
WFT - Wet Film Thickness
WG - Water / Glycol mixture & glycol
WH - Water, Hot (domestic plumbing)
WHCP - Wellhead Control Panel
White Cast Iron White Cast Iron - cast iron in which substantially all of the carbon is in solution and in the
combined form. The metal has a white fracture.
White Cast Iron - iron containing carbon in the combined form. Generally it contains lesser
carbon than gray cast iron.
White Cast Iron - it contains carbon in the combined form (cementite or Fe2C) which makes the
metal hard and brittle; the absence of graphite gives the fracture a white color.
White Cast Iron - pig iron or cast iron in which all the carbon is present in the form of cementite.
White iron has a white crystalline fracture, and is hard and brittle.
White Cast Iron - see Cast Iron
White Cast Iron - when cast iron is melted and then rapidly cooled, it becomes very hard and
brittle and is known as white cast iron. The composition of white cast iron is 94%
iron, 0.5% graphite, 3% carbon in combined form and remainder other impurities.
The color of this variety of cast iron is white because the carbon is mostly in the
combined form. It is hard, brittle and cannot be machined. Its fluidity is low and
cannot be molded. It is generally used for inferior castings and does not rust as
much as the grey variety.
White Cast Iron - white cast iron is identified due to a white-colored fracture, which is due to the
mechanical mixture of ferrite and cementite. Cementite gives white fracture and is
a very hard constituent. Mostly white cast irons contain less than 3.0% carbon and
a lesser amount of silicon. The rapid rate of cooling also helps in the production of
white cast iron. The properties of white cast iron can be predicted on the basis of
its microstructure. Cementite is the hardest phase in the alloys of iron and carbon.
It appears in white cast iron in large amount as a continuous inter-dendritic network.

It makes the cast iron very hard, strong and abrasion resistant. On the other hand,
it is difficult to machine, thus its usefulness is distinctly limited. White cast iron is
generally used for dies and extrusion nozzles, grinding mills, balls and liners, wear
plates, etc.
White Metal White Metal - a tin-based alloy used for lining bearings.
White Metal - usually denotes a tin based alloy containing varying amounts of lead, copper and
antimony, used for bearings, domestic articles and small castings. The term is
sometimes also applied to alloys in which lead is the principal metal; also called
Anti-Friction Metal or Bearing Metal.
Whitworth Screw Thread - a British standard screw threaded characterized by a 55 degree V
form with rounded crests and roots.
WHRP - Wellhead Riser Platform
WI - Water, de-oxygenated seawater for Injection
Width - seal cross section or thickness
Wildcat Well - an exploratory oil well
Win - to extract metals, minerals, etc. from ore
Winding - a coil of conducting wire in an electric motor.
Windup - the twisting of a shaft under a torsional load, usually resulting in vibration and other
undesirable effects as the shaft relaxes.
Wing Valve - valve that can be used to shut off well flow, located on the Christmas tree but not
on the vertical run.
Wiper Ring - a ring employed to remove excess fluid, mud, etc., from a reciprocating member
before it reaches the packings.
Wire Brushes - used for general cleaning of weld prior to welding and removal of rust, etc. It
also removes slag after welding.
Wire Draw - to draw out metal into wire
Wire Drawing - the erosion of a valve seat under high velocity flow in which thin wire-like gullies
are eroded away.
Witness Point - a mandatory inspection notification point. The buyer is provided with the
contractual notice period. Work will be held up to the end of the notification period
and may then proceed with or without buyer inspection.
WL - Wafer Lug
WM - Weld Metal
WN - Weld Neck
WNFL - Welding Neck Flange
WO - 1) Water; Oily; 2) Water, process / Oily, non corrosive; 3) Wrench Operated
WOG - Water, Oil and Gas; see CWP
WOG Rating - the operating pressure rating of a valve as identified by valve markings for Water,
Oil or Gas.
WOL - Weldolet
Wood Flour - up to 1% of ground hardwood cellulose is added to core sands to decrease veining
and to increase collapsibility of cores and flowability of the sand for making cores.
Wood Product Binders - natural resin, ligrin and sulphite binders are known as wood product
binders. Ligrin is a by-product of paper industry. The percentage of wood products
binders varies from 0.5 to 1.5% in core sands. These binders contribute towards
green and dry strength of core sand.
Work - the transference of energy from one body or system to another. That which is
accomplished by a force acting through a distance.
Work Hardening Work Hardening - an increase in strength and hardness of metals which is produced by making
them do work, such as resisting or forming. It is most pronounced when cold
working metals such as iron, cooper, aluminum and nickel, which do not
recrystallize at room temperature.
Work Hardening - refers to the increase in the hardness and strength of a metal produced by cold
plastic deformation or mechanical working.
Work Hardening - see Strain Hardening

Work Hardening - the hardening effect given to a metal by cold working.

Work Life - the period of time a resin or an adhesive will remain usable after it is mixed with a
catalyst and other ingredients; also known as Pot Life and Working Life.
Working Life - see Work Life
Working Load Working Load - the maximum load that any structural member is designed to support.
Working Load - the mean ordinary load to which a structure or mechanism is subjected.
Workpiece - an object that is being manufactured.
Works - a factory
Worm Worm - a shaft having at least one complete spiral tooth around the pitch surface, and used as
the driving member for a worm gear or worm wheel.
Worm - a shank having at least one complete tooth (thread) around the pitch surface; the driver
of a worm gear.
Worm - the spiral thread of a screw
Worm and Worm Wheel - a gear arrangement to transfer motion in a direction at right angle.
Worm Gear Worm Gear - a gear set in which the input shaft is offset from and perpendicular to the output
shaft, and the driving gear is very small and perpendicular to the driven gear.
Worm gear operators are used on ball valves.
Worm Gear - a gear with teeth cut on an angle so it can be driven by a worm; it is used to
transmit power and motion between two nonparallel, nonintersecting shafts.
Worm Gear - a gear with teeth cut on an angle to be driven by a worm; used to connect nonparallel, non-intersecting shafts.
Worm Gear - an arrangement of a toothed wheel worked by a revolving shaft with a spiral thread.
Worm Gear Operator - a gear operator that uses a worm gear set.
Worm Wheel Worm Wheel - a gear wheel with curved teeth that mesh with a worm; it is usually used to
transmit power and motion from the worm shaft to a nonintersecting shaft whose
axis is at right angles to the worm shaft.
Worm Wheel - a gear wheel with curved teeth that meshes with a worm.
WP - 1) Working Pressure; 2) Water, Potable
WPPS - Welding Procedure Proposal Sheet
WPQR - Welding Procedure Qualification Results
WPQT - Welding Procedure Qualification Test
WPS - Welding Procedure Specification
WPTD - Weeks Prior To Delivery
WPTP - Weeks Prior To Production
WPTT - Weeks Prior To Test / Process
WQ - 1) Welder Qualifications; 2) Water, raw / wash, corrosive
WQR - Welder Qualification Record
WR - Water, Raw / wash, non corrosive, (fresh)
Wraparound Liner - in a butterfly valve body, a liner extending around the end faces of the wafer
body to form a gasket seal with the pipe flanges. The liner may cover all or part of
the flange contact area of the wafer body.
Wrench Wrench - a device for manually operating a plug or ball valve consisting of a length of pipe or bar
with one end prepared to fit the valve stem.
Wrench - a device for manually operating a plug or ball valve, consisting of a length of pipe or bar
with one end prepared to fit the valve stem.
Wrench - a lever, which may be integral with or separate from the stem or plug, by which a valve
is manually operated; sometimes called a Key.
Wrench - the combination of a couple and a force which is parallel to the torque exerted by the
couple.
Wrench Handle - that component which is attached to, or inserted in, the wrench head.
Wrench Head - that component which is attached direct to the ball shank head or stem head.

Wrench Head Bolt - a bolt with a square or hexagonal head designed to be gripped between the
jaws of a wrench.
Wrench Retainer - that component which retains the wrench or wrench head on the stem or ball
shank.
Wringing Fit - a fit of zero-to-negative allowance.
Written Practice - the specific requirements which define the employers procedure for the
qualification and certification of (non-destructive testing) personnel.
Wrought Wrought - 1) to beat out or shape metal by hammering; 2) metal in the solid condition that is
formed to a desired shape by working (rolling, extruding, forging, etc.), usually at an
elevated temperature.
Wrought - describes products or materials made via forging. A wrought structure is said to
contain no cast dendritic structure.
Wrought Alloy - a metallic material that has been plastically deformed, hot or cold, after casting
to produce its final shape or an intermediate semifinished product.
Wrought Iron Wrought Iron - a mechanical mixture of highly refined metallic iron and a small amount of slag. It
is resistant to corrosion in ordinary atmospheres and welds readily.
Wrought Iron - a tough, malleable form of iron with very low carbon content. It has small amounts
of slag as evenly distributed threads or fibers that make it tough and ductile.
Wrought Iron - a very malleable pure iron, having so low a carbon content that it cannot be
hardened by quenching.
Wrought Iron - it is nearly pure iron, with only 0.1 or 0.2% carbon and less than 0.5% of all
impurities. It is made by melting cast iron on a bed of iron oxide in a furnace in
which the flame is reflected by the roof onto the material to be heated. As the
molten cast iron is stirred, the iron oxide oxidizes the dissolved carbon monoxide,
and the sulphur, phosphorus and silicon are removed, the melting point of the iron
rises and the mass becomes pasty. It is then taken out of the furnace and beaten
under steam hammers to force out the slag. Wrought iron is a strong, tough metal
that can be readily welded and forged. In past years it was extensively used for
making chains, wires and similar objects. It has now been largely displaced by mild
steel.
Wrought Steel - a large variety of wrought steels are available. Mechanical properties can be
controlled by the composition and heat treatment. It may be forged, swaged,
drawn, welded and machined. It finds many applications in engineering.
WS - 1) Water, Sea, untreated; 2) Wrought Steel
WSP - Working Steam Pressure
WT - 1) Water, Treated (de-ionized); 2) Wall Thickness
WW - Water Waste, sewage
WWP - Working Water Pressure
WWS - Wire Wrapped Screen
Wye - a pipe branching off a straight main run at an angle of 45 degrees; also known as Y and
Yoke.
Wye Fitting - see Y Fitting

X - Ray Radiography - in this procedure, x-rays are emitted from an x-ray tube. The portion of
the metal where the defects are suspected is exposed to x-rays from a x-ray tube.
A cassette containing an x-ray film is placed behind and in contact with the metal,
perpendicular to the rays. As soon as the tube is switched on, x-rays are emitted by
the x-ray tube which penetrate the metal and affect the x-ray film placed behind the
metal. As defects like blowholes, cracks, and porosities are less dense than the
solid metal of the casting or forging, they allow the x-rays to pass through it easily.
Therefore, the film appears more dark where the defects are in line with the x-ray
beam as more x-rays fall on the film. The film developed gives dark and light areas
known as a Radiograph. After developing the film, if any defect is present, it can be
detected.
Xmas Trees - oil industry term for a wellhead, specifically the top of the wellhead where there is
a collection of valves and fittings.
XFR - X-Ray Fluorescence (spectrometer)
XLPE - Cross Linked Polyethylene
XP - Explosion Proof
X-Ray Crystallography - the planes of atoms in crystals act as a diffraction granting to X-rays,
which get scattered by them and provide an accurate means of determine the
details of the internal atomic structure. X-ray photographs of metals provide
information, which in many cases cannot be obtained by ordinary microscopic
methods. The lines produced by an element, or phase, are characteristic; the
general pattern makes the crystalline structure to the identified.
X-Rays - penetrating, electromagnetic waves which are similar to light but of much shorter
wavelength, and are emitted when high-speed electrons suffer an abrupt loss of
energy. Although they are invisible, photographic films, luminescent screens and
instruments can detect them. These rays are often used for detecting flaws or
causes of failure in metals.
XS - Extra Strong Wall Thickness
XV - Isolation Valve
XX - Inspection 100%
XXS - Double Extra Strong Wall Thickness

Y - Wye Valve, Fitting or Strainer

Y Fitting - a pipe fitting with one end subdivided from two openings, usually at a 45 degree angle
to the run of the pipe; also known as Wye Fitting.
Y Pattern Globe Valve - a globe valve design in which the stem is inclined at an angle of
approximately 45 degrees from the fluid path.
Yield Yield - refers to the permanent set of a metal when it is stressed beyond its elastic limit.
Yield - that stress in a material at which plastic deformation occurs.
Yield Point Yield Point - refers to that point on a stress-strain curve where, for a given material, an increase
in stress causes a permanent deformation; also called Elastic Limit.
Yield Point - the first stress in a material usually less than the maximum attainable stress, at
which an increase in strain occurs without an increase in stress. Only certain
metals exhibit a yield point. If there is a decrease in stress after yielding, a
distinction may be made between upper and lower yield points.
Yield Point - the lowest stress at which strain increases without increase in stress.
Yield Point - the stress at which a substantial amount of plastic deformation takes place under
constant or reduced load. This sudden yielding is a characteristic of iron and
annealed steels.
Yield Point - the stress at which appreciable elongation occurs without increase in stress.
Yield Point - the unit stress at which the deformation first increases markedly without any
increase in the applied load. It is always above the proportional limit.
Yield Strength Yield Strength - the limiting stress beyond which a material will sustain permanent deformation.
Yield Strength - the stress at which a material exhibits a specified deviation from the
proportionality of stress to strain. The deviation is expressed in terms of strain by
either the offset method (usually at a strain of 0.5%) (refer to ASTM A 370).
Yield Strength - the stress at which a material exhibits a specified deviation from proportionality of
stress and strain. An offset of.2% is used for many metals.
Yield Strength - the stress at which a material exhibits a specified inciting permanent set.
Yield Strength - the stress level above which the pipe will yield/bend/stretch.
Yield Strength - the stress level at which material plastically deforms.
Yoke Yoke - a clamp or similar device to embrace and hold two other parts.
Yoke - a clamping device to embrace and hold two other parts.
Yoke - an extension of a valve bonnet shaped like an inverted Y. The top of the yoke holds a
yoke nut and the valve stem passes through it.
Yoke - bridge
Yoke - that exterior part of an outside screw valve, integral with or separate from the bonnet, in
which the actuating thread of the stem engages, either directly or through a yoke
bush or a yoke sleeve; also called Bridge.
Yoke - the exterior part of an outside screw and yoke valve in which the actuating thread of the
stem engages either directly or through a bush or through a yoke sleeve. The yoke
may be integral with or separate from the bonnet.
Yoke - the exterior part of an outside screw and yoke valve, integral with or separate from the
bonnet, in which the actuating thread of the stem engages, either directly or through
a yoke bush.
Yoke - the part of gate or globe valve which acts as a bracket to support the top or outer end of
the stem and stem bearing.
Yoke Bolting Yoke Bolting - comprises bolts, stud bolts, studs, set screws and nuts used for yoke and yoke
cap assemblies and for securing the yoke to the bonnet.
Yoke Bolting - the bolts, stud bolts, studs, set screws and nuts used for securing a yoke to the
valve bonnet.
Yoke Bush Yoke Bush - a bush secured in a valve yoke and threaded internally to engage the actuating
thread of the stem.

Yoke Bush - a bush secured in the yoke and threaded internally to engage the actuating thread of
the stem.
Yoke Bush Key Yoke Bush Key - a locking device which prevents rotation of the yoke bush in the yoke; also
known as Locking Screw.
Yoke Bush Key - see Yoke Locking Screw
Yoke Bush Nut - a nut which secures the yoke bush in a valve yoke.
Yoke Bushing Yoke Bushing - Operating Stem Nut
Yoke Bushing - see Yoke Nut
Yoke Cap - a cap bolted to the yoke to perform a similar function to that of the yoke sleeve
retaining nut.
Yoke Locking Screw - a locking device which prevents rotation of the yoke bush the valve yoke;
also called Yoke Bush Key.
Yoke Nut Yoke Nut - an internally threaded nut held in a recess at the top of the yoke through which the
valve stem passes. In gate valves and diaphragm valves the yoke nut is turned,
and the stem is translated through it. In globe valves the yoke nut is usually fixed
and the stem is turned through it; also called Stem Bushing, Stem Nut, or Yoke
Bushing.
Yoke Nut - Stem Nut
Yoke Sleeve - a sleeve to which the hand wheel is secured and which is located in the yoke to
engage the actuating thread of the stem.
Yoke Sleeve Retaining Nut - a nut to retain the yoke sleeve in the yoke.
Youngs Modulus (Modulus of Elasticity) - the ratio of a simple tension stress applied to a
material to the resulting strain parallel to the tension.
Youngs Modulus (Modulus of Elasticity) Youngs Modulus (Modulus of Elasticity) - the ratio of stress to the corresponding strain.
Assuming a material to be perfectly elastic, Youngs modulus would be the stress
needed to double the length of a test piece provided that is continued to obey
Hookes law.

Zero Bevel Gear - a special form of bevel gear having curved teeth with a zero-degree spiral
angle.
Zinc (Zn) Zinc (Zn) - a brittle, bluish-white metallic element used in various alloys and as a corrosionresistant coating to galvanize steel.
Zinc (Zn) - a hard, silvery metal which is used primarily as a corrosion resistant coating on steel
due to its ease in melting and high resistance to rust.
Zn - Zinc
Zone - The international method of specifying the probability that a location is made hazardous
by the presence, or potential presence, of flammable concentrations of gases and
vapors. NOTE: zone classification has not yet been defined for dusts and flyings.
Zone 0 - classification of a location in which an explosive concentration of a flammable gas or
vapor mixture is continuously present or is present for long periods. The area
classified as Zone 0, although not specifically defined, is contained within the United
States and Canadian classifications of a Division 1 location and constitutes an area
with the highest probability that an ignitable mixture is present.
Zone 1 - classification of a location in which an explosive concentration of a flammable or
explosive gas or vapor mixture is likely to occur in normal operation. The area
classified as Zone 1 is contained within the United States and Canadian
classifications of a Division 1 location.
Zone 2 - classification of a location in which an explosive concentration of a flammable or
explosive gas or vapor mixture is unlikely to occur in normal operation and, if it does
occur, will exist only for a short time. Zone 2 is basically equivalent to the United
States and Canadian classifications of a Division 2 location.
Zones - formerly called divisions. A zone is an area of similar probability of the presence and
concentration of the potentially explosive mixture.
It is part of the area
classification. (The other part being the gas group.) Three zones are recognized in
the UK: Zone 0 - In which an explosive gas-air mixture is continuously present or
present for long periods; Zone 1 - In which an explosive gas-air mixture is likely to
occur in normal operation; Zone 2 - In which an explosive gas-air mixture is not
likely to occur in normal operation, and if it occurs will exist only for a short time.
ZSC - Limit Switch for Close
ZSO - Limit Switch for Open
Zyglo Method - a technique for liquid penetrant testing to detect surface flaws in a metal using a
special penetrant that fluoresces when viewed under ultraviolet radiation.