Jacketed Pipe - a double-walled pipe in which liquids that are too viscous for pipeline transport

at normal temperatures flow through the inner pipe that is surrounded by a pipe
circulating hot fluids.
Jacketed Valve -
Jacketed Valve - a valve body cast with a double wall or provided with a double wall by welding
material around the body so as to form a passage for a heating or cooling medium.
Also refers to valves which are enclosed in split metal jackets having internal heat
passageways or electric heaters. Also referred to as Steam Jacketed or Vacuum
Jacketed. In a vacuum jacketed valve, a vacuum is created in the space between
the body and secondary outer wall to reduce the transfer of heat by convection from
the atmosphere to the internal process fluid, usually cryogenic.
Jacketed Valve - this valve design incorporates a jacket around the valve body. Steam is
introduced into the jacket to keep the fluids being controlled at the required
temperature.
Jacketed Valve - this valve design incorporates a so-called jacket around the valve body. Steam
is introduced into the jacket to keep the fluids being controlled at the required
temperature.
Jackscrew - a screw which can be turned to adjust the position of an object into which it fits.
Jam Nut - see Locknut
JDA - Joint Development Area
Jewel - a bearing lining of soft metal
JFS - Joint Feasibility Study
Jig - a device used to position and hold parts for machining operations and to guide the cutting
tool.
Jig Grinder - a precision grinding machine used to locate and grind holes to size, especially in
hardened steels and carbides.
JIT - see Just-In-Time
Job Shop - a manufacturing facility that generates variety of products in relatively low numbers
and in batch lots.
Joggle - 1) a small projection on a piece of metal fitting into a corresponding recess in another
piece, to prevent lateral movement; 2) a lap joint in which one plate is slightly
cranked so as to allow the inner edges of the two plates to form a continuous
surface.
Joint Ring - a pipe-joint flange whose outside diameter is less than the diameter of the circle
containing the connecting bolts and thus fits inside the bolts.
Jointer - a pipe of random length made from two joined, relatively short lengths.
Jominy Test -
Jominy Test - a hardenability test in which a standard test piece, 4 in. long and 1 in. diameter,
gets heated to a predetermined temperature, rapidly transferred to a jig fixture and
quenched, under standard conditions, but a jet of water impinging at one end.
When the specimen is cool, determinations of hardness are done along the
specimen from the quenched end. The diagram relating hardness to distance from
the quenched end of the specimen is termed as a hardenability curve.
Jominy Test - a test which is used for determining the relative hardenability of steels in which one
end of a heated cylindrical specimen gets quenched, the resulting hardness
decrease towards the unquenched end giving a measure of improved hardness;
also called End Quench Test.
Joule -
Joule - a unit of work or energy, equal to the work done when a force of one Newton moves
through a distance of one meter in the direction of the force.
Joule - a unit of work, energy and heat. It may be defined as the work done when a force of one
Newton moves through a distance of one meter.
Joule - the unit of energy or work in the meter-kilogram-second system of units, equal to the work
done by a force of 1 Newton magnitude when the point at which the force is applied
is displaced 1 meter in the direction of the force; symbolized J; also known as
Newton-Meter of Energy.
Journal -
Journal - that part of a shaft or crank which is supported by and turns in a bearing.
Journal - That part of the shaft that rides in a plain cylindrical bearing.
Journal - the part of a rotating shaft that rests on and is supported by bearings.
Journal - the part of a shaft which is in contact with and supported by a bearing.
Journal Bearing - a cylindrical bearing which supports a rotating cylindrical shaft.
Journal Box - a metal housing for a journal bearing.
Journal Friction - friction of the axle in a journal bearing arising mainly from viscous sliding
friction between journal and lubricant.
Junction Box - a protective enclosure into which wires or cables are led and connected to form
joints; also known as J Box.
Just In Time - a systems approach to developing and operating a manufacturing system so that
the least amount of resources is expended in producing the final products.
K - Potassium
Kalrez® -
Kalrez® - a carbon-black filled compound with good mechanical properties and excellent
chemical resistance, manufactured by DuPont. A maximum intermittent operating
temperature of 366° C is recommended. It is used as a gasket material in high
temperature applications.
Kalrez® - a fluorinated elastomer used for high temperature / high purity or highly aggressive
applications. Kalrez® is a trademark of DuPont Dow Elastomers.
KBD - Thousand Barrels per Day
KEL-F - a polymer with high thermal stability, resistance to chemical corrosion, high dielectric
strength, and high impact and tensile strengths. It is used for gaskets and seals.
Kellering - three-dimensional machining of a contoured surface by tracer-milling the die block or
punch; the cutter path is controlled by a tracer that follows the contours on a die
model.
Kelvin Scale - the temperature scale using absolute zero as the zero point and divisions that are
the same size as centigrade degrees.
Kennison Nozzle - a specially shaped nozzle designed for measuring flow through partially filled
pipes; because of its self-scouring, nonclogging design, it is especially useful for
measuring flow of liquids containing suspended solids or debris and at low flow
rates or widely varying flow rates.
Kerf - a cut made in wood, metal, or other material by a saw or cutting torch.
Kerosene - a light fuel oil obtained by distilling petroleum; also called Paraffin Oil.
KeV - Kilo-electronvolt (a unit of x-ray energy)
Key -
Key - 1) the relative roughness of a surface; 2) a pin or wedge for fixing (holding stationary)
something.
Key - a piece inserted between a shaft and a hub to prevent relative rotation. It fits in a way
parallel with the shaft axis, in one or both members, the commonest form being the
parallel key, or rectangular section.
Key - a piece of iron or steel which is inserted between a shaft and a hub to prevent relative
rotation and fitting into a keyway parallel with the shaft axis.
Key - a projecting portion that serves to prevent movement of parts at a construction joint.
Key Bed - a keyway
Key Boss -
Key Boss - a local thickening of a hub at a point where a keyway has been cut to compensate for
loss of strength due to the cut.
Key Boss - a local thickening up of a boss or hub at the point at which a key way is cut, to
compensate for loss of strength due to the cut.
Key Seat - see Keyway
Keyhole - a hole or a slot for receiving a key.
Keyseater - a machine for milling beds or grooves in mechanical parts which receive keys.
Keyway -
Keyway - a groove or channel for a key in any mechanical part; also known as Key Seat.
Keyway - a shallow longitudinal slot which is cut in a shaft or a hub for receiving a key; also
called Key Seating.
Keyway - a slot cut in a part of a machine or electrical connector, to ensure correct orientation
with another part which is fitted with a key.
Killed Steel -
Killed Steel - steel deoxidized with certain deoxidizing elements, such as aluminum, silicon, etc.
The term "killed" is used because such additions cause the steel to lie quietly in the
molds during solidification.
Killed Steel - steel that has been fully deoxidized before casting by the addition of manganese,
silicon and sometimes aluminum. There is practically no evolution of gas from the
reaction between carbon and iron oxide during solidification, and therefore sound
ingots are obtained.
Killed Steel - steels that have been deoxidized up to the maximum extent to enable them to be
used in machine tools. Deoxidation is carried out by the addition of aluminum and
 silicon. These steels are known as killed steels. During solidification a cavity is
formed at the upper portion of the ingot due to shrinkage. It is reduced by making
the top portion of the ingot a little bigger than the remaining mold and making a
refractory top.
Kiln - a heated enclosure used for drying, burning, or firing materials such as ore or ceramics.
Kinetic Energy -
Kinetic Energy - the energy possessed by a moving body because of its weight and motion.
Kinetic Energy - the energy that a substance has while it is in motion.
Kinetic Head - refers to the energy of flowing water due to its speed.
Kinetic Theory - a theory of matter that assumes that the molecules of matter are in constant
motion.
Kingston Valve - a sea valve fitted to a ship’s side for the purpose of admitting water to
circulating pumps, or flooding or blowing out ballast tanks.
Kip - a 1000-pound (453.6-kilogram) load.
Kish - solid graphite which has separated from and floats on the top of a molten bath of cast iron
or pig iron which is high in carbon.
Kiss-Roll Coating - procedure for coating a substrate web in which the coating roll carries a
metered film of coating material; part of the film transfers to the web, part remains
on the roll.
Knife Coating - procedure for coating a continuous-web substrate in which coating thickness is
controlled by the distance between the substrate and a movable knife or bar.
Knife Gate Valve - a gate valve design that is distinguished from the standard design by use of a
simple metal plate for the gate and the absence of a bonnet; also called a Slide
Valve.
Knock Off - a device that causes automatic stopping.
Knockout Vessel - a vessel, drum, or trap used to remove fluid droplets from flowing gases.
Knoop Hardness Test - a hardness test using an indenter in the form of a four-sided pyramid
whose indentation is a parallelogram with the longer diagonal about seven times
that of the shorter.
Knurl - to provide a surface, usually a metal, with small ridges or knobs to ensure a firm grip or
as a decorative feature.
KSB - Kemaman Supply Base
Ksi - pounds per inch x 1000
Kynar® - a brand of Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF). A dense, high-purity plastic that is used in
critical applications, such as semiconductor manufacturing. Kynar is a trademark of
Atofina.
L - Low
L / D - Length / Diameter
Lack of Fusion - in welding, incomplete fusion; fusion that is not complete.
Lack of Penetration - in welding, if the depth of fusion up to which the weld metal penetrates is
insufficient, the weld is weaker at the weldment. The joint must allow entry of the
electrode and permit unrestricted manipulation. It requires proper design of joints
with respect to size and type of electrodes. Use of electrodes of wrong
classification may not give correct penetration. The most common cause of lack of
penetration is use of too low welding currents. When DC is used, wrong polarity
also causes lack of penetration. Improper technique of welder, bad incorporation of
tack welds and inadequate deslagging also result in lack of penetration; also called
Incomplete Fusion or Lack of Fusion.
Laden - heavily loaded or weighed down
Lading - the cargo that a ship or plane carries.
Ladle Metallurgy Furnace (LMF) - an intermediate steel processing unit that further refines the
chemistry and temperature of molten steel while it is still in the ladle. The ladle
metallurgy step comes after the steel is melted and refined in the electric arc or
basic oxygen furnace, but before the steel is sent to the continuous caster.
Lamella - a thin sheet or plate, usually made of many thin layers.
Laminate - 1) to cover with a thin layer of protective or strengthening material; 2) to beat metal
into thin sheets.
Land Installation - an installation located at sufficient distance from open saliferous water to
minimize the effects of a salt laden atmosphere.
Lantern Pinion - a pinion with bars (between parallel disks) instead of teeth.
Lantern Ring -
Lantern Ring - a metal spacer ring placed in a stem packing set so that it lines up with a leakoff
connection in the bonnet. It divides the packing into an upper set and a lower set;
see Leakoff Connection.
Lantern Ring - a rigid spacer assembled in the packing box with packing normally above and
below it and designed to allow lubrication of the packing or access for a leak off
connection.
Lantern Ring - a rigid spacer used in the packing with packing above and below it. The lantern
ring is used to allow lubrication to the packing or allow access to a leak off
connection. On some of the new fugitive emission packing systems, it also acts as
a stem guide.
Lantern Ring - a ring or sleeve around a rotating shaft; an opening in the ring provides for forced
feeding of oil or grease to bearing surfaces; particularly effective for pumps
handling liquids.
Lantern Ring - a spacing ring inserted in the stuffing box to form a pressure relief or condensing
chamber.
Lantern Ring - a spacing ring inserted in the valve stuffing box to form a pressure relief or
condensing chamber.
Lantern Ring - a spacing ring which is inserted in a stuffing box of a valve to form a pressure
relief or condensing chamber.
Lantern Wheel - a cylindrical gearwheel
Lap -
Lap - a rotating abrasive disc for polishing metal.
Lap - a surface defect appearing as a seam caused by folding over hot metal, fins, or sharp
corners and then rolling or forging them into the surface but not welding them.
Lap Joint -
Lap Joint - a connection between two parts made by overlapping members at the junction and
welding, riveting or bolting them together.
Lap Joint - a riveted or welded joint in which one member overlaps the other.
Lap Joint - a simple joint between two members made by overlapping the ends and fastening
them together with bolts, rivets, or welding.
Lapped In - a term that describes a procedure for reducing the leakage rate on metal-to-metal
seated valves and regulators. The plug and seat are lapped together with the aid of
 an abrasive compound in an effort to establish a better seating surface than would
normally be achieved by means of machining.
Lapping -
Lapping - a finishing operation used to produce an extremely smooth and flat surface on
mechanical seal faces.
Lapping - an abrading process for refining the surface finish and the geometrical accuracy of a
surface.
Large Dyne - see Newton
Laser Beam Welding -
Laser Beam Welding - a welding process in which heat is obtained from the application of a
concentrated coherent light beam impinging upon the surfaces to be joined.
Concentrated energy is available with the development of “Light Amplified
Stimulated Emission Radiation”. A laser beam is a coherent light having identical
and parallel waves. It is based on the principle of concentrating and amplifying the
very divergent radiation from an intense source of light into a finely focused beam of
light. It is done by using a laser crystal. The crystal consists of ruby or a specially
constituted glass. In the apparatus a man-made cylindrical ruby crystal is used.
Ruby is aluminum oxide with chromium dispersed through it. The ends of the
crystal are silvered to from mirrors internally, while one end has a tiny hole in the
silver layer, through which the laser beam emerges. Around the crystal is placed a
flash tube containing the inert gas xenon. The flash tube converts electrical energy
into light energy and is designed for operation at a rate of thousands of flashes per
second. When electrical discharges from the capacitor are supplied to the xenon, it
converts high proportions of electrical energy into white light flashes. The ruby
crystal converts the white light flashes into red fluorescent light. This light is
amplified by the crystal which is concentrated on the workpiece to be welded
through a focusing lens. The electrons in the ruby rod are stimulated by this light
source, and in returning to their normal energy level, release energy at a constant
wavelength. A laser beam is a high-energy beam suitable for both cutting and
welding of metals. This is used for connecting leads for small electronic
components, to weld high melting point metals like stainless steel, tungsten,
molybdenum, columbium, titanium, zirconium, and tantalum. It is also used for
welding wire-to-wire, sheet-to-sheet, tube to sheet in aeronautical and ship building
industry. It is also used to weld lead wires without removing the polyurethane
insulation. In using this method care is needed that operator’s eyes do not come in
contact with either the direct or indirect laser rays.
Laser Beam Welding - welding using a laser as the heat source.
Latent Defect - a flaw or other imperfection in any article which is discovered after delivery;
usually, latent defects are inherent weakness which normally are not detected by
examination or routine tests, but which are present at time or manufacture and are
aggravated by use.
Lathe - a machine for shaping a work piece by gripping it in a holding device and rotating it under
power.
Lattice - a regular repeated three-dimensional arrangement of atoms, ions or molecules that
forms the structure of a metal or other crystalline solid.
Lay Up - production of reinforced plastics by positioning the reinforcing material (such as glass
fabric) in the mold prior to impregnation with resin.
Lazy Jack - a device that accommodates changes in length of a pipeline or similar structure
through the motion of two-linked bell cranks.
LBF - Foot Pound
LBM - Laser Beam Welding
LCB - a Low Temperature Cast Carbon Steel
LCC - a Low Temperature Cast Carbon Steel
LCL - Loose Cargo Load
LCOT - Labuan Crude Oil Terminal
LCS - Local Control Station
LD - Liquidated Damages
LDPC - Level Displacer Chamber
LE - Large End
Lead - the distance that a screw will advance or move into a nut in one complete turn.
Lead (Pb) -
Lead (Pb) - a soft, heavy, bluish-gray, highly toxic metallic element that is resistant to corrosion.
Lead Joint - a pipe joint made by caulking with lead wool or molten lead.
Lead Screw - a threaded shaft used to convert rotation to longitudinal motion; in a lathe it moves
the tool carriage when cutting threads.
Lead Time -
Lead Time - 1) the time between the conception or design of a product and its actual production
or completion; 2) the time between the ordering and delivery of goods.
Lead Time - the time allowed or required to initiate and develop a piece of equipment that must
be ready for use at a given time.
Leaf - one of the two halves of a cavity wall.
Leak Detection - the establishment by various detection methods that a leak is present and
significant to system performance. Mass spectrometer helium leak detectors,
offering sensitivity to about 5 x 10-10 Torr l/sec or better, are excellent for this
purpose. NOTE: Teflon is permeable to helium, so care must be exercised to avoid
saturating the Teflon tape used with thermocouple tubes. This permeation can
sharply curtail the usefulness of a helium mass spectrometer.
Leak Detector - an instrument used for finding small holes or cracks in the walls of a vessel; the
helium mass spectrometer is an example.
Leak Off - a term used to describe a threaded connection located on the bonnet of a valve that
allows for the detection of leakage of the process fluid past the packing area.
Leak Off Gland - a packing box with packing above and below the lantern ring so as to provide a
sealed low pressure leak collection point for fluid leaking past the primary seal
(lower packing).
Leakage -
Leakage - the amount of fluid passing through a valve when it is off. It is usually expressed in
units of volume/time at a given pressure and temperature.
Leakage - the quantity of fluid passing through a valve when the valve is in the full closed position
under stated closure forces, with the pressure differential and temperature as
specified. Leakage is usually expressed as a percentage of the valve capacity at
full rated travel.
Leakage - undesired and gradual escape or entry of a quantity.
Leakage Classification - a term used to describe certain standardized testing procedures for
control valves with a flow coefficient greater then 0.1 (Cv). These procedures are
outlined in ANSI Standard B16.104-1976, which gives specific tests and tolerances
for six seat leakage classifications. It should be remembered that these tests are
used to establish uniform acceptance standards for manufacturing quality and are
not meant to be used to estimate leakage under actual working conditions. Nor
should anyone expect these leakage rates to be maintained after a valve is placed
in service. There is no standard test for self contained regulators at this time. Note
- you will see many instances where regulators are specified using the above
criteria.
Leakage Rate -
Leakage Rate - 1) the maximum rate at which a fluid is permitted or determined to leak through a
seal. NOTE: The type of fluid, the differential pressure across the seal, the direction
of leakage and the location of the seal must be specified; 2) the amount of leakage
across a boundary per unit of time; see also Bubble-Tight.
Leakage Rate - the rate at which a fluid (either gas or liquid) passes a barrier. Total leakage rate
includes the amounts that diffuse or permeate through the material of the barrier as
well as the amount that escapes around it.
Leakoff Connection - a threaded hole through a valve bonnet wall in the area of the stuffing box.
It is used to collect leakage past a lower packing set or to inject lubricant into the
stuffing box.
Ledeberite - the eutectic mixture of iron and carbon.
Ledoux Bell Meter - a type of manometer used to measure the difference in pressure between
two points generated by any one of several types of flow measurement devices
 such as pitot tube; it is equipped with a shaped plug which makes the reading of
the meter directly proportional to the flow rate.
Left Hand Screw - a screw that advances when turned counterclockwise.
LEGR - Level Gauge Reflex
LEGT - Level Gauge Through Vision
Leo - a unit of acceleration, equal to 10 meters per second per second; it has rarely been
employed.
LER - Local Equipment Room
Less Than Carload - too light to fill a freight car and therefore not eligible for carload rate.
Abbreviated LCL.
Leveling Line - a process to flatten any shape deficiencies (wavy edges and buckles) in the
sheet, prior to final shipment. Most cold-rolled sheet initially has a crowned cross-
section that, if such a shape is undesirable to the customer, it must be flattened in
the leveling line.
Lever - a handle type operating device for quarter-turn valves.
Lever and Spring Loaded - in which the load is applied to the valve head by a spring acting
through a lever and fulcrum.
Lever Limiting Guide - the guide in which the lever works and which limits its travel.
Lever Valve - a valve operated by a lever which travels through a maximum arc of 180 degrees.
LH - Left Hand
Life Expectancy - the predicted useful service life of an item of equipment.
Life Test -
Life Test - a destructive test in which a device is operated under conditions that simulate a
lifetime of use.
Life Test - a laboratory procedure used to determine the amount and duration of resistance of an
article to a specific set of destructive forces or conditions.
Lift - the actual travel of the disc away from closed position when a valve is relieving.
Lift Check - this non-return valve design incorporates a piston to damp the disk during operation.
Lift Check Valve -
Lift Check Valve - a mechanism incorporating a disc, piston or ball which lifts along an axis of the
body seat.
Lift Check Valve - a non-return valve in which the non-return mechanism incorporates a disc,
piston or ball which lifts along an axis in line with the axis of the body seat.
Lift Check Valve - a type of check valve in which the flow control element moves parallel to the
direction of fluid flow. The force of the fluid lifts the flow control element off its seat.
Lift Check Valve - a type of check valve in which the non-return mechanism incorporates a disc
piston or ball which lifts along an axis in line with the axis of the body seat. The
three sub-categories of lift check valves are disc check, piston check and ball
check.
Lift Valve -
Lift Valve - a valve in which the disc, ball, plate, etc., lifts or is lifted vertically, to allow the
passage of a fluid.
Lift Valve - a valve that moves perpendicularly to the plane of the valve seat.
Lifting Device - a device to manually open a pressure relief valve by decreasing the spring
loading in order to determine if the valve is in working order.
Light Alloys - the general term for alloys of aluminum, which are used for structural purpose;
alloys of magnesium are also in use and are even lighter.
Light Coated Electrode - a filler metal electrode used in arc welding, consisting of metal wire
and a light coating of flux.
Light Crude - crude oil rich in low viscosity hydrocarbons of low molecular weight.
Light Gauge Steel - a very thin steel sheet that has been temper-rolled or passed through a
cold-reduction mill. Light gauge steel normally is plated with tin or chrome for use in
food containers.
Light Gauge Steel - usually refers to structural members such as metal decking or metal studs
fabricated from sheets less than one-quarter inches thick. The design and
specification standard for such members is in the ‘Light Gauge Cold-Formed Steel
Design Manual’ published by the American Iron and Steel Institute.
Light Running - the running of mechanisms, e.g., shafting, under no load and with a minimum of
friction.
Lime - Calcium Oxide. Produced from limestone (common mineral) and extensively used as a
slag forming agent in the steel industry.
Limestone - a mineral substance. It contains calcium carbonate, silica, aluminum etc. On
heating, limestone breaks up into lime and carbon dioxide. This lime then combines
with the oxides of impurities in an ore to form a fusible substance called slag. Slag
= impurities + flux; limestone is also known as Flux.
Limit Control - in machine-tool operation, a sensing device which terminates motion of the work
piece or tool at prescribed points.
Limit Gauging - a method of measurement to ensure the fitting of two pieces together within
specified clearance limits and thus permitting inter-changeability.
Limit of Elasticity - see Elastic Limit
Limit of Proportionality -
Limit of Proportionality - the point on the stress-strain curve at which the strain ceases to the
proportional to the stress; also called Creep Limit.
Limit of Proportionality - the stress, or load divided by original cross-sectional area of the test
piece, at which the strain-elongation per unit of gauge length ceases to be
proportional to the corresponding stress. It is determined by inspecting a load-
elongation diagram, obtained by plotting extensometer reading and is the stress at
which the load elongation line ceases to be straight.
Limit Switch -
Limit Switch - an electrical cutoff switch, usually for safety purposes, installed on cranes and
similar moving equipment to cut off power at the end of a run in the event the
operator does not do so. They are usually mechanically activated by arm on the
moving part.
Limit Switch - electrical switches which may be applied to manual or automated valves to signal
that the valve cycle has been completed. When applied to manual or pneumatically
actuated valves, it is most common to provide two switches in a Nema Rated
Enclosure. Each switch is activated by an adjustable tripping device driven by the
actuator or valve system. Normally one switch is adjusted to trip in the open
position and one is adjusted to trip in the closed position. Optional additional
switches are available to perform other functions; i.e., pump start-up or shut-down.
All electric actuators have Open/Close limit switches.
Limiting Link - 1) the component attached to the spring loading bolt and to the loading and
easing lever to limit the travel of the latter; 2) the component attached to the spring
loading bolt and the body to prevent overloading.
Limiting Temperature - the maximum permissible temperature for apparatus or parts. It is
determined by: (a) the danger of ignition of the explosive atmosphere, or (b) the
thermal stability of the materials used. The lesser of these temperatures is the
limiting temperature.
Line - a tube, pipe, or hose that is used as a conductor of fluid.
Line Blind -
Line Blind - a pipeline shut-off device, in which a flat disk is forced between two flanges. Line
blinds are less expensive than valves, but require much more time to operate.
Line Blind - a pipeline shut-off device, whereby a flat disk is forced between two flanges.
Line Blind Valve - a pipeline shut off device which uses a plate arranged to rotate between two
flanges; sometimes referred to as a Spectacle or Goggle valve.
Line Class Valve - a valve qualified by its design characteristics to be used as the first valve off
the process line.
Line Loss - the quantity of gas that is lost in a distribution system or pipeline.
Line Pack - the actual amount of gas in a pipeline or distribution system.
Line Pipe - pipe used in the surface transmission of oil, natural gas and other fluids.
Linear -
Linear - a straight line relationship between two variables.
Linear - having an output that varies in direct proportion to the input.
Linear Expansion - expansion in any one linear dimension or the average of all linear
 dimensions.
Linear Strain - the ratio of the change in the length of a body to its initial length; also known as
Longitudinal Strain.
Linear Valve -
Linear Valve - another name for a globe valve. It refers to the linear or straight-line movement of
the plug and stem.
Linear Valve - see Multi-Turn
Lined Butterfly Valve - a design of a butterfly valve that has a body liner and a disc whose axis
of rotation passes through the seating surfaces of the disc and body (generally
referred to as a “conventional” disc).
Lined Valve Body - a valve body to which a protective coating or liner has been applied to
internal surfaces of pressure containing parts or to the surfaces exposed to the
fluid.
Liner - a non-metallic covering applied to the inside of the body of a valve. Liners are mostly
used on butterfly, plug, and diaphragm valves for corrosion resistance.
Liner Bushing - a bushing, provided with or without a head that is permanently installed in a jig
to receive the renewable wearing bushings; also known as Master Bushing.
Link - a connecting piece in the moving parts of a machine.
Liquefied Natural Gas - natural gas in the liquid state, consisting mainly of methane, used as a
domestic fuel.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) - butane, propane, or pentane in the liquid form, used as a
portable fuel, as in cigarette lighters and camping stoves.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) -
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) - propane, butane or similar hydrocarbon gas, usually
compressed to liquid form.
Liquid - a form of matter that has a definite volume but takes the shape of its container.
Liquid Penetrant Inspection - a nondestructive method of detecting the presence of surface
cracks and imperfections through use of a special dye. Abbreviated as LPI or PT.
Liquid Penetrant Test - a penetrant method of nondestructive testing used to locate defects
open to the surface of nonporous materials; penetrating liquid is applied to the
surface, and after 1-30 minutes excess liquid is removed, and a developer is
applied to draw the penetrant out of defects, thus showing their location, shape, and
size.
List - to lean to one side, or deviate from the vertical.
Live Load - a moving load or a load of variable force acting upon a structure, in addition to its
own weight.
Live Loaded Valve - to live-load the packing gland by installing springs under the bolt nut of the
gland flange. These springs help maintain packing compression after cycling and
aging of the packing.
LL - Low Low
LM - 1) Licensed Manufacturer; 2) Large Male Face
LME - Liquid Metal Embrittlement
LMU - Length Measuring Unit
LMW - Licensed Manufacturing Warehouse
LNG - Liquefied Natural Gas
LO - Lube Oil
LOA - Letter Of Award
Load -
Load - 1) the power demand on an electrical distribution system; 2) the amount of power needed
to start or maintain motion in a power driven machine; 3) in a physical structure, the
externally applied force, or the sum of external forces and the weight of the
structure borne by a single member or by the entire structure.
Load - a term that can denote force or pressure.
Load - mechanical force that is applied to a body.
Load - the power output of an engine or power plant under given circumstances.
Load - the power that is being delivered by any power-producing device. The equipment that
uses the power from the power-producing device.
Load Full Torque - the torque the load demands on the shaft-end of a motor when the torque of
the driven machine is at its full value.
Load Starting Torque - the torque required by the load over the starting period from zero speed
to load speed. The starting torque includes, if applicable, compression torque and
bearing friction torque.
Loading and Easing Lever - the lever to which the spring is attached by means of which the
load is applied to the valve head and by which the valve head may be manually
eased off its seat.
Loading Lever - that component which transmits the load to the spindle.
Lobe -
Lobe - a projection on a cam wheel or a noncircular gear wheel.
Lobe - a rounded projection or cam
Local Heating - in welding, heating only a specific portion of a workpiece.
Local Panel - the operating panel located close to the mechanical valve to be operated.
Location Fit - the characteristic wherein mechanical sizes of mating parts are such that, when
assembled, the parts are accurately positioned in relation to each other.
Lock Bolt - 1) a bolt equipped with a locking collar instead of a nut; 2) a bolt for adjusting and
securing parts of a machine.
Lock Up Valve - a special type of regulator that is installed between the valve positioner and the
valve actuator, where it senses the supply air pressure. If that pressure falls below
a certain level, it locks or traps the air loaded into the actuator causing the valve to
fail in place.
Lock Washer -
Lock Washer - a solid or split washer placed underneath a nut or screw that prevents loosening
by exerting pressure.
Lock Washer - a washer which is designed to prevent loosening of a nut or bolt head.
Lock Washer - a washer with tongue and prongs to hold a locknut in place.
Locked In Liner - in a butterfly valve body, a liner retained in the body bore by a key ring or other
means.
Locked Rotor Current - the maximum measured steady-state root-mean-square (RMS) current
taken from the line with the motor held at rest, with rated voltage and frequency
applied. (Note: maximum relates to the angular position of the locked rotor.)
Locked Rotor Torque - the minimum measured torque the motor develops at its shaft-end with
the rotor locked and rated voltage and frequency applied.
Locking Device -
Locking Device - a part or an arrangement of parts providing a means to secure a valve in the
open or closed position.
Locking Device - a part or an arrangement of parts providing a means to secure a valve in the
open or closed position.
Locking Device - any valve attachment whose purpose is to prevent the operation of the valve by
unauthorized persons.
Locking Fastener - a fastening used to prevent loosening of a threaded fastener in service, for
example, a seating lock, spring stop nut, interference wedge, blind or quick release.
Locknut -
Locknut - 1) an auxiliary (thin) nut which is used in conjunction with another to prevent it from
loosening under vibration; 2) a nut which is designed to obviate accidental
loosening; it may have a plastic insert, or be of a special shape, so that one part of
a nut locks against another, or a lock wire or pin can get inserted.
Locknut - 1) a nut screwed down on another to keep it tight; 2) a nut designed so that once
tightened, it cannot be accidentally loosened.
Locknut - a nut screwed down firmly against another or against a washer to prevent loosening;
also known as Jam Nut.
Locknut - a nut used in combination with a lock washer to hold a bearing in place on a shaft.
Locknut - a specially designed nut used with screws or bolts to prevent their working loose from
the pieces joined.
LOFC - List of Operations of Fabrication and Control
Logy - sluggish, low snap or recovery of a material.
LOI - Letter Of Intent
Long Products - classification of steel products that includes bar, rod and structural products,
that are "long", rather than "flat".
Long Stand Still Service - a valve in open or closed position for more than one week.
Long Term Storage - materials and equipment to be preserved in storage yards for a period of
more than 12 months.
Long Time Creep Test - long time tests are carried out with a Martene type extensometer. The
test is based upon observations of test pieces at constant stress and temperatures.
A series of tests are carried out at a single temperature and limited creep stress is
estimated for a certain arbitrary rate of creep, and a factor of safety is used in
design.
LONGIT - Longitudinal
Longitudinal - running lengthwise; relating to length
Longitudinal Bead Test - refers to a test for weldability in which a welded test piece has been
bent double; if the parent metal or the weld metal gets cracked then neither has
been weldable.
Longitudinal Strain - see Linear Strain
Looping - laying a parallel pipeline along another, or along just a section of it, to increase
capacity.
Loose Cargo Load - one or more different shipments combined together.
Loose Fit - a fit with enough clearance to allow free play of the joint members.
Lost Motion - the delay between the movement of a driver and the movement of a follower.
Low Alloy Steel -
Low Alloy Steel - 1) steel with a total alloying element content of less than about 5%, but more
than specified for carbon steel; 2) steels from 0.5% up to 9% chromium with 1%
molybdenum, or steels from 0.5% up to 9% nickel.
Low Alloy Steel - an iron-carbon alloy which contains up to about 1% C, and less than 5% by
weight of additional elements.
Low Alloy Steel - steel containing less than 5% alloying elements, or less than 11% chromium.
Low Carbon Steel -
Low Carbon Steel - an iron-carbon alloy containing about 0.05 to 0.25% C, and up to about 0.7%
Mn.
Low Carbon Steel - steel having 0.04 to 0.25% of carbon.
Low Carbon Steel - steel with less than 0.005% carbon is more ductile (malleable). It is capable
of being drawn out or rolled thin for use in automotive body applications. Carbon is
removed from the steel bath through vacuum degassing.
Low Leakage Rate Service - a valve which has an allowed leakage in the closed position.
Low Pressure Area - the point in a bearing where the pressure is the least and the area or
space for a lubricant is the greatest.
Low Recovery Valve - a valve design that dissipates a considerable amount of flow stream
energy due to turbulence created by the contours of the flow path. Consequently,
pressure downstream of the valve vena contracta recovers to a lesser percentage
of its inlet value than a valve with a more streamlined flow path. The conventional
globe style control valve is in this category.
Low Temperature Flexibility - the ability of a rubber product to be flexed, bent, or bowed at a
low temperature without cracking.
Low Voltage (LV) - a voltage not exceeding 1,000 volts
Lowenhertz Thread - a screw that differs from U.S. Standard form in that the angle between that
flanks measured on an axial plane is 538 degrees 8’; height equals 0.75 times the
pitch, and width of flats at top and bottom equals 0.125 times the pitch.
Lower Critical Temperatures - in ferrous metals, the temperatures at which austenite begins to
form during heating or at which the transformation of austenite is completed during
cooling.
Lower Spreader - in a double disc gate valve, the component complementary to the upper
spreader.
LPG - Liquefied Petroleum Gas
LR - Long Radius (R = 1.5 D)
LS -
LS - Low Sulfur
LS - Lube / Seal oil
LSS - Long Stand Still service
LT - Low Temperature
LTCS - Low Temperature Carbon Steel
Lubricant Check Valve - a check valve fitted to a lubricated plug valve to prevent leakage of line
fluid through the lubricant feed.
Lubricant Ring - nonstandard valve term; see Lantern Ring.
Lubricant Screw - a screw fitted to a lubricated plug valve to force the lubricant to the working
parts of the valve.
Lubricated Packing Box - a packing arrangement consisting of a lantern ring with packing rings
above and below with provision to lubricate the packing.
Lubricator -
Lubricator - a device that adds controlled or metered amounts of lubricant into a fluid power
system.
Lubricator - a device used to add lubricants into a fluid power system.
Lubricator Isolating Valve - in a control valve, an isolating valve is a small hand operated valve
located between the packing lubricator assembly and the packing box assembly. It
shuts off the fluid pressure from the lubricator assembly.
Lug -
Lug - a projection or head on a metal part to serve as a cap, handle, support, or fitting
connection.
Lug - a protruding part on something that acts as a kind of handle, allowing the object to be
carried or turned; sometimes called a Boss.
Lug - any projection, like an ear, used for supporting or grasping.
Lug Body - a valve body that does not have ends but has lugs (bosses), with threaded holes
around its perimeter for fastening to pipe flanges.
Lug Bolt - a bolt with a flat extension or hook instead of a head.
Lump Sum - a fixed price for a specified amount of work, as opposed to a Unit Cost.
LV - Low Voltage
LVO - Last Valves Off
M - Monitor
Machinability - the ability of a metal to be easily cut by a tool. Grey cast iron, mild steel etc. are
machinable, while high carbon steel, white cast iron etc. are not machinable.
Machinable - material capable of being finished by tools or cutters in or on a machine tool.
Machine -
Machine - a combination of rigid or resistant bodies having definite motions and capable of
performing useful work.
Machine - a device for transforming or transferring energy.
Machine - any apparatus which is used to overcome one force by applying another force. Simple
machines include the lever, the screw, the wheel, and the tackle and lifting jack.
Machine - any device capable of performing useful work, especially a device for producing
controlled motion or for regulating the effect of a given force.
Machine Bolt -
Machine Bolt - a small, thick, round bar of metal with a screw thread, used with a nut to fasten
things together. A head is attached on the end opposite where the nut screws on;
compare with Stud Bolt
Machine Bolt - a heavy-weight bolt with a square, hexagonal, or flat head used in the automotive,
aircraft, and machinery fields.
Machine Element - any of the elementary mechanical parts, such as gears, bearings, fasteners,
screws, pipes, springs, and bolts used as essentially standardized components for
most devices, apparatus, and machinery.
Machine Key - a piece inserted between a shaft and a hub to prevent relative rotation; also
known as Key.
Machine Oxygen Cutting - oxygen cutting of metal with cutting equipment that performs the
cutting with the help of a machine.
Machine Screw - a blunt ended screw with a standardized thread and a head that may be flat,
round, fillister, or oval, and may be slotted, or constructed for wrenching; used to
fasten machine parts together.
Machine Stop - a workshop in which work, metal or other material is machined to specified size
and assembled.
Machine Tight - the extent of the tightening of a screwed fitting that can be accomplished without
damaging or stripping the thread.
Machine Tool - any machine which is used for cutting metal, such as boring machine, drill
grinder, planning machine, hobber, sharper or lathe.
Machining - performing various cutting or grinding operations on a piece of work.
Machining Center - manufacturing equipment that removes metal under computer numerical
control by making use of several axes and a variety of tools and operations.
Macor - a machinable glass-ceramic manufactured by Corning, which retains the usual hardness
and strength of ordinary ceramics without needing to be fired after machining.
Magnetic Crack Detection - the part to be examined is magnetized either by passing a heavy
current through it or by making it the core of a coil through which a heavy current is
passed. Small cracks, or non-magnetic phases such as inclusions, make the
magnetic flux break the surface thus forming small magnets. If the part gets
sprayed with a suspension of iron oxide particles in paraffin, the particles cling to
the small magnets and thereby reveal defects.
Magnetic Hardness Comparator -
Magnetic Hardness Comparator - a device for checking the hardness of steel parts by placing a
unit of known proper hardness within an induction coil; the unit to be tested is then
placed within a similar induction coil, and the behavior of the induction coils
compared; if the standard and test units have the same magnetic properties, the
hardness of the two units is considered to be the same.
Magnetic Hardness Comparator - a device for determining hardness of a steel part by comparing
its response to electromagnetic induction with the response of a similar part of
known hardness.
Magnetic Particle Inspection - see Magnetic Particle Testing
Magnetic Particle Testing -
Magnetic Particle Testing - a nondestructive method of detecting the presence of surface cracks
 and imperfections through use of fine iron particles in an electrical field.
Abbreviated as MPI or MT.
Magnetic Particle Testing - a test for defects in metal and welded joints. The metal to be tested is
magnetized and sprayed with a white paint, then a dark magnetic powder is
oversprayed and the powder collects on both sides of a crack, acting as a defect
indicator.
Magnetite - a shiny, black magnetic mineral which consists of an oxide of iron, and is an
important form of iron ore.
Main - a duct or pipe that supplies or drains ancillary branches.
Maintenance - the upkeep of industrial facilities and equipment.
Maintenance Painting - periodic painting (repair / touch up of corroded areas or deteriorated
paintwork) after initial painting.
Major Defect - defect which causes serious malfunctioning of a product.
Major Diameter - the largest diameter of a screw thread, measured at the crest for an external
(male) thread and at the root for an internal (female) thread.
Major Repair - repair work on items of material or equipment that need complete overhaul or
substantial replacement of parts, or that require special tools.
Malleability -
Malleability - it is the ability to undergo large permanent deformation in compression, or property
which enables a material to be beaten or rolled into thin sheets.
Malleability - the ability of a metal to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets without breaking.
Most metals are malleable. Instead of being smashed into splinters when struck by
a hammer, a piece of metal is flattened into a sheet or a foil.
Malleability - this is the term used when plastic deformation occurs as the result of applying a
compressive load. A malleable material combines the properties of plasticity and
compressibility, so that it can be squeezed to shape by such processes as forging
and rolling.
Malleable - able to be hammered or pressed into shape without breaking or cracking.
Malleable Cast Iron - see Malleable Iron and Cast Iron
Malleable Iron -
Malleable Iron - a cast iron of such composition that it solidifies as white iron, which upon proper
heat treatment is converted to a metallic matrix with nodules of temper carbon.
Malleable Iron - a somewhat ductile form of cast iron made by heat treating white cast iron to
convert the carbon containing phase from iron carbide to nodular graphite.
Malleable Iron - an iron casting which is heat treated by being packed in an oxidizing agent and
held for about four days at a temperature of 800° C. Its average tensile strength is
approximately double that of ordinary cast iron.
Malleable Iron - it is made by transforming white-iron castings by heat treatment that converts it
into a matrix of ferrite containing nodules of temper carbon, and thus it becomes
tough and ductile, resistant to impact, and easily machinable.
Malleable Iron - it is tougher and less brittle than either white or ordinary grey cast iron and is
made by heat treatment of grey cast iron of suitable composition. Under this
treatment, the flakes of graphite coalesce into globular particles, which because of
their small cross-sectional area, weaken the ferrite less than do flakes. Cast iron is
the cheapest form of iron, but its usefulness is limited by its low strength. A great
amount is converted into steel, and a smaller amount into wrought iron.
Malleable, Ferritic - a ferrous alloy that is cast as white is converted by an appropriate heat
treatment to a microstructure of temper carbon embedded in a ferritic matrix
essentially free of pearlite and carbide.
Malleable, Pearlitic - a ferrous alloy that is cast as white iron but which is converted by an
appropriate heat treatment to a microstructure of temper carbon embedded in a
matrix containing a controlled quantity, form, and distribution of pearlite or tempered
martensite.
Malleableize - to convert white iron into malleable iron through an appropriate graphitizing heat
treatment.
Mandrel -
Mandrel - a cylindrical metal rod or bar used as a core around which metal or other material is
 cast, molded, forged or shaped.
Mandrel - an accurately turned rod over which metal is forged, drawn or shaped during working
so as to create or preserve a desired axial cavity. A tapered mandrel is also used
for holding and locating a bored component so that external diameters can be
machined true to the bore; in USA it is spelled Mandril; also known as Arbor.
Mandrel - the core around which continuous strands of impregnated reinforcement materials are
wound to fabricate hollow objects made of composite materials.
Mandrel Press - a press for driving mandrels into holes.
Manganese (Mn) -
Manganese (Mn) - a hard, brittle, pinkish-gray metallic element. It is used to make alloys that
are very hard and resistant to wear.
Manganese (Mn) - contributes to strength and hardness in steel, but to a lesser degree than
carbon. The amount of increase in these properties is dependent upon the carbon
content. i.e., higher carbon steels are affected more by manganese than lower
carbon. Manganese tends to increase the rate of carbon penetration during
carburizing.
Manganese (Mn) - it increases hardenability and beyond certain limits increases the liability to
quenching cracks. All the commercial steels contain 0.3 to 0.8% manganese, to
reduce oxides and to counteract the harmful effects of sulphur. Any manganese in
excess of these requirements partially dissolves in iron and partly forms Mn3C
which occurs with Fe3C. Manganese lowers Ac1 and Ac3 and quite small
quantities increase hardenability. Manganese also acts as a cheaper substitute for
nickel. Steels with 0.3 to 0.4% carbon, 1.3 to 1.6% manganese and 0.3%
molybdenum have replaced 3% nickel steel for some purposes. Non-shrinking tool
steel contains 0.8 to 0.9% carbon and 2% manganese. Steels with 5 to 12%
manganese are martensitic after slow cooling and have little commercial use.
Hatfield’s manganese steel contains 12 to 14% Mn and 1% carbon. It is
characterized by a great resistance to wear and therefore used for railway points,
rock drills and stone crushers.
Manganese Steel - steel having about 1% manganese and up to 0.4% molybdenum is used for
railway points and crossing, dredger components and similar heavily stressed parts.
Austenitic manganese steel having about 14% manganese and 1% carbon gives
extremely high resistance to abrasion.
Mangle Gearing - gearing for producing reciprocating motion; a pinion rotating in a single
direction drives a rack with teeth at the ends and on both sides.
Manifold -
Manifold - a fluid conductor that has provisions for multiple connections to it.
Manifold - a pipe or header for collecting a fluid from, or the distributing of a fluid to a number of
pipes or tubes.
Manifold - a pipe with one inlet and several outlets, or with one outlet and several inlets, for
conducting flow.
Manifold - a type of fluid conductor that provides multiple connections ports.
Manifold Valve - a multiple valve comprising of 2 or more valves in one body. Manifold valves of
through-valve or fire-valve combination are often connected to differential pressure
instruments or orifice flanges.
Manifolding - the gathering of multiple-line fluid inputs into a single intake chamber (intake
manifold), or the division of a single fluid supply into several outlet streams
(distribution manifold).
Manifolds - set of pipes and valves directing fluid.
Manipulator - a device to which work has been clamped during welding so that all welds can be
done in the download position.
Manometer -
Manometer - a differential pressure gauge in which pressure is indicated by the height of a liquid
column of known density. Pressure is equal to the difference in vertical height
between two connected columns multiplied by the density of the manometer liquid.
Some forms of manometers are U tube, inclined tube, well, and bell types.
Manometer - a double-leg liquid-column gauge that is used to measure the difference between
two fluid pressures.
Manual Gas Shutoff Valve - a manually operated valve in a gas line for the purpose of
completely turning on or shutting off the gas supply.
Manual Gate Valve - block valves that are operated manually, placed in check valve segments
periodically to provide more positive isolation than can be provided by check valves.
Manual Oil Shutoff Valve - a manually operated valve in the oil line for the purpose of
completely turning on or shutting off the oil supply to the burner.
Manual Override -
Manual Override - a device to manually impart motion in either one or two directions to the valve
stem. It may be used as a limit stop; see also Handjack and/or Handwheel.
Manual Override - any mechanical device by which an automated valve may be manually
operated. On smaller actuators, this may simply be wrench flats on the output shaft
of the actuator. Larger actuators may require a more sophisticated system, such as
declutchable handwheels, manual gears, or jack screws, or hydraulic hand pump
over-ride.
Manual Reset Safety Shutoff Valve - a manually opened, electrically latched, electrically
operated safety shutoff valve designed to automatically shutoff fuel when de
energized.
Manufactured Gas - fuel gas manufactured from coal, oil, etc., as differentiated from natural gas.
Manufacturer - the firms or persons involved in some or all phases of manufacturing or
assembly of components.
Manufacturer’s Part Number - identification number or symbol assigned by the manufacturer to
a part, subassembly, or assembly.
Maraging -
Maraging - a heat treatment, (martensite ageing), used to harden alloy steels (commonly those
containing 18% nickel) involving precipitation of intermetallic compounds in a
carbon free martensite. These include nickel-iron martensites with high toughness
and resistance to shock and saline corrosion.
Maraging - a precipitation hardening treatment applied to a special group of iron base alloys to
precipitate one or more intermetallic compounds in a matrix of essentially carbon-
free martensite.
Margin of Safety - a design criterion, usually the ratio between the load that would cause failure
of a member or structure and the load that is imposed upon it in service.
Marine Environment - offshore and coastal areas
Martensite -
Martensite - 1) a very hard, brittle solid solution of carbon in iron (or the carbide of iron, Fe3C),
into which hot steel turns when suddenly chilled by cold water. It is the main
constituent of hardened steel; 2) a supersaturated solid solution of carbon in iron
characterized by an acicular (needle-like) microstructure.
Martensite - obtained by the sudden cooling of high carbon steels from the austenitic range. It is
the hardest constituent obtained in steels and has a hardness of around 750 VPN.
It is magnetic and brittle. It shows a needle-like structure under a microscope.
Martensitic Stainless Steel -
Martensitic Stainless Steel - a small category of stainless steel characterized by the use of heat
treatment for hardening and strengthening. Martensitic stainless steels are plain
chromium steels with no significant nickel content. They are utilized in equipment
for the chemical and oil industries and in surgical instruments. The most popular
martensitic stainless steel is type 410 (a grade appropriate for non-severe corrosion
environments requiring high strength).
Martensitic Stainless Steel - a steel in which a microstructure of martensite can be attained by
quenching at a cooling rate fast enough to avoid the formation of other
microstructures. Martensitic stainless steels are capable of being heat treated in
such a way that martensite is the prime constituent.
Martensitic Stainless Steel - this contains 12.5% chromium. It is very hard, magnetic and used
for making cutlery and surgical instruments and chemical plants.
Mash Seam Welding - an electrical resistance welding process in which the slightly overlapping
edges of the workpiece are forged together during welding by broad-faced, flat
electrodes.
Mash Weld - it is a seam weld in which the finished weld is only slightly thicker than the sheets,
 and the lap disappears.
Mass Effect - the tendency for hardened steel to decrease in hardness from the surface to the
center, as a result of the variation in cooling throughout the section becoming less
marked as the rate of cooling required for hardening decreases, i.e. as hardenability
of the steel imparted by the content of alloying elements increases.
Mass Flowmeter - an instrument that measures the mass of fluid that flows through a pipe, duct,
or open channel in a unit time.
Master Bushing - see Liner Bushing
Master Valve - the lowermost valve on the vertical bore of the Christmas tree. It is used to
completely shut in the well.
Mastic - 1) a gum used in making varnish; 2) any of various waterproof, putty-like pastes used
as joint sealers or fillers.
Masticate - to process rubber on a machine to make it softer and more pliable before mixing with
other substances.
Matched-Metal Molding - forming of reinforced-plastic articles between two close-fitting metal
molds mounted in a hydraulic press.
Material Take Off - a general, not fully specific list of materials needed.
Material Test Reports - certificates provided by the steel manufacturer indicating the chemical
analysis and mechanical properties of a specific batch of steel traced by
sequentially assigned heat numbers or codes.
Matte - 1) having a dull surface, without gloss or shine or finish; 2) an impure product of smelting
of suphide ores, particularly those of copper or nickel.
MAV - Motor Actuated Valve
MAWP - Maximum Allowable Working Pressure
Maximum Design Metal Temperature - the temperature used to determine the allowable stress
for the material when calculating equipment wall thickness required for pressure
containment.
Maximum Operating Pressure Differential (MOPD) -
Maximum Operating Pressure Differential (MOPD) - the maximum difference between the
pressure upstream of a valve and the pressure downstream when measured at
specific locations.
Maximum Operating Pressure Differential (MOPD) - the maximum difference in pressure,
measured in Pounds per Square Inch between the valve inlet and outlet at which
the solenoid can safely operate the valve.
Maximum Operating Temperature - the highest temperature which can be attained by the
process fluid, including but not limited to, the highest operating temperature in one
of the applicable heat and material balance streams, and the highest operating
temperature encountered during start-up, shut-down, recycling, cleaning or purging.
May - indicates an option or possible course of action acceptable to the buyer.
Mbd - Million Barrels a Day
MBG - Manual Bleed Valve with Gauge
MBV - Manual Bleed Valve
MC - Management Committee
MCC - Motor Control Center
MDMT - Minimum Design Metal Temperature
Mean Average Boiling Point - pseudo boiling point for a hydrocarbon mixture; calculated from
the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) distillation curve’s
volumetric average boiling point.
Mechanical - referring to tools or machinery
Mechanical Advantage - the ratio of the resisting weight to the acting force. The ratio of the
distance through which the force is exerted divided by the distance the weight is
raised.
Mechanical Galvanizing - a batch process used to produce a zinc coating on manufactured
steel items by shot peening. Small iron and steel parts are coated with zinc by
drum-tumbling with a mixture of promoter chemicals, zinc powder, and glass beads.
The tumbling action peens the zinc powder onto the part.
Mechanical Hysteresis - the dependence of the strain of a material not only on the
 instantaneous value on the stress but also on the previous history of the stress; for
example, the elongation is less at a given value of tension when the tension is
increasing than when it is decreasing.
Mechanical Limit Stop - a mechanical device to limit the valve stem travel.
Mechanical Limit Switch - any limit switch, usually plunger or lever type, which is mechanically
activated by the tripping mechanism making physical contact with the switch, and
are normally used for remote valve position indication.
Mechanical Properties - such as hardness, ductility, malleability, strength etc.
Mechanical Seal - mechanical assembly that forms a leak proof seal between flat, rotating
surfaces to prevent high pressure leakage.
Mechanism - that part of a machine which contains two or more pieces so arranged that the
motion of one compels the motion of the others.
Mechatronics - the term is a blend of mechanics and electronics. A cross-disciplinary
combination of mechanics, electronics, electrical engineering and computing - in
essence the use of microelectronics to control mechanical devices.
Media -
Media - the material flowing through the valve.
Media - the material that passes through the valve, i.e. air, gases, water, hydraulic fluids,
petroleum products, corrosive and non-corrosive liquids and gases.
Medium Carbon Steel -
Medium Carbon Steel - an alloy of iron and carbon containing about 0.25 to 0.6% C, and up to
about 0.7% Mn.
Medium Carbon Steel - iron containing 0.3 to 0.55% carbon
MEK - Methyl Ethyl Ketone
Melt - the total molten metal produced in a single heat.
Melting Rate - the weight or length of a welding electrode melted in a unit of time.
Member - one component of a complex structure
Membrane - a thin, pliable sheetlike structure acting as a boundary, lining or partition.
Memory - tendency of a material to return to its original shape after deformation.
Mercaptan - molecules containing sulfur, very light because of low molecular weight.
Merchant Bar - a group of commodity steel shapes that consist of rounds, squares, flats, strips,
angles, and channels, which fabricators, steel service centers and manufacturers
cut, bend and shape into products. Merchant products require more specialized
processing than reinforcing bar.
Merchant Pig Iron - pig iron produced for commercial sale to foundries.
MESC - Material and Equipment, Standards and Code
Mesh -
Mesh - engagement of a gear with its mating pinion or rack.
Mesh - engagement or working contact of teeth of gears or of a gear and a rack.
Metal - a chemical element that is crystalline in the solid state, exhibits relatively high thermal
and electrical conductivity, and has a generally lustrous or reflective surface
appearance.
Metal Arc Cutting - severing metal pieces carried out with the heat of an arc between a metal
electrode and the base metal.
Metal Arc Welding -
Metal Arc Welding - a welding process in which the heat to form a molten pool of metal is
produced by an electric arc. The process uses either AC or DC for striking the arc
between the electrode and the work piece. One terminal is connected to the
electrode and the other to the work piece and the circuit is completed through an air
gap between the electrode and the work piece. Depending upon the current and
voltage, the air gap is between 3mm and 6mm. The temperature of the arc varies
between 3500° and 4000° C. A coated electrode that is of nearly the same
composition as that of the metal is used in metal arc welding. Coated electrodes
may either be lightly or heavily coated by a suitable flux to prevent oxidation of the
weld.
Metal Arc Welding - an arc welding process in which the metal acts as a filler material.
Metal Arc Welding - this is the most commonly used method of welding. In this process the arc is
 struck between the workpieces to be welded and a metallic rod, which form the two
terminals of the arc. Bare electrode has nearly the same composition as that of the
base metal. Bare electrodes have the disadvantage that their surfaces may be
subjected to oxidation. Coated electrodes may either be lightly or heavy coated by
a suitable flux to prevent oxidation of the weld. When a coated metal electrode is
used, this process is called Shielded Metal Arc Welding. The shielding is done due
to production of gas by the decomposition of the electrode coating. Both AC or DC
currents may be used. For currents above 750 ampere, AC equipment is preferred
as it has high efficiency, negligible loss at no load and minimum maintenance and
initial cost. When a bare electrode is used, the process is called Bare Metal Arc
Welding as no shielding of gas is obtained. While using DC the work or base metal
is connected to a positive pole because the heat generated at this pole is more than
that at the other pole. This type of welding is called welding with Straight Polarity.
Bare electrodes are generally used for welding non-ferrous metals. If the electrode
is connected to the positive pole and the workpiece to the negative pole, then it is
called Reverse Polarity. Reverse Polarity arc is used with covered electrodes for
welding ferrous metals. The temperature produced by the arc is nearly 3,500° C,
which is concentrated on a small area, and sufficient to form a pool of metal.
Metal Dip Brazing - a dip brazing process in which the filler metal is obtained from the molten
metal bath.
Metal Electrode - a metallic wire used in arc welding, with or without covering or coating.
Metal Electrode Arc Welding - various arc welding processes carried out with suitable
electrodes.
Metal Fiber Welding - it is used for making lap joints and can be said to be an extension of
resistance spot welding process. The equipment used is the same as for resistance
spot welding. In this process a small piece of metallic sheet (material used is the
same as for parent metal) is introduced between the pieces to be joined. The
pieces are held between the electrodes and welding is completed under low
pressure.
Metal Foil Welding - this process is used for butt welding of sheet metal. The equipment
consists of two wheel type electrodes similar to wheels used in seam welding. The
sheets to be welded are butted together and a thin foil of sheet is placed over and
below the joint. The sheet used is less than 0.20mm thickness and of the same
material as the parent metal. The sheets to be joined are placed between the rolls
and operation is similar to seam welding.
Metal Inert Gas (MIG) Welding -
Metal Inert Gas (MIG) Welding - recent developments in MIG welding is the introduction of semi-
automatic processes. It reduces cost of high diving operations. Automatic feeding
of feeler wires does automatic operation or flux cored wires. MIG welding is faster
than TIG welding. MIG dry welding is preferred over MIG wet welding for better
results.
Metal Inert Gas Arc Welding - this process involves welding of metals in an inert gas atmosphere
using a consumable metal electrode. The inert gas generally used is argon or
helium. The electrode, made of the parent metal, is made in the form of
consumable wire and is continuously fed into the arc by an adjustable electric
speed motor. The speed of feeding is the same at which the rod is being melted
and deposited in the weld. The arc is struck between the consumable electrode
and the workpiece. The electrode holder used is specially designed to enable
passage of inert gases in addition to movement of the consumable electrode;
abbreviated MIG Welding.
Metal Oxide - rust
Metal Piston Type Seal - in a butterfly valve, a self expandable metal seal ring installed in a
groove on the disk circumference to block the clearance between the disk outer
diameter and the liner bore with the disk in closed position.
Metal to Metal Seal - a seal effected by very smooth finishes on mating metal parts.
Metallizing - a process used to produce a zinc coating on manufactured steel items by metal
spraying. Zinc metal wire or powder is fed into a spray gun where it is melted and
sprayed onto the part to be coated. Melting is accomplished either by combustion
in an oxygen-fuel gas flame or an electric arc. Combustion gases and/or auxiliary
 compressed air provide the necessary velocity to spray the liquid metal onto the
part.
Metallurgy - the science concerned with the production, purification and properties of metals and
their application.
Meter - a device for measuring the value of a quantity under observation; the term is usually
applied to an indicating instrument alone.
Meter In - to regulate the amount of fluid into a system or an actuator.
Meter Out - to regulate the flow of fluid from a system or actuator.
Meter Stop - a valve installed in a water service pipe for control of the flow of water to a building.
Metering -
Metering - 1) regulating the flow of a fluid so that only a measured amount is permitted to flow
past a given point in the system; 2) measuring any variable (flow rate, electrical
power, etc.)
Metering - an adjustable pin that regulates the flow of media over a specified path; placed as a
restriction in the media path.
Methane (CH4) - a hydrocarbon compound that is the primary component of natural gas. It is a
colorless, odorless, flammable gas, used in the manufacture of organic chemicals
and heating fuel. It is formed naturally by the decomposition of vegetable matter, as
in marshes and mines, or produced artificially by heating carbon monoxide and
hydrogen. It is reported separately from the category of gases called Volatile
Organic Compounds (VOCs).
Methylethyl Ketone (MEK) - a common solvent
Metric Screw Thread - a standard screw-thread in which the diameter and pitch are specified in
millimeters with a 60 degree angle.
Meyer Hardness Number - a number which is obtained by the same test as for the Brinell
hardness number; it refers to the ratio of the load divided by the projected area of
the indentation.
MFC - Multivariable Controller
MFD - Mechanical Flow Diagram
Mg - Magnesium
MHS - Medical / Health Services
MI - Mineral Insulated (cables)
Micrometer -
Micrometer - a caliper for making precise measurements; a spindle is moved by a screw thread
so that it touches the object to be measured; the dimension can then be read on a
scale; also known as Micrometer Caliper.
Micrometer Gauge - a U-shaped length gauge in which the gap between the measuring faces is
adjustable by an accurate screw whose end forms one face. The gap is read off a
scale uncovered by a thimble carried by the screw, and by a circular scale which is
engraved on the thimble; commonly called Micrometer.
Micron -
Micron - a millionth of a meter or about 0.00004 inch.
Micron - one-thousandth of a millimeter
Microstructure -
Microstructure - the fine crystalline structure in a metal, which is visible under a microscope.
Microstructure - the structure of a metal as revealed by microscopic examination of a suitably
prepared specimen.
MIG - Gas Metal Arc Welding
MIG Welding -
MIG Welding - metal-inert gas welding; see Gas Metal Arc Welding
Mild Steel -
Mild Steel - an alloy of iron containing less than 0.03% carbon.
Mild Steel - steel which contains from 0.15 to 0.25% carbon. Because of its low carbon content it
cannot get hardened by quenching, but it is more ductile than high carbon steel.
Mill -
Mill - a building that houses machinery for manufacturing processes.
Mill - machine which is used for grinding or crushing material, such as a hammer mill, a ball mill
or a pug mill.
Mill - to cut or shape metal with a rotating tool.
Mill Certificate - chemical and physical analysis
Mill Scale - black iron oxide which gets formed on steel sections during rolling. This scale should
always be removed before painting.
Mill Shearing - a defect in metal which can be described as a feathering type light surface lap.
Mill Test Report - Material Test Report
Millibar - a unit of pressure equal to one-thousandth of a bar; abbreviated mb; also known as
Vac.
Milling -
Milling - a machine process which is used for the removal of metal shavings from a surface by
passing it under a rotating toothed cutter.
Milling - shaping of metal pieces by removing metal with a revolving multi-tooth cutter to produce
flat and profiled surfaces, slots and grooves.
Milling Machine - a machine for the removal of metal by feeding a work piece through the
periphery of a rotating circular cutter; also known as Miller.
Mineral Oil -
Mineral Oil - a colorless, odorless, oily liquid obtained from petroleum.
Mineral Oil - petroleum and the oils derived from it, or other oils obtained from underground
mineral deposits.
Mini Mills - normally defined as steel mills that melt scrap metal to produce commodity products.
Although the mini-mills are subject to the same steel processing requirements after
the caster as the integrated steel companies, they differ greatly in regard to their
minimum efficient size, labor relations, product markets and management style.
Minimum Design Metal Temperature - the temperature used to select materials with
appropriate toughness properties.
Minimum Metal Condition - the condition corresponding to the removal of the greatest amount
of material permissible in a machined part.
Minimum Operating Temperature - the lowest temperature which can be attained by the
process fluid, including but not limited to, the lowest operating temperature in one of
the applicable heat and material balance streams, and the lowest operating
temperature encountered during start-up, shut-down, de-pressurizing, repeated
start-up and de-pressurizing, cleaning or purging.
Minor Detect - a defect which reduces the effectiveness of the product, without causing serious
malfunctioning.
Mirror Finish - a bright, polished surface.
Mismatch - unsymmetrical seal caused by dissimilar cavities in mating mold sections.
Miter Bend - a pipe bend made by mitering (angle cutting) and joining pipe ends.
Miter Gear - a bevel gear whose bevels are in 1:1 ratio.
Miter Valve -
Miter Valve - a safety valve having the annular seating cut at an angle of 45 degrees; also
spelled Mitre Valve.
Miter Valve - a valve in which a disk fits in a seat making a 45 degree angle with the axis of the
valve.
Miter Valve - a valve in which the disc is at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the axis of
the valve body.
MITI - Ministry of International Trade and Industry
Mixing - to flow into both ends (of a 3 way, 2 port valve) and out the side.
Mixing Chamber - a portion of a gas welding torch in which gases are mixed for combustion.
Mixing Valve -
Mixing Valve - a valve having more than one inlet but only one outlet port; it is used to blend two
or more fluids to give a mixture of predetermined composition.
Mixing Valve - multi-inlet valve used to mix two or more fluid intakes to give a mixed product of
desired composition.
MLD - Million Liters per Day
mm Hg - millimeters of mercury. In vacuum work, this is a measure of absolute pressure, being
the height of a column of mercury that the air or other gas will support. Standard
atmospheric pressure will support a mercury column 760 mm high (760 mmHg).
Any value less than this represents some degree of vacuum.
Mmboe - Million Barrels of Oil Equivalent
MMCFD - Million Cubic Feet per Day
MMS - Maintenance Management System
MMSCFD - abbreviation for million standard cubic feet per day; usually refers to gas flow.
MMSCFH - abbreviation for million standard cubic feet per hour; usually refers to gas flow.
MMSCFM - abbreviation for million standard cubic feet per minute; usually refers to gas flow.
Mn - Manganese
MN - Meganewton
Mo - Molybdenum
MOD - MODification Instructions
Modification - a major or minor change in the design of an item, effected in order to correct a
deficiency, to facilitate production, or to improve operational effectiveness.
Modified Parabolic - a flow characteristic that lies somewhere between linear and equal
percentage. It provides fine throttling at low flow capacity and an approximately
linear characteristic at higher flow capacities.
Modulating - the actions to keep a quantity or quality in proper measure or proportion; see also
Throttling.
Modulating Service - when the valve is being used to throttle or regulate the rate of flow by
being positioned at varying positions between open and closed.
Modulation - the action of a control valve to regulate fluid flow by varying the position of the
closure component.
Modulus -
Modulus - a quantity expressing the response of a sample of material to an external stimulus,
such as mechanical stress. The response is usually expressed as a fractional
change in the physical quantity being affected.
Modulus - tensile stress at a specified elongation. (Usually 100% elongation for elastomers).
Modulus of Elasticity -
Modulus of Elasticity - generally termed as Young’s modulus (E), this is the ratio between the
stress and the strain of a material under load. Some common values of E in
millions of lb/in2 have been steel, 30; aluminum alloys 10; magnesium alloys, 6.5:
concrete loaded over a long period, 2, and over a short period, 6.
Modulus Of Elasticity - in any solid, the slope of the stress-strain curve within the elastic region;
for most materials, the value is nearly constant up to some limiting value of stress
known as the elastic limit; modulus of elasticity can be measured in tension,
compression, torsion or shear; the tension modulus is often referred to as Young's
modulus.
Modulus of Elasticity - it is the ratio of stress to strain within the elastic limit. It is a measure of
stiffness.
Modulus of Elasticity - one of the several measurements of stiffness or resistance to deformation,
but often incorrectly used to indicate specifically static tension modulus.
Modulus of Elasticity - the rate of change of unit tensile stress to unit tensile strain for uniaxial
stress with the elastic limit. It is also called Young's Modulus.
Modulus of Elasticity (E) - it is the constant which expresses the ratio of unit stress to unit
deformation for all values unit stress not exceeding the proportional limit of material.
Modulus of elasticity in shear is sometimes known as the Modulus of Rigidity.
MOF - Ministry Of Finance
Mold - a hollow cavity, frequently in packed sand, for giving a desired shape to a material in a
molten or plastic shape.
Mold Cavity - a hollow space or cavity in the mold which is used to impart the desired form to the
product being molded.
Mold Finish - the uninterrupted surface produced by intimate contact of rubber with the surface
of the mold at vulcanization.
Mold Lubricant - a material usually sprayed onto the mold cavity surface prior to the introduction
 of the uncured rubber to facilitate the easy removal of the molded rubber parts.
Mold Marks - indentations or ridges embossed into the skin of the molded product by
irregularities in the mold cavity surface.
Mold Register - accuracy of alignment or fit of molded sections.
Molding Sand - the freshly prepared refractory sand used for making a mold cavity. It contains
various constituents such as silica, clay binders, moisture, etc. in appropriate
proportions to get the desired results. It surrounds the pattern while making the
mold.
Mole (mol) - the SI unit of amount of substance equal to the quantity containing as many
elementary units, including molecules, atoms or ions, as there are atoms in 12
grams of pure carbon-12.
Molecular Attrition - see Fretting
Molecule - a small natural particle of matter composed of two or more atoms.
Molten - melted; made liquid by heat
Molybdenum (Mo) -
Molybdenum (Mo) - 3% can be added to low chromium steel to improve impact properties.
Molybdenum (Mo) - a hard, brittle, silvery-white metallic element, used as a hardening agent in
steel and other alloys.
Molybdenum (Mo) - a metallic element the influence of which on steel is closely related to that of
chromium and tungsten. Molybdenum may replace tungsten in high speed steel,
being twice as effective weight for weight. When added to low alloy steels it has a
marked effect in reducing temper brittleness. In solid solution, molybdenum is able
to increase strength and toughness, improving resistance to creep at high
temperature.
Molybdenum (Mo) - an alloying element used as a raw material for some classes of stainless
steel. Molybdenum in the presence of chromium enhances the corrosion resistance
of stainless steel.
Molybdenum (Mo) - molybdenum is soluble both in a- and y-iron and in the presence of carbon
forms complex carbides (Fe Mo)6C, Fe2, Mo2 C6, Mo2C. Molybdenum is similar to
chromium in its effect but up to 0.5% carbon retards pearlitic formation and
increases bainitic formation. 0.5% molybdenum increases the strength of steels at
boiler temperature of 400° C. Generally, molybdenum is used in combination with
other alloying elements. Ni-Cr-Mo steels are widely used for ordnance
components, turbine rotors and other large components, since molybdenum tends
to minimize temper brittleness and reduces mass effect. Molybdenum is also used
as a cheaper substitute for tungsten in high speed steels. It is also used in magnet
steels, heat resisting and corrosion resisting steels.
Molybdenum (Mo) - promotes hardenability in steel, and is useful where close hardenability-
control is essential. It increases depth-hardness and widens the range of effective
heat-treating temperatures.
MOM - Minutes Of Meeting
Moment -
Moment - 1) of force, the effectiveness of a force in producing rotation about an axis; it equals
the product of the radius perpendicular to the axis of rotation that passes through
the point of force application and the tangential component of force perpendicular to
the plane defined by the radius and axis of rotation; 2) of inertia, the resistance of a
body at rest or in motion to changes in its angular velocity.
Moment - a turning effect (torque) produced by a force on an object.
Moment - static moment of some quantity, except in the term “moment of inertia”.
Moment Load - load which acts eccentrically on a body, such as a bearing, producing a motion
or rotation about a point or axis.
Moment Of Force - see Torque
Moment Of Inertia - the sum of the products formed by multiplying the mass (or sometimes, the
area) of each element of a figure by the square of its distance from a specified line;
also known as Rotational Inertia.
Monel® -
Monel® - a high strength, corrosion resistant steel used in valve trim, made with 65% nickel and
30% copper.
Monel® - a series of International Nickel Co. high nickel, high copper alloys used for their
corrosion resistant properties to certain conditions.
Monitor - an optional inspection point. Work is not to be held up if an inspection is not available.
Monkey Wrench - a wrench having one jaw fixed and the other adjustable, both of which are
perpendicular to a straight handle.
Monomer - a simple molecule that can be joined to many others to form a much larger molecule
known as a polymer.
Mooney Scorch - the measurement of the rate at which a rubber compound will cure or set up
by means of the Mooney Viscometer test instrument.
Mooney Viscosity - the measurement of the plasticity or viscosity of an uncompounded or
compounded, unvulcanized, elastomeric seal material by means of the Mooney
Shearing Disk Viscometer.
MOP - Maximum Operating Pressure
Mortise - a groove or slot in a timber for holding a tenon.
Mortise and Tenon - a type of joint, principally used for wood, in which a hole, slot, or groove
(mortise) in one member is fitted with a projection (tenon) form the second member.
MOS - Maintenance Override Switch
MOT - Means Of Transportation
Motion - a continuous change of position of a body.
Motive - having to do with motion
Motor - a device that converts power into mechanical force and motion. It usually provides rotary
mechanical motion.
Motor Driven Reset Safety Shutoff Valve - an electrically operated safety shutoff valve
designed to automatically shut off fuel flow upon being de energized. The valve is
opened and reset automatically by integral motor device only.
Motor Operated Valve (MOV) - an isolation valve which, due to its size and / or pressure rating,
is fitted with a motorized (electric) actuator to facilitate ease of operation. These
valves are not utilized as SDVs (Shutdown Valves); compare with Blowdown Valve
and Shutdown Valve.
Motor, Cage Induction - an induction motor with secondary cage (squirrel cage) winding(s).
Motor, Fixed-Displacement - a motor in which the displacement per unit of output motion
cannot be varied.
Motor, Linear -
Motor, Linear - see Cylinder
Motor, Linear - some cylinder manufacturers use this term to describe cylinders.
Motor, Rotary - a motor capable of continuous rotary motion.
Motor, Rotary Limited - a rotary motor having limited motion.
Motor, Variable-Displacement - a motor in which the displacement per unit of output motion can
be varied.
Mottled Cast Iron - see Mottled Iron
Mottled Iron -
Mottled Iron - a cast iron containing a mixed structure of gray iron and white iron of variable
proportions. The fracture has a mottled appearance.
Mottled Iron - cast iron containing the structure of free cementite, free graphite and pearlite.
Mottled Iron - when cast iron is melted and then subjected to normal cooling, mottled cast iron is
obtained. Its composition is 93.5% iron, 1.75% graphite, 1.75% combined carbon
and remaining other impurities. As carbon is present in the mottled cast iron partly
in the combined form and partly in the free form, its color as well as its properties
are in between those of grey and white cast iron. Its resistance to corrosion is more
than that of the grey variety. It is hard and brittle and its fluidity is good and is
therefore, a good material for casting. It is mainly used for making main-hole cover,
fire plugs, lamp posts etc.
MOU - Memorandum Of Understanding
Mounce - a unit of mass, equal to 25 grams; also known as Metric Ounce.
Mounting Flange - a flange or pad formed on the exterior of the body for the attachment of the
valve operating mechanism.
Mounting Position - the location and orientation of an actuator or auxiliary component relative to
 a valve. This can apply to the valve itself relative to the piping.
MOV - Motor Operated Valve
Mpa - Megapascal
MPI - Magnetic Particle Inspection
MPT - Magnetic Particle Testing
MRI - see Magnetic Resonance Imaging
MRIC - Pressure Instrument connection on meter run
MRO - Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul
MRP - see Material Requirements Planning
MRTD - see Minimum Resolvable Temperature Difference
MS - 1) Malaysian Standard; 2) Management System
Ms - see Megasound
ms - see Millisecond
MSBF - Monoflange Single Block Ball
MSCF - Thousand (Milli-) Square Cubic Feet
MSDS - Materials Safety Data Sheet
MSE - Malaysian Shipyard and Engineering
MSIR - Minimum Source Inspection Requirements
MSL - Mean Sea Level
MSNF - Monoflange Single Block Needle
MSS - Manufacturers Standardization Society (of the Valve and Fittings Industry)
MT - 1) Magnetic Particle Examination (Test); 2) Metal Seat
MTJDA - Malaysia – Thailand Joint Development Area
MTO - 1) Material Take Off; 2) Multimodal Transport Operator
MTR - 1) Material and Test Report; 2) Mill Test Report; 3) Manual Bleed Valve with Thermal
Relief
MTRR - Meter Run
Mud - mud is drilling fluid. Mud consists mainly as a mixture of water, or oil distillate, and 'heavy'
minerals such as Bentonite or Barites. Mud is pumped into a well at densities
calculated to provide a hydrostatic pressure sufficient to overcome down hole
formation pressures such as gas kick. The mud is continuously circulated down to
the bit, and returns in the annular space outside the drill-string, bringing with it rock
cuttings for inspection and keeping the well clean. Mud is also engineered to
maintain a thin protective layer of filter-cake on the bore hole wall, but without
excessive weight which would decrease the weight on the bit and hence penetration
(see Drill String). Wrongly configured mud could also possibly lead to differential
sticking and formation damage. Mud is pumped from the mud pit / tank into the drill
stem. On return from down hole the mud is recovered and the shale shakers
remove rock cuttings, it can then be re-circulated.
Mud Valve -
Mud Valve - provide resilient sealing in harsh applications. They are purposely made for mud,
cement, fracturing and water service. Mud valves are particularly suited to abrasive
applications
Mud Valve - a valve that acts under the same principles as the gate valve. The mud valve is
specifically suitable to abrasive applications such as the control of mud.
Mull - to mix thoroughly or grind.
Multi Port Valve -
Multi Port Valve - a ball valve or a plug valve with more than two ends that is used for changing
flow direction.
Multi Ported - multi-ported valves include additional inlet / outlet ports, to allow fluids to be
directed. The ball and plug valve types are ideally suited to multi-port designs.
Multi Turn -
Multi Turn - a category of valves (such as gate, globe, needle) which require multiple turns of the
stem to move the valve from the fully open to the fully closed positions. Also known
as linear valves.
Multi Turn - category of valves (such as gate, globe, needle) which require multiple turns of the
 stem to move the valve from the fully open to the fully closed position; also known
as Linear Valves; see also Quarter-Turn.
Multiple Sampling - a plan for quality control in which a given number of samples from a group
are inspected, and the group is either accepted, resampled, or rejected, depending
on the number of failures found in the samples.
Multistage - functioning or occurring in separate steps.
Muntz Metal - a filler material generally used for braze welding, consisting of 60% copper and
40% zinc.
Muskhelishvili’s Method - a method of solving problems concerning the elastic deformation of a
planar body that involves using methods from the theory of functions of a complex
variable to calculate analytic functions which determine the plane strain of the body.
MVC - Measurement Validation Comparison Technology
MW - see Megawatt
mW - see Miliwatt
N - 1) Nitrogen; 2) Newton
Na - Sodium
NAB - No As-Built work required
NACE - National Association of Corrosion Engineers
NAMAS - National Measurements Accreditation Service.
Naphtha - 1) the feedstock used to make ethylene and propylene, the basic building blocks for
the chemical industry; 2) hydrocarbon distillate used as solvent and washing agent.
NATA - National Association of Testing Authorities (Australia)
National Electrical Code (NEC) - a set of regulations governing construction and installation of
electrical wiring and apparatus, established by the National Fire Protection
Association. It is widely used by state and local authorities within the United States.
National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) - used in valve terminology to define
the level of external resistance an enclosure or solenoid coil is suited for. e.g.:
NEMA 1 is dust tight; NEMA 9 is explosion proof, etc.
National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) - provides
certification in "Industrial Instrumentation Engineering Technology Technician."
National Pipe Taper - see National Pipe Thread
National Pipe Thread (NPT) -
National Pipe Thread (NPT) - a specification for tapered pipe threads from ANSI (American
National Standards Institute). Actually taken from American National Standard
Taper Pipe Threads. When listed as NPT-F, it indicates female ends.
National Pipe Thread (NPT) - a standard tapered thread for pressure pipe and components.
Requirements are defined in ASME B1.20.1.
Natural - describes resins, frequently PP or PVDF, that have not had colorants, fibers, or other
components added prior to processing. Sometimes mistakenly interchanged with
"Virgin."
Natural Gas (NG) -
Natural Gas (NG) - a mixture of gaseous hydrocarbons trapped in rock formations below the
earth's surface. The mixture consists chiefly of methane and ethane, with smaller
amounts of other low molecular weight combustible gases, and sometimes
noncombustible gases such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, helium and H2S called
Sour Gas.
Natural Gas (NG) - a mixture of gaseous hydrocarbons, chiefly methane, occurring naturally
under the ground or seabed in petroleum-bearing regions, and piped to cities, etc.
to be used as a fuel.
Natural Gas and Gas Products (NG&GP) - includes the gathering, processing, distribution and
marketing of natural gas and natural gas liquids.
Natural Gasoline Plant - compression, distillation, and absorption process facility used to
remove natural gasoline (mostly butanes and heavier components) from natural
gas.
Nb - Niobium
NB - Take Note (from Latin - Nota Bene)
NBR - 1) Nitrile (Acrylonitrile Butadiene); 2) Nitrile Rubber (Buna – N)
NC - describes the resting (non-activated) position of a valve. In this case the valve is Normally
Closed.
NCR - Non-Conformance Report
NDE - Non-Destructive Examination
NDT - Non-Destructive Testing
Ne - Neon
NE - Normally Energized
NEC - National Electric Code
Necking - tensile testing involves the application of load onto a specimen and physically
stretching it under an increasing load, measuring the extension of the metal and the
reduction of the cross-sectional area until fracture occurs, often referred to as
Necking.
Need Date - the date within which documents are to be transmitted to purchaser for review,
comments and approval or to be available for review at vendor’s premises.
Needle Bearing - a roller-type bearing with long rollers of small diameter; the rollers are retained
in a flanged cup, have no retainer, and bear directly on the shaft.
Needle Point Valve - see Needle Valve
Needle Valve -
Needle Valve - a screw-down stop valve which has the body ends in line or at right-angles to
each other or may be of the oblique type with the disc in the form of a needle point.
Needle valves are usually restricted to small sizes.
Needle Valve - a form of screw–down stop valve, generally restricted to small sizes, which may
have the body ends in line or at right angles with each other or may be of the
oblique type. The disc is in the form of a needle point.
Needle Valve - a form of screw-down stop valve, generally restricted to small sizes, which may
have the body ends in line or at right angles with each other, or may be of the
oblique type. The disc is in the form of a needle point.
Needle Valve - a small globe valve without a separate disc, but with a stem with an integral
conical seating surface.
Needle Valve - a small valve in which the moving sealing element is small and sharply tapered or
needle shaped.
Needle Valve - a type of metering valve used chiefly for precisely controlling flow. Its essential
design feature is a slender tapered rodlike control element which fits into a circular
or conoidal seat. Operating the valve causes the rod to move into or out of the
seat, gradually changing the effective cross sectional area of the gap between the
rod and its seat.
Needle Valve - a type of valve having a needle point plug.
Needle Valve - a type of valve which has a needle point plug and a small seat orifice for metering
low flows.
Needle Valve - a valve closed by a thin tapering part.
Needle Valve - a volume-control valve that restricts flow in small lines. The fluid going through
the valve turns 90 degrees and passes through an orifice that is the seat for a rod
with a cone-shaped tip. The size of the orifice is changed by positioning the cone in
relation to the seat.
Needle Valve - cone-shaped valve terminating in a sharp point, which finds use in controlling the
flow to a water turbine.
Needle Valve - this multi-turn valve derives its name from the needle-shaped closing element.
The design resembles that of the globe valve. Typically available in smaller sizes,
they are often used on secondary systems for on / off applications, sampling, etc.
Needle Valve - this multi-turn valve derives its name from the needle-shaped closing element.
The design resembles that of the globe valve. Typically available in smaller sizes,
they are often used on secondary systems for delicate control and shut off, e.g. with
analyzers.
Negative Position - the installation position of a multi-port valve such that fluid inlet pressure can
be into a closed body opening, thereby retarding valve sealing; compare with
Positive Position.
Negative Rake - the orientation of a cutting tool whose cutting edge lags the surface of the tooth
face.
Negatoscope - a box containing a source of light with one face of the box acting as a translucent
screen for examination of transparencies or films.
NEMA - National Electrical Manufacturer Association
Nema 4 - weather-proof enclosure suitable for indoor/outdoor applications to protect from
windblown dust, rain or hose-directed water.
Nema 4x - offers the same protection as Nema 4 with the addition of corrosion resistance.
Nema 6 - enclosure that may be submerged up to six feet for 30 minutes.
Nema 7 - enclosure for hazardous locations, must be capable of withstanding an internal
explosion of gases so as not to ignite an external gas-air mixture.
Nema Rating - National Electrical Code Ratings for electrical component enclosures.
Neoprene -
Neoprene - a non-metallic material used as a valve trim. It is an elastomer also known as
chloroprene rubber. It has excellent abrasion resistance and compression-set
 resistance and very good resilience. The addition of carbon black increases its tear
resistance. It is used for butterfly valve liners and for diaphragm valve linings and
diaphragms.
Neoprene - a synthetic rubber highly resistant to oil, light, heat, and oxidation.
Neoprene - a synthetic rubber made by polymerization of chloroprene (2 chlorobutadiene 1,3).
Its color varies from amber to silver to cream. It exhibits excellent resistance to
weathering, ozone, flames, various chemicals and oils.
Neoprene Washers - washers made from neoprene, usually to provide insulating protection
such as to prevent galvanic corrosion between dissimilar materials, as between a
steel screw fastening an aluminum sheet.
Nett - no more additions to the price – includes tax, shipping, etc.
Neutral Flame - a gas welding flame having neither oxidizing nor reducing characteristics.
Neutralization Number - a measure of the total acidity or basicity of an oil; this includes organic
or inorganic acids or bases or a combination of them.
Newton -
Newton - a unit of force equivalent to that which gives a one kilogram mass an acceleration of
one second every second.
Newton - metric unit for force
Newton - the force required to accelerate a mass of one kilogram at one meter per second
squared; abbreviated N.
Newton - the unit of force in the meter-kilogram-second system, equal to the force which will
impart an acceleration of 1 meter per second squared to the International Prototype
Kilogram mass: symbolized N; formerly known as Large Dyne.
Newton’s First Law - the law that a particle not subjected to external forces remains at rest or
moves with constant speed in a straight line; also known as First Law of Motion;
Galileo’s Law of Inertia.
Newton’s Laws of Motion - three fundamental principles (called Newton’s first, second, and
third laws) which form the basis of classical, or Newtonian, mechanical problems
not involving speeds comparable with the speed of light and not involving atomic or
subatomic particles.
Newton’s Second Law - the law that the acceleration of a particle is directly proportional to the
resultant external force acting on the particle and is inversely proportional to the
mass of the particle; also known as Second Law of Motion.
Newton’s Third Law - the law that, if two particles interact, the force exerted by the first particle
on the second particle (called the action force) is equal in magnitude and opposite
in direction to the force exerted by the second particle on the first particle (called the
reaction force); also known as Law of Action and Reaction.
NFPA - National Fire Protection Association
NG - Natural Gas
NG & GP - Natural Gas And Gas Products
NGL - Natural Gas Liquids; includes ethane, propane, butane and condensate.
Ni - Nickel
Nib - a small projecting point.
Nickel (Ni) -
Nickel (Ni) - a grayish-white, malleable metal element used especially in steels, alloys, and for
plating.
Nickel (Ni) - added to steel to improve strength
Nickel (Ni) - an alloying element used as a raw material for certain classes of stainless steel.
Nickel provides high degrees of ductility (ability to change shape without fracture)
as well as resistance to corrosion. Approximately 65% of all nickel is used in the
making of stainless steel.
Nickel (Ni) - in behavior, nickel is very similar to manganese and both lower the critical
temperatures. Eutectoid temperature is lowered progressively with the increase of
nickel (approximately 10° C for 1% of nickel) on heating, but the lowering of the
change on cooling is greater and irregular. The addition of nickel acts similarly to
increasing the rate of cooling of a carbon steel. With a constant rate of cooling, 5 to
8% nickel steels become troostitic; at 8 to 10% nickel, where a drop in cooling rate
 appears, the structure is martensitic, while above 24% nickel the critical point is
depressed below room temperature and austenite remains. In mechanical
properties, much change takes place with the increase in the nickel content. Steels
with 0 to 5% nickel are similar to carbon steel, but are stronger on account of the
finer pearlite formed and the presence of nickel in solution in the ferrite. When 10%
nickel is exceeded, the steels have a high tensile strength and great hardness, but
are brittle. When the nickel is sufficient to produce austenite, the steels become
non-magnetic, ductile, tough and workable, with a drop in strength and elastic limit.
Steels containing 0.1% carbon and 2 to 5% nickel are used for case hardening, but
the principal pearlitic nickel steels in commercial use are those containing 0.25 to
0.40% carbon with 3 to 3.75% nickel. They are used for crankshafts, axles and
connecting rods. By quenching and tempering, nickel steels give superior
properties. Since Ac3 point is lowered, a lower hardening temperature than for
carbon steels is permissible and also a wider range of hardening temperatures
above Ac3 without excessive grain growth, which is hindered by the slow rate of
diffusion of the nickel. Martensitic nickel steels are not utilized and the austenitic
alloys cannot compete with similar manganese steels owing to the higher cost.
High nickel steels are used only for special purposes, owing to the marked influence
of nickel on the coefficient of expansion of the metal. Steel containing 0.2% carbon,
36% nickel and 0.5% manganese has practically zero coefficient of expansion
between 0° and 100° C. The alloy is called invar and is used in clocks. Binary
alloy, known as Permalloy, contains 78.5% nickel and 21.5% iron (the alloy is free
from carbon) and has high permeability in small magnetic fields. This alloy is
annealed at 900° C followed by air cooling at 600° C.
Nickel (Ni) - it occurs with iron in meteorites. Its principal ores are niccolite NiAs, millerite NoS
and pentlandite (NiFe)S. The metal is produced as an alloy containing iron and
other elements by roasting the ore and reducing with carbon. In the purification of
nickel by Mond process the compound nickel carbonye (Ni(CO)4) is manufactured
and then decomposed. The ore is reduced with hydrogen to metallic nickel under
conditions so that iron oxide is not reduced. Carbon monoxide is then passed
through the reduced ore at room temperature; it combines with the nickel to form
nickel carbonye, a gas. It is then passed into a decomposer, and heated to 150° C.
The gas decomposer, depositing pure metallic nickel and the liberated carbon
monoxide is returned to be used again. Nickel is white metal, with a faint tinge of
yellow. It is used in making alloys including the copper-nickel alloy (75% copper,
25% nickel) used in coinage. Iron objects are plated with nickel by electrolysis.
The metal is still less reactive than cobalt and displaces hydrogen only very slowly
from acids.
Nickel (Ni) - provides properties in steel such as improved toughness at low temperatures, good
resistance to corrosion when used in conjunction with chromium in stainless grades,
deep hardening, and ready response to conventional methods of heat treating.
Nickel Silver - an alloy of copper, zinc and nickel, that looks like silver.
Nickel Steel - it generally contains 4% nickel. The addition of nickel increases elasticity,
hardness and resistance to fatigue. It is generally used for making precision
instruments.
Niobium (Nb) - a rare, relatively unreactive, soft, bluish-gray metallic element with a brilliant
luster, resistant to corrosion, and formerly known as Columbium.
Nipple -
Nipple - 1) a small drilled bush or tubular nut; 2) a short length of externally threaded pipe.
Nipple - a short piece of pipe or tube, usually with an external thread at each end.
Nipple - A short piece of pipe threaded on both ends.
Nipple - a short piece of tubing, usually with an internal or external thread at each end, used to
couple pipes: also know as Bushing.
Nipple - any small projection with a hole through it, which a flow is regulated or machine parts
lubricated.
Nitric Acid (HNO3) - a colorless corrosive poisonous liquid
Nitride - a nitride coating is a very hard coating that will increase the hardness and thus wear life
of a surface. Useful when abrasive substances come into contact with equipment,
e.g. mud valves.
Nitriding -
Nitriding - a case-hardening process whereby nitrogen is introduced into the surface of metallic
materials (most commonly ferrous alloys). Typical processes include, but are not
limited to, liquid nitriding, gas nitriding, and ion or plasma nitriding.
Nitriding - a type of case hardening in which the steel materials are heated in an atmosphere of
ammonia (NH3) for a prolonged period and then cooled slowly. The heating
temperature for nitriding ranges from 480° to 550° C. In this process of case-
hardening the case is saturated with the nitrogen of ammonia. Besides increasing
surface hardness and wear resistance, nitriding provides a very good resistances to
corrosion due to atmospheric air, water, steam, etc.
Nitriding - case hardening of steel by holding it at a temperature of about 500° Celsius for
approximately two and a half days in an atmosphere of ammonia, with the object of
introducing nitrogen into the surface of the metal.
Nitrile Seals - nitride has excellent resistance to mineral oils and is specially formulated to give
low temperature flexibility coupled with resistance to most oil well fluids.
Nitrogen (N) - an element which is the colorless, odorless and tasteless gas making up four-
fifths of the air we breathe.
Nitrogen Oxides (NOX) - a general term for nitrogen oxide gases, produced by combustion.
Nm - Newton meter
NO - describes the resting (non-activated) position of a valve. In this case the valve is Normally
Closed.
No. 1 Heavy Melt - obsolete steel scrap grade, at least one-quarter inch in thickness and in
sections no larger than five feet by two feet. Much of the metal comes from
demolished buildings, truck frames and heavy duty springs. Mini-mills are primary
consumers of No. 1 heavy scrap.
Noble Metals -
Noble Metals - metals such as gold, silver, platinum, etc. which have a relatively positive
electrode potential, and which do not enter readily into chemical combination with
non-metals. They have a high resistance to corrosive attack by acids and other
agents, and resist atmospheric oxidation.
Noble Metals - metals, such as gold, silver or platinum that are highly unreactive and resist attack
by acids, and so do not easily tarnish on exposure to air, and do not corrode;
(opposite of Base Metal).
NOC - National Oil Companies
Nodular Cast Iron - see Cast Iron
Nodularity - the volumetric proportion of spheroidal or nodular graphite to total graphite in a
ductile iron or a compacted graphite iron matrix.
Nodularity, Degree of - the volumetric proportion of spheroidal or nodular graphite to total
graphite in a ductile iron matrix.
Nodulizing Alloy - an alloy added to molten iron for the primary purpose of causing the
formation of spheroidal graphite during solidification.
No-Go-Gauge - a limit gauge designed not to fit a part being tested; usually employed with a go
gauge to set the acceptable maximum and minimum dimension limits of the part.
Noise Sources, Control Valve - control valve noise can be caused by the following: a) turbulent
flow of liquid, b) aerodynamic flow, c) liquid cavitation flow, d) mechanical vibration.
Nominal Dimension - nearest fractional equivalent to actual decimal dimension.
Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) - a dimensionless number used to indicate sizes of pressure pipe and
valves; used interchangeably with valve size in inches.
Nominal Size -
Nominal Size - 1) the standard dimension closest to the central value of a toleranced dimension;
2) size used for general identification.
Nominal Size - size used for purposes of general identification. The actual size of a part will be
approximately the same as the nominal size but need not be exactly the same. For
example, a rod may be referred to as ¼ inch, although the actual dimension on this
drawing is 0.2495 inch, and in this case ¼ inch is the nominal size.
Non Blooming - the absence of bloom.
Non Destructive Testing -
Non Destructive Testing - a means of testing the quality of materials without breaking or
otherwise damaging them. Example of non-destructive includes Dye Penetrant
Testing, Magnetic Particle Testing, Ultrasonic Testing and X-Ray Inspection.
Non Destructive Testing - any form of testing which is used to verify the integrity and expected
full service life of an item, which does not itself reduce longevity of that item.
Non Destructive Testing - any testing method which does not damage or destroy the sample.
Usually, it consists of stimulating the sample with electricity, magnetism,
electromagnetic radiation or ultrasound, and measuring the sample's response.
Non Destructive Testing - any testing method which does not involve damaging or destroying the
test sample; includes use of x-rays, ultrasonic, radiography, magnetic flux, and so
on.
Non Destructive Testing - methods of inspecting materials and products without affecting their
subsequent properties and performance.
Non Ferrous Materials - those which do not contain iron as principal constituent e.g., aluminum,
copper, zinc etc.
Non Ferrous Metal -
Non Ferrous Metal - a metal in which the major constituent is one other than iron.
Non Flashing - fluid state that does not change to a vapor phase at any normal operating
condition or temperature.
Non Hazardous Area - an area in which an explosive gas mixture is not expected in a quantity
such as to require special precautions for the construction and use of electrical
apparatus, cables and accessories.
Non Metallic Materials - plastics have low cost, light weight, good resistance to shock and
vibration, self-lubrication, ease of fabrication. However, these have low strength,
high thermal expansion, low heat resistance, high creep and deformation under
load and embrittlement at low temperature.
Non Pressure Thermit Welding - a thermit welding process carried out by superheated liquid.
The heat is generated by the chemical reaction of metal oxide and aluminum.
Non Pressure Welding - a welding operation carried out without external mechanical pressure.
Non Return Mechanism - the term for the part or assembly of parts operated by the flow of fluid.
Non Return Valve -
Non Return Valve - a valve which prevents reversal of flow by means of the non – return
mechanism, the valve being opened by the flow of fluid and closed by the weight of
the non – return mechanism when the flow ceases, or by back pressure; also
variously called Check Valve, Reflux valve, Retention Valve, Clack valve, Back-
Pressure Valve.
Non Return Valve - see Check Valve
Non Return Valve - see Stop Check Valve
Non Sparking Apparatus - apparatus meeting the requirements of a recognized standard for
industrial equipment, which in normal service does not arc or spark or produce
ignition-capable hot surfaces.
Non Transferred Arc Process - a plasma arc welding process in which the arc is formed
between the electrode and the water cooled constructing nozzle. The arc is
independent of the workpiece. The main advantage of this process is that the arc
flame can be moved from one place to another and can be better controlled.
Nonhazardous Area - an area in which explosive gas/air mixtures are not expected to be
present so that special precautions for the construction and use of electrical
apparatus are not required.
Nonincendive - equipment and wiring which in its normal operating condition is incapable of
igniting a specific hazardous atmosphere or hazardous dust layer. Equipment and
wiring having exposed blanketed surface temperatures above 80 percent of the
ignition temperature in degrees centigrade of the specific hazardous dust layer are
NOT classed as nonincendive. The blanketed surface temperature shall be
determined at the outside surface of the enclosure beneath the surface of a dust
accumulation 0.2 inch or more thickness.
NON-IS - Non Intrinsically Safe
Nonreclosing Pressure Relief Device -
Nonreclosing Pressure Relief Device - a device for relieving internal pressure which remains
 open when actuated and must be replaced or reset before it can actuate again.
Nonreclosing Pressure Relief Device - a device which remains open after relieving pressure and
must be reset before it can operate again.
Nordel 1070 - an ethylene propylene rubber by E. I. du Pont de Nemours Co.
Nordel® - see EPT
Normal Operation - intrinsically safe electrical apparatus or associated electrical apparatus is in
normal operation when it complies electrically and mechanically with the
requirements of its design specification and is used within the limits specified by the
manufacturer.
Normal Operational Conditions - equipment is in normal operational conditions when it
conforms electrically and mechanically with its design specifications and is used
within the limits specified by the manufacturer. This includes: a) supply voltage,
current, and frequency, b) environmental conditions (including process interface), c)
all tool removable parts in place, (e.g., covers), d) all operator accessible
adjustments at their most unfavorable settings, and e) opening, shorting, or
grounding of nonincendive field wiring.
Normalizing -
Normalizing - 1) to heat steel in order to refine the crystal structure and to relieve internal stress
and improve strength; 2) heating a ferrous metal to a suitable temperature above
the transformation range (austenitizing), holding at temperature for a suitable time,
and then cooling in still air or protective atmosphere to a temperature substantially
below the transformation range.
Normalizing - a general type of annealing that usually involves air cooling of ferrous metals after
first heating to a specific temperature for a designated period of time. It is generally
done to soften and increase ductibility but not to as great a degree as full annealing.
The process is sometimes carried out on large or thick parts as a preliminary step in
a multistage heat-treating procedure.
Normalizing - a heat treatment applied to steel. It involves heating above the critical range,
followed by cooling in air, performed to refine the crystal structure and eliminate
internal stress.
Normalizing - heating a ferrous alloy to a suitable temperature above the transformation range
and then cooling in air to a temperature substantially below the transformation
range.
Normalizing - in heat treating ferrous alloys, to heat 50° to 100° F above the upper transformation
temperature, then cool in still air.
Normalizing - the process of normalizing is similar to that of annealing except that cooling is done
in air instead of cooling inside a furnace. The purpose is to refine the grains or to
reduce the size of the crystals and to remove all internal strains caused by cold
working. In normalizing, steels are heated to 40° to 50° C above the upper critical
temperature, soaked at the temperature for short period of time and then cooled
slowly in still open air. Normalized low carbon steels contain ferrite and pearlite.
Normalized medium carbon steel contains pearlite and cementite.
Normally Closed - a condition of no flow through a valve or other system when there is no input
signal.
Normally Closed - see Air To Open
Normally Closed (NC) -
Normally Closed (NC) - 1) a switch position where the usual arrangement of contacts permits the
flow of electricity in the circuit; 2) in a solenoid valve, an arrangement in which the
disk or plug is seated when the solenoid is deenergized; 3) a field contact that is
closed for a normal process condition and open when the process condition is
abnormal; 4) a valve with means provided to move to and/or hold in its closed
position without actuator energy supply; 5) relay contacts that are closed when the
coil is not energized; see also Field Contact.
Normally Closed (NC) - describes a valve that is "fail-safe" to the closed position. This is usually
accomplished by a spring built into the valve.
Normally Closed (NC) Valve - a valve with means provided to move to and/or hold in its closed
position without actuator energy supply; see Fail Close.
Normally Open (NO) -
Normally Open (NO) - 1) in a solenoid valve, an arrangement in which the disk or plug is seated
when the solenoid is energized; 2) a valve with means provided to move to and/or
hold wide open position without actuator energy supply.
Normally Open (NO) - a valve or other device which allows fluid flow when there is no input
signal. An input action must be applied to close the valve.
Normally Open (NO) - describes a valve that is "fail-safe" to the open position. This is usually
accomplished by a spring built into the valve.
Normally Open (NO) - see Air To Close
Normally Open (NO) Valve - a valve with means provided to move to and/or hold in its wide open
position without actuator energy supply; see Fail Open.
Normally Open Solenoid Valve - a valve in which the inlet port is open when the solenoid coil is
de-energized.
NOT - Notational As-Built
Not Closed Position - a position that is more than zero percent open. A device that is not
closed may or may not be open.
Notch Brittleness - the brittle property of a material causing fracture with small absorption of
energy in an Izod or Charpy test.
Notched-Bar Test - subjecting a notched metal test-piece to a sudden blow by a striker which is
performed by a pendulum or falling weight by which the energy of fracture is
measured; also called Impact Test or Izod Test.
Nox - Nitrogen Oxides
NPS -
NPS - Nominal Pipe Size
NPS - Nominal Pipe Size (inches)
NPS - Nominal Pipe Size in inches.
NPT - 1) National Pipe Threads; 2) Nominal Pipe Thread; 3) National Standard Pipe Thread
Taper
NPTF - National Pipe Thread - Female
NR - Natural Rubber
NRM - Not Required for this Material specification
NRO - Not Required for this Purchase Order
NRS - Non-Rising Stem
NS - Nominal Size (metric)
NTP - Normal Temperature and Pressure
NTS - Not To Scale
Nugget - a welding bead
Nut -
Nut - a small, usually hexagonal, piece of metal with a threaded hole through it, for screwing on
the end of a bolt.
Nut - an internally threaded fastener for bolts and screws.
Nut - the mating part of screwed members which get rotated to tighten their hold. The heads may
have various shapes, (square, hexagonal, etc.), to fit the wrenches used to rotate
them.
O - 1) Oxygen; 2) Original
O Ring -
O Ring - a flat ring made from synthetic rubber, used as an airtight seal or a seal against high
pressures.
O Ring - a gasket in the form of a ring with a circular cross section.
O Ring - a toroidal (doughnut shaped) sealing ring made of synthetic rubber or similar material.
The cross section through the torus is usually round or oval, but may be rectangular
or some other shape.
O Ring - a toroidal ring of circular cross-section which is made of rubber, neoprene or similar
material usually fitting into a carefully machined groove to provide a sealing
between two making parts; sometimes called O-Seal.
O Ring - a torus; a circle of material with a round cross section which effects a seal through
squeeze and pressure.
O Ring - a type of seal. An O-ring is a round elastomeric ring, ideally suited to be a compressed,
static seal between non moving parts. O-rings can be used as a face seal on a
valve, and used on rotating shafts inside a valve.
O Ring - an elastomeric or synthetic seal ring of circular cross section.
O Ring - an elastomeric sealing ring with an O-shaped (circular) cross section. It may be used as
a secondary seal or as a gasket.
O Ring Groove - space into which an O-ring is inserted and retained.
O Ring Seal - the combination of a gland and an o-ring providing a fluid-tight closure. (Some
designs may permit momentary or minimum leakage). a) Moving (dynamic) – an o-
ring seal in which there is relative motion between some gland parts and the o-ring-
oscillating, reciprocating, or rotary motion; b) Non-moving (static) – an o-ring seal in
which there is no motion between any part of the gland and the o-ring (distortion
from fluid pressure or swell from fluid immersion is excluded).
OBF - Oil Based Fuels
Oblique Valve -
Oblique Valve - a screw-down stop-valve having a casing or body of spherical shape. The axis of
the stem is oblique to the body ends, which are in line with each other.
Oblique Valve - a type of globe valve having an inclined orifice that serves to reduce the
disruption of the flow pattern of the working fluid.
Oblique Valve - a valve having generally a spherical body in which the body ends are in line with
each other and in which the axis of the stem is oblique (not at a right angle) to that
of the body ends.
Oblique Valve - a valve having generally a spherical body in which the body ends are in line with
each other and in which the axis of stem is oblique to that of the body ends.
Obsolescence - decreasing value of functional and physical assets or value of a product or facility
from technological changes rather than deterioration.
Obsolescent -
Obsolescent - lower in physical or functional value due to changes in technology rather than to
deterioration.
Obsolete -
Obsolete - no longer satisfactory for the purpose for which obtained, due to improvements or
revised requirements.
Obsolete - no longer suitable for the intended use because of changes in technology or
requirements.
Occlusion - a) the mechanical process by which vapors, gases, liquids, or solids are entrapped
within the folds of a given substance during working or solidification; b) the
materials so trapped.
OCTG - Oil Country Tubular Goods
Octoid - pertaining to a gear tooth form used to generate the teeth in bevel gears; the octoid
form closely resembles the involutes form.
OD -
OD - 1) Outside Diameter; 2) Optical Density
OD - the measurement of the Outside Diameter of a circular part.
ODC - Over Dimension Cargo
OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer
Off - designating the inoperative state of a device, or one of two possible conditions (the other
being “on”) in a circuit.
Off Line - 1) a borehole that has deviated from its intended course; 2) a state in which
equipment or a subsystem is in standby, maintenance, or mode of operation other
than on-line.
Off Register - misalignment of mold halves causing out-of-round o-ring cross section.
Off the Shelf - available for immediate shipment.
Offset -
Offset - the amount by which something is out of line.
Offset - the steady-state difference between the desired control point and that actually obtained in
a process control system. The value of strain between the initial linear portion of
the stress-strain curve and a parallel line that intersects the stress-strain curve of an
arbitrary value of strain; used as an index of yield stress; a value of 0.2% is
common.
Offset Yield Strength - that stress at which the strain surpasses by a specific amount (called the
offset) an extension of the initial proportional portion of the stress-strain curve;
usually expressed in pounds per square inch.
Offshore Installation - an installation located in open saliferous water, at a location remote from
the nearest land.
OFW - Oxy Fuel Gas Welding
Ohm - the metric unit for electrical resistance; it is the resistance (or impedance) of a conductor
such that an electrical potential of one volt exists across the ends of the conductor
when it carries a current of one ampere.
OI - Operating Instructions
Oil Bath - oil, in which a piece of apparatus is submerged.
Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) - a label applied to the pipe products used by petroleum
exploration customers. Includes casing, drill pipe and oil well tubing, which,
depending on their use, may be formed through welded or seamless processes.
Oil Dilution Valve - a valve used to mix gasoline with engine oil to permit easier starting of the
gasoline engine is cold weather.
Oil Fired Furnaces - these are normally used for castings of non-ferrous materials.
Oil Groove - one of the grooves in a bearing which distribute and collect lubricating oil.
Oil Hardening -
Oil Hardening - the hardening of cutting tools of high carbon content by heating and then
quenching in oil, which cools it less suddenly than in water.
Oil Hardening - the hardening of steels of medium and high carbon content by heating to the
austenitic condition, followed by quenching into a bath of oil, resulting in a cooling
less sudden than is effected by water, and consequently a reduced risk of cracking.
Oil Hardening Steel - any alloy steel which will harden when cooled in oil instead of in water. The
limiting diameter or cross section which will harden fully in this manner must also be
stated, since this depends on the alloy composition and transformation
characteristics of the steel.
Oil Hole - a small hole for injecting oil for a bearing.
Oil Lift - hydrostatic lubrication of a journal bearing by using oil at high pressure in the area
between the bottom of the journal and the bearing itself so that the shaft is raised
and supported by an oil film whether it is rotating or not.
Oil Quench - the immersion of hot metal in oil, for purpose of tempering.
Oil Ring - a ring on a journal, dipping into an oil bath for lubrication.
Oil Ring Lubricated Bearing - a bearing in which a ring, encircling the journal and rotated by it,
raises the oil to lubricate the bearing from a reservoir into which the ring dips.
Oil Swell - the change in volume of a rubber article due to absorption of oil or other fluid.
Oiliness - the effect of a lubricant to reduce friction between two solid surfaces in contact; the
effect is more than can be accounted for by viscosity alone.
Oiliness Bearing - a self-lubricating bearing containing solid or liquid lubricants in its material.
OIM - Offshore Installation Manager
Olefins - a group of chemicals characterized by their straight or branched structure. Includes
 ethylene, the largest volume petrochemical, and butadiene and propylene.
On - designating the operating state of a device or one of two possible conditions (the other
being “off”) in a circuit.
On Off Control -
On Off Control - a simple control system in which the device being controlled is either full on or
full off, with no intermediate operating positions; also known as On-Off System.
On Off Control - a system of control in which the final control element has only two positions from
which to choose; also known as Two-Position Control.
On Off Service - when the valve is being used to start or stop flow by being cycled to the full
open or full closed position.
On Off System - see On-Off Control
On Stream - of a plant or process-operations unit, being in operation.
On Stream Factor - the ratio of the number of operating days to the number of calendar days per
year.
On Stream Time - in plant or process operations, the actual time that a unit is operating and
producing product.
One Barrel - 42 gallons
One Piece Body Ball Valve - a ball valve which utilizes a one-piece body incorporating body
ends. There are five main variants of the construction: a) axial entry, b) top entry, c)
bottom entry, d) side entry, e) sealed.
One Piece Element Clamp - a one piece element clamp or pinch valve is a valve consisting of a
one piece flexible element or liner installed in a body with the element or liner
extending over the flange faces and acting as gaskets between the valve and
connecting piping; compare with Two Piece Element Clamp; see Pinch Valve.
One Piece Gland -
One Piece Gland - a bolted design in which the gland is integral with the gland flange.
One Piece Gland - a bolted design in which the gland of a valve is integral with the gland flange.
One-Sided Acceptance Sampling Test - a test against a single specification only, in which
permissible values in one direction are not limited.
OP - Operator
OPEC - Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries
Open Circuit Voltage - in welding, voltage across the terminals of a power source when no
current is flowing in the circuit.
Open Hearth Furnace - a broad, shallow hearth to refine pig iron and scrap into steel. Heat is
supplied from a large, luminous flame over the surface, and the refining takes seven
to nine hours. Open Hearths, at one time the most abundant steelmaking furnaces
among integrated companies, have been replaced by the basic oxygen furnace.
Operating Temperature - the nominal or average temperature of a fluid in a system.
Operation - a job, usually performed in one location, and consisting of one or more work
elements.
Operational Maintenance - the cleaning, servicing, preservation, lubrication, inspection, and
adjustment of equipment; it includes the minor replacement of parts not requiring
high technical skill, internal alignment, or special locative training.
Operator -
Operator - a mechanical device used to reduce the force required to operate a valve manually;
also called an Actuator.
Operator - a person whose duties include the operation, adjustment, and maintenance of a piece
of equipment.
Operator Training - the process to prepare the employee to make his expected contribution to
his employer, usually involving the teaching of specialized skills.
Optimum Cure -
Optimum Cure - the degree of vulcanization at which maximum desired property is reached.
Optimum Cure - the state of vulcanization at which the most desirable combination of properties
is attained.
OPU - Operating Units
Ordinary Lift Safety Valve - a valve in which the valve head lifts automatically at least D/24,
where D = bore of valve seat. These valves may be a) direct spring loaded, b)
 direct weight loaded, c) weight and lever loaded, d) lever and spring loaded, e)
ramsbottom valve.
Ordinary Safety Valve Direct Spring Loaded - pop safety valve
ORF - Onshore Receiving Facility
ORFS - Orifice Flange Set
Organization Chart - graphic representation of the interrelationships within an organization,
depicting lines of authority and responsibility and provisions for control.
ORIC - Pressure Instrument connection on orifice flanges
Orifice - an opening inside the valve that can be either open or closed to control the passage of
media.
Orifice Meter - an instrument that measures fluid flow by recording differential pressure across a
restriction placed in the flow stream and the static or actual pressure acting on the
system.
Orifice Plate - a disk, with a hole, placed in a pipeline to measure flow.
Orthogonal - a term meaning at right angles.
Orthophosphoric Acid - see Phosphoric Acid
Orthotropic - the description applied to the elastic properties of material such as timber, which
has considerable variations of strength in two more directions at right angles to one
another.
OS&Y - Outside Screw and Yoke
OSFAM - Offshore Structure Fabricators Association of Malaysia
Osmium (Os) - a hard, dense, silvery-white metallic element, used in alloys and as a catalyst.
OSS - Optical Sensing System
Ounce - a unit of mass in avoirdupois measure equal to 1 over 16 pound or to approximately
0.0283495 kilogram. Abbreviated oz.
Ouncedal - a unit of force equal to the force which will impart an acceleration of 1 foot per
second per second to a mass of 1 ounce; equal to 0.0086409346485 Newton.
Outgassing - a vacuum phenomenon in which a substance spontaneously releases volatile
constituents in the form of vapors or gases. In rubber compounds, these
constituents may include water vapor, plasticizers, air, inhibitors, etc.
Outlet Port - a tubular opening through a chamber wall, usually flanged, permitting access for
pumping or the extraction of components from the chamber.
Output Power - the useful mechanical power measured at the shaft-end of a motor.
Output Shaft - the shaft that transfers motion from the prime mover to the driven machine.
Outside Diameter - the outer diameter of a pipe, including the wall thickness; usually measured
with calipers; abbreviated OD.
Outside Screw -
Outside Screw - in which the actuating thread of the stem is exterior to the bonnet. This may
take three forms: a) outside screw, stem rising with hand wheel. Where the hand
wheel is attached directly to the stem and rises with it when the valve is opened, b)
outside screw, stem rising through handwheel. Where the handwheel is attached to
a yoke sleeve or bridge sleeve which revolves in the yoke or bridge and through
which the stem rises when the valve is opened, c) outside screw, non-rising spindle,
rising stem. Where the handwheel is attached to a non-rising spindle and the stem
rises when the valve is opened.
Outside Screw - where the actuating thread of the valve stem is exterior to the bonnet; compare
with Inside Screw
Outside Screw and Yoke (OS&Y) -
Outside Screw and Yoke (OS&Y) - a stem design in which the threaded portion of the stem is
outside the pressure boundary of the valve. It must be used with a bonnet having a
yoke, which holds a yoke nut to allow valve operation.
Outside Screw and Yoke (OS&Y) - a valve design in which the stem threads are above the
packing gland or outside the valve body and there is a yoke to support the top or
outer end of the stem.
OVA - Organic Vapor Analyzer
Oven - a heated enclosure for baking, heating, or drying.
Over Center Locking - a gate valve mechanical feature which ensures that the valve will remain
 closed in the event of loss of either air pressure or electrical power.
Over Cure -
Over Cure - a condition resulting from vulcanizing longer than necessary to achieve full
development of physical strength; causes softness or brittleness and impaired age-
resisting quality of the material.
Over Cure - a degree of cure greater than the optimum causing some desirable properties to be
degraded.
Overhaul -
Overhaul - a maintenance procedure for machinery involving disassembly, the inspecting,
refinishing, adjusting, and replacing of parts, and reassembly and testing.
Overhaul - to thoroughly examine and repair as necessary.
Overhead Position - a welding operation carried out from the underside of the joint.
Overlay - a covering; something that is laid over something else.
Overpressure - a pressure increase over the set pressure of a pressure relief valve. It is usually
expressed as a percentage of set pressure.
Override - to cancel the influence of an automatic control by means of a manual control.
Overshoot - the exceeding or surpassing of a target value as operating conditions change.
Overstrain - the result of stressing an elastic material beyond its yield point.
Overtravel Stop - on a butterfly valve, a lug that prevents the disc from rotating too far.
OWG - Oil, Water & Gas; see CWP
Oxidation -
Oxidation - the addition of oxygen to a substance. The oxygen of air oxidizes silicon of iron ore.
Oxidation - the process by which oxygen unites with some other substance, causing rust or
corrosion.
Oxidation - the reaction of oxygen on a compound, usually detected by a change in the
appearance or fell of the surface, or by a change in physical properties, or both.
Oxidation - this take places when any substance reacts chemically with oxygen. The rate at
which oxidation takes place depends on several factors, the most important being
temperature. Oxidation may be rapid, as in the case of uncontrolled combustion or
burning. Flame cutting relies on rapid combustion. The oxidation or rusting of steel
on the other hand is a relatively slow process. The rapid reaction of oxygen with
another substance can be dangerous and damaging, or it may be extremely useful.
Oxide -
Oxide - a compound of oxygen with another element or group.
Oxide - chemical compound of an element, usually metal, with oxygen.
Oxidize - 1) to become rusty; 2) a chemical reaction with oxygen.
Oxidizing Flame - a gas welding flame having an oxidizing effect.
Oxy Acetylene Cutting -
Oxy Acetylene Cutting - severing metal by means of chemical reaction of oxygen with the base
metal at elevated temperatures. The heat necessary for high temperature is
obtained from gas flames by combustion of acetylene.
Oxy Acetylene Cutting - the flame cutting of ferrous metals in which the preheating of the metal is
accomplished with a flame produced by an oxyacetylene torch; also known as
Acetylene Cutting.
Oxy Acetylene Welding -
Oxy Acetylene Welding - various gas combinations like oxy-hydrogen, oxy-benzene, oxy-propane
and oxy-acetylene are used for welding of metals. The selection of combustible gas
depends on many factors, such as a) temperature of the flame required, b) cost of
gases, c) material to be welded. Oxy-acetylene flame is most commonly used as it
produces a very high temperature of 3500° C at its hottest portion and is most
suitable for welding. However, an oxy-hydrogen mixture can be used for welding
metals of low melting point like magnesium, aluminum, lead, tin, zinc and their
alloys. In gas welding, care is needed that the gases used are highly pure, so that
the high temperature of the flame can be obtained. Even small amounts of
impurities like nitrogen, argon and water vapor have a marked effect on the flame
temperatures. Gas welding can be used for preheating the area of the section
being welded. This is not possible in arc welding. The flame temperature is also
 lower than the arc. The flame can be adjusted to make it neutral, reducing or
oxidizing. An oxidizing flame is used for welding brasses and bronzes, reducing
flame for nickel alloys and hard-facing materials and neutral flame for welding low-
carbon steels.
Oxy Acetylene Welding - a process of joining metals by heating with a gas flame. The heat is
obtained by the combustion of acetylene and oxygen.
Oxy Acetylene Welding - the welding of steel is performed without any flux, while fluxes are
necessary for welding particularly all other metals. Oxygen cutting is used for
wrought iron, steel and cast iron.
Oxy Arc Cutting - severing metal carried out by chemical reaction between the metal and
oxygen. The heat necessary is supplied by the arc between the electrode and the
base metal.
Oxy Hydrogen Cutting - severing metal, effected by means of the chemical reaction of oxygen
with the base metal at an elevated temperature. The heat required for carrying out
the process is obtained by the combustion of hydrogen and oxygen.
Oxy Hydrogen Welding - a welding process carried out by the heat produced by the combustion
of hydrogen and oxygen.
Oxyacetylene Flame - flame which is obtained from the combustion of oxygen and acetylene,
fed from separate steel cylinders. It is used for cutting metals.
Oxyacetylene Torch - a torch that mixes acetylene and oxygen to produce a hot flame for the
welding or cutting of metal; also known as Acetylene Torch.
Oxygen Bomb - a chamber capable of holding oxygen at an elevated pressure which can be
heated to an elevated temperature. Used for an accelerated aging test.
Oxygen Bomb Aging - a means of accelerating the change in physical properties of rubber
compounds by exposing them to the action of oxygen at an elevated temperature
and pressure.
Oxygen Cutting -
Oxygen Cutting - any of several types of cutting processes in which metal is removed with or
without a flux by a chemical reaction of the base metal with oxygen at high
temperatures.
Oxygen Cutting - severing metal at elevated temperature, effected by means of the chemical
reaction of oxygen with the base metal.
Oxygen Lance - a length of cutting torch used in conveying oxygen to the point of cutting.
Oxygen Service - solenoid valves specified for oxygen service require special cleaning, handling
and packaging and are generally furnished free of any oils or contaminants.
Ozone Resistance - ability to withstand the deteriorating effect of ozone (which generally causes
cracking).
P - 1) Phosphorus; 2) Preliminary; 3) liquid hydrocarbon, non corrosive; 4) hydrocarbon, liquid,
sweet
P&ID - Piping and Instrument Diagram
P1 - used to designate Inlet Pressure
P2 - used to designate Outlet Pressure
PA - 1) Price Agreement; 2) Public Address; 3) Pascal
Pack Hardening - a form of case-hardening. It uses a solid carburizing medium which is packed
around the low carbon steel objects and the whole object is then heated for such a
time and such a temperature so as to allow carbon to diffuse into the surface to the
desired depth.
Packing -
Packing - 1) a sealing system consisting of deformable material of one or more mating and
deformable elements contained in a packing box which may have an adjustable
compression means to obtain or maintain an effective pressure seal; 2) a method
of sealing a mechanical joint in a fluid system. A material such as oakum or treated
asbestos is compressed into the sealing area (known as a "packing box" or "stuffing
box") by a threaded seal ring.
Packing - a class of seal that is used to provide a seal between two parts of a unit which move in
relation to each other.
Packing - a deformable sealing material inserted into a valve stuffing box which when
compressed by the gland provides a tight seal about the stem.
Packing - a device used to seal a valve or other components. It consists of a deformable material
or deformable mating element.
Packing - a flexible device used to retain fluids under pressure or seal out foreign matter; it
normally refers to a dynamic seal.
Packing - a sealing system that normally consists of a deformable material such as TFE,
graphite, asbestos, etc. It is usually in the form of solid or split rings contained in a
packing box that are compressed so as to provide an effective pressure seal.
Packing - any variety of materials such as carbon, cotton, hemp, or synthetic materials fit into a
seal chamber. The packing material is used to make sealing contact with the shaft
by adjustment of a gland which compresses the material against face and bore of
the seal chamber.
Packing - deformable non-metallic material formed into rings, used to form a seal between the
shell and the valve stem or shaft.
Packing - material which is inserted in the stuffing box of a pump to provide water tightness.
Packing - see Stuffing
Packing Box -
Packing Box - the chamber located in the bonnet which surrounds the stem and contains the
packing and other stem-sealing components.
Packing Box - the chamber, in the bonnet, surrounding the stem and containing packing and
other stem sealing parts.
Packing Box, Purged - a packing arrangement consisting of a lantern ring inside the packing
rings to permit introduction of a purge fluid to continually flush the space between
the stem and body.
Packing Chamber - see Stuffing Box
Packing Follower -
Packing Follower - a part that transfers a mechanical load to the packing from the packing flange
or nut.
Packing Follower - a ring shaped device that is installed on top of the packing to hold it in place.
It may also be used to adjust the pressure on the packing.
Packing Gland - a separate part from the gland flange, used to prevent uneven load distribution
against the packing.
Packing Nut -
Packing Nut - (usually associated only with small relatively low-pressure valves) a nut which itself
contains and compresses the packing in cases where a gland and stuffing box are
not used.
Packing Nut - a nut similar to a gland nut, but which itself contains and compresses the packing
 in cases where a gland and stuffing box are not used; usually associated only with
small, relatively low-pressure valves.
Packline - oil flow that completely fills a pipeline.
Pad - 1) a layer of material used as a cushion for protection; 2) a projection of excess metal on a
casting forging, or welded part.
Paint - in the general sense, includes primers, enamels, varnishes, emulsions, catalyzed
coatings, bituminous coatings, and other organic coatings. Inorganic coatings
which are applied in the same manner as paints are included in this definition.
Painting - used to protect large areas of steel, particularly on structures where other methods
would be impractical: one could hardly paint dip a super tanker. The painting of
steel not only protects against rusting but also enhances the appearance. Although
painting appears to be a simple process, unless carried out correctly it will fail to
give prolonged protection.
Painting System - a term intended to include, with equal emphasis, not only the well accepted
components of a system such as surface preparation and paint materials, but also
the application, inspection, and safety functions.
Pallet - a tray or platform used in conjunction with a fork lift for lifting and moving materials.
PAMI - Positive Alloy Material Identification
Pan Bolt - a bolt with a head resembling an upside-down pan.
Pane - one of the sides on a nut or on the head of a bolt.
PAPA - Prepare to Abandon Platform Alarm
Parallel Gate Valve - double disc (gate) valve.
Parallel Slide Valve -
Parallel Slide Valve - a gate valve having one or two discs sliding between parallel body seats
without a spreading mechanism as in a double disc (gate) valve. The pressure of
the fluid forcing the downstream disc face against its mating body seat obtains the
effective closure.
Parallel Slide Valve - a gate valve in which the gate disc or discs are parallel to the seat or seats,
and closure is dependent on the mass of fluid holding the disc against the seat.
This type of valve is distinguishable by its stem, which runs between parallel guides.
Parallel Slide Valve - a valve in which the gate consists of one or two discs, without spreading
mechanism, which slide between parallel body seats, effective closure being
obtained by the pressure of the fluid forcing the downstream disc face against its
mating body seat.
Parent Metal - see Base Metal
Particulate Matter (PM) - finely divided liquid and solid material in gaseous emissions that result
from combustion or refining.
Parting Line - in casting, the dividing line between the two molding flasks that make up the sand
mold. It is also the dividing line between the two halves of the pattern.
PAS - Platform Automated System
Pascal -
Pascal - a unit of pressure equal to the pressure resulting form a force of 1 Newton acting
uniformly over an area of 1 square meter; symbolized Pa.
Pascal - a unit of pressure, equal to a force of one Newton per square meter.
Pascal - a unit of pressure, which equals 1 N/m2; abbreviated Pa.
Pascal - metric unit for pressure or stress
Pascal’s Law -
Pascal’s Law - a pressure applied to a confined fluid at rest is transmitted with equal intensity
throughout the fluid.
Pascal’s Law - in hydrostatics, a law which states that in a perfect fluid the pressure exerted on it
anywhere gets transmitted undiminished in all directions.
Pascal’s Law - it states that when a pressure is applied to a fluid enclosed in a container it is
transmitted to every portion of the fluid and walls of the container.
Pass - in metal rolling, the passage in one direction of metal deformed between rolls.
Passivate -
Passivate - a process for the treatment of stainless steel in which the material is subjected to the
action of an oxidizing solution which augments and strengthens the normal
 protective oxide film providing added resistance to corrosive attack.
Passivate - to treat a metal in order to form a protective coating on its surface and reduce its
chemical activity.
Passivation of Metal - the chemical treatment of a metal to improve its resistance to corrosion.
Passive - 1) resistant to corrosion; 2) unreactive because of a thin inert surface layer of oxide.
Passive Metal - a metal which has a natural or artificially produced surface film that makes it
resistant to electrochemical corrosion.
Patch Bolt - a bolt with a countersunk head having a square knob that twists off when the bolt is
screwed in tightly; used to repair boilers and steel ship hulls.
Path Line - it is the path followed by a fluid particle in motion.
Pattern -
Pattern - a duplicate made of wood or metal of a part to be cast. It is used to form the mold into
which the molten metal is poured.
Pattern - in casting, the replica of the final object to be made with some modifications. The cavity
in the mold is made with the help of a pattern.
Pattern - pattern is a model of an object to form a cavity of a sand mould for casting. Materials
used for pattern making are: wood, metals (brass, aluminum, etc.), plaster, plastic
compounds, wax, etc.
PAW - see Plasma Arc Welding.
Pb - Lead
PBE - Plain Both Ends
PC - 1) Piece; 2) liquid hydrocarbon, Corrosive, onshore or offshore
PCN - Personnel Certification in Non-destructive Testing (British National Scheme)
PCTFE - Poly-Choro-Tri-Fluoro-Ethylene
PDA - Petroleum Development Act
PE - Plain End
Pearlite -
Pearlite - a finely laminated mixture of ferrite and cementite present in cast iron and steel; also
spelled Perlite.
Pearlite - a mixture of iron and cementite, which crystallizes during the slow cooling of high-
temperature steel and cast iron.
Pearlite - the eutectoid mixture of ferrite and cementite. It consists of alternate layers of ferrite
and cementite in its grains. It is very strong, tough and possesses about 0.8%
carbon. It is stable below the critical temperatures. Its hardness is about 180 VPN.
Pectee - Ethylene-Chlorotrifluoroethylene. a Halar brand, for some external valve components;
it is also a valve body material for high temperature / high purity applications.
PEEK -
PEEK - (polyether-etherketone) a non-metallic material used as valve trim. It is a thermoplastic
suited for high temperatures and up to 450 psi. It is used for ball and butterfly valve
seats.
PEEK - Polyether-etherketone
Peel Test - a test to determine the adhesive strength of bonded strips of metals by peeling or
pulling the metal strips back and recording the adherence values.
PEFS - Process Engineering Flow Scheme
Penalty Clause - a clause sometimes put into a construction contract indicating the amount to be
paid as a penalty for non-fulfillment of a provision of the contract. It usually refers to
a penalty for each day’s delay beyond a specified completion date.
Penetration - in welding, the distance from the original surfaces of the base metal to that point at
which fusion ceases; also know as Depth of Fusion.
Peninsular Gas Utilization (PGU) - in Malaysia, an infrastructure development to process and
transmit natural gas fed from the fields offshore Terengganu to end-users in the
power, industrial and commercial sectors.
Penstock - a valve or sluice gate for regulating water or sewage flow.
Penstock Valve -
Penstock Valve - a type of simple gate valve, used to contain fluids in open channels. Often
found in waste water treatment plants.
Penstock Valve - a type of simple gate valve, used to contain fluids in open channels. Often
found in waste water treatment plants.
Penstock Valve - a vertically sliding gate usually in an open fluid channel, which seals against
abutments on the end walls of the downstream channel.
Percussion Welding -
Percussion Welding - a resistance welding process in which coalescence is produced over the
entire area of abutting surfaces, by the heat obtained by the arc from stored
electrical energy.
Percussion Welding - a resistance welding process in which coalescence is produced from the
heat of the arc by a rapid discharge of stored electrical energy followed by impact to
complete the weld. Since electrostatic capacitors are used in this process, it is also
known as electrostatic stored energy system or process of welding. It differs from
other welding processes, as in those processes a transformer is used, while in this
system discharge from a condenser is applied directly to the weld. The workpieces
to be welded are cleaned from grease, oil, dust, or rust. The workpieces are then
clamped into machine clamps or fixtures. The ends of the two pieces are brought
near to each other by application of light force. An arc between the workpieces is
struck. Then the welding force is applied. It extinguishes the arc and holds the
parts together while the weld cools. The welding force is then released and the
workpieces are unclamped. This process is suitable for welding copper and its
alloys, aluminum alloys, nickel alloys, low carbon steels, medium carbon steels,
stainless steels and high carbon steels. This process is advantageous as there is
complete absence of flash or upset. Heat treated and cold drawn metals can also
be welded. This process is limited to weld joints only.
Percussion Welding - a welding procedure in which heat is produced simultaneously over the
entire area of abutting surfaces from an arc produced by a rapid discharge of stored
electric energy, followed immediately by the application of pressure.
Perfect Lubrication - a complete, unbroken film of liquid formed over each of two metal surfaces
moving relatively to one another with no contact.
Periphery - the outside surface, especially that of a rounded object or body.
Perlite - see Pearlite
Permafrost - any rock or soil material that has remained below 32½° F continuously for two or
more years.
Permanent Gas - a gas at a pressure and temperature far from its liquid state.
Permanent Pressure Drop - the unrecoverable reduction in pressure that occurs when a fluid
passes through a nozzle, orifice or other throttling device.
Permanent Set -
Permanent Set - 1) the extension which is remaining after removal of a load from a test piece
when the elastic limit has been exceeded; 2) the permanent deflection of any
structure after having been subjected to a load.
Permanent Set - an extension which remains in a test piece after the load has been removed, the
elastic limit of the material having been exceeded.
Permanent Set - permanent plastic deformation of a structure or a test piece after removal of the
applied load; also known as Set.
Permanent Set - the deformation remaining after a specimen has been stresses in tension for a
definite period.
Permeability -
Permeability - in casting, metal is poured in the mold at high temperatures. Heat from casting
causes evolution of steam and hot gases. As such, the mold must be permeable,
i.e., porous so that the gases can escape easily through it.
Permeability - in high vacuum devices, the degree of vacuum that can be maintained depends, in
part, upon the quantity of gas passing through (permeating) the wall or gasket from
outside the chamber. Materials used for gaskets and chamber walls should be of
low permeability.
Permeability - the rate at which a liquid or gas under pressure passes through a solid material by
diffusion and solution. In rubber terminology, it is the rate of gas flow expressed in
atmospheric cubic centimeters per second through an elastomeric material one
centimeter square and one centimeter thick (atm cc/cm2/cm/sec).
Perpendicular - vertical; at a right angle to something
PET - Polyethylene Terephthalate. Used on certain housings. (PETRA is a brand name of this
material).
Peter Out - to fail gradually in size, quantity, or quality; for example, a mine may be said to have
petered out.
PETRA - see PET
Petrochemicals - chemicals derived from petroleum :.i.e. feedstock for the manufacture of
plastics and synthetic rubber etc. petrochemicals include benzene, toluene, xylem,
styrene, and methanol.
Petroleum - means ‘Stone Oil’ from the Latin petroleum, an inflammable liquid varying in color
(yellow-black), consisting mainly of hydrocarbons. Petroleum is found in
sedimentary strata of the Earth’s crust.
Petroleum Engineering - the application of almost all types of engineering to the drilling for and
production of oil, gas, and liquefiable hydrocarbons.
Petroleum Processing - the recovery and processing of various usable fractions from the
complex crude oils; usable fractions include gasoline, kerosene, diesel oil, fuel oil,
and asphalt; also known as Petroleum Refining.
PFA - Perfluoroalkoxy (a thermoplastic)
PFD - Process Flow Diagram
PFP - Passive Fire Protection
PFS - Process Flow Scheme
PGU - Peninsular Gas Utilization
PH - the logarithm to the base ten of the reciprocal of the concentration of hydrogen ions in an
aqueous solution.
Phase - the type of state of a system, such as solid, liquid, or gas.
Phase Structure - Most metallic materials in general use are alloys since this allows their
properties to be manipulated for the most appropriate performance in use.
Although alloys are mixtures of identifiable individual metals, their combination can
precipitate quite complex intermetallic compounds. In a solution of metals, after
cooling and solidification, it may be possible to identify the original pure element
constituents, or there may be new combinations with two metals yielding a new
solid solution, or one identifiable metal may be suspended in a new solution. All of
these variants are individually identifiable to a metallurgist, and they are called
Phases. The formation of different but identifiable phases is controlled by the
temperature the metals are heated to and their rate of cooling as well as the relative
proportions of the original constituents used in the mixture. Atoms diffuse through
metals at different rates at different temperatures and this rate of movement is
arrested when the cooling process starts. Consequently, the final Phase Structure
is determined by the rate of cooling. This is why subsequent heat treatments to
metals have to be carefully controlled. Phase structures can be altered and this will
affect the strength and other properties of the metal. This explains why welding is
such a critical process and has to follow precise standards.
Philips Screw - a screw having in its head a recess in the shape of a cross; it is inserted or
removed with a Philips screwdriver that automatically centers itself in the screw.
Phosphating - a method for applying a thin layer of phosphate on a metal surface.
Phosphor Bronze - a hard copper-tin alloy, deoxidized with phosphorus, and sometimes
containing lead to enhance its machinability.
Phosphoric Acid - a transparent, crystalline, water-soluble compound used in rust removers and
for forming a corrosion resistant layer on iron and steel; also called
Orthophosphoric acid.
Phosphorus -
Phosphorus - in appreciable amounts, it increases strength and hardness in steel, but at the
sacrifice of ductility and impact toughness, particularly in higher carbon steels that
are quenched and tempered. Consequently. for most applications phosphorus is
maintained below a specified maximum.
Phosphorus - phosphorus has a powerful tendency to segregate. Hence, steels with an average
phosphorus content of 0.05% have a few areas that contain 0.1%, which then
becomes dangerous. The phosphorus content should be kept at 0.02 to 0.05%.
 Phosphorus forms Fe3P which dissolves in iron up to 1.7%, but in the presence of
3.5% carbon its solubility is reduced to 0.3% and the excess forms the brittle
eutectic found in cast iron.
Phosphorus - up to 0.15% (by weight) can harden steels, to aid accurate machining.
Physical Properties - such as shape, size, color, specific gravity, melting point, atomic structure
etc.
PIC - Project Inspection Coordinator
Pickling -
Pickling - a process of removing a coating of scale, oxide, tarnish, etc. from metal objects, in
order to obtain a chemically clean surface. It is usually accomplished by immersing
the metal in an acid bath. Acid pickling is a more convenient method of scale
removal in many cases than mechanical cleaning and sand blasting.
Pickling - preferential removal of oxide scale from the surface of metal by immersion in a strong
alkaline or inhibited acid solution.
Pickling - the process of chemically removing scale or oxide from metal objects to get a
chemically clean surface prior to galvanizing or painting. This is usually done by
immersion in an acid bath.
Pickling - the removal of scale, grease, or salt water deposits by dipping in a suitable dilute acid
circulating bath. It is done before bounding metals with high-grade adhesive.
Pieze - a unit of pressure equal to 1 sthene per square meter, or to 1000 Pascal; abbreviated pz.
Piezometer - an instrument for measuring fluid pressure, such as a gauge attached to a pipe
containing a gas or liquid.
Pig -
Pig - 1) an in line scraper for removing scale and deposits from the inside surface of a pipeline; a
holder containing brushes, blades, cutters, swabs, or a combination is forced
through the pipe by fluid pressure; 2) a crude metal casting, usually of primary
refined metal intended for remelting to make alloys.
Pig - a device which fits snugly inside an oil or gas pipeline, and is sent through it to clean or test
the inside, or to act as a barrier.
Pig - a handleable mass of metal (e.g. cast iron, copper or lead), cast in a simple shape for
transportation or storage, and subsequently remelted for purification, alloying,
casting into final shapes, or into ingots for rolling.
Pig - an in-line scraper (brush, blade cutter, or swab) forced through pipelines by fluid pressure;
used to remove scale, sand, water, and other foreign matter from the interior
surfaces of the pipe.
Pig Iron -
Pig Iron - a semi-refined iron with approximately 4% (by weight) of carbon, and also containing
unwanted elements such as silicon, manganese, sulphur and phosphorus. Pig iron
needs to be further refined to reduce the carbon content and the other undesirable
elements.
Pig Iron - crude iron produced by reducing iron ore in a blast furnace and casting it into pigs for
subsequent use in making steel, cast iron or wrought iron. Principal impurities are
carbon from 2.5 to 5%, and varying amounts of silicon, manganese, sulphur and
phosphorus.
Pig Iron - it is manufactured by smelting iron ore in a blast furnace along with coke, limestone and
hot air. Iron ore is a mineral substance. It contains iron oxide )Fe2O3) along with
silicon, manganese, sulphur, phosphorus as impurities. Iron ore used in India for
the extraction of iron contains at least 60% iron.
Pig Iron - the high carbon iron product obtained by the reduction of iron ores, typically in a blast
furnace or an electric furnace, and cast into uniform shapes having physical and
chemical characteristics suitable for end as foundry melting stock.
Pig Iron - the name for the melted iron produced in a blast furnace, containing a large quantity of
carbon (above 1.5%). Named long ago when molten iron was poured through a
trench in the ground to flow into shallow earthen holes, the arrangement looked like
newborn pigs suckling. The central channel became known as the "sow," and the
molds were "pigs."
Pigment - a solid coloring agent in paint.
Pillar / Bonnet Connection - (obsolete term) the bosses or flange on the bonnet to which the
 pillars are secured.
Pillar Nuts - nuts used to secure the pillars to a valve bridge or to the bonnet.
Pillars -
Pillars - (obsolete term) distance pieces connecting the bridge to the cover; also formerly called
Columns.
Pillars - distance pieces connecting the bridge to a valve bonnet.
Pillars - the lower half of a journal bearing.
Pillars Nuts - (obsolete term) nuts used to secure the pillars to the bridge or to the bonnet.
Pilot Hole - a small hole drilled ahead of a larger borehole.
Pilot Tube - an instrument that measures the stagnation pressure of a flowing fluid, consisting of
an open tube pointing into the fluid and connected to a pressure-indicating device;
also known as Impact Tube.
Pilot Valve -
Pilot Valve - a device acting between the source pressure and the actuator that directs (controls)
flow.
Pilot Valve - a small valve requiring little power which is used to operate a larger valve.
Pilot Valve - a valve used to operate another valve or control.
PIM - Pre-Inspection Meeting
Pin - a cylindrical fastener made of wood, metal, or other material used to join two members or
parts with freedom of angular movement at the joint.
Pin Joint - a joint made with a pin hinge which has a removable pin.
Pinch Point - on a ball valve, the area of the seat insert that experiences an increased velocity
when the valve is seated closed and unseated open. This is where the seat seal
experiences the most wear.
Pinch Valve -
Pinch Valve - a valve consisting of a flexible elastomeric tubular member connected to two rigid
flow path ends in which modulation and/or shut off of flow is accomplished by
squeezing the flexible member into eventual tight sealing contact.
Pinch Valve - a valve consisting of a flexible elastomeric tubular member connected to two rigid
flow path ends in which modulation and/or shut off of flow is accomplished by
squeezing the flexible member into eventual tight sealing contact. The flexible
member may or may not be reinforced. The flexible member may or may not be
surrounded by a pressure retaining boundary consisting of a metal housing with
stem packing box. Squeezing of the flexible member may be accomplished by: a)
single stem and leverage acting from both sides so that the total collapse and
sealing occurs along the horizontal center line of the flexible member; b) double
stem action involving two separate actuator assemblies diametrically opposed, or c)
a separate source of fluid pressure applied to an annulus surrounding the flexible
member. A Clamp Valve is a pinch valve but with clamps and shaped inserts used
to provide stress relief in the creased area of the tubular member; see One Piece
Element Clamp, Two Piece Element Clamp.
Pinch Valve - a valve in which a flexible hose is pinched between one or two moving external
elements to stop the flow. This valve is often used in slurry and mining applications,
as its operation is not affected by solid matter in the medium. It is also used with
certain gases, as the absence of possible leak paths to the atmosphere ensures
good emission control.
Pinch Valve - a valve in which a flexible hose is pinched between one or two moving external
elements to stop the flow. This valve is often used in slurry and mining applications,
as its operation is not affected by solid matter in the medium.
Pinch Valve - a valve with a flexible flow tube, usually rubber, which is flattened to close the tube
and stop the flow.
Pinch Valve - particularly suited for applications of slurries or liquids with large amounts of
suspended solids. It seals by means of one or more flexible elements, such as a
rubber tube, that can be pinched to shut off flow.
Pinholes -
Pinholes - a fault in a casting or coating resulting from small blisters that have burst or from small
voids that formed during plating.
Pinholes - numerous small gas holes at the surface or just below the surface of castings,
generally occurring in the thicker parts of the casting as a reduction in the solubility
of gases in the metal as the metal cools.
Pinholes - numerous very small holes revealed on a casting surface after shot blasting. They are
caused due to a) high moisture content, b) faulty metal, c) dissolved gases in metal,
and d) sand containing gas-producing ingredients.
Pinion -
Pinion - 1) a small wheel in gear with a much larger one; 2) a small gear wheel meshing with a
rack.
Pinion - a small, toothed gear that engages with a larger wheel or rack.
Pinion - the smaller of a pair of gear wheels or the smallest wheel of a gear train.
Pinion - the smaller of two gear wheels, or the smallest gear in a gear train.
Pinion Leaf - a tooth of a pinion
Pinion Shaft - the external input shaft of certain gear operators which drive the internal reduction
gearing.
Pintle -
Pintle - a pin or bolt upon which some other part pivots or turns.
Pintle - a vertical pivot pin, as on a rudder or a gun carriage.
Pipe -
Pipe - a tube made of metal, clay, plastic, wood, or concrete and used to conduct a fluid, gas, or
finely divided solid.
Pipe - a type of fluid line whose dimensions are designated by nominal (approximate) inside
diameter and wall thickness.
Pipe - technically a tube used to transport fluids or gases. However, pipe and tube are often
used interchangeably in steel lexicon, with a given label applied primarily as a
matter of historical use.
Pipe - used to carry liquids, gases, or solids suspended in liquid, and is manufactured in a wide
range of materials, some of which are better suited than others for specific uses.
Pipe is roughly classified as either pressure pile, which can be subjected to internal
pressure such as for water supply system or drainage pipe, which is also called
non-pressure or gravity pipe and is used primarily for drainage, waste lines and
venting. Pipe is specified in terms of its internal diameter as opposed to tubing,
which is specified by the outside diameter. The term ‘class’ refers to pressure pipes
and indicates pressure-resisting characteristics; the term schedule refers to wall
thickness.
Pipe Elbow Meter - a variable head for measuring flow around the bend in a pipe.
Pipe Fitting - a piece, such as couplings, unions, nipples, tees, and elbows for connecting
lengths of pipes.
Pipe Flange - a round, collar-like plate around the end of a pipe, used to join sections of pipe
together by bolting a matching flange on one pipe to another flange on the other
pipe. A blind flange is one without a hole for passage of liquids, used to close the
end of the pipe.
Pipe Run - the path followed by a piping system.
Pipe Scale - rust and corrosion products adhering to the inner surfaces of pipes; it decreases
ability to transfer heat and increases the pressure drop for flowing fluids.
Pipe Still - a petroleum-refinery still in which heat is applied to the oil while it is being pumped
through a coil or pipe arranged in a firebox, the oil then running to a fractionator with
continuous removal of overhead vapor and liquid bottoms.
Pipe Tap - a small threaded hole or entry made into the wall of a pipe; used for sampling of pipe
contents, or connection of control devices or pressure drop measurement devices.
Pipe Tee - a T-shaped pipe fitting with two outlets, one at 90 degrees to the connection to the
main line.
Pipe Thread - most commonly, a 60 degrees thread used on pipes and tubes, characterized by
flat crests and roots and cut with three quarter inch taper per foot (about 1.9
centimeters per 30 centimeters); also known as Taper Pipe Thread.
Pipe Wrench - a wrench with slightly curved, serrated jaws, designed to tighten the grip on the
pipe as the handle is turned; also called Stillson Wrench.
Pipeline -
Pipeline - a line of pipe connected to valves and other control devices, for conducting fluids,
gases, or finely divided solids.
Pipeline - a pipe laid across country, either on the surface or in a trench which is later filled in, to
transport oil, natural gas and many other substances over long distances.
Pipework - see Piping
Piping -
Piping - a system of pipes provided to carry a fluid; also known as Pipework.
Piping - can occur during the solidification of a steel in a slightly tapered ingot mold, placed
narrow end uppermost. Firstly, a layer of solid metal forms around the ingot walls
and contraction in liquid metal takes place that results in the fall of the level of liquid.
In this way, the successive layers of solid are formed, each accompanied by a fall in
the liquid metal that results in the formation of primary piping. When an ingot is
used with the narrow end up, a conical volume of steel still remains liquid, though
metal at the top has solidified. Solidification of this metal produces further cavity
known as secondary piping. Secondary piping can be prevented by using the wide
end of the mold upward. In this case, the shrinkage is counteracted by feeding
down the molten metal from the top, the region last to solidify. A brick-lined top at
the mold also helps in reducing primary piping. Though forging eliminates a lot of
piping, there are chances that the material may not weld properly during forging.
Piping or sinking also takes place in shaped castings. It is minimized by placing
feeders, risers, or reservoirs of molten metal to compensate for solidification
shrinkage. Some exothermic materials are also added at the top of the risers to
delay cooling at the top and compensate for shrinkage of metal during solidification.
Chills are also used to accelerate cooling at thick sections.
Piping And Instrumentation Drawing (P&ID) - 1) shows the interconnection of process
equipment and the instrumentation used to control the process. In the process
industry, a standard set of symbols is used to prepare drawings of processes. The
instrument symbols used in these drawings are generally based on Instrument
Society of America (ISA) Standard S5.1; 2) the primary schematic drawing used for
laying out a process control installation.
Piston -
Piston - a disc or short cylinder fitting closely within a tube in which it moves up and down, as in a
pump.
Piston - that part of the non-return mechanism of a piston non-return valve which works in the
dashpot cylinder.
Piston Check Valve - a type of lift check valve in which a dashpot is incorporated, consisting of a
piston and cylinder, which provides a cushioning effect during operation.
Piston Non Return Valve -
Piston Non Return Valve - a disc non-return valve in which is incorporated a dashpot, consisting
of a piston and cylinder, which provides a cushion effect during operation.
Piston Non Return Valve - dashpot valve
Piston Rod - in a linear actuator, a rod attached to the piston to transfer the piston’s motion to
the valve stem via the stem adapter.
Piston Valve - a cylindrical type of steam engine slide valve for admission and exhaust of steam.
Pit -
Pit - a circular depression, usually small; also called Pock Mark.
Pit - a hollow or indentation in a surface.
Pit - a small surface cavity in a metal part or coating usually caused by corrosion or formed
during electroplating.
Pitch -
Pitch - a product of coal tar. It is used up to 3% in the form of ground powder. Pitch is used
along with clay and sulphite binder for making cores. Pitch provides hot strength to
the core in the presence of molten metal around the core.
Pitch - the distance between similar elements arranged in a pattern or between two points of
mechanical part, as the distance between the peaks of two successive grooves on
a screw.
Pitch Circle - in toothed gears, an imaginary circle concentric with the gear axis which is defined
 at the thickest point on the teeth and along which the tooth pitch is measured.
Pitch Cone - a cone representing the pitch surface of a bevel gear.
Pitch Cylinder - a cylinder representing the pitch surface of a spur gear.
Pitch Diameter - the diameter of the pitch circle of a gear.
Pitting Corrosion -
Pitting Corrosion - a concentrated attack by oxygen or other corrosive chemicals in a boiler,
producing a localized depression in the metal surface.
Pitting Corrosion - passive metals have been resistant to a wide variety of corrosive media but
under certain conditions breakdown of the passive film may take place at various
points. Depending on conditions, this may lead to complete breakdown of the
passive film or the attack may concentrate at these initial areas, leading to rapid
failure by pitting.
Plain Carbon Steel - steels containing iron and carbon only.
Plane Strain - a deformation of a body in which the displacement of all points in the body are
parallel to a given plane, and the values of these displacements do not depend on
the distance perpendicular to the plane.
Planishing - smoothing the surface of a metal by a rapid series of overlapping, light hammer like
blows or by rolling in a planishing mill.
Plasma Arc Cutting - metal cutting by melting a localized area with an arc followed by removal
of metal by high-velocity, high-temperature ionized gas.
Plasma Arc Welding (PAW) - a welding process in which coalescence is produced by the heat
obtained from a concentrated arc set up between a tungsten electrode and a water
cooled nozzle. Arc plasma is the temporary state of a gas. The process employs
two inert gases. One gas forms the arc plasma and the second shields the arc
plasma. In plasma arc welding the arc is constructed with the help of a water-
cooled small diameter nozzle. The nozzle increases the gas pressure, intensely
raises the temperature, improves arc stability and arc shape. When electric current
is passed through a gas, the gas gets ionized. The ionized gas consists of
electrons and ions. Arc plasma is the temporary state of a gas. The energy on arc
plasma depends upon the electrical power used to create the arc plasma. The
temperature obtained by arc plasma is as high as 20000° C as compared to 3600°
to 4000° C by the ordinary arc. Depending upon the nature of the arc, plasma arc
welding can be divided into 2 categories: 1) non -transferred arc process, and 2)
transferred arc process.
Plasma Arc Welding (PAW) -
Plasma Arc Welding (PAW) - metals are heated with a constricted arc between an electrode and
the workpiece (transferred arc), or the electrode and the constricting nozzle
(nontransferred arc). Shielding is obtained from the hot, ionized gas issuing from
the orifice which may be supplemented by an auxiliary source of shielding gas.
Plasma Torch - a torch in which temperatures as high as 50,000° Celsius are achieved by
injecting a plasma gas tangentially into an electric arc formed between electrodes in
a chamber; the resulting vortex of hot gases emerges at very high speed through a
hole in the negative electrode. To form a jet for welding, spraying of molten metal,
and cutting of hard rock or hard metals.
Plastic - any of a large number of synthetic, non-metallic materials (polymeric substances) that
can be molded by heat and / or pressure into any rigid or semi-rigid shape.
Plastic Collision - a collision in which one or both of the colliding bodies suffers plastic
deformation and mechanical energy is dissipated.
Plastic Deformation -
Plastic Deformation - deformation while a material is in a plastic state.
Plastic Deformation - permanent change in shape or size of a solid body without fracture resulting
from the application of sustained stress beyond the elastic limit.
Plastic Deformation - permanent deformation caused by stressing beyond the elastic limit.
Plastic Fracture - refers to the breakage of a metal under tensile load when being drawn out.
Plastic State - see Stress-Strain Relationship
Plastic Welding - a welding process in which the pieces of metal to be joined are heated to the
plastic state and then forced together by external pressure without the addition of
filler material.
Plasticate - to soften a material by heating or kneading; also known as Plastify.
Plasticity -
Plasticity - the ability of a material to undergo permanent deformation at a certain stage of
working. Plastic materials can be molded to any shape. Clay is a plastic material.
Plasticity - the property of a solid body in which it undergoes a permanent change in shape or
size when subjected to a stress exceeding a particular value, called the yield value.
Plasticity - the susceptibility of a material at a certain temperature and lading condition to exhibit
a permanent deformation after it gets induced by a stress taking it past the yield
point.
Plasticity - this property is the exact opposite of elasticity. It is the state of a material which has
been loaded beyond its elastic state. Under a load beyond that required to cause
elastic deformation (the elastic limit) a material possessing the property of plasticity
deforms permanently. It takes a permanent set and will not recover when the load
is removed.
Plasticize - to soften a material to make it plastic or moldable by adding a plasticizer or by using
heat.
Plasticizer - a substance, usually a heavy liquid, added to an elastomer to decrease stiffness,
improve low temperature properties, and improve processing.
Plastics - a broad classification covering a variety of non-metallic, synthetic or organic materials
capable of being molded or formed into desired shapes. Typical materials include
nylons and tetrafluoroethylenes such as Teflon.
Plastify - see Plasticate
Plastometer - an instrument for measuring the plasticity of raw or unvulcanized compounded
rubber.
Plate -
Plate - flat metallic materials greater than 5mm (3/16 in) thick.
Plate - sheet steel with a width of more than eight inches, with a thickness ranging from one
quarter of an inch to more than one foot; see Sheet Steel.
Plate - the flow control element of a wafer check valve.
Platform - set of facilities used to extract oil from sea fields. The platform rises above the sea.
Play - free or unimpeded motion of an object, such as the motion between poorly fitted or worn
parts of a mechanism.
PLC - 1) Public Limited Company; 2) Programmable Logic Controller
PLE - Plain Large End
Plenum - a condition in which air pressure within an enclosed space is greater than that in the
outside atmosphere.
Plug -
Plug - a term sometimes used to refer to the closure component in a valve.
Plug - see Closure Member
Plug - that component which is turned within the body to control the flow of fluid.
Plug - the flow control element of a plug valve.
Plug - the moveable part of the valve that makes contact with the valve seat when the valve is
closed; and which varies the area controlling the flow. The three most common
types of control valve plugs are contoured, V-port, and quick opening. A contoured
plug controls flow by a shaped end. and is usually end-guided at the top or bottom
(or both) of the valve body. A V-port plug has a cylinder (called a skirt) which rides
up and down in the seat ring. The skirt guides the plug, and by virtue of shaped
openings in the skirt, varies the flow area. Quick-opening plugs are machined to
provide maximum flow quickly when the plug lifts from its seat. These plugs can be
either end-guided or guided by wings riding in the seat ring.
Plug Cock -
Plug Cock - a small plug valve. Plug cocks have no provision for reducing friction between the
plug and body; also called a Cock.
Plug Cock - a taper-seated cock in which the plug is retained in the body by means of a washer,
screw and nut at the smaller end of the plug.
Plug Cock - see Plug Valve
Plug Components - those parts which are associated, but not integral, with the plug.
Plug Face - the surface of the plug or of the plug facing, which makes contact with the body seat.
Plug Facing - a deposit of material, different from that of the plug, on which the plug face is
formed.
Plug Fastening - comprises washer, screw and nut, or other device, to retain the plug in a plug
cock.
Plug Forming - thermoforming process for plastics molding in which a plug or male mold is used
to partially preform the part before forming is completed, using vacuum or pressure.
Plug Head - that part of the plug shank or stem to which the wrench or other operating device is
attached.
Plug Holding Down Plate - the component, of certain compound gland cocks, which seats the
plug.
Plug Holding Down Plate Fastening - comprise bolts, stud bolts, studs, set screws and nuts
used to secure the plug holding-down plate.
Plug Meter - a variable-area flow-meter in which a tapered plug, located in an orifice and raised
until the resulting opening is sufficient to handle the fluid flow, is used to measure
the flow rate.
Plug Packing - material inserted in a packed cock to effect a seal between the plug face and the
body seat.
Plug Port - the passage-way or passage-ways through the plug. These may be a) Straight-
through, b) Tee port, c) “L” or angle port, d) Double “L” or double angle port.
Plug Shank - the integral part of the plug which passes through the body or cover, and on which
the plug head is formed.
Plug Valve -
Plug Valve - 1) a valve with a closure member that may be cylindrical, conical or a spherical
segment in shape. It is positioned, open to closed, with rotary motion; 2) A type of
shutoff valve consisting of a tapered rod with a lateral hole through it. As the rod is
rotated 90 degrees about its longitudinal axis, the hole is first aligned with the
direction of flow through the valve and then aligned crosswise, interrupting the flow.
Plug Valve - a form of shut-off device, having a plug which can be turned to move its port or ports
relative to the body seat ports to control the flow of fluid and which incorporates
design features which reduce the friction between the plug face and the body seat
during turning of the plug and/or seal them against leakage.
Plug Valve - a type of valve using a cylindrical or conical flow control element with a passage
through it and that rotates 90 degrees from open to closed.
Plug Valve - a valve fitted with a plug that has a hole through which fluid flows and that is
rotatable through 90 degrees for operation in the open or closed position; also
known as Plug Cock.
Plug Valve - a valve which is quarter turn in operation and uses either a cylindrical or conical plug
as the closing member. A sealing compound is usually injected between the plug
and the valve body. Lubricated plug valves have a special lubricant, which also
acts as a seal, injected between the plug and the valve body. Eccentric plug valves
are non-lubricated and have a cylindrical seating surface offset from the center of
the valve stem. Sleeved plug valves have a ‘soft’ inset between the plug and valve
body. Multi-ported valves have a special plug and body with various flow
configurations.
Plug Valve - a valve with a cylindrical rotating center, through the cylinder is a hole. When the
hole is correctly lined up fluid can flow through the valve. Similar to a stopcock but
on a larger scale.
Plug Valve - this multi-turn valve derives its name from the rotating plug which forms the closing
element. The plug may be cylindrical or truncated. In the open position, the fluid
flows through a hole in the plug. Lubricated plug valves rely on a sealing compound
injected between the plug and the valve body, while sleeved plug valves are fitted
with a ‘soft’ insert between the plug and the body.
Plug Valve - this multi-turn valve derives its name from the rotating plug which forms the closing
element. The plug may be cylindrical or truncated.
Plug Valve - used primarily for on-off service and some throttling services. It controls flow by
means of a cylindrical or tapered plug with a hole in the center that lines up with the
flow path of the valve to permit flow. A quarter turn in either direction blocks the
 flow path.
Plug Valve, Characterized Plug Configuration - plug with contoured face to provide various
flow characteristics.
Plug Valve, Cylindrical Configuration Plug - plug is cylindrical, with a flow passage through it,
or is a partial cylinder.
Plug Valve, Eccentric Configuration Plug - plug face is not concentric with plug stem centerline
and moves into seat when closing.
Plug Valve, Eccentric Spherical Disk Configuration Plug - disk is spherical segment, not
concentric with the disk stem.
Plug Valve, Lift - in which mechanical means are provided to lift the plug from the body seat
during turning of the plug.
Plug Valve, Lubricated -
Plug Valve, Lubricated - a design of a plug valve that uses injected sealant (lubricant) to reduce
the required operating force and achieve a tight seal against internal leakage.
Plug Valve, Lubricated - a plug valve which incorporates design features in which lubricant is
injected under pressure between the plug face and body seat.
Plug Valve, Non Lubricated - a plug valve which incorporates design features to reduce the
friction between the plug face and body seat during turning of the plug. Common
types are lift plug and split plug.
Plug Valve, Sleeved - a plug valve design that has a non-metallic lining on the body seating
surfaces.
Plug Valve, Split - in which the plug is split and mechanical means are provided to contract the
plug whilst it is being turned.
Plug Valve, Tapered Configuration Plug - plug is tapered and may be lifted from seating
surface before rotating to close or open.
Plug Valve, Venturi -
Plug Valve, Venturi - a valve with a substantially reduced opening through the plug, in which the
transition from each full opening end to the reduced opening is well streamlined.
Plug Valve, Venturi - a valve with a substantially reduced opening through the plug, in which the
transmission from each full opening end to the reduced opening is well streamlined.
Plug Weld - a series of holes drilled in one plate are fillet welded to join it to another overlaping
undrilled plate. Alternatively, pins, jig pins or plugs may project from one part
through holes in another to which they are then welded.
Plummet - a loose-fitting metal plug in a tapered rotameter tube which moves upward (or
downward) with an increase (or decrease) in fluid flow rate upward through the
tube; also known as Float.
Plunging - the formation of a barrier (plug) of solid material in a process flow system, such as a
pipe or reactor.
Ply - the number of strands or layers
PM - Particulate Matter
PMI - Positive Material Identification
PMIV - Positive Material Identification Verified
PN - Pressure Nominal (Metric)
Pneumatic -
Pneumatic - 1) a device which converts the energy of a compressible fluid, usually air, into
motion; 2) pertaining to or operated by a gas, especially air.
Pneumatic - a pneumatic valve is supplied with the pneumatic actuator alone, without a solenoid
valve; see Electro-Pneumatic.
Pneumatic - operated by compressed air
Pneumatic Control System - 1) a control system that uses air or gas as the energy source; 2) a
system which makes use of air for operating control valves and actuators.
Pneumatic Control Valve -
Pneumatic Control Valve - a spring loaded valve that regulates the area of a fluid flow opening by
changing position in response to variable pneumatic pressure opposing the spring
force.
Pneumatic Control Valve - a valve in which the force of compressed air against a diaphragm is
opposed by the force of a spring to control the area of the opening for a fluid
 stream.
Pneumatic Controller - a device activated by air pressure to mechanically position another
device, such as a valve stem; also known as Pneumatic Positioner.
Pneumatic Test -
Pneumatic Test - a test in which a valve is tested with air; usually a seat closure test.
Pneumatic Test - pressure testing of a process vessel by the use of air pressure.
Pneumatic Valve - a valve for controlling gas
Pneumatics - engineering science relating to gaseous pressure and flow.
PNPP - Pipe Nipple
PO - Purchase Order
Polishing - in petroleum refining, removal of final traces of impurities.
Polishing Wheel - an abrasive wheel used for polishing.
Polyether Etherketone - see PEEK
Polyethylene - see Polythene
Polymer -
Polymer - a chemical compound or mixture consisting essentially of repeating structural units.
Polymers with special elastic properties are called elastomers.
Polymer - a compound composed of one or more large molecules that are formed from repeated
units of small molecules.
Polymer - a material formed by the joining together of many (poly) individual units (mer) of one or
more monomers; synonymous with elastomer.
Polymer - hydrocarbon chains made from monomers. The most common include widely traded
plastics like, polypropylene, polyethylene and polystyrene.
Polymeric Material - a compound formed by molecular bonding (polymerizing) of two or more
simple molecules (monomers). This material is commonly referred to as plastic.
Polymide - a high molecular weight polymer with high temperature stability (up to 375° C) and
low outgassing at high temperatures. It is used for gate, bonnet, poppet and other
seals. It absorbs large amounts of water when exposed to air. Thus it should be
avoided in systems which are frequently cycled using room air.
Polypropylene - a lightweight plastic that offers relatively high purity characteristics at a price
well below PVDF or PTFE. Impervious to many chemicals; also known as PP and
PPL.
Polysulfide Treating - a petroleum refinery process used to remove elemental sulfur from
refinery liquids by contacting them with a nonregenerable solution of sodium
polysulfide.
Polytetrafluoroethylene - see Teflon
Polythene - a waxy, translucent, easily molded thermoplastic, used for packing and insulating
materials, and to make pipes and molded articles.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) - a polymer used as raw material for many common products.
Pop Action - the action of a safety valve as it opens under steam pressure when the valve disk
is lifted off its seat.
Pop Valve - a boiler safety valve in which the head of the valve is shaped so as to cause the
steam to accelerate the rate of lift when a small lift occurs, giving rapid pressure
release.
Poppet -
Poppet - a gasket or O-ring carrier which moves the closure gasket or O-ring into position with
the valve seat and transfers sealing force to the gasket or O-ring to effect a leak-
tight seal.
Poppet - a spring loaded ball that engages a notch.
Poppet Valve -
Poppet Valve - a cam-operated or spring-loaded reciprocating-engine mushroom-type valve used
for control of admission and exhaust of working fluid; the direction of movement is
at right angles to the plane of its seat.
Poppet Valve - a mushroom shaped valve that controls the intake or exhaust of working fluid in a
reciprocating engine; it may be cam operated or spring loaded, and its direction of
movement is at right angles to the plane of its seat.
Porosity -
Porosity - a defect found in castings or welds consisting of gas bubbles or voids in the solidified
metal.
Porosity - a large number of holes in a casting. In casting, porosity may result in leaking castings
and reduced pressure tightness. Porosity can also occur due to a) dissolved
hydrogen or sulphur dioxide, b) excessive pouring temperature, c) damp ladles, d)
slow rate of solidification, and e) excessive moisture content of the mold.
Porosity - a welding defect which is the presence of gas pockets or inclusions in a weld. Gases
entrapped in the weld metal cause it. When the cavities formed are in tubular
shape, then the defect is known as piping or wormholes. A large associated cavity
due to the same cause is known as a blowhole. Some of the major causes of
porosity are the use of damp electrodes, very long arc, improper electrode,
improper current intensity and defective work surface. Rust, scale, oil, grease, or
galvanizing moisture on the surface promotes porosity.
Porosity - the quality or state of being porous.
Port -
Port - an internal or external terminus of a passage in a component.
Port - openings through which the media enters and exits the valve.
Port - the flow control orifice of a control valve. It is also used to refer to the inlet or outlet
openings of a valve.
Port - the internal or external terminus of a passage in a component.
Port - the plug opening in a plug valve; see Bore
Port - this term refers to the flow-controlling opening between the seat and the disc when the
valve is wide open. It does not refer to body size or end connection size. Standard
valve ports are the sizes normally used in the valves. Valves with reduced ports
have flow contequal to a smaller valve with a standard port. Example: A one-inch
valve with 3/4-inch reduced port size usually has the same flow-controlling area as
a 3/4 inch valve with standard port size.
Port Guide - a valve plug with wings or a skirt fitted to the seat ring bore.
Port Guided - a valve plug that fits inside the seat ring, which acts as a guide bushing.
Examples are Splined Plug, Hollow Skirt, and the Feather-Guide Plug.
Port Size - the diameter of the hole in the ball of a ball valve or plug valve.
Position Indicator -
Position Indicator - a device to show whether a valve is in the open or closed position.
Position Indicator - any external device which visually indicates the open and closed position of
valve.
Position Switch -
Position Switch - a pneumatic, hydraulic or electrical device which is linked to the valve stem to
detect a single, preset valve stem position.
Position Switch - a switch that is linked to the valve stem to detect a single, preset valve stem
position. Example: Full Open or Full Closed. The switch may be pneumatic,
hydraulic, or electric.
Position Transmitter - a device that is mechanically connected to the valve stem and will
generate and transmit either a pneumatic or electric signal that represents the valve
stem position.
Positioner -
Positioner - a control accessory that accepts a varying input signal and direct air to the actuator
to position the valve for flow control.
Positioner - a device used to position a valve with regard to a signal. The positioner compares
the input signal with a mechanical feed back link from the actuator. It then
produces the force necessary to move the actuator output until the mechanical
output position feedback corresponds with the pneumatic signal value. Positioners
can also be used to modify the action of the valve (reverse acting positioner), alter
the stroke or controller input signal (split range positioner), increase the pressure to
the valve actuator (amplifying positioner), or alter the control valve flow
characteristic (characterized positioner).
Positioner - a feedback device that aids in the accurate positioning of a valve closure or the
throttling element with respect to the magnitude of the signal being received.
Positioner - a position controller, which is mechanically connected to a moving part of a final
control element or its actuator, and automatically adjusts its output pressure to the
actuator in order to maintain a desired position that bears a predetermined
relationship to the input signal. The positioner can be used to modify the action of
the valve (reversing positioner), extend the stroke/controller signal (split range
positioner), increase the pressure to the valve actuator (amplifying positioner) or
modify the control valve flow characteristic (characterized positioner).
Positioner - device that ensures the closing or throttling element of a valve moves to or maintains
the correct position.
Positioner - devices that help control the opening and closing of valves remotely by controlling
pneumatic or hydraulic elements. Positioners can be controlled by adjusting
currents to its circuits or by using air. More and more positioners have feedback
control options.
Positioner - instrument attached to a pneumatic valve actuator, providing accurate, automatic
modulating control of the valve between the open and closed positions by
increasing, decreasing, and balancing the air supply to the actuator as determined
by a varying input signal generated by an external instrument source. While the
operation positioners may vary, the basic function is usually either the pneumatic
positioner, designed to receive a 3 to 15 PSI signal, or the electro-pneumatic,
designed to receive a 4 to 20 milliamp signal.
Positive Material Identification (PMI) -
Positive Material Identification (PMI) - a method for cross checking the identity of a piece of
material, often using a portable spectrometer, usually with x-rays (TN 9266, nuclear
analyzer) or a welding arc (Arc Met 900, optical spectrometer).
Positive Material Identification (PMI) - a procedure used to assure that specified metallic alloy
materials are properly identified as to their true elemental composition and are
marked according to specific industry standards and procedures.
Positive Position - the installation position of a multi-port valve such that the valve’s flow control
element is between the pressure inlet body openings and the body openings that
are closed off, thereby assisting in sealing the valve; compare with Negative
Position.
Post Cure - the second step in the vulcanization process for the more exotic elastomers.
Provides stabilization of parts and drives off decomposition products resulting from
the vulcanization process.
Post Guide - a guiding system where the valve stem is larger in the area that comes into contact
with the guide bushings than in the adjacent stem area.
Post Weld Heat Treatment (PWHT) - heating and cooling a weldment in such a way as to
obtain desired properties.
Postcure Bonding - a method of postcuring at elevated temperatures of parts in order to obtain
higher heat-resistant properties of the adhesive bond.
Postforming - forming, bonding, or shaping of heated, flexible thermoset laminates before the
final thermoset reaction has occurred; upon cooling, the formed shape is held.
Postheating - annealing or tempering a weldment to remove strain or prevent local hardening.
Pot Life -
Pot Life - the period of time during which paint remains useful after its original package has been
opened or after a catalyst or other additive has been incorporated; also known as
Spreadable Life and Useful Life.
Pot Life - the time interval, after mixing of paint or coating materials, during which the mixture can
be applied without difficulty or loss of final coating quality.
Potential Energy - the energy a substance has because of its position, its condition, or its
chemical composition.
Pounds - pressure classes are frequently referred to as pounds. For instance, a class 600 valve
is often called a 600 pound valve. This can be misleading, because a class 600
valve can contain an internal pressure of much more than 600 psi under some
conditions, but less than 600 psi under other conditions.
Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI) -
Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI) - a unit of pressure equal to the pressure resulting from a force of
1 pound applied uniformly over an area of 1 square inch; abbreviated psi.
Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI) - the force per unit area exerted against a resisting body.
Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI) - used to indicate the amount of pressure in a given piping
system.
Pounds Per Square Inch Absolute (PSIA) - the absolute, thermodynamic pressure, measured
by the number of pounds-force exerted on an area of 1 square inch.
Pounds Per Square Inch Differential - the difference in pressure between two points in a fluid-
flow system, measured in pounds per square inch; abbreviated psid.
Pour Point - the lowest temperature in which liquid will flow under specified conditions.
Pouring Basin - a small funnel-shaped cavity placed at the top of a mold. Molten metal is
poured into it from a ladle.
Powder Filling - an international term that describes a type of protection in which an enclosure
of electrical apparatus is filled with a material in a finely granulated state so that, in
the intended conditions of service, any arc occurring within the enclosure of an
electrical apparatus will not ignite the surrounding atmosphere. No ignition is
allowed to be caused either by flame or by excessive temperature of the accessible
surfaces of the enclosure. This type of protection is referred to by IEC as "Ex q".
Powder Metals - fabrication technology in which fine metallic powder is compacted under high
pressure and then heated at a temperature slightly below the melting point to
solidify the material. Primary users of powder metal parts are auto, electronics and
aerospace industries.
Power - the rate of doing work or the rate of expanding.
Power Actuated Pressure Relief Valve - a pressure relief valve connected to and controlled by
a device which utilizes a separate energy source.
Power Control Valve - a safety relief device operated by a power-driven mechanism rather than
by pressure.
Power Factor - the relationship between air pressure and surface area of the piston in an air
cylinder. Multiply the power factor by the air pressure you intend to operate at to
calculate the maximum working force of a cylinder. For example; I have a device I
wish to operate at 100 psi, which has a power factor of 1.4. 100x1.4=140. The
cylinder therefore has maximum force capability of 140 pounds.
Power Pack - the compact installation for the generation of the power source to serve the valve
actuators.
Power Source - the medium which drives the actuators.
Power Unit - A combination of pump, pump drive, controls, and conditioning components which
may be required for its application.
PP - see Polypropylene
PPL - see Polypropylene
PQR - Procedure Qualification Record
PRE - Pitting Resistance Equivalent
Pre Production Meeting - a meeting convened between the purchaser and vendor, to determine
full understanding by all parties of the purchase order specifications.
Pre Tension - the amount of tensile load applied to a bolt or tie-rod when it gets installed, but not
subjected to its working environment.
Precipitate - a suspension of small solid particles formed in a solution as a result of chemical
reaction.
Precipitation Hardening (PH) -
Precipitation Hardening (PH) - a small group of stainless steels with high chromium and nickel
content, with the most common types having characteristics close to those of
martensitic (plain chromium stainless class with exceptional strength) steels. Heat
treatment provides this class with its very high strength and hardness. Applications
for PH stainless steels include shafts for pumps and valves as well as aircraft parts.
Precipitation Hardening (PH) - hardening a ferrous metal by austenitizing and then cooling
rapidly enough so that some or all of the austenite transforms to martensite.
Precision Casting - a metal die is used to make wax (Lost Wax process) or a frozen mercury
(Mercast) pattern. This gets invested with refractory slurry forming a mould, which,
after drying and baking, can be used for casting into. The pattern melts and runs
out when the mould is warmed. Large numbers of very small accurate castings can
 be made this way. The Lost Wax process is used only recently for steel.
Sometimes it is known as the Cire Perdue process. It was used for bronze and
precious metals by the ancient Egyptians and by Benvenuto Cellini among others.
Precision Grinding - machine grinding to specified dimensions and low tolerances.
Preclude - prevent; rule out; prohibit
Preheating - the application of heat to the base metal prior to a welding.
Preloading - for back-pressure-control gas valves, a weight or spring device to control the gas
pressure at which the valve will open or close.
PREN - Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number
PRES - Pressure
Press Fit - an interference or force fit assembled through the use of a press; also known as
Force Fit.
Pressure -
Pressure - a type of stress which is exerted uniformly in all directions; its measure is the force
exerted per unit area.
Pressure - measure of applied force compared with the area over which the force is exerted.
Pressure - the amount of force distributed over each unit of area, usually expressed in pounds
per square inch.
Pressure Class - a pressure rating expressed as a dimensionless number. The class rating
charts give actual pounds per square inch maximum allowable pressure at a given
temperature.
Pressure Containing Member - the part of a pressure relieving device which is in direct contact
with the pressurized medium in the vessel being protected.
Pressure Containing Parts -
Pressure Containing Parts - the valve parts whose failure to function as intended would result in a
release of retained fluid to the atmosphere such as bodies, bonnets, and stems.
Pressure Containing Parts - those parts whose failure to function as intended would result in a
release of retained fluid to the atmosphere. Examples are valve bodies, bonnets,
and stems.
Pressure Controlling Parts -
Pressure Controlling Parts - the valve parts intended to control or regulate the movement of
pressurized fluids, such as valve bore sealing mechanisms.
Pressure Controlling Parts - those parts intended to control or regulate the movement of
pressurized fluids, such as valve bore sealing mechanisms.
Pressure Die Casting - the usual die casting process in which the molten metal gets forced into
highly finished moulds under heavy pressure by plungers, compressed air or
combined methods.
Pressure Differential - the difference in pressure between any two points in a fluid system; also
called pressure drop.
Pressure Dye Test - a leak detection method in which a pressure vessel is filled with liquid dye
and is pressurized under water to make possible leakage paths visible.
Pressure Energized Seal - in a butterfly valve, a seal that is energized by interference fit
between the disk groove and valve liner and also by differential pressure acting
across the seal. The seal may be a solid section or have internal pressure ports.
Pressure Energized Stem Seal - a part and/or packing material deformable by fluid pressure
that bears against the stem to make a tight seal.
Pressure Forming - a plastics thermoforming process using pressure to push the plastic sheet
to be formed against the mold surface, as opposed to using vacuum to suck the
sheet flat against the mold.
Pressure Gas Welding - a gas welding process carried out simultaneously over the entire area
of abutting surfaces under pressure, without the use of filler metal.
Pressure Rating -
Pressure Rating - the maximum allowable internal force per unit area of a pressure vessel, tank
or piping system during normal operation.
Pressure Rating - the operating (allowable) internal pressure of a vessel, tank, or piping used to
hold or transport liquids or gases.
Pressure Recovery Factor (F1) - a number used to describe the ratio between the pressure
 recovery after the vena contracta and the pressure drop at the vena contracta. It is
a measure of the amount of pressure recovered between the vena contracta and
the valve outlet. Some manufacturers use the term Km to describe the pressure
recovery factor. This number will be high (0.9) for a globe style valve with a
torturous follow path and lower (0.8 to 0.6) for a rotary style valve with a streamlined
flow path. On most rotary products the F1 factor will vary with the degree of
opening of the valve closure member. Note! F1 does not equal Km.
Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) -
Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) - a pressure control valve whose primary function is to limit
outlet pressure.
Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) - a self-operating valve used to reduce any excess pressure in
a system, for example, steam. The valve opens if the internal pressure exceeds
that holding the valve disc onto the seat; also known as a PRV.
Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) - a self-operating valve used to reduce any excess pressure in
a system, e.g. steam. The valve opens if the internal pressure exceeds that holding
the closing element onto the seat.
Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) - a valve used to limit the outlet pressure from a source.
Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) - a valve which maintains a uniform pressure and keeps the
system full. It opens when the pressure and keeps the system full. It opens when
the pressure drops under 12 psi. and closes against higher pressure.
Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) - an automatic valve which reduces the upstream line pressure
to a given level downstream and maintains the reduced pressure irrespective of
upstream pressure change or variation in flow. Valves may be direct acting or pilot
operated, the latter having a small direct operated pilot which controls the main
valve.
Pressure Regulating Valve -
Pressure Regulating Valve - a valve that can assume any position between fully open and fully
closed, or that opens or remains closed against fluid pressure on a spring loaded
valve element, to release internal pressure or hold it and allow it to build up, as
desired.
Pressure Regulating Valve - a valve that releases or holds process-system pressure (that is,
opens or closes) either by preset spring tension or by actuation by a valve controller
to assume any desired position between full open and full closed.
Pressure Regulating Valve - a valve which is the reverse acting version of the pressure reducing
valve and maintains the level of upstream line pressure; sometimes called a
Pressure Maintaining Valve, Surplus Valve, Pressure Retaining Valve, Pressure
Sustaining Valve.
Pressure Regulator -
Pressure Regulator - a valve used to automatically reduce and maintain pressure below that of a
source.
Pressure Regulator - an open-close device used on the vent of a closed, gas-pressured system
to maintain the system pressure within a specified range.
Pressure Relief - a valve or other mechanical device (such as a rupture disk) that eliminates
system overpressure by allowing the controlled or emergency escape of liquid or
gas from a pressured system.
Pressure Relief Device -
Pressure Relief Device - 1) in pressure vessels, a device designed to open in a controlled
manner to prevent the internal pressure of a component or system from increasing
beyond a specified value, that is, a safety valve; 2) a spring-loaded machine part
which will yield, or deflect, when a predetermined force is exceeded.
Pressure Relief Device - a mechanism that vents fluid from an internally pressurized system to
counteract system overpressure; the mechanism may release all pressure and shut
the system down (as does a rupture disc) or it may merely reduce the pressure in a
controlled manner to return the system to a safe operating pressure (as does a
spring loaded safety valve).
Pressure Relief Valve -
Pressure Relief Valve - a pressure relief device which is designed to re-close and prevent the
further flow of fluid after normal conditions have been restored.
Pressure Relief Valve - a valve designed to open automatically to relieve pressure and keep it
below a designated level.
Pressure Relief Valve - a valve that automatically opens at a set pressure, allows fluid to
discharge, and automatically recloses when the fluid pressure drops below the set
pressure.
Pressure Relief Valve - a valve which relieves pressure beyond a specified limit and recloses
upon return to normal operating conditions.
Pressure Relief Valve - an automatic valve designed to automatically engage in the event that the
maximum working pressure of the system is exceed; also known as a pop-off
valve.
Pressure Relief Valve - an emergency type valve which bleeds water from pipes when the
system pressure exceeds a set amount. It is spring operated and should be
positioned where water discharge will not cause damage.
Pressure Relief Valve - designed to provide protection from over-pressure in steam, gas, air and
liquid lines. The valve "lets off steam" when safe pressures are exceeded, then
closes again when pressure drops to a preset level.
Pressure Retaining Member -
Pressure Retaining Member - that part of a pressure beyond a specified limit and recloses upon
return to normal operating conditions.
Pressure Retaining Member - that part of a pressure-relieving device loaded by the restrained
pressurized fluid.
Pressure Seal - a seal used to make pressure-proof the interface (containing surfaces) between
two parts that have frequent or continual relative rotational or transnational motion.
Pressure Seal Joint - a design of body-bonnet joint that uses the fluid pressure to compress a
specially designed seal ring to form a tight seal and prevent external leakage.
Pressure Spike - a sudden, brief rise in pressure.
Pressure Still - a continuous-flow, petroleum-refinery still in which heated oil (liquid and vapor) is
kept under pressure so that it will crack (decompose into smaller molecules) to
produce lower-boiling products (pressure distillate or pressure naphtha).
Pressure Surge - a pressure spike/excursion moving through the pipeline at sonic velocity,
produced by a sudden change in velocity of the moving stream that results from
shutting down a pump station or pumping unit, closure of a valve or any other
blockage of the moving stream.
Pressure Switch -
Pressure Switch - a switch that is operated by a change in the applied pressure.
Pressure Switch - an electrical switch operated by the increased decrease of fluid pressure.
Pressure System - any system of pipes, vessels, tanks, reactors, and other equipment, or
interconnections of them, operating with an internal pressure greater than
atmospheric.
Pressure Tap - a small perpendicular hole in the wall of a pressurized, fluid-containing pipe or
vessel; used for connection of pressure-sensitive elements for the measurement of
static pressures; also known as Piezometer Opening and Static Pressure Tap.
Pressure Temperature Ratings - the maximum allowable working pressures at specified
temperatures. For steel valves, the ratings are defined by "Classes" and are found
in ASME B16.34. For iron and bronze valves, the ratings are defined in the
applicable MSS specifications.
Pressure Thermit Welding - a thermit welding process in which heat is produced by
superheated liquid metal by chemical reaction of materials. The chemical reaction
takes place by iron oxide and aluminum.
Pressure Transducer - an instrument component that detects a fluid pressure and produces an
electrical signal related to the pressure; also known as Electrical Pressure
Transducer.
Pressure Vessel -
Pressure Vessel - a metal container designed to withstand a specified bursting pressure; it is
usually cylindrical with hemispherical end closures (but may be of some other
shape, such as spherical) and is usually fabricated by welding.
Pressure Vessel - a metal container, generally cylindrical or spheroid, capable of withstanding
bursting pressures.
Pressure Welding - any welding process where pressure is used to complete the weld.
Pressure, Absolute -
Pressure, Absolute - 1) the pressure measured relative to zero pressure (vacuum); 2) the
pressure above the absolute zero value of pressure that is theoretically obtained in
empty space or at the absolute zero for temperature, as distinguished from gauge
pressure.
Pressure, Absolute - PSIA. Sum of gauge pressure and atmospheric pressure.
Pressure, Absolute - the sum of atmospheric and gauge pressures.
Pressure, Absolute - the total pressure measured from an absolute vacuum. It is the sum of
gauge pressure and the prevailing atmospheric pressure measured on a barometer.
The unit of pressure is the Pascal (Newton per square meter). Secondary units
include dynes per square centimeter (metric), pounds per square inch (British),
inches of water, millimeters of mercury.
Pressure, Absolute - true pressure above absolute zero. It takes into account barometric
pressure and is the sum of such pressure and that created by other means above
or below atmospheric pressure and gauge pressure.
Pressure, Atmospheric -
Pressure, Atmospheric - force exerted on a unit by the weight of the atmosphere. The pressure
at seal level is 14.7 psi.
Pressure, Atmospheric - pressure exerted by the atmosphere at any specific location.
Pressure, Atmospheric - the barometric reading of pressure exerted by the atmosphere. At sea
level 14.7 lb per sq in. or 29.92 in. of mercury.
Pressure, Atmospheric - The pressure exerted by the atmosphere. Common units are psi,
Pascals (Newtons/meter2), Bars, and Dynes/cm2. Atmospheric pressure
decreases approximately exponentially with altitude.
Pressure, Back -
Pressure, Back - the absolute pressure level as measured four pipe diameters downstream from
the turbine flowmeter under operating conditions, expressed in pascals.
Pressure, Back - the pressure exerted on the downstream side of a valve seat.
Pressure, Back - the pressure exerted on the downstream side of a valve.
Pressure, Back - the pressure on the upstream side of a valve seat.
Pressure, Back - the pressure uncountered by the return side of a system.
Pressure, Back - the static pressure existing at the outlet of a pressure relief device due to
pressure in the discharge system.
Pressure, Bearing - load on a bearing surface divided by its area; also known as Bearing
Stress.
Pressure, Built Up Back - pressure existing at the outlet of a pressure relief device occasioned
by the flow through that particular device into a discharge system.
Pressure, Closing -
Pressure, Closing - in a safety relief valve, the static inlet pressure at the point where the disc has
zero lift off the seat.
Pressure, Closing - the amount of static inlet pressure in a safety relief valve when the valve disk
has zero lift above the seat.
Pressure, Cold Differential Test - the inlet static pressure at which the pressure relief valve is
adjusted to open on the test stand, expressed in pounds per square inch gage.
This pressure includes the corrections for service conditions of back pressure or
temperature, or both.
Pressure, Cold Working (CWP) -
Pressure, Cold Working (CWP) - 1) the working pressure of a valve in psi at 100° Fahrenheit; 2)
the maximum pressure-retaining capability of a valve at ambient temperature. It is
marked on the valve as CWP. It is also known as the Water Oil Gas (WOG) rating;
see Water Oil Gas.
Pressure, Cold Working (CWP) - the maximum allowable pressure under non-shock conditions
at ambient temperature ( -20° F to +100° F).
Pressure, Cold Working (CWP) - the maximum pressure rating of a valve or fitting coincident
with ambient temperature, generally the range from -20° F to +100° F (-29° C to
+38° C).
Pressure, Constant Back - back pressure which does not change appreciably under any
condition of operation whether the pressure relief valve is closed or open.
Pressure, Design -
Pressure, Design - the maximum allowable working pressure permitted under the rules of the
ASME Construction Code.
Pressure, Design - the pressure used in the calculation of minimum thickness or design
characteristics of a boiler or pressure vessel in recognized code formulas; static
head may be added where appropriate for specific parts of the structure.
Pressure, Design - the pressure used in the design of a vessel or device for the purpose of
determining the minimum permissible thickness or physical characteristics of the
parts for a given maximum working pressure (MWP) at a given temperature.
Pressure, Design - the pressure which is used for calculating the minimum equipment wall
thickness required for pressure containment.
Pressure, Differential -
Pressure, Differential - pressure difference between the inlet line and the outlet line, i.e. 100 PSI
operating pressure on inlet minus 80 PSI back pressure from outlet line = 20 PSI
differential pressure.
Pressure, Differential - the difference in pressure between any two points of a system or a
component.
Pressure, Differential - the difference in pressure between two points in a system (e.g. the
difference between the discharge pressure and suction pressure in the pump).
Pressure, Differential Set - the pressure differential in pounds per square inch between the set
pressure and the constant superimposed back pressure. It is applicable only when
a conventional type safety relief valve is being used in service against constant
superimposed back pressure.
Pressure, Discharge - pressure of the oil as it exits a pump station.
Pressure, Gauge -
Pressure, Gauge - 1) pressure measured relative to ambient pressure; 2) the difference between
the local absolute pressure of the system and the atmospheric pressure at the place
of the measurement.
Pressure, Gauge - pressure above atmospheric pressure.
Pressure, Gauge - pressure measured relative to ambient pressure.
Pressure, Gauge - PSIG. Corrected pressure; the difference between a given pressure and that
of the atmosphere.
Pressure, Gauge - the amount by which the pressure measured in a fluid exceeds that of the
atmosphere.
Pressure, Gauge - the amount by which the total absolute pressure exceeds the ambient
atmospheric pressure.
Pressure, Head - the pressure to the height of a column or body of fluid. It is usually expressed
in feet.
Pressure, Hydrostatic - refers to the pressure in a liquid at rest; equals its depth multiplied by
its density.
Pressure, Impact - the pressure of a moving fluid brought to rest that is in excess of the
pressure the fluid has when it does not flow; that is, total pressure less static
pressure. Impact pressure is equal to dynamic pressure in incompressible flow, but
in compressible flow, impact pressure includes the pressure change owing to the
compressibility effect.
Pressure, Instrument - the output pressure from an automatic controller that is used to operate
a control valve. It is the input signal to the valve.
Pressure, Leak Test - the inlet pressure used for a standard quantitative seat leakage test.
Pressure, Loading - the pressure used to position a pneumatic actuator. It is the pressure that
is actually applied to the actuator diaphragm or piston. It can be the instrument
pressure if a valve positioner is not used or is bypassed.
Pressure, Maximum Allowable Operating - a rating indicating the maximum pressure at which a
pipeline or segment of a pipeline may be operated under the D.O.T. regulations in
normal conditions; also called Pressure Rating; see Pressure, Maximum
Allowable Working
Pressure, Maximum Allowable Working -
Pressure, Maximum Allowable Working - the maximum gage pressure permissible in the top of a
completed vessel in its operating position for a designated temperature. This
pressure is based on calculations for each element in a vessel using nominal
thicknesses, exclusive of allowances for corrosion and thickness required for
loadings other than pressure it is the basis for the pressure setting of the pressure-
relieving devices protecting the vessel. The design pressure may be used in place
of the maximum allowable working pressure in cases where calculations are not
made to determine the value of the latter.
Pressure, Maximum Allowable Working - the maximum gauge pressure in a pressure vessel at a
designated temperature, used for the determination of the set pressure for relief
valves.
Pressure, Maximum Allowable Working - the highest gage pressure that can safely be applied to
an internally pressurized system under normal operating conditions. It is usually
well below the design bursting pressure and the hydrostatic test pressure for the
system, and is the pressure at which relief valves are set to lift.
Pressure, Maximum Operating - the highest pressure to which pressure containing equipment
is exposed during operation. It includes pressure caused by normal operation, i.e.
the highest operating pressure in one of the applicable heat and material balance
streams, and all normal transient conditions such as start-up, shut-down,
depressurizing, pigging, cleaning, flushing and purging. It does not include
pressure caused by equipment failure or incorrect operation.
Pressure, Maximum Shut Off (Delta-P) - the pressure of the media flowing into the valve
against which the valve will have to close.
Pressure, Maximum Working (MWP) - the maximum total pressure permissible in a device
under any circumstances during operation, at a specified temperature. It is the
highest pressure to which it will be subjected in the process. It is a designed safe
limit for regular use. NOTE: MWP can be arrived at by two methods: a) designed -
by adequate design analysis, with a safety factor; b) tested - by rupture testing of
typical samples; see Pressure, Design.
Pressure, Nominal (PN) - the maximum permissible working pressure in bar gauge at 20° C.
This rating is not generally used in the petroleum and petrochemical industries.
Pressure, Operating -
Pressure, Operating - the nominal or average pressure in a fluid system.
Pressure, Operating - the pressure to which the vessel is usually subjected in service, expressed
in pounds per square inch gage. A vessel is usually designed for a maximum
allowable working pressure, in pounds per square inch gage, which will provide a
suitable margin above the operating pressure in order to prevent any undesirable
operation of the relief device. (It is suggested that this margin be as great as
possible consistent with economical vessel and other equipment design, system
operation and the performance characteristics of the pressure relieving device.)
Pressure, Operating - the pressure which a system operates.
Pressure, Operating - the system pressure at which a process is operating.
Pressure, Partial - ideally, in a mixture of gases, each component exerts the pressure it would
exert if present alone at the same temperature in the total volume occupied by the
mixture. The partial pressure of each component is equal to the total pressure
multiplied by its mole fraction in the mixture. For an ideal gas, the mole fraction is
equal to the volume fraction of the component; see Mole.
Pressure, Piping - 1) the pressure at which a safety valve opens; 2) the pressure the pipe
cannot withstand without exceeding its design characteristics.
Pressure, Popping -
Pressure, Popping - in compressible fluid service, the inlet pressure at which a safety valve disk
opens.
Pressure, Popping - in compressible fluid systems, the inlet pressure at which a safety relief
valve opens.
Pressure, Proof - the nondestructive test pressure in excess of the maximum rated operating
pressure.
Pressure, Rated Working - the maximum internal pressure equipment is designed to contain,
 not to be confused with test pressure.
Pressure, Resealing - the inlet pressure at which fluid no longer leaks past a relief valve after it
is closed.
Pressure, Rupture - the pressure, determined by test, at which a device will burst. NOTE: This
is an alternate to the design procedure for establishing maximum working pressure
(MWP). The rupture pressure test consists of causing the device to burst.
Pressure, Set -
Pressure, Set - the inlet pressure at which a relief valve begins to open as required by the code
or standard applicable to the pressure vessel to be protected.
Pressure, Set - the inlet pressure at which the pressure relief valve is adjusted to open under
service conditions, expressed in pounds per square inch gage. In a safety or safety
relief valve in gas, vapor, or steam service, the set pressure is the inlet pressure at
which the valve pops under service conditions. In a relief or safety relief valve in
liquid service, the set pressure is inlet pressure at which the valve starts to
discharge under service conditions.
Pressure, Set - the pressure at which a pressure relief valve begins to open. It is established by
adjusting the valve spring.
Pressure, Start-to-Leak - the amount of inlet pressure at which the first bubble occurs at the
outlet of a safety relief valve with a resilient disk when the valve is subjected to an
air test under a water seal.
Pressure, Static - the pressure in a fluid at rest.
Pressure, Steam Working - the maximum working pressure capability of a valve when used with
steam, provided that the steam temperature does not exceed the maximum for the
valve shell material. It is marked on the valve as S, SP, or SWP.
Pressure, Suction - pressure of the oil as it enters a pump station.
Pressure, Superimposed Back -
Pressure, Superimposed Back - the static pressure at the outlet of an operating pressure relief
device, resulting from pressure in the discharge system.
Pressure, Superimposed Back - the static pressure existing at the outlet of a pressure relief
device at the time the device is required to operate. It is the result of pressure in
the discharge system from other sources.
Pressure, Supply -
Pressure, Supply - the plant air supply pressure available to operate a pneumatic actuator.
Pressure, Supply - the pressure at the supply port of a device such as a controller, positioner, or
transducer. Common values of control valve supply pressures are 20 psig for a 3-
15 psig output and 35 psig for a 6-30 psig output.
Pressure, Total - the gross load applied on a given surface.
Pressure, Vapor -
Pressure, Vapor - pressure at a given temperature below which a liquid will convert to a gas. It is
measured in pounds per square inch absolute (psia) and is a function of the
temperature of the liquid.
Pressure, Vapor - the maximum pressure exerted by a liquid (or solid) heated to a given
temperature in a closed container.
Pressure, Vapor - the pressure, at a given temperature, in which the liquid and gaseous phases
coexist in equilibrium.
Pressure, Working -
Pressure, Working - 1) the maximum pressure-retaining capability of a valve; 2) the pressure of
the fluid passing through a valve measured at the valve inlet. Fluid pressure varies
as it passes through the valve and is lower at the valve outlet.
Pressure, Working - the allowable operating pressure in a pressurized vessel or conduit, usually
calculated by ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) or API (American
Petroleum Institute) codes.
Pressure, Working - the maximum allowable operating pressure for an internally pressurized
vessel, tank or piping system, usually defined by applying the ASME Boiler and
Pressure Vessel Code or the API piping code.
Pressure, Working - the pressure (pounds per square inch) at which a valve is designed to
operate.
Pressure, Working - the pressure at which an apparatus or engine works, as distinct from its test
pressure.
Pressurization - the technique of preventing an external atmosphere, which may be ignitable,
from entering an enclosure by maintaining the internal pressure of the enclosure's
protective gas (with or without continuous flow) at a pressure level above that of the
external atmosphere. This type of protection is referred to by IEC as "Ex p".
NOTE: In the United States, pressurization is the process of supplying an enclosure
in a Class II application with clean air or an inert gas, with or without continuous
flow, at sufficient pressure to prevent the entrance of combustible dusts.
Presswork - the entire range of bending and drawing operations in the cold forming of sheet
metal products.
Pretensioning - process of precasting concrete beams with tensioned wires embedded in them;
also known as Hoyer Method of Prestressing.
PRIC - Pressure Instrument Connection on Piping
Primary Carbide - carbide precipitated in cast iron during solidification.
Primary Creep - see Primary Stage Creep
Primary Service Rating - the working pressure class rating for a valve.
Primary Stage Creep -
Primary Stage Creep - in the primary stage, relatively rapid expansion takes place, but at a
slower rate. Primary stage creep is of interest to a designer since it forms part of
the total extension reached in given time and may affect clearances. Thus it is of
much design value to engineers.
Primary Stage Creep - the initial high strain-rate region in a material subjected to sustained
stress.
Prime Mover - the source of mechanical power used to drive the pump or compressor.
Priming - in a boiler, the excessive carryover of fine water particles along with the steam
because of insufficient steam space, faulty boiler design, or faulty operating
conditions.
Principal - the person on behalf of whom an agent is acting; someone ultimately responsible for
fulfilling an obligation.
Principal Axis of Strain - one of the three axes of body that were mutually perpendicular before
deformation; also known as Strain Axis.
Principal Strain - the elongation or compression of one of the principal axes of strain relative to
its original length.
Priority Valve - a valve that directs flow to one operating circuit at a fixed rate and directs excess
flow to another operating circuit.
Procedure - a document that defines the purpose and scope of an activity and details how it is to
be carried out.
Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) - sets out the code essential variables under which
code qualification of the weld metal and weld joint properties are achieved. The
PQR documents the primary weld control data from which Welding Procedure
Specification production conditions are derived.
Process -
Process - a series of stages which a product (such as crude oil) passes through, resulting in the
development or transformation of it.
Process - a system or series of continuous or regularly occurring actions taking place in a
predetermined or planned manner to produce a desired result.
Process Annealing - heating a material, like steel or aluminum in sheet or wire form, between
cold-working operations, such as stretch forming or rolling, at just below its critical
temperature followed by slow cooling, to improve its structural properties.
Process Block Valve - the first valve off the process line or vessel used to isolate the
measurement piping; see Line Class Valve.
Process Control System - the automatic control of a continuous operation.
Process Piping - in an industrial facility, pipe work whose function is to convey the materials
used for the manufacturing processes.
Processing - the act of converting material from one form into another desired form.
Product - 1) an item or goods made by an industrial firm; 2) the total of such items or goods.
Product Analysis - the chemical analysis of a material done on a finished component to show
compliance with the material specifications. It usually has tolerances defined for
each element to allow for differences in the completed product compared to the
molten metal.
Product Line - 1) the range of products offered by a firm; 2) a group of basically similar
products, differentiated only by such characteristics as color, style or size.
Production - output, such as units made in a factory, oil from a well, or chemicals from a
processing plant.
Profiled Keyway - a keyway for a straight key formed by an end-milling cutter; also known as
End-Milled Keyway.
Profiling Machine - a machine used for milling irregular profiles; the cutting tool is guided by the
contour of a model.
Program - an undertaking of significant scope that is enduring rather than occurring within a
limited time span.
Project - a specifically defined task which is established to meet a single requirement, either
stated or anticipated, for research data, an end item of material, a major
component, or a technique.
Projection Welding -
Projection Welding - in it, the heat for welding is derived from the localization of resistance at
predetermined points by means of projections, embossments, under adequate
welding pressure.
Projection Welding - this process is a developed form of spot welding. In this process, spots at
which welding operation is to be performed are located by providing projections at
the desired located points on the surfaces of the workpieces. Different projections
are given on the surfaces and only surfaces where welding is to take place are in
contact with each other. In this case pressure is exerted mechanically, and as they
come in contact, current is switched on. The pressed workpieces get welded after
cooling at the projected surfaces. This method differs from spot welding, as in this
case welding is completed at different points, while in spot welding the welding
takes place at one spot only.
Proof -
Proof - reproduction of a die impression by means of a cast.
Proof - test, trial or demonstration
Proof Load -
Proof Load - 1) a load which is greater than the working load to which a structure or a mechanism
has been tested to ascertain whether it can withstand a like load without permanent
distortion or damage; 2) the product of the limit load and the proof factor of safety;
also called Test Load.
Proof Load - a predetermined test load, greater than the service load, to which a specimen is
subjected before acceptance for use.
Proof Resilience - the tensile strength necessary to stretch an elastomer from zero elongation to
the breaking point, expressed in foot-pounds per cubic inch of original dimension.
Propane Deasphalting - petroleum-refinery solvent process using propane to remove and
precipitate asphalt from petroleum stocks, such as for lubricating oils.
Proportional Elastic Limit - the greatest stress intensity for which stress is still proportional to
strain.
Proportional Limit - the greatest stress a material can sustain without departure from linear
proportionality of stress and strain.
Protective Finish - a coating applied to equipment to protect it from corrosion and wear; many
substances, including metals, glass, and ceramics, are used.
Protein Binders - caseine and glue are known as protein binders. These binders harden by
baking.
Proximity Limit Switch - a solid state switch is electrically tripped without mechanical contact
being made. This type of switch is generally used to interface with computer or
microprocessor controls.
PRT - Petroleum Revenue Tax
PSB - Pressure Seal Bonnet
PSC - Production Sharing Contract
PSE - Plain Small End
PSFS - Process Safeguarding Flow Scheme
PSI - the abbreviation for Pounds per Square Inch, the unit of pressure in the British Engineering
System.
PSIA -
PSIA - Pounds per Square Inch Absolute
Psia - Pounds per square inch absolute
PSIA - pounds per square inch, absolute. The sum of atmospheric pressure and gauge
pressure. This will vary with altitude.
PSIG -
PSIG - pounds per square inc, gauge. Pressure differential above or below atmospheric
pressure.
Psig - Pounds per square inch gage
PSIG - Pounds per Square Inch Gauge
PSSB - Petronas Carigali Sdn. Bhd.
PSV - Pressure Safety Valve
Psychrometer -
Psychrometer - a device comprising two thermometers, one a dry bulb, the other a wet or wick-
covered bulb, used in determining the moisture content or relative humidity of air or
other gases; also known as Wet and Dry Bulb Thermometer.
Psychrometer - a device consisting of two thermometers, one a dry bulb, the other a wet bulb or
wick-covered bulb, used to determine the moisture content or relative humidity of air
or other gases.
Psychrometer - a device consisting of two thermometers, one of which is covered with a water
saturated wick, used for determining relative humidity; for a given set of wet bulb
and dry bulb temperature readings, relative humidity is read from a chart; also
known as Wet And Dry Bulb Thermometer.
Psychrometer - an instrument with wet-bulb and dry-bulb thermometers, for measuring moisture
in the air.
PT - 1) Liquid Penetrant Examination; 2) Pressure - Temperature
P-T - Pressure-Temperature
PTFE -
PTFE - Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon)
PTFE - Polytetrafluoroethylene; a type of fluorinated thermoplastic with outstanding chemical
resistance, low leachability, and excellent lubricity.
PTFE Bellows - a sealing mechanism that is made of PTFE, formed in a bellows shape, used on
some solenoid valves.
PTS - Petronas Technical Standards
PTT - Petroleum Authority of Thailand
PTTEP - PTT Exploration and Production Company of Thailand
Pull - to produce the required propelling power.
Pull In Torque - the largest steady torque with which a motor will attain normal speed after
accelerating from a standstill.
Pull In Torque (of a synchronous motor) - the maximum torque against which the motor will
pull its connected load into synchronism, at rated voltage and frequency, and when
the field circuit is energized, if the excitation is provided. (note: the pull-in torque
depends on the total inertia of the rotating parts).
Pull Out Torque - the largest torque under which a motor can operate without sharply losing
speed.
Pull Out Torque (of a synchronous motor) - the maximum torque a (synchronous) motor
develops at operating temperature and at synchronous speed with rated voltage,
frequency and field current.
Pull Strength - a unit in tensile testing; the bond strength in pounds per square inch.
Pull Up Torque (of an AC motor) - the smallest torque the motor develops between zero and
the speed which corresponds to the breakdown torque when the motor is supplied
 at the rated voltage and frequency. (note: this definition does not apply to those
asynchronous motors of which the torque continually decreases with increase in
speed).
Pulsation Dampening - device installed in a fluid piping system (gas or liquid) to eliminate or
even out the fluid-flow pulsations caused by reciprocating compressors, pumps, and
such.
Pulsation Welding - a spot, projection or seam-welding process in which the welding current is
interrupted one or more times without release of pressure or change of location of
electrodes.
Pump -
Pump - a device that converts mechanical force and motion into hydraulic fluid power.
Pump - a machine that draws a fluid into itself through an entrance port and forces the fluid out
through an exhaust port.
Pump Controls - controls applied to positive-displacement variable delivery pumps to adjust
their volumetric output or direction of flow.
Pump, Axial Piston - a pump having multiple pistons disposed with their axes parallel.
Pump, Bucket - a pump having a bucket or piston which has valves through it for passage of the
fluid lifted.
Pump, Centrifugal - a pump that produces fluid velocity and converts it to pressure head.
Pump, Fixed-Displacement - a pump in which the displacement per cycle cannot be varied.
Pump, Force - a pump fitted with a solid plunger and a suction valve which draws and forces a
liquid to considerable height above the valve or puts the liquid under a considerable
pressure.
Pump, Radial Piston - a pump having multiple pistons disposed radially, actuated by an
eccentric element.
Pump, Slush - a pump normally used to circulate drilling fluids through the drill stem into the
annulus of the hole and to the surface for the purpose of removing cuttings and
maintaining a hydrostatic head.
Pump, Variable-Displacement - a pump in which the volume of fluid per cycle can be varied.
Pumping Station, Automatic - an installation on a pipeline that automatically provides the
proper pressure when a fluid is being transported.
Pup - on a butt weld valve, a valve extension welded on in the factory, to move welding heat
further away the seat when the valve is welded into a pipeline later. After the pup is
welded in the factory, the valve can be re-tested to ensure the pup welding did no
seat damage.
Purify - to remove unwanted constituents from a substance.
Push Down To Close - a term used to describe a linear or globe style valve that uses a direct
acting plug and stem arrangement. The plug is located above the seat ring. When
the plug is pushed down, the plug contacts the seat, and the valve closes. Note:
most control valves are of this type.
Push Down To Open - a term used to describe a linear or globe style valve that uses a reverse
action plug and stem arrangement. The plug is located below the seat ring. When
the plug is pushed down, the plug moves away from the seat, and the valve opens.
Push Fit - a hand-tight sliding fit between a shaft and a hole.
Push Nipple - a short length of pipe used to connect sections of cast iron boilers.
PV - Pilot Operated Valve
PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride. This is the most popular material used for plastic piping systems.
PVDF - Polyvinylidene Fluoride; a dense, high-purity plastic that is used in critical applications,
such as semiconductor manufacturing. Kynar PVDF is a trademark of Elf-Atochem.
PVF - Pipes, Valves, Fittings. Used to describe a segment of the plastics industry, or distributors
who specialize in these products.
PWHT - Post Weld Heat Treatment
PXT - Plain large end X Threaded small end
PXU - Plain large end X female thread small end
Pyrolysis - the chemical decomposition of a substance that occurs when it is heated to a high
temperature in the absence of air.
Q + T - Quench and Tempering
QA - Quality Assurance
QAR - Quality Assurance Requirements
QC - 1) Quality Control; 2) Quick Coupling
QEV - Quick Exhaust Valve
QMI - Quality Measuring Instrument
QP - Quality Plan
Quadrant - a frame, typically in the form of a quarter circle, enclosing a control lever.
Qualification - demonstrated skill, documented training, knowledge and experience required for
personnel to properly perform the duties of a specific job.
Qualified Valve - a valve that provides full conductance.
Quality Assurance - a series of planned or systematic actions required to provide adequate
confidence that a product or service will satisfy given needs.
Quality Control - inspection, analysis, and action applied to a portion in a manufacturing
operation to estimate overall quality of the product and determine what, if any,
changes must be made to achieve or maintain the required level of quality.
Quantimet - a machine which analyses material surfaces for microstructural variables such as
grain size, diameter, orientation etc. It was based originally on the optical
microscope, now extended to electron optical examination.
Quarter Turn Valve -
Quarter Turn Valve - a category of valves (such as ball and plug valves) which require just a 90
degree turn of the stem to move from the fully open to the fully closed positions.
Quarter Turn Valve - a valve whose flow control element is rotated through 90 degrees from open
to closed. It can be a ball valve, a butterfly valve, or a plug valve.
Quarter Turn Valve - category of valves (such as ball, plug, butterfly) which require just a 90
degree turn of the stem to move from the fully open to the fully closed position. See
also multi-turn. Note: some larger valves may, for simpler manual operation, be
fitted with gearboxes, giving them the appearance of a multi-turn valve.
Quench and Temper - quench hardening followed by tempering.
Quenching -
Quenching - a process of controlled, usually rapid, cooling of heated metal in liquid such as
water, brine, oil or molten salt, or in a gas such as air, nitrogen, hydrogen, argon or
various mixtures of hydrocarbons, to effect hardening to tempering.
Quenching - a process of cooling by plunging a heated object into a fluid, with the purpose of
retaining the material in a metastable state. Quenching into water gives a more
rapid cooling rate than into oil. The term also applies to cooling in salt and molten
metal baths or by means of an air blast. It is applied to steels heated above their
upper critical temperatures in order to harden them prior to tempering and to other
alloys for solution treatment prior to precipitation hardening.
Quenching - fast cooling of metal by dipping in oil. Instead of the normal crystal structure,
needle-shaped crystals of martensite form, creating a great deal of stress inside the
metal. Quenching is frequently followed by tempering, to reduce the internal
stresses created by quenching.
Quenching - rapid cooling. When applicable, the following more specific terms should be used:
Direct Quenching. Fog Quenching. Hot Quenching, Interrupted Quenching,
Selective Quenching, Spray Quenching, and Time Quenching.
Quenching - shock cooling by immersing liquid or molten material into a cooling medium (liquid or
gas); used in metallurgy, plastics forming, and petroleum refining.
Quenching - the dipping of heated steel into water, oil or other bath, to impart necessary
hardness.
Quenching - the rapid cooling of steels from an above-critical temperature by plunging them into
water, oil salt, a molten metal or a cold blast of air.
Quenching - to cool hot metal rapidly by plunging in cold liquid in order to alter its properties.
Quenching Oils - oils used in heat treating. Fish oils are much used but have offensive odors.
Mineral, fish, vegetable, and animal oils are often compounded and sold under
trade names.
Quick Opening Valve - a control valve with trim characteristic designed to produce large flow
 capacity with small amount of valve opening.
Quill - a hollow shaft into which another shaft is inserted in mechanical devices.
R - Review
R / C PSC - Revenue-Over-Cost Production Sharing Contract
Ra - abbreviation for "Arithmetic Average Roughness Height" - the measure of the roughness of a
surface expressed in micro inches. The higher the number, the rougher the
surface. Used to designated the desired surface finish for end flange raised faces.
Rabbet - a joint formed by fitting one member into a groove, channel, or recess in the face or
edge of a second member.
Rabbling - stirring a molten charge, such as metal or ore.
Race -
Race - 1) the inner or outer steel rings of a ball bearing or a roller bearing; 2) a straight bar or a
flat plate having a series of equi-distant teeth on one face; see also Rack and
Pinion.
Race - a groove in which something (such as a ball bearing) moves or slides.
Race - either of the concentric pair of steel rings of a ball bearing or roller bearing.
Rack -
Rack - a bar containing teeth on one face for meshing with a gear.
Rack - a bar having teeth along one of its long faces for meshing with a gear.
Rack - a bar with teeth which connect the teeth on a pinion to convert linear motion into rotary
motion, or vice versa.
Rack and Pinion -
Rack and Pinion - a method of transforming rotary into linear motion, or vice versa; it is
accomplished by a pinion or small gear wheel which engages a straight, toothed
rack.
Rack and Pinion - an arrangement of a straight-toothed rack and a pinion which is used to
convert rotary into linear and reciprocal motion, generally a pinion wheel with a fixed
center actuating a movable rack.
Rack and Pinion - used to convert rotary motion to linear motion.
Radial - said of lines: spreading out from the center of a circle, like rays.
Radial Bearing - a bearing with rolling contact in which the direction of action of the load
transmitted is radial to the axis of the shaft.
Radial Force - in machining, the force acting on the cutting tool in a direction opposite to depth of
cut.
Radial Load -
Radial Load - a load exerted perpendicular to the axis.
Radial Load - load acting in a direction perpendicular to the shaft/axis, i.e. along the radius.
Radiation - an emission of varying energy content from a disturbed atom undergoing internal
change. There are two broad classifications or types: a) Corpuscular -
compromising streams of particles either neutral or charged, e.g. protons, electrons,
neutrons; b) Electromagnetic - compromising wave-like emissions as gamma,
ultraviolet, etc.
Radiation Damage - a measure of the loss in certain physical properties of organic substances
such as elastomers, due principally to ionization of the long chain molecule. It is
believed that this ionization process (i.e. electron loss) results in redundant cross-
linking and possible scission of the molecule. This effect is cumulative.
Radiation Dosage - the total amount of radiation energy absorbed by a substance. This value is
expressed in ergs per gram, and is denoted by the following units: a) Roentgen - a
quantity of gamma or x-ray radiation equal to approximately 83 ergs of absorbed
energy per gram of air; b) REP (Roentgen equivalent-physical) - a quantity of
ionizing radiation that causes an energy absorption of approximately 83 to 93 ergs
per gram of tissue; c) REM (ROENTGEN equivalent-man) - similar to REP except
used to denote biological effects; d) RAD - the unit of dosage related to elastomers.
It is independent of type of radiation or specimen, and denotes an energy
absorption level of 100 ergs per gram (of elastomer). The RAD is approximately
equal to 1.2 Roentgens.
Radiator Valve - a valve for controlling the flow of water through a radiator.
Radiographic Inspection (RT) -
Radiographic Inspection (RT) - a nondestructive inspection method using x-rays to locate
 internal flaws in castings, fabricated parts and welds.
Radiography - the technique of examining the interior of an item by means of recorded images
(known as radiographs), which are produced by X-rays on photographic film.
Radiography Technique - the use of x-rays and i-rays, in the inspection of castings and forgings
for defects like blowholes, cracks, shrinkage cavities and slag inclusions, is of
primary metallurgical interest to a metallurgist. These defects are of special
importance in the components designed to withstand high temperature and
pressure employed in power plants, atomic reactors, chemical and pressure vessels
and oil refining equipment. The principal radiography technique is based upon the
principle of exposing the cast or forged metal to short wavelength radiations.
Casting are exposed to x-rays (wavelength 0.001 x 10-8 cm) and i-rays
(wavelength 0.005 x 10-10 cm to 3 x 10-8 cm) from suitable sources, i.e. x-ray tube
and cobalt 60, respectively. These rays can penetrate opaque matter and thus are
used to detect defects in the metal. The penetrating power of the x-rays is lesser as
compared to the i-rays. Thus, for small thickness x-rays are used and for greater
thickness i-rays are used.
Radius Rod - a rod which restricts movement of a part to a given arc.
Raffinate - in solvent refining, that portion of the treated liquid mixture that remains undissolved
and is not removed by the selective solvent; also known as Good Oil to petroleum-
refinery operators.
Rag Bolt - see Barb Bolt
Raised Face (RF) - a flange face having a flat surface protruding 1/16 or 1/4 inch beyond the
outer flange face.
Raised Face Flanged Globe-Style Angle Control Valve - a valve design in which one port is
collinear with the valve stem or actuator and the other port (usually the inlet) is at
right angles to the valve stem.
Raised Faced (RF) -
Raised Faced (RF) - the raised area of a flange face which is the gasket sealing surface
between mating flanges. It is defined in ASME B16.5. Class 150 and 300 valves
have 0.06" RF and Classes 600 and up have a 0.25" RF.
RAL Paint - a European standard for paint colors in powder form. There are no standard paint
colors available in wet form.
Ramping - in the production of parts fabricated from composite materials, a gradual and
programmed sequence of changes in temperature or pressure that control curing
and cooling.
Ramsbottom Valve - in which the load is applied to two coupled valve heads by a tension
spring.
Rangeability -
Rangeability - the range over which a control valve can control. It is the ratio of the maximum to
minimum controllable flow coefficients. This is also called Turndown, although
technically it is not the same thing. There are two types of rangeability - inherent
and installed. Inherent rangeability is a property of the valve alone and may be
defined as the range of flow coefficients between which the gain of the valve does
not deviate from a specified gain by some stated tolerance limit. Installed
rangeability is the range within which the deviation from a desired installed flow
characteristic does not exceed some stated tolerance limit.
Rangeability - the ratio of maximum to minimum controllable Cv (Kv).
Rangeability - the ratio of the maximum controllable flow to the minimum controllable flow. For
instance, a valve with a rangeability of 50 to 1 and having a total flow capacity of
100 gal/min, fully open, will control flow accurately down as low as 2 gal/min. The
valve may or may not have tight shutoff. However, for this particular valve you
could not depend upon getting steady flow of, for instance, 1.5 gal/min if this were
necessary to maintain stable load conditions. Generally, rangeabilities in the range
of 50 to 1 or 40 to 1 are considered excellent for extreme precision of control.
Valves with high rangeability are very expensive to manufacture since very close
tolerances are involved between the disc and the seat. Competitively priced control
valves ordinarily have rangeability of less than 30 to 1. In many cases wide
rangeability compensates automatically for deviations from anticipated conditions
 without loss of control.
Ranking Scale - a thermometer scale based on absolute zero of the Fahrenheit scale, in which
the freezing point of water is approximately 492° R.
Rat Distillate - a refinery designation for gasoline and other fuels as they come from the
condenser, before undesirable substances are removed by further processing.
Ratchet and Pawl Mechanism - a cogwheel (ratchet) with which a single pivoted catch (pawl)
engages, thereby disallowing any backward turning.
Rate - the speed of movement or change
Rate of Flow Control Valve - see Flow Control Valve
Rated Capacity - the manufacturers stated capacity rating for mechanical equipment, for
instance, the maximum continuous capacity in pounds of steam per hour for which
a boiler is designed.
Rated Flow Coefficient - the flow coefficient (Cv) of the valve at rated travel.
Rated Horsepower - the maximum or allowable power output of an engine, turbine or other
prime mover under normal, continuous operating conditions.
Rated Load -
Rated Load - the maximum design load for a machine, structure or vehicle.
Rated Load - the maximum load a machine is designed to carry.
Rated Output (Power) - the value of the output power included in the rating.
Rated Relieving Capacity - the measured relieving capacity for which the pressure relief device
is rated in accordance with the applicable code or standard.
Rated Supply Voltage - the supply voltage, or range of voltages, for which the manufacturer has
designed the equipment.
Rated Torque - the torque the motor develops at its shaft-end at rated output and speed.
Rating -
Rating - a designation of an operating limit for a machine, apparatus, or device used under
specified conditions.
Rating - the whole of the numerical values of the electrical and mechanical quantities, with their
duration and sequences, assigned to the machine by the manufacturer, the
machine complying with the specified conditions. (Note: the duration may be
indicated by a qualifying term).
Ratio - the value obtained by dividing one number by another, indicating their relative
proportions.
Ray - any of a set of lines fanning out from a central point.
RB - Reduced Bore
RC - Regular Cycling
Rc - Rockwell "C"
RCC - Remote Control Center
Re - (European rust scale)
Ream - to enlarge or clean out a hole.
RECB - Reducer Concentric Butt Weld Ends
Receiver - a container in which gas is stored under pressure as a supply source for pneumatic
power.
Recess - a surface groove or depression.
Reciprocating - moving back and forth, as a piston reciprocating in a cylinder.
Record Copy - a document to be retained at vendor’s premises and to be available for review
when required. This document is for record purposes and does not require
purchaser’s approval.
Recrystallization -
Recrystallization - 1) the change from one crystal structure to another, as occurs on heating or
cooling through a critical temperature; 2) the formation of a new, strain-free grain
structure from that existing in cold worked metal, usually accomplished by heating.
Recrystallization - a nucleation and growth process in which new, strain free grains in a metal or
alloy form from a distorted structure that has undergone at least a threshold amount
of cold work; it occurs in a few metals at room temperature but requires annealing
at elevated temperature for detectable amounts to occur in most.
Recrystallization Temperature -
Recrystallization Temperature - that marking a change in crystal form at which new crystals
nucleate and grow to consume the existing structure. Range of temperature
through which strain hardening disappears, approximately 0.6 tm.
Recrystallization Temperature - the minimum temperature at which a new strain-free structure is
produced in cold-worked metal within a specified time.
Recrystallization Temperature - the minimum temperature at which complete recrystallization of a
cold worked metal occurs in a specified time, usually one hour.
Reduce - 1) to undergo a chemical reaction in which a substance gains hydrogen or loses
oxygen; 2) to make into a more concentrated form: 3) to bring into a metallic state
by removing nonmetallic elements, i.e. to covert ore into metal.
Reduced Bore -
Reduced Bore - a valve bore (port) found on gate valves and ball valves that is substantially
smaller than full bore, approximately one pipe size on gate valves and 60% of full
bore on ball valves; compare with Full Port, Regular Port, and Venturi Port.
Reduced Bore - a valve bore opening that is smaller than the line size or the valve end
connection size; also called Reduced Port.
Reduced Bore - indicates that the internal diameter of the valve is lower than the piping to which
the valve is fitted.
Reduced Bore - indicates that the internal diameter of the valve is smaller than the piping to
which the valve is fitted as opposed to full bore; see Full Bore.
Reduced Bore Ball Valve - a ball valve having reduced bore round ports in the body throat,
body connector (s) and ball.
Reduced Opening Valve - a valve with either a venturi or other opening through the closure
mechanism.
Reducer -
Reducer - a fitting for connecting two pipes (or a pipe and a valve) of different sizes.
Reducer - a fitting having a larger size at one end than at the other and threaded inside, unless
specifically flanged or for some special joint.
Reducing Agent - either natural gas or coal can be used to remove the oxygen from iron ore in
order to produce a scrap substitute. In gas-based processes, the iron ore is heated
in a vessel as reformed natural gas passes through. In coal-based processes, iron
ore is combined with gasified or ground coal and heated. The oxygen in the ore
combines with carbon and hydrogen in the gas or coal, producing reduced, or
metallic, iron.
Reducing Coupling - a coupling used to connect a smaller pipe to a larger one.
Reducing Flame - a gas welding flame which has reducing effects.
Reducing Valve -
Reducing Valve - a valve which is used for reducing the pressure of a fluid in a supply line.
Reducing Valve - see Pressure-Reducing Valve
Reduction -
Reduction - 1) gain of electrons by a constituent of a chemical reaction; 2) removal of oxygen
from a chemical compound.
Reduction - the removal of oxygen from an oxide. Iron oxide is reduced to metallic iron by carbon
monoxide gas.
Reduction - this type of reaction may be considered as the opposite to oxidation in that its
function is to remove oxygen. The principle of reduction relies on the fact that in
nature some substances combine more readily with oxygen-rich compounds. The
oxygen can, under the correct conditions, be induced to change partners. A simple
example of this phenomenon is when hydrogen is passed over heated copper
oxide. A reaction takes place and the oxygen leaves the copper and combines with
the hydrogen to leave pure copper. (hydrogen + copper oxide = copper + water :
H2 + CuO = Cu + H2O). Thus copper is separated from its oxide by what is termed
a reduction process. Note: the heat allows the atoms of oxygen to escape more
freely. Reducing agents do not necessarily need to be gaseous, they may be solid.
There are two major examples of the use of reduction processes in engineering.
The first is employed in the steel industry to separate iron from iron oxide ore, and
the second is the protection of steel components while they are undergoing heat
 treatment.
Reduction of Area - 1) commonly, the difference, expressed as a percentage of original area,
between the original cross-sectional area of a tensile test specimen and the
minimum cross-sectional area measured after complete separation; 2) the
difference, expressed as a percentage of original area, between original cross-
sectional area and that after straining the specimen.
REEB - Reducer Eccentric Butt Weld Ends
Refine - to free from impurities, as the separation of petroleum, ores, or chemical mixtures into
their component parts.
Refinery -
Refinery - a system of process units used to convert crude petroleum into fuels, lubricants, and
other petroleum-derived products.
Refinery - plant where hydrocarbons are separated and transformed into more marketable
products.
Refining - the process of converting crude oil into a more valuable commodity.
Refining Residuals - by-products of petroleum refining, largely consisting of petroleum-based
sludge, spent catalysts, and nonhazardous wastes.
Reflux Valve -
Reflux Valve - a check valve
Reflux Valve - a valve fitted on the delivery side of a pump so that the pump and its suction
system are protected against inertia surges in the delivery pipe.
Refractoriness - in casting, ferrous metals and alloys are poured into molds at temperatures of
1600° to 1800° C. It requires refractory properties of sand, i.e. it must be capable of
withstanding high temperatures.
Refractory Metals - a term applied to transition group elements in the periodic table which have
high melting points. They include chromium, titanium, platinum, tantalum, tungsten
and zirconium.
Register, Off or Uneven - see Off-register
Regrind - thermoplastic that has been processed once, then is placed in a grinder to be
shredded / pelletized for re-molding. In injection molding, runners etc. are often re-
ground. No thermoplastic can be successfully reground and remolded indefinitely;
eventually the molecular bond begins to break down and the plastic is no longer
usable.
Regular Cycling - opening or closing a valve once a week or more.
Regular Pattern - having substantially full-area seats ports of rectangular or similar shape.
Regular Port - a valve bore (port) found on ball valves and plug valves that is smaller than full
bore, approximately 75% to 90% of full bore on ball valves and 60% to 70% on plug
valves; compare with Full Port, Reduced Port, and Venturi Port.
Regulating Valve - a valve intended for regulating purposes and which may have a clearance
between the disc and the body in the closed position.
Regulating Valve -
Regulating Valve - this valve type is used to regulate flows to provide a constant pressure output.
Regulation - the process of holding constant a quantity such as speed, temperature, voltage, or
position by means of an electronic or other system that automatically corrects errors
by feeding back into the system the condition being regulated; regulation thus is
based on feedback, whereas control is not.
Regulator -
Regulator - a device for controlling the supply of gases in welding.
Regulator - a device that maintains a desired quantity at a predetermined value or varies it
according to a predetermined plan.
Regulator - a type of control system or device that maintains the value of an output variable
constant relative to a set input value.
Regulator - the device by which the operating pressure of a compressed air system is controlled.
A regulator will allow you to variably adjust the pressure from the minimum to
maximum working pressure of the system.
Reinforcing Agent - material dispersed in an elastomer to improve compression, shear, or other
stress properties.
Reinforcing Bar (Rebar) - a commodity-grade steel used to strengthen concrete in highway and
building construction.
Relative Flow Coefficient - the ratio of the flow coefficient (Cv) at a stated travel to the flow
coefficient (Cv) at rated travel.
Relative Humidity -
Relative Humidity - the ratio between the weight of water vapor in the air and that in saturated air,
at the same temperature, which has the same as the corresponding ratio of the
vapor pressure.
Relative Humidity - the ratio of the quantity of water vapor actually present in the atmosphere to
the greatest amount possible at the given temperature.
Relaxation -
Relaxation - 1) relief of stress in a strained material due to creep; 2) the lessening of elastic
resistance in an elastic medium under an applied stress resulting in permanent
deformation.
Relaxation - decrease of stress with time at constant strain.
Relaxation Test - a creep test in which the decrease of stress in an elastic medium under an
applied stress resulting in permanent deformation.
Relay - an electrical switching device that, in response to a change in an electric circuit (such as
a small change in current), opens or closes one or more contacts in the same or
another circuit.
Relief Valve -
Relief Valve - a device used to protect piping and components from overpressure.
Relief Valve - a direct spring loaded valve normally closed, which automatically opens in the
event of pressure reaching a predetermined maximum limit. It thus provides
protection to that part of a system in which it is located.
Relief Valve - a pressure control valve whose primary function is to limit system pressure.
Relief Valve - a pressure relief valve designed for use with liquids.
Relief Valve - a safety device designed to open before dangerous pressure is reached.
Relief Valve - a safety valve
Relief Valve - a self-operated, fast acting valve which is used to bleed off excessive pressure in a
fluid system.
Relief Valve - a valve which automatically discharges fluid relieve pressure.
Relief Valve - an automatic pressure relieving device actuated by the static pressure upstream of
the valve, which opens in proportion to the increase in pressure over the opening
pressure.
Relief Valve (Safety) - an automatic pressure relieving device actuated by the pressure upstream
of the valve and characterized by opening pop action with further increase in lift with
an increase in pressure over popping pressure.
Remote Gate Valve - a remotely controlled block valve for the primary purpose of protecting
segments of the line in the event of a catastrophic pipeline break.
Repair - anything requiring at least partial disassembly of a valve.
Representative Sample - Positive Material Identification (PMI) testing of a sample, consisting of
one or more pieces (components) selected at random from the inspection lot, which
will be examined to determine acceptability of the inspection lot.
Reservoir -
Reservoir - a container for storage of liquid in a fluid power system.
Reservoir - a container used to store the liquid in a fluid power system.
Reservoir - a place where something is kept in store.
Resilience -
Resilience - refers to the power of an elastically strained body to spring back on removal of load.
Resilience - the capacity of a material to absorb or store energy. When a material is subjected to
external forces, it develops stress. When the stress is removed, the amount of
energy that can be recovered within the elastic limit is called the Elastic Resilience.
The energy stored per unit volume at the elastic limit is called the Modulus of
Resilience.
Resilience - the capacity of a material to absorb or store energy. When a material is subjected to
external forces, it develops stress. When the stress is removed, the amount of
 energy that can be recovered within the elastic limit is called the elastic resilience.
The energy stored per unit volume at the elastic limit is called the modulus of
resilience.
Resilience - the stored energy of a strained or elastic material, such as on a compressed spring
or in rubber dampers which have inherent damping properties.
Resilient -
Resilient - able to return quickly to its original shape or position after being bent, twisted,
stretched, etc.
Resilient - capable of returning to original size and shape after deformation.
Resistance -
Resistance - an opposition to the flow of a fluid through a device or system. A measure of the
effect of friction.
Resistance - the resistance to flow in pipe or channel is expressed in ft head of water, and is
obtainable from various hydraulic formulae.
Resistance Brazing - a brazing process in which heat is produced due to resistance to flow of
current. This process is carried out above 430° C.
Resistance Coefficient - a measure of the resistance of a valve to fluid flow. It is determined by
the geometry of the valve.
Resistance Seam Weld - overlapping plates are joined by fusion as in a spot weld with the
electric current flowing between two rotating wheels.
Resistance Welding -
Resistance Welding - a group of welding processes in which coalescence is produced by the
heat obtained from resistance of the work to the flow of current.
Resistance Welding - a group of welding processes in which heat is obtained from resistance of
the work to electrical current in a circuit of which the work is one part.
Resistance Welding - a process of electric welding in which the pieces to be welded are raised to
the required temperature by the passage of a heavy current through them while
held in contact under mechanical pressure, e.g. butt welding, spot welding and
seam welding.
Resistance Welding - in resistance welding, coalescence is obtained by the heat obtained from
the resistance offered by the flow of electric current in a circuit of which the work is
a part, and by the application of pressures.
Resistance Welding - joins metals by the simultaneous application of pressure and heat.
Response Time -
Response Time - the time lag between a signal input and the resulting change of output.
Response Time - the time necessary for a closed valve to fully open, and for an open valve to
totally close. Voltage, pressure size and media affect response time. Typical
response times for solenoid valves is 10-12 milliseconds.
Restrictor - a device that reduces the cross-sectional flow area.
Restrictor, Orifice - a restrictor, the length of which is relatively small with respect to its cross-
sectional area. The orifice may be fixed or variable. Variable types are non-
compensated, pressure compensated, or pressure and temperature compensated.
Retainer -
Retainer - a device that holds a mechanical component in place.
Retainer - a mechanical part that holds something in place.
Retaining Ring - a steel ring between the races of a ball bearing to maintain the correct
distribution of the balls in the races.
Retort - a vessel for heating metals such as iron and carbon to make steel.
Return - a bend or turn in a piping system that causes a change in flow direction.
Return Bend - a pipe fitting, equal to two ells, used to connect parallel pipes so that fluid flowing
into one will return in the opposite direction through the other.
Return Line - a line used for returning fluid back into the reservoir or atmosphere.
Return Valve - an overflow valve, which allows the return of fluid.
Reverse Acting - this term has several different meanings depending upon the device it is
describing. A Reverse Acting Actuator is one in which the actuator stem retracts
with an increase in diaphragm pressure. A Reverse Acting Valve is one with a
Push Down To Open plug and seat orientation. A Reverse Acting Positioner or a
 Reverse Acting Controller outputs a decrease in signal in response to an increase
in set point.
Reverse Acting Controller - an air-operated controller in which the output pressure decreases
as the controlled medium increases.
Reverse Acting Valve - a valve that is normally closed and which requires an increase of fluid
pressure or other mechanical means to open.
Reverse Flange - a flange made by shrinking.
Reverse Polarity - in welding, the arrangement of D.C. current flow in which the electrode acts
as the positive pole and the workpiece acts as the negative pole.
Reversing Mill - the stand of rolls used to reduce steel sheet or plate by passing the steel back
and forth between the rolls; the gap between the rolls is reduced after each pass.
Review - mandatory review point. Applies only at the final documentation stage for a sales order
item.
Reynolds Number - a dimensionless criterion of the nature of flow in pipes. It is proportional to
the ratio of dynamic forces to viscous forces: the product of diameter, velocity and
density, divided by absolute viscosity.
RF - Raised Face
RFQ - Request For Quotation
RG - Ring Groove
RGS - Rigid Galvanized Steel
RH - 1) Relative Humidity; 2) Right Hand
Ri - (ISO rust scale)
Rig -
Rig - a collective term to describe the permanent equipment needed when drilling a well. It has
come to include the onshore and offshore vehicles, mobile platforms, or vessels on
which the equipment is installed. Offshore platforms are often referred to as oilrigs.
Rig - a tripod, derrick, or drill machine complete with auxiliary and accessory equipment needed
to drill.
Rim Pull - the force required at the edge of the handwheel to generate the required torque at the
center of the handwheel.
Rimmed Steel -
Rimmed Steel - a type of steel characterized by a gaseous effervescence when cooling in the
mold. This results in a relatively pure iron outer rim.
Rimmed Steel - the bulk of low carbon steel produced for sheets, nails, etc., is partially oxidized
by the addition of nearby 400 gms of aluminum to 1 ton of steel. When this partial
deoxidation is properly controlled, a thick rim of exceptionally pure metal solidifies.
The residual liquid is enriched sufficiently in carbon and oxygen for the reaction
FeO+C-> Fe+CO to occur. It forms deep-seated blowholes at a uniform depth
below the surface and piping is counteracted. The central core is enriched in
impurities and it corrodes more rapidly than pure iron.
Ring Joint Face - a flange face having a specially shaped groove located between the bolt holes
and the flange bore.
Ring Type Joint (RTJ) - a flange connection using a specially shaped soft metal ring as a
gasket. It is generally used on high pressure valves. It may be the body and
bonnet connection and / or the end flange connection.
Ringbolt - an eyebolt with a ring passing through the eye.
Riser -
Riser - a vertical pipe on an oil or gas rig.
Riser - a vertical steam, water, or gas pipe.
Riser - metal contracts on cooling. A riser is a reservoir of molten metal provided in a casting so
that hot molten flows back into the mold cavity when there is reduction in volume on
solidification.
RJ - Ring Joint
RMS -
RMS - Root Mean Square
RMS - Root Mean Square Roughness Height
Rockwell C Hardness (HRC) - a hardness value obtained by use of a cone-shaped diamond
 indenter and a load of 150 kg, in accordance with ASTM E 18.
Rockwell Hardness - a measure of hardness of a material as determined by the Rockwell
hardness test.
Rockwell Hardness Test -
Rockwell Hardness Test - a commercial indentation test which uses a conical indenter for hard
metals and a spherical indenter for soft metals. The indentation is directly recorded
on a suitable dial after the load has been removed.
Rockwell Hardness Test - a test for determining the hardness of a material based upon the depth
of penetration of a specified penetrator into the specimen under certain arbitrarily
fixed conditions of test.
Rockwell Hardness Test - one of the arbitrarily defined measures of resistance of a material to
indentation under static or dynamic load; depth of indentation of either a steel ball
or a 120 degrees conical diamond with rounded point, 1.5875, 3.175, 6.35, 12.7
millimeters in diameter, called a brale, under prescribed load is the basis for
Rockwell hardness; 60, 100, 150 kilogram load is applied with a special machine,
and depth of impression under initial minor load is indicated on a dial whose
graduations represent hardness number.
Rockwell Hardness Test - Rockwell hardness numbers have been based on the additional depth
to which an indenter has been driven into a metal by heavy load beyond the depth
to which the same indenter has been driven by a light load, the conditions under
which this happens being arbitrary but definite. For the inspection of hard steel
parts the sphero-conical diamond Brale penetrator has been used with a major load
of 150 kg.
Rockwell Hardness Test - this machine uses different scales and loads, but B and C scales are
commonly used. B scale uses a 1/16” diameter hardened steel ball loaded with 100
kg. A diamond cone having 120 degree apex angle with 150 kg load is used for the
C scale. This machine simplifies the process of the Brinell testing, because in this
machine, microscopic reading are not required as the depth of the indentation has
been adjusted to give direct reading on the scale. As different indentors and loads
are used for scales B and C, different dials are used for taking readings. Actually,
the same dial is marked in two different colors to differentiate between the testings.
Scale B is used for soft materials and scale C for hard materials. The penetrator is
first loaded with a minor load of 10 kg to take out any slack in the machine and the
indicator for measuring the depth of the impression is set to zero. Then the major
load is applied and after its removal the dial gauge records the depth of the
impression in terms of Rockwell numbers.
Rod - round, thin semi-finished steel length that is rolled from a billet and coiled for further
processing. Rod is commonly drawn into wire products or used to make bolts and
nails. Rod trains (rolling facilities) can run as fast as 20,000 feet per minute‹more
than 200 miles an hour.
Rod Out - the act of pushing a specially designed rod through a valve or opening to loosen
deposits.
Roentgen - see Radiation Dosage
Roll - a cylinder mounted in bearings; used for such functions as shaping, crushing, moving, or
printing work passing by it.
Rolled In Scale - rolled-in oxides of iron which form on the surface of hot steel.
Roller Bearing -
Roller Bearing - 1) a shaft bearing consisting of inner and outer steel races between which a
number of parallel or tapered steel rollers are located by a cage. It suits heavier
loads than a ball bearing. 2) roller bearings have a single or double row of straight
cylindrical rollers in a cage held between the two races. The rollers may be barrel-
shaped, concave or tapered to make the bearing self-aligning and capable of taking
greater thrust than ball bearings.
Roller Bearing - a bearing in a shaft which is composed of a number of steel rollers and located
by a cage between inner and outer steel races. Roller bearings can carry heavier
loads than ball bearings.
Roller Bearing - a bearing like a ball bearing but with small cylinders instead of balls.
Roller Bearing - a shaft bearing characterized by parallel or tapered steel rollers confined
 between outer and inner rings.
Roller Bearings - hard steel cylinders in bearings which have very low frictional resistance.
Rolling Diaphragm - a type of seal, also senses pressure. This is a diaphragm formed in a
convoluted shape. It gets its name because as the stem moves, the diaphragm
"rolls" at the convolution. It is sometimes used in a manner similar to a U-cup; that
is, to seal the gap between a linear moving shaft and the valve body.
Rolling Mill - a factory or machine for rolling steel or other metal into sheets.
Room Temperature - the reduced range standard ambient (18° Celsius to 28° Celsius) stated in
footnote 5 of Table I of IEC 212.
Root Mean Square Value (RMS) - 1) a statistical averaging technique where all data are
individually squared, the average of those squares taken and the square root of that
average taken; 2) equal to 0.707 times the peak.
Root Valve - the first valve located in a sample line after it taps off the process. It is typically
located in close proximity to the sample tap.
ROS - Required On Site
Rotary Forging - rotary forging uses four mechanically driven hammers to rapidly exert force
simultaneously on four sides of the work piece. It results in spreading to take place
in the desired longitudinal direction.
Rotary Valve -
Rotary Valve - a valve for the admission or exhaust of working fluid, where the valve is a ported
piston or disk that turns on its axis.
Rotary Valve - a valve style in which the flow closure member is rotated in the flow stream to
modify the amount of fluid passing through the valve.
Rough Trim - the removal of superfluous material by pulling or picking. Usually the removal of a
small portion of the flash or sprue which remains attached to the product.
Roughness - a value entering into every formula for calculating flow through pipes
Round Opening Pattern - having full-bore round ports in both and plug
ROV - 1) Remote Operated Valve; 2) Remote Operated Vehicle
RR - Report Required
RS - Rising Stem
RT - 1) Radiographic Examination; 2) Radiographic Testing; 3) Run Torque; 4) Running-up
Time
RTD - Resistance Temperature Detector
RTFE - Reinforced Tetrafluoroethylene (Reinforced Teflon)
RTJ - Ring Type Joint
Rubber -
Rubber - it is an excellent material for seals and diagrams for water-lubricated bearings, for parts
subjected to vibratory forces. It should be protected from high temperature, oil and
sunlight.
Rubber - same as elastomer
Rubber Hardness Degree, International - a measure of the depth of penetration of an indenter
into an elastomer, used to monitor the degree of cure.
Rubber, Chloroprene - see Neoprene
Rubber, Conductive - a rubber capable of conducting electricity. Most generally applied to
rubber products used to conduct static electricity.
Rubber, Natural - raw or crude rubber obtained from vegetable sources.
Rubber, Nitrile -
Rubber, Nitrile - a copolymer made from acrylonitrile and butadiene, the composition depending
on use. It is widely used in solvent-resistant applications, e.g. petrol hose, brake
hose.
Rubber, Nitrile - a synthetic rubber formed by random polymerization of acrylonitrile with
butadiene used for gaskets and O-rings.
Rubber, Nitrile - see Buna-N
Rubber, Nitrile (Buna-N) - the most commonly used elastomer for o-rings because of its
resistance to petroleum fluids, good physical properties, and useful temperature
range.
Rubber, Silicone - an elastomer that retains good properties through extra wide temperature
range.
Rubber, Synthetic - manufactured or man-made elastomers
Run - a portion of pipe or fitting lying in a straight line in the same direction of flow as the pipe to
which it is connected.
Runner - in casting, the passage in the parting plane used for regulating the flow of molten metal
to the mold cavity.
Running Fit - the intentional difference in dimensions of mating mechanical parts that permits
them to move relative to each other.
Running In - running a new engine, machine or mechanism under a light load and at moderate
speed, to allow time for proper clearances to become established and friction-
surfaces polished.
Running Up Time (RT) - the time for a motor to complete one start with rated voltage and
frequency applied and coupled to the actual load.
Runout, Shaft - same as Gyration; when expressed in inches alone or accompanied by an
abbreviation "TIR" (total indicator reading), it refers to twice the radial distance
between shaft axis and axis of rotation.
Rust - a product of the oxidation of iron or its alloys, due either to atmospheric attack or the
electrolytic effect of cell action around impurities.
Rust Prevention - surface protection of ferrous structures or equipment to prevent formation of
iron oxide; it can be by coatings, surface treatment, plating, chemicals, cathodic
arrangements, or other means.
RUTQ - Regret Unable To Quote