Glossary of Valve Terms and Acronyms: White Paper
Glossary of Valve Terms and Acronyms: White Paper
Glossary of Valve Terms and Acronyms: White Paper
White Paper
Glossary of Valve Terms and Acronyms
Table of Contents
Glossary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Acronyms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
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Glossary of Valve Terms and Acronyms
bonnet (to avoid under certain operating conditions,
A that the stem could accidentally blow out).
ANTI‐SLAM DEVICE: Device used on Air/Vacuum
ACCUMULATOR TANK: Enclosed volume that valves to regulate the valve's closure and prevent
contains a compressible fluid (gas) to provide standby the valve from being slammed closed during critical
energy in the event of loss of system pressure. operation. Sometimes referred to as a slow closing
ACCUMULATOR, HYDRAULIC: A pressure storage device, surge check valve or regulated exhaust
reservoir in which a non‐compressible hydraulic fluid device.
is held under pressure to provide standby energy in ANTI‐STATIC DEVICE: A spring‐loaded component of
the event of loss of system pressure. a pipeline ball valve which provides contact between
ACTUATOR: Mechanical, hydraulic, electric or stem and ball, and stem and body to eliminate static
pneumatic device or mechanism used to open, electricity.
position, or close a valve. APl: American Petroleum Institute‐organization
AIR BOUND: Obstructed, as to the free flow of water, that develops standards for materials and articles
because of air entrapped in a high point; used to used in the petroleum and gas gathering
describe a pipeline or pump in such condition. (production) industry, and also the hydrocarbon‐
AIR RELEASE VALVE: A hydro‐mechanical valve processing industry.
designed to slowly vent/release air automatically and ASME: American Society of Mechanical Engineers
continuously from liquid piping systems. ‐ organization responsible for maintaining several
AIR VALVE: Generic name used to describe a family of codes and large numbers of standards, covering
valves used to control the release and admittance of numerous different industries.
air to a pipeline or liquid handling system. Common ASSE: American Society of Sanitary Engineering –
names for specific types include Air Release, organization responsible for certifying plumbing and
Air/Vacuum and Combination. mechanical products and is also a third‐party certifier
AIR VENT: An opening in a penstock or other for professionals in the plumbing and mechanical
pipeline, covered tank, or well, that allows inflow industries.
or outflow of air. ASTM: American Society for Testing and Materials‐
AIR/VACUUM VALVE: A float operated valve designed organization responsible for maintaining standards
to exhaust large volumes of air upon pump start up and covering materials, testing methods, and in some
provide vacuum protection by admitting large cases such as plastics, the dimensional and
volumes of air upon pump shut down or if a column manufacturing standards for finished products.
separation occurs. ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE: External pressure exerted
ALLOY STEEL: A steel consisting primarily of iron with on a body by the atmosphere: 1.0 Bar (14.7 psia) at
some percentage of one or more other elements such sea level.
as chromium, nickel, manganese, or vanadium AUSTENITIC STAINLESS STEEL: A common stainless
deliberately added to enhance its properties. steel, where the primary microstructure is austenite
ALTITUDE‐CONTROL VALVE: A valve that and the composition primarily iron but also includes
automatically shuts off flow when the water level in both chromium and nickel. The steels are designated
an elevated tank reaches a predetermined as 300 series such as 304, 316, CF8M, etc.
elevation and opens when the pressure on the AWWA: American Water Works Association, Inc. –
system side is less than that on the tank side. organization responsible for maintaining standards
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE: Prevailing temperature of related to water treatment and water and
the environment immediately surrounding an object. wastewater treatment products.
ANSl: American National Standards Institute‐
standard development organization responsible for
coordinating the work of U.S. standards writing B
groups with each other and with other national
standards organizations. Known as ASA until 1967. BACKFLOW ACTUATOR: Optional accessory for the
ANTI‐BLOWOUT STEM: A valve stem that is made Swing‐Flex® Check Valve. Provided for opening and
with a shoulder, positively retained by the body or holding open the valve disc to allow backflow
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Glossary of Valve Terms and Acronyms
through the line. Used to backwash a line, drain a outlet port, is blocked, while another small port is
system or fill a wet well. provided for the purpose of bleeding down (draining
BACK PRESSURE: The pressure exerted on the or depressurizing) the cavity in between.
downstream side of a valve. BLOW DOWN VALVE (BDV): A small ball valve that is
BACK SEAT: A shoulder on the stem of a gate or globe installed to vent body cavity pressure.
valve which seals against a mating surface inside the BLOWOFF VALVE: A valve installed in a low point
bonnet to prevent leakage of media through the bonnet or depression on a pipeline to allow drainage of the
stuffing box when the valve is fully open. line. Also called washout valve.
BACKFLOW PREVENTER: Any mechanical device, BODY: The principle pressure containing shell of a
whether used singly or in combination with other valve or fitting.
controls, designed to automatically prevent an BOLTED CONSTRUCTION: Describes a valve
unintentional reversal or flow in a potable water construction in which the pressure shell elements
distribution system. (such as body and closures of a trunnion ball valve) are
BACKFLOW: The reversal of flow from that normally bolted together and so can be taken apart and repaired
intended. in the field.
BACKWASHING: The act of flowing clean water BONNET: The cover or removable top component of
backwards through a valve or filter for the purpose a valve, containing the packing gland and stem
of cleaning. opening. Generally, gate and globe valves are
BALL VALVE: A valve that has a spherical, or section considered to have a bonnet.
of a spherical, closure element that opens and BRONZE: An alloy of copper and tin. For special
closes by rotating one‐quarter turn. purposes other metals such phosphorus, lead, zinc,
BARE‐SHAFT (STEM): A valve supplied without lever silicon or aluminum are added. Most bronze alloys
or hand wheel, where the end of the stem (shaft) is resist corrosion.
exposed and ready for others to install their own BSI: British Standards Institution‐organization
-
actuator. responsible for standards in Great Britain and
BEARING: A cylindrical machine located in the body Northern Ireland.
hubs that is used to radially support the valve BUBBLE‐TIGHT: A seat leakage condition in which,
shaft(s). during the allotted time of the test, no perceptible
BELLEVILLE SPRING or BELLEVILLE WASHER: A disc‐ leakage comes past the seat being tested. Applies
shaped washer, which provides axial spring force to air‐under‐water testing‐the same test using
along its own centerline. water‐under‐air is referred to as drop tight.
BERNOULLI'S LAW: A physical law of hydraulics that BUNA‐N: Common term for nitrile rubber.
states that under conditions of uniform steady flow BUSHING: A lining or sleeve of metal or other material
of water in a conduit or stream channel, the sum of inserted into a hole to limits its size, resist wear, or act
the velocity head, pressure head, and head due to as a guide.
elevation at any given point along such conduit or BUTT WELD: Weld where the adjoining edges to be
channel is equal to the sum of these heads at any welded are parallel and facing each other.
other point along such conduit or channel plus or BUTTERFLY VALVE: A valve that has a circular disc‐
minus the losses in head between the two points shaped closure element that pivots one‐quarter
due to friction. tum about its vertical centerline to open and close.
BEVEL GEAR ACTUATOR: Device facilitating operation BYPASS: A smaller line containing a valve that comes
of a gate or globe valve by means of a set of bevel gears off a larger line just upstream of a major valve and
having the axis of the pinion gear at right angles to that rejoins the same line just downstream of the valve.
of the larger ring gear.
BHN: Brinell Hardness Number ‐ a dimensionless
indicator of material hardness.
C
BI‐DIRECTIONAL: A shut off valve capable of
sealing in both direct and reverse pressure. CAST IRON: The common term for cast gray iron or iron
BLOCK AND BLEED: A valve configuration in which the containing flake carbon in the range of 1.0 to 1.5 %. Cast
flow through the valve, from the inlet port to the iron is brittle, exhibiting very little ductility before
fracturing.
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Glossary of Valve Terms and Acronyms
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Glossary of Valve Terms and Acronyms
EFFLUENT: (1) A liquid which flows out of a process
or confined space. (2) Wastewater or other liquid
F
partially or completely treated, or in its natural
state, flowing out of a reservoir, basin, treatment FACE‐TO‐FACE DIMENSION: The dimension from
plant, or industrial treatment plant, or part thereof. the face of the inlet port to the face of the outlet
(3) An outflowing branch of a main stream or lake. port of flanged valves or fittings.
(4) An emission of gas. FACING: The finish of the gasket contact surface of a
ELASTOMER: A natural or synthetic elastic material, flange.
often used for O‐ring seals. FAIL SAFE VALVE: A valve designed to fail in a
ELECTRIC ACTUATOR: Also known as an Electro‐ preferred position (open, closed or in‐place) in order
Mechanical Actuator which uses an electrically to avoid an undesirable consequence in a piping
operated motor‐driven gear train or screw to position system.
the actuator stem. The actuator may respond to FAIL‐OPEN: A condition in which a valve or other
either a digital or analogue electrical signal. component that is normally in some position,
ELECTROLYTIC CORROSION: Corrosion resulting open, closed, or in between, will open if power or
from stray DC currents in underground pipe. signal is lost.
ELEVATION HEAD: The energy possessed per unit FAILURE MODE: Upon electric power failure or air
weight of a fluid because of its elevation above pressure loss to the actuator, the valve is operated to
some datum. a predetermined position (fail open, fail close, fail in
EMERGENCY SEAT SEAL: A fitting on the valve body last position).
through which sealant can be injected to affect a seat FEEDBACK: Signal indicating the actual position of an
seal in an emergency situation. element in a control system.
END CONNECTION: The type of connection supplied on FIRE SAFE: A valve design that is capable of passing a
the ends of a valve which allows it to be connected to fire test with specified limits on leakage to the
piping. atmosphere and downstream after being closed
END TO END DIMENSION: The dimension from the subsequent to fire exposure.
end of one port to the end of the opposite port of FLANGE: A cast or formed pipe fitting with bolt holes
a valve, fitting or pipe. to provide means of attachment to piping
ENERGY HEAD: The height of the hydraulic grade components having a similar fitting.
line above the center line of a conduit plus the FLANGELESS: A valve that does not have integral line
velocity head of the mean‐velocity water in that flanges, sometimes referred to as a Lug or Wafer Style
section. valve.
EROSION: The mechanical wear of a metal surface or FLAP VALVE: A valve that is hinged at one edge and
part due to fluid impingement. The presence of that opens and shuts by rotating about the hinge.
entrained solid particles accelerates this process. FLAT FACE: (FF) A flange surface in which the
EXPANSION JOINT: A pressure tight connection device gasket sealing area is the entire surface from the
installed in a piping system to provide for changes inside diameter to the outside edge of the flange.
in length due to expansion or contraction resulting FLOAT VALVE: A valve in which the closure to an
from changes in temperature. opening, such as a plug or gate, is actuated by a
EXPLOSION‐PROOF: Characteristic of a device or float to control the flow into a tank.
enclosure that inherently contains or prevents an FLOATING BALL VALVE: A ball valve where the ball is
explosion. free to float between the seat rings.
EXTENSIONS: The equipment applied to buried valves FLOW AREA: The total area minus obstructions at
or valves below walkways to provide above grade a given cross sectional point in a valve.
accessibility to operating gear. FLOW CHARACTERISTICS: The curves relating to
EXTERNAL COATING: Coating applied to protect the percentage of flow versus the closure member
valves against various arduous environments – sea travel. Inherent flow characteristics assume a
water/air, etc. (not normally a requirement for constant pressure across the valve while the
corrosion resistant valves). installed flow characteristic includes the impact of
the system on the valve's performance.
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Glossary of Valve Terms and Acronyms
FLUID: Substance that is characterized by low GATE VALVE: A valve whose closure member is a
resistance to flow and the tendency to assume the gate, wedge, disc or double disc which moves on an
shape of its container or conduit. axis perpendicular to the direction of flow.
FM: Factory Mutual Association ‐ an organization GEAR OPERATED: The actuation of a valve thru a gear
that certifies products used in fire‐ or other safety‐ set which multiplies the torque applied to the valve
related industrial installations. stem.
FOOT VALVE: A check valve with an inlet screen GLAND FOLLOWER: The flange that is used to hold
placed in the bottom of the suction pipe of a pump, down or retain the gland on a packing chamber.
which opens to allow water to enter the suction GLAND or GLAND BUSHING: The ring that
pipe but closes to prevent water from passing out of compresses or retains the packing.
it at the bottom end. GLOBE VALVE: A valve, originally somewhat globe
FORCE MAIN: A pressure pipe joining the pump shaped, in which the closing member is circular in
discharge at a water or wastewater pumping cross section and moves along a line concentric
station with a point of gravity flow. with the seat axis to open and close.
FORGING: A metalworking process that involves GRADIENT: The rate of change of any characteristic
hammering or forming, with or without a die, at hot per unit of length, or slope. The term is usually
working temperatures to form a specific shape. applied to such things as elevation, velocity,
FRICTION LOSS: The head lost by water flowing in pressure. See slope.
a stream or conduit as the result of the GRAPHITE: Flexible carbon material used to make
disturbances set up by the contact between the gaskets and packing. The gaskets may be flat graphite
moving water and its containing conduit and by sheet or have metal inserts for added strength.
intermolecular friction. GRAY IRON: Cast iron which has a high carbon
FUGITIVE EMISSIONS: Named used by the EPA for the content which causes a fractured section to appear to
external leakage of hazardous gases from piping be dark gray.
components such as valve and pumps. GREASE FITTING: A device which permits injection of
FULL BORE or FULL PORT: A valve or other grease into a bearing surface.
component in which the seat area has substantially GRIT SEAL: A resilient contact used to minimize
the same cross section and cross‐sectional area as valve bearing and shaft seal contact with flows
the end connections have. containing suspended solids.
FULL PENETRATION WELD: Describes the type of GROOVED END: Circumferential recess that is cast,
weld wherein the weld metal extends through the cut, or otherwise formed onto a pipe, fitting, or valve
complete thickness of the parts being joined. end to form a restrained joint when used with the
proper gasket and coupling.
G
H
GALLING: The tearing of metal surfaces when two
elements rub against each other. Usually caused by HANDWHEEL: A wheel‐shaped valve operating device
lack of lubrication or extreme contact pressure of intended to be grasped with one or both hands which
materials of a similar hardness value. allows turning the valve stem or operator shaft to
GALVANIC CORROSION: Corrosion that occurs which it is attached.
where dissimilar metals are in close proximity in an HARD FACING: A surface preparation in which an alloy
electrolytic solution, such as water. The anode side is deposited on a metal surface usually by weld overlay
is the one that loses metal. to increase resistance to abrasion and or corrosion.
GAS: A compressible fluid – such as air, hydrogen, HAZEN‐WILLIAMS FORMULA: An equation
nitrogen, etc. developed in 1902 by Gardner Williams and Allen
GASKET: A component whose purpose is to seal a joint Hazen to express flow relations in pressure
between two larger components, softer than the conduits.
surfaces of the joint being sealed and usually HEADLOSS: Energy losses due to the resistance of
compressed by means of bolting to affect the seal. flow of fluids. May be classified into conduit
surface and conduit form losses.
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Glossary of Valve Terms and Acronyms
HEAD: (1) The height of the free surface of fluid HUB: An integrally cast raised area or ''boss" on the
above any point in a hydraulic system; a measure of valve body used to support the valves shaft(s) and
the pressure or force exerted by the fluid. (2) The bearings. Sometimes called a trunnion.
energy, either kinetic or potential, possessed by HYDRAULIC GRADE LINE: A hydraulic profile of the
each unit weight of a liquid, expressed as the piezometric level of water at all points along a line.
vertical height through which a unit weight would The term is usually applied to water moving in a
have to fall to release the average energy conduit, open channel, or stream, but may also be
possessed. It is used in various compound terms applied to free or confined groundwater. In and
such as pressure head, velocity head, and loss of open channel, it is the free water surface. See also
head. hydraulic grade.
HEADER: A large pipe installed to intercept the HYDRAULIC GRADE: In a closed conduit under
ends of a series of pipes; a manifold. pressure, artisan aquifer, or groundwater basin, a
HEAT TREATMENT: Describes any process or line joining the elevations to which water would
procedure by which the internal structure of steel is rise in pipes freely vented and under atmospheric
altered by heating to produce desired physical and pressure. In an open channel, the hydraulic grade
mechanical characteristics. is the water surface.
HIGH POINT: The location on a pipeline or piping HYDRAULIC GRADIENT: The slope of the hydraulic
system where the grade changes from upward to grade line; the rate of change of pressure head; the
downward. ratio of the loss in the sum of the pressure head
HIGH‐PERFORMANCE BUTTERFLY VALVE: Common and position head to the flow distance. For open
name for a double offset disc design, which the channels, it is the slope of the water surface, and is
butterfly valve conforms to the ASME frequently considered parallel to the invert. For
pressure/temperature rating, using materials of closed conduits under pressure, it is the slope of the
construction to accomplish the ratings. line joining the elevations to which water would rise
HOLIDAY: A void in a coating such as a paint or a in pipes freely vented and under atmospheric
wrapping where the coating is not adhered to the pressure. A positive slope is usually one which
substrate. drops in the direction of flow.
HORIZONTAL PUMP: ‐ (1) reciprocating pump in HYDRAULIC HEAD: The height of the free surface
which the piston or plunger moves in a horizontal of a body of water above a given point beneath the
direction. (2) A centrifugal pump in which the surface. See also head.
pump shaft is in a horizontal position. HYDRAULIC JUMP: (1) The sudden and usually
HORIZONTAL SCREW PUMP: A pump with a turbulent passage of water in an open channel,
horizontal cylindrical casing in which operates a under conditions of free flow, from low stage below
runner with radial blades like those of a ship's critical depth to high stage above critical depth;
propeller. The pump has a high efficiency at low during this passage the velocity changes from
heads and high discharges and is used extensively supercritical to subcritical. It represents the
in drainage work. limiting condition of the surface curve, in which that
HOT TAP: A connection made to a pipeline while the curve tends to become perpendicular to the stream
line is under pressure or in service. A special procedure bed. (2) In a closed conduit, the sudden rise from
is required to make an opening in the pipe without part‐full flow at a supercritical velocity to full flow
leaking any of the line contents. under pressure; the depth plus the pressure head
HOT TEARS: A defect occurring in castings caused downstream from the hydraulic jump equals the
where partially solidified or weak, newly solidified high stage obtained for open‐channel flow.
sections are subjected to a pull resulting from the HYDRAULIC MOTOR ACTUATOR: A device by which
contraction of thinner parts that have solidified earlier. rotation of a hydraulically powered motor is
HRB or HRC: Rockwell B or C hardness ‐ hardness converted into mechanical motion.
measured on scales comparing the sizes of HYDRAULIC PROFILE: (1) A profile along the axis of
indentations made in the tested material. The larger flow of a stream or conduit showing elevations of
the number, the harder the material. the bottom and of the energy line. (2) A profile
along the axis of flow through a wastewater or
8
Glossary of Valve Terms and Acronyms
LIFT PUMP: A pump used to elevate wastewater LOCKING DEVICE: Any valve attachment whose
flow in a sewer to facilitate gravity flow in a portion purpose is to prevent the operation of the valve by
of a collection system, before treatment, or unauthorized persons.
afterwards, before effluent discharge. LUBRICATED PLUG VALVE: Type of plug valve in
LIFT STATION: A structure that contains pumps and which the plug rotation and sealing can be assisted by
appurtenant piping, valves, and other mechanical sealant applied under external pressure.
and electrical equipment for pumping water, LUG TYPE VALVE: A valve with short face‐to‐face
wastewater, or other liquid. Also called pump dimension in proportion to the fluid passage diameter
station. designed to be bolted to one or both flanges in a line
LIFTING LUGS: Lugs that may be provided on large by the use of fasteners, which are threaded into lug
valves, for lifting and positioning. Also called lifting protrusions of the valve body.
eyes.
LIMIT SWITCH: An electrical device providing a signal
to a remote observation station indicating when the
M
valve is in the fully open or fully closed position.
Usually a component of a valve operator. MAGNETIC PARTICLE INSPECTION: A nondestructive
LINE VOLTAGE: Voltage existing between the two method of detecting the presence of surface cracks
lines of an electric supply. and imperfections through use of fine iron particles in
LINEAR ACTUATOR: Device which provides valve an electrical field. Abbreviated as MPI or MT.
thrust in a linear motion. MAIN SEWER: (1) In larger systems, the principal
LINEAR DISC TRAVEL: A valve disc which opens and sewer to which branch sewers and submains are
closes in a straight line. The valve disc orientation is tributary; also called trunk sewer. In small systems,
perpendicular to the valve seat providing flow area a sewer to which one or more branch sewers are
equal to disc stroke position. tributary. (2) In plumbing, the public sewer to which
LINEAR FLOW CHARACTERISTIC: Inherent flow the house or building sewer is connected.
characteristic which can be represented ideally by a MANHOLE: (1) A structure atop an opening in a
straight line on a rectangular plot of flow coefficient gravity sewer to permit entry for servicing. Usually
versus percent rated travel. (Equal increments of placed at all points of change in sewer grade and at
travel yield equal increments of flow coefficient least every 300 to 400 feet along the line. (2) An
change at a constant pressure drop). opening in the top or side of an enclosed vessel to
LIQUID PENETRANT INSPECTION: Also known as Dye permit human entry.
Penetrant Inspection. A nondestructive method of MANIFOLD: A pipe fitting with numerous branches to
detecting the presence of surface cracks and convey fluids between a large pipe and several
imperfections through use of a special red dye. smaller pipes or to permit choice of diverting flow
Abbreviated as LPI or PT. from one of several sources or to one of several
LIQUID: A substance that flows freely. Characterized discharge points. See also header.
by free movement of the constituent molecules MANNING FORMULA: A formula for open‐channel
among themselves, but without the tendency to flow, published by Manning in 1890, which gives the
separate from one another characteristic of gases. value of C in the Chezy Formula.
Liquid and fluid are often used synonymously, but MANNING ROUGHNESS COEFFICIENT: The
fluid has the broader significance, including both roughness coefficient in the Manning Formula for
liquids and gases. See also fluid. determination of the discharge coefficient in the
LIVE LOADING: is the application of a spring load to Chezy Formula.
the gland follower of a packed valve. A Belleville MANOMETER: An instrument for measuring
spring between the gland follower and its fastening pressure. It usually consists of a U‐shaped tube
studs and nuts provides an effective way to establish containing a liquid, the surface of which in one end
and maintain a controlled amount of stress in the of the tube moves proportionally with changes in
packing set. pressure in the liquid in the other end.
MANUAL OVERRIDE: A mechanical device provided
on actuators that allows the manual positioning of the
actuator.
10
Glossary of Valve Terms and Acronyms
13
Glossary of Valve Terms and Acronyms
14
Glossary of Valve Terms and Acronyms
a metal ring, softer than the flange, that is set into are used principally in pipe too small for access by
a groove in each flange face. man and are of various designs and sizes. (2) A device
ROTARY PUMP: A type of displacement pump used in the bottom of a sedimentation tank to move
consisting essentially of elements rotating in a settled sludge to a discharge port. (3) A blade used to
pump case which they closely fit. The rotation of separate accumulated sediment from filter or screen
these elements alternately draws in and discharges surfaces. See also squeegee.
the water being pumped. Such pumps act with SCREW‐FEED PUMP: A pump with either horizontal
neither suction nor discharge valves, operate at or vertical cylindrical casing, in which operates a
almost any speed, and do not depend on runner with radial blades like those of a ship's
centrifugal forces to lift the water. propeller. See also horizontal screw pump, vertical
ROUGHNESS: A measure of the resistance to screw pump.
fluid flow of a channel, pipe, or other conduit, as SEAT: The fixed component, mounted in the valve
a result of its fabrication, scale formation, body, that the closure element contacts in order to
biological growth, or other causes. close off flow.
ROUGHNESS COEFTICIENT: A factor, in the Chezy, SECTIONALIZING VALVE: A large valve installed in
Darcy‐Weisbach, Hazen‐Williams, Kutter, Manning, a pipeline to shut off flow in a section for the
and other formulas for computing the average purpose of inspection or repair. Such valves are
velocity of flow of water in a conduit or channel, usually installed in the main lines.
which represents the effect of roughness of the SEWAGE AIR VALVE: Air Valve used in sewage
confining material on the energy losses in the applications.
flowing water. SHAFT: The valve component through which outside
RTFE (REINFORCED POLYTETRAFLUOROETHYLENE): motion is applied to the closure member.
Reinforced PTFE (typically fiber glass 20‐25%) and SHAFT‐MOUNTED BALL VALVE: The configuration in
used for valve seats. It is suitable for valves with which the body bearings support the shaft and ball as
higher pressures but may still be limited in Class 900 a complete assembly and the shaft sees both
and 1500 valves which might not be able to have full torsional operating loads and differential pressure
flange rating. loads.
SHUTOFF PRESSURE: The actual differential
pressure against which the valve's closure member
S is closed.
SHUTOFF VALVE: A valve whose primary purpose is
SADDLE: (1) A steel or concrete structure used for to act as a main block valve, usually as an
supporting a pipe or penstock laid above the emergency shutdown but not necessarily
surface of the ground. (2) A depression in a ridge. integrated into the control system as a true
(3) An assembly of circumferential metal straps on a emergency shutdown valve would be.
pipe where a connection is to be installed. SIPHON: A closed conduit a portion of which lies
SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT (SDWA): Act of 1974 the above the hydraulic grade line, resulting in a
Federal Government established, through the pressure less than atmospheric and requiring a
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), national vacuum within the conduit to start flow. A siphon
standards of safe drinking water. utilizes atmospheric pressure to effect or increase
SAFETY FACTOR: The ratio between an ultimate the flow of water through the conduit.
property (typically strength) and that required SLOPE: A measure of pipe rise expressed as rise
under design conditions. divided by run.
SAFETY VALVE: A valve design to relieve SLUDGE: (1) The accumulated solids separated
overpressure. Mechanically the same as a relief from liquids, such as water or wastewater, during
valve, but the reasons for locating one versus the processing. (2) Organic deposits on bottoms of
other are not always the same. streams or other bodies of water. (3) The removed
SCRAPER: (1) A device for insertion in pipelines that is material resulting from chemical treatment,
pushed or hauled through by some method or device coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, flotation,
such as water pressure, rope, cable, to remove and/or biological oxidation of water or
accumulated organic or mineral deposits. Scrapers
16
Glossary of Valve Terms and Acronyms
17
Glossary of Valve Terms and Acronyms
SURGE TANK: A tank or chamber located at or near a TRANSIENT: A pulse, damped oscillation, or other
hydroelectric powerhouse or pump station, which temporary phenomenon occurring in a system
absorbs water and cushions the increased pressure on the prior to reaching a steady‐state condition. See
penstock which is caused by the rapid deceleration of the surge.
water flow. TRANSIENT ANALYSIS: The study of transients in a
SURGE: A sudden rise or drop in line pressure due pipeline.
to a change in fluid velocity. TRUNK MAIN: A large pipe serving as a supply main or
SWING CHECK: A check valve in which the closure feeder main in a water distribution system.
element is suspended from the top and swings out of TRUNK SEWER: A sewer that receives many tributary
the flow way. branches and serves a large territory.
TRUNNION: The part of a ball valve which holds the ball
on a fixed vertical axis and about which the ball turns.
T TRUNNION‐MOUNTED BALL VALVE: The configuration
in which the body bearings directly support the ball
TENSILE STRENGTH: The maximum stress a and differential pressure loads while the shaft
material subjected to a stretching load can supports torsional operating loads but not differential
withstand without fracturing. pressure loads.
TEST COCK: An appurtenance on an assembly or valve TUBERCULATION: The formation of tubercules or
which is used when testing the assembly. mineral deposits in pipe, with an increase in
THREE WAY VALVE: Type of valve with three ports frictional coefficient.
arranged to control the direction of flow through the TURBIDITY: (1) A condition in water or wastewater
valve. caused by the presence of suspended matter,
THROTTLING DEVICE: A device mounted on the resulting in the scattering and absorption of light. (2)
discharge of an Air/Vacuum Valve to control the rate Any suspended solids imparting a visible haze or
of discharge of air upon system pressurization. cloudiness to water which can be removed by
THROTTLING: The act of reducing the pressure or filtration. (3) An analytical quantity usually reported
flow rate of a fluid passing through a partially in turbidity units determined by measurements of
closed valve. light scattering.
THRUST BEARING: A flat, washer shaped device TURBINE PUMP: A centrifugal pump in which fixed
used to support axial loads on the valve shaft. guide vanes partially convert the velocity energy of
THRUST: A linear force applied to the shaft of a the water into pressure head as the water leaves
valve, usually expressed in units of pounds the impeller.
(kilograms). TURBULENCE: (1) The fluid property that is
TILTED DISC®CHECK VALVE: A check valve with an characterized by irregular variation in the speed
eccentrically mounted disc allowing flow above and and direction of movement of individual particles or
below the disc. It can be supplied with top or elements of the flow. (2) A state of flow of water in
bottom mounted dash pots to further reduce any which the water is agitated by cross currents and
slamming potential, especially in high head eddies, as opposed to laminar, streamline, or
applications. viscous flow. See also turbulent flow.
TORQUE: The rotational force imposed on or TURBULENT VELOCITY: The velocity of water
through a shaft. flowing in a conduit above which the flow will always
TOTAL DYNAMIC HEAD: The difference between be turbulent, and below which the flow may be
the elevation corresponding to the pressure at the either turbulent or laminar, depending upon
discharge flange of a pump and the elevation circumstances.
corresponding to the vacuum or pressure at the
suction flange of the pump, corrected to the same
datum plane, plus the velocity head at the suction U
flange of the pump.
TRANSFER PUMP: A pump specifically designed to UL: Underwriters Laboratories‐organization that
convey water, wastewater, or chemical solutions test materials intended for use in fire and safety
from one tank to another. applications.
18
Glossary of Valve Terms and Acronyms
be determined. The contraction is usually, but not
V necessarily, followed by an enlargement to the
original size.
VACUUM BREAKER: A device for relieving a VENTURI VALVE: A reduced bore valve. A valve having
vacuum or partial vacuum formed in a pipeline, a bore smaller in diameter than the inlet or outlet.
thereby preventing back siphonage. The flow through a venture valve will be reduced
VACUUM RELIEF VALVE: A valve which admits air to because of the smaller port.
the system if and when the system is attempting to VERTICAL PUMP: A centrifugal pump in which the
reduce its pressure to less than atmospheric.
pump shaft is in a vertical position.
VALVE BOX: A metallic or concrete box or vault set VERTICAL SCREW PUMP: A pump, similar in shape,
over a valve stem and rising to the ground surface, characteristics, and use to a horizontal screw
to allow access to the stem in opening and closing pump, but which has the axis of its runner in a
the valve. A cover is usually provided at the surface vertical position.
to keep out dirt and debris. VISCOUS FLOW: A type of fluid flow in which there
VALVE KEY: A metal wrench with a socket to fit a is a continuous steady motion of the particles, the
valve nut and with a long handle for operating a motion at a fixed point always remaining constant.
gate valve from a distance of several feet. Also called a streamline flow. See also laminar flow.
VALVE STEM: The rod by means of which a valve is VOLUTE PUMP: A centrifugal pump with a casing
opened or closed; the rod lifts and pushes down the made in the form of a spiral or volute as an aid to the
gate. partial conversion of the velocity energy into pressure
VALVE: A device which isolates or controls fluid head as the water leaves the impellers.
direction, or flow rate.
VELOCITY HEAD: The energy of a liquid as a result
of its motion. It is the equivalent head in feet W
through which the water would fall to acquire the
same velocity. WAFER: A flangeless valve designed for
VELOCITY: The time rate of change of position of a installation between mating pipe flanges.
body; it is a vector quantity having direction as well WASTEWATER: The spent or used water of a
as magnitude. Also known as linear velocity. community or industry which contains dissolved
VENT PIPE: A pipeline, usually vertical, to allow and suspended matter.
venting of air or other gases from another pipe or a WASTEWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM: The sewer
chamber, or to prevent negative pressures due to and pumping system used for the collection and
siphoning of a pipeline. conveyance of domestic, commercial, and
VENTING CAPACITY: The maximum capacity an air industrial wastewater.
valve can vent air. Usually stated in CFM. WATER: A transparent, odorless, tasteless liquid, a
VENTURI FLUME: An open flume with a contracted compound of hydrogen and oxygen, H2O, freezing
throat which causes a drop in the hydraulic at 32°F or 0°C and boiling at 212°F or l 00°C which,
gradeline. It is used for measuring flow. See also in more or less impure state, constitutes rain,
Parshall flume. oceans, lakes, rivers, and other such bodies.
VENTURI METER: A differential meter for WATER COLUMN: (1) The water above the valve in
measuring flow of water or other fluid through a set of pumps. (2) A measure of head or pressure
closed conduits or pipes, consisting of a Venturi in a closed pipe or conduit.
tube and one of several proprietary forms of flow‐ WATER HAMMER: The phenomenon of oscillations
registering devices. The difference in velocity heads in the pressure of water about its normal pressure
between the entrance and the contracted throat is in a closed conduit, flowing full, which results from a
an indication of the rate of flow. See also Venturi too‐rapid acceleration or retardation of flow.
tube. Momentary pressures greatly in excess of the
VENTURI TUBE: A closed conduit or pipe, used to normal static pressure may be produced in a closed
measure the rate of flow of fluids, containing a conduit by this phenomenon.
gradual contraction to a throat, which causes a
pressure head reduction by which the velocity may
19
Glossary of Valve Terms and Acronyms
WATER MAIN: The water pipe, located beneath a
street, from which domestic water supply is
delivered to the service pipe leading to specific
premises.
WATER TOWER: A tower containing a tank in which
water is stored, normally for providing local storage
in a distribution system where ground‐level
storage would provide inadequate pressure. Also
see standpipe.
WEDGE GATE: A type of gate valve in which the
gate or disc is wedge shaped, thinner at the
bottom, to wedge itself tightly between the two
seats when closed.
WELL SERVICE AIR VALVE: A modified Air/Vacuum
Valve designed to withstand the critical pressure
thrust during pump startup.
WET WELL: A compartment in which a liquid is
collected, and to which the suction pipe of a pump is
connected.
WOG: Water‐oil‐gas‐‐‐one of the early rating
designations, still in use today for small valves,
chiefly in low ratings. Also called nonshock rating.
Normally this rating is meant to be the maximum
working pressure at ambient temperature (32 to
100°F).
WP: Working pressure‐synonym for operating
pressure.
WORKING PRESSURE HEAD: The actual head of water
flowing at any point in a conduit; the vertical height
from the center line of a conduit to the hydraulic
grade line.
WORM GEARS: A gear set in which the input shaft is
offset from and perpendicular to the output shaft, and
driving gear is very small and perpendicular to the
driven gear. Worm gear operators are used on ball
valves.
Y
YOKE: That part of a valve assembly used to
position the Stem Nut or to mount the valve
actuator.
20
Glossary of Valve Terms and Acronyms
MIL: 1/1000th of an inch
ACRONYMS MJ: Mechanical Joint
A‐C: Asbestos‐Cement MOV: Motor Operated Valve
ANSI: American National Standards Institute MRO: Maintenance and Repair Order
API: American Petroleum Institute MSS: Manufacturers Standardization Society
ARV: Air Release Valve NACE: National Association of Corrosion Engineers
ASME: American Society of Mechanical Engineers NDE: Non‐Destructive Examination
ASTM: American Society for Testing and Materials NEMA: National Electrical Manufacturers Association
AV: Air Valve NFPA: National Fire Prevention Association
AVV: Air/Vacuum Valve NPDES: National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
AWWA: American Water Works Association System
AWWARF: American Water Works Association NPS: Nominal Pipe Size
Research Foundation NPT: National Pipe Thread Taper
BAT: Best Available Technology NST: National Straight Thread
BFA: Back Flow Actuator OD: Outside Diameter
BHN: Brinell Hardness Number OS&Y: Outside Screw and Yoke
BSI: British Standards Institution PN: Nominal Pressure
CAV: Combination Air Valve POT: Point of Treatment
CCW: Counterclockwise PSI: Pounds per Square Inch
CFM: Cubic Feet per Minute PSIA: Pounds per Square Inch, Absolute
CFS: Cubic Feet per Second PSIG: Pounds per Square Inch, Gage
CI: Cast Iron PVC: Polyvinyl Chloride
CS: Carbon Steel or Cast Steel RF: Raised Face
CSA: Canadian Standards Association RJ or RTJ: Ring Joint or Ring‐Type Joint
CSO: Combined Sewer Overflow RMS: Root Mean Square Roughness Height
CW: Clockwise RPM: Revolutions Per Minute
CWA: Clean Water Act SCADA: Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
CWP: Cold Working Pressure SCV: Silent Check Valve
DI: Ductile Iron SCFM: Standard Cubic Feet per Minute
DIN: Deutsche lndustrie Norme SDO: Standard Development Organization
DN: Nominal Diameter SDWA: Safe Drinking Water
FBE: Fusion Bonded Epoxy SPDT: Single Pole Double Throw
FF: Flat Face SS: Stainless Steel
FLG: Flange SSPC: Steel Structures Painting Council
FM: Factory Mutual Association SSU: Seconds Saybolt Universal
FPS: Feet Per Second STP: Sewage Treatment Plant
GPM: Gallons Per Minute SWP: Steam Working Pressure
HRB: Rockwell B Hardness TDCV: Tilted Disc® Check Valve
HRC: Rockwell C Hardness TIR: Total Indicator Reading
HW: Handwheel UL: Underwriters Laboratories
IBBM: Iron Body, Bronze Mounted UV: Ultraviolet
ID: Inside Diameter WEF: Water Environment Federation (formerly
IPS: Iron Pipe Size WPCF)
ISO: International Standards Organization WOG: Water‐Oil‐Gas
JIS: Japan Industrial Standard WP: Working Pressure ‐ Synonym for operating
MCL: Maximum Contaminant Levels pressure
MFD: Mechanical Flow Diagram WPCF: Water Pollution Control Federation (named
MGD: Million Gallons per Day changed to WEF)
MIL: Designation for United States Military WTP: Water Treatment Plant
Standards WWTP: Wastewater Treatment Plant
21
Glossary of Valve Terms and Acronyms
Disclaimer
Val‐Matic White Papers are written to train and assist design engineers in the understanding of valves and fluid
systems. Val‐Matic offers no warranty or representation as to design information and methodologies in these
papers. Use of this material should be made under the direction of trained engineers exercising independent
judgement.
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