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 re-worded, edited definitions, but never got around to
it.

Blue highlight indicates something which needs to be checked further. It can indicate
several things:

• I might have a disagreement with the definition or something may be incorrect in

the definition or there is a question about it.
• Sometimes there is a word in the definition which I still need to define separately.
• The "see also" parts are highlighted, to check that the word indicated was cross
referenced and defined.

Again, I never got around to completing the editing on these parts.

Almost everything in here is from an assortment of books, which I manually typed into
the Word document. Since this glossary was originally meant for my own personal use,
and was not meant for other people, it seemed ok to copy these definitions. The concept
of Fair Use should be applicable here.

This glossary was made before the predominance of Google. There are also a few
definitions from different web pages.

Assorted definitions may or may not be correct. I initially copied all sorts of definitions
from a wide variety of sources, and have already deleted most of the definitely incorrect
definitions years ago. Any questions regarding a specific word or definition, it would be a
good idea to do a Google search for clarification or verification.

This is a PDF copy of the Word document made around 2001 to 2002. This glossary
was originally meant for my own reference, and was never intended for distribution to
others. However, in the spirit of Open Source, I decided to post this on the internet for
others to have access to it.

With free online dictionaries now easily accessible on the internet, this glossary may be
redundant. But perhaps some people may still find use for it.

TMK
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 non-
metallic 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, non-
ferrous 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 film-
formation 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 Hadfield’s 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 o-
ring 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) Straight-
through, 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.
Barlow’s 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.
Bernoulli’s 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.
Bernoulli’s Theorem - relates to the flow of liquids. The total head of a liquid is given by
Bernoulli’s 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 other’s 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 other’s 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 air-
filled 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 I-
beams, 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 scale-
free 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: three-
way 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.
Boyle’s 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 non-
ferrous 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 blacksmith’s 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
purchaser’s 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.
Charles’s 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
buyer’s 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 member’s
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.