Engineering Dictionary
15. ABSORBER - That part of the low side of an absorption
A
1. ABDC: Abbreviation for after bottom dead center.
2. ABMA - American Boiler Manufacturers
Association.
3. ABRASION - The wearing away of a surface by
rubbing, as with sandpaper on wood.
4. ABRASION RESISTANCE - The ability of a
material to resist surface wear.
5. ABRASIVE EROSION - Erosive wear caused by
the relative motion of solid particles which are
entrained in a fluid, moving nearly parallel to a
solid surface.
6. ABSOLUTE HUMIDITY - Amount of moisture in
the air, indicated in kg/kg of dry air.
7. ABSOLUTE PRESSURE - Total pressure
measured from an absolute vacuum. It equals
the sum of the gauge pressure and the
atmospheric pressure corresponding to the
barometer.
8. ABSOLUTE PRESSURE - Air at standard
conditions (70°F air at sea level with a
barometric pressure of 29.92 in Hg) exerts a
pressure of 14.696 psi. This is the pressure in
a system when the pressure gauge reads
zero. So the absolute pressure of a system is
the gauge pressure in pounds per square inch
added to the atmospheric pressure of 14.696
psi (use 14.7 psi in environmental system
work) and the symbol is "psia".
9. ABSOLUTE TEMPERATURE SCALE - A scale of
temperature measurement in which zero
degrees is absolute zero.
10. ABSOLUTE TEMPERATURE: The temperature
measured when absolute zero is used as a
reference. Absolute zero is -273.16°C or
469.69°F, and is the lowest measured
temperature known.
11. ABSOLUTE VELOCITY -
12. ABSOLUTE ZERO - A hypothetical temperature at
which there is total absence of heat. Since
heat is a result of energy caused by molecular
motion, there is no motion of molecules with
respect to each other at absolute zero. It is
theoretically the coldest possible temperature.
13. ABSOLUTE ZERO TEMPERATURE -
Temperature measured from absolute zero (-
459.67°F, or -273.16°C).
14. ABSORBENT - A material which, due to an affinity
for certain substances, extracts one or more
such substances from a liquid or gaseous
medium with which it contacts and which
changes physically or chemically, or both,
during the process. Calcium chloride is an
example of a solid absorbent, while solutions
of lithium chloride, lithium bromide, and
ethylene glycols are liquid absorbents.
system, used for absorbing vapor refrigerant.
16. ABSORPTION - A process whereby a material extracts
one or more substances present in an atmosphere
or mixture of gases or liquids accompanied by the
material's physical and/or chemical changes.
17. ABSORPTION REFRIGERATION SYSTEM - One in
which the refrigerant, as it is absorbed in another
liquid, maintains the pressure difference needed for
successful operation of the system.
18. ABSORPTION REFRIGERATOR - Refrigerator that
creates low temperatures by using the cooling effect
formed when a refrigerant is absorbed by chemical
substance.
19. ABSORPTION SYSTEM - A refrigeration system in
which the refrigerant gas evolved in the evaporator
is taken up in an absorber and released in a
generator upon the application of heat.
20. ABSORPTION TOWER - A tower or column, which
effects contact between a rising gas and a falling
liquid, so that part of the gas may be taken up by
the liquid.
21. ABT: Abbreviation for automatic bus transfer; an
automatic electric device that supplies power to vital
equipment. This device will shift from the normal
power supply to an alternate power supply any time
the normal supply is interrupted.
22. ACCELERATION - The rate of change of velocity, as a
function of time. Expressed in m/s.
23. ACCELERATION DUE TO GRAVITY - The rate of
increase in velocity of a body falling freely in a
vacuum. Its value varies with latitude and elevation.
The International Standard is 32.174 ft. per second
per second.
24. ACCELERATION PERIOD - In cavitation and liquid
impingement erosion, the stage following the
incubation period, during which the erosion rate
increases from near zero to a maximum value.
25. ACCELRATION - The time rate of change of velocity;
i.e., the derivative of velocity; with respect to time.
26. ACCEPTABLE WELD - A weld that meets all of the
requirements and the acceptance criteria prescribed
by the welding specifications.
27. ACCESSIBLE HERMETIC - An assembly of motor and
compressor, inside a single bolted housing unit.
28. ACCUMULATOR - Storage tank which receives liquid
refrigerant from evaporator and prevents it from
flowing into suction line before vaporizing.
29. ACETONE - A filler added to acetylene cylinders,
capable of absorbing 25 times its own volume of
acetylene.
30. ACID - Literally hitter, but chemically the state of a water
solution containing a high concentration of hydrogen
ions.
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31. ACID ATTACK - Caused by an incomplete
flushing after an acid cleaning process of
boilers or similar equipment.
32. ACID CLEANING - The process of cleaning the
interior surfaces of steam generating units by
filling the unit with dilute acid accompanied by
an inhibitor to prevent corrosion and by
subsequently draining, washing, and
neutralizing the acid by a further wash of
alkaline water.
33. ACID CONDITION IN SYSTEM - Condition in
which refrigerant or oil in a system, is mixed
with vapor and fluids that are acidic in nature.
34. ACID EMBRITTLEMENT - A form of hydrogen
embrittlement that may be induced in some
metals by an acid.
35. ACID GAS - A gas that that forms an acid when
mixed with water. In petroleum processing,
the most common acid gases are hydrogen
sulfide and carbon dioxide.
36. ACID RAIN - Atmospheric precipitation with an pH
below 5.6 to 5.7.
37. ACID SOAK - A method of acid cleaning, in which
the acid is pumped into the boiler and rests
there for a period of time.
38. ACIDIC - The reaction of a substance with water
resulting in an increase in concentration of
hydrogen ions in solution (see acid).
39. ACIDIFIED - The addition of an acid (usually nitric
or sulfuric) to a sample to lower the pH below
2.0. The purpose of the acidification is to "fix"
a sample so it will not change until it is
analyzed.
40. ACIDITY - Represents the amount of free carbon
dioxide, mineral acids, and salts (especially
sulfates of iron and aluminum) which
hydrolyze to give hydrogen ions in the water.
The acidity is reported as millie equivalents
per liter of acid, or ppm acidity as calcium
carbonate, or pH, the measure of hydrogen
ion concentration.
41. ACOUSTIC - A term pertaining to sound, or the
science of sound.
42. ACROSS THE LINE - A method of motor starting,
which connects the motor directly to the
supply line on starting or running.
43. ACTION - Refers to the action of a controller. It
defines what is done to regulate the final
control element to effect control.
44. ACTIVATED ALUMINA - Chemical which is a
form of aluminum oxide. It is used as a drier or
desiccant.
45. ACTIVATED CARBON - Is a specially processed
carbon, used as a filter drier. Commonly used
to clean air.
Engineering Dictionary
46. ACTIVATED SLUDGE - An aerobic biological process
for conversion of soluble organic matter to solid
biomass, removable by gravity or filtration.
47. ACTIVE STORAGE PILE - A method of stockpiling coal,
sometimes called live storage. The pile is located
outside the plant but adjacent to it, and usually
contains four or five days of operating supply. The
pile is not compacted, as it is not stored long
enough to be exposed to the hazard of spontaneous
combustion.
48. ACTUATOR - The portion of a regulating valve, which
converts mechanical, fluid, thermal, or electrical
energy; into mechanical motion to open or close the
valve seats or other such devices.
49. ADDITIVE: A material that is added to improve fuel or
oil.
50. ADIABATIC - Occurring with no addition or loss of heat
from the system under consideration.
51. ADIABATIC CHANGE - A change in the volume,
pressure, or temperature of a gas, occurring without
a gain of heat or loss of heat.
52. ADIABATIC COMPRESSION - Compressing a gas
without removing or adding heat.
53. ADIABATIC COOLING - A method in which
paramagnetic salts are pre-cooled, and then
demagnetized, thereby producing further cooling.
54. ADIABATIC EFFICIENCY -The ratio of actual work
output of a heat engine to the ideal output.
55. ADIABATIC EXPANSION - The expansion of a gas,
vapor, or liquid stream from a higher pressure to a
lower pressure, with no change in enthalpy.
56. ADIABATIC FLAME TEMPERATURE - The theoretical
temperature that would be attained by the products
of combustion provided the entire chemical energy
of the fuel, the sensible heat content of the fuel and
combustion above the datum temperature were
transferred to the products of combustion. This
assumes: No heat loss to surroundings and no
dissociation.
57. ADIABATIC PROCESS - A thermo-dynamic process in
which no heat is extracted from or added to the
system of the process.
58. ADIABATIC SATURATION PROCESS - A process to
determine absolute or relative humidity.
59. ADJUSTABLE DIFFERENTIAL - A means of changing
the difference between the control cut-in and cutout
points.
60. ADJUSTABLE RESISTOR - A resistor whose value can
be mechanically changed, usually by the use of a
sliding contact.
61. ADSORBENT - A material which has the ability to cause
molecules of gases, liquids or solids to adhere to its
internal surfaces without changing the adsorbent
physically or chemically. In water treatment, a
synthetic resin possessing the ability to attract and
to hold charged particles.
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62. ADSORPTION - The adhesion of the molecules of
gases, dissolved substances, or liquids in
more or less concentrated form, to the surface
of solids or liquids with which they are in
contact. Commercial adsorbent materials
have enormous internal surfaces.
63. ADSORPTION INHIBITORS - They are materials
which caused them to be adsorbed on to the
metal surface due to their polar properties.
64. ADVECTION - The transfer of heat by horizontal
movement of air.
65. AERATION - Exposing to the action of air, like
blowing air through water before discharging
to a river.
66. AERATION CELL - (see oxygen cell)
67. AEROBIC - A condition in which "free" or
dissolved oxygen is present in water.
68. AERODYNAMIC NOISE - Also called generated
noise, self-generated noise; is noise of
aerodynamic origin in a moving fluid arising
from flow instabilities. In duct systems,
aerodynamic noise is caused by airflow
through elbows, dampers, branch wyes,
pressure reduction devices, silencers and
other duct components.
69. AFTERCOOLER: A device used on turbo-charged
engines to cool air that has undergone
compression.
70. AGGLOMERATE - The clustering together of a
few or many particles into a larger solid mass.
71. AGITATOR - A device used to cause motion in
confined fluids.
72. AIR - A substance containing by volume
approximately 78 - 79% nitrogen; 20.95%
oxygen, .94% argon, traces of carbon dioxide,
helium, etc.
73. AIR ATOMIZING OIL BURNER - A burner for
firing oil in which the oil is atomized by
compressed air, which is forced into and
through one or more streams of oil which
results in the breaking of the oil into a fine
spray.
74. AIR BIND: The presence of air in a pump or pipes,
which prevents the delivery of liquid.
75. AIR BLAST TRANSFORMER - A transformer
cooled by forcing a circulation of air around its
windings.
76. AIR BLANKETING - An accumulation of air in a
heat exchanger or other vessel which
impedes heat transfer.
77. AIR BLEEDER: A device that removes air from a
hydraulic system. Types include a needle
valve, capillary tubing to the reservoir, and a
bleed plug
78. AIR CAPACITOR - Is a capacitor, which uses air
as the dielectric between the plates.
Engineering Dictionary
79. AIR CHANGES - A method of expressing the amount of
air leakage into or out of a building or room in terms
of the number of building volumes or room volumes
exchanged.
80. AIR CLEANER - A devise used to remove air borne
impurities [A device (filter) for removing unwanted
solid impurities from the air before the air enters the
intake manifold]
81. AIR COIL - Coil on some types of heat pumps used
either as an evaporator or a condenser.
82. AIR COMPRESSOR: A device used to increase air
pressure.
83. AIR CONDITIONER - They are basically refrigeration
devices cooling air and rooms rather then food
compartments.
84. AIR CONDITIONER, UNITARY - An evaporator,
compressor, and condenser combination; designed
in one or more assemblies, the separate parts
designed to be assembled together.
85. AIR CONDITIONING -The process of treating air to
simultaneously control its temperature, humidity,
cleanliness, and distribution to meet the
requirements of the conditioned space.
86. AIR CONDITIONING UNIT - An assembly of equipment
for the treatment of air so as to control,
simultaneously, its temperature, humidity,
cleanliness and distribution to meet the
requirements of a conditioned space.
87. AIR CONDITIONING, COMFORT - The process of
treating air so as to control simultaneously its
temperature, humidity, cleanliness and distribution
to meet the comfort requirements of the occupants
of the conditioned space.
88. AIR COOLER - A factory-encased assembly of elements
whereby the temperature of air passing through the
device is reduced.
89. AIR DEFICIENCY - Insufficient air, in an air-fuel mixture,
to supply the oxygen required for complete oxidation
of the fuel.
90. AIR DIFFUSER - A circular, square, or rectangular air
distribution outlet, generally located in the ceiling
and comprised of deflecting members discharging
supply air in various directions and planes, and
arranged to promote mixing of primary air with
secondary room air.
91. AIR DIFFUSION AERATORS - They are aerators into
which air is pumped into the water through
perforated pipes, plates, or any other method.
92. AIR DUCT - A tube or conduit for conveying air from one
place to another.
93. AIR EJECTOR: A jet pump that removes air and non-
condensable gases.
94. AIR FLOTATION - A process of accelerating
sedimentation, by introducing air into the water, this
lowers the density of the water, and increases the
Page 3 of 77

differences in the densities of the water and
the suspended particles. (DAF), Dissolved Air
Flotation.
95. AIR-FUEL RATIO: The ratio (by weight or by
volume) between air and fuel.
96. AIR GAP -The space between magnetic poles, or
between the rotating and stationary
assemblies in a motor or generator.
97. AIR HANDLER - The fan blower, heat transfer
coil, filter, and housing parts, of a system.
98. AIR HEATER / PREHEATER - The air-heater is in
the path of the boiler gases after the
economiser, so that the air for combustion
absorbs heat from the gases before they enter
the stack.
99. AIR HEATER ELEMENT - When applied to Rotary
airheaters, the plate bundles forming the heat
exchange surfaces.
100. AIR INFILTRATION – The leakage of air into a
room through cracks in doors, windows, and
other openings.
101. AIR PURGE - The removal of undesired matter by
replacement with air.
102. AIR SATURATED - Moist air in which the partial
pressure of the water vapor is equal to the
vapor pressure of water at the existing
temperature. This occurs when dry air and
saturated water vapor coexist at the same dry-
bulb temperature.
103. AIR SENSING THERMOSTAT - A thermostat unit,
in which the sensing element is located in the
refrigerated space.
104. AIR STANDARD - Air having a temperature of
(20°C), a relative humidity of 36 percent, and
under a pressure of 14.70 PSIA. The gas
industry usually considers (16°C) as the
temperature of standard air.
105. AIR-STARTING VALVE: A valve that admits
compressed air to the air starter for starting
purposes.
106. AIR VENT - Valve, either manual or automatic, to
remove air from the highest point of a coil or
piping assembly.
107. AIR WASHER - A water spray system or device
for cleaning, humidifying, or dehumidifying the
air.
108. AIR, AMBIENT - Generally the air surrounding the
object.
109. AIR, DRY - Air without contained water vapor.
110. AIR, OUTDOOR - Air taken from outdoors and,
therefore, not previously circulated through
the system.
111. AIR, RECIRCULATED - Return air passed
through the conditioner before being again
supplied to the conditioned space.
Engineering Dictionary
112. AIR, REHEATING - In an air conditioning system, the
final step in treatment, in the event the temperature
is too low.
113. AIR, RETURN - Air returned from conditioned or
refrigerated space.
114. AIRBORNE SOUND - Sound which reaches the point of
interest by radiation through the air.
115. AIR-COOLED CONDENSER - Heat of compression is
transferred from condensing coils to surrounding air.
This may be done either by convection or by a fan
or blower.
116. AIR INFILTRATION - The leakage of air into a setting or
duct.
117. AIR-SENSING THERMOSTAT – A thermostat unit, in
which the sensing element is located in the
refrigerated space.
118. ALCOHOL BRINE - A water and alcohol solution, which
remains as a liquid below 0°C.
119. ALGAE - A minute fresh water plant growth which forms
a scum on the surfaces of recirculated water
apparatus, interfering with fluid flow and heat
transfer. Lower form of plant life, usually green and
blue green algae appear in cooling water systems.
They are responsible for copious amounts of stringy
green slime masses.
120. ALIGN: To bring two or more components of a unit into
the correct positions with respect to one another.
121. ALIVE - A term referring to a circuit in which a current is
flowing. Also referred to as live.
122. ALKALI - A substance having marked basic properties.
Applying to hydroxides of potassium, sodium,
lithium, and ammonium. They turn red litmus to
blue. Includes hydroxides of the alkaline earth
metals of barium, strontium, and calcium.
123. ALKALINE - Having a pH greater than 7.
124. ALKALINE BOIL-OUT - Employed to remove oil and
grease deposits from heating surfaces.
125. ALKALINITY - An expression of the total basic anions
(hydroxyl groups) present in a solution. It also
represents, particularly in water analysis, the bi-
carbonate, carbonate, and occasionally, the borate,
silicate, and phosphate salts which will react with
water to produce the hydroxyl groups.
126. ALLEN TYPE SCREW - A screw with a recessed hex
shaped head.
127. ALLOWANCE: The difference between the minimum
and the maximum dimensions of proper functioning.
128. ALLOY - A substance having metal properties and being
composed of two or more chemical elements of
which at least one is a metal (A mixture of two or
more different metals, usually to produce improved
characteristics)
129. ALLOY STEEL - Steel containing specific quantities of
alloying elements (other than carbon)and commonly
Page 4 of 77

accepted amounts of manganese, copper,
silicon, sulfur, and phosphorus).
130. ALTERNATING CURRENT (AC) - Electric current
in which the direction of the current alternates
or reverses. In a 60 Hertz (cycle) current, the
direction of current flow reverses in 1/120th of
a second; most commonly used current.
131. ALTERNATOR - A device which converts
mechanical energy, into alternating current.
132. ALTIMETER - An instrument used to measure the
height above a reference point, such as
ground or sea level.
133. ALUM - Is an aluminum sulfate or filter alum. Acts
in the range of 5.0 to 8.0 pH.
134. ALUMINA - Aluminum oxide occasionally found as
an impurity in water in very small amounts.
135. AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE - Temperature of
fluid (usually air) which surrounds object on all
sides.
136. AMBIENT CONDITIONS - The conditions of
temperature, pressure, and humidity, existing
around an instrument.
137. AMBIENT TEMPERATURE - The temperature of
the air surrounding the equipment.
138. AMBIENT NOISE -The normal sound in a room or
other location.
139. AMERICAN STANDARD PIPE THREAD - A type
of screw or thread, commonly used on pipe
fittings to assure a tight seal.
140. AMERICAN WIRE GAUGE (AWG) - A system
used in the United States for measuring the
size of solid wires.
141. AMINE - A chemical use in water treatment as a
filming or neutralizing agent to protect the
metal parts.
142. AMMETER - An instrument for measuring the
magnitude of electric current flow.
143. AMMETER SHUNT - A low-resistance conductor,
placed in parallel (shunt) with an ammeter
movement, so that most of the current flows
through the shunt, and only a small portion
flows through the ammeter. This extends the
useful range of the meter.
144. AMMONIA - Chemical combination of nitrogen and
hydrogen (NH3). Ammonia is a very efficient
refrigerant and identified as R-117.
145. AMORPHOUS - A solid not having a repetitive
three-dimensional pattern of atoms.
146. AMPACITY - A wire's ability to carry current safely,
without undue heating. The term formerly
used to describe this characteristic was
current capacity of the wire.
147. AMPERAGE - An electron or current flow of one
coulomb per second, past a given point in a
circuit.
Engineering Dictionary
148. AMPERE - The unit used for measuring the quantity of
an electrical current flow. One ampere represent a
flow of one coulomb per second.
149. AMPERE HOUR - A term used for rating battery
capacity. As stated, an ampere for an hour; ex: 5
amperes for 20 hours = 100 amp hour on a 20 hr
rating.
150. AMPERE TURNS - A term used to measure magnetic
force. It represents the product of amperes, times
the number of turns of the coil, in an electromagnet.
151. AMPLIFICATION - The process of obtaining an output
signal greater than the input signal, through auxiliary
power controlled by the input signal. The process of
increasing the strength, current, power, or voltage,
of the signal.
152. AMPLITUDE - The maximum instantaneous value of
alternating current or voltage. It can be in either a
positive or negative direction. The greatest distance
through which an oscillating body moves from the
mid point.
153. ANAEROBIC - A condition in which "free" or dissolved
oxygen is not present in the water.
154. ANALYSIS - Quantitative determination of the
constituent parts (The process of determining the
composition of a substance, by chemical or physical
methods).
155. ANALYSIS, ULTIMATE - Chemical analysis of solid,
liquid or gaseous fuels. In the case of coal or coke,
determination of carbon, hydrogen, sulfur, nitrogen,
oxygen, and ash.
156. ANEMOMETER - An instrument for measuring the
velocity of a fluid.
157. ANGLE OF LAG OR LEAD - The phase angle
difference, between two sinusoidal wave forms
having the same frequency.
158. ANGLE VALVE - A type of globe valve design, having
pipe openings at right angles to each other. Usually
one opening on the horizontal plane and one on the
vertical plane.
159. ANGSTROM UNITS - A unit of wave length, equal in
length to one ten billionth.
160. ANHYDROUS CALCIUM SULFATE - A dry chemical,
made of calcium, sulfur, and oxygen.
161. ANION - A negatively charged ion such as the chloride
-
ion, Cl .
162. ANION INTERCHANGE - The displacement of one
negatively charged particle by another on an anion-
exchange material. This principle is used with water
treatment.
163. ANNEAL - To soften by heating and allowing to cool
slowly (To heat a metal and to cool it in such a
manner as to toughen and soften it. Brass or copper
is annealed by heating it to a cherry red color and
dipping it suddenly into water while hot. Iron or steel
is slowly cooled from the heated condition to
anneal).
Page 5 of 77

164. ANNEALING - A process of heat treating metal, to
get the desired properties of softness and
ductility, (easy to form).
165. ANNUNCIATOR: A device, usually electro-
mechanical, used to indicate or transmit
information. See ENGINE ORDER
TELEGRAPH.
166. ANODE - In electrolysis or electrochemical
corrosion, a site where metal goes into
solution as a cation leaving behind an
equivalent of electrons to be transferred to the
opposite electron, called the cathode.
167. ANODIZING - The treatment of a metal surface
whereby the metal is made anodic.
168. ANSI - American National Standard Institute,
which is an organization defining standards for
computer language.
169. ANSI-B.31.1 - Power Piping.
170. ANSI-B.31.5 - Refrigeration Piping.
171. ANTHRACITES - Coals containing 90 per cent or
more carbon and 10 percent or less volatile
matter. They light up less readily but burn with
an intense heat, without smoke and with little
flame.
172. ANTI KNOCK VALUE - A premature explosive
combustion, as the detonation of the fuel air
mixture in an internal combustion engine,
produces a characteristic knock. The Anti
Knock Value is the measure of its resistance
to the condition which tends to produce this
knock.
173. ANTICIPATING CONTROL - One which, by
artificial means, is activated sooner than it
would be without such means, to produce a
smaller differential of the controlled property.
Heat and cool anticipators are commonly used
in thermostats.
174. ANTICIPATORS - A small heater element in two-
position temperature controllers which
deliberately cause false indications of
temperature in the controller in an at tempt to
minimize the override of the differential and
smooth out the temperature variation in the
controlled space.
175. ANTI-CORROSIVE ADDITIVE - A lubricant
additive to reduce corrosion.
176. ANTI-FOAM ADDITIVE (FOAM INHIBITOR) An
additive used to reduce or prevent foaming.
177. ANTIFOAM AGENTS - The reduction of carry over
by the addition of polymerized esters,
alcohol’s, and amides. The antifoam agent is
absorbed on the steam generating surface
resulting in a hydrophobic condition, causing
fewer but larger steam bubbles, which readily
coalesce. These agents also weaken the wall
of the bubble formed, causing them to quickly
burst on the water surface.
Engineering Dictionary
178. ANTIFOULANTS - Are materials which prevent fouling
from depositing on heat transfer equipment.
Materials that prevent deposits forming; include anti-
oxidants, metal coordinators, and corrosion
inhibitors. Compounds that prevent deposition are
surfactants. They act as detergents or dispersants.
179. ANTIFREEZE - Compounds of glycol’s or alcohol’s, that
lower the freezing point of cooling water systems.
180. ANTIFRICTION BEARING: A bearing containing rollers
or balls plus an inner and outer race. The bearing is
designed to roll, thus minimizing friction.
181. ANTIOXIDANT - A substance which when added in
small amounts to petroleum products, will delay or
inhibit undesirable changes; such as the formation
of gum, sludge, and acidity, which are brought about
by oxidation.
182. ANTI-OXIDANT - An additive for the purpose of
reducing the rate of oxidation and subsequent
deterioration of the material.
183. ANTI-SCUFFING LUBRICANT - A lubricant that is
formulated to avoid scuffing.
184. ANTI-SEIZURE PROPERTY - The ability of the bearing
material to resist seizure during momentary
lubrication failure.
185. ANTI-WEAR ADDITIVE - A lubricant additive to reduce
wear.
186. API - American Petroleum Institute.
187. API GRAVITY (API DEGREE) - A measure of density
used in the US petroleum industry.
188. APPARENT (EMF) - The apparent voltage, as
measured by the drop in pressure due to a current
flowing through a resistance.
189. APPARENT WATTS - The product of volts times
amperes, in an alternating current circuit.
190. APPROCH TEMPERATURE - The difference in the
temperature of the boiler feedwater leaving the
economizer section compared to the water in the
O
steam drum, typically it is in between 10–40 F
(Calculating the "actual" approach temperature, and
comparing it to the "as-designed" approach
temperature is an effective tool in assessing
performance in the "back end" of the HRSG, and
indicates how well the economizer is operating).
191. AQUEOUS - Watery. A substance containing water.
192. AQUIFER - A porous, subsurface geological structure
carrying or holding water.
193. ARC - A flash, caused by an electric current ionizing a
gas or vapor.
194. ARC BRAZING - A brazing process in which the heat
required is obtained from an electric arc.
195. ARC FURNACE - An electric furnace, in which heat is
produced by an arc between two electrodes.
196. ARCING: Electrons leaping the gap between the
negative and the positive poles
Page 6 of 77

197. ARC WELDING - A group of welding processes
which produce coalescence of metals by
heating them with an arc, with or without the
application of pressure, and with or without
the use of a filler metal.
198. ARC WELDING - A process where coalescence is
obtained by heating with an electric arc.
199. ARCHIMIDES PRINCIPAL - States that an
upward force acting on a body wholly or partly
submerged in a fluid, is equal to the weight of
the fluid displaced, and acts through the
center of gravity of the fluid displaced, or the
center of buoyancy.
200. ARGON ARC PROCESS -
201. ARMATURE - the rotating part of an electric motor
or generator. The moving part of a relay or
vibrator.
202. ARMATURE AIR GAP - The air space between
the stationary and rotating parts of a motor or
generator, through which magnetic lines of
force pass.
203. ARMATURE BACK AMPERE TURNS - The
magnetic field produced by current flowing in
the armature winding, that opposes and
reduces the number of magnetic lines of force,
produced by the field magnets of a motor or
generator.
204. ARMATURE BAR - Copper bars used in place of
wire windings, in large armatures, generators,
or motors.
205. ARMATURE CIRCUIT - The path that the current
takes, in flowing through the windings from
one brush to another.
206. ARMATURE COIL - The loop or coil of copper
wire, placed on the armature core, and
forming part of the winding.
207. ARMATURE CORE -The laminated iron part of the
armature, formed from thin sheets or disks of
steel, on which the windings are placed.
208. ARMATURE CURRENT - The current flowing from
the armature of a generator, to the armature
of a motor. Not including the current taken by
the shunt field.
209. ARMATURE DEMAGNETIZATION - The
reduction in the effective magnetic lines of
force, produced by the armature current.
210. ARMATURE REACTION - The magnetic effect of
current flowing in the armature windings (The
effect, that the magnetic field produced by the
current flowing in the armature, has on the
magnetic field produced by the field coils).
211. ARMATURE REGULATING RESISTORS - Are
resistors, designed to regulate the speed or
torque of a loaded motor, by placing a
resistance in the armature or power circuit.
Engineering Dictionary
212. ARMATURE RESISTANCE - The resistance of the wire
used in the windings of the armature, measured
between the rings or brushes, or from positive to
negative terminals.
213. ARMATURE SLOT -The groove or slot in the armature
core, into which the coils or windings are placed.
214. ARMATURE TESTER - Any device used for locating
faults or defects in the armature winding.
215. ARMATURE VARNISH - Is a liquid put on the field and
armature windings, to improve the insulation of the
cotton covering on the wires.
216. ARMATURE WINDING - All of the copper wire placed
on the armature, and through which the current
flows.
217. AROMATICS - A group of hydrocarbons of which
benzene is the parent. They are called "aromatics"
because many of their derivatives have sweet or
aromatic odorous.
218. ARTIFICIAL MAGNET - Is a manufactured magnet,
which is distinguished from a natural occurring
magnet.
219. ASHRAE - The American Society of Heating,
Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers.
220. ASME - American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
221. ASME APPENDIX SECTION I - Explains matter which is
mandatory, unless specifically referred to in the
rules of the code, including formulas.
222. ASME BOILER CODE - The boiler code listing
standards, specified by the American Society of
Mechanical Engineers, for the construction of
boilers.
223. ASME PART PEB SECTION I - Requirements for
electric boilers.
224. ASME PART PFH SECTION I - Requirements for
feedwater heaters.
225. ASME PART PFT SECTION I - Requirements for
firetube boilers.
226. ASME PART PG SECTION I - General requirements for
all methods of construction.
227. ASME PART PMB SECTION I - Requirements for
miniature boilers.
228. ASME PART PVG SECTION I - Requirements for
organic fluid vaporizer generators.
229. ASME PART PW SECTION I - Requirements for boilers
fabricated by welding.
230. ASME PART PWT SECTION I - Requirements for
watertube boilers.
231. ASME SECTION I - Power Boilers.
232. ASME SECTION II - Material specifications.
233. ASME SECTION III - Nuclear Power Plant Components.
234. ASME SECTION IV - Heating boilers.
Page 7 of 77

235. ASME SECTION IX ASME SECTION V -
Nondestructive examination.
236. ASME SECTION VI - Recommended rules for the
care and operation of heating boilers.
237. ASME SECTION VII - Recommended rules for the
care and operation of power boilers.
238. ASME SECTION VII APPENDIX - Consists of
conversion factors for converting Imperial
units to SI Units.
239. ASME SECTION VII SUBSECTION C1 - Rules for
routine operation of power boilers.
240. ASME SECTION VII SUBSECTION C2 -
Operating and maintaining boiler appliances.
241. ASME SECTION VII SUBSECTION C3 - Rules for
inspection.
242. ASME SECTION VII SUBSECTION C4
Prevention of direct causes of boiler failure.
243. ASME SECTION VII SUBSECTION C5 - Is partial
rules for the design of installations.
244. ASME SECTION VII SUBSECTION C6
Operation of boiler auxiliaries.
245. ASME SECTION VII SUBSECTION C7 - Control
of internal chemical conditions.
246. ASME SECTION VIII - Pressure vessels.
247. ASME SECTION X - Fiberglass reinforced plastic
pressure vessels.
248. ASME SECTION XI - Rules for inservice
inspection of Nuclear Power Plant
components.
249. ASPECT RATIO - The ratio of the length to the
width, of a rectangular air grille or duct.
250. ASPIRATING PSYCHROMETER - A device which
draws sample of air through it to measure
humidity.
251. ASPIRATION - Production of movement in a fluid
by suction created by fluid velocity.
252. ASTM - American Society for Testing and
Materials.
253. ASYNCHRONOUS - Not having the same
frequency. Out of step, or phase.
254. ASYNCHRONOUS GENERATOR - An induction
generator.
255. ASYNCHRONOUS MOTOR - An induction motor,
whose speed is not synchronous with the
frequency of the supply line.
256. ATDC: Abbreviation for after top dead center
257. ATMOSPHERE - Is the mixture of gases and
water vapor surrounding the earth.
258. ATMOSPHERIC ELECTRICITY - Is static
electricity, produced between cloud fronts in
the atmosphere.
Engineering Dictionary
259. ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE (BAROMETRIC
PRESSURE) - Pressure exerted by the weight of
the atmosphere; standard atmospheric pressure is
101.325 kPa or 1.01325 bars or 14.696 psia or
29.921 inches of mercury at sea level.
260. ATMOSPHERIC RELIEF VALVE - Automatic valve for
relieving pressure in a condenser should it rise
slightly above atmospheric.
261. ATOM - The smallest complete particle of an element,
which can be obtained, yet which retains all physical
and chemical properties of the element.
262. ATOMIC NUMBER - The number of protons found in the
nucleus of an atom, of an element.
263. ATOMIC WEIGHT - The weight of an elementary atom,
in relation to the weight of an atom of hydrogen. A
hydrogen atom being taken as 1.00g.
- 264. ATOMIZE - Process of changing a liquid to minute
particles or a fine spray.
265. ATTEMPERATING WATER IMPURITY - Refers to
turbine deposits caused by impurities in the water
- used for attemperators. (Chemicals used with
attemperating water should be of the volatile type).
266. ATTEMPERATOR - An apparatus for reducing and
controlling the temperature of a superheater vapor
or a fluid.
267. ATTENUATION - The sound reduction process in which
sound energy is absorbed or diminished in intensity
as the result of energy conversion from sound to
motion or heat.
268. ATTRITION - The rubbing of one particle against
another in a resin bed; frictional wear that will affect
the site of resin particles.
269. AUTOMATIC - Self-acting. Operating by its own
mechanism, when activated by some triggering
signal.
270. AUTOMATIC CONTROL - The process of using the
differences, between the actual value, and desired
value, of any variable, to take corrective action,
without human intervention.
271. AUTOMATIC CONTROLLER - A device that measures
the value of a measured variable, and operates to
correct or limit the deviation from a selected
reference. Both measuring and control applications.
272. AUTOMATIC DEFROST - System of removing ice and
frost from evaporators automatically.
273. AUTOMATIC EXPANSION VALVE (AEV) - A type of
metering device that senses low-side pressure and
modulates in order to maintain low-side pressure
constant.
274. AUTOMATIC EXTRACTION UNIT TURBINE - Bleeds
off part of the main steam flow at one, two, or three
points. Valved partitions between selected stages
control the extracted steam pressure at the desired
level. When extracted steam flowing through the
unit does not produce enough shaft power to meet
the demand, more steam flows through the turbine
Page 8 of 77

to exhaust. Located between steam supply
and process steam headers.
275. AUTOMATIC FROST CONTROL - Control which
automatically cycles refrigerating system to
remove frost formation on evaporator.
276. AUTOMATIC GOVERNING SYSTEM - A system
which correlates steam flow, pressure, shaft
speed, and shaft output, for any one turbine
unit.
277. AUTOMATIC ICE CUBE MAKER - Refrigerating
mechanism designed to automatically produce
ice cubes in quantity.
278. AUTOMATIC RESET (INTEGRATION) - Is a type
of control, in which the controller output,
changes at a rate proportional to the deviation
or error. The output will continue to change as
long as any deviation or error exists.
279. AUTOMATION - The employment of devices,
which automatically control one or more
functions.
280. AUTOTRANSFORMER - A transformer in which
both primary and secondary coils, have turns
in common. The step up or step down of
voltage, is accomplished by taps in common
windings.
281. AUXILIARY CONTACTS - A set of contacts that
perform a secondary function, usually in
relation to the operation of a set of primary
contacts.
282. AUXILIARY MACHINERY: Any system or unit of
machinery that supports the main propulsion
units or helps support the ship and the crew.
Examples of auxiliary machinery are pumps,
evaporators, steering engines, air-conditioning
and refrigeration equipment, laundry and
galley equipment, deck winches, and so forth.
283. AVAGADRO'S HYPOTHESIS - States that equal
volumes of different gases, at the same
temperature and pressure, will contain equal
numbers of molecules.
284. AVAGADRO'S NUMBER (N) - The number of
elementary units such as atoms, formula
units, molecules, or ions, that constitute one
mole of the said particle.
285. AVERAGING ELEMENT - A thermostat sensing
element which will respond to the average
duct temperature.
286. AXIAL: In a direction parallel to the axis. Axial
movement is movement parallel to the axis.
287. AXIAL EXPANSION – Expansion parallel to the
line of the rotor.
288. AXIAL FLOW COMPRESSOR - Uses rotor blades
shaped like airfoils, to bite into the air, speed it
up, and push it into the subsequent stationary
blade passages. These passages are shaped
to form diffusers, that slow up the incoming
Engineering Dictionary
air, and make it pressurize itself by catching up with
the air ahead of it.
289. AXIAL THRUST – The tendency for a turbine shaft to
move axially in line with the bearings as a result of
the force produced by the steam flow.
290. AXIS: The centerline running lengthwise.
291. AZEOTROPE - Having constant maximum and minimum
boiling points.
292. AZEOTROPIC MIXTURE - Example of azeotropic
mixture - refrigerant R-502 is mixture consisting of
48.8 percent refrigerant R-22 and 51.2% R-115. The
refrigerants do not combine chemically, yet
azeotropic mixture provides refrigerant
characteristics desired.
293. ABBIT METAL : (see bearing, babbit).
B
294. BABBIT: An antifriction metal lining for bearings that
reduces the friction between moving components.
295. BACKLASH: The distance (play) between two movable
components.
296. BACK PRESSURE – A pressure exerted contrary to the
pressure producing the main flow (Pressure in low
side of refrigerating system; also called suction
pressure or low-side pressure).
297. BACK PRESSURE TURBINE – A turbine from which all
the steam is exhausted at some pressure above
atmospheric for use in afactory process or for
central heating (The Exhaust of the turbine is used
for another process instead of condrnsing the same
in a condenser).
298. BACK SEATING - Fluid opening/closing such as a
gauge opening or to seal the joint where the valve
stem goes through the valve body.
299. BACK WORK RATIO - Is the fraction of the gas turbine
work used to drive the compressor.
300. BACKGROUND NOISE - Sound other than the wanted
signal. In room acoustics, the irreducible noise level
measured in the absence of any building occupants.
301. BACKING RING - Backing in a form of a ring, generally
used in welding of piping.
302. BACKWASH - The counter-current flow of water through
a resin bed (that is, in at the bottom of the exchange
unit, out at the top) to clean and regenerate the bed
after exhaustion (water treatment). Also, the
process whereby a filtering mechanism is cleaned
by reversing the flow through the filter.
303. BACKWARD-CURVED FAN BLADING - Backward-
curved fan blading has the most suitable
characteristics for boiler forced-d raught fans and is
widely used for this purpose.
304. BACTERIA - Microscopic unicellular living organisms.
305. BAFFLE - Plate or vane used to direct or control
movement of fluid or air within confined area.
Page 9 of 77

306. BAGHOUSE - A chamber containing bags for
filtering solids out of gases.
307. BALANCED DRAUGHT - The use of a forced-d
raught fan to force combustion air into the
furnace either through the fuel bed or through
the burner, coupled with the use of an
induced-draught fan to draw the gases
through the boiler. Thus a state of balance is
maintained in the combustion chamber.
308. BALANCED VALVE: A valve in which the fluid
pressure is equal on both sides (the opening
and closing directions).
309. BALL BEARING: A bearing that uses steel balls
as its rolling element between the inner and
outer ring (race).
310. BALL CHECK VALVE: A valve consisting of a ball
held against a ground seat by a spring. It
serves to check the flow or to limit the
pressure of a liquid or substance.
311. BALLAST GAS - Are the nonflammable portion of
the gas, such as carbon dioxide.
312. BAROMETER - Instrument for measuring
atmospheric pressure. It may be calibrated in
pounds per square inch, in inches of mercury
in a column in millimeters or kPa.
313. BARRING GEAR – Equipment for slowly rotating
the turbine shaft when it is off load.
Sometimes called 'turning’ or 'trolling’ gear.
314. BASE - An alkaline substance.
315. BASE LOAD - Base load is the term applied to
that portion of a station or boiler load that is
practically constant for long periods.
316. BASE METAL - The metal present in the largest
proportion in an alloy. (Copper is the base
metal in brass)
317. BASE METAL - The substrate metal that is coated
or protected by a surface coating.
318. BASICITY - The ability of a substance to boost the
pH after neutralizing all the acid species.
319. BATCH OPERATION - The utilization of ion-
exchange resins to treat a solution in a
container wherein the removal of ions is
accomplished by agitation of the solution and
subsequent decanting of the treated liquid.
320. BAUDELOT COOLER - Heat exchanger in which
water flows by gravity over the outside of the
tubes or plates.
321. BAUMANN EXHAUST - A special design of the
exhaust end of a turbine to give extra effective
area for the exhaust steam to pass to the
condenser.
322. BBDC: Abbreviation for before bottom dead
center.
Engineering Dictionary
323. BDC: Abbreviation for bottom dead center. The position
of a reciprocating piston at its lowest point of travel.
324. BEARING: A mechanical component, which supports
and guides the location of another rotating or sliding
member.
325. BEARING, AIR - A bearing using air as a lubricant.
326. BEARING, ALIGNING - A bearing with an external
spherical seat surface that provides a compensation
for shaft or housing deflection or misalignment.
327. BEARING, ANNULAR - Usually a rolling bearing of
short cylindrical form supporting a shaft carrying a
radial load.
328. BEARING, ANTI-FRICTION - A bearing containing a
solid lubricant.
329. BEARING, AXIAL LOAD : (see bearing, thrust)
330. BEARING, BABBIT - A bearing metal of non-ferrous
material, containing several tin-based alloys, mainly
copper, antimony, tin and lead.
331. BEARING, BALL - A rolling element bearing in which
the rolling elements are spherical.
332. BEARING, BIG END - A bearing at the larger
(crankshaft) end of a connecting rod in an engine.
333. BEARING, BIMETAL - A bearing consisting of two
layers.
334. BEARING, BOTTOM END - (see bearing, big end)
335. BEARING, BUSH - A plain bearing in which the lining is
closely fitted into the housing in the form of a bush,
usually surfaced with a bearing alloy.
336. BEARING, CHATTER - Vibration of a shaft journal
because of excessive clearance at the bearing
surfaces.
337. BEARING, CIRCULAR STEP - A flat circular hydrostatic
bearing with a central circular recess.
338. BEARING, CLEARANCE: The distance between the
shaft and the bearing surface.
339. BEARING, FIXED PAD - An axial or radial load bearing
equipped with fixed pads, the surface of which a are
contoured to promote hydrodynamic lubrication.
340. BEARING, FLOATING - A bearing designed or mounted
to permit axial displacement between shaft and
housing.
341. BEARING, FLOATING RING - A type of journal bearing
that includes a thin ring between the journal and the
bearing. The ring floats and rotates at a fraction of
the journal rotational speed.
342. BEARING, FLUID - (see hydrostatic bearing)
343. BEARING, FULL JOURNAL - A journal bearing that
surrounds the journal by a full 360°.
344. BEARING, GAS - A journal or thrust bearing lubricated
with gas.
345. BEARING, HALF JOURNAL - A bearing extending 180°
around a journal.
Page 10 of 77

346. BEARING, JOURNAL - A machine part in which a
rotating shaft revolves or slides.
347. BEARING, KINGSBURRY TRUST –
348. BEARING, MAGNETIC - A type of bearing in
which the force that separates the relatively
moving surfaces is produced be a magnetic
field.
349. BEARING, MAIN - A bearing supporting the main
power-transmitting shaft.
350. BEARING, MITCHELL -(see tilting pad bearing).
351. BEARING, NEEDLE - A bearing in which the
relatively moving parts are separated by long
thin rollers that have a length-to-diameter ratio
exceeding 5.0.
352. BEARING, NONCONTACT - A bearing in which
no solid contact occurs between relatively
moving surfaces.
353. BEARING, PEDESTAL - A bearing that is
supported on a column or pedestal rather than
on the main body of the machine.
354. BEARING, PIVOT - An axial load bearing, radial-
load-type bearing which supports the end of a
shaft or pivot.
355. BEARING, POROUS - Made from porous
material, such as compressed metal powders,
the pores acting either as reservoirs for
holding or passages for supplied lubricant.
356. BEARING, ROLLER - A bearing in which the
relatively moving parts are separated by
rollers.
357. BEARING, RUBBING - A bearing in which the
relatively moving parts slide without deliberate
lubrication.
358. BEARING, SELF-ALIGNING - A roller-element
bearing with one spherical raceway that
automatically provides compensation for shaft
or housing deflection or misalignment.
359. BEARING, SELF-LUBRICATING - A bearing
independent of external lubrication. These
bearings may be sealed for life after packing
with grease or may contain self-lubricating
material.
360. BEARING, SLEEVE - A cylindrical plain bearing
used to provide radial location for a shat,
which moves axially. Sleeve bearings consist
of one or more layers of bearing alloys,
bonded to a steel backing.
361. BEARING, SLIDE - A bearing used or positioning
a slide or for axial alignment of a long rotating
shaft.
362. BEARING, STEP - A plane surface bearing that
supports the lower end of a vertical shaft.
363. BEARING, THRUST - A bearing in which the load
acts in the direction of the axis of rotation.
Engineering Dictionary
364. BEARING, TILTING PAD - A pad bearing in which the
pads are free to take up a position at an angle to the
opposing surface according to the hydrodynamic
pressure distribution over its surface.
365. BEARING, TRUNNION - A bearing used as a pivot to
swivel or turn an assembly.
366. BED - A mass of ion-exchange resin particles contained
in a column.
367. BED DEPTH - The height of the resinous material in the
column after the ion exchanger has been properly
conditioned for effective operation.
368. BED EXPANSION - The effect produced during
backwashing when the resin particles become
separated and rise in the column. The expansion of
the bed due to the increase in the space between
resin particles may be controlled by regulating
backwash flow (typical with water treatment).
369. BEDPLATE –
370. BELLOWS - Corrugated cylindrical container which
moves as pressures change, or provides a seal
during movement of parts.
371. BELLOWS SEAL - A type of mechanical seal that
utilizes a bellows for providing secondary sealing.
372. BENDING MOMENT - The algebraic sum of the couples
or the moments of the external forces, or both, to
the left or right of any section on a member
subjected to bending by couples or transverse
forces, or both.
373. BERNOULLI'S THEOREM - In stream of liquid, the sum
of elevation head, pressure head and velocity
remains constant along any line of flow provided no
work is done by or upon liquid in course of its flow,
and decreases in proportion to energy lost in flow.
374. BICACARBONATE ALKALINITY - The presence in a
solution of hydroxyl (OH-) ions resulting from the
hydrolysis of carbonates or bicarbonates. When
these salts react with water, a strong base and a
weak acid are produced, and the solution is alkaline.
375. BICARBONATE - An ion or salt of carbonic acid,
containing hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen (HC03),
such as sodium bicarbonate, NaHC03.
376. BIMETAL STRIP - Temperature regulating or indicating
device which works on principle that two dissimilar
metals with unequal expansion rates, welded
together, will bend as temperatures change.
377. BIMETALLIC COUPLE - A joint or union of two
dissimilar metals.
378. BIMETALLIC ELEMENT -
379. BIOCIDE - A chemical used to control the population of
troublesome microbes.
380. BLACK LIQUOR - The liquid material remaining from
pulpwood cooking in the soda or sulfate
papermaking process.
381. BLADE CLEARANCE (STEAM TURBINE) –
Page 11 of 77

382. BLADE DEPOSITES - Impurities carried over in
the Steam and deposited on the turbine
blades as afine coating.
383. BALDE FOULING - The accumulation on turbine
blades of impurities carried over from the
boiler with the steam.
384. BLADE LOSS - Loss caused by the inefficiency of
blading.
385. BLADE SEALS –
386. BLADE VELOCITY –
387. BLAST FREEZER - Low-temperature evaporator
which uses a fan to force air rapidly over the
evaporator surface.
388. BLAST FURNACE GAS - Is the waste product
from furnaces used to smelt iron ores.
389. BLEEDER (BLEEDER VALVE) - A valve
designed to slowly relief a liquid or gas form
system.
390. BLEEDING - Slowly reducing the pressure of
liquid or gas from a system or cylinder by
slightly opening a valve.
391. BLEEDOFF - The continuous removal of water
from a re-circulating water system.
392. BLEEDOFF RATE - The rate at which water is
continuously removed from a system.
393. BLOCK DIAGRAM: A diagram in which the major
components of a piece of equipment or a
system are represented by squares,
rectangles, or other geometric figures, and the
normal order of progression of a signal or
current flow is represented by lines.
394. BLOWBY: Exhaust gases that escape past the
piston rings.
395. BLOWDOWN - In connection with boilers or
cooling towers, the process of discharging a
significant portion of the aqueous solution in
order to remove accumulated salts, deposits
and other impurities.
396. BLOWDOWNÐ-SAFETY VALVE - The difference
between the pressure at which a safety valve
opens and at which it closes.
397. BLOW-OFF VALVE - A specially designed,
manually operated, valve that connects to the
boiler for the purpose of reducing the
concentration of solids in the boiler or for
draining purposes. (Often called bottom
blowdown.)
398. BLOWER: A low-pressure air pump, usually a
rotary or centrifugal type of pump, that
supplies air above atmospheric pressure to
the combustion chambers of an internal-
combustion engine.
Engineering Dictionary
399. BLUEPRINTS: Copies of mechanical or other types of
technical drawings.
400. BOILER - Closed container in which a liquid may be
heated and vaporized.
401. BOILER BLOW PIPING: Piping from the individual
boiler blow valves to the overboard connection at
the skin of the ship.
402. BOILER DESIGN PRESSURE: Pressure specified by
the manufacturer, usually about 103% of normal
steam drum operating pressure.
403. BOILER EFFICIENCY - The term “Boiler efficiency" is
often substituted for combustion or thermal
efficiency. True boiler efficiency is the measure of
fuel-to-steam efficiency.
404. BOILER FEED WATER - Deaerated water in the piping
system between the deaerating feed tank and the
boiler (The total water fed to a boiler producing
steam. This water is the mixture of return steam
condensate and makeup water).
405. BOILER HORSEPOWER - The work required to
evaporate 34.5 lb of water per hour into steam from
and at 100°C.
406. BOILER LOAD: The steam output demanded from a
boiler, generally expressed in pounds per hour
(lb/hr).
407. BOILER LOAD FACTOR - The ratio of the actual output
of a boiler to the possible maximum output for the
same number of steaming hours.
408. BOILER LAY-UP - Storing and protecting the boiler
when not in use.
409. BOILER REFRACTORIES: Materials used in the boiler
furnace to protect the boiler from the heat of
combustion.
410. BOILING - (See vaporization)
411. BOILING OUT - The boiling of high alkaline water in
boiler pressure parts for the removal of oil, greases,
prior to normal operation or after major repairs.
412. BOILING POINT - The temperature at which the vapor
pressure of a liquid equals the absolute external
pressure at the liquid-vapor interface.
413. BOILING TEMPERATURE - Temperature at which a
fluid changes from a liquid to a gas.
414. BONNET: A cover used to guide and enclose the tail
end of a valve spindle.
415. BORE - Inside diameter of a cylinder.
416. BOSCH METERING SYSTEM: A metering system with
a helical groove in the plunger, which covers or
uncovers ports in the pump barrel.
417. BOTTOM BLOW: A procedure that removes suspended
solids and sludge from a boiler.
418. BOTTOM DEAD CENTER: See BDC.
419. BOUNDARY LUBRICATION - Lubrication between
bearing surfaces where the lubricant layer is of
Page 12 of 77

variable thickness because of the impossibility
of obtaining perfectly smooth bearing
surfaces.
420. BOURDON TUBE - Thin-walled tube of elastic
metal flattened and bent into circular shape,
which tends to straighten as pressure inside is
increased. Used in pressure gauges.
421. BOYLES' LAW - If the temperature on a gas is
constant, the volume is inversely proportional
to the pressure. By formula - VP = V1P1
422. BRAKE HORSEPOWER (bhp): The usable power
delivered by an engine.
423. BRAKE MEAN EFFECTIVE PRESSURE (bmep):
Mean effective pressure acting on the piston,
which would result in a given brake
horsepower output if there were no losses
from friction, cooling, or exhaust. Bmep is
equal to mean indicated pressure times
mechanical efficiency.
424. BRAKE THERMAL EFFICIENCY: Ratio of power
output (in the form of brake horsepower) to
equivalent power input (in the form of heat
from fuel.
425. BRANCH CIRCUIT - Wiring between the last
overcurrent device and the branch circuit
outlets.
426. BRASS - A copper-zinc alloy containing up to 40%
zinc and some smaller amounts of other
metals.
427. BRAYTON CYCLE (also referred to as the Joule
Cycle) - A rotating machine in which
compression and expansion take place. Gas
turbine are such an example.
428. BRAZE - A weld produced by heating an assembly
to suitable temperatures and by using a filler
metal having a liquidus above 450°C. The
filler metal is distributed between the closely
fitted facing surface of the joint by capillary
action.
429. BRAZING, BLOCK - A brazing process in which
the heat required is obtained from heated
blocks applied to the parts to be joined.
430. BREAKER POINTS: Metal contacts that open and
close a circuit at timed intervals.
431. BREAKTHROUGH - The first appearance in the
solution flowing from an ion-exchange unit of
unabsorbed ions similar to those which are
depleting the activity of the resin bed.
Breakthrough is an indication that
regeneration of the resin is necessary.
432. BRINE - Water saturated with a chemical such as
salt.[ (1) A highly concentrated solution of salt
in water, normally associated with the over-
board discharge of distilling plants. (2) Any
water in which the concentration of chemical
salts is higher than seawater].
Engineering Dictionary
433. BRITISH THERMAL UNIT, (BTU) - The Btu is defined
as the heat required to raise the temperature of a
pound of water thru 1°F.
434. BRITTLENESS - The tendency of a material to fracture
without first undergoing significant plastic
deformation.
435. BRONZE - A copper-rich copper tin alloy with or without
small proportions of other elements.
436. BRUSH: The conducting material, usually a block of
carbon, bearing against the commutator or slip rings
through which the current flows in or out.
437. BTDC: Abbreviation for before top dead center.
438. BTU - British Thermal Unit.
439. BUFFER - A substance used in solution, which accepts
hydrogen ions or hydroxyl ions, added to the
solution as acids or alkali’s, minimizing a change in
pH.
440. BULB - The name given to the temperature-sensing
device located in the fluid for which control or
indication is provided. The bulb may be liquid-filled,
gas filled, or gas-and-liquid filled. Changes in
temperature produce pressure changes within the
bulb which are transmitted to the controller.
441. BULGE - A local distortion or swelling outward caused
by internal pressure on a tube wall or boiler shell
due to overheating.
442. BULL GEAR: The largest gear in a reduction gear train-
the main gear, as in a geared turbine drive.
443. BURNER - A device for the introduction of fuel and air
into a furnace at the desired velocities, turbulence
and concentration.
444. BURNER WINDBOX - A plenum chamber around a
burner that maintains an air pressure sufficient for
proper distribution and discharge of secondary air.
445. BURNER WINDBOX PRESSURE - The air pressure
maintained in the windbox or plenum chamber
measured above atmospheric pressure.
446. BUS BAR - A heavy, rigid metallic conductor which
carries a large current and makes a common
connection between several circuits. Bus bars are
usually uninsulated and located where the electrical
service enters a building; that is, in the main
distribution cabinet.
447. BUSHING: A renewable lining for a hole in which a
shaft, rod, or similar part moves.
448. BUS TRANSFER: A device for selecting either of two
available sources of electrical power. It may be
accomplished either manually or automatically.
449. BUTTERFLY VALVE: A lightweight, relatively quick
acting, positive shutoff valve.
450. BYPASS - A pipe or duct, usually controlled by valve or
damper, for conveying a fluid around an element of
a system.
451. BYPASS - Passage at one side of, or around, a regular
passage.
Page 13 of 77
 Engineering Dictionary

452. BYPASS FEEDER - A closed tank that is installed 466. CAMSHAFT GEAR: The gear that is fastened to the
in a system in "bypass," that is, in a side camshaft.
stream taken off the system and leading back
467. CANGE OF STATE - Change from one phase, such as
to the system rather than directly in-line.
solid, liquid or gas, to another.
C
468. CAPACITANCE - The property of an electric current that
453. CAKING - Coals may be broadly classed as non- permits the storage of electrical energy in an
caking, slightly-caking, medium-caking and electrostatic field and the release of that energy at a
strong-caking. On a furnace grate, caking later time.
coals soften and become plastic within a
469. CAPACITOR, (CONDENSER) - A device that can store
certain temperature range; fluid material
an electric charge when voltage is applied.
exudes on to the surface of the coal particles;
and gas pressure in the caking mass causes 470. CAPACITY - The adsorption activity possessed in
the fluid material to cover the surface of the varying degrees by ion-exchange materials. This
pieces of coal and to act as a cement. quality may be expressed as kilograins per cubic
foot, gram-milliequivalents per gram, pound-
454. CALCAREOUS COATING OR DEPOSIT - A layer
equivalents per pound, gram-milliequivalents per
consisting of a mixture of calcium carbonate
milliliter, and so on, where the numerators of these
and magnesium hydroxide deposited on
ratios represent the weight of the ions adsorbed and
surfaces being cathodically protected against
the denominators represent the weight or volume of
corrosion, because of increased pH
the adsorbent.
adjustment to the protected surface.
471. CAPILLARY - The name given to the thin tube attached
455. CALCIUM - A scale forming element found in
to the bulb which transmits the bulb pressure
boiler feedwater.
changes to the controller or indicator. The cross
456. CALCIUM CHLORIDE - A substance used to sectional area of the capillary is extremely small
obtain calcium chloride brine. compared to the cross section of the bulb so that
the capillary, which is usually outside of the
457. CALCIUM SULFATE - Chemical compound
controlled fluid, will introduce the smallest possible
(CaSO4) which is used at a drying agent or
error in the signal being transmitted from the bulb.
desiccant in liquid line dryers.
472. CAPILLARY TUBE - The capillary tube is a metering
458. CALIBRATION - A process of dividing and
device made from a thin tube approximately 0.5 to 6
numbering the scale of an instrument; also of
metre long and from 0.025 to 0.090 inches in
correcting or determining the error of an
diameter which feeds liquid directly to the
existing scale, or of evaluating one quantity in
evaporator. Usually limited to systems of 1 ton or
terms of readings of another.
less, it performs all of the functions of the thermal
459. CALORIE - It is equal to the amount of heat expansion valve when properly sized.
required to raise the temperature of one gram
473. CARBON DIOXIDE - Compound of carbon and oxygen
of water one degree Celsius.
(CO2) which is sometimes used as a refrigerant.
460. CALORIMETER - Device used to measure Refrigerant number is R-744.
quantities of heat or determine specific heats.
474. CARBON FILTER - Air filter using activated carbon as
461. CALORIFIC VALUE - The heat-producing value of air cleansing agent.
a substance. A measure of the total heating-
475. CARBON RINGS –
power of a fuel, for example coal or oil.
Usually expressed as the number of kilo
Joules’s evolved when one kilogramme of the
476. CARBON TETRACHLORIDE - Colorless nonflammable
fuel is completely burned.
and very toxic liquid used as a solvent. It should
462. CAM: A rotating component of irregular shape. It is never be allowed to touch skin and fumes must not
used to change direction of the motion of be inhaled.
another part moving against it. (For example,
477. CARBONACEOUS EXCHANGER - Ion-exchange
rotary motion is changed into reciprocating or
materials of limited capacity prepared by the
variable motion.)
sulfonation of coal, lignite, peat, and so on.
463. CAM FOLLOWER (VALVE LIFTER): A part that is
478. CARBONATE - An ion or salt of carbonic acid,
held in contact with the cam and to which the
containing carbon and oxygen such as calcium
cam motion is imparted and transmitted to the
carbonate. (CaC03)
push rod.
479. CARBONATE HARDNESS - That hardness caused in
464. CAM NOSE: That portion of the cam that holds the
water by bicarbonates and carbonates of calcium,
valve wide open. It is the high point of the
and magnesium.
cam.
465. CAMSHAFT: A shaft with cam lobes.

Page 14 of 77

480. CARBONATE-POLYMER TREATMENT - A
treatment method using synthetic polymers,
generally used with high hardness (60-70)
ppm and high alkalinity.
481. CARBOXYLIC - A term describing a specific acidic
group (COOH) that contributes cation-
exchange ability to some resins.
482. CARBURETOR: An apparatus for supplying
atomized and vaporized fuel mixed with air to
an internal-combustion engine.
483. CARRYOVER - (1) Boiler water entrained with the
steam (by foaming or priming). (2) Particles of
seawater trapped in vapor in a distilling plant
and carried into the condensate. (The
moisture and entrained solids forming the film
of steam bubbles, as a result of foaming in a
boiler. This condition is caused by a faulty
boiler water condition. See also foaming).
484. CASCADE - A series of stages in which the output
of one stage is the input of the next stage.
485. CASCADE SYSTEMS - Arrangement in which two
or more refrigerating systems are used in
series; uses evaporator of one machine to
cool condenser of other machine. Produces
ultra-low temperatures.
486. CASING: A housing that encloses the rotating
element (rotor) of a pump or turbine.
487. CASING THROAT: An opening in a turbine or
pump casing through which the shaft
protrudes.
488. CASUALTY: An event or series of events in
progress during which equipment damage
and/or personnel injury has already occurred.
The nature and speed of these events are
such that proper and correct procedural steps
are taken to limit damage and/or personnel
injury only.
489. CASUALTY POWER SYSTEM: Portable cables
that are rigged to transmit power to vital
equipment in an emergency.
490. CATALYST: A substance used to speed up or
slow down a chemical reaction, but is itself
unchanged at the end of the reaction.
491. CATALYTIC ACTION - The action whereby
certain substances promote or assist a
chemical change without themselves being
permanently changed.
492. CATHODE - In electrolysis or electrochemical
corrosion, a site on a surface where actions in
solution are neutralized by electrons to
become elements that either plate out on the
surface or react with water to produce a
secondary reaction.
493. CATHODIC PROTECTION - A method of
preventing corrosion by making the metal a
cathode in a conducting medium by means of
a direct electrical current that is galvanic.
Engineering Dictionary
494. CATHODIC PROTECTION - Reduction of corrosion rate
by shifting the corrosion potential of the electrode
towards less oxidizing potential by applying an
external electromotive force.
495. CATION - A positively charged ion that migrates through
the electrolyte toward the cathode under the
influence of a potential gradient.
496. CATION-EXCHANGE SOFTENERS -
497. CATIONIC - The condition of a polymer, colloid, or large
particle having exchangeable anions on its surface
and an opposite, positive charge on the substrata.
498. CAUSTIC CRACKING - A form of stress-corrosion
cracking most frequently encountered in carbon
steels or iron-chromium-nickel alloys that are
exposed to concentrated hydroxide solutions at
temperature of 200 to 250°C.
499. CAUSTIC EMBRITTLEMENT - An obsolete term
replaced by caustic cracking.
500. CAUSTIC SODA - A common water treatment chemical,
sodium hydroxide.
501. CAVITATION - The formation and collapse, within a
liquid, of cavities or bubbles that contain vapor or
gas or both. In general, cavitation originates from
decreases in static pressure in the liquid. In order to
erode a solid surface by cavitation, it is necessary
for the cavitation bubbles to collapse on or close to
that surface.
502. CAVITATION EROSION - Progressive loss of original
material from a solid surface due to continuing
exposure to cavitation.
503. CELSIUS TEMPERATURE SCALE - A thermometric
scale in which the freezing point of water is called
0°C and its boiling point 100°C at normal
atmospheric pressure.
504. CENTANE NUMBER - A measure of ignition quality of a
fuel or petroleum with reference to normal centane
high-ignition quality fuel with an arbitrary number of
100.
505. CENTRIFUGAL COMPRESSOR - Pump which
compresses gaseous fluids by centrifugal force.
506. CENTRIFUGAL FORCE - A force exerted on a rotating
object in a direction outward from the center of
rotation.
507. CENTRIFUGAL FORCE -On a centrifugal pump, it is
that force which throws water from a spinning
impeller.
508. CENTRIFUGAL PUMP - A pump consisting of an
impeller fixed on a rotating shaft and enclosed in a
casing, having an inlet and a discharge connection.
The rotating impeller creates pressure in the liquid
by the velocity derived from centrifugal force.
509. CENTRIFUGAL PUMP - Pump which produces fluid
velocity and converts it to pressure head.
510. CETANE VALUE: A measure of the ease with which
diesel fuel will ignite.
Page 15 of 77

511. CHAIN GRATER STROKER - A grate formed by a
moving continuous chain of cast-iron links,
built in various widths to suit the boiler.
512. CHANGE OF STATE - Condition in which a
substance changes from a solid to a liquid or
a liquid to a gas caused by the addition of
heat. Or the reverse, in which a substance
changes from a gas to a liquid, or a liquid to a
solid, caused by the removal of heat.
513. CHANNELING - Cleavage and furrowing of the
bed due to faulty operational procedure, in
which the solution being treated follows the
path of least resistance, runs through these
furrows, and fails to contact active groups in
other parts of the bed, (water treatment).
514. CHARGE - Amount of refrigerant placed in a
refrigerating unit.
515. CHARGING BOARD - Specially designed panel or
cabinet fitted with gauges, valves and
refrigerant cylinders used for charging
refrigerant and oil into refrigerating
mechanisms.
516. CHARLS’ LAW - Gas volume is directly
proportional to absolute temperature.
517. CHECK VALVE - Device which permits fluid flow
in one direction.
518. CHELATE - Is a molecule, similar to an ion
exchanger, capable to withdraw ions from
their water solutions into soluble complexes.
519. CHEMICAL CLEANING - Using a solvent solution
to remove mill scale and corrosion products.
520. CHEMICAL ENERGY: Energy stored in chemicals
(fuel) and released during combustion of the
chemicals.
521. CHEMICAL FEEDLINE - The line which feeds the
boiler treatment chemicals into the boiler.
522. CHEMICAL PRECIPITATION - When the
chemicals react with the dissolved minerals in
the water to produce a relative insoluble
reaction product. A typical example of this
takes place with the lime-soda softening
process.
523. CHEMICAL REFRIGERATION - System of
cooling using a disposable refrigerant. Also
called an expendable refrigerant system.
524. CHEMICAL STABILITY - Resistance to chemical
change which ion-exchange resins must
possess despite contact with aggressive
solutions.
525. CHILL FACTOR - Calculated number based on
temperature and wind velocity.
526. CHILLED-WATER SYSTEM - A re-circulating
water system using water chilled in a
refrigeration machine as a source for cooling.
Engineering Dictionary
527. CHILLER/HEATERS - A unit that supplies either chilled
water for cooling or hot water for heating, (HVAC).
528. CHLORIDE - An ion, compound, or salt of chlorine, such
as sodium chloride (NaCl) or calcium chloride
(CaCl2).
529. CHLORINATION - A process in which chlorine gas or
other chlorine compounds are added to the water
for the purpose of disinfecting.
530. CHOKE TUBE - Throttling device used to maintain
correct pressure difference between high-side and
low-side in refrigerating mechanism. Capillary tubes
are sometimes called choke tubes.
531. CHORDAL THERMOCOUPLE - A thermocouple
installed in furnace tubes, designed to measure the
effectiveness of water treatment within the boiler.
532. CIRCUIT - An electrical arrangement requiring a source
of voltage, a closed loop of wiring, an electric load
and some means for opening and closing it.
533. CIRCUIT BREAKER – An electromagnetic or thermal
device that opens a circuit when the current in the
circuit exceeds a predetermined amount. Circuit
breakers can be reset [A switch-type mechanism
that opens automatically when it senses an overload
(excess current)]
534. CIRCULATING WATER: Water circulating through a
heat exchanger (condenser or cooler) to transfer
heat away from an operating component.
535. CIRCULATION RATIO - The ratio of water entering a
circuit to the steam generated by that passes that
circuit in a unit of time.
536. CLARIFIER: A water tank containing baffles that slow
the rate of water flow sufficiently to allow heavy
particles to settle to the bottom and light particles to
rise to the surface. This separation permits easy
removal, thus leaving the “clarified” water. The
clarifier is sometimes referred to as a settling tank or
sedimentation basin.
537. CLAY - Finely suspended earth mineral sometimes
found as an impurity in water.
538. CLEARANCE SPACE - Space between top of piston
and the valve plate.
539. CLEARANCE VAPOR - The vapor remaining in the
clearance space at the end of each discharge
stroke.
540. CLOSED COOLING SYSTEM: Consisting of two entirely
separate circuits-a freshwater circuit and a seawater
circuit.
541. CLOSED CYCLE - is the gas turbine arrangement, in
which the exhaust is directed back again to
compressor without coming in contact with the
atmospheric air.
542. CLOSED FEEDWATER HEATER - An indirect-contact
feedwater heater. Steam and water are separated
by tubes.
543. CLOSED FEED VALVE - A valve for automatically
controlling the condensate level in a condenser
Page 16 of 77

when feed-water is introduced directly into the
condenser.
544. CLOSED RE-CIRCULATING WATER SYSTEM -
A system using as a heat-transfer medium
water that continuously circulates through
closed piping and heat exchanger without
evaporation.
545. CLUTCH: A form of coupling that connects or
disconnects a driving or driven member.
546. COCOAGULANT - A substance that promotes the
clumping of particulate matter in water,
forming a larger mass and thus promoting
settling of particulates and clarification of the
water.
547. COAGULATION - Is the process whereby finely
divided particles of turbidity and color, capable
of remaining in suspension indefinitely, are
combined by chemical means into masses
sufficiently large to effect rapid settling.
548. COALESCENCE - The gathering together of
coagulated colloidal liquids into a single
continuous phase.
549. COAL EQUIVALENT OF A FUEL - The amount of
coal which would have to be burned to supply
an amount of electricity equal to that supplied
by the other fuel being compared, for example
oil.
550. COAL SEGREGATION - The tendency for the
small lumps of coal to separate out from the
fine coal between the bunkers and the stoker
hoppers.
551. COALING RATE - The amount of electricity which
can be generated from one tonne of coal
used. This figure is useful as a check on unit
efficiency, but can also be misleading when
coal quality varies.
552. COCK: A valve that is opened or closed by a
quarter turn of a disk or a tapered plug. When
a plug is used, it is slotted to correspond with
the ports in the valve.
553. CODE INSTALLATION - Refrigeration or air
conditioning installation which conforms to the
local code and/or the national code for safe
and efficient installations.
554. CO-EFFICIENT OF CONDUCTIVITY - Measure of
the relative rate at which different materials
conduct heat. Copper is a good conductor of
heat and, therefore, has a high coefficient of
conductivity.
555. COEFFICIENT OF EXPANSION - A measure of
the change in length or volume of an oject,
specifically, a change measured by the
increase in length or volume of an object per
unit length or volume.
556. COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION - The dimensionless
ratio of the friction force (F) between two
Engineering Dictionary
bodies to the normal force (N) pressing these
bodies together - m (f) = (F/N)
557. COEFFICIENT OF PERFORMANCE (COP) - Ratio of
work performed or accomplished as compared to
the energy used under designated operating
conditions.
558. COEFFICIENT OF THERMAL EXPANSION –
559. COGENERATION - A term used to describe the
combination of different thermodynamic cycles for
the purpose of increasing all-over cycle efficiency.
560. CO-GENERATION GENERATION - a term applied to
identify the generation of people interested in co-
generation.
561. COLD - The absence of heat; a temperature
considerably below normal.
562. COLD DECK -The cooling section of a mixed air zoning
system.
563. COLD IRON CONDITION: An idle plant, when all
services are received from an external source such
as shore or tender.
564. COLD JUNCTION - That part of a thermoelectric system
which absorbs heat as the system operates.
565. COLD PROCESS - A water treatment process carried
out at room temperature.
566. COLD START - The starting up of a turbine when cold.
Such starts require a carefully worked out
programme if damage is to be avoided.
567. COLD WALL - Refrigerator construction which has the
inner lining of refrigerator serving as the cooling
surface.
568. COLLOIDAL - A state of suspension in a liquid medium
in which extremely small particles are suspended
and dispersed but not dissolved.
569. COLLOIDS - Organic matter of very fine particle size,
-5 -7
usually in the range of 10 to 10 cm in diameter. It
tends to inhibit the formation of dense scale and
results in the deposition of sludge, or causes it to
remain in suspension, so that it may be blown from
the boiler.
570. COLUMN OPERATION - Conventional utilization of ion-
exchange resins in columns through which pass,
either upflow or downflow, the solution to be treated.
571. COMBINED FEEDER CUTOFF - A device that regulates
makeup water to a boiler in combination with a low-
water fuel cutoff.
572. COMBINED STEAM-GAS PLANT - where a gas turbine
is combined with steam plant in order to utilize the
waste heat.
573. COMBINED TREATMENT - A method of physical
treatment , followed by the addition of chemicals to
remove oxygen.
574. COMBUSTIBLE LOSS - The loss representing the
unliberated thermal energy occasioned by failure to
Page 17 of 77

oxidize completely some of the combustible matter
in the fuel.
575. COMBUSTION – The burning of fuel in a chemical
process accompanied by the evolution of light
and heat (The act or process of burning).
576. COMBUSTION AIR: The air delivered to a boiler
furnace, engine, or gas turbine combustor to
support burning of atomized fuel.
577. COMBUSTION CHAMBER: The chamber in which
combustion mainly occurs.
578. COMBUSTION-CHAMBER VOLUME: The
volume of the combustion chamber (when the
piston is at TDC) measured in cubic
centimeters.
579. COMBUSTION CYCLE: A series of thermo-
dynamic processes through which the working
gas passes to produce one power stroke. The
full cycle is-intake, compression, power, and
exhaust.
580. COMBUSTION EFFICIENCY - The effectiveness
of the burner to completely burn the fuel. A
well designed burner will operate with as little
as 10 to 20% excess air, while converting all
combustibles in the fuel to useful energy.
581. COMFORT CHART - A chart showing effective
temperatures with dry-bulb temperatures and
humidities (and sometimes air motion) by
which the effects of various air conditions on
human comfort may be compared.
582. COMFORT COOLER - System used to reduce the
temperature in the living space in homes.
These systems are not complete air
conditioners as they do not provide complete
control of heating, humidifying,
dehumidification, and air circulation.
583. COMFORT COOLING - Refrigeration for comfort
as opposed to refrigeration for storage or
manufacture.
584. COMFORT ZONE - (Average) the range of
effective temperatures over which the majority
(50 percent or more) of adults feels
comfortable; (extreme) the range of effective
temperatures over which one or more adults
feel comfortable. An area on the
psychrometric chart which shows conditions of
temperature, humidity and sometimes air
movement in which most people are
comfortable.
585. COMMON NEUTRAL - A neutral conductor that is
common to, or serves, more than one circuit.
586. COMMUTATOR: The copper segments on the
armature of a motor or generator. It is
cylindrical in shape and is used to pass power
into or from the brushes.
587. COMPENSATING DEVICE: Mechanical or
hydraulic action which prevents over
correction of change.
Engineering Dictionary
588. COMPONENT: Individual unit, or part, of a system; also,
the major units which, when suitably connected,
comprise a system.
589. COMPOSITION - The elements or chemical components
that make up a material and their relative
proportions.
590. COMPOUND - They are chemically combined elements
with definite proportions of the component elements.
591. COMPOUNDING - The use of many rows of blades in
separate cylinders in a turbine, to absorb more
efficiently the kinetic energy of the steam.
592. COMPOUND GAUGE - Instrument for measuring
pressures both above and below atmospheric
pressure.
593. COMPOUND REFRIGERATING SYSTEMS - System
which has several compressors or compressor
cylinders in series. The system is used to pump low
pressure vapors to condensing pressures.
594. COMPOUND TURBINE - One in which the steam is
expanded in a number of separate cylinders. In a
tandem compound turbine they are In line and the
rotors are coupled. In a cross-compound turbine the
cylinders are in two lines driving two generators.
595. COMPRESSION - Term used to denote increase of
pressure on a fluid by using mechanical energy.
596. COMPRESSION RING: The piston rings used to reduce
combustion leakage to a minimum.
597. COMPRESSION RATIO - Ratio of the volume of the
clearance space to the total volume of the cylinder.
In refrigeration it is also used as the ratio of the
absolute low-side pressure to the absolute high-side
pressure.
598. COMPRESSION, ADIABATIC - Is compressing a gas
without removing or adding heat.
599. COMPRESSION STROKE: That stroke of the operating
cycle during which air is compressed into a smaller
space creating heat by molecular action.
600. COMPRESSOR - Pump of a refrigerating mechanism
which draws a low pressure on cooling side of
refrigerant cycle and squeezes or compresses the
gas into the high-pressure or condensing side of the
cycle.
601. COMPRESSOR - The pump which provides the
pressure differential to cause fluid to flow and in the
pumping process increases pressure of the
refrigerant to the high side condition. The
compressor is the separation between low side and
high side.
602. COMPRESSOR DISPLACEMENT - Volume, in cubic
inches, represented by the area of the compressor
piston head or heads multiplied by the length of the
stroke.
603. COMPRESSOR SEAL - Leak proof seal between
crankshaft and compressor body in open type
compressors.
Page 18 of 77

604. COMPRESSOR SURGING - An instability of air
flow with axial compressor on the first stages
of these compressors. Air flow might even be
reversed that point.
605. COMPRESSOR TURBINE - in terms of a gas
turbine arrangement, it is the turbine which
drives the compressor only.
606. COMPRESSOR, CLEARANCE POCKET - Small
space in a cylinder from which compressed
gas is not completely expelled. This space is
called the compressor clearance space or
pocket. For effective operation, compressors
are designed to have as small a clearance
space as possible.
607. COMPRESSOR, ROTARY BLADE - Mechanism
for pumping fluid by revolving blades inside
cylindrical housing.
608. COMPRESSOR, SINGLE-STAGE - Compressor
having only one compressive step between
low-side pressure and high-side pressure.
609. COMRESSIBILITY - The ease which a fluid may
be reduced in volume by the application of
pressure, depends upon the state of the fluid
as well as the type of fluid itself.
610. CONCENTRATION - (1) The weight of solids
contained in a unit weight of boiler or feed
water. (2) The number of times that the
dissolved solids have increased from the
original amount in the feedwater to that in the
boiler water due to evaporation in generating
steam.
611. CONDENSATE - The liquid formed by
condensation of a vapor. In steam heating,
water condensed from steam; in air
conditioning, water extracted from air, as by
condensation on the cooling coil of a
refrigeration machine.
612. CONDENSATE DEPRESSION: The difference
between the temperature of condensate in the
condenser hotwell and the saturation
temperature corresponding to the vacuum
maintained in the condenser.
613. CONDENSATE POLISHER - A device used to
clean the returning condensate to the boiler
feedwater system.
614. CONDENSATE PUMP - Device to remove water
condensate that collects beneath an
evaporator.
615. CONDENSATION - Process of changing a vapor
into liquid by extracting heat. Condensation of
steam or water vapor is effected in either
steam condensers or dehumidifying coils, and
the resulting water is called condensate.
616. CONDENSE - Action of changing a gas or vapor to
a liquid.
Engineering Dictionary
617. CONDENSER - An apparatus used to transfer heat from
a hot gas, simultaneously reducing that gas to a
liquid.
618. CONDENSER CLINING - The removal of deposits on
the circulating-water side of condenser tubes, to
restore efficient heat-transfer.
619. CONDENSER BACK PRESSURE - The absolute
pressure at the top of a condenser, usually
expressed in inches of mercury.
620. CONDENSER LEAKAGE - Leakage within the
condenser, whereby condensate becomes
contaminated by impurities contained in the
circulating water.
621. CONDENSER PRESSURE DROP - The difference in
pressure between the exhaust-steam inlet at the top
of the condenser and the condensate take-off at the
bottom.
622. CONDENSER SHELL - The outer casing and supporting
structure of the condenser.
623. CONDENSER TUBE - The heat transfer surface in a
condenser.
624. CONDENSER TUBE FOULING - The formation of
foreign matter on the circulating-water side of the
condenser-tube surface.
625. CONDENSER-WATER SYSTEM - A re-circulating
cooling water used as a heat transfer fluid for the
condensation of a gas.
626. CONDENSING BLEEDER TURBINE –
627. CONDENSING TEMPERATURE - The temperature at
which the condensing gas is returned to a liquid at
the same pressure.
628. CONDENSING TURBINE – The exhaust steam of the
turbine send to condenser for condensing is called
as Condensing Turbine.
629. CONDENSING UNIT - Part of a refrigerating mechanism
which pumps vaporized refrigerant from the
evaporator, compresses it, liquefies it in the
condenser and returns it to the refrigerant control.
630. CONDENSING UNIT SERVICE VALVES - Shutoff
valves mounted on condensing unit to enable
service technicians to install and/or service unit.
631. CONDENSING UNIT, REFRIGERANT - An assembly of
refrigerating components designed to compress and
liquefy a specific refrigerant, consisting of one or
more refrigerant compressors, refrigerant
condensers, liquid receivers (when required) and
regularly furnished accessories.
632. CONDUCTION (THERMAL) - The flow of heat along a
substance, or from one substance to another by
actual contact.
633. CONDUCTANCE: The ability of a material to conduct or
carry electrical or thermal energy. Electrical
conductance is the reciprocal of the resistance of
the material and is expressed in mhos.
Page 19 of 77
 Engineering Dictionary

634. CONDUCTANCE, ELECTRICAL - The reciprocal 647. CONSTRICTOR - Tube or orifice used to restrict flow of
(opposite) of resistance and is the current a gas or a liquid.
carrying ability of any wire or electrical
648. CONTAMINATION - The introduction into water of
component. Resistance is the ability to
microorganisms, chemicals, toxic materials, waste
oppose the flow of current.
water in a concentration that makes the water unfit
635. CONDUCTANCE, SURFACE FILM - Time rate of for its next intended use.
heat flow per unit area under steady
649. CONTROL - A device for regulation of a system or
conditions between a surface and a fluid for
component in normal operation, manual or
unit temperature difference between the
automatic. If automatic, the implication is that it is
surface and fluid.
responsive to changes of pressure, temperature or
636. CONDUCTION - Heat transfer by actual contact other property whose magnitude is to be regulated.
between substances or from molecule to
650. CONTROL AIR SUPPLY: Clean, dry air at proper
molecule within a substance (Transfer of heat
pressure for operation of pneumatic control
by direct contact).
equipment.
637. CONDUCTIVITY (ELECTRICAL) - The ability of a
651. CONTROL POINT - The value of the controlled variable
liquid to conduct an electrical current and
which the controller operates to maintain.
indicating the presence of cations and anions.
Conductivity is usually expressed in 652. CONTROL VALVE - Valve which regulates the flow or
Micromohs per cm. pressure of a medium which affects a controlled
process. Control valves are operated by remote
638. CONDUCTIVITY (THERMAL) - The time rate of
signals from independent devices using any of a
heat flow through unit thickness of an infinite
number of control media such as pneumatic, electric
slab of homogeneous material in a direction
or electrohydraulic.
perpendicular to the surface, induced by unit
temperature difference. (W/m · K) 653. CONTROLLED DEVICE - One which receives the
converted signal from the transmission system and
639. CONDUCTIVITY METER - An electric instrument
translates it into the appropriate action in the
used to measure the conductivity of water to
environmental system. For example: a valve opens
determine its content of dissolved solids.
or closes to regulate fluid flow in the system.
640. CONDUCTIVITY, THERMAL - The time rate of
654. CONTROLLER - A device capable of measuring and
heat flow through unit area and unit thickness
regulating by receiving a signal from a sensing
of a homogeneous material under steady
device, comparing this data with a desired value
conditions when a unit temperature gradient is
and issuing signals for corrective action.
maintained in the direction perpendicular to
area. Materials are considered homogeneous 655. CONVECTION - The movement of a mass of fluid (liquid
when the value of the thermal conductivity is or gas) caused by differences in density in different
not affected by variation in thickness or in size parts of the fluid; the differences in density are
caused by differences in temperature. As the fluid
641. CONDUCTOR - Substance or body capable of
moves, it carries with it its contained heat energy,
transmitting electricity or heat.
which is then transferred from one part of the fluid to
642. CONDUIT - A round cross-section electrical another and from the fluid to the surroundings.
raceway, of metal or plastic.
656. CONVECTION, FORCED - Convection resulting from
643. CONGEALER - Also known as freezer. forced circulation of a fluid, as by a fan, jet or pump.
644. CONGRUENT PHOSPHATE CONTROL - Similar 657. CONVECTION, NATURAL - Circulation of gas or liquid
as a coordinated phosphate control but more (usually air or water) due to differences in density
restrictive where the equilibrium is based on resulting from temperature changes.
maintaining a ratio of 2.6 Na/1.0 PO4, instead
658. CONVERGENT NOZZLE – A nozzle whose bore
of 3.0/1.0 PO4.
narrows down to a smaller diameter.
645. CONNECTED LOAD - The sum of all loads on a
659. CONVERGENT-DIVERGENT NOZZLE – A nozzle
circuit. (1) Connection in Parallel: System
whose bore narrows down to a smaller diameter
whereby flow is divided among two or more
and then gradually increases to the full bore.
channels from a common starting point or
header. (2) Connection in Series: System 660. COOLER - Heat exchanger which removes heat from a
whereby flow through two or more channels is substance.
in a single path entering each succeeding 661. COOLING EFFECT, SENSIBLE - The difference
channel only after leaving the first or previous
between the total cooling effect and the
channel.
dehumidifying effect, usually in watts.
646. CONSOLE: A panel equipped with remote manual
662. COOLING EFFECT, TOTAL - Difference between the
controls and visual indicators of system
total enthalpy of the dry air and water vapor mixture
performance.
entering the cooler per hour and the total enthalpy

Page 20 of 77

of the dry air and water vapor mixture leavir~
the cooler per hour, expressed in watts.
663. COOLING TOWER - Device for lowering the
temperature of water by evaporative cooling,
in which water is showered through a space
through which outside air circulates. A portion
of the water evaporates, its latent heat of
vaporization cooling that portion of the water
which does not evaporate.
664. COOLING TOWER PRECIPITATION - The drizzle
which used to be prevalent around cooling-
towers: now overcome by the general use of
spray eliminators.
665. COOLING, EVAPORATIVE - Involves the
adiabatic exchange of heat between air and
water spray or wetted surface. The water
assumes the wet-bulb temperature of the air,
which remains constant during its traverse of
the exchanger.
666. COOLING, REGENERATIVE - Process of utilizing
heat which must be rejected or absorbed in
one part of the cycle to function usefully in
another part of the cycle by heat transfer.
667. COORDINATED PHOSPHATE CONTROL A
treatment to prevent caustic gauging. Free
caustic is eliminated by maintaining an
equilibrium between the sodium and
phosphate. Control is based on maintaining a
ratio of 3.0 Na to/1.0 PO4.
668. COPPER LOSS - Electrical loss accompanying
the flow of current In the rotor and stator
windings.
669. CORONA - The passage of a small electric current
through the air and insulation surrounding
high-voltage equipment. Generally visible in
the dark as a luminous glow surrounding the
high-voltage conductors.
670. CORRATOR - A device or probe employed to
measure current flow in a process flow. It
consists of two identical electrodes, to which a
small current is applied and measured, from
which corrosion rates can be calculated.
671. CORROSION - The wasting away of metal due to
chemical action. In a boiler, usually caused by
the presence of O2, CO2, or an acid (The
chemical or electrochemical reaction between
a material, usually a metal, and its
environment that produces a deterioration of
the material and its properties).
672. CORROSION, ANODE - The dissolution of an
metal acting as an anode.
673. CORROSION, ATMOSPHERIC - The gradual
degradation or alteration of a material by
contact with substances present in the
atmosphere, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide,
water vapor, and sulfur and chlorine
compounds.
Engineering Dictionary
674. CORROSION, BIOLOGICAL - Deterioration of metals
as a result of the metabolic action of
microorganisms. Also often named fouling.
675. CORROSION, CATHODIC - Corrosion resulting
resulting from a cathodic condition of a structure
usually caused by the reaction of an amphoteric
metal with the alkaline products of electrolysis.
676. CORROSION, CAVITATION - A process involving
conjoint corrosion and cavitation.
677. CORROSION, CONCENTRATION ATTACK - A form of
corrosion caused by the concentration of caustic or
phosphate salts under porous deposits, generally
iron oxide. Sometimes found at welded tubes and
due to steam blanketing.
678. CORROSION, CONCENTRATION-CELL - Pitting type
of corrosion caused by an electrical potential
differential between surfaces of a metal as a result
of deposits or differences in the solution
concentration in contact with the metal.
679. CORROSION, COUPONS - Pre-weighed metal strips
installed into fluid systems for the purpose of
monitoring metal losses.
680. CORROSION, CREVICE - Localized corrosion of a
metal surface at, or immediately adjacent to an area
that is shielded from full exposure to the
environment because of close proximity between
metal and the surface of another metal.
681. CORROSION, DEACTIVASION - The process of prior
removal of the active corrosive constituents, usually
oxygen, from a corrosive liquid by controlled
corrosion of expendable metal or by other chemical
means, therby making the liquids less corrosive.
682. CORROSION, DEPOSIT (also called poultice
corrosion) - Corrosion occuring under or around a
discontinous deposit on a metallic surface.
683. CORROSION, EFFECT - A change in any part of the
corrosion system caused by corrosion.
684. CORROSION, ELECTROCHEMICAL - Corrosion that is
accompanied by a low of electrons between
cathodic and anodic areas on metallic surfaces.
685. CORROSION, EMBRITTLEMENT - The severe loss of
ductility of a metal resulting from corrosive attack,
usually intergranular and often not visible.
686. CORROSION, EXTERNAL - A chemical deterioration of
the metal on the fireside of boiler heating surfaces.
687. CORROSION, FATIGUE - The process in which a metal
fractures prematurely under conditions of
simultaneous corrosion and repeated cyclic loading
at lower stress levels or fewer cycles than would be
required in the absence of the corrosive
environment.
688. CORROSION, FILIFORM - Corrosion that occurs under
organic coatings on metals as fine wavy hairlines.
689. CORROSION, FRETTING - A type of corrosion which
occurs where metals slide over each other. Long
tubes in heat exchangers often vibrate, causing
Page 21 of 77

metal to metal contact, tube supports etc.. The
metal to metal rubbing causes mechanical
damage to the protective oxide coating.
690. CORROSION, GALVANIC - Corrosion of a metal
caused by its contact with a metal of lower
activity; this contact results in an electron flow
or current and dissolution of one of the metals.
691. CORROSION, GASEOUS - Corrosion with gas as
the only corrosive agent and without any
aqueous phase on the surface of the metal.
Also called dry corrosion.
692. CORROSION, GENERAL - A form of deterioration
that is distributed more or less uniformly over
a surface.
693. CORROSION, GRAPHITIC - Corrosion of grey
iron in which the iron matrix is selectively
leached away, leaving a porous mass of
graphite behind. This type of corrosion occurs
in relativel mild aquous solutions and on
buried piping.
694. CORROSION, HOT - An accelerated corrosion of
metal surfaces that results from the combined
effect of oxidation and ractions with sulfur
compounds or other contminants such as
chlorides, to form a molten salt on a metal
surface that fluxes, destroys or disrupts the
normal protective oxide. (commonly found in
pulp mills)
695. CORROSION, IMPINGEMENT - A form of
erosion-corrosion generally associated with
local impingement of a high velocity, flowing
fluid against a solid surface.
696. CORROSION, INFLUENCED - The corrosion
cause by organisms due to their discharge
containing sulfur compounds and the
depolarization with other types of discharge
due to the presence of the microorganisms.
697. CORROSION, INHIBITORS - Substances that
slow the rate of corrosion.
698. CORROSION, INTERCRYSTALINE -(see
intergranular cracking)
699. CORROSION, INTERGRANULAR - Localized
attack occurring on the metal grain
boundaries. This is commonly found with
stainless steels which have been improperly
heat treated.
700. CORROSION, INTERNAL - Usually refers to the
internal corrosion and is considered an
electrochemical deterioration of the boiler
surface at or below the water surface.
701. CORROSION, LOCALIZED - Corrosion at discrete
sites, for example, crevice corrosion, pitting,
and stress-corrosion cracking.
702. CORROSION, LOCALIZED - Non-uniform
corrosion of a metal surface highlighted by
spotty or pitting-type corrosion.
Engineering Dictionary
703. CORROSION, MICROBIAL - (see biological corrosion).
704. CORROSION, OXYGEN DEFICIENCY - A form of
crevice corrosion in which galvanic corrosion
proceeds because oxygen is prevented from
diffusing into the crevice.
705. CORROSION, POTENTIAL - The voltage between a
corroding metal and a reference electrode.
706. CORROSION, POULTICE - (see corrosion, deposit)
707. CORROSION, POULTICE - A term used in the
automotive industry to describe the corrosion of
vehicle body parts due to the collection of road salts
and debries on ledges and in pockets that are kept
moist by weather and washing.
708. CORROSION, PROTECTION - Modification of a
corrosion system so that corrosion damage is
mitigated.
709. CORROSION, RESISTANCE - The ability of a material
to resist deterioration by chemical or
electrochemical reaction with its environment.
710. CORROSION, STRAY CURRENT - A form of attack
caused by electrical currents going through
unintentional path.
711. CORROSION, STRESS - Preferential attack of areas
under stress in a corrosive environment, where such
a environment alone would not have caused
corrosion.
712. CORROSION, STRESS CORROSION CRACKING -
Material deterioration due to cracking, by being
under static stress either applied or residual.
713. CORROSION, SWEET - The deterioration of metal
caused by contact with carbon dioxide in water.
714. CORROSION, THERMO-GALVANIC - Corrosion
resulting from an electrochemical cell caused by a
thermal gradient.
715. CORROSION, UNIFORM - The simplest form of
corrosion. It attacks all surfaces exposed to a
corrodent.
716. CORROSIVE WEAR - A material deterioration due to
the co-joint action of corrosion and mechanical
action.
717. CORROSIVITY - An indication of the corrosiveness of
the water of material. The corrosivity of a water as
described by the water’s pH, alkalinity, hardness,
temperature, total dissolved solids, dissolved
oxygen concentration and the Langerier Index.
718. COUNTERBALANCE: A weight, usually attached to a
moving component that balances another weight.
719. COUNTERBORE: (1) The enlargement of the end of a
hole for receiving and recessing the head of a screw
or bolt below or flush with the surface. (2) A tapered
enlargement at the end of an engine cylinder to
reduce ridging by the piston’s top compression ring.
720. COUNTER-FLOW HEAT EXCHANGER - When the fluid
to be cooled flows against the direction of the
coolant. In heat exchange between two fluids,
Page 22 of 77

opposite direction of flow, coldest portion of
one meeting coldest portion of the other.
721. COUNTERSUNK HOLE: A hole tapered or
beveled around its edge to allow a rivet or bolt
head or a rivet point to seat flush with or
below the surface of the riveted or bolted
object.
722. COUNTERWEIGHT: Weights that are mounted on
the crankshaft opposite each crank throw.
These weights reduce the vibration caused by
putting the crank in practical balance and also
reduce bearing loads due to inertia of moving
parts.
723. COUPLING: A device for securing together
adjoining ends of piping, shafting, and so
forth, in such a manner to permit disassembly
whenever necessary.
724. COVALENT BOND - A bond in which two atoms
share pair of electrons.
725. CRANE: A machine used for hoisting and moving
pieces of material or portions of structures or
machines that are either too heavy to be
handled by hand or cannot be handled
economically by hand.
726. CRANKCASE: The part of an engine frame which
serves as a housing for the crank-shaft.
727. CRANKCASE SCAVENGING: Scavenging
method that uses the pumping action of the
power piston in the crankcase to pump
scavenging air.
728. CRANKPIN: The portion of the crank throw
attached to the connecting rod.
729. CRANKSHAFT: A rotating shaft for converting
rotary motion into reciprocating motion.
730. CRANKSHAFT GEAR: The gear that is mounted
to the crankshaft.
731. CRANK THROW: One crankpin with its two webs
(the amount of offset of the rod journal).
732. CRANKSHAFT SEAL - Leak proof joint between
crankshaft and compressor body.
733. CRANK WEB: The portion of the crank throw
between the crankpin and main journal. This
makes up the offset.
734. CRAZE CRACKING (OR CHECKING) - Irregular
surface cracking of metal associated with
thermal cycling.
735. CREEP - The gradual stretching of metal under
stress. For a given stress, the rate of creep
increases with the temperature (Time
dependent permanent strain under stress.
This is used to rate the resistance of a
material to plastic deformation under
sustained load).
736. CREEP-RESISTANT ALLOY: A metal, which
resists the slow plastic deformation that
Engineering Dictionary
occurs at high temperatures when the material is
under constant stress.
737. CREEP STRENGTH - The constant nominal stress that
will cause a specified quantity of creep in a given
time at constant temperature. Creep strength is
expressed as the stress necessary to produce 0.1%
strain in 1000 hours.
738. CREEP, DYNAMIC - Creep that occurs under conditions
of fluctuating load or fluctuating temperatures.
739. CREST: The surface of the thread corresponding to the
major diameter of an external thread and the minor
diameter of an internal thread.
740. CRISPER - Drawer or compartment in refrigerator
designed to provide high humidity along with low
temperature to keep vegetables, especially leafy
vegetables - cold and crisp.
741. CRITICAL HUMIDITY - The relative humidity above
which the atmospheric corrosion rate of some
metals increase sharply.
742. CRITICAL POINT - A point at which the saturated liquid
and saturated vapor states are identical. Also, the
latent heat of evaporization is zero at this point.
743. CRITICAL PRESSURE - The pressure at the critical
temperature above which the fluid no longer has the
properties of a liquid, regardless of further increase
of pressure.
744. CRITICAL SPEED - The speed at which natural
torsional vibrations of a crankshaft tend to reinforce
themselves, causing vibration and potentially
destructive stresses.
745. CRITICAL TEMPERATURE - That temperature above
which the vapor phase cannot be condensed to
liquid by an increase in pressure.
746. CRITICAL VELOCITY - The velocity above which fluid
flow is turbulent.
747. CROSS COMPOUND TURBINE – See Compound
Turbine.
748. CROSS-CONNECT: To align systems to provide flow or
to exchange energy between machinery groups.
749. CROSS-CONNECTED PLANT: A method of operating
two or more plants as one unit from a common
supply.
750. CRT - Cathode ray tube terminal.
751. CRYOGENIC FLUID - Substance which exists as a
liquid or gas at ultra-low temperatures - 157°C.
752. CRYOGENIC SUPERCONDUCTOR SYSTEM - Uses
helium to cool conductors to within few degrees of
absolute zero where they offer no electric
resistance.
753. CRYOGENICS - Refrigeration which deals with
producing temperatures of -157°C below zero and
lower.
754. CRYSTAL FORMATION, ZONE OF MAXIMUM:
Temperature range in freezing in which most
Page 23 of 77

freezing takes place, i.e., about 25°F to 30°F
for water.
755. CRYSTALLITES - Atoms arranged in a repeating
and definite structure.
756. CRYSTALLIZATION - The separation, usually
from a liquid phase on cooling, of a solid
crystalline phase.
757. CURRENT (I) - The electric flow in an electric
circuit, which is expressed in amperes (amps).
758. CURRENT DENSITY - The current flowing to or
from a unit area of an electrode surface.
759. CURTIS METHOD –
760. CYCLE - A series of thermodynamic processes
during which the working fluid can be made to
undergo changes involving energy transition
and is subsequently returned to its original
state.
761. CYCLE, REVERSIBLE - Theoretical
thermodynamic cycle, composed of a series of
reversible processes, which can be
completely reversed.
762. CYCLE, WATER TREATMENT - A complete
course of ion-exchange operation. For
instance, a complete cycle of cation exchange
would involve regeneration of the resin with
acid, rinse to remove excess acid, exhaustion,
backwash, and finally regeneration.
763. CYCLES - A system that undergoes a series of
processes and always returns to its initial
state.
764. CYCLONE FURNACE - Crushed coal is burnt in a
water-cooled cyclone, and the hot gases pass
intoasecondary furnace, where the grits and
semi-molten ash are trapped before the hot
gases continue to the boiler.
765. CYCLES OF CONCENTRATION - The number of
times the soluble mineral salts in a water
supply have been concentrated in, a system.
766. CYLINDER: A solid figure with two circular bases.
A hollow tube which contains the actions of
combustion gases and the piston in an
internal-combustion reciprocating engine.
767. CYLINDER BLOCK: A rigid unit of the engine
frame which supports the engine’s cylinder
liners and heads. A cylinder block may contain
passages to allow circulation of cooling water
and drilled lube oil passages.
768. CYLINDER EXPANSION - Expansion of the
turbine cylinders relative to the fixed bedplate.
769. CYLINDER HEAD - Plate or cap which encloses
compression end of compressor cylinder.
770. CYLINDER LINER: A sleeve which is inserted in
the bores of the engine block which make up
the cylinder wall.
Engineering Dictionary
D
771. DALTON'S LAW OF PARTIAL PRESSURE - Each
constituent of a mixture of gases behaves
thermodynamically as if it alone occupied the space.
The sum of the individual pressures of the
constituents equals the total pressure of the mixture.
772. DAMPER - A device used to vary the volume of air
passing through an air outlet, air inlet or duct.
773. DAMPING: (1) A characteristic of a system that results
in dissipation of energy and causes decay in
oscillations. (2) The negative feedback of an output
rate of change.
774. DASHPOT - A damping device, usually consisting of a
cylinder and a piston in which relative motion of
either displaces a fluid such as air or oil, resulting in
friction.
775. DAVIT - The structure on large firetube boilers from
which the front and rear doors are suspended when
opened.
776. DAY TANK: A fuel tank with the capacity to operate an
engine for 24 hours. Also called SERVICE TANK.
777. DEADBAND - In HVAC, a temperature range in which
neither heating nor cooling is turned on; in load
management, a kilowatt range in which loads are
neither shed nor restored.
778. DEAD CENTER: Either of the two positions when the
crank and connecting rod are in a straight line at the
end of the stroke.
779. DEAERATE: Process of removing dissolved oxygen.
780. DEAERATING FEED TANK (DFT): A unit in the steam-
water cycle used to (1) free the condensate of
dissolved oxygen, (2) heat the feed water, and (3)
act as a reservoir for feed water.
781. DE-AERATING HEATERS - Mechanical device using
steam to strip dissolve gases from the boiler
feedwater and heating the feedwater.
782. DE-AERATION - Act of separating air from substances
(Removal of air and gases from boiler feed water
prior to its introduction to a boiler).
783. DE-AERATOR - An apparatus or device which is used
to remove dissolved air or oxygen from water.
784. DE-ALKALIZATION - The removal of alkalinity from a
water supply by neutralization or ion exchange.
785. DE-ALKALIZER - An apparatus or device used to
remove the alkaline carbonate and bicarbonate ions
from a water supply.
786. DE-ALLOYING - This is a corrosion process whereby
one constituent of a metal alloy is preferentially
removed from the alloy, leaving an altered residual
microstructure.
787. DE-GASIFICATION - Removal of gases from samples of
steam taken for purity test. Removal of CO2 from
water as in the ion exchange method of softening.
788. DEASHING - The removal from a solution of inorganic
salts by means of adsorption by ion-exchange
Page 24 of 77

resins of both the cations and the anions that
comprise the salts. See deionization.
789. DE-CARBONATION - Refers to the removal of
carbon dioxide from the boiler feedwater.
790. DECIBEL (dB) - A decibel is a division of a
logarithmic scale for expressing the ratio of
two quantities proportional to power or energy.
The number of decibels denoting such a ratio
is ten times the logarithm of the
791. DECONCENTRATOR - This is a cylindrical tank
connected before the boiler to receive the
boiler feedwater before entering the boiler. It
is designed to promote settling of suspended
solids, which then could be removed via its
own blowdown device. Was used for
operation with very high suspended solids.
792. DE-FLOCCULANT - An electrolyte adsorbed on
colloidal particles in suspension that charges
the particles to create repulsion forces which
maintain the particles in a dispersed state,
thus reducing the viscocity of the suspension.
793. DEFROST CYCLE - Refrigerating cycle in which
evaporator frost and ice accumulation is
melted.
794. DEFROST TIMER - Device connected into
electrical circuit which shuts unit off long
enough to permit ice and frost accumulation
on evaporator to melt.
795. DEFROSTING - Process of removing frost
accumulation from evaporators.
796. DEFROSTING CONTROL - Device to
automatically defrost evaporator. It may
operate by means of a clock, door cycling
mechanism or during "off" portion of
refrigerating cycle.
797. DEFROSTING TYPE EVAPORATOR - Evaporator
operating at such temperatures that ice and
frost on surface melts during off part of
operating cycle.
798. DEGREE DAY - A unit, based upon temperature
difference and time, used in estimating fuel
consumption and specifying nominal heating
load of a building in winter. For any one day,
when the mean temperature is less than 65°F
there exist as many degree days as there are
Fahrenheit degrees difference in temperature
between the mean temperature for the day
and 65°F.
799. DEGREES OF SUPERHEAT - The amount by
which the temperature exceeds the saturation
temperature (The amount by which the
temperature of a superheated vapor exceeds
the temperature of the saturated vapor at the
same pressure).
800. DEHUMIDIFICATION - The mechanical process of
removing water vapor from the air( The
condensation of water vapor from air by
cooling below the dewpoint or removal of
Engineering Dictionary
water vapor from air by chemical or physical
methods).
801. DEHUMIDIFIER -(1) An air cooler or washer used for
lowering the moisture content of the air passing
through it; (2) An absorption or adsorption device for
removing moisture from air.
802. DEHUMIDIFYING - Removal of moisture from the air.
803. DEHYDRATION - The removal of water vapor from air,
stored goods or refrigerants.
804. DEIONIZATION - Deionization, a more general term
than deashing, embraces the removal of all charged
constituents or ionizable salts (both inorganic and
organic) from solution.
805. DE-IONIZER - An apparatus or device used to remove
the ions of dissolved salts from water.
806. DELAYED COMBUSTION - A continuation of
combustion beyond the furnace. (See also
Secondary Combustion.)
807. DEMAND - The probable maximum rate of water flow as
determined by the number of water supply fixture
units.
808. DEMAND CHARGE - That part of an electric bill based
on kW demand and the demand interval, expressed
in dollars per kilowatt. Demand charges offset
construction and maintenance of a utility's need for
a large generating capacity.
809. DEMAND CONTROL - A device which controls the kW
demand level by shedding loads when the kW
demand exceeds a predetermined set point.
810. DEMAND INTERVAL - The period of time during which
kW demand is monitored by a utility service, usually
15 or 30 minutes long.
811. DEMAND LOAD - The actual amount of load on a circuit
at any time. The sum of all the loads which are ON.
Equal to the connected load minus the loads that
are OFF.
812. DEMAND READING - Highest or maximum demand for
electricity an individual customer registers in a given
interval, example, 15 minute interval. The metered
demand reading sets the demand charge for the
month.
813. DEMINERALIZER - A process to remove dissolved
matter from boiler pretreated water by contacting
the water with ion-exchange resins.
814. DEMULSIBILITY - The ability of an oil to separate
rapidly from water.
815. DENSITY - The weight per unit volume of a substance
(The ratio of the mass of a specimen of a substance
to the volume of the specimen. The mass of a unit
volume of a substance. When weight can be used
without confusion, as synonymous with mass,
density is the weight per unit volume).
816. DENSITY, ABSOLUTE - Mass per unit volume of a solid
3
material, expressed usually in kg/m .
Page 25 of 77

817. DENTAL COUPLING: A flexible coupling
assembly, consisting of a set of
external/internal gear teeth, that compensates
for shaft misalignment between a driver and a
driven machinery component.
818. DEPOSITES - The collection of fine ash in boiler
and super heater gas-passes, which prevents
heat-transfer and restricts the passage of the
gases.
819. DEPTH: The distance from the root of a thread to
the crest, measured perpendicularly to the
axis.
820. DESALINATION - The removal of inorganic
dissolved solids from water.
821. DESICANT, LIQUID - A hygroscopic liquid, such
as glycol, used to remove water from other
fluids.
822. DESICCANT - Any absorbent or adsorbent, liquid
or solid, that will remove water or water vapor
from a material. In a refrigeration circuit, the
desiccant should be insoluble in the
refrigerant.
823. DESIGN LOAD - The load for which a steam
generating unit is designed, considered the
maximum load to be carried.
824. DESIGN PRESSURE - The pressure specified by
a manufacturer as a criterion in design. (In a
boiler, it is approximately 103% of operating
pressure.) [Highest or most severe pressure
expected during operation. Sometimes used
as the calculated operating pressure plus an
allowance for safety].
825. DESIGN TEMPERATURE: The intended operating
temperature of the fresh water and lube oil at
the engine outlet, at some specified rate of
operation. The specified rate of operation is
normal load.
826. DESIGN WORKING PRESSURE - The maximum
allowable working pressure for which a
specific part of a system is designed.
827. DESILICIZER - An apparatus or device used to
remove silica from a water supply.
828. DESSERT BAG - A canvas bag which permits
seepage of its liquid. The liquid will evaporate
and obtains the to evaporate partly from the
content of the bag and thus cooling its
content.
829. DESSERT BAG - A canvas bag which permits
seepage of its liquid. The liquid will evaporate
and obtains the to evaporate partly from the
content of the bag and thus cooling its
content.
830. DESUPERHEATED STEAM: Steam from which
some of the superheat has been removed.
DETONATION: Burning of a portion of the fuel
in the combustion chamber at a rate faster
than desired (knocking).
Engineering Dictionary
831. DETERGENT ADDITIVE - In lubrication technology, a
surface active additive that helps to keep solid
particles suspended in an oil
832. DETERGENT CLEANING - A boiler cleaning process
using an alkaline solution, primarily to remove oil
and grease.
833. DETERGENT OIL - A heavy duty oil containing a
detergent additive. These oils are mainly used in
combustion engines.
834. DETERGENT-DISPERSANT - A compound mixture of
cleaning agents that have both surface-active
properties and suspending properties.
835. DEW POINT - Temperature at which vapor (at 100
percent humidity) begins to condense and deposit
as liquid.
836. DEW POINT DEPRESSION - The difference between
dry bulb and dew point temperatures.
837. DEW POINT TEMPERATURE - The temperature at
which condensation begins, if air is cooled at
constant pressure.
838. DIAL GAUGE OR INDICATOR: A precision micrometer-
type instrument that indicates the reading by a
needle moving across a dial face.
839. DIAPHRAGM: A dividing membrane or thin partition
(Flexible material usually made of thin metal, rubber
or plastic).
840. DIATOMACEOUS EARTH FILTRATION - Is a process
in which a filter cake or precoat of diatomaceous
earth is used as a filter medium.
841. DIELECTRIC - A nonconductor of electricity.
842. DIELECTRIC FITTING - A non conductive substance
such as plastic that is placed between two dissimilar
metals to prevent galvanic current flow.
843. DIELECTRIC STRENGTH - A measure of the ability of a
dielectric (insulator) to withstand a potential
difference across it without electric discharge.
844. DIESEL –
845. DIESEL CYCLE (ACTUAL): Combustion induced by
compression ignition, begins on a constant-volume
basis and ends on a constant-pressure basis.
846. DIESEL CYCLE (TRUE): Combustion induced by
compression ignition, theoretically occurs at a
constant pressure.
847. DIESEL ENGINE: An engine using the diesel or semi
diesel cycle of operation; air alone is compressed
and diesel fuel is injected before the end of the
compression stroke. Heat of compression produces
ignition.
848. DIFFERENTIAL - The temperature or pressure
difference between cut-in and cut-out temperature
or pressure of a control.
849. DIFFERENTIAL AERATION CELL - An electrolytic cell,
the electomagnetic force of which is due to a
Page 26 of 77

difference in air (oxygen) concentration at one
electrode as compared with that at another
electrode of the same material. (see
concentration cell).
850. DIFFERENTIAL EXPANSION - The expansion of
the turbine shaft relative to the cylinders.
851. DIFFERENTIAL SOLUTE CONCENTRATION - A
potential difference between an anode and
cathode on metal, because of a concentration
cell due to dissolved metals.
852. DIFFERENTIAL TEMPERATURE - Differences in
temperature which are present in the same
pieceof metal,for instance, in a boiler drum,
when large masses of metal are heated
unevenly or too rapidly to allow an even
distribution of heat.
853. DIFFUSER - (1) A duct of varying cross sections
designed to convert a high-speed gas flow
into low-speed flow at an increased pressure.
(2) A device that spreads a fluid out in all
directions and increases fluid pressure while
decreasing fluid velocity [A circular, square, or
rectangular air distribution outlet, generally
located in the ceiling and com prised of
deflecting members discharging supply air in
various directions and planes, and arranged to
promote mixing of primary air with secondary
room air].
854. DIONIC RECORDER - An instrument for recording
the electrical conductivity of water.
855. DIONIC TESTER - An instrument for measuring
the degree of purity of a sample of water.
856. DIRECT ACTING - Instruments that increase
control pressure as the controlled variable
(such as temperature or pressure) increases;
while reverse acting instruments increase
control pressure as the controlled variable
decreases.
857. DIRECT CURRENT - An electric current that flows
in one direction only.
858. DIRECT DRIVE: One in which the drive
mechanism is coupled directly to the driven
member.
859. DIRECTIONAL CONTROL VALVE: A valve which
selectively directs or prevents flow to or from
desired channels. Also referred to as selector
valve, control valve, or transfer valve.
860. DIRECT-EXPANSION EVAPORATOR - One that
contains only enough liquid to continue boiling
as heat is absorbed by it.
861. DISENGAGING SURFACE - The surface of the
boiler water from which steam is released.
862. DISPERSANT - A chemical which causes
particulates in a water system to remain in
suspension.
863. DISPERSANT OIL - A heavy duty oil containing a
dispersant additive.
Engineering Dictionary
864. DISPLACEMENT: The volume of air or fluid which can
pass through a pump, motor, or cylinder in a single
revolution or stroke.
865. DISPLACEMENT PUMP - Pumps in which energy is
added to the water periodically and the water is
contained in a set volume.
866. DISPLACEMENT VOLUME - The volume displaced by
the piston between top dead center and bottom
dead center.
867. DISSOCIATION - Ionization.
868. DISSOCIATION - The process by which a chemical
compound breaks down into simpler constituents,
as do CO2 and H2O at high temperature.
869. DISSOLVED GASES - Gases soluble in water.
870. DISSOLVED SOLIDS (TDS) - The measure of the total
amount of dissolved matter.
871. DISTILLATE: The product (fresh water) resulting from
the condensation of vapors produced by the
evaporation of seawater.
872. DISTILLATION: The process of evaporating seawater,
then cooling and condensing the resulting vapors.
Produces fresh water from seawater by separating
the salt from the water (Involves boiling water and
condensing the vapor).
873. DISTILLING PLANTS: Units commonly called
evaporators used to convert seawater into fresh
water.
874. DISTORTION - The changing of the shape and
dimensions of the parts of a turbine or other plant
because of uneven temperatures.
875. DMA - Direct memory access. A process where block of
data can be transferred between main memory and
secondary memory without processor intervention.
876. DOMESTIC HOT WATER - Potable hot water as
distinguished from hot water used for house
heating.
877. DOUBLE CASING (STEAM TURBINE) –
878. DOUBLE REDUCTION: A reduction gear assembly that
reduces the high input rpm to a lower output rpm in
two stages.
879. DOUBLE SUCTION IMPELLER: An impeller with
suction inlet on each side.
880. DOWEL –
881. DOWEL PINS –
882. DOWNCOMER - A tube or pipe in a boiler or waterwall
circulating system through which fluid flows
downward.
883. DOWNFLOW - Conventional direction of solutions to be
processed in ion-exchange column operation, that
is, in at the top, out at the bottom of the column.
Page 27 of 77

884. DOWNSTREAM - The outlet side of an instrument,
a pump, valve, etc..
885. DRAFT - The difference between atmospheric
pressure and some lower pressure existing in
the furnace stack or gas passages of a steam
generating unit.
886. DRAFT DIFFERENTIAL - The difference in static
pressure between two points in a system.
887. DRAFT GAUGE - Instrument used to measure air
movement by measuring air pressure
differences.
888. DRIER - Substance or device used to remove
moisture from a refrigeration system.
889. DRIERITE - Desiccant which operates by chemical
action.
890. DRIFT - Entrained water in the stack discharge of
a cooling tower.
891. DRIFT - Term used to describe the difference
between the set point and the actual operating
or control point.
892. DROOP - Terms used to describe the difference
between the set point and the actual operating
or control point.
893. DRUM WATER LEVEL LINE - The water level in
the drum during the normal operating mode.
894. DRYBACK BOILER - Firetube boiler with a
refractory lined back door. Door opens to
allow maintenance and/or inspection.
895. DRY BULB - An instrument with a sensitive
element to measure ambient air temperature.
896. DRY BULB TEMPERATURE - The temperature
registered by an ordinary thermometer. The
dry bulb temperature represents the measure
of sensible heat, or the intensity of heat.
897. DRY COMPRESSION - The compression of
vapor, in a vapor-liquid vapor-compression
refrigeration cycle.
898. DRY ICE - Refrigerating substance made of solid
carbon dioxide which changes directly from a
solid to a gas (sublimates). Its subliming
temperature is -78°C.
899. DRY PIPE - A perforated or slotted pipe or box
inside the drum and connected to the steam
outlet.
900. DRY STANDBY - A method of sealing al water
and steam connections and placing a
desiccant in the unit and applying an airtight
seal.
901. DRY SYSTEM - Refrigeration system which has
the evaporator liquid refrigerant mainly in the
atomized or droplet condition.
902. DRYNESS FRACTION OR QUALITY - Weight
fraction of the vapor in a vapor-liquid mixture.
903. DUAL SHAFT GAS TURBINE - a gas turbine
which has one turbine on one shaft driving the
Engineering Dictionary
compressor and when the gas discharged from this
turbine is directed to another turbine on a separate
shaft to drive a load.
904. DUAL-TEMPERATURE RE-CIRCULATING WATER
SYSTEM - A closed re-circulating water system that
uses water either for cooling, by circulating it
through a chiller, or for heating, by circulating it
through a boiler or heat-exchanger depending upon
need.
905. DUCTILE GOUGING - Referring to irregular wasting of
the tube metal beneath a porous deposit The micro
structure of the metal does not change with this
process and the ductility remains, but the thinning
leads to rapture.
906. DUCTILITY - The ability of a material to deform
plastically without fracturing.
907. DUMMY PISTON - A device used in a reaction-type
turbine, to balance out the thrust caused by the
steam flow through the blading.
908. DUPLEX STRAINER: A strainer containing two separate
elements independent of each other.
909. DUST - An air suspension (aerosol) or particles of any
solid material, usually with particle size less than
100 microns.
910. DYNAMIC DISCAHRGE HEAD - Static discharge head
plus friction head plus velocity head.
911. DYNAMIC LOAD - An imposed force that is in motion,
that is, one that may vary in magnitude, sense, and
direction.
912. DYNAMIC PRESSURE: (1) The pressure of a fluid
resulting from its motion, equal to one-half the fluid
density times the fluid velocity squared. (2) In
incompressible flow, dynamic pressure is the
difference between total pressure and static
pressure.
913. DYNAMIC PUMPS - Pumps in which energy is added to
the water continuously and the water is not
contained in a set volume.
914. DYNAMIC SUCTION HEAD - Positive static suction
head minus friction head and minus velocity head.
915. DYNAMIC SUCTION LIFT - The sum of suction lift and
velocity head at the pump suction when the source
is below pump centerline.
916. DYNAMIC SYSTEM - An ion-exchange operation,
wherein a flow of the solution to be treated is
involved.
E
917. EBULLITION CHAMBER - The chamber where the
boiling of water in the evaporator takes place.
918. ECCENTRICITY - The running of a turbine shaft out of
centre with the normal alignment.
919. ECONOMIC BOILER LOADING - The distribution of
load between a number of boilers to ensure that
each runs at the highest level of efficiency.
Page 28 of 77

920. ECONOMIZER - A series of tubes located in the
path of flue gases. Feedwater is pumped
through these tubes on its way to the boiler in
order to absorb waste heat from the flue gas.
921. EDDY CURRENT TESTING - An electromagnetic
nondestructive testing method in which eddy-
current flow is induced in the test object.
Changes in flow caused by variations in the
object are deflected into a nearby coil or coils
where they are measured.
922. EDDY CURRENTS (ELECTRICITY) – The
currents induced in the interior of copper strips
carrying alternating current owing to variations
in the magnetic flux surrounding the strip.
923. EDDY CURRENTS (STAM TURBINES) –
924. EDTA - A chelating agent used with boiler water
treatment. Often referred as the replacement
for the phosphate-hydroxyde treatment
method.
925. EFFECTIVE TEMPERATURE - Overall effect on a
human of air temperature, humidity and air
movement.
926. EFFICIENCY: The ratio of output power to input
power, generally expressed as a percentage.
927. EFIICIENCY OF CONVERSION OF THE
ENERGY CYCLE - The efficiency of the
combined cycle of energy-conversion is the
ratio between the input of energy from the fuel
burnt and the output of energy in the Units
generated. This is usually expressed as a
percentage.
928. EFFLUENT - The solution which emerges from an
ion-exchange column.
929. EJECTOR - Apparatus for extracting air and other
incondensable gases from the system (A
device which utilizes the kinetic energy in a jet
of water or other fluid to remove a fluid or
fluent material from tanks or hoppers).
930. ELASTICITY: The ability of a material to return to
its original size and shape.
931. ELBOW-ELL: A pipe fitting that makes an angle
between adjacent pipes, always 90° unless
another angle is stated.
932. ELECTRA-MAGNET - If a coil of wire wound on a
piece of soft iron carries current, the iron will
become magnetised. The magnetic effect is
only temporary and ceases when the current
is switched off.
933. ELECTRICAL ENERGY: Energy derived from the
forced induction of electrons from one atom to
another.
934. ELECTRIC DEFROSTING - Use of electric
resistance heating coils to melt ice and frost
off evaporators during defrosting.
Engineering Dictionary
935. ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT - A power supply, a load, and a
path for current flow are the minimum requirements
for an electrical circuit.
936. ELECTRICAL NET WORK –
937. ELECTROCHEMICAL REACTIONS - A metal wasting
process, due to the fluid (boiler water) being
subjected to an electrical current.
938. ELECTRODE: A metallic rod (welding rod), used in
electric welding, that melts when current is passed
through it.
939. ELECTRODE BOILER - A boiler which generates steam
or hot water by the action of immersed electrodes
which conduct electricity through the boiler water,
which, in turn, generates heat by its resistance to
electric current.
940. ELECTRODIALYSIS - This is a membrane process
where an applied electric charge draws impurity
ions through permeable membranes to create high
purity feedwater streams or low purity waste
streams.
941. ELECTROHYDRAULIC STEERING: A system having a
motor-driven hydraulic pump that creates the force
needed to actuate the rams to position the ship’s
rudder.
942. ELECTROLYSIS - Chemical decomposition caused by
action of an electric current in a solution.
943. ELECTROLYTE - A chemical compound which
dissociates or ionizes in water to produce a solution
which will conduct an electric current; an acid, base,
or salt.
944. ELECTROMECHANICAL - Converting electrical input
into mechanical action. A relay is an
electromechanical switch.
945. ELECTROREGENERATION - Hydrogen and hydroxyl
ions are formed be electrical splitting of water
molecules and are swept through the unit by steady,
low-voltage direct current, continuously cleansing
the resin beads and carrying away the unwanted
salts
946. ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATOR - A device for
collecting dust, mist or fume from a gas stream, by
placing an electrical charge on the particle and
removing that particle onto a collecting electrode.
947. ELEMENT - (1) A substance which consists of
chemically united atoms of one kind. (2) An
indivisible part of a logic function or circuit. Fluidic
elements are interconnected to form working
circuits. (3) Parts of systems; for example, filter
element, valving element, and so forth (A pure
substance that cannot be broken down by chemical
means to a simpler substance).
948. ELEVATION HEAD - The energy possessed per unit
weight of a fluid because of its elevation.
949. ELUTION - The stripping of adsorbed ions from an ion-
exchange material by the use of solutions
Page 29 of 77

containing other ions in concentrations higher
than those of the ions to be stripped.
950. EMERGENCY OVERSPEED GOVERNOR - A
device consisting of a spring-loaded pin set in
the shaft, to trip a turbine should the main
governor fail to prevent over-speeding
951. EMMISIVITY - The effectiveness of a surface in
emitting or absorbing radiant heat as
compared with a perfect black body.
952. EMULSIFIED OIL: A chemical condition of oil in
which the molecules of the oil have been
broken up and suspended in a foreign
substance (usually water).
953. EMULSION - A colloidal dispersion of one liquid in
another.
954. ENDOTHERMIC REACTION - Pertaining to a
chemical reaction which is accompanied by an
absorption of heat.
955. END TIGHTENING - A type of sealing used on the
blading in high-pressure cylinders of reaction-
type turbines.
956. ENERGY - Expressed in kilowatt-hours (kWh) or
watt hours (Wh), and is equal to the product of
power and time.
957. ENERGY - In the simplest terms, energy is the
ability to perform work. It may exist in several
forms, such as heat energy, mechanical
energy, chemical energy, or electrical energy,
and may be changed from one form to
another.
958. ENERGY - The ability to do work. Energy can exist
in one of several forms, such as heat, light,
mechanical, electrical or chemical. Energy can
neither be created nor destroyed, but can be
transferred from one form to another. Energy
can also exist in one of two states, either
potential or kinetic.
959. ENERGY (CONSUMPTION) CHARGE - That part
of an electric bill based on kWh consumption
(expressed in cents per kWh). Energy charge
covers cost of utility fuel, general operating
costs, and part of the amortization of the
utility's equipment. [energy = power x time ]
960. ENGINE - Prime mover; device for transforming
fuel or heat energy into mechanical energy.
961. ENGINE OIL - An oil used to lubricate an internal
combustion engine.
962. ENTHALPY - The total quantity of heat energy
contained in a substance, also called total
heat; the thermodynamic property of a
substance defined as the sum of its internal
energy plus the quantity Pv/J, where P =
pressure of the substance, v = its volume, and
J = the mechanical equivalent of heat.
963. ENTRAINMENT - The transport of water into a gas
stream. In a boiler, this is carryover, in a
cooling tower, drift.
Engineering Dictionary
964. ENTRAINMENT (HVAC) - The capture of part of the
surrounding air by the air stream discharged from
an outlet (some times called secondary air motion).
965. ENTROPY - The ratio of the heat added to a substance
to the absolute temperature at which it is added
(The term used in steam calculations for a figure
indicating the dilution or spread of heat-energy in
steam indicating the dilution or spread of heat-
energy in steam or water).
966. ENVIRONMENT - The aggregate of all conditions (such
as contamination, temperature, humidity, radiation,
magnetic and electric fields, shock, vibration) that
externally influence the performance of a material or
component.
967. EPSON SALT - Magnesium sulfate.
968. EQUALIZER - Connections between parts of a boiler to
equalize pressures.
969. EQUALIZING HOLE (STEAM TURBINE) - A hole in the
turbine disc designed to equalize axial thrust with
impulse bladed turbines.
970. EQUILIBRIUM: The state of balance between opposing
forces or actions.
971. EQUILIBRIUM REACTIONS - The interaction of
ionizable compounds in which the products obtained
tend to revert to the substance from which they
were formed until a balance is reached in which
both reactants and pacts are present in definite
ratios.
972. EQUIVALENT EVAPORATION - Evaporation expressed
in pounds of water evaporated from a temperature
of 212 °F to dry saturated steam at 212 °F.
973. EQUIVALENT WEIGHT - Refers to the amount of an
element combining with a unit weight of hydrogen.
In terms of water treatment, a method used to
calculate the concentration of a given ion in terms of
its calcium carbonate.
974. EROSION , ABRASIVE - Erosive wear caused by
relative motion of solid particles which are present in
fluids and are moving parallel to a solid surface.
975. EROSION, CAVITATION - Progressive loss of original
material from a solid surface due to continuing
exposure to cavitation.
976. EROSION, IMPINGEMENT - Loss of material from a
solid surface due to liquid impingement.
977. EROSION, LIQUID - Removal of films or metal by
mechanical action and corrosion of active metal.
978. EROSION-CORROSION - A conjoint action involving
corrosion and erosion in the presence of a moving
corrosive fluid, leading to the accelerated loss of
material.
979. ETHANE (R-170) - Refrigerant sometimes added to
other refrigerants to improve oil circulation.
980. EUTECTIC - An isothermal reversible reaction in which a
liquid solution is converted into two or more
intimately mixed solids on cooling.
Page 30 of 77

981. EUTECTIC POINT - Freezing temperature for
eutectic solutions.
982. EVACUATION - The removal of gases from a
system.
983. EVAPORATION - The change of state from a
liquid to a vapor (The change of state from
liquid to vapor, for example as water
evaporates to a vapor in a cooling tower).
984. EVAPORATION RATE - The number of pounds of
water that is evaporated in a unit of time.
985. EVAPORATIVE CONDENSER - A condenser
which has water flowing over coils containing
the refrigerant gas which is thus cooled and
condensed by evaporation of that water.
986. EVAPORATIVE CONDENSER - Device which
uses open spray or spill water to cool a
condenser. Evaporation of some of the water
cools the condenser water and reduces water
consumption.
987. EVAPORATIVE COOLING - The adiabatic
exchange of heat between air and a water
spray or wetted surface. The water
approaches the wet-bulb temperature of the
air, which remains constant during its traverse
of the exchanger.
988. EVAPORATOR - The heat exchanger in which the
medium being cooled, usually air or water,
gives up heat to the refrigerant through the
exchanger transfer surface. The liquid
refrigerant boils into a gas in the process of
the heat absorption.
989. EVAPORATOR FAN - Fan which increases airflow
over the heat exchange surface of
evaporators.
990. EVAPORATOR PRESSURE REGULATOR -
Automatic pressure regulating valve mounted
in suction line between evaporator outlet and
compressor inlet. Its purpose is to maintain a
predetermined pressure and temperature in
the evaporator.
991. EVAPORATOR, FLOODED - Evaporator
containing liquid refrigerant at all times.
992. EXCESS AIR - Air supplied for combustion in
excess of that theoretically required for
complete oxidation.
993. EXCITER - A small generator for supplying the
direct current required for the rotor winding.
994. EXFlLTRATION - The flow of air outward from a
space through walls, leaks, etc.
995. EXFOLIATION - Scaling off of a surface in flakes
or layers as the result of corrosion.
996. EXHAUSTION - The state in which the adsorbent
is no longer capable of useful ion exchange;
the depletion of the exchanger's supply of
available ions. The exhaustion point is
determined arbitrarily in terms of (1) a value in
parts per million of ions in the effluent solution;
Engineering Dictionary
and (2) the reduction inequality of the effluent water
determined by conductivity bridge which measures
the resistance of the water to the flow of an electric
current.
997. EXOTHERMIC - Chemical reaction in which heat is
released.
998. EXPANSION JOINT - Device in piping designed to allow
movement of the pipe caused by the pipe's
expansion and contraction.
999. EXPANSION TANK - A reservoir usually above a closed
re-circulating water system that is blanketed with a
gas to permit expansion and contraction of water in
the system during temperature changes.
1000. EXPANSION VALVE - Device in refrigerating system
which reduces the pressure from the high side to
the low side and is operated by pressure.
1001. EXPANSION VALVE, CAPILLARY TUBE - A tube of
small internal diameter used as liquid refrigerant
flow control and pressure reducer between high and
low sides. Also used to transmit pressure from the
sensitive bulb of some temperature controls to the
operating element.
1002. EXPANSION VALVE, THERMOSTATIC - Control valve
operated by temperature and pressure within
evaporator. It controls flow of refrigerant. Control
bulb is attached to outlet of evaporator.
1003. EXPENDABLE REFRIGERANT SYSTEM - System,
which discards the refrigerant after it has
evaporated.
1004. EXPLOSION DOOR - A door in a furnace or boiler
setting that is designed to be opened by a pre-
determined gas pressure.
1005. EXTERNAL DRIVE - Term used to indicate a
compressor driven directly from the shaft or by a
belt using an external motor. Compressor and motor
are serviceable separately.
1006. EXTERNAL EQUALIZER - Tube connected to low-
pressure side of a thermostatic expansion valve
diaphragm and to exit end of evaporator.
1007. EXTERNAL THREAD: A thread on the out-side of a
member (for example, a thread of a bolt).
1008. EXTERNAL TREATMENT - Refers to the treatment of
water before it enters the boiler.
1009. EXTRACTION TURBINE – See Back Pressure Turbine.
F
1010. FACE AREA: The total plane area of the portion of a
grille, coil, or other items bounded by a line tangent
1011. FACE SEALING –
1012. FAHRENHEIT: A thermometric scale in which 32 ( F)
O
O
denotes freezing and 212 ( F) the boiling point of
water under normal pressure at sea level (14.696
psi).
Page 31 of 77

1013. FAIL: (1) The loss of control signal or power to a
component. (2) The breakage or breakdown
of a component or component part.
1014. FAIL SAFE - In load management, returning all
loads to conventional control during a power
failure. Accomplished by a relay whose
contacts are normally closed.
1015. FAILURE - A rupture, break, or disintegration of a
metal or part of an HVAC system.
1016. FALSE BRINELING - Damage to a solid bearing
surface characterized by indentations not
caused by plastic deformation resulting from
overload, but thought to be due to other
causes such as fretting corrosion.
1017. FAN PERFORMANCE CURVE - Fan performance
curve refers to the constant speed
performance curve. This is a graphical
presentation of static or total pressure and
power input over a range of air volume flow
rate at a stated inlet density and fan speed. It
may include static and mechanical efficiency
curves. The range of air volume flow rate
which is covered generally ex tends from
shutoff (zero air volume flow rate) to free
delivery (zero fan static pressure). The
pressure curves are generally referred to as
the pressure-volume curves.
1018. FAN TUBE AXIAL - A propeller or disc type wheel
within a cylinder and including driving
mechanism supports for either belt drive or
direct connection.
1019. FAN, CENTRIFUAL - A fan rotor or wheel within a
scroll type housing and including driving
mechanism sup ports for either belt drive or
direct connection.
1020. FAN PERFORMANCE - A measure of fan
operation in terms of volume, total pressures,
static pressures, speed, power input,
mechanical and static efficiency, at a stated
air density.
1021. FAN, PROPELLER - A propeller or disc type
wheel within a mounting ring or plate and
including driving mechanism supports for
either belt drive or direct connection.
1022. FAN, VANEAXIAL - A disc type wheel within a
cylinder, a set of air guide vanes located
either before or after the wheel and including
driving mechanism supports for either belt
drive or direct connection.
1023. FARAD - A unit of electric capacity, designated by
F.
1024. FATIGUE - The tendency of a material to break
under repeated strain.(The phenomenon
leading to fracture under repeated or
fluctuating stresses having maximum value
less than the ultimate strength of the material).
1025. FAULT - A short circuit either line to line, or line to
ground.
Engineering Dictionary
1026. FEEDBACK: (1) A transfer of energy from the output
circuit of a device back to its input. (2) Information
about a process output which is communicated to
the process input.
1027. FEEDER: An electrical conductor or group of conductors
between different generating or distributing units of
a power system.
1028. FEED HEATER: A heat transfer device that heats the
feed water before it goes to the boiler.
1029. FEED WATER - Water which is fed to a system such as
a boiler or cooling tower.
1030. FEED WATER LINE - The piping leading to a system
through which the feed water flows.
1031. FEEDWATER HEATER - A device used to heat
feedwater with steam.
1032. FERRIC COAGULANT - Ferric sulfate Fe2(SO4)3 act to
precipitate ferric hydroxide, coagulate at 4.0 - 11.0
pH range.
1033. FERRIC HYDROXIDE - The complete reaction product
of iron, water, and oxygen, which forms a red
precipitate in water [Fe(OH)3]
1034. FERRIC ION - An iron atom that has a positive electric
2+
charge of +3. (Fe )
1035. FERROUS - Metallic materials in which the principle
component is iron.
1036. FERROUS HYDROXIDE - The reaction product of iron
and water in the absence of oxygen; it remains
soluble in the water [Fe(OH)2].
1037. FERROUS ION - An iron atom that has a positive
2+
electric charge of + 2(Fe ).
1038. FIELD WINDING. The coil used to provide the
magnetizing force in motors and generators.
1039. FILMING AMINES - Amines that form a impervious non-
wettable film, which acts as a barrier between the
metal and the condensate and provide protection
against carbon dioxide and oxygen. These amines
do not neutralize carbon dioxide.
1040. FILTER - A device to remove solid material from a fluid.
1041. FILTER-DRIER - A combination device used as a
strainer and moisture remover.
1042. FILTRATION - Is the process of passing a liquid
containing suspended matter through a suitable
porous material in such a manner as to effectively
remove the suspended matter from the liquid.
1043. FIN - An extended surface to increase the heat transfer
area, as metal sheets attached to tubes.
1044. FIRELINE: Section of piping and hose on discharge side
of a proportional leading to a fire location.
1045. FIRE MAIN: The seawater line that provides firefighting
and flushing water throughout the ship.
1046. FIRING ORDER: The order in which the cylinders deliver
their power stroke.
Page 32 of 77
 Engineering Dictionary

1047. FIRE POINT - The temperature at which a material 1065. FLASH GAS - The gas resulting from the instantaneous
will continue to burn for at least 5 seconds evaporation of refrigerant in a pressure-reducing
without the benefit of an outside flame. device to cool the refrigerant to the evaporating
temperature obtaining at the reduced pressure.
1048. FIRING PRESSURE: The highest pressure
reached in the cylinder during combustion. 1066. FLASH POINT - The temperature at which a material to
give off sufficient vapor to form a flammable mixture.
1049. FIRING RATE CONTROL - A pressure
temperature or flow controller which controls 1067. FLASH TANK - A vessel used for separating the liquid
the firing rate of a burner according to the phase from the gaseous phase formed from a rise in
deviation from pressure or temperature set temperature and/or a reduction of pressure on the
point. The system may be arranged to operate flowing stream.
the burner on-off, high-low or in proportion to
1068. FLASHING - Evaporation of a liquid into a vapor.
load demand.
1069. FLEXIBLE GEAR COUPLING – A connection between
1050. FIRE TUBE - A tube, in a boiler, through which the
two shafts which allows some relative movement.
hot gases flow and transfer heat to the water
on the outside of the tube. 1070. FLOATING ACTION CONTROLLERS: Essentially two
position type controllers which vary the position of
1051. FIRE TUBE BOILER: Boilers in which the gases of
the controlled devices but which are arranged to
combustion pass through the tubes and heat
stop before reaching a maximum or minimum
the water surrounding them.
position.
1052. FIRE WALL - The back end of a boiler, opposite
1071. FLOCCULANT - An electrolyte added to a colloidal
the burner, at which the hot gases change
suspension to cause the particles to aggregate and
direction of flow.
settle out as the result of reduction in repulsion
1053. FIREBRICK - A refractory brick, often made from between particles.
fire clay, that is able to withstand temperature
1072. FLOCCULATION - The process of agglomerating
in the range of 1500 to 1600°C, and is used to
coagulated particles into settable flocs, usually of a
line furnaces.
gelatinous nature.
1054. FIXED CARBON - The carbonaceous residue less
1073. FLOODBACK - The condition of liquid refrigerant
the ash remaining in the test container after
returning, usually from an overfed evaporator, to the
the volatile matter has been driven off in
compressor through the suction line.
making the proximate analysis of a solid fuel.
1074. FLOTATION - A process of separating solids from water
1055. FIXED DISPLACEMENT PUMP - A pump in which
by developing a froth.
the displacement per cycle cannot be varied.
1075. FLOW RATE - The volume of solution which passes
1056. FLAME - A luminous body of burning gas or vapor.
through a given quantity of resin within a given time.
1057. FLAME DETECTOR - A device which indicates if
Flow rate is usually expressed in terms of feet per
a fuel (liquid, gaseous, or pulverized) is
minute per cubic foot of resin or as milliliters per
burning, or if ignition has been lost. The
minute per milliliter of resin.
indication may be transmitted to a signal or to
a control system. 1076. FLOW, LAMINAR OR STREAMLINE - Fluid flow in
which each fluid particle moves in a smooth path
1058. FLAME PROPAGATION - FLAME
substantially parallel to the paths followed by all
PROPAGATION - The term applied to the
other particles.
speed at which a flame travels.
1077. FLOW, TURBULENT - Fluid flow in which the fluid
1059. FLAME PROPAGATION RATE - Speed of travel
moves transversely as well as in the direction of the
of ignition through a combustible mixture.
tube or pipe axis, as opposed to streamline or
1060. FLAME SAFEGUARD - A control that sequences
viscous flow.
the burner through several stages of operation
to provide proper air purge, ignition, normal 1078. FLUID - The general term that includes gas, vapor or
operation, and shutdown for safe operation. liquid
1061. FLAMR STABILITY - A flame is said to be stable
1079. FLUID HEAD - The static pressure of fluid expressed in
when it main tains its correct position from the
terms of the height of a column of the fluid, or of
burner.
some manometric fluid, which it would support.
1062. FLAMMABILITY - Susceptibility to combustion.
1080. FLUIDIZED BED - A contained mass of finely divided
1063. FLASH - The portion of a superheated fluid
solid that behaves like a fluid when brought into
converted to vapor when its pressure is
suspension in a moving gas.
reduced.
1081. FLUSHING PUMP - A pump for supplying oil to turbine
1064. FLASH CHAMBER - A separating tank placed
bearings when on barring gear. Sometimes called a
between the expansion valve and the
‘turning’ or ‘barring gear’ oil pump.
evaporator to separate and bypass any gas
formed in the expansion valve.

Page 33 of 77

1082. FLY ASH - A finely divided siliceous material
formed during the combustion of coal, coke, or
other solid fuels.
1083. FLYWHEEL: A heavy wheel attached to the
crankshaft. It stores up energy during the
power event and releases it during the
remaining events of the operating cycle.
1084. FLYWEIGHT: A governor; weights which move
and assume positions in accordance with the
speed of rotation.
1085. FOAM CARRYOVER - Is the development of
excessive moisture in the steam from
carryover of foam from the drum. Usually
common in low pressure boilers due to high
concentration of dissolved solids.
1086. FOAMING - Formation of steam bubbles on the
surface of the boiler water due to high surface
tension of the water.
1087. FOAM NOZZLE: A nozzle designed to entrain air
and mix it with water and foam liquid to
produce a foam blanket.
1088. FOOT-POUND: (1) The amount of work
accomplished when a force of 1 pound
produces a displacement of 1 foot. (2) The
amount of torque produced by 1 pound of
effort applied at a radius of 1 foot.
1089. FORCE - The action on a body which tends to
change its relative condition as to rest or
motion.
1090. FORCE-BALANCE: An arrangement of control
system components using a mechanical force
as the feedback signal. The feedback applied
force must “null” the forces acting on a
balanced mechanism.
1091. FORCED FEED LUBRICATION: A lubrication
system that uses a pump to maintain a
constant pressure.
1092. FORCE PUMP - A device used to inject a solution
into a closed system through an opening such
as a drain valve.
1093. FORCED CIRCULATION - The circulation of
water in a boiler by mechanical means
external to the boiler.
1094. FORCED CONVECTION - Movement of fluid by
mechanical force such as fans or pumps.
1095. FORCED DRAFT COOLING TOWER - Cools
water by mechanically forcing air through the
tower.
1096. FORCED-DRAFT FAN - A fan supplying air under
pressure to the fuel burning equipment.
1097. FORCE-FEED OILING - Lubrication system which
uses a pump to force oil to surfaces of moving
parts.
1098. FORWARD CURVED FAN BLADIRING -
Forward-curved fan blading is widely used on
induced-draught fans as there is less
Engineering Dictionary
tendency for deposits to build up on these blades
than on other types.
1099. FOULING - Deposits of impurities, dirt or foreign matter
that clog systems or restrict flow and interfere with
heat transfer.
1100. FOULING FACTOR - The degree of interference with
heat transfer.
1101. FREEBOARD - The space provided above the resin bed
in an ion-exchange column to allow for expansion of
the bed during backwashing.
1102. FREE FLOW: Flow which encounters negligible
resistance.
1103. FREEZER - A refrigerating device designed to lower the
temperature below 0°C.
1104. FREEZER BURN - Condition applied to food which has
not been properly wrapped and that has become
hard, dry and discolored.
1105. FREEZE-UP - (1) Formation of ice in the refrigerant
control device which may stop the flow of refrigerant
into the evaporator. (2) Frost formation on an
evaporator which may stop the airflow through the
evaporator.
1106. FREEZING - Change of state from liquid to solid.
1107. FREEZING POINT - The temperature at which a liquid
becomes solid.
1108. FREON - Trade name for a family of synthetic chemical
refrigerants.
1109. FREQUENCY: The number of complete cycles per
second (hertz) existing in any form of wave motion.
1110. FRESH WATER - Water that has little or no salt
dissolved in it.
1111. FRICTION - Friction is the resistance found at the duct
and piping walls. Resistance creates a static
pressure loss in systems. The primary purpose of a
fan or pump is to produce a design volume of fluid
at a pressure equal to the frictional resistance of the
system and the other dynamic pressure losses of
the components.
1112. FRICTION HEAD - The pressure in psi or feet of the
liquid pumped which represents system resistance
that must be overcome.
1113. FRICTION PRESSURE DROP: The decrease in the
pressure of a fluid flowing through a passage
attributable to the friction between the fluid and the
passage walls.
1114. FRIGORIFIC MIXTURE - Are substances used in
laboratory methods of producing a drop in
temperature. A common example is a mixture of
snow and salt.
1115. FROST - Frozen condensation.
1116. FROST BACK - Condition in which liquid refrigerant
flows from evaporator into suction line; usually
indicated by sweating or frosting of the suction line.
Page 34 of 77

1117. FROST CONTROL - Semiautomatic - Control
which starts defrost part of a cycle manually
and then returns system to normal operation
automatically.
1118. FROST FREE REFRIGERATOR - Refrigerated
cabinet which operates with an automatic
defrost during each cycle.
1119. FROSTING TYPE EVAPORATOR - Refrigerating
system which maintains the evaporator at
frosting temperatures during all phases of
cycle.
1120. FRQUENCY - The number of vibrations, waves, or
cycles of any periodic phenomenon per
second. In architectural acoustics, the interest
lies in the audible frequency range of 20 to
20000 cps Hertz (cycles per second).
1121. FUEL KNOCK - A hammer like noise produced
when fuel is not burned properly in a cylinder.
1122. FULCRUM: The pivot point of a lever.
1123. FUEL-AIR MIXTURE - Mixture of fuel and air.
1124. FUEL-AIR RATIO - The ratio of the weight, or
volume, of fuel to air.
1125. FULL-FLOATING PISTON PIN: A piston pin free
to turn in the piston boss of the connecting rod
eye.
1126. FULL-FLOW OIL FILTER: A type of oil filter
through which all engine oil passes before
entering the lubrication channels.
1127. FULL LOAD CURRENT - See Running Current.
1128. FUEL-TO-STEAM EFFICIENCY - The ratio of heat
added to boiler feedwater to produce the
output steam to the amount of energy inputted
with fuel.
1129. FUMES - Solid particles commonly formed by the
condensation of vapors from normally solid
materials such as molten metals. Fumes may
also be formed by sublimation, distillation,
calcination, or chemical reaction wherever
such processes create airborne particles
predominantly below one micron in size. Such
solid particles sometimes serve as
condensation nuclei for water vapor to form
smog.
1130. FUNGUS - A lower form of plant life which does
not contain chlorophyll, for example, a mold.
1131. FURNACE - An enclosed space provided for the
combustion of fuel.
1132. FURNACE PRESSURE - Pressure occurring
inside the combustion chamber; positive if
greater than atmospheric, negative if less than
atmospheric, and neutral if equal to
atmospheric.
1133. FURNACE VOLUME - The cubic contents of the
furnace or combustion chamber.
1134. FUSE: A protective device inserted in series with a
circuit. It contains a metal that will melt or
Engineering Dictionary
break when current is increased beyond a specific
value for a definite period of time.
1135. FUSIBLE PLUG - Plug or fitting made with a metal of a
known low melting temperature. Used as safety
device to release pressures in case of fire.
G
1136. GAGE PRESSURE - : Pressure above atmospheric
pressure (Absolute pressure minus atmospheric
pressure).
1137. GALVANIC ACTION - Wasting away of two unlike
metals due to electrical current passing between
them. The action is increased in the presence of
moisture.
1138. GALVANIC CELL - Electrolytic brought about by the
difference in electric potential between two
dissimilar metals.
1139. GALVANIC COUPLE - The connection of two dissimilar
metals in an electrolyte that results in current flow
through the circuit.
1140. GALVANIZING - GALVANIZING: The process of coating
one metal with another, ordinarily applied to the
coating of iron or steel with zinc. The chief purpose
of galvanizing is to prevent corrosion (The coating of
metal with another by an electrolytic process; for
example, electrolytically zinc-coat steel is called
galvanized steel).
1141. GAS - Usually a highly superheated vapor which, within
acceptable limits of accuracy, satisfies the perfect
gas laws.
1142. GAS - Vapor phase or strata of a substance.
1143. GAS CONSTANT - The coefficient "R" in the perfect gas
equation: PV = MRT.
1144. GASKET(S): (1) A class of material that provides a seal
between two stationary parts. (2) Packing materials
by which air, water, oil, or steam tightness is
secured in such places as on doors, hatches,
cylinders, manhole covers, or in valves, between the
flanges of pipes, and so forth. Such materials as
rubber, canvas, asbestos, paper, sheet lead and
copper, soft iron, and commercial products are
extensively used.
1145. GAS LUBRICATION - A system of lubrication in which
the shape and relative motion of the sliding surfaces
cause the formation of a gas film having sufficient
pressure to separate the surfaces.
1146. GAS REFRIGERATION CYCLE - Where the refrigerant
remains in the gaseous phase throughout.
1147. GAS TURBINE - An engine in which gas , under
pressure is formed by combustion, is directed
against a series of turbine blades. The energy in the
expanding gas is converted into rotary motion.
1148. GAS TURBINE COMPRESSOR - a compressor
designed foe the use with gas turbine installations.
This could be centrifugal or an axial compressor.
1149. GAS VALVE - Device in a pipeline for starting, stopping
or regulating flow of gas.
Page 35 of 77

1150. GAS, INERT - A gas that neither experiences nor
causes chemical reaction nor undergoes a
change of state in a system or process; e.g.,
nitrogen or helium mixed with a volatile
refrigerant.
1151. GASIFICATION - When a substance is converted
to become a gas.
1152. GAUGE MANIFOLD - Chamber device
constructed to hold both compound and high-
pressure gauges. Valves control flow of fluids
through.
1153. GAUGE PRESSURE - The pressure above
atmospheric pressure.
1154. GAUGE VACUUM - Instrument used to measure
pressures below atmospheric pressure.
1155. GEARING: A term applied to wheels which have
teeth that mesh, engage, or gear with similar
teeth or other wheels in such manner that
motion given one wheel will be imparted to the
other.
1156. GENERATOR: A machine that converts
mechanical energy into electrical energy.
1157. GLAND SEALING: Water piped to a pump casing
stuffing box to maintain a seal against air
entering the pump casing.
1158. GENERAL CORROSION - Uniform overall
corrosion of metal surfaces.
1159. GENERATING TUBE - A boiler tube used for
evaporation.
1160. GENERATOR - A machine that changes that
changes mechanical energy into electrical
energy.
1161. GENERATOR STABILITY - The term used to
describe the limits within which the excitation
of a generator can be controlled in order to
keep it in synchronism with other generators
on the interconnected system.
1162. GFI, GFCI - Ground fault (circuit) interrupter - a
device that senses ground faults and reacts
by opening the circuit.
1163. GLAND - Devices fitted to turbines (or other
machinery) to minimise steam or air leakage
where the shaft passes through the casing.
1164. GLAND SEALING - The use of steam to seal the
turbine glands at the point where the shaft
passes through the casing.
1165. GLAND STEAM - Steam used to prevent air from
entering the turbine cylinder between the
turbine shaft and the casing.
1166. GOVERNOR: A speed-sensitive device designed
to control or limit the speed of the engine.
1167. GOVERNOR SPEED DROOP –
Engineering Dictionary
1168. GRAIN - A unit of weight; 0.0648 grams; 0.000143
pounds.
1169. GRAIN BOUNDARIES - Referring to the junction of
crystallites.
1170. GRAINS OF MOISTURE - The unit of measurement of
actual moisture contained in a sample of air. (7000
grains - one pound of water).
1171. GRAINS PER GALLON - A unit of concentration. 1
gr/gal = 17.1 mg/L.
1172. GRAM - A unit of weight; 15.432 grains; 0.0022 pounds.
1173. GRAM-MILLIQUIVALENTS - The equivalent weight in
grams, divided by 1000.
1174. GRAPHITE: A crystalline form of carbon having a
slippery feel and black color with metallic luster.
Used for a lubricant.
1175. GRAVITY - The attraction exerted by the earth’s mass
on objects at its surface.
1176. GRAVITY HEAD: A supply of fluid above the suction
level of a pump; also called “static head.”
1177. GRAVITY, SPECIFIC - Density compared to density of
standard material; reference usually to water or to
air.
1178. GREASE - A lubricant composed of an oil thickened with
a soap or other thickener to a solid or semisolid
consistency.
1179. GREASE, BLOCK - A grease that is sufficiently hard to
retain its shape in block or stick form.
1180. GREASE, SODA BASED - A grease prepared from
lubricating oil and sodium soap.
1181. GREEN LIQUOR - The liquor resulting from dissolved
molten smelt from Kraft recovery furnace in water.
1182. GREENSAND - Naturally occurring materials, composed
primarily of complex silicates, which possess ion-
exchange properties.
1183. GRID - The Transmission System.
1184. GRINDABILITY - The measure of a coal’s hardness. It
can be indicated by the Hardgrove Index.
1185. GRIT ARRESTOR - A means of extracting grit from
boiler gases before they are discharged to the
chimney.
1186. GROOVING - A form of deterioration of boiler plate by a
combination of localized corrosion and stress
concentration.
1187. GROUND - Zero voltage, or any point connected to the
earth or "ground".
1188. GROUND BED - Cathodic protection, an interconnected
group of impressed-current anodes that absorbs the
damage caused by generated electric current
1189. GROUND BUS - A busbar in a panel or elsewhere,
deliberately connected to ground.
1190. GROUND COIL - Heat exchanger buried in the ground.
May be used either as an evaporator or as a
condenser.
Page 36 of 77

1191. GROUND CONDUCTOR - Conductor run in an
electrical system, which is deliberately
connected to the ground electrode. Purpose is
to provide a ground point throughout the
system. Insulation color green. Also called
"green ground".
1192. GROUND FAULT - An unintentional connection to
ground.
1193. GROUND PLUG: A three-pronged electrical plug
used to ground portable tools to the ship’s
structure. It is a safety device which always
must be checked prior to your using portable
tools.
1194. GROUT - To force sealing material into a soil,
sand or confined small space; or the sealing
material used in grouting.
1195. GUILLOTINE DAMPER / DOOR - The guillotine
door or regulating shutter above a chain grate
is an adjustable plate extending across the
grate. It controls the thickness of the fuel-bed
fed on to the grate.
H
1196. HAC - Hydrogen- assist cracking.
1197. HALIDE LEAK DETECTOR - A device used to
detect vapor leaks of halogen refrigerants. It
uses acetylene as its base.
1198. HALIDE REFRIGERANTS - Family of refrigerants
containing halogen chemicals.
1199. HALIDE TORCH - Type of torch used to safely
detect halogen refrigerant leaks in system.
1200. HALOGENS - Substance containing fluorine,
chlorine, bromine and iodine.
1201. HARD WATER - Water that contains dissolved
compounds of calcium, magnesium or both.
1202. HARDENING: The treatment or heating and
cooling (quenching) of metal to harden the
surface.
1203. HARDGROVE INDEX - The measure of
grindability compared to a standard coal
having a Hardgrove Index of 100.
1204. HARDNESS - Are generally referred to the
presence of calcium and magnesium content
of the water.
1205. HARDNESS - The scale-forming and lather-
inhibiting qualities which water, high in
calcium and magnesium ions, possesses.
1206. HARDNESS CONTROL - An action designed to
remove hardness and at the same time to
produce an equivalent amount of suspended
solids.
1207. HARDNESS OF CALCIUM CARBONATE - The
expression ascribed to the value obtained
when the hardness-forming salts are
calculated in terms of equivalent quantities of
calcium carbonate; a convenient method of
Engineering Dictionary
reducing all salts to a common basic for
comparison.
1208. HEAD - Pressure, usually expressed in feet of water,
inches of mercury or millimeters of mercury.
1209. HEAD - The measure of the pressure of water
expressed in feet of height of water: 1 psi = 2.31
feet of water.
1210. HEAD DYNAMIC OR TOTAL - In flowing fluid, the sum
of the static and velocity heads at the point of
measurement.
1211. HEAD PRESSURE - Pressure which exists in
condensing side of refrigerating system.
1212. HEAD PRESSURE CONTROL - Pressure-operated
control which opens electrical circuit if high-side
pressure becomes too high.
1213. HEAD STATIC - The static pressure of fluid expressed
in terms of the height of a column of the fluid, or of
some manometric fluid, which it would support.
1214. HEAD VELOCITY - Height of fluid equivalent to its
velocity pressure in flowing fluid.
1215. HEADER - Length of pipe or vessel to which two or
more pipe lines are joined carries fluid from a
common source to various points of use.
1216. HEADLOSS - The loss of energy as a result of friction;
commonly expressed in feet.
1217. HEAT - : A thermal form of energy (Form of energy
which acts on substances to raise their temperature;
energy associated with random motion of
molecules).
1218. HEAT CAPACITY - The amount of heat necessary to
raise the temperature of a given mass one degree.
Numerically, the mass multiplied by the specific
heat.
1219. HEAT CONDUCTOR - A material capable of readily
conducting heat. The opposite of an insulator or
insulation.
1220. HEAT CYCLE - The cycle of events in the conversion of
heat into mechanical energy.
1221. HEAT DROP - The difference between the heat contents
of the steam at the turbine inlet and at the exhaust.
1222. HEAT ENGINE - Mechanical devices which convert heat
to work, such as the steam boiler, gas turbine, solar
energy, refrigerators, steam engines, steam
turbines.
1223. HEAT EXCHANGER - Device used to transfer heat from
a warm or hot surface to a cold or cooler surface.
(Evaporators and condensers are heat exchangers.)
1224. HEAT LAG - The time it takes for heat to travel through
a substance heated on one side.
1225. HEAT LEAKAGE - Flow of heat through a substance.
1226. HEAT OF COMPRESSION - Mechanical energy of
pressure changed into energy of heat.
1227. HEAT OF CONDENSATION - The latent heat given up
by a substance as it changes from a gas to a liquid.
Page 37 of 77

1228. HEAT OF FUSION - The latent heat absorbed
when a substance changes from a solid state
to a liquid state.
1229. HEAT OF RESPIRATION - Process by which
oxygen and carbohydrates are assimilated by
a substance; also when carbon dioxide and
water are given off by a substance.
1230. HEAT OF VAPORIZATION - The latent heat
absorbed by a substance as it changes from a
liquid to a vapor.
1231. HEAT PIPE - A refrigeration device with no moving
parts, but containing a refrigerants.
1232. HEAT PUMP - A device used to transfer heat from
a low temperature to a high temperature
medium also a reversed cycle in which work is
the input and heat is rejected to a sink at a
higher temperature than the source.
1233. HEAT PUMP - A refrigerating system employed to
transfer heat into a space or substance. The
condenser provides the heat while the
evaporator is arranged to pick up heat from
air, water, etc. By shifting the flow of air or
other fluid, a heat pump system may also be
used to cool the space.
1234. HEAT RELEASE RATE - Rate that describes the
heat available per square foot of heat-
absorbing surface in the furnace or per cubic
foot of volume.
1235. HEAT SINK - Relatively cold surface capable of
absorbing heat.
1236. HEAT TRANSFER - Flow of heat by conduction,
convection and radiation.
1237. HEAT TRANSFER - Movement of heat from one
body or substance to another. Heat may be
transferred by radiation, conduction,
convection or a combination of these three
methods.
1238. HEAT, SENSIBLE - Heat which is associated with
a change in temperature; specific heat
exchange of temperature; in contrast to a heat
interchange in which a change of state (latent
heat) occurs.
1239. HEAT, SPECIFIC- The ratio of the quantity of heat
required to raise the temperature of a given
mass of any substance one degree to the
quantity required to raise the temperature of
an equal mass of a standard substance
(usually water at 59 F) one degree.
1240. HEAT, TOTAL (ENTHALPY) - The sum of
sensible heat and latent heat between an
arbitrary datum point and the temperature and
state under consideration.
1241. HEAT-EXCHANGER MATERIALS - The metals or
materials of construction of a heat exchanger.
1242. HEAT TRANSFER COEFICIENT - The property
indicating the temperature difference for a
Engineering Dictionary
given amount of heat to flow between a hot surface
and a gas cooring the surface.
1243. HEAT-TRANSFER MEDIUM - The fluid, often water,
which acts as the agent or medium in a heat
exchanger through which heat is exchanged from
one side to the other.
1244. HEATING COIL - Heat transfer device consisting of a
coil of piping, which releases heat.
1245. HEATING CONTROL - Device which controls
temperature of a heat transfer unit which releases
heat.
1246. HEATING SURFACE - The exposed surface of a
heating unit in a heat exchanger which is directly
exposed to the heat of the flue gases (That surface
which is exposed to the heating medium for
absorption and transfer of heat to the medium).
1247. HELICAL: A spiraling shape such as that made by a coil
spring.
1248. HELIX: The curve formed on any cylinder by a straight
line in a plane that is wrapped around the cylinder
with a forward progression.
1249. HELM: (1) The term applied to the tiller, wheel, or
steering gear, and also the rudder. (2) A mechanical
device used to turn the rudder; usually a wheel
aboard ship, or a lever (tiller) in boats.
1250. HENRY’S LAW - An expression for calculating the
solubility of a gas in a fluid based on temperature
and partial pressure.
1251. HENRY - The unit of self-inductance or mutual
inductance in the metric system. Its symbol is H.
1252. HERMETIC - Sealed so that the object is gas tight.
1253. HERMETIC COMPRESSOR - Compressor which has
the driving motor sealed inside the compressor
housing. The motor operates in an atmosphere of
the refrigerant.
1254. HERMETIC MOTOR - Compressor drive motor sealed
within same casing which contains compressor.
1255. HERMETIC SYSTEM - Refrigeration system which has
a compressor driven by a motor contained in
compressor dome or housing.
1256. HERTZ - A unit in the metric system used to measure
frequency in cycles per second. Its symbol is Hz.
1257. HIC - Hydrogen-induced cracking. (Same as hydrogen
embrittlement)
1258. HIDDEN DEMAND CHARGE - Electric bill charges that
are based on cents per kWh per kW demand
contain a hidden demand charge. A low load factor
for a building then penalizes the energy user
through this "hidden" charge.
1259. HIDE-OUT - Is the accumulation of chemicals on
surfaces, in crevices or in deposits within the
system during normal operation.
1260. HIGH LIMIT CONTROL - A device which normally
monitors the condition of the controlled medium and
interrupts system operation if the monitored
Page 38 of 77

condition be comes excessive, for example a
high level of fluid in a storage tank.
1261. HIGH SIDE - Parts of the refrigerating system
subjected to condenser pressure or higher;
the system from the compression side of the
compressor through the condenser to the
expansion point of the evaporator.
1262. HIGH-PRESSURE CUT-OUT - Electrical control
switch operated by the high-side pressure
which automatically opens electrical circuit if
too high pressure is reached.
1263. HIGH-SIDE FLOAT - Refrigerant control
mechanism which controls the level of the
liquid refrigerant in the high-pressure side of
mechanism.
1264. HIGH-VACUUM PUMP - Mechanism which can
create a vacuum in the 1000 to 1 micron
range.HOT DECK - The heating section of a
multizone system.
1265. HOGGING - Bending of a turbine or other shaft
upwards above its centre line.
1266. HORSEPOWER (hp): A unit for measuring the
power of motors or engines, equal to a rate of
33,000 foot-pounds per minute. The force
required to raise 33,000 pounds at the rate of
1 foot per minute.
1267. HOT GAS BYPASS - Piping system in
refrigerating unit which moves hot refrigerant
gas from condenser into low-pressure side.
1268. HOT GAS DEFROST - Defrosting system in which
hot refrigerant gas from the high side is
directed through evaporator for short period of
time and at predetermined intervals in order to
remove frost from evaporator.
1269. HOT JUNCTION - That part of thermoelectric
circuit which releases heat.
1270. HOT PROCESS - A water treatment process,
when the water is heated above the room
temperature.
1271. HOT PROCESS PHOSPHATE SOFTENING - A
process whereby the calcium and magnesium
salts containing, constituting the hardness of
water, are chemically precipitated and
removed with phosphate in conjunction with
caustic soda.
1272. HOT WELL - A tank used to receive condensate
from various sources on its passage back to
the boiler through a feedwater system.
1273. HOT-WATER HEATING BOILER - A boiler in
which no steam is generated and from which
hot water is circulated for heating purposes
and then returned to the boiler.
1274. HOT-WATER RE-CIRCULATING SYSTEM - A
heating system using water as a heat-transfer
medium through a heat exchanger or boiler to
terminal heating unit.
Engineering Dictionary
1275. HSC - Hydrogen stress cracking.HSCC - Hydrogen-
assisted stress-corrosion cracking.
1276. HUMIDIFIER - A device to add moisture to air.
1277. HUMIDIFYING - Adding of moisture to the air.
1278. HUMIDIFYING EFFECT - The latent heat of vaporization
of water at the average evaporating temperature
times the weight of water evaporated per unit of
time.
1279. HUMIDISTAT - A regulatory device, actuated by
changes in humidity, used for the automatic control
of relative humidity.
1280. HUMIDITY - Dampness of air.
1281. HUMIDITY RATIO - The ratio of the mass of the water
vapor to the mass of dry air contained in the
sample.
1282. HUMIDITY, ABSOLUTE - The weight of water vapor per
unit volume.
1283. HUMIDITY, PERCENTAGE - The ratio of the specific
humidity.
1284. HUMIDITY, RELATIVE - The ratio of the mol fraction of
water vapor present in the air, to the mol fraction of
water vapor present in saturated air at the same
temperature and barometric pressure;
approximately, it equals the ratio of the partial
pressure or density of the water vapor in the air, to
the saturation pressure or density, respectively, of
water vapor at the same temperature.
1285. HUNTING - A rhythmic variation of speed that can be
eliminated by blocking the fuel supply manually or
with load limit. The speed variation will reappear
when the engine is returned to governor control (A
surge of engine speed to higher number of
revolutions per minute, followed by a drop to normal
engines speed without manual movement of the
trottle. Is often caused by a faulty or improperly
adjusted governor).
1286. HVAC - Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning.
1287. HVAC BOILER - Boiler for heating or air conditioning
(Absorption Refrigeration)
1288. HVAC EQUIPMENT - Apparatus or equipment used in
heating, ventilating, and air conditioning.
1289. HYDRATION - Absorption of water by a mineral that
results in a change in the nature of the mineral.
1290. HYDRAULIC CLASIFICATION - The rearrangement of
resin particles in an ion-exchange unit. As the
backwash water flows up through the resin bed, the
particles are placed in a mobile condition wherein
the larger particles settle and the smaller particles
rise to the top of the bed.
1291. HYDRAULIC COUPLING - A fluid connection between a
prime mover and the machine it drives. It uses the
action of liquid moving against blades to drive the
machine.
1292. HYDRAULIC HEAD - The force exerted by a column of
liquid expressed by the height of the liquid above
Page 39 of 77

the point at which the pressure is measured.
Although head refers to a distance or height, it
is used to express pressure, since the force of
the liquid column is directly proportional to its
height. Also called head or hydrostatic head.
1293. HYDROCARBONS - Organic compounds
containing only hydrogen and carbon atoms in
various combinations.
1294. HYDRAZINE - A chemical now largely taking the
place of sodium sulphite used for removal of
oxygen from feed and boiler waters.
1295. HYDROGEN COOLED GENERATOR –The
generator stator winding is cooled with
Hydrogen.
1296. HYDROGEN CYCLE - A complete course of
cation-exchange operation in which the
adsorbent is employed in the hydrogen or free
acid form.
1297. HYDROGEN DAMAGE - A type of corrosion
occurring beneath a relative dense deposit.
This type of damage can only occur if
hydrogen was present in the metal. Failure
takes place at thick edges in the form of
fracture, rather then thinning. Hydrogen
produces the corrosion reaction, moving into
underlying metal, causing decarburization and
intergranular fissuring of the structure.
Damages usually result in larger pieces of
metal being blown away, rather then just
bursting.
1298. HYDROGEN INDUCED CRACKING - Caused by
the introduction of hydrogen during the
welding process.
1299. HYDROGEN ION - A portion of the molecule of
water containing one atom of hydrogen which
has a positive electric charge.
1300. HYDROGEN-ION CONCENTRATION - The
degree or quantity of hydrogen ions in a water
solution.
1301. HYDROGEN SEAL - Oil seals fitted at the ends of
the shaft of a hydrogen-cooled alternator to
prevent the escape of hydrogen.
1302. HYDROLOGIC CYCLE - The cycle of water from
evaporation through condensation to
precipitation.
1303. HYDROLYSIS - A chemical reaction between a
mineral and water that results in dissolution of
the mineral.
1304. HYDROMETER - Floating instrument used to
measure specific gravity of a liquid.
1305. HYDRONIC SYSTEM - A re-circulating water
system used for heating and/or comfort
cooling.
1306. HYDROPHILIC - Having an affinity for water.
1307. HYDROSTATIC: Static (nonmoving) pres-sure
generated by pressurizing liquid.
Engineering Dictionary
1308. HYDROSTATIC PRESURE - The pressure at any point
in a liquid at rest; equal to the depth of the liquid
multiplied by its density.
1309. HYDROSTATIC TEST: A test using pressurized water to
detect leaks in a closed system.
1310. HYDROXYL - The term used to describe the anionic
radical (OH-) which is responsible for the alkalinity
of a solution.
1311. HYGROMETER - Instrument used to measure degree of
moisture in the atmosphere.
1312. HYGROSCOPIC - Ability of a substance to absorb and
release moisture and change physical dimensions
as its moisture content changes.
I
1313. ICE CREAM CABINET - Commercial refrigerator which
operates at approximately -18°C; used for storage
of ice cream.
1314. IGNITION, COMPRESSION: When the heat generated
by compression in an internal-combustion engine
ignites the fuel (as in a diesel engine).
1315. IGNITION, SPARK: When the mixture of air and fuel in
an internal-combustion engine is ignited by an
electric spark (as in a gasoline engine).
1316. IGNITION TEMPERATURE - Lowest temperature of a
fuel at which combustion becomes self-sustaining.
1317. IGNITION QUALITY - The ability of a fuel to ignite when
it is injected into the compressed-air charge in a
diesel cylinder. It is measured by an index called the
cetane number.
1318. IMMISCIBLE - Not capable of mixing (as oil and water).
1319. IMPEDANCE (Z) - The total opposition offered to the
flow of an alternating current. It may consist of any
combination of resistance, inductive reactance, and
capacitive reactance (The quantity in an AC circuit
that is equivalent to resistance in a DC circuit,
inasmuch as it relates current and voltage. It is
composed of resistance plus a purely AC concept
called reactance and is expressed, like resistance,
in ohms).
1320. IMPELLER - A rotating set of vanes designed to impart
rotation to a mass of fluid.
1321. IMPINGEMENT - High-velocity flow of water or gas over
a metal surface, causing premature failure by
abrasion.
1322. IMPULSE LINES: Piping that connects a sensing
element to the point at which it is desired to sense
pressure, flow, temperature, etc.
1323. IMPULSE PRINCIPLE –
1324. IMPULSE TYPE TURBINE - A machine in which steam
is expanded in fixed blades or nozzles and, by its
change of direction, does work by giving an impulse
to the moving blades.
Page 40 of 77

1325. INCONDENSABLE GASES - Gases such as
carbon dioxide which, like air, will not
condense into a liquid at normal temperatures
and pressures.
1326. INDICATED HORSEPOWER (ihp): The power
transmitted to the pistons by the gas in the
cylinders.
1327. INDICATED THERMAL EFFICIENCY: The ratio of
indicated horsepower to equivalent power
input in the form of heat from fuel.
1328. INDICATOR: An instrument for recording the
variation of cylinder pressure during the cycle.
1329. INDICATOR CARD: A graphical record of the
cylinder pressures made by an indicator.
1330. INDIRECT DRIVE: A drive mechanism coupled to
the driven member by gears or belts.
1331. INDUCTANCE - The process when a second
conductor is placed next to a conductor
carrying AC current (but not touching it), the
ever-changing magnetic field will induce a
current in the second conductor.
1332. INDUCED DRAUGHT - The draught it developed
by a fan drawing the gases through the boiler
and discharging to the chimney.
1333. INDUCTANCE - An effect occurring in a coil or
winding which when alternating current flows
in the coil, increases the voltage above that
which is needed to pass a direct current of a
similar value through the coil.
1334. INDUCTION - The capture of part of the ambient
air by the jet action of the primary air stream
discharging from a controlled device.
1335. INDUCTION HEATING - Heating by combined
electrical resistance and hysteresis losses
induced by subjecting a metal to varying
magnetic field surrounding a coil carrying
alternating current.
1336. INDUCTIVE LOADS - Loads whose voltage and
current are out-of-phase. True power
consumption for inductive loads is calculated
by multiplying its voltage, current, and the
power factor of the load.
1337. INDUCTOR - INDUCTION: The act or process of
pro-ducing voltages by the relative motion of a
magnetic field across a conductor (A
fundamental element of electrical systems
constructed of numerous turns of wire around
a ferromagnetic or air core).
1338. INERT GAS - A gas that does not readily enter
into or cause chemical reactions.
1339. INFILTRATION - Air flowing inward as through a
wall, crack, etc.
1340. INFLUENT - The solution which enters an ion-
exchange unit.
1341. INHIBITOR - Any substance which retards or
prevents such chemical reactions as corrosion
Engineering Dictionary
or oxidation (An additive used to retard undesirable
chemical action in a product. It is added in small
quantities to gasoline’s to prevent oxidation and
gum formation, to lubricating oils to stop color
change, and to corrosive environments to decrease
corrosive action)
1342. INJECTION NOZZLE: A device which protrudes into the
combustion chamber and delivers fuel to the
cylinder.
1343. INJECTION SYSTEM: A system designed to deliver fuel
to the cylinder at the proper time and in the proper
quantity under various engine loads and speeds.
1344. IN-LINE ENGINE: An engine in which the cylinders are
arranged in one straight line.
1345. INORGANIC MATERIAL - Are substances not derived
from living things.
1346. IN PHASE: Applied to the condition that exists when two
waves of the same frequency pass through their
maximum and minimum values of like polarity at the
same instant.
1347. INPUT SIGNAL: A pressure or flow of fluid that is
directed into an input port to control an element or
logic function.
1348. INRUSH CURRENT - The current that flows the instant
after the switch controlling current flow to a load is
closed. Also called "locked rotor current".
1349. INSTANTANEOUS RATE - Method for determining
when load shedding should occur. Actual energy
usage is measured and compared to a present
kilowatt level. If the actual kilowatt level exceeds a
designated set point, loads will be shed until the
actual rate drops below the set point.
1350. INSULATION - A material of low thermal conductivity
used to reduce heat losses.
1351. INSULATION, THERMAL - Material which is a poor
conductor of heat; used to retard or slow down flow
of heat through wall or partition.
1352. INSULATOR - A material of such low electrical
conductivity that a flow of current through it can
usually be neglected. Similarly, a material of low
thermal conductivity, such as that used to insulate
structures.
1353. INTAKE SYSTEM: Combination of components
designed to supply air required for combustion.
1354. INTEGRAL: Essential to completeness, as an integral
part. (The valve stem is an integral part of the
valve.)
1355. INTEGRAL BLOWER - A blower built as an integral part
of a device to supply air thereto.
1356. INTEGRAL-BLOWER BURNER - A burner of which the
blower is an integral part.
1357. INTERCOOLED CYCLE - Refers to a gas turbine
employing two compressors. The compressed air
from the first compressor is cooled before being
discharged to second compressor.
Page 41 of 77

1358. INTERCOOLING - Removal of heat from
compressed gas between the compression
stages.
1359. INTERGRANULAR CRACKING - Cracking or
fracturing that occurs between the grains or
crystal in a polycrystalline aggregate. Also
called intercrystalline cracking. Contrast with
transgranular cracking.
1360. INTERMITTENT BLOWDOWN - The blowdown is
taken from the mud drum, waterwall headers
or the lowest point of circulation.
1361. INTERSTAGE DIFFERENTIAL - In a multistage
HVAC system, the change in temperature at
the thermostat needed to turn additional
heating or cooling equipment on.
1362. ION - An atom or radical in solution carrying an
integral electric charge, either positive (cation)
or negative (anion).
1363. ION EXCHANGE - A reversible process by which
ions are interchanged between solids and a
liquid.
1364. ION EXCHANGE RESIN - Cross linked polymers
that form salts within ions from aqueous
solutions.
1365. IONIC STRENGTH - A measure of strength of a
solution based on both the concentrations and
valences of the ions present.
1366. IONIZATION - The process of separation of a
molecule into its electrically charged atoms or
parts.
1367. IRON - A metallic element found as an impurity in
water in very small amounts. Also a metal
which is widely used in the construction of
HVAC and plumbing equipment; the major
component of steel.
1368. IRON BACTERIA - Are filementous organisms
encountered in iron-bearing water.
1369. IRON LOSS - The electrical loss in the iron core
when subjected to an alternating magnetic
field.
1370. ISENTROPIC PROCESS - A process carried out
reversibly without energy interchange as heat.
Also a processes carried out with no entropy
change.
1371. ISOBARIC OR ISOPIESTIC PROCESS - A
process carried out at constant pressure.
1372. ISOCHORIC PROCESS OR ISOMETRIC- A
process during which the specific volume
remains constant.
1373. ISOLATOR - A device for making or breaking a
circuit only when it is dead.’ The contacts may
work in oil or in air.
1374. ISOMETRIC PROCESS - A process carried out at
constant volume.
Engineering Dictionary
1375. ISOTHERMAL - Changes of volume or pressure under
conditions of constant temperature.
1376. ISOTHERMAL EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION -
Action which takes place without a temperature
change.
J
1377. JACKBOX: A receptacle, usually secured to a bulkhead,
in which telephone jacks are mounted.
1378. JACKET: An outer case such as a water jacket or an
insulative covering.
1379. JACKET WATER: Water used as a coolant in the
cooling system of an engine (usually chemically
treated distilled water).
1380. JACKING: Mechanically rotating an engine or reduction
gear at very low speed.
1381. JACKING OIL PUMP – A pump used for supplying small
quantities of high-pressure oil for lifting turbine
shafts off their bearings and maintaining an oil film
when low-speed barring is in progress.
1382. JAM NUT: A second nut used on a bolt or stud to lock
the holding nut. See LOCK NUT.
1383. JET COMPRESSOR - A device employing a ventury
tube so that a high pressure stream flowing through
the nozzle creates a lower pressure or a vacuum
into which the gas to be compressed flows. The gas
is discharged from the nozzle with the expanded
high-pressure medium.
1384. JET CONDENSER - A condenser where cooling is
achieved by mixing the steam with a spray of water.
1385. JOB ORDER: An order issued by a repair activity to its
own subdivision to perform a repair job in response
to a work request.
1386. JOULE - English Scientist James Prescott Joule (1818 -
1889)
1387. JOULE - The unit used to measure heat, work, and
energy in the metric system. Its symbol is J. It is the
amount of energy required to move an object of 1 kg
mass to a height of 1 m. Also called a newton-
metre.
1388. JOULE-THOMSON EFFECT - The change in gas
temperature which occurs when the gas is
expanded adiabatically from a higher pressure to a
lower pressure. The effect for most gases, except
hydrogen and helium, is a cooling of the gas.
1389. JOURNAL - The portion of a shaft running in a bearing
(That part of a shaft or axle that rotates relative to a
radial bearing).
1390. JUMPER: Any connecting pipe, hose, or wire normally
used in emergencies aboard ship to bypass
damaged sections of a pipe, hose, or wire. See
BYPASS.
K
1391. KATA THERMOMETER - Large-bulb alcohol
thermometer used to measure air speed or
atmospheric conditions by means of cooling effect.
Page 42 of 77

1392. KELVIN SCALE (K) - Thermometer scale on
which unit of measurement equals the Celsius
degree and according to which absolute zero
is 0 degree, the equivalent of -273.16°C.
Water freezes at 273.16 K. and boils at
373.16 K. The relationship - TK = TC + 273.16
1393. KENOTOMETER - An instrument in common use
In power stations for measuring condenser
back-pressure in inches of mercury.
1394. KEROSINE - a light, hydrocarbon fuel or solvent.
1395. KILO CALORIE - This is the amount of heat
(energy) necessary to raise the temperature of
1 kg of water 1°C. (Kilo calorie = kcal)
1396. KILO CALORIE - This is the amount of heat
(energy) necessary to raise the temperature of
1 kg of water 1°C. (Kilo calorie = kcal)
1397. KILOGRAIN - A unit of weight; 1000 grains.
1398. KILOVOLT AMPERE - Product of the voltage
times the current. Different from kilowatts
because of inductive loads in an electrical
system. Abbreviated: kVA kilo watts is equal
to KVA times power factor. Kilowatt: 1000
watts. Abbreviated: kW.
1399. KILOWATT - A metric unit of power equal to
approximately 1.34 horsepower.
1400. KILOWATT-HOUR - A measure of electrical
energy consumption. 1000 watts being
consumed per hour. Abbreviated: kWh.
1401. KINETIC ENERGY - The ability of an object to do
work by virtue of its motion. (Water moving in
a pipe has kinetic energy.) The energy terms
that are usually used to describe the operation
of a pump are "pressure" and "head". In
classical mechanics, equal to one half of the
body’s mass times the square of its speed.
1402. KINETIC FRICTION - Friction between two bodies
when motion exists.
1403. KING VALVE - Liquid receiver (refrigeration only)
service valve.
1404. KIRCHOFF’S SECOND LAW - The law stating
that, at each instant of time the increase of
voltage around a close loop in a network is
equal to the algebraic sum of the voltage drop.
1405. KNOCK - In a spark ignition engine, uneven
burning of the fuel/air charge that causes
violent, explosive combustion and an audible
metallic hammering noise. Knock results from
premature ignition of the last part of the
charge to burn.
1406. KRAFT PROCESS - A wood-pulping process in
which sodium sulfate is used in the caustic
soda pulp-digestion liquor. Also called Kraft
pulping or sulfate pulping.
1407. kW DEMAND - The maximum rate of electric
power usage required to operate a facility
Engineering Dictionary
during a period of time, usually a month or billing
period. Often called "demand".
1408. kWh CONSUMPTION - The amount of electric energy
used over a period of time; the number of kWh used
per month. Often called "consumption".
L
1409. LABYRINTH PACKING / SEAL: A soft metal ring or
rings arranged inside a casing throat in such a
manner that the inside diametrical edges will form a
series of seals along the surface of the rotating
shaft. The edges fit either close to the surface of the
shaft or in grooves machined in the shaft.
1410. LAG - A delay in the effect of a changed condition at one
point in the system, on some other condition to
which it is related. Also, the delay in action of the
sensing element of a control, due to the time
required for the sensing element to reach
equilibrium with the property being controlled; i.e.,
temperature lag, flow lag, etc.
1411. LAMBERT SEAL: The hydraulic equivalent of labyrinth
packing.
1412. LAMINAR FLOW - A non-turbulent flow regime in which
the stream filaments glide along the pipe axially with
essentially no transverse mixing.
1413. LANGELIER SATURATION INDEX - An index (SI)
based upon the pH of saturation of calcium
carbonate; used to determine the tendencies of a
water supply toward corrosion or scaling. A positive
index indicates scaling tendencies; a negative one
means corrosion tendencies. (Langlier Index = pH -
pHs, where pH = actual pH of water and pHs = pH at
which water having the same alkalinity and calcium
content is just saturated with calcium carbonate.
1414. LATENT HEAT - Change of enthalpy during a change of
state, usually expressed in Btu per lb. With pure
substances, latent heat is absorbed or rejected at
constant pressure.
1415. LATENT HEAT - Heat energy absorbed in process of
changing form of substance (melting, vaporization,
fusion) without change in temperature or pressure.
1416. LATENT HEAT OF CONDENSATION - Amount of heat
released (lost) by a pound of a substance to change
its state from a vapor (gas) to a liquid.
1417. LATENT HEAT OF FUSION - The heat required to
change 1.0 kg of a substance from the solid to the
liquid state.
1418. LATENT HEAT OF VAPORIZATION - The energy
required to produce saturated vapor from saturated
liquid at constant pressure per unit mass of fluid.
1419. LAW OF PARTIAL PRESSURE, DALTON’S - Each
constituent of a mixture of gases behaves
thermodynamically as if it alone occupied the space.
The sum of the individual pressures of the
constituents equals the total pressure of the mixture.
1420. LEADING EDGE - Refers to the point where the steam
enters the blade of an impulse turbine.
Page 43 of 77

1421. LEAK DETECTOR - Device or instrument such as
a halide torch, an electronic sniffer; or soap
solution used to detect leaks.
1422. LEAKAGE - In water treatment, it refers to the
passing of impure steam or boiler water
through the drum internals.
1423. LEAKAGE - In water treatment, the phenomenon
in which some of the influent ions are not
adsorbed and appear in the effluent when a
solution is passed through an under
regenerated exchange resin bed.
1424. LEAVING LOSS - The loss of energy in the
velocity of the exhaust steam.
1425. LIFE STEAM –
1426. LIFT CHECK VALVE - A valve having a guide-
mounted, spring-loaded disk wherein liquid
exerting pressure on the bottom of the disk
will lift the disk and pass through. Pressure
against the top of the disk shuts the disk and
ensures only one direction of flow.
1427. LIGHT CRUDE OIL - A crude oil of relatively high
API gravity (usually 40°C degrees or higher).
1428. LIGHT EMITTING DIODE - A low current and
voltage light used as an indicator on load
management equipment. Abbreviated: LED.
1429. LIME - A common water treatment chemical.
1430. LIME BASE GREASE - A grease with water-
resistant properties: used for lubrication under
wet or moist operating conditions.
1431. LIME-SODA SOFTENING - A process by which
the calcium and magnesium salts, constituting
the harness content of a water, are chemically
precipitated and removed.
1432. LIMIT CONTROL - A switching device that
completes or breaks an electrical circuit at
predetermined pressures or temperatures.
Also known as an interlock. See interlock.
1433. LINING - The material used on the furnace side of
a furnace wall. It is usually of high grade
refractory tile or brick or plastic refractory
material.
1434. LINE VOLTAGE - In the control industry, the
normal electric supply voltages, which are
usually 120 or 240 volts.
1435. LIQUEFACTION - The change of state from a gas
to a liquid. (The term liquefaction is usually
used instead of condensation when referring
to substances which are in a gaseous state at
ordinary pressures and temperatures.)
1436. LIQUID - Substance whose molecules move freely
among themselves, but do not tend to
separate like those of gases.
1437. LIQUID ABSORBENT - Chemical in liquid form
which has the property to "take on" or absorb
Engineering Dictionary
other fluids. Glycol is such a liquid and widely use in
the petroleum chemical industry
1438. LIQUID IMPINGEMENT - Material removal due to action
of an impingement stream of a fluid.
1439. LIQUID INDICATOR - Device located in liquid line which
provides a glass window through which liquid flow
may be watched.
1440. LIQUID LINE - Tube which carries liquid refrigerant from
the condenser or liquid receiver to the refrigerant
control mechanism.
1441. LIQUID LINE CHARGING VALVE - The line used for
charging from the high side of the refrigeration
system.
1442. LIQUID NITROGEN - Nitrogen in liquid form which is
used as a low temperature refrigerant in expendable
or chemical refrigerating systems.
1443. LIQUID PENETRANT INSPECTION - A type of
nondestructive inspection that locates
discontinuities that are open to the surface of a
metal by first allowing a penetrating dye or
fluorescent liquid to infiltrate the discontinuity,
removing the excess penetrant, and then applying a
developing agent that causes the penetrant to seep
back out of the discontinuity and register as an
indication.
1444. LIQUID RECEIVER - Cylinder (container) connected to
condenser outlet for storage of liquid refrigerant in a
system.
1445. LIQUID RECEIVER SERVICE VALVE - Two or three-
way manual valve located at the outlet of the
receiver and used for installation and service
purposes. It is sometimes called the king valve.
1446. LIQUID-VAPOR VALVE REFRIGERANT CYLINDER -
Dual hand valve on refrigerant cylinders, which is
used to release either gas or liquid refrigerant from
the cylinder.
1447. LIQUOR - Solution used in absorption refrigeration.
1448. LITHIUM BROMIDE - A chemical used in combination
with water in absorption cooling systems.
1449. LOAD - The amount of heat per unit time imposed on a
refrigeration system or the required rate of heat
removal.
1450. LOAD (AIR CONDITIONING) - The amount of heat per
unit time imposed on a refrigeration system or the
required rate of heat removal.
1451. LOAD FACTOR - The ratio of the average load in a
given period to the maximum load carried during
that period.
1452. LOAD SHEDDING - Load on the system is shed if
insufficient generating plant is available to meet the
demand for current.
1453. LOAD SUPPRESSION - Automatic equipment for
reducing the load on a turbine should the condenser
vacuum fall to a predetermined level.
Page 44 of 77

1454. LOAD TURBINE (GAS) - Is the turbine which is
directly coupled to the load, which can only be
the case with a multishaft gas turbine
arrangement.
1455. LOCK NUT: (1) A thin nut that is turned down over
the regular nut on a bolt to lock the regular nut
against turning off. (2) A thin nut placed on a
pipe to hold packing at a joint or used on both
sides of a bulkhead through which a pipe
passes to secure tightness.
1456. LOCKED ROTOR CURRENT - See "Inrush
Current".
1457. LOG MEAN TEMPERATURE DIFFERENCE
(LMTD) - The mathematically derived
temperature-difference between the two fluids
of a heat-exchanger, such that if the whole of
the surface had this temperature-difference
between the two fluids, the rate of heat-
transfer would remain unaltered.
1458. LONGITUDINAL SEAM - A riveted or welded
seam along the longitudinal axis of a boiler
shell or drum.
1459. LOW SIDE - The refrigerating system from the
expansion point to the point where the
refrigerant vapor is compressed; where the
system is at or below evaporated pressure.
1460. LOW TEMPERATURE CUTOUT,
REFRIGERATON - A pressure or temperature
actuated device with sensing element in the
evaporator, which will shut the system down
at its control setting to prevent freezing chilled
water or to prevent coil frosting. Direct
expansion equipment may not use this device.
1461. LOW VOLTAGE - In the control industry, a power
supply of 25 volts or less.
1462. LOW WATER CUTOFF - Safety device that shuts
off the boiler/burner in the event of low water,
preventing pressure vessel failure.
1463. LOW-SIDE FLOAT VALVE - Refrigerant control
valve operated by level of liquid refrigerant in
low-pressure side of system.
1464. LOW-SIDE PRESSURE - Pressure in cooling side
of refrigerating cycle.
1465. LOW-SIDE PRESSURE CONTROL - Device used
to keep low side evaporating pressure from
dropping below certain pressure.
1466. LOOP SEAL: A vertical U-bend in drain piping in
which a water level is maintained to create an
airtight seal.
1467. LUBE OIL PURIFIER: A unit that removes water
and sediment from lubricating oil by
centrifugal force.
1468. LUBRICANT - A substance - usually petroleum
based, that is used to reduce friction between
two moving parts.
Engineering Dictionary
1469. LUBRICANT, BONDED FILM - (see lubricant, bonded
solid).
1470. LUBRICANT, BONDED SOLID - A solid lubricant
dispersed in a continuous matrix of a binder or
attached to a surface by an adhesive material.
1471. LUBRICANT, CHLORINATED - A lubricant containing a
chlorine compound that reacts with a rubbing
surface at elevated temperatures to protect it from
sliding damage, (see extreme pressure lubricant).
1472. LUBRICANT, SYNTHETIC - A lubricant produced by
synthesis rather than by extraction or refinement.
1473. LUBRICATION, AERODYNAMIC - (see gas lubrication).
1474. LUBRICATION, AEROSTATICS - (see pressurized gas
lubrication).
1475. LUBRICATION, BATH - (see lubrication, flood).
1476. LUBRICATION, BOUNDARY - A condition of lubrication
in which the friction and wear between two surfaces
in relative motion are determined by the properties
of the surfaces and by the properties of the lubricant
other than bulk viscosity.
1477. LUBRICATION, DRIP FEED - A system of lubrication in
which the lubricant is supplied to the bearing
surface in the form of drops at regular intervals.
1478. LUBRICATION, DRY FILM - Lubrication that involves
the application of a thin film of solid lubricant to the
surface or surfaces to be lubricated.
1479. LUBRICATION, FLOOD - A system of lubrication in
which the lubricant is supplied in a continuos stream
at low pressure and subsequently drains away.
1480. LUBRICATION, FULL FILM - A type of lubrication
wherein the solid surfaces are separated completely
by an elstohydrodynamic fluid film.
1481. LUBRICATION, MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC -
Hydrodynamic lubrication in which a significant force
contribution arises from electromagnetic interaction.
1482. LUBRICATION, MELT - Lubrication provided by steady
melting of lubricating species. Also phase-change
lubrication.
1483. LUBRICATION, MIST - Lubrication by an oil mist
produced by injecting oil into a gas stream.
1484. LUBRICATION, OIL FOG - (see mist lubrication).
1485. LUBRICATION, OIL RING - A system of lubrication for
horizontal shafts. A ring of larger diameter rotates
with the shaft and collects oils from a container
beneath.
1486. LUBRICATION, PAD - A system of lubrication in which
the lubricant is delivered to a bearing surface by a
pad of felt or similar material.
1487. LUBRICATION, PRESSURIZED GAS - A system of
lubrication in which a gaseous lubricant is supplied
under sufficient external pressure to separate the
opposing surfaces by a gas film.
1488. LUBRICATION, SOLID-FILM - Lubrication by
application of a solid lubricant.
Page 45 of 77

1489. LUBRICATION, SPLASH - A system of lubrication
in which the lubricant is splashed onto the
moving parts.
1490. LUBRICATION, THICK FILM - (also known as
flood lubrication).
1491. LUBRICATION, THIN FILM - (also known as
boundary lubrication).
1492. LUBRICATION, VAPOR-PHASE - A type of
lubrication in which one or more gaseous
reactants are supplied to the vicinity of the
surface to be lubricated and which
subsequently react to form a lubricious
deposit on that surface.
1493. LUBRICATION, WASTE - A system of lubrication
in which the lubricant is delivered to a bearing
surface by cloth waste or yarn.
1494. LUBRICATION, WICK - A system of lubrication in
which the lubricant is delivered to a bearing
surface by means of a wick.
1495. LUBRICITY - The ability of a lubricant to reduce
wear and friction, other than by its pure
viscous properties.
1496. LUG: An earlike projection that is frequently split,
such as the clamping lug on the tailstock of a
lathe.
M
1497. MACHINABILITY: The ease with which a metal
may be turned, planed, milled, or other-wise
shaped.
1498. MACHINE FINISH: Operation of turning or cutting
an amount of stock from the surface of metal
to produce a finished surface.
1499. MAGNESIUM - A scale forming element found in
some boiler feed water.
1500. MAGNETIC FIELD - The region within which a
body or current experiences magnetic force.
1501. MAGNETIC FLUX - The rate of flow of magnetic
energy across or through a surface.
1502. MAGNETIC IRON OXIDE (Fe3O2) - Partially
oxidized iron.
1503. MAGNETIC PARTICLE INSPECTION - A
nondestructive method of inspection for
determining the extent of surface cracks and
similar imperfection in ferromagnetic
materials.
1504. MAGNETIC POLE -The area on a magnetized
part at which the magnetic field leaves or
enters the part. It is the point of maximum
attraction in a magnet.
1505. MAGNETIC REFRIGERATION - Where very low
temperatures are obtained by using
paramagnetic salts with magnets.
1506. MAGNETIC SEPERATOR - A magnetic device
incorporated In a conveyor system to attract
and remove any tramp iron in the coal.
Engineering Dictionary
1507. MAGNETO: A generator that produces alternating
current and has a permanent magnet as its field.
1508. MAKEUP WATER - Water fed to a system to replace
that which is lost - for example, water fed to a boiler
to replace that lost as steam or condensate; water
fed to a cooling tower to replace that lost by
evaporation, drift, or other causes.
1509. MALLEABILITY - That property of a material, which
enables it to be stamped, hammered, or rolled into
thin sheets (The characteristic of metals that permits
plastic deformation in compression without fracture).
1510. MANGANESE - A metallic element occasionally found in
very small amounts as an impurity in well-water
supplies.
1511. MANIFOLD, SERVICE - Chamber equipped with
gauges and manual valves, used by service
technicians to service refrigerating systems.
1512. MANIFOLDING - A method of circulating the refrigerant
through separate rows of tubes and mostly used
with direct-expansion or dry evaporators.
1513. MANOMETER - A device to measure small to moderate
pressure differentials. Device is general constructed
from glass or plastic tubes filled with water, oil,
alcohol or other suitable fluids.
1514. MANOMETER - An instrument for measuring pressures:
especially a U-tube partially filled with a liquid,
usually water, mercury, or a light oil, so constructed
that the amount of displacement of the liquid
indicates the pressure being exerted on the
instrument.
1515. MANUAL FROST CONTROL - Manual control used to
change operation of refrigerating system to produce
defrosting conditions.
1516. MANUAL GAS SHUTOFF VALVE - A manually
operated valve in a gas line for the purpose of
completely turning on or shutting off the gas supply.
1517. MANUFACTURED GAS - Fuel gas manufactured from
coal, oil, etc., as differentiated from natural gas.
1518. MASS - The quantity of matter in a body as measured
by the ratio of the force required to produce a given
acceleration, to the acceleration.
1519. MASTER (CENTRAL) CONTROL - Control of all outlets
from one point.
1520. MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE WORKING PRESSURE - The
maximum gauge pressure permissible in a
completed boiler. The MAWP of the completed
boiler shall be less than or equal to the lowest
design pressure determined for any of its parts. This
pressure is based upon either proof tests or
calculations for every pressure part of the boiler
using nominal thickness exclusive of allowances for
corrosion and thickness required for loadings other
than pressure. It is the basis for the pressure setting
of the pressure relieving devices protecting the
boiler.
1521. MAXIMUM CONTINUOUS LOAD - The maximum load
which can be maintained for a specified period.
Page 46 of 77

1522. MAXIMUM INSTANTANEOUS DEMAND - The
sudden load demand on a boiler beyond
which an unbalanced condition may be
established in the boiler's internal flow pattern
and/or surface release conditions.
1523. MAXIMUM OPERATING PRESSURE: The
highest pressure that can exist in a system or
subsystem under normal operating conditions.
1524. MAXIMUM SYSTEM PRESSURE: The highest
pressure that can exist in a system or sub-
system during any condition.
1525. MCM - Thousand circular mill used to describe
large wire sizes.
1526. MEAN EFFECTIVE PRESSURE (MEP): The
calculated combustion in pounds per square
inch (average) during the power stroke, minus
the pounds per square inch (average) of the
remaining three strokes.
1527. MEAN INDICATED PRESSURE (MIP): The net
mean gas pressure acting on the piston to
produce work.
1528. MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE (MA): The
advantage (leverage) gained by the use of
devices, such as wheels, to open large valves
and chain falls; blocks and tackles to lift heavy
weights; and wrenches to tighten nuts on
bolts.
1529. MECHANICAL ATOMIZING OIL BURNER - A
burner which uses the pressure of the oil for
atomization.
1530. MECHANICAL CLEANING: A method of cleaning
the firesides of boilers by scraping and wire
brushing.
1531. MECHANICAL CYCLE: The number of piston
strokes occurring during any one series of
events (for example, 2-stroke or 4-stroke
cycle).
1532. MECHANICAL DRAFT - The negative pressure
created by mechanical means.
1533. MECHANICAL DRAWING: Scale drawings of
mechanical objects. (See DRAWING.)
1534. MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY: (1) The ratio of
brake horsepower to indicted horsepower, or
ratio of brake mean effective pressure to
mean indicated pressure. (2) An engine’s
rating, which indicates how much of the
potential horsepower is wasted through
friction within the moving parts of the engine.
1535. MECHANICAL GRIT ARRESTOR - A device for
removing grits from flue gases by subjecting
the gases to a high degree of swirl in a
number of cyclones.
1536. MECHANICAL SEALS - A mechanical device
used to control leakage from the stuffing box
of a pump. Mechanical seals are usually made
of two flat surfaces, one of which rotates on a
shaft. The two flat surfaces are of such
Engineering Dictionary
tolerances as to prevent the passage of water
between them.
1537. MECHANICAL WEAR - Removal of material due to
mechanical process under conditions of sliding,
rolling, or repeated impact. Included are abrasive
wear, fatigue wear and adhesive wear, but not the
corrosive and thermal wear.
1538. MELTING POINT - For a given pressure, the
temperature at which the solid and liquid phases of
the substance are in equilibrium.
1539. MELTING POINT - Temperature at atmospheric
pressure at which a substance will melt.
1540. MEMBRANE - A barrier, usually thin, that permits the
passage only of particles up to a certain size or of
special nature.
1541. MEMBRANE - A thin sheet or layer.
1542. MERCAPTAN - A compound chemically similar to
alcohol, with sulfur replacing the oxygen in the
chemical structure. Many mercaptans have an
offensive odor and are used as deodorants in
natural gas.
1543. METALLURGICAL FACTOR - The condition of the
metal, such as inclusions, chemical segregation’s,
cold work and others, which have an impact upon
the rate of electrochemical corrosion rates.
1544. MHO: The unit of conductance; the reciprocal of an ohm.
1545. MICA - A silicate material used with high pressure gauge
glasses on boilers.
1546. MICHELL THRUST BEARING – A bearing for locating
the axial position of a turbine rotor. A collar on the
shaft runs between pads faced with white-metal.
1547. MICRO: A prefix meaning one millionth.
2
1548. MICROBAR - A unit of pressure equal to 1 dyne/cm
(one millionth of the pressure of the atmosphere).
1549. MICROFILTRATION - A membrane filtration process,
which forces water through a porous barrier. Pores
are usually between 0.1 to 20 m m, when used for
water purification. For filtering purposes, pore sizes
are .045 m m.
1550. MICRON - A unit of length, the thousandth part of 1 mm
of the millionth of a meter.
1551. MICROMHO: Electrical unit used with salinity indicators
for measuring the conductivity of water.
1552. MICROPROCESSOr - A small computer used in load
management to analyze energy demand and
consumption such that loads are turned on and off
according to a predetermined program.
1553. MILD STEEL - A low-carbon steel of ordinary
production.
1554. MILLI: A prefix meaning one-thousandth.
1555. MILL SCALE - A natural black iron oxide coating loosely
adhering to the interior of new piping or tubes.
Page 47 of 77

1556. MINERAL - A naturally occurring inorganic
substance having specified chemical
composition and crystalline structure.
1557. MINIATURE BOILER - Fire pressure vessels
which do not exceed the following limits:
16 in. inside diameter of shell; 42 in., overall
length to outside of heads at center; 20 sq ft
water heating surface; or 100 psi maximum
allowable working pressure.
1558. MISCIBILITY - The ability of two liquids, not
mutually soluble, to mix.
1559. MIX BED DEMINERALIZER - Having a mixture of
cation and anion exchange resin in the same
housing.
1560. MIXED PRESSURE TURBINE -
1561. MIXTURE - A physical blend of two or more
substances.
1562. MODULATING - Type of device or control which
tends to adjust by increments (minute
changes) rather than by either "full on" or "full
off" operation.
1563. MODULATING CONTROL - A mode of automatic
control in which the action of the final control
element is proportional to the deviation, from
set point, of the controlled medium.
1564. MODULATING REFRIGERATION CYCLE -
Refrigerating system of variable capacity.
1565. MODULUS OF ELASTICITY (E) - The measure of
rigidity or stiffness of a material.
1566. MOISTURE INDICATOR - Instrument used to
measure moisture content of a refrigerant.
1567. MOISTURE LOSS - The boiler flue gas loss
representing the difference in the heat content
of the moisture in the exit gases and that at
the temperature of the ambient air.
1568. MOLLIER DIAGRAM - An enthalpy-entropy or
enthalpy-pressure chart showing the
thermodynamic properties of a fluid.
1569. MONOMER - A molecule, usually an organic
compound, having the ability to join with a
number of identical molecules to form a
polymer.
1570. MONITORING POINT: The physical location at
which any indicating device displays the value
of a parameter at some control station. See
PARAMETER.
1571. MOTOR: (1) A rotating machine that transforms
electrical energy into mechanical energy. (2)
An actuator, which
1572. MOTOER CONTROL CENTER - A single metal
enclosed assembly containing a number of
motor controllers and possibly other devices
such as switches and control devices.
1573. converts fluid power to rotary mechanical, force
and motion.
Engineering Dictionary
1574. MOTOR CONTROLLER: A device (or group of devices)
that governs, in some predetermined manner, the
operation of the motor to which it is connected.
1575. MOTOR GENERATOR SET: A machine consisting of a
motor mechanically coupled to a generator and
usually mounted on the same base.
1576. MUD DRUM - A pressure chamber of a drum or header
type located at the lower extremity of a water tube
boiler and fitted with blowoff valve.
1577. MULLION HEATER - Electrical heating element
mounted in the mullion. Used to keep mullion from
sweating or frosting.
1578. MULTIPLE STAGE COMPRESSOR - Compressor
having two or more compressive steps. Discharge
from each step is the intake pressure of the next in
series.
1579. MULTIPLE SYSTEM - Refrigerating mechanism in
which several evaporators are connected to one
condensing unit.
1580. MULTI-SHAT GAS TURBINE - A gas turbine having
more than one shaft, like the dual shaft
arrangement.
1581. MULTISTAGE COMPRESSION REFRIGERATION
SYSTEM - Where the refrigerant is vaporized and
condensed alternately and is compressed in the
vapor phase.
1582. MULTISTAGE THERMOSTAT - A thermostat which
controls auxiliary equipment for heating or cooling in
response to a greater demand for heating or
cooling.
N
1583. NAPHTA - A volatile, flammable liquid hydrocarbon
distilled from petroleum and used as a solvent or
fuel.
1584. NATURAL CIRCULATION - The circulation of a boiler
caused by differences in density. Also referred as
thermal or thermally induced circulation.
1585. NATURAL CONVECTION - Movement of a fluid caused
only by temperature differences (density changes).
1586. NATURAL DRAFT COOLING TOWER - Cools water by
moving air at low velocities.
1587. NATURAL GAS - A highly compressible, highly
expandable mixture of hydrocarbons having a low
specific gravity and occurring naturally in gaseous
form. Besides hydrocarbon gases, natural gas may
contain quantities of nitrogen, helium, carbon
dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and water vapor.
1588. NATURALLY ASPIRATED - A term used to describe a
diesel engine in which air flows into the engine by
means of atmospheric pressure only.
1589. NAVAL DISTILLATE DIESEL FUEL: The fuel normally
used in diesel engines. The most commonly used
for boilers and diesel engines is naval distillate
(NATO symbol F-76), but other fuels such as JP-5
(NATO symbol F-44) and naval distillate lower pour
point (NATO symbol F-75) are also used.
Page 48 of 77

1590. NC - Normally closed contacts of a relay.
1591. NEEDLE VALVE: Type of valve with a rod-
shaped, needle-pointed valve body which
works into a valve seat so shaped that the
needle point fits into it and closes the
passage. Suitable for precise control of flow.
1592. NEGATIVE CHARGE - The electrical potential
which an atom acquires when it gains one or
more electrons; a characteristic of an anion.
1593. NEOPRENE: A synthetic rubber highly resistant to
oil, light, heat, and oxidation.
1594. NET POSITIVE SUCTION HEAD (NPSH)- The
difference between total pressure and vapor
pressure in a fluid flow, expressed in terms of
equivalent height or "head".
1595. NEUTRAL - The circuit conductor that is normally
grounded or at zero voltage difference to the
ground.
1596. NEUTRALIZATION NUMBER - An ASTM number
given to quenching oils that reflect the oil’s
tendency toward oxidation and sludging.
1597. NEUTRALIZER - A substance that will combine
with an acid or alkali chemically, thus
removing the acidity or alkalinity.
1598. NEUTRALIZING AMINES - Are amines used to
neutralize the acid generated by the
dissolution of carbon dioxide.
1599. NEWTON - The unit of force in the metric system.
A newton is the force required to accelerate
an object of 1 kilogram mass to a velocity of 1
meter per second in 1 second.
1600. NIPPLE - A short, threaded tubular coupling, used
for making connections between pipe joints.
1601. NITROGEN BLANKETING - Used with wet
standby, where the space above the water
level is filled with nitrogen at about 5 to 10
psig in order to keep the oxygen out.
1602. NITROGEN DIOXIDE - Mildly poisonous gas
(NO2) often found in smog or automobile
exhaust
1603. NO - Normally open contacts of a relay.
1604. NOBEL METAL - A chemically inactive metal,
such as gold.
1605. NO-FROST FREEZER - Low-temperature
refrigerator cabinet in which no frost or ice
collects on freezer surfaces or materials
stored in cabinet.
1606. NOISE - Any undesired sounds, usually of different
frequencies, resulting in an objectionable or
irritating sensation.
1607. NOMINAL SIZE - A designated size that may be
different from the actual size.
1608. NOMINAL SIZE TUBING - Tubing measurement
which has an inside diameter the same as iron
pipe of the same stated size.
Engineering Dictionary
1609. NON-CARBONATED HARDNESS - Hardness in water
caused by chlorides, sulfates, and nitrates of
calcium and magnesium.
1610. NON-CODE INSTALLATION - Functional refrigerating
system installed where there are no local, state, or
national refrigeration codes in force.
1611. NON-CONDENSABLES - Gaseous material not
liquefied when associated water vapor is condensed
in the same environment.
1612. NON-DESTRUCTIVE INSPECTION (NDI) - A procedure
such as ultrasonic or radiographic inspection, for
determining the quality of a material without
permanently altering anything (Testing plant parts,
such as drums, tubes, headers and welds, for
soundness by means of electronic apparatus and
other methods, with out necessarily dismantling the
parts concerned).
1613. NON-FERROUS ALLOY - Alloy containing less then 50
% iron.
1614. NON-FROSTING EVAPORATOR - Evaporator which
never collects frost or ice on its surface. Uses only
thermostatic expansion valves.
1615. NON-MECHANICAL REFRIGERATION - Those that
obtain the required high and low pressure by some
method other than a mechanical compressor.
1616. NON-REACTIVE SILICA - Is a polymeric form of silica;
thermally unstable which reverts to normal silica
when heated. Difficult to detect, but may be present
when boiler feedwater shows none, but boiler water
reads silica.
1617. NORMAL CARRYOVER - Refers to the carryover which
occurs in any boiler operating under the best
conditions.
1618. NORMAL CHARGE - Thermal element charge which is
part liquid and part gas under all operating
conditions.
1619. NORMALLY OPEN - (OR NORMALYCLOSED) The
position of a valve, damper, relay contacts, or switch
when external power or pressure is not being
applied to the device. Valves and dampers usually
are returned to a "normal" position by a spring.
1620. NOMINAL OPERATING PRESSURE: The approximate
pressure at which an essentially constant-pressure
system operates. This pressure is used for the
system’s basic pressure identification.
1621. NONFERROUS METAL: Metal that is composed
primarily of a metallic element, or elements other
than iron.
1622. NORMALIZE: To heat steel to a temperature slightly
above its critical point and then allow it to cool
slowly in air.
1623. NOx - Abbreviation for all of the family of oxides of
nitrogen.
1624. NOZZLE: A taper or constriction used to speed up or
direct the flow of gas or liquid.
Page 49 of 77

1625. NOZZLE AREA: Smallest opening (area) of a
nozzle that is at a right angle to the direction
of flow.
1626. NOZZLE GOVERNING –
1627. NTU - Nephelometric turbidity unit. A light -
interference analytical method to measure the
turbidity of water.
1628. NUCLEATE BOILING - The even boiling of water
in which steam bubbles are formed within the
boiler water gradually and are evenly
distributed rather than being suddenly formed
and erratically distributed.
1629. NUCLEATING SITES –
O of oil.
1630. OCCLUSION - An absorption process by which
one solid material adheres strongly to another,
sometimes occurring by coprecipitation.
1631. OCTANE RATING - A classification of gasoline
according to its antiknock qualities. The higher
the octane number or rating, the greater are
the antiknock qualities of the gasoline.
1632. OCTYL ALCOHOL - ETHYL HEXANOL - Additive
in absorption machines to reduce surface
tension in the absorber.
1633. OFFSET - Term used to describe the difference
between the set point and the actual operating
or control point.
1634. OHM - The unit of electrical resistance equal to the
resistance through which a current of 1
ampere will flow when there is potential
difference of one volt across it.
1635. OHM’S LAW - The relationship between current
and voltage in a circuit. It states that current is
proportional to voltage and inversely
proportional to resistance. Expressed
algebraically, in DC circuits I=E/R; in AC
circuits I=E/Z.
1636. OIL - A liquid of vegetable, animal, mineral, or
synthetic origin that feels slippery to the touch.
1637. OIL BINDING - Condition in which an oil layer on
top of refrigerant liquid may prevent if from
evaporating at its normal pressure
temperature.
1638. OIL GROOVE - A channel or channels in a
bearing to improve oil flow through the
bearing.
1639. OIL KING: A petty officer who receives, transfers,
discharges, and tests fuel oil and maintains
fuel oil records.
1640. OIL RING LUBRICATION - A system of lubrication
for horizontal shafts. A ring of larger diameter
rotates with the shaft and collects oils from a
container below.
Engineering Dictionary
1641. OIL SEPARATOR - Device used to remove oil from
gaseous refrigerant or steam.
1642. OIL STRAINER: A strainer placed at the inlet end of the
oil pump to prevent dirt and other particles from
getting into moving parts.
1643. OIL, MINERAL - A refined hydrocarbon oil without
animal or vegetable additives.
1644. OIL, MULTIGRADE - An oil having relative little change
in viscosity over a specified temperature range.
1645. OIL, NEUTRAL - A lubricating oil obtained by distillation,
not treated with acid or with alkali.
1646. OIL, TURBINE - An oil used to lubricate bearings in a
steam or gas turbine.
1647. OILTIGHT: Having the property of resisting the passage
1648. ONCE-THROUGH BOILER - A steam generating unit
usually operated above the critical pressure in which
there is no re-circulation of the working fluid in any
part of the unit.
1649. ON-OFF CONTROL - A two position action which allows
operation at either maximum or minimum condition,
or on or off, depending on the position of the
controller.
1650. ON LOAD WASHING - A method of cleaning surfaces
by applying a carefully controlled amount of water
from spray nozzles on to the fouled surface with the
boiler on load.
1651. OPEN CIRCUIT - The absence of a direct connection
between two points in an electrical network.
1652. OPEN CYCLE - A gas turbine arrangement, in were the
exhaust gases from the turbine are exhausted to the
atmosphere without any further treatment.
1653. OPEN RE-CIRCULATING WATER SYSTEM - A
system, using continuously circulated water as a
heat-transfer medium, in which the water is exposed
at one point to the atmosphere for either discharge
or absorption of heat.
1654. OPERATING POINT - The value of the controlled
condition at which the controller actually operates.
Also called control point.
1655. OPERATING PRESSURE - Actual pressure at which the
system works under normal conditions. This
pressure may be positive or negative (vacuum).
1656. OPERATING TEMPERATURE: The actual temperature
of a component during operation.
1657. OPERATION (AUTOMATIC): The regulation of a
process by a controlling system without manual
intervention.
1658. OPERATION (LOCAL-MANUAL): Positioning of a final
control element by attending personnel from the
element’s manual control station.
1659. OPTICAL PYROMETER - An instrument to measure
visually the temperature of a glowing body or of a
flame. Often used also to measure furnace
temperatures.
Page 50 of 77

1660. ORGANIC GROWTH - A substance resulting from
the growth of biological organisms such as
fungi, algae, and slime bacteria.
1661. ORGANIC MATERIAL - Contain carbon and
usually hydrogen and are derived from living
things.
1662. ORGANIC OXYGEN SCAVENGERS - These are
organic compounds such as hydroquinone
and ascorbate to remove dissolved oxygen
from the boiler feedwater and condensate.
1663. ORIFICE - Accurate size opening for controlling
fluid flow.
1664. ORSAT ANALYZER - A furnace atmosphere
analysis device in which gases are absorbed
selectively (volumetric basis) by passing them
through a series of pre-selected solvents.
1665. OSCILLATION: A backward and forward motion; a
vibration.
1666. OSHA - Occupational Safety and Health
Administration.
1667. OSMOSIS - The passage of water through
permeable membrane separating two
solutions of different concentration; the water
passes into the more concentrated solution.
1668. OTTO COMBUSTION CYCLE: Combustion
induced by spark ignition occurring at constant
volume. The basic combustion cycle of a
gasoline engine.
1669. OUTPUT SIGNAL: The pressure or flow of fluid
leaving the output port of a fluidic device.
1670. OUTSIDE AIR OPENING (HVAC) - Any opening
used as an entry for air from outdoors.
1671. OVERCURRENT DEVICE - A device such as a
fuse or a circuit breaker designed to protect a
circuit against excessive current by opening
the circuit.
1672. OVERFLOW PIPE - A pipe installed at a top of a
tank to enable the liquid within to be
discharged to another vessel when the tank is
filled to capacity.
1673. OVERLOAD - A condition of excess current; more
cur rent flowing than the circuit was designed
to carry.
1674. OVERRIDE - A manual or automatic action taken
to by pass the normal operation of a device or
system
1675. OVERHAUL: To inspect, repair, and put in proper
condition for operation.
1676. OVERLOAD: A load greater than the rated load of
an engine or electrical device.
1677. OVERSPEED ANTICIPATORY DEVICE - If the
generator rejects load and is disconnected
from the busbars, sensing devices come Into
action to close the steam throttle valves in
Engineering Dictionary
about half the time the speed governor would take.
1678. OVERSPEED TRIP – Stopping the Turbine at a
specified Speed Value( generally 110% of rated
speed).
1679. OXIDATION - The reaction of an element or substance
with oxygen, e.g., iron is oxidized by reaction with
oxygen to form rust (iron oxide).
1680. OXIDATION STABILITY - The ability of an oil to resist
oxidation. Improved by the addition of oxidation
inhibitors.
1681. OXIDIZING AGENT - Any substance such as oxygen, or
chlorine, that will readily add (take on) electrons.
1682. OXIDIZING ATMOSPHERE - A furnace atmosphere
with an oversupply of oxygen that tends to oxidize
materials placed in it.
1683. OXIDIZING BIOCIDE - An agent, such as chlorine,
which will kill bacteria by the chemical process of
oxidation.
1684. OXYACETYLENE WELDING - An oxyfuel gas welding
process in which the fuel gas is acetylene.
1685. OXYGEN ATTACK - Corrosion or pitting in a boiler
caused by oxygen.
1686. OXYGEN CONCENTRATION CELL - (see differential
aeration cell).
1687. OXYGEN CONCENTRATION CELL - The surface area
in contact with the media of higher oxygen
concentration becomes the cathodic area, and the
area with the lower oxygen concentration becomes
the anode.
1688. OXYGEN-FREE FEEDWATER: Water from which
dissolved oxygen has been removed
1689. OXYGEN PITTING - Damage caused due to the
presence of oxygen in the feedwater. Damage
results are small pit-like holes in the metal.
1690. OXYGEN SCAVENGER - A substance that will absorb
oxygen by chemical reaction.
1691. OZONE - Triatomic oxygen (03). Sometimes used in cold
storage or air conditioning installations as an odor
eliminator. Can be toxic in certain concentrations.
P
1692. PACKAGED BOILER - A boiler supplied with all of its
components - burner, controls and auxiliary
equipment, designed as a single engineered
package, and ready for on-site installation.
1693. PACKAGE UNITS, (REFRIGERATION) - Complete
refrigerating system including compressor,
condenser and evaporator located in the
refrigerated space.
1694. PACKED COLUMN - A tower filled with small objects,
designed to obtain large surfaces per volume
between rising vapors and a descending liquid.
1695. PACKING - Material made usually of woven animal,
plant, mineral or metal fiber and some type of
Page 51 of 77

lubricant, placed in rings around the shaft of a
pump and used to control leakage from the
stuffing box.
1696. PACKING - The fill in a confined space in a
stripping vessel, ranging from simple shaped
units such as rocks or slats to complex
shapes that provide large surface area per
unit volume.
1697. PACKING GLAND - The metal part that
compresses and holds packing in place in a
stuffing box.
1698. PARALLEL CIRCUIT - One where all the
elements are connected across the voltage
source. Therefore, the voltage on each
element is the same but the current through
each may be different.
1699. PARALLEL OPERATION: Two or more units
operating simultaneously and connected so
their output forms a common supply, as
opposed to series or independent operation.
1700. PARALLEL SLIDE VALVE - A valve having a pair
of discs carried on the valve stem and thereby
movable into the space between the valve
seats.
1701. PARAMETER: A variable such as temperature,
pressure, flow rate, voltage, current,
frequency, etc., which may be indicated,
monitored, checked or sensed in any way
during operation or testing.
1702. PARSON TURBINE –
1703. PARTIAL PRESSURES - Condition where two or
more gases occupy a space and each one
creates part of the total pressure.
1704. PARTIAL SECTION: A sectional view consisting
of less than a half-section. Used to show the
internal structure of a small portion of an
object. Also known as broken section.
1705. PARTICULATE: Minute particles or quantities of
solid matter resulting from incomplete
combustion. Carbon, sulphur, ash, and
various other compounds are all referred to as
particulate, either collectively or individually,
when discharged into a flue or into the
atmosphere.
1706. PASCAL - The accepted metric unit of
measurement or pressure and stress
component in the measurement of viscosity. A
Pascal is equal to a force of 1 Newton acting
an area of 1 square meter. The symbol is Pa.
1707. PASCAL'S LAW - Pressure imposed upon a fluid
is transmitted equally in all directions.
1708. PASSIVATING (ANODIC) INHIBITORS - A
material capable of forming a protective oxide
film on metal surfaces.
Engineering Dictionary
1709. PASSIVATION - The process of rendering a metal
surface chemically inactive, either by
electrochemical polarization or by contact with a
passivating agent.
1710. PASSIVATOR - A type of corrosion inhibitor that
appreciably changes the potential of a metal to a
more noble (positive) value.
1711. PASSIVATOR - A type of corrosion inhibitor that
appreciably changes the potential of a metal to a
more positive value.
1712. PASSIVE-ACTIVE CELL - A corrosion cell in which the
anode is a metal in that active state and the cathode
is the same metal in the passive state.
1713. PASSIVITY - A condition on metal surfaces that inhibits
electrochemical action between the metal and its
environment, such as with boiler water.
1714. PASS-OUT TURBINE - A turbine from which some of
the steam is extracted for use in a factory process
or for central heating. The remaining steam is
passed to a condenser as in a condensing turbine.
1715. PATHOGENIC BACTERIA - Disease-causing bacteria.
1716. PEAK DEMAND - The greatest amount of kilowatts
needed during a demand interval.
1717. PEAK LOAD PRICING - A pricing principle that charges
more for purchases that contribute to the peak
demand and, thereby, cause the expansion of
productive capacity when the peak demand
exceeds the peak capacity (less minimum excess
capacity). In the electric power industry, this means
charging more hr electricity bought on or near the
seasonal peak of the utility or on or near the daily
peak of the utility. The latter requires special meters;
the former does not.
1718. PEAKING LOAD - Is the electrical load drawn on the
system during high power usage. Usually on very
hot or cold days or during the supper hour.
1719. PELTIER EFFECT - When direct current is passed
through two adjacent metals one junction will
become cooler and the other will become warmer.
This principle is the basis of thermoelectric
refrigeration.
1720. PENDANT SUPERHEATER - A superheater in which
the tubes are Installed vertically.
1721. PERFECT COMBUSTION - The complete oxidation of
all the combustible constituents of a fuel, utilizing all
the oxygen supplied.
1722. PERFECT GAS - A hypothetical gas obeying the relation
pv = RT.
1723. PERMANENT GASES - Cryogenic refrigerants.
1724. PERMEABILITY - The ability of a body to pass fluid
under pressure.
1725. PETROGRAPHIC STUDY OF BOILER SCALES The
systematic and descriptive study of rocks. This
method also allows the identification of boiler
scales, since scale can consist of a large variety of
minerals
Page 52 of 77

1726. PETROLEUM OIL - (see mineral oils).
1727. pH - The negative logarithm of the hydrogen-ion
concentration of a solution; simply a measure
of the relative acidity or alkalinity of a water
solution. (pH 1 very acidic; pH 14, very basic;
pH 7, neutral).
1728. pH OF SATURATION (pHs) - The pH at which a
sample of water is saturated with a specific
salt; for example, the pH of saturation of
calcium carbonate is the pH of a saturated
solution of calcium carbonate.
1729. PHANTOM VIEW: A view showing the alternate
position of a movable object, using a broken
line convention.
1730. PHASE - Part of an AC voltage cycle. Residential
electrical service is 2-phase; commercial
facilities are usually 3-phase AC voltage.
1731. PHIAL -Term sometimes used to denote the
sensing element on a thermostatic expansion
valve.
1732. PHOSPHATE - An ion, compound, or salt
containing phosphorus and oxygen, such as
sodium phosphate (Na3P04).
1733. PHYSICAL CHANGE: A change that does not
alter the composition of the molecules of a
substance, such as from gas to liquid.
1734. PHOSPHATE TREATMENT - An internal boiler
water treatment method to reduce calcium in
the boiler with low hardness feedwater.
1735. PHYSICAL STABILITY - The quality which an ion-
exchange resin must possess to resist
changes that might be caused by attrition,
high temperatures, and other physical
conditions.
1736. PHYSICAL WATER TREATMENT - Refers to the
treatment of removing dissolved gases from
the boiler feedwater, using steam.
1737. PICTORIAL DRAWING: A drawing, which gives
the real appearance of an object showing
general location, function, and appearance of
parts and assemblies.
1738. PIG IRON - High-carbon iron made by reduction of
iron ore in the blast furnace.
1739. PILOT DUTY RELAY - A relay used for switching
loads such as another relay or solenoid valve
coils. The pilot duty relay contacts are located
in a second control circuit. Pilot duty relays
are rated in volt-amperes (VA).
1740. PILOT VALVE: A small valve disk and seat,
usually located within a larger disk, which
controls the operation of another valve or
system.
1741. PILOT OIL PRESSURE -
1742. PILOT VALVE (GOVERNOR): A hydraulic control
valve that regulates hydraulic pressure to a
piston and cylinder.
Engineering Dictionary
1743. PINCH TEMPERATURE (PINCH POINT) - Difference
between the exhaust-gas temperature leaving the
evaporator and the saturation temperature within
the evaporator tubes (The pinch temperature
indicates whether the evaporator section is
absorbing as much heat as predicted. Typical pinch
0 0
temperatures range from -9 to –1 C. (5 –10 C))
1744. PINION: A gear that meshes with a larger gear.
1745. PINTLE-TYPE NOZZLE: A closed-type nozzle having a
projection on the end of the fuel valve which
extends into the orifice when the valve is closed.
1746. PIPE: A tube or hollow body for conducting a liquid or
gas. Dimensions of a pipe are designated by
nominal (approximate) outside diameter (OD) and
wall thickness.
1747. PIPING: An assembly of pipe or tubing, valves, and
fittings that forms the transferring part of a system.
1748. PIPE SCALE - Rust or mill scale found on the interior of
water pipe.
1749. PIT - Corrosion localized in a small spot.
1750. PITOTE TUBE - An open ended tube arrangement to
face against the current of a stream of fluid; used in
measuring the velocity head of a flowing medium.
1751. PITS - Petroleum Industry Training Service. (Canada)
1752. PISTON: A cylindrical plug which slides up and down in
the cylinder and which is connected to the
connecting rod.
1753. PISTON BOSS: The reinforced area around the piston-
pin bore.
1754. PISTON DISPLACEMENT: The volume of air moved or
displaced by a piston as the piston moves from BDC
to TDC.
1755. PISTON HEAD: The portion of the piston above the top
ring.
1756. PISTON LANDS: The spaces in pistons between the
ring grooves.
1757. PISTON PIN (WRIST PIN): A cylindrical alloy pin that
passes through the piston bore and connects the
connecting rod to the piston.
1758. PISTON RING: A split ring of the expansion type placed
in a groove of the piston to seal the space between
the piston and the wall.
1759. PISTON-RING END GAP: The clearance between the
ends of a piston ring.
1760. PISTON-RING GROOVE: The grooves cut in the piston
into which the piston rings are fitted.
1761. PISTON-RING SIDE CLEARANCE: The clearance
between the sides of the ring and the ring lands.
1762. PISTON SKIRT: The portion of the piston that is below
the piston bore.
1763. PISTON SPEED: The total distance traveled by each
piston in one minute.
Page 53 of 77

1764. PITCH: A term applied to (1) the distance a
propeller will advance during one revolution;
(2) the distance between the centers of the
teeth of a gear wheel; (3) the axial advance of
one convolution of the thread on a screw; and
(4) the spacing of rivets, and so forth.
1765. PITOT TUBE - An instrument which will register
total pressure and static pressure in a gas
stream, used to determine its velocity.
1766. PITTING - Localized corrosion of a metal
characterized by small blisters under which
holes have perforated the metal.
1767. PLASTIC DEFORMATION –
1768. PLASTICITY - The ability of a substance to be
deformed without rupturing.
1769. PLENUM CHAMBER - An air compartment
connected to one or more distributing ducts.
1770. PLENUM CHAMBER - Chamber or container for
moving air or other gas under a slight positive
pressure.
1771. PLUG VALVE - A valve that has a rotating plug,
which is drilled for the passage of fluid.
1772. PNEUMATIC - Operated by air pressure.
1773. PNEUMATIC-ELECTRIC (PE) SWITCHES -
Device that operates an electric switch from a
change of air pressure.
1774. pOH - An expression of the alkalinity of a solution;
the negative logarithm of the hydroxyl-ion
concentration.
1775. POINT, CRITICAL - Of a substance, state point at
which liquid and vapor have identical
properties; critical temperature, critical
pressure, and critical volume are the terms
given to the temperature, pressure, and
volume at the critical point. Above the critical
temperature or
1776. POLARITY - The direction of current flow in a DC
circuit. By convention, current flows from plus
to minus. Electron flow is actually in the
opposite direction.
1777. POLAR TIMING DIAGRAM: A graphic method of
illustrating the events of an engine cycle with
respect to crankshaft rotation. (See figures 2-1
and 2-2.)
1778. POLARIZE - In corrosion, to develop a barrier on
the anodic or cathodic surface, disrupting the
corrosion process.
1779. POLE - An electrical connection point. In a panel,
the point of connection. On a device, the
terminal that connects to the power.
1780. POLYELECTROLYTE - A water-soluble polymer
that is highly charged with cationic or anionic
sites. Used as an aid with coagulants.
1781. POLYMER - A chemical compound formed by the
adjoining of many molecules of the same
Engineering Dictionary
characteristics; for example, polyvinyl chloride is a
polymer of the molecule vinyl chloride.
1782. POLYMERIC DISPERSANT - A water-soluble polymer
that acts as a suspending agent; that is, it promotes
suspension of particles in water so that they resist
settling.
1783. POLYPHOSPHATE - A chemical compound formed by
the adjoining of phosphate ions, hence a polymer of
phosphate.
1784. POLYTHROPIC PROCESS - A nonadiabatic reversible
process characterized by the equation of path, pv =
constant.
1785. POROUS VASE - A vase having a porous construction,
which was used to cool its content.
1786. PORT SCAVENGING: Introducing scavenging air
through ports in the cylinder wall when they are
uncovered by the piston near the end of the power
stroke.
1787. POSITIVE CHARGE - The electrical potential acquired
by an atom which has lost one or more electrons; a
characteristic of a cation.
1788. POTABLE WATER: Water that is suitable for drinking.
The potable water system supplies scuttlebutts,
sinks, showers, sculleries, and galleys, as well as
provides makeup water for various freshwater
cooling systems.
1789. POTENTIAL ENERGY - (1) Energy at rest; stored
energy. (2) The energy a substance has because of
its position, its condition, or its chemical
composition. [The energy, that a body has by virtue
of its position or state, enabling it to do work. (Water
in a reservoir has potential energy by virtue of its
elevation above some other point.)].
1790. POTENTIAL TRANSFORMER - A voltage transformer.
The voltage supplied to a primary coil induces a
voltage in a secondary coil according, to the ratio of
the wire windings in each of the coils.
1791. POTENTIOMETER - An electromechanical device
having a terminal connected to each and to the
resistive element, and a third terminal connected to
the wiper contact. The electrical input is divided as
the contact moves over the element, thus making it
possible to mechanically change the resistance.
1792. POUR POINT - The lowest temperature at which a
lubricant can be observed to flow under specified
conditions. For oil, the pour point is a temperature -
15°C above the temperature at which the oil is solid.
1793. POUR-POINT DEPRESSANT - An additive that lowers
the pour point of a lubricant.
1794. POWER (P) - The rate of doing work or the rate of
expending energy. The unit of electrical power is the
watt; the unit of mechanical power is horsepower.
Expressed in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW), and is
equal to:
1795. POWER ELEMENT - Sensitive element of a
temperature-operated control.
Page 54 of 77

1796. POWER FACTOR (pf) - A quantity that relates the
volt amperes of an AC circuit to the wattage
(power = volt-amperes x power factor). Power
factor also is the ratio of the circuit resistance
(R) to the impedance (Z) expressed as a
decimal between zero and one (pf = R/Z).
When the power factor equals one, all
consumed power produces useful work. (In an
alternating current circuit, the factor by which
the product of current and voltage must be
multiplied to give the true power. It can vary
between unity and zero).
1797. POWER FACTOR CHARGE - A utility charge for
"poor" power factor. It is more expensive to
provide power to a facility with a poor power
factor (usually less than 0.8).
1798. POWER FACTOR CORRECTION - Installing
capacitors on the utility service’s supply line to
improve the power factor of the building.
1799. POWER OIL SYSTEM - The high-pressure part of
the turbine oil system. It supplies oil for
governor operation of the control and
emergency trip valves.
1800. PPB (PARTS PER BILLION) - equals 0.001 ppm
1801. PPM (PARTS PER MILLION): Concentration of
the number of parts of a substance dissolved
in a million parts of another substance. Used
to measure the salt content of water. If 1
pound of sea salt were dissolved in l,000,000
pounds of water, the sea salt concentration
would be 1.00 ppm.
1802. PRECIPITATE - An insoluble reaction product; in
an aqueous chemical reaction, usually a
crystalline compound that grows in size to
become settable.
1803. PRECIPITATING (CATHODIC) INHIBITORS -
The are chemicals which form insoluble
precipitates that are able to coat and protect
surfaces. They are less durable then the
passivating type inhibitors.
1804. PRECIPITATION - A process whereby salts drop
or come out of a water solution.
1805. PRECISION INSERT BEARING: A precision type
of bearing consisting of an upper and lower
shell.
1806. PRECISION PHOSPHATE TREATMENT - A
phosphate treatment based upon maintaining
2 to 4 ppm of phosphate and 15 to 50 ppm of
hydrate alkalinity in the boiler.
1807. PREDICTING METHOD - A method for
determining when load shedding should
occur. A formula is used to arrive at a preset
kilowatt limit. Then the actual amount of
energy accumulated during the utility's
demand intervals is measured. A projection is
made of the actual rate of energy usage
during the rest of the interval. If the predicted
Engineering Dictionary
value exceeds the preset limit, loads will be shed.
1808. PREIGNITION - A condition in an internal combustion
engine characterized by a knocking sound and
caused by the fuel-air mixture having been ignited to
soon because of an abnormal condition.
1809. PRECOMBUSTION CHAMBER: A portion of the
combustion chamber connected to the cylinder
through a narrow throat. Fuel is injected into and is
partly burned in the pre-combustion chamber. Heat
released by this partial burning causes the contents
of the pre-combustion chamber to be ejected into
the cylinder with considerable turbulence.
1810. PRESSURE - The normal force exerted by a
homogeneous liquid or gas, per unit of area, on the
wall of its container.
1811. PRESSURE COMPOUNDING –
1812. PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL: The difference in pressure
between any two points of a system or a
component.
1813. PRESSURE DROP - Pressure loss in fluid pressure, as
from one end of a duct or pipe to the other, due to
friction, dynamic losses, and changes in velocity
pressure.
1814. PRESSURE GAUGE - Instrument for measuring the
pressure exerted by the contents on its container.
1815. PRESSURE HEAD - The height to which liquid can be
raised by a given pressure (sometimes referred to
as pump head).
1816. PRESSURE MILL - Mills In which the air carrying the
coal within the mill is under pressure and not under
suction as in a suction type mill.
1817. PRESSURE MOTOR CONTROL - Device which opens
and closes an electrical circuit as pressures change.
1818. PRESSURE OPERATED THERMOMETER -
Temperature indicator which is controlled by
bellows, a capillary or remote sensitive bulb.
1819. PRESSURE REGULATOR, SUCTION (REFRI-
GERATION COMPRESSORS) - An automatic valve
designed to limit the suction pressure to prevent
motor overload.
1820. PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE: A valve designed to open
when pressure in the system exceeds a certain limit.
1821. PRESSURE SWITCH: An electrical switch operated by
the increase and decrease of pressure.
1822. PRESSURE-TIME FUEL SYSTEM: A system in which
fuel is injected into the cylinders at a specific
pressure in separately timed events.
1823. PRESSURE VELOCITY - In moving fluid, the pressure
capable of causing an equivalent velocity, if applied
to move the same fluid through an orifice such that
all pressure energy expended is converted into
kinetic energy.
Page 55 of 77

1824. PRESSURE, ABSOLUTE - Pressure referred to
that of a perfect vacuum. It is the sum of
gauge pressure and atmospheric pressure.
1825. PRESSURE, ATMOSPHERIC - It is the pressure
indicated by a barometer. Standard
atmosphere is the pressure equivalent
1826. PRESSURE, CRITICAL - Vapor pressure
corresponding to the substance's critical state
at which the liquid and vapor have identical
properties.
1827. PRESSURE, GAGE - Gauge: Pressure above
atmospheric.
1828. PRESSURE, HYDROSTATIC - The normal force
per unit area that would be exerted by a
moving fluid on an infinitesimally small body
immersed in it if the body were carried along
with the fluid.
1829. PRESSURE, OPERATING - Pressure at which a
system is operating.
1830. PRESSURE, PARTIAL - Portion of total gas
pressure of a mixture attributable to one
component.
1831. PRESSURE, SATURATION- The saturation
pressure for a pure substance for any given
temperature is that pressure at which vapor
and liquid, or vapor and solid, can coexist in
stable equilibrium.
1832. PRESSURE, STATIC - The normal force per unit
area that would be exerted by a moving fluid
on a small body immersed in it if the body
were carried along with the fluid. Practically, it
is the normal force per unit are at a small hole
in a wall of the duct through which the fluid
flows (piezometer) or on the surface of a
stationary tube at a point where the
disturbances, created by inserting the tube,
cancel. It is supposed that the thermodynamic
properties of a moving fluid depend on static
pressure in exactly the same manner as those
of the same fluid at rest depend upon its
uniform hydrostatic pressure
1833. PRESSURE, TOTAL - In the theory of the flow of
fluids, the sum of the static pressure and the
velocity pressure at the point of measurement.
Also called dynamic pressure.
1834. PRESSURE, VAPOR - The partial pressure
exerted by the water vapor contained in air.
1835. PRESSURE-HEAT DIAGRAM - Graph of
refrigerant pressure, heat and temperature
properties. (Mollier's diagram.)
1836. PRESSURESTAT - A control which reacts to
pressure changes in the evaporator.
1837. PRESSURE-VELOCITY COMPOUNDING –
1838. PRETREATMENT - Also referred to as external
treatment, consisting of treating the raw make-
Engineering Dictionary
up water, and include removing dissolved oxygen,
carbon dioxide, suspended solids, hardness,
alkalinity, silica, dissolved solids, etc..
1839. PRIMARY AIR - Air introduced with the fuel at the
burner (The initial air stream discharged by an air
outlet (the air being supplied by a fan or supply
duct) prior to any entrainment of the ambient air or
for he purpose of combustion).
1840. PRIMARY CONSTITUENTS - Refers to the category of
dissolved solids present in water at a level of more
then 5 mg/L.
1841. PRIMARY CONTROL - A device which directly or
indirectly controls the control agent in response to
needs indicated by the controller. Typically a motor,
valve, relay, etc.
1842. PRIMARY ELEMENT - The portion of the controller
which first uses energy derived from the controlled
medium to produce a condition representing the
value of the controlled variable; for example, a
thermostat bimetal.
1843. PRIMARY SYSTEM - A closed water system in which
the water is circulated directly through a chiller for
cooling or heat exchanger or boiler for heating.
1844. PRIME MOVER - An engine or other device by which
natural source of energy is converted into
mechanical energy.
1845. PRIMING (BOILER) - The phenomenon in which the
level of water in a boiler is changed by bouncing
rapidly. The result is, that boiler water will enter the
steam flow.
1846. PRIMING (PUMP) - The replacement of residual air in a
pump or pipe system by the fluid being pumped.
1847. PROCESS HOT WATER - Hot water needed for
manufacturing processes over and above the
"domestic hot water" that is for the personal use of
industrial workers.
1848. PROPANE - A paraffin hydrocarbon (C3H8) that is a gas
at ordinary atmospheric conditions but easily
liquefied under pressure.
1849. PROPELLER ARCH: The arched section of the stern
frame above the propeller.
1850. PROPELLER GUARD: A framework fitted somewhat
below the deck line on narrow, high-speed vessels
with large screws, designed to overhang and thus
protect the tips of the propeller blades.
1851. PROPELLER THRUST: The effort delivered by a
propeller in pushing a vessel ahead.
1852. PROPORTIONAL BAND - The range of values of a
proportional positioning controller through which the
controlled variable must pass to move the final
control element through its full operating range.
Commonly used equivalents are "throttling range"
and "modulating range".
1853. PROPULSION PLANT: The entire propulsion plant or
system, including prime movers and those
auxiliaries essential to their operation.
Page 56 of 77

1854. PROTECTIVE DIVICE - A fuse, relay or coil which
is connected electrically to the circuit or
apparatus to be protected, to enable the
circuit to be isolated from the supply on the
occurrence of a fault. The fuse disconnects
itself the occurrence of a fault. The fuse
disconnects itself when it blows. The coil or
relay operates to 'trip’ a circuit breaker or
contactor.
1855. PSI - Symbol or initials used to indicate pressure
measured in pounds per square inch.
1856. PSIA - Symbol or initials used to indicate pressure
measured in pounds per square inch absolute.
Absolute pressure equals gauge pressure
plus atmospheric pressure. The "A" indicates
that the gauge pressure is reading in absolute.
1857. PSIG - Symbol or initials used to indicate pressure
in pounds per square inch gauge. The "G"
indicates that is gauge pressure and not
absolute pressure.
1858. PSYCHROMETER - An instrument for
ascertaining the humidity or hygrometric state
of the atmosphere.
1859. PSYCHROMETER OR WET BULB
HYGROMETER – An instrument for
measuring the relative humidity of
atmospheric air.
1860. PSYCHROMETRIC CHART – A chart that shows
relationship between the temperature,
pressure and moisture content of the air.
1861. PSYCHROMETRIC MEASUREMENT - a contact surface for the balls or rollers in a bearing.
Measurement of temperature pressure and
humidity using a psychometric chart.
1862. PSYCHROMETRY - The study of air-vapor
mixtures.
1863. PULL DOWN - An expression indicating action of
removing refrigerant from all or part of a
refrigeration system.
1864. PULSATION DAMPENER - Any gas or liquid
charged, chambered device that minimizes
periodic increases and decreases in pressure.
1865. PULSE-ECHO TECHNIQUES - Corrosion
detecting processes which, by recording the
action of ultrasonic waves artificially
introduced into production structures, can
determine metal thickness and detect flaws.
1866. PUMP - A device that increases the pressure on a
fluid or raises it to a higher level.
1867. PUMP CAPACITY: The amount of fluid a pump
can move in a given period of time, usually
stated in gallons per minute (gpm).
1868. PUMP DOWN - The act of using a compressor or
a pump to reduce the pressure in a container
or a system.
1869. PUMP, POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT - A pump that
moves a measured quantity of fluid with each
Engineering Dictionary
stroke of a piston or each revolution of vanes or
gears.
1870. PUMP, ROTARY - A pump that moves fluid by positive
displacement, using a system of rotating vanes,
gears, or lobes.
1871. PUMP-DISCHARGE PRESSURE - The point of highest
pressure in a re-circulating water system which is at
the discharge side of the re-circulating pump.
1872. PURGING - Releasing compressed gas to atmosphere
through some part or parts for the purpose of
removing contaminants from that part or parts.
1873. PURGING VALVES - Devices used to remove non-
condensable gases from the refrigeration system.
1874. PURPLE-K-POWDER (PKP): A purple powder
composed of potassium bicarbonate that is used on
class B fires. Can be used on class C fires;
however, CO2 is a better agent for such electrical
fires because it leaves no residue.
1875. PYRITES - A hard, yellow sulphide of iron which Is found
often as an impurity in coal deposits.
1876. PYROMETER - A device for measuring temperatures
above the range of liquid thermometers.
Q
1877. QUALITY - Weight fraction of the vapor in a vapor-liquid
mixture.
1878. QUICKLIME - Unslaked lime (calcium oxide).
R
1879. RACE (BEARING): The inner or outer ring that provides
1880. RACEWAY - Any support system, open or closed, for
carrying electric wires.
1881. RADIAL BEARINGS: Bearings designed to carry loads
applied in a plant perpendicular to the axis of the
shaft and used to prevent movement in a radial
direction.
1882. RADIAL EXPANSION - Expansion outwards from the
line of the rotor and at right-angles to it.
1883. RADIAL THRUST – Thrust in the direction of radius
called radial thrust.
1884. RADIAL THRUST BEARINGS: Bearings designed to
carry a combination of radial and thrust loads. The
loads are applied both radially and axially with a
resultant angular component.
1885. RADIAL EXPANSION - Expansion outwards from the
line of the rotor and at right-angles to it.
1886. RADIAL FLOW - Steam-flow outwards to the casing
from the line of the rotor and at right-angles to it.
1887. RADIAL TIP FAN BLADE - Open radial-bladed fans are
used for exhauster fans.
1888. RADIANT HEATING - : Heat transferred without
physical contact between the emitting region and
the receiving region.
Page 57 of 77

1889. RADIATION - Transfer of heat by electromagnetic
waves.
1890. RADIATION LOSSES (STEAM TURBINE) –
1891. RADIUS: A straight line from the center of a circle
or sphere to its circumference or surface.
1892. RAM AIR - Air forced through the condenser due
to the rapid movement of steam from the
turbine exit.
1893. RAM TYPE CYLINDER: A fluidic actuating
cylinder in which the cross-sectional area of
the piston rod is more than one-half the cross-
sectional area of the movable piston-like
element. The piston used is also referred to as
a PLUNGER.
1894. RANGE PLANT (RANGE SYSTEM) - Turbine and
boiler plant connected by a common steam
main which enables a turbine to draw steam
from two or more boilers, and for the steam
from any boiler to be taken to two or more
generating sets.
1895. RANKINE SCALE - Name given the absolute
(Fahrenheit) scale. Zero (0) R on this scale is
-460°F.
1896. RANKINE TEMPERATURE - Degrees Fahrenheit
plus 491.60.
1897. RANKING CYCLE - An ideal steam cycle giving
the theoretical limit of efficiency for
conventional steam power plant. Named after
the engineer.
1898. RAPTURE MEMBRANE - A metal membrane
(pressure relief device) designed to rapture at
a predetermined pressure.
1899. RATE ACTION: That action of a control system
component whose output is proportional to the
rate of change in its input for slowly changing
signals and proportional to the input for rapidly
changing signals.
1900. RATEAU METHOD –
1901. RATED CAPACITY - The manufacturer's stated
capacity rating for mechanical equipment; for
instance, the maximum continuous capacity in
pounds of steam per hour for which a boiler is
designed.
1902. RATE OF BLOWDOWN - A rate normally
expressed as a percentage of the water fed.
1903. RATING - See "Load."
1904. RAW MAKEUP WATER - Untreated water fed to a
system to replace that lost.
1905. RAW WATER - With water treatment it means
untreated feedwater or water in its natural
state, prior to any treatment.
1906. REACH ROD: A length of pipe or bar stock used
as extension on valve stems.
1907. REACTION TYPE TURBINE - A machine in which
the steam is expanded in both fixed and
moving blades.
Engineering Dictionary
1908. REAGENT - A substance, chemical, or solution used in
laboratory to detect, measure, or react with other
substances, chemicals or solutions.
1909. RE-CARBONATION - A process using carbon dioxide
gas to stabilize and thereby prevent precipitation of
calcium carbonate from cold process lime or lime-
soda softened water.
1910. RECEIVER - An auxiliary storage receptacle for fluids.
1911. RECEIVER DEHYDRATOR - Small tank which serves
as liquid refrigerants reservoir and which also
contains a desiccant so remove moisture. Used on
most automobile air conditioning installations.
1912. RECEIVER HEATING ELEMENT - Electrical resistance
mounted in or around liquid receiver. It is used to
maintain head pressures when ambient temperature
is low.
1913. RECEIVER-DRIER - Cylinder (container) in a
refrigerating system for storing liquid refrigerant and
which also holds a quantity of desiccant.
1914. RECIPROCAL - A format defined by 1 divided by the
complex number.
1915. RECIPROCATING COMPRESSOR - Compressor which
uses a piston and cylinder mechanism to provide
pumping action.
1916. RECORDING THERMOMETER - Temperature
measuring instrument which has a pen marking a
moving chart.
1917. RECTIFIER - A device used to convert AC current into
DC current.
1918. RECUPERATOR - Equipment for transferring heat from
gaseous products of combustion to incoming air or
fuel. The incoming material passes through pipes
surrounded by a chamber through which the
outgoing gases pass.
1919. RED WATER - Water that has a red, cloudy appearance
caused by suspended red iron oxide.
1920. REDOX POTENTIAL - A process designed to determine
if a corrosion process will occur.
1921. REDWOOD SECONDS - The viscosity of an oil is
usually determined by measuring the time taken for
a standard volume of oil to run through astandard
orifice at a given temperature.
1922. REDUCING ELBOW - A fitting that makes an angle
between two joints of pipe and that decreases in
diameter from one end to the other.
1923. REDUCING ATMOSPHERE - An atmosphere which
tends to 1) promote the removal of oxygen from a
chemical compound; 2) promote the reduction of
immersed materials.
1924. REDUCING FLANGE - A flange fitting used to join pipes
of different diameters.
1925. REDUCING NIPPLE - A pipe fitting that is threaded on
both ends and decreases in diameter from one end
to the other.
Page 58 of 77

1926. REDUCING TEE - A "T"shaped pipe fitting with
openings of two different sizes. The
relationship:
1927. REDUCTION - Reduction is the addition of
hydrogen, removal of oxygen, or the addition
of electrons to an element or compound.
1928. REED VALVE - Thin, flat, tempered steel plate
fastened at one end.
1929. REFRACTORY - Brickwork or castable used in
boilers to protect metal surfaces and for boiler
baffles.
1930. REFRIGERANT - The fluid used for heat transfer
in a refrigerating system, which absorbs heat
at a low temperature and a low pressure of
the fluid and rejects heat at a higher
temperature and a higher pressure of the fluid,
usually involving changes of state of the fluid.
1931. REFRIGERANT - The working fluid used in
refrigerators.
1932. REFRIGERANT CHARGE - Quantity of refrigerant
in a system.
1933. REFRIGERANT CONTROL - Device which meters
flow of refrigerant between two areas of a
refrigerating system. It also maintains
pressure difference between high-pressure
and low-pressure side of the mechanical
refrigerating system while unit is running.
1934. REFRIGERATING CAPACITY - The ability of a
system to remove heat as compared with the
cooling effect produced by melting of ice.
1935. REFRIGERATING EFFECT - The amount of heat
transferred by one kg of refrigerant as it
circulates in the refrigeration system.
1936. REFRIGERATION - Controlled transfer of heat
from a lower temperature to a higher
temperature region.
1937. REFRIGERATION OIL - Specially prepared oil
used in refrigerator mechanism which
circulates, to some extent, with refrigerant.
1938. REFRIGERATOR - A device to transfer heat from
a low temperature to a high temperature
medium.
1939. REGENERANT - The solution used to restore the
activity of an ion exchanger. Acids are
employed to restore a cation exchanger to its
hydrogen form; brine solutions may be used to
convert the cation exchange to the sodium
form. The anion exchanger may be
rejuvenated by treatment with an alkaline
solution.
1940. REGENERATION - Restoration of the activity of
an ion exchanger by replacing the ions
adsorbed from the treated solution by ions
that were adsorbed initially on the resin.
Engineering Dictionary
1941. REGENERATIVE CONDENSER - A condenser which
not only condenses the steam but also heats the
condensate.
1942. REGENERATIVE CYCLE - Is a gas turbine cycle
employing a heat exchanger to recover some of the
heat before discharging the gases from the gas
turbine to the atmosphere, to recover some of the
from.
1943. REGENERATIVE FEED HEATING - The use of steam
bled from the turbine to heat the feed-water for the
boiler.
1944. REGENERATIVE GAS TURBINE - Referring to a gas
turbine employing heat exchanger between the
compressor and the combustor for the purpose of
recovering heat.
1945. REGISTER: A grille equipped with an integral damper or
control valve.
1946. REJUVENATION - (see regeneration)
1947. REHEAT (REHEAT CYCLE) - The exhaust steam from
the high-pressure cylinder of a turbine is passed
through the reheater section of the boiler. It is
thereby reheated, usually to its original temperature,
before entering the intermediate-pressure cylinder
of the turbine for further work.
1948. REHEAT MACHINE - A turbo-generator working on a
reheat cycle.
1949. RELATIVE HUMIDITY - The amount of moisture the air
holds relative to the maximum moisture the air can
hold at the same temperature.
1950. RELATIVE HUMIDITY (RH): The ratio of water vapor in
the air as compared to the maximum amount of
water vapor that may be contained.
1951. RELATIVE HUMIDITY -The ratio, expressed as a
percentage, of the amount of water vapor present in
a given volume of air at a given temperature to the
amount required to saturate the air at that
temperature.
1952. RELAY - An electromechanical switch that opens or
closes contacts in response to some controlled
action. Relay contacts can be normally open (NO)
and/ or normally closed (NC). Relays may be
electric, pneumatic, or a combination of both.
1953. RELAY, THERMAL - A switching relay in which a small
heater warms a bimetal element which bends to
provide the switching force.
1954. RELIEF VALVE - : A pressure control valve used to limit
system pressure Safety device on a sealed system.
It opens to release fluids before dangerous pressure
is reached. Also called pressure relief valve.
1955. REMOTE OPERATING GEAR: Flexible cables or shafts
attached to valve wheels so the valves can be
operated from another compartment.
1956. REMOTE SYSTEM - Refrigerating system in which
condensing unit is away from space to be cooled.
Page 59 of 77

1957. REMOTE TEMPERATURE SET POINT: Ability to
set a temperature control point for a space
from outside the space. Often used in public
areas.
1958. RESET - A process of automatically adjusting the
control point of a given controller to
compensate for changes in outdoor
temperature. The hot deck control point is
normally reset upward as the outdoor
temperature drops. The cold deck control
point is normally reset downward as the
outdoor temperature increases.
1959. RESET RATIO - The ratio of change in outdoor
temperature to the change in control point
temperature. For example, a 2:1 reset ratio
means that the control point will increase 1
degree for every 2 degrees change in outdoor
temperature.
1960. RESIDUAL - Means small amount of, like oxygen,
sulfite, acid., etc.
1961. RESIN - A bead-like material used in chemical
exchange for softeners and dealkalizers.
1962. RESISTANCE - The opposition which limits the
amount of current that can be produced by an
applied voltage in an electrical circuit,
measured in ohms.
1963. RESISTANCE, THERMAL - The reciprocal of
thermal conductance.
1964. RESISTIVE LOADS - Electrical loads whose
power factor is one. Usually contain heating
elements.
1965. RESONANCE - A condition of vibration of a shaft
when the thrust of off-centre weight is added
to the effect of the natural frequency of
vibration. This normally occurs at some
definite speed, according to the design of the
particular shaft.
1966. RESPONSE TIME: The time lag between a signal
input and the resulting change of output.
1967. RESTRICTOR - A device for producing a
deliberate pressure drop or resistance in a line
by reducing the cross-sectional flow area.
1968. RETORT STROKER - A number of alternate
troughs or retorts and banks of tuyere plates.
The retorts are rectangular and gradually
reduce in depth from front to rear of the grate.
The coal is raised up and over the tuyere
plates, through which the air for combustion is
forced.
1969. RETURN AIR: Air returned from conditioned or
refrigerated space.
1970. RETURN FLOW OIL BURNER - A mechanical
atomizing oil burner in which part of the oil
supplied to the atomizer is withdrawn and
returned to storage or to the oil line supplying
the atomizer.
Engineering Dictionary
1971. RETURN-STEAM CONDENSATE - That steam
produced by a boiler which returns to the boiler after
it has condensed.
1972. REVERSE CYCLE DEFROST - Method of heating
evaporator for defrosting. Valves move hot gas from
compressor into evaporator.
1973. REVERSE CYCLE REFRIGERATION - A refrigeration
system which uses reject heat to produce warmth.
1974. REVERSE DEIONIZATION - The use of an anion-
exchange unit and a cation-exchange unit-in that
order-to remove all ions from solution.
1975. REVERSE OSMOSIS - A process that reverses (by the
application of pressure) the flow of water in the
natural process of osmosis so that it passes from
the more concentrated to the more dilute solution.
1976. REVERSIBLE PROCESS - A process by which a fluid is
made to undergo a change of state and by
traversing the path in exactly the reverse of the
original path is returned to its original state, and all
associated systems are similarly returned to their
original state.
1977. REVERSING VALVE - Device used to reverse direction
of the refrigerant flow depending upon whether
heating or cooling is desired.
1978. RINGELMANN CHART - A chart used by an observer to
estimate the density of smoke emitted by a chimney
by comparison with four standard sections (A series
of four rectangular grids of black lines of varying
widths printed on a white background, and used as
a criterion of blackness for determining smoke
density in stack gas streams).
1979. RING LUBRICATED SLEEVE BEARING - A bearing
lubricated by a loose running ring which dips into
and lifts oil from a well.
1980. RINSE - The operation which follows regeneration; a
flushing out of excess regenerant solution.
1981. ROLLIMG SPEED - The initial turning under steam of
the turbine rotor when starting up.
1982. ROOT: The surface of the thread corresponding to the
minor diameter of an external thread and the major
diameter of an internal thread.
1983. ROOT VALVE: A valve located where a branch line
comes off the main line.
1984. ROTOR - The rotating part of a turbine or a generator.
1985. ROTOR BALABCING - Checking of a shaft or rotor for
smooth running, and correcting the balance, where
necessary, by the addition of counter-balance
weights.
1986. ROTARY COMPRESSOR - Mechanism which pumps
fluid by using rotating motion.
1987. ROTARY OIL BURNER - A burner in which atomization
is accomplished by feeding oil to the inside of a
rapidly rotating cup.
1988. ROTOR: The rotating element of a motor, pump, or
turbine.
Page 60 of 77

1989. RROSION, SELECTIVE - The selective corrosion
of one or more components of a solid solution
alloy.
1990. RUDDER STOCK: A vertical shaft that has a
rudder attached to its lower end and a yoke,
quadrant, or tiller fitted to its upper portion by
which it may be turned.
1991. RUDDER STOPS: Fittings attached to the ship
structure or to shoulders on the rudder post to
limit the swing of the rudder.
1992. RUNNING CURRENT - The current that flows
through a load after inrush current. Usually
called "full load current".
1993. RUNNING TIME - Amount of time a condensing
unit is run per hour or per 24 hours.
1994. RUST - A visible corrosion product consisting of
hydrated oxides of iron. Applied only to
ferrous alloys.
1995. RYZNAR STABILITY INDEX - An index based on
calcium carbonate pH of saturation vs. actual
pH to determine scaling or corrosion
tendencies of a water (R.I. = 2 pHs).
S
1996. SACRIFICIAL ANODES - Coupling of a more
active metal to a structure resulting in a
galvanic current flow through the corroding
electrolyte.
1997. SACRIFICIAL PROTECTION - Reduction of
corrosion of a metal in an electrolyte by
galvanically coupling it to a more anodic
metal. A form of cathodic protection.
1998. SADDLE - A casting, fabricated chair, or member
used for the purpose of support.
1999. SADDLE VALVE (TAP-A-LINE) - Valve body
shaped so it may be silver brazed or clamped
onto a refrigerant tubing surface.
2000. SADDLE VALVE (TAP-A-LINE) - Valve body
shaped so it may be silver brazed or clamped
onto a refrigerant tubing surface.
2001. SAFETY CAN - Approved container of not more
than 5 gallon capacity. It has a spring closing
lid and spout cover. It is designed to relieve
internal pressure safely when exposed to fire.
2002. SAFETY CONTROL - Device to stop refrigerating
unit if unsafe pressure and/or temperatures
and/or dangerous conditions are reached.
2003. SAFETY VALVE: An automatic, quick opening
and closing valve that has a reset pressure
lower than the lift pressure.
2004. SAFETY PLUG - Device which will release the
contents of a container before rupture
pressures are reached.
2005. SAFETY SHUT-OFF VALVE - A manually
opened, electrically latched, electrically
Engineering Dictionary
operated safety shut-off valve designed to
automatically shut off fuel when de-energized.
2006. SAFE WORKING PRESSURE - See "Design Pressure."
2007. SAGGING - Bending of a turbine or other shaft
downwards below its centre line.
2008. SALIENT POLE MACHINE - A machine which has a
rotor whose poles project from the central shaft or
hub.
2009. SALINITY - A measure of the concentration of dissolved
mineral substances in water.
2010. SALINOMETER: A hydrometer that measures the
concentration of salt in a solution.
2011. SALT SPITTING - The ability of an anion exchanger to
convert a salt solution to caustic; the ability of a
cation exchanger to convert a salt solution to acid.
2012. SATURATED AIR - When the air cannot hold any more
moisture.
2013. SATURATED LIQUID - A liquid which is at saturation
pressure and saturation temperature; in other
words, a liquid which is at its boiling point for any
given pressure.
2014. SATURATED VAPOR - A vapor which is at saturation
pressure and saturation temperature. A saturated
vapor cannot be superheated as long as it is in
contact with the liquid from which it is being
generated.
2015. SATURATION - Condition existing when substance
contains all of another substance it can hold for that
temperature and pressure.
2016. SATURATION INDEX - The relation of calcium
carbonate to the pH, alkalinity, and hardness of a
water to determine its scale forming tendency.
2017. SATURATION PRESSURE - The point, where at a
given temperature a pure substance starts to boil.
2018. SATURATION TEMPERATURE - The point, where at a
given pressure a pure substance starts to boil.
2019. SAYBOLT UNIVERSAL VISCOSITY - A commercial
measure of viscosity expressed as a time in
seconds required for 60 mL of a fluid to flow through
the orifice of the standard Saybolt universal
viscometer at a given temperature under specific
conditions; used for the lighter petroleum products
and lubrication oils.
2020. SCALE - Surface oxidation, consisting of partially
adherent layers of corrosion products, left on metals
by heating or casting in air or in other oxidizing
atmosphere. Also a deposit on a heat-transfer
surface resulting from precipitation of salts present
in water in contact with that surface, forming a hard,
dense material.
2021. SCALE CAUSING ELEMENTS - Calcium and
magnesium elements forming scale.
2022. SCALE REMOVAL - Waterside, removal of scale using
either the mechanical, the water treatment or the
acid cleaning process.
Page 61 of 77

2023. SCAVENGING AIR: Increased amount of air
available as a result of blower action used to
fill an engine cylinder with a fresh charge of air
and, during the process, to aid in clearing the
cylinder of the gases of combustion.
2024. SCC - Stress corrosion cracking.
2025. SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM: A diagram using graphic
symbols to show how a circuit functions
electrically.
2026. SCREENS - Equipment designed to prevent larger
objects to enter water treatment system.
2027. SCREW PUMP - Compressor constructed of two
mated revolving screws.
2028. SCRUBBER - An apparatus for the removal of
solids from gases by entrainment in water.
2029. SEA CHEST: An arrangement for supplying
seawater to engines, condensers, and pumps
and for discharging wastewater from the ship
to the sea. It is a cast fitting or a built-up
structure located below the waterline of the
vessel and having means for attachment of
the piping. Suction sea chests are fitted with
strainers or gratings.
2030. SEA COCK, SEA CONNECTION: A sea valve
secured to the plating of the vessel below the
waterline for use in flooding tanks, magazines,
and so forth, to supply water to pumps and for
similar purposes.
2031. SEAWATER: The water in the sea. Seawater is an
aqueous solution of various minerals and salts
(chlorides). In suspension also, but not
dissolved in the water, may be various types
of vegetable and animal growths, including, in
many cases, bacteria and organisms harmful
or actually dangerous to health.
2032. SEAL, MAGNETIC - A seal that uses magnetic
material, instead of springs or bellows, to
provide the closing force.
2033. SEAL, ROTARY - A mechanical seal that rotates
with a shaft and is used with a stationary
mating ring.
2034. SECOND LAW OF THERMODYNAMICS - Heat
will flow only from material at higher
temperature to material at lower temperature.
2035. SECONDARY AIR - Air for combustion supplied to
the furnace to supplement the primary air.
2036. SECONDARY REFRIGERANT - Chilled liquid-like
water, which is circulated to distance units
where air is to be cooled in individual rooms.
2037. SECONDARY SYSTEM - A re-circulating water
system that is a takeoff from a primary
system; it does not circulate directly through
the source of heat or cooling but only
indirectly through a heat exchanger.
Engineering Dictionary
2038. SECONDARY TREATMENT - Treatment of boiler
feedwater or internal treatment of boiler water after
primary treatment.
2039. SECTION: A view showing internal features as if the
viewed object had been cut or sectioned.
2040. SEDIMENT: An accumulation of matter that settles to
the bottom of a liquid.
2041. SEDIMENTATION - Gravitational settling of solid
particles in a liquid system.
2042. SEEBECK EFFECT - When two different adjacent
metals are heated, an electric current is generated
between the metals.
2043. SENSIBLE HEAT - Heat that is given off or absorbed by
a substance without changing its state (Heat which
causes a change in temperature of a substance).
2044. SENSIBLE HEAT - Sensible heat is any heat transfer
that causes a change in temperature. Heating and
cooling of air and water that may be measured with
a thermometer is sensible heat. Heating or cooling
coils that simply increase or decrease the air
temperature without a change in moisture content
are examples of sensible heat.
2045. SENSIBLE HEAT FACTOR - The ratio of sensible heat
to total heat.
2046. SENSING DEVICE - A device that keeps track of the
measured condition and its fluctuations so that
when sufficient variation occurs it will originate the
signal to revise the operation of the system and
offset the change. Example: a thermostat "bulb". A
sensing de vice may be an integral part of a
controller.
2047. SENSING ELEMENT - The first system element or
group of elements. The sensing element performs
the initial measurement operation.
2048. SENSING POINT: (1) The physical and/or functional
point in a system at which a signal may be detected
and monitored or may cause some automatic
operation to result. (2) Where parameters are
determined.
2049. SENSITIVITY: The change in speed required before the
governor will make a corrective movement.
2050. SENSOR: A component that senses physical variables
and produces a signal to be observed or to actuate
other elements in a control system. Temperature,
sound, pressure and position sensors are examples.
2051. SENTINEL VALVE: A relief valve designed to emit an
audible sound; does not have substantial pressure-
relieving capacity.
2052. SEPARATOR - A tank type pressure vessel installed in
a steam pipe to collect condensate to be trapped off
and thus providing comparatively dry steam to the
connected machinery.
2053. SEPARATOR - Device to separate one substance from
another.
Page 62 of 77

2054. SEQUENCER - A mechanical or electrical device
that may be set to initiate a series of events
and to make the events follow in sequence.
2055. SEQUESTER - To form a stable, water-soluble
complex.
2056. SEQUESTRANT - A substance that holds a
mineral or metal in solution beyond its
saturation point.
2057. SERIES CIRCUIT - One with all the elements
connected end to end. The current is the
same throughout but the voltage can be
different across each element.
2058. SERVICE DROP - The overhead service wires
that serve a building.
2059. SERVICE SWITCH - Disconnect switches or
circuit breakers. Purpose is to completely
disconnect the building from the electric
service.
2060. SERVICE VALVE - Manually operated valve
mounted on refrigerating systems used for
service operation.
2061. SERVO: A device used to convert a small
movement into a greater movement or force.
2062. SET POINT - The value of the controlled condition
at which the instrument is set to operate.
2063. SETTLING BASIN - A containment design with
external water treatment to settle sediments
and to clarify.
2064. SHAFT ALIGNMENT - The relative positions of
two shafts with respect to their centre lines.
Usually checked at coupling faces.
2065. SHAFT AXIAL POSITION - The position of the
shaft in relation to the thrust bearing.
2066. SHAFT ECCENTRICITY - Radial displacement, at
the point of measurement, from the true
central position of a shaft.
2067. SHAFT – CYLINDER DIFFERENTIAL - Relative
difference in expansion and contraction of the
turbine shaft and cylinder.
2068. SHAFT SEAL - Device used to prevent leakage
between shaft and housing.
2069. SHAFT RISING GEAR - A jacking device for
supporting a shaft.
2070. SHORT RAIN CLEANING - A method of cleaning
fouled tube surfaces by raining a large
quantity of steel shot over the surfaces
periodically.
2071. SETSCREW: A machine screw with a slotted,
alien, or square head used to hold a part in
place.
2072. SHAFT ALLEY: A watertight passage, housing the
propeller shafting from the engine room to the
bulkhead at which the stern tube commences.
Engineering Dictionary
2073. SHARP FREEZING - Refrigeration at temperatures
slightly below freezing, with moderate air circulation.
2074. SHEAR PIN COUPLING –
2075. SHED - To de-energize a load in order to maintain a kW
demand set point.
2076. SHED MODE - A method of demand control that
reduces kW demand through shedding and
restoring loads.
2077. SHELL AND TUBE FLOODED EVAPORATOR - Device
which flows water through tubes built into cylindrical
evaporator or vice versa.
2078. SHELL TYPE CONDENSER - Cylinder or receiver
which contains condensing water coils or tubes.
2079. SHELL-AND-TUBE - Designation of a heat exchanger
having straight tubes encased inside a shell.
2080. SHIELDED CABLE - Special cable used with equipment
that generates a low voltage output. Used to
minimize the effects of frequency "noise" on the
output signal.
2081. SHIM: A thin layer of metal or other material used to true
up a machine or inserted in bearings to permit
adjustment after wear of the bearing.
2082. SHOCK DOSAGE - The feeding of treatment to a
system all in one slug or dose rather than gradually
(also called a slug dosage).
2083. SHOCK FEEDER - A device which is used to add
treatment to a system in an instantaneous manner.
2084. SHORT CIRCUIT - A direct connection of low resistive
value that can significant alter the behavior of an
element or system.
2085. SHORT CYCLING - Unit runs and then stops at short
intervals; generally this excessive cycling rate is
hard on the system equipment.
2086. SHROUD, TURBINES - Also referred to as the sealing
strip on turbine blades. Its purpose is to supply
rigidity to the blades, lessen vibration and provide
sealing between stages.
2087. SHROUD, PUMPS - The front and/or back of an
impeller.
2088. SHUNT - A device to divert part of an electric current.
2089. SHUTOFF VALVE: A valve which operates fully open or
fully closed.
2090. SIGHT GLASS - Glass tube or glass window in
refrigerating mechanism. It shows amount of
refrigerant or oil in system and indicates presence of
gas bubbles in liquid line.
2091. SILICA - Silicon dioxide (Si02), a mineral found naturally
as quartz or in complex combination with other
elements such as silicates.
2092. SILICA GEL - Absorbent chemical compound used as a
drier. When heated, moisture is released and
compound may be reused.
Page 63 of 77
 Engineering Dictionary

2093. SILICA, COLLOIDAL - Silica in colloidal form. 2111. SLUGGING - Condition in which mass of liquid enters
compressor causing hammering.
2094. SILICA, REACTIVE –
2112. SLURRY - A water containing high concentration of
suspended solids, usually over 5000 mg/L.
2095. SILICA, VOLATILE - Silica carryover with steam.
2113. SLURRY EROSION - Material removal due to the
2096. SILT DENSITY INDEX - A measure of the combined action of corrosion and wear.
tendency of a water to foul a reverse osmosis
2114. SMOKE DENSITY METER - A photo-electric instrument
membrane, based on time flow through a
to show the density of smoke in the base of a
membrane filter at constant pressure.
chimney or other convenient point.
2097. SIMPLE CYCLE - Referring to the gas turbine
2115. SODA ASH - A common water treatment chemical,
cycle consisting only of compression,
sodium carbonate.
combustion and expansion.
2116. SODA BASE GREASE - A grease with a high melting
2098. SIMPLEX PUMP: A pump that has only one liquid
temperature, used in high-speed bearings of the
cylinder.
anti-friction type. Not suitable for wet or moist
2099. SINGLE PHASING - The condition when one conditions.
phase of a multiphase (poly-phase) motor
2117. SODIUM CHLORIDE - Common table salt, used to
circuit is broken or opened. Motors running
produce a brine solution, used a secondary
when this occurs may continue to run but with
refrigerant.
lower power output and over heating.
2118. SODIUM SULFITE (Na2S03) - A chemical used with
2100. SINGLE SHAFT GAS TURBINE - A gas turbine
water treatment to remove small amounts of
arrangement in which the compressor and the
oxygen.
gas turbine are all coupled to one shaft.
2119. SODIUM TRACER METHOD - A technique used to
2101. SINGLE STAGE COMPRESSOR - Compressor
measure dissolved solids in steam to values as low
having only one compressive step between
as 0.001 ppm.
inlet and outlet.
2120. SODIUM ZEOLITE SOFTENING - The process of
2102. SKIN CONDENSER - Condenser using the outer
removing scale forming ions of calcium and
surface of the cabinet as the heat radiating
magnesium and replacing them with the equivalent
medium.
amount of sodium ions.
2103. SLAG - Arises from high furnace temperatures,
2121. SOFT WATER - Water that is free of magnesium or
which cause particles of ash to melt and stick
calcium salts.
to furnace walls and other parts.
2122. SOFTENING - The removal of hardness (calcium and
2104. SLEEVE: A casing fitted over a line or shaft for
magnesium) from water.
protection against wear or corrosion.
2123. SOLAR HEAT - Heat created by visible and invisible
2105. SLIME - A soft, sticky, mucus-like substance,
energy waves from the sun.
originating from a bacterial growth.
2124. SOLENOID - A powerful coil with steel plunger used for
2106. SLING PSYCHROMETER - Measuring device with
closing circuit-breakers. The coil usually operates by
wet and dry bulb thermometers. Moved rapidly
direct current, and is only energised during the
through air it measures humidity.
closing period.
2107. SLIP COUPLING - Control by means of a split
2125. SOLENOID VALVE - Electromagnet with a moving core.
coupling between the motor and the fan. The
It serves as a valve or operates a valve.
speed of the fan is varied by altering the slip
between the two coupling halves either 2126. SOLID ABSORBENT REFRIGERATION - Refrigeration
magnetically or hydraulically. system which uses solid substance as absorber of
the refrigerant during the cooling part of the cycle
2108. SLIP RING - Rings mounted on but insulated from
and releases refrigerant when heated during
a shaft, as in the rotor of an alternating current
generating part of cycle.
machine. The coils of the rotor are connected
to the rings and carbon brushes rubbing 2127. SOLID COUPLING: A device that joins two shafts
against the latter carry the current. rigidly.
2109. SLUDGE - A deposit on a heat-transfer surface 2128. SOLID STATE HALOGEN LEAK DETECTOR - An
that does not have the hard, crystalline electronic leak detector for all halogen. related
structure of a scale but is softer and less refrigerants.
dense.
2129. SOLUBLE IRON - Usually present in cooling water
2110. SLUG - A unit of measure for mass in the English systems and can arise from metallurgical corrosion.
system, which equals 14.6 kg in the SI
system.

Page 64 of 77

2130. SOLU-BRIDGE - An electronic instrument used to
measure conductivity of a water sample to
determine the dissolved solids content.
2131. SORBENT - See absorbent.
2132. SOOT - Unburned particles of carbon derived from
hydrocarbons.
2133. SOOT BLOWER - A mechanical device for
discharging steam or air to clean heat
absorbing surfaces.
2134. SOUR GAS - A gaseous environment containing
hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide in
hydrocarbon reservoirs.
2135. SOUR WATER - Waste water containing
malodorous materials, usually sulfur
compounds.
2136. SPALLING - The breaking off of the surface of
refractory material as a result of internal
stresses.
2137. SPARGER - An extension into the bottom of a
tank of a pipe which has a distribution nozzle
on the end for mixing one fluid with another.
2138. SPECIFIC CONDUCTANCE - Measures the ability
of a water to conduct electricity. Conductivity
increases with total dissolved solids and is
therefore used to estimate dissolved solids
present in the water.
2139. SPECIFIC DENSITY - Weight per unit volume of a
substance.
2140. SPECIFIC GRAVITY - The density of a substance
compared to the density of a standard
material such as water.
2141. SPECIFIC HEAT - Ratio of quantity of heat
required to raise temperature of a body 1
degree to that required to raise temperature of
equal mass of water 1 degree.
2142. SPECIFIC HEAT (Cp) - The ratio of the mount of
heat required to raise a mass of material 1
degree in temperature to the amount required
to raise n eual mass of reference substance,
usually water, 1 degree in temperature.
2143. SPECIFIC HUMIDITY - Ratio of weight of vapor to
the weight of gas in a unit volume of an air-
water vapor mixture.
2144. SPECIFIC VOLUME - Volume per unit mass of a
substance.
2145. SPECIFIED PERFORMANCE - Power station
plant is usually guaranteed by the contractor
to produce a certain standard of performance.
This is known as the specified performance.
2146. SPEED DROOP: A progressive drop in speed as
load is picked up by the prime mover from no
load to full load without manually changing the
speed setting.
2147. SPEED-LIMITING GOVERNOR: A device for
limiting the speed of a prime mover.
Engineering Dictionary
2148. SPEED-REGULATING GOVERNOR: A device that
maintains a constant speed on an engine that is
operating under varying load conditions.
2149. SPLASH SYSTEM, OILING - Method of lubricating
moving parts by agitating or splashing oil in the
crankcase.
2150. SPLIT PLANT: A method of operating propulsion plants
so that they are divided into two or more separate
and complete units.
2151. SPLIT-STREAM DEALKALIZER - Where the flow of
water is divided through a parallel arrangement of
hydrogen and sodium cation exchanger. The
combined product being soft and low in alkalinity.
2152. SPRAY ANGLE - The angle included between the sides
of the cone formed by liquid fuel discharged from
mechanical, rotary atomizers and by some forms of
steam or air atomizers.
2153. SPRAY CARRYOVER - Are referred to a mist or fog and
are a degree of atomization of the boiler water and
carried with the steam. This type of carryover is to
be prevented by the drum internals.
2154. SPRAY COOLING - Method of refrigerating by spraying
expendable refrigerant or by spraying refrigerated
water.
2155. SPRAY ELIMINATORS - Inclined battens or packing in
a cooling tower to prevent spray being carried to
atmosphere by the draught through the tower.
2156. SPRAY MANIFOLD - A pipe, or extension of a water
line, that has several openings fitted with nozzles
which spray water.
2157. SPRAY-COIL UNIT - A cooling circuit that sprays water
over cooling coils through inflowing air to humidify or
dehumidify that air, as required.
2158. SPRAY-COOLING CIRCUIT - An open cooling-water
circuit which sprays water and cools by evaporation,
for example, a cooling tower, all evaporative
condenser, an air washer, or a spray-coil unit.
2159. SPRAY NOZZLE - A nozzle from which a liquid fuel is
discharged in the form of a spray.
2160. SPREAD: The divergence of the air stream in a
horizontal or vertical plane after it leaves the outlet.
2161. SPREADER STROKER - A unit which discharges
crushed coal into the furnace by means of rotary
blades while a chain grate runs from the rear wail
towards the front.
2162. SPRING BEARINGS: Bearings positioned at varying
intervals along a propulsion shaft to help keep it in
alignment and to support its weight.
2163. STABILITY: The ability of a governor to correct a speed
disturbance with a minimum of corrective motions.
2164. STABILITY DIAGRAM - A chart to show the operator
the limits of stability defined for the satisfactory
operation of the generator.
Page 65 of 77

2165. STABILITY INDEX - An imperical modification of
the saturation index used to predict scaling or
corrosive tendencies in water systems.
2166. STACK - A vertical conduit, which due to the
difference in density between internal and
external gases, creates a draft at its base.
2167. STACK DRAFT - The magnitude of the draft
measured at the inlet to the stack.
2168. STACK EFFECT - That portion of a pressure
differential resulting from difference in
elevation of the points of measurement.
2169. STACK EFFLUENT - Gas and solid products
discharged from stacks.
2170. STAGE - The point in the turbine blade system
where a Steam pressure-drop takes place.
2171. STAGNATION - The condition of being free from
movement or lacking circulation.
2172. STANDARD AIR CONDITIONS - Standard air
density has been set at 0.075 Ib/cu ft. This
corresponds approximately to dry air at 70°F
and 29.92 in Hg. In metric units, the standard
3
air density is 1.2041 kg/m at 20°C and at
101.325 kPa.
2173. STANDARD CONDITIONS - The standard
conditions referred to in environmental system
work for air are: dry air at 70°F and at an
atmospheric pressure of 29.92 inches mercury
(in Hg). For water, standard conditions are
68°F at the same barometric pressure. At
these standard conditions, the density of air is
0.075 pounds per cubic feet and the density of
water is 62.4 pounds per cubic foot.
2174. STANDARD FLUE GAS - Gas weighing 0.078 lb
per cu ft at sea level (29.92" Barometric
Pressure) and 70 °F.
2175. STAR & DELTA - The names applied to the two
more usual methods of interconnecting
windings in a three-phase generator, motor or
transformer.
2176. STATE - Refers to the form of a fluid, either liquid,
gas or solid. Liquids used in environmental
systems are water, thermal fluids such as
ethylene glycol solutions, and refrigerants in
the liquid state. Gases are steam, evaporated
refrigerants and the air-water vapor mixture
found in the atmosphere. Some substances,
including commonly used refrigerants, may
exist in any of three states. A simple example
is water, which may be solid (ice), liquid
(water), or gas (steam or water vapor).
2177. STATIC HEAD - The pressure due to the weight of
a fluid above the point of measurement.
2178. STATIC PRESSURE - The measure of potential
energy of a fluid.
2179. STATIC SUCTION HEAD - The positive vertical
height in feet from the pump centerline to the
top of the level of the liquid source.
Engineering Dictionary
2180. STATIC SUCTION LIFT - The distance in feet between
the pump centerline and the source of liquid below
the pump centerline.
2181. STATOR - The stationary part of an alternator.
2182. STATOR CORE - An assembly of magnetic iron
laminations slotted to contain the stator windings.
2183. STATOR FRAME - The main structure which supports
the stator core and windings.
2184. STEAM - Water in vapor state.
2185. STEAM ATOMISER - A type of oil burner with a double
concentric tube which allows steam generally in
excess of the oil pressure to impinge on the oil
supply and break it into a number of jets of finely
divided oil and steam.
2186. STEAM BINDING - A restriction in circulation due to a
steam pocket or a rapid steam formation.
2187. STEAM CONDITION - The pressure and temperature of
the steam. Specified either at the boiler main stop
valve or the turbine stop valve.
2188. STEAM DRUM - A pressure chamber located at the
upper extremity of a boiler circulatory system, in
which the steam is generated in the boiler and
separated from the water.
2189. STEAM JET REFRIGERATION - Refrigerating system
which uses a steam venturi to create high vacuum
(low pressure) on a water container causing water
to evaporate at low temperature.
2190. STEAM PURITY - Refers to all matter but water in the
steam.
2191. STEAM SEPARATOR - A device for removing the
entrained water from steam.
2192. STEAM SOAKING - A method of softening the hard
deposits on the external surfaces of boiler tubes.
2193. STEAM TRACING (ELECTRIC TRACING) - A method
of heating pipelines carrying fuel oil by means of
steam pipes or electric heating placed in contact
with the oil pipe along its length under the lagging.
The heat is to make the oil flow easily.
2194. STEAM TRAP - A device fitted at the lowest point of a
heating pipework system, to provide automatic
drainage of water.
2195. STEAM TURBINE - A heat engine used to convert the
heat-energy in steam to mechanical energy
2196. STEAM PRESSURE CONTROL - Adjustments to give
correct steam pressure at all times, either manually
or by an automatic system.
2197. STEAM PURUTY METER - An instrument for detecting
impurities carried over in the steam.
2198. STEAM QUALITY - The percentage by weight of vapor
in a steam and water mixture.
2199. STEAM-ABSORPTION CONDENSER - That part of a
steam-absorption machine in which the water
refrigerant is condensed by cooling-tower water and
returned to the evaporator or chiller.
2200. STEAM-ABSORPTION MACHINE - A refrigeration or
air-conditioning machine which uses, as a
refrigerant, water evaporated by absorption in a
Page 66 of 77
 Engineering Dictionary

brine regenerated by steam and condensed 2217. SUBSONIC SPEEDS –

by cooling-tower water.
2201. STEP-TOOTHED LABYRINTH: Labyrinth type
2218. SUCTION HEAD - The positive pressure on the pump
packing having each alternate tooth ring
inlet when the source of liquid supply is above the
installed on the shaft and running in close
pump centerline.
proximity to the fixed packing ring.
2219. SUCTION LIFT - The combination of static suction lift
2202. STERN TUBE: (1) The bearing supporting the
and friction head in the suction piping when the
propeller shaft where it emerges from the
source of liquid is below the pump centerline (A
ship. (2) A watertight enclosure for the
pumping condition where the eye of the impeller of
propeller shaft.
the pump is above the surface of the water from
2203. STERN TUBE FLUSHING WATER: Water which the pump is pumping).
circulated through the stern tube from in-board
2220. SUCTION LINE - Tube or pipe used to carry refrigerant
to prevent accumulation of debris in the stern
gas from evaporator to compressor.
tube while the ship is at rest or backing down.
2221. SUCTION PRESSURE - Pressure in low-pressure side
2204. STICTION (STATIC FRICTION) - Resistance of
of a refrigerating system.
start of motion.
2222. SUCTION PRESSURE CONTROL VALVE - Device
2205. STOICHIOMETRIC - The ratio of chemical
located in the suction line which maintains constant
substances reacting in the water that
pressure in evaporator during running portion of
correspond to their combining weights in the
cycle.
theoretical chemical reaction.
2223. SUCTION PRESSURE CONTROL VALVE - Device
2206. STRAIGHT PRESSURE AUTOMISER - A type of
located in the suction line which maintains constant
oil burner. Oil is fed under pressure into
pressure in evaporator during running portion of
tangential ports and after spinning in a vortex
cycle.
chamber is emitted as a cone.
2224. SUCTION SERVICE VALVE - Two-way manually
2207. STRAIGHT STEAM CYCLE - One In which steam
operated valve located at the inlet to compressor. It
from the boiler passes straight through the
controls suction gas flow and is used to service unit.
turbine and thence to the condenser and
reheat Is not used. 2225. SUCTION SIDE - Low-pressure side of the system
extending from the refrigerant control through the
2208. STRAINER - A device, such as a filter, to retain
evaporator to the inlet valve of the compressor.
solid particles allowing a liquid to pass.
2209. STRATIFICATION - Non-homogeneity existing 2226. SULFATE - A compound, ion, or salt of sulfur and
transversely in a gas stream. oxygen, such as sodium sulfate (Na2S04).
2210. STRATIFIED AIR: Unmixed air in a duct that is in 2227. SULFITE DECOMPOSITION - Sodium sulfite, which is
thermal layers that have temperature used as an oxygen scavenger, may decomposes
variations of more than five degrees. with higher temperatures and concentration. The
decomposition results in forming sulfur dioxide and
2211. STRESS RAPTURE - A general type of damage
thus leading to an acidic anhydride causing
referring to carbon steel tubing, when heated
corrosion.
above 450°C. Material will plastically deform
(creep) and then rapture. 2228. SULFONIC - A specific acidic group (SO3H) on which
depends the exchange activity of certain cation
2212. STUFFING BOX - That portion of the pump which
adsorbents.
houses the packing or mechanical seal, The
2
stuffing box is usually referred to as the dry 2229. SULFUR DIOXIDE (SO ) - An old refrigerant.
portion of the pump, and is located in back of 2230. SUMP: A container, compartment, or reservoir used as a
the impeller and around the shaft.
drain or receptacle for engine oil.
2213. SUBCOOLING - The difference between the
2231. SUN EFFECT - Solar energy transmitted into space
temperature of a pure condensable fluid below
through windows and building materials.
saturation and the temperature at the liquid
saturated state, at the same pressure. 2232. SUPERCHARGE: To supply a charge of air at a
pressure higher than that of the surrounding
2214. SUBCOOLING - The process of cooling a liquid to
atmosphere.
a temperature below its saturation
temperature for any given saturation pressure. 2233. SUPERCHARGER: A device for increasing the volume
of the air charge of an internal-combustion engine.
2215. SUBLIMATION - A change of state directly from
solid to gas without appearance of liquid. 2234. SUPERCRITICAL STEAM PRESSURE - Pressures
above the critical pressure of 3,206 lb./sq. in.
2216. SUBLIMATION - Condition where a substance
absolute. This is the pressure at which the value of
changes from a solid to a gas without
latent heat Is at zero.
becoming a liquid.

Page 67 of 77

2235. SUPERHEAT - The heat added to a fluid above its
saturation point.
2236. SUPERHEATED STEAM - Steam heated above
its saturation temperature.
2237. SUPERHEATED VAPOR - A vapor which is not
about to condense.
2238. SUPERHEATER - Heat exchanger arranged to
take heat from liquid going to evaporator and
using it to superheat vapor leaving evaporator.
2239. SUPERHEATING - The process of adding heat to
a vapor in order to raise its temperature above
saturation temperature. It is impossible to
superheat a saturated vapor as long as it is in
contact with the liquid from which it is being
generated; hence the vapor must be led away
from the liquid before it can be superheated.
2240. SUPERSATURATED SOLUTION - A solution of a
salt or mineral with a concentration beyond
the normal saturation point.
2241. SUPERSONIC AIR FLOW –
2242. SURFACE BLOWDOWN - Removal of water,
foam, etc. from the surface at the water level
in a boiler.
2243. SURFACE CONDENSER - A condenser where
cooling water flows through tubes but does
not mix with the steam condensing on the
outer surfaces of the tubes.
2244. SURFACE HEATING - The exterior surface of a
heating unit. Extended heating surface (or
extended surface), consisting of fins, pins, or
ribs which receive heat by conduction from the
prime surface. Prime surface: heating surface
having the heating medium on one side and
air (or extended surface) on the other.
2245. SURFACE-SPRAY UNIT - A spray-coil unit.
2246. SURFACTANT - A compound that affects
interfacial tension between two liquids. It
usually reduces surface tension.
2247. SURFACTANTS - A wetting agent used to prevent
fouling, mainly in water cooling systems.
2248. SURGE - The sudden displacement or movement
of water in a closed vessel or drum.
2249. SURGE SURPRESSOR - A device that reduces
harmonic distortion in line voltage circuits by
clipping off transient voltages which are fed
through the power lines from operating
equipment.
2250. SURGE TANK - Container connected to the low-
pressure side of a refrigerating system which
increases gas volume and reduces rate of
pressure change.
2251. SUSPENDED SOLIDS - Un-dissolved solids in
boiler water.
Engineering Dictionary
2252. SWAMP COOLER - Evaporative type cooler in which air
is drawn through porous mats soaked with water.
2253. SWELLING - The expansion of an ion-exchange which
occurs when the reactive groups on the resin are
converted from one form to another.
2254. SWING CHECK VALVE - A valve that has a guide-
mounted disk swung from the top by a horizontal
pin. A liquid exerting pressure against the disk will
cause it to open, allowing a flow. Pressure exerted
in the opposite direction will close the valve,
ensuring only one direction of flow.
2255. SWINGING LOAD - A load that changes at relatively
short intervals.
2256. SWITCHBOARD: A panel or group of panels with
automatic protective devices, used to distribute the
electrical power throughout the ship.
2257. SYNCHRONIZE: (1) To make two or more events or
operations occur at the proper time with respect to
each other. (2) To adjust two engines to run at the
same speed.
2258. SYNCHRONOUS MOTOR - An alternating current motor
the speed of which is directly proportional to the
frequency of the supply.
2259. SYNERGISM - The combined action of several
chemicals which produce an effect greater than the
additive effects of each.
2260. SYNTHRON SEAL: A rubber strip seal installed on the
shaft to prevent seawater from leaking into the ship
along the shaft.
2261. SYSTEM - A series of ducts, conduits, elbows, branch
piping, etc. designed to guide the flow of air, gas or
vapor to and from one or more locations. A fan
provides the necessary energy to overcome the
resistance to flow of the system and causes air or
gas flow through the system. Some components of
a typical system are louvers, grilles, diffusers, filters,
heating and cooling coils, air pollution control
devices, burner assemblies, volume flow control
dampers, mixing boxes, sound attenuators, the
ductwork and related fittings.
2262. SYSTEM, CENTRAL FAN - A mechanical, indirect
system of heating, ventilating, or air conditioning, in
which the air is treated or handled by equipment
located outside the rooms served, usually at a
central location, and conveyed to and from the
rooms by means of a fan and a system of
distributing ducts.
2263. SYSTEM, CLOSED - A heating or refrigerating piping
system in which circulating water or brine is
completely enclosed, under pressure above
atmospheric, and shut off from the atmosphere
except for an expansion tank.
2264. SYSTEM, DUCT - A series of ducts, conduits, elbows,
branch piping, etc. designed to guide the flow of air,
gas or vapor to and from one or more locations. A
fan provides the necessary energy to overcome the
resistance to flow of the system and causes air or
gas to flow through the system. Some components
Page 68 of 77

of a typical system are louvers, grilles,
diffusers, filters, heating and cooling coils
energy recovery de vices, burner assemblies,
volume dampers, mixing boxes, sound
attenuators, the ductwork and related fittings.
2265. SYSTEM, FLOODED - A system in which only part
of the refrigerant passing over the heat
transfer surface is evaporated, and the portion
not evaporated is separated from the vapor
and recirculated.
2266. SYSTEM, UNITARY - A complete, factory-
assembled and factory-tested refrigerating
system comprising one or more assemblies
which may be shipped as one unit or
separately but which are designed to be used
together.
2267. SYSTEMS CURVE - A graphic presentation of the
pressure vs. volume flow rate characteristics
of a particular system.
T
2268. TACHOMETER: An instrument for indicating
revolutions per minute.
2269. TAlL PIPE - Outlet pipe from the evaporator.
2270. TAIL SHAFT: The aft section of the shaft that
receives the propeller.
2271. TAKE LEADS: A method of determining bearing
and other clearances. Mostly replaced by
other methods such as plastigage and bearing
shell thickness measurements.
2272. TANDEM COMPOUND TURBINE –
2273. TANGEBTIAL PULVERISED FUEL BURNER - In
this arrangement the burners, positioned in
the four corners of the furnace, are adjusted to
fire tangentially to an imaginary circle at the
centre of the combustion chamber.
Combustion Engineering (now part of ABB) &
their licencees use this method.
2274. TANNINS - A chemical used as an inhibitor in
relation with caustic embrittlement.
2275. TDC (TOP DEAD CENTER): The position of a
reciprocating piston at its uppermost point of
travel.
2276. TEFLON: A plastic with excellent self-lubricating
bearing properties.
2277. TELEGRAPH: An apparatus, either electrical or
mechanical, for transmitting orders, as from a
ship’s bridge to the engine room, steering
gear room, or elsewhere about the ship.
2278. TELEMOTOR: A device for operating the steering
engine from the pilothouse by means of either
fluid pressure or electricity.
2279. TEMPER: To harden steel by heating and sudden
cooling by immersion in oil, water, or other
coolant.
Engineering Dictionary
2280. TEMPERATURE - Degree of hotness or coldness as
measured by a thermometer.
2281. TEMPERATURE - Degree of hotness or coldness as
measured by a thermometer.
2282. TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Temperature-operated
thermostatic device which automatically opens or
closes a circuit.
2283. TEMPERATURE CRITICAL - The saturation
temperature corresponding to the critical state of the
substance at which the properties of the liquid and
vapor are identical.
2284. Temperature, Absolute Zero: The zero point on the
absolute temperature scale, 459.69 degrees below
the zero of the Fahrenheit scale, 273.16 degrees be
low the zero of the Celsius scale.
2285. TEMPERATURE, DEWPOINT - The temperature at
which the condensation of water vapor in a space
begins for a given state of humidity and pressure as
the temperature of the vapor is reduced. The
temperature corresponding to saturation (100
percent relative humidity) for a given absolute
humidity at constant pressure.
2286. TEMPERATURE, DRYBULB - The temperature of a gas
or mixture of gases indicated by an accurate
thermometer after correction for radiation.
2287. TEMPERATURE, EFFECTIVE - An arbitrary index
which combines into a single value the effect of
temperature, humidity, and air movement on the
sensation of warmth or cold felt by the human body.
The numerical value is that of the temperature of
still, saturated air which would induce an identical
sensation.
2288. TEMPERATURE, SATURATION - The temperature at
which no further moisture can be added to the air
water vapor mixture. Equals dew point temperature.
2289. TEMPERATURE, WET BULB - Thermodynamic wet
bulb temperature is the temperature at which liquid
or solid water, by evaporating into air, can bring the
air to saturation adiabatically at the same
temperature. Wet bulb temperature (without
qualification) is the temperature indicated by a wet
bulb psychrometer constructed and used according
to specifications.
2290. TEMPERATURE-HUMIDITY INDEX - Actual
temperature and humidity of air sample compared to
air at standard conditions.
2291. TENSILE STRENGTH - In tensile testing, the ratio of
maximum load to original cross-sectional area. Also
called ultimate strength.
2292. TENSILE STRESS - A stress that causes two parts of
an elastic body, on either side of a typical stress
plane, to pull apart.
2293. TENSION - The force or load that produces elongation.
2294. TERMINAL TEMPERATURE DIFFERENCE - The
temperature-difference between the exhaust steam
and the cooling-water at the top of the condenser or
point where the cooling water leaves.
Page 69 of 77

2295. TERMINAL VELOCITY - The maximum air stream
velocity at the end of the throw.
2296. THE FIRST LAW - (1 ) When work is expanded in
generating heat, the quantity of heat produced
is proportional to the work expended; and,
conversely, when heat is employed in the
performance of work, the quantity of heat
which disappears is proportional to the work
done (Joule); (2) If a system is caused to
change from an initial state to a final state by
adiabatic means only, the work done is the
same for all adiabatic paths connecting the
two states (Zemansky); (3) In any power cycle
or refrigeration cycle, the net heat absorbed
by the working substance is exactly equal to
the net work done.
2297. THE SECOND LAW: (1) It is impossible for a self
acting machine, unaided by any external
agency, to convey heat from a body of lower
temperature to one of higher temperature
(Clausius); (2) It is impossible to derive
mechanical work from heat taken from a body
unless there is available a body of lower
temperature into which the residue not so
2298. TERTIARY AIR - Air for combustion supplied to
the furnace to supplement the primary and
secondary air.
2299. THEORETICAL AIR - The quantity of air required
for perfect combustion.
2300. THEORETICAL DRAFT - The draft, which would
be available at the base of a stack if there
were no friction or acceleration losses in the
stack.
2301. THEORETICAL FLAME TEMPERATURE - See
"Adiabatic Flame Temperature."
2302. THERM - Quantity of heat equal to 100000 Btu.
2303. THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY - The rate at which
heat is transferred through an object.
2304. THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY - The rate of heat
flow, under steady conditions, through unit
area, per unit temperature gradient in the
direction perpendicular to the area. It is given
in the SI nits s watts per meter Kelvin (W/m •
K).
2305. THERMAL EFFICIENCY - Ratio of shaft work out
of a system to the heat energy into the
system.
2306. THERMAL EFFICIENCY OF A GAS TURBINE -
Is the energy output of the gas turbine divided
by the energy input of the gas turbine.
2307. THERMAL ELECTROMOTIVE FORCE - The
electromotive force generated in a circuit
containing two dissimilar metals when one
junction is at temperature different from that of
the other. (see also thermocouple).
2308. THERMAL ENERGY: Energy contained in or
derived from, heat.
Engineering Dictionary
2309. THERMAL EQUILIBRIUM - When two bodies originally
at different temperatures, have attained the same
temperature
2310. THERMAL EXPANSION - The change in length of a
material with change in temperature.
2311. THERMAL EXPANSION VALVE: The metering device
or flow control which regulates the amount of liquid
refrigerant which is allowed to enter the evaporator.
2312. THERMAL SHOCK - The development of a steep
temperature gradient and accompanying high stress
within a material or structure.
2313. THERMAL STRESS – Stresses which are set up in
heated metals.
2314. THERMAL TREATMENT - Refers to the treatment of
water with heat to drive off the dissolved gases and
soften certain minerals for easy removal.
2315. THERMISTOR - A two-terminal semiconductor device
whose resistance is temperature sensitive.
2316. THERMOBANK - A bank for storing heat.
2317. THERMOCOMPRESSOR - A compressor using high-
pressure high-temperature steam to compress low-
pressure vapour.
2318. THERMOCOUPLE - Device for measuring temperature
utilizing the fact that an electromotive force is
generated whenever two junctions of two dissimilar
metals in an electric circuit are at different
temperature levels.
2319. THERMOCOUPLE - Device which generates electricity,
using the principle that if two unlike metals are
welded together and junction is heated, voltage will
develop across the open ends.
2320. THERMOCOUPLE - Device which generates electricity,
using the principle that if two unlike metals are
welded together and junction is heated, voltage will
develop across the open ends.
2321. THERMOCOUPLE PYROMETER - An instrument in
which two wires of dissimilar metals are toined at
one end. When the junction is heated a thermo-
electric force is generated proportional to the
temperature and indicates it on an electrical meter.
2322. THERMOCOUPLE THERMOMETER - Electrical
instrument using thermocouple as source of
electrical flow, connected to millimeter calibrated in
temperature degrees.
2323. THERMODISK DEFROST CONTROL - Electrical switch
with bimetal disk controlled by temperature
changes.
2324. THERMODYNAMIC CYCLE –
2325. THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES - Basic qualities
used in defining the condition of a substance, such
as temperature, pressure, volume, enthalpy,
entropy.
Page 70 of 77

2326. THERMODYNAMICS - Part of science which
deals with the relationships between heat and
mechanical action.
2327. THERMOELECTRIC REFRIGERATION - Where
refrigeration is produced by the passage of
electric current through two dissimilar
materials.
2328. THERMOELECTRICITY - In physics, electricity
generated by the application of heat to the
junction of two dissimilar materials. If two
wires of different materials are joined at their
ends and one end is maintained at a higher
temperature than the other, a voltage
difference will arise, and an electric current
will exist between the hot and the cold
junctions.
2329. THERMOMETER - Device for measuring
temperatures.
2330. THERMOMODULE - Number of thermocouples
used in parallel to achieve low temperatures.
2331. THERMOPILE - Number of thermocouples used in
series to create a higher voltage.
2332. THERMO –SIPHON - A means of securing
circulation; often used in cooling bearings.
2333. THERMOSTAT - Device, which senses ambient
temperature, conditions and, in turn, acts to
control a circuit.
2334. THERMOSTATIC CONTROL - Device which
operates system or part of system based on
temperature change.
2335. THERMOSTATIC VALVE - Valve controlled by
temperature change response elements.
2336. THERMOSTATIC WATER VALVE - Valve used to
control flow of water through system, actuated
(made to work) by temperature difference.
Used in units such as water-cooled
compressor and/or condenser.
2337. THREAD: The spiral part of a screw.
2338. THREE-WAY VALVE - Multi-orifice (opening) flow
control valve with three fluid flow openings.
2339. THRESHOLD TREATMENT - Chemical treatment,
used to prevent scale formation, which acts to
hold hardness in solution at the threshold of
precipitation.
2340. THROAT: Opening in the cylinder block through
which the crankshaft end is extended.
2341. THROTTLE GOVERNING –
2342. THROTTLEMAN: Person in the engine room who
operates the throttles to control the main
engines.
2343. THROTTLE VALVE: A type of valve especially
designed to control rate of flow.
Engineering Dictionary
2344. THROTTLING - : Operating a valve partially open to
produce a pressure drop with flow (An irreversible
adiabatic steady flow process in which the fluid is
caused to flow through an obstruction in a pipe with
a resulting drop in pressure).
2345. THROTTLING RANGE - The amount of change in the
variable being controlled to make the controlled
device more through the full length of its stroke.
2346. THRUST ADJUSTING GEAR - Equipment for
controlling, within strictly defined limits, the axial
position of a turbine rotor.
2347. THRUST BEARINGS: Bearings that limit the axial
(longitudinal) movement of the shaft.
2348. THRUST COLLAR POSITION INDICATOR –
2349. TILLER: An arm attached to the rudder head for
operating the rudder.
2350. TIMER-THERMOSTAT - Thermostat control which
includes a clock mechanism. Unit automatically
controls room temperature and changes
temperature range depending on time of day.
2351. TIMING GEARS: Gears attached to the crankshaft,
camshaft, idler shaft, or injection pump to provide a
means to drive the camshaft and injection pump and
to regulate the speed and performance.
2352. TIP SEALED BLADS –
2353. TITRATION - A chemical process used in analyzing
feedwater.
2354. TOLERANCE: The amount that a manufactured part
may vary from its specified size.
2355. TON REFRIGERATION UNIT - Unit which removes
same amount of heat in 24 hours as melting of 1 ton
of ice.
2356. TONNS OF REFRIGERATION - The capacity of a
refrigeration system that can freeze 1 tonne (1000
kg) of liquid water at 0°C into ice at 0°C in 24 hour is
said to be 1 tone.
2357. TOOL STEEL - Any steel used o make tools for cutting,
forming, or otherwise shaping a material into a final
part.
2358. TOPPING TURBINE –
2359. TORQUE: A force or combination of forces that
produces or tends to produce a twisting or rotary
motion.
2360. TOTAL AIR - Total air for complete combustion is the
theoretical quantity necessary, plus the correct
amount of excess air.
2361. TOTAL DYNAMIC HEAD - Dynamic discharge head
(static discharge head, plus friction head, plus
velocity head) plus dynamic suction lift, or dynamic
discharge head minus dynamic suction head.
Page 71 of 77

2362. TOTAL HARDNESS - See Hardness.
2363. TOTAL HEAT - Sum of both the sensible and
latent heat.
2364. TOTAL HEAT (ENTHALPY) - Total heat is the
sum of the sensible heat and latent heat in an
exchange process. In many cases, the
addition or subtraction of latent and sensible
heat at terminal coils appears simultaneously.
Total heat also is called enthalpy, both of
which can be defined as the quantity of heat
energy contained in that substance.
2365. TOTAL SOLIDS - Are the sum of the dissolved
and suspended solids.
2366. TOTAL SOLIDS CONCENTRATION - The weight
of dissolved and suspended impurities in a
unit weight of boiler water, usually expressed
in ppm.
2367. TOUGHNESS: The property of a material that
enables it to withstand shock as well as to be
deformed without breaking.
2368. TOWER FILL - The interior structure of a cooling
tower over which the water flows.
2369. TRACE CONSTITUENTS - Materials present at a
concentration less than 0.01 mg/L.
2370. TRACE HEAT - The heating of oil in a pipe by
means of steam or electric heating elements.
2371. TRANCSMITTANCE, THERMA (U FACTOR) -
The time rate of heat flow per unit area under
steady conditions from the fluid on the warm
side of a barrier to the fluid on the cold side,
per unit temperature difference between the
two fluids.
2372. TRANSDUCER - The means by which the
controller converts the signal from the sensing
device into the means necessary to have the
appropriate effect on the controlled device.
For example, a change in air pressure in the
pneumatic transmission piping.
2373. TRANSFER VALVE: A manually operated
direction valve used to switch automatic
control systems from automatic to manual
operation and vice versa.
2374. TRANSFORMER - : A device composed of two or
more coils, linked by magnetic lines of force,
used to transfer energy from one circuit to
another. Also, an electrical device used to
step up or step down an a.c. voltage.
2375. TRANSIENT CONSTITUENTS - Are those
constituents which change in concentration or
activity by changes in the aquatic
environment. The change my be due to
oxidation potentials, biological activities, etc..
2376. TRANSISTOR - An active semiconductor device
capable of providing power amplification and
having three or more terminals.
Engineering Dictionary
2377. TRAP - A receptacle for the collection of undesirable
material.
2378. TREATMENT - A process whereby impurities are
removed from water; also a substance added to
water to improve its physical or chemical properties.
2379. TRIBOLOGY - The science concerned with the design,
friction, lubrication and wear of contacting surfaces
that move relative to each other (as in bearings,
cams, or gears).
2380. TRICK WHEEL: A steering wheel in the steering engine
room or emergency steering station of a ship, used
in case of emergency.
2381. TRIM - Ancillary boiler components, like water level
controls, pressure controls, and temperature
controls.
2382. TRIP COIL - A smaller and less powerful coil with
plunger, used for ‘tripping’ the mechanism which
holds the circuit-breaker in the ‘closed’ position.
2383. TUBE BALL MILL - A low-speed mill in the form of a
drum rotating on a horizontal axis. Small steel balls
within the mill act as the coal-grinding medium.
2384. TUBE NEST - The general assembly of condenser of
feed heater tubes.
2385. TUBE PLATE - Fixing and supporting plates for
condenser tubes.
2386. TUBING: That type of fluid line the dimensions of which
are designated by actual measured outside
diameter (OD) and by actual measured wall
thickness.
2387. TUBE SHEET - The portion of a heat exchanger or
boiler in to which the tubes are rolled or secured.
2388. TUBERCLE - A protective crust of corrosion products
(rust) which builds up over a pit caused by the loss
of metal due to corrosion.
2389. TUBERCULATION - A corrosion process that produces
hard knob-like mounds of corrosive products on
metal surfaces, increasing friction and reducing flow
in a water distribution system.
2390. TUBE-WITHIN-A-TUBE - Water-cooled condensing unit
in which a small tube is placed inside large unit.
Refrigerant passes through outer tube, water
through the inner tube.
2391. TURBIDITY - The measure of suspended matter in, a
water sample which contributes to the reflection of
light or cloudiness.
2392. TURBIDITY UNIT - The unit of measure of suspended
matter in water. It is the measure of light compared
against light reflected by a reference standard as
defined by the standard methods of water analysis
in, APHA.
2393. TURBINE: (1) A rotary motor actuated by the reaction,
impulse, or both, of a flow of pressurized fluid. A
turbine usually consists of a series of curved vanes
on a centrally rotating shaft. (2) A multi bladed rotor,
driven by steam, hot gas, or water.
2394. TURBINE CYLINDER - The casing assembly of a
turbine which houses the fixed blades and the rotor.
Page 72 of 77

2395. TURBINE HEAT RATE - The amount of heat
consumed by a turbo-generator usually in
kilojoules per kilowatt hour.
2396. TURBINE METER - A device used to measure
water consumption in industrial plants.
2397. TURBINE ROTOR – The rotating part within the
cylinder, to which the moving blades are
attached. These rotors are of the drum, disc,
solid-forged or welded type, according to the
design of the machine.
2398. TURBINE SUPERVISORY - Electronic apparatus
giving rapid indications and recordings of
expansions and contractions of the rotor and
casing and rotor shaft eccentricity. Sometimes
called Turbovisory equipment.
2399. TURBINE THERMODYNAMIC EFFICIENCY - The
ratio between the heat-energy in the steam
entering the turbine and the heat converted by
the turbine into mechanical energy.
2400. TURBULATOR - Spiral wound or spiral shaped
piece located in the liquid tube of a heat
exchanger.
2401. TURBULENCE: Air in the combustion space in
motion.
2402. TURBULENT BURNER - A burner in which fuel
and air are mixed and discharged into the
furnace in such a manner as to produce
turbulent flow from the burner.
2403. TURNDOWN RATIO - The ratio between full
output and minimum output of an oil burner
(Ratio of maximum to minimum fuel or steam
input or boiler output).
2404. TURNER GAUGE - A device used to measure the
actual scale-thickness in boiler tubes.
2405. TWO-TEMPERATURE VALVE - Pressure-opened
valve used in suction line on multiple
refrigerator installations, which maintains
evaporators in a system at different
temperatures.
2406. TWO-WAY VALVE - Valve with one inlet port and
one outlet port.
U
2407. ULTIMATE STRENGTH - The maximum stress
(tensile, compressive or shear) a material can
sustain without fracture. It is determined by
dividing maximum load by the original cross-
sectional area of the specimen.
2408. ULTRA FILTRATION - A process that forces
water through a filtering membrane by means
of pressure gradients in order to obtain ultra
pure water.
2409. UNBURNABLE OIL: That quantity of oil below the
stripping suction in storage tanks and below
the service suction in service tanks.
Engineering Dictionary
2410. UNDERDEPOSIT ATTACK - Corrosion under or around
a localized deposit on a metal surface (a form of
crevice corrosion).
2411. UNITARY SYSTEM - A room unit which performs part or
all of the air conditioning functions. It may or may
not be used with a central fan system.
2412. UNIT INJECTOR: A diesel engine injector that combines
a pump and a fuel-spray nozzle in a single unit.
2413. UNLOADER - A device in or on the compressor for
equalizing high-side and low-side pressures for a
brief time during starting and for controlling
compressor capacity by rendering one or more
cylinders ineffective.
2414. UNLOADING VALVE - A valve which automatically
opens when the pressure in the air receiver rises to
a pre-set value, and thus allows the air to escape
safely to atmosphere.
2415. UNSTABLE: That action of an automatic control system
and controller process that is characterized by a
continuous cycling of one or more system variables
for a degree greater than a specified maximum.
2416. UPFLOW - The operation of an ion-exchange unit in
which solutions are passed in at the bottom and out
at the top of the container.
2417. UPFLOW FILTER - A unit containing a single filter
medium, usually with graded sand.
2418. UPFLOW FURNACE - A furnace in which the heated air
flows upward as it leaves the furnace.
2419. UPSTREAM - The inlet side of an instrument, a pump,
valve, etc..
2420. UTILITY TRANSFORMER - Primary and secondary
coils of wire which reduce (step down) the utility
supply volt age for use within a facility.
2421. U-TUBE MANOMETER - A U-shaped section of plastic
or glass tubing that is partially filled with water or
mercury. They are used to measure the lower
pressure ranges of gases.
V
2422. VACUUM - Pressure lower than atmospheric pressure.
2423. VACUUM BREAKER - A device to prevent a suction in
a water pipe.
2424. VACUUM DELOADING - A turbine is protected against
falling vacuum by an oil-operated device to reduce
the load on the machine.
2425. VACUUM PUMP - Special high efficiency device used
for creating high vacuums for testing or drying
purposes.
2426. VALVE: A mechanism that can be opened or closed to
control or stop the flow of a liquid, gas, or vapor
from one place to another place.
2427. VALVE GUIDE: A hollow-sized shaft pressed into the
cylinder head to keep the valve in proper alignment.
Page 73 of 77

2428. VALVE KEEPER (VALVE RETAINER): A device
designed to lock the valve-spring retainer to
the valve stem.
2429. VALVE LASH: Clearance between the top of the
valve stem and the valve-lifting mechanism.
2430. VALVE LIFT: The distance a valve moves from
the fully closed to the fully open position.
2431. VALVE, MODULATING - A valve which can be
positioned anywhere between fully on and
fully off to proportion the rate of flow in
response to a modulating controller (see
modulating control).
2432. VALVE, NEEDLE - A form of globe valve that
contains a sharp pointed, needle like plug that
is driven into the and out of a cone shaped
seat to accurately control a relatively small
rate of flow of a fluid.
2433. VALVE OVERLAP: The period of crankshaft
rotation during which both the intake and
exhaust valves are open. It is measured in
degrees.
2434. VALVE, POP - A spring loaded safety valve that
opens automatically when pressure exceeds
the limits for which the valve is set. It is used a
safety device on pressurized vessels and
other equipment to prevent damage from
excessive pressure, also called relief valve or
a safety valve.
2435. VALVE, POPPET - A device that controls the rate
of flow of fluid in a line or opens or shuts of
the flow of fluid completely. When open, the
sealing surface of the valve is moved away
from a seat. When closed, the sealing surface
contacts the seat to shut of the flow. Poppet
valves are used extensively as pneumatic
controls and as intake and exhaust valves in
most internal combustion engines.
2436. VALVE, PRESSURE RELIEF - A valve designed
to minimize the possibility of explosion when
air temperature surrounding a refrigeration
system may rise to a point where the pressure
of the refrigerant gas to increase to a danger
point.
2437. VALVE, RELIEF - Also called pressure relief
valve.
2438. VALVE ROTATOR: A mechanical device locked to
the end of the valve stem that forces the valve
to rotate about 5° with each rocker-arm action.
2439. VALVE SEAT: The surface, normally curved,
against which the valve disk’s operating face
comes to rest to provide a seal against
leakage of liquid, gas, or vapor.
2440. VALVE SEAT INSERT: Metal ring inserted into a
valve seat, made of a special metal that can
withstand operating temperature satisfactorily.
Engineering Dictionary
2441. VALVE SPRING: The compression-type spring that
closes the valve when the valve-operating cam
assumes a closed-valve position.
2442. VALVE, TWO-POSITION - A valve which is either fully
on or fully off with no positions between. Also called
an "on-off valve".
2443. VANE - That portion of an impeller which throws the
water toward the volute case.
2444. VANE CONTROL - The control of fan output by
producing by means of inlet vanes a pre-rotation of
the air or gas entering the fan.
2445. VAPOR - The gaseous state of a substance that is
usually a liquid or solid at atmospheric temperature
and pressure (A gas, particularly one near to
equilibrium with the liquid phase of the substance
and which does not follow the gas laws. Usually
used instead of gas for a refrigerant, and, in
general, for any gas below the critical temperature).
2446. VAPOR BARRIER - A moisture-impervious layer applied
to the surfaces enclosing a humid space to prevent
moisture travel to a point where it may condense
due to lower temperature.
2447. VAPOR LOCK - A condition where liquid flow is
impeded by vapor trapped in a liquid line.
2448. VAPOR PHASE INHIBITORS - A system using an
organic nitrite compound, a powder which vaporizes
slowly to protect ferrous metal from contact with
oxygen.
2449. VAPOR PRESSURE - Vapor pressure denotes the
lowest absolute pressure that a given liquid at a
given temperature will remain liquid before
evaporating into its gaseous form or state.
2450. VAPOR, SATURATED - Vapor in equilibrium with its
liquid; i.e., when the numbers per unit time of
molecules passing in two directions through the
surface dividing the two phases are equal.
2451. VAPOR, SUPERHEATED - Vapor at a temperature
which is higher than the saturation temperature (i.e.,
boiling point) at the existing pressure.
2452. VAPOR, WATER - Water used commonly in air
conditioning parlance to refer to steam in the
atmosphere.
2453. VAPOROUS CARRYOVER - Referring to impurities
carried over with the steam and then forming a
deposit on turbine bladings. This type of carryover is
difficult to prevent.
2454. VARIABLE DISPLACEMENT: The type of pump or
motor in which the volume of fluid delivered per
cycle can be varied.
2455. VELOCITY - A vector quantity which denotes, at once,
the time rate and the direction of a linear motion.
2456. VELOCITY COMPOUNDING –
2457. VELOCITY HEAD - The pressure needed to accelerate
the fluid being pumped (The vertical distance a
Page 74 of 77

liquid must fall to acquire the velocity with
which it flows through the piping system. For a
given quantity of flow, the velocity head will
vary indirectly as the pipe diameter varies).
2458. VELOCITY PRESSURE - The measure of the
kinetic energy of a fluid.
2459. VELOCITY, TERMINAL - The highest sustained
air stream velocity existing in the mixed air
path at the end of the throw.
2460. VENA CONTRACTA - The place along the axis of
flow, just below the orifice, when the jet
stream contracts to its minimum.
2461. VENT - An opening in a vessel or other enclosed
space for the removal of gas or vapor.
2462. VENTILATION - The process of supplying or
removing air by natural or mechanical means,
to or from a space; such air may or may not
have been conditioned.
2463. VENTURI TUBE METER - A flow meter used to
determine the rate of flow and employing a
venturi tube as the primary element for
creating differential pressure in flowing gases
or liquids.
2464. VERNIER FINES - The fins in a vernier-type
labyrinth steam gland.
2465. VERTICAL PULVERISED FUEL BURNER - Used
for low-volatile coals which burn with a long
flame where turbulence is not required.
2466. VISCOSITY - The internal resistance of a fluid that
tends to prevent it from flowing.
2467. VISCOSITY INDEX - A commonly used measure
of the change in viscosity of a fluid with
temperature. The higher the viscosity index,
the smaller the relative change in viscosity
with temperature.
2468. VITAL CIRCUITS: Electrical circuits that provide
power or lighting to equipment and spaces
necessary for propulsion, ship control, and
communications.
2469. VITAL HEAT - The heat generated by fruits and
vegetables in storage; caused by ripening.
2470. VOID: An empty tank.
2471. VOLATILE MATTER - Hydrocarbons in coal are
given the collective name ef volatile matter.
2472. VOLATILE SOLIDS - Those solids in water or
other liquids that are lost on ignition of dry
solids at 550°F.
2473. VOLATILE TREATMENT - Based on the use of
hydrazine and neutralizing amines or
ammonia. Leaves no solids in the boiler.
2474. VOLATILITY - Volatility, surface tension and
capillary action of a fluid are incidental to
environmental systems. Volatility is the
rapidity with which liquids evaporates
Engineering Dictionary
extremely rapidly and therefore is highly volatile.
2475. VOLT - The unit of potential difference or electromotive
force in the meter-kilogram-second system, equal to
the potential difference between two points for
which 1 coulomb of electricity will do 1 joule of work
in going from one point to another.
2476. VOLTAGE (E) - The electromotive force in an electrical
circuit. The difference in potential between two
unlike charges in an electrical circuit is its voltage
measured in "volts" (V).
2477. VOLTAGE DROP - The voltage drop around a circuit
including wiring and loads must equal the supply
volt age.
2478. VOLTAIC CELL - A storage device that converts
chemical to electrical energy.
2479. VOLTAGE REGULATOR - A device which varies the
rotor excitation as required in order to keep the
terminal voltage of a generator constant.
2480. VOLUME, SPECIFIC - The volume of a substance per
unit mass; the reciprocal of density.
2481. VOLTAGE TRANSFORMER - A device used on
switchgear to reduce the high system voltages down
to 110 volts for safe use for instruments, relays,
lamps and meters, and for synchronising.
2482. VOLUTE: A gradually widening spiral. A section or
component of a centrifugal pump where velocity
head becomes pressure head (The spiral-shaped
casing surrounding a pump impeller that collects the
liquid discharged by the impeller).
W
2483. WAGON TIPPLER - A cradle in which a wagon of coal is
secured and then rotated sufficiently to empty the
coal into a conveyor.
2484. WALK-IN-COOLER - A large commercial refrigerated
space often found in supermarkets or places for
whole sale distribution.
2485. WASTE WATER - The used water and solids from
industrial processes that flow to a treatment plant.
2486. WATER - A tasteless, odorless, colorless liquid in its
pure state.
2487. WATER ABSORPTION - The amount of weight gain (%)
experienced in a polymer after immersion in water
for a specific length of time under controlled
environment.
2488. WATER BOX - Fittings at the condenser ends, for entry
and exit of cooling water.
2489. WATER DRUM: A tank at the bottom of a boiler,
sometimes called MUD DRUM, that equalizes
distribution of water to the generating tubes and
collects loose scale and other solids in boiler water.
2490. WATER HAMMER - Banging of pipes caused by the
shock of closing valves (faucets).
2491. WATER HARDNESS - Among the substances found in
raw water are salts of calcium and magnesium.
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Water containing large amounts of these salts
is termed 'hard'.
2492. WATER JACKET: Internal passages and cavities
cast into the cylinder block of engines and air
compressors through which water is circulated
around and adjacent to friction (heat) areas.
2493. WATER LUBRICANT - Water used as a lubricant;
for example, in a mechanical seal on a
centrifugal water pump.
2494. WATER TUBE BOILER: Boiler in which the water
flows through the tubes where it is heated by
the gases of combustion.
2495. WATER SEALED GLAND – The gland of valves
sealed by the pressurized water. Generally
used in the vacuum pulling device, in air
valve.
2496. WATER SOFTENER - A device or system used to
remove calcium and magnesium hardness
minerals from a water supply.
2497. WATER TUBE - A boiler tube through which the
fluid under pressure flows. The products of
combustion surround the tube.
2498. WATER VAPOR - In air conditioning, the water in
the atmosphere.
2499. WATER WALL - The walls of tubes surrounding
the combustion chamber, taking the place of
the flrebrick walls used in earlier types of
water-tube boilers.
2500. WATER WASHING - A method of off-load boiler
cleaning, carried out by using hoses and large
quantities of water at fairly high pressure.
2501. WATER, BRAKISH - (1) Water having less salt
than sea water, but undrinkable. (2) Water
having salinity values ranging from about 0.5
to 17 parts per thousand.
2502. WATER, POTABLE - Water that is safe to drink.
2503. WATER, SOUR - Waste waters containing fetid
materials, usually sulfur compounds.
2504. WATER-ICE REFRIGERATION SYSTEM - Heat
is absorbed as ice melts and thus producing a
cooling effect.
2505. WATERLEG - That space that is full of boiler
water between two parallel plates. It usually
forms one or more sides of internally fired
boilers.
2506. WATERWALL - A row of water tubes lining a
furnace or combustion chamber, exposed to
the radiant heat of the fire.
2507. WATT (W) - A measure of electric power equal to
a current flow of one ampere under one volt of
pressure; or one joule per second in SI units.
2508. WAVE TYRE VIBRATION - A type of vibration
where the rotating turbine disc or wheel takes
on a wave formation at its outer edge.
Engineering Dictionary
2509. WEDGE SLUICE VALVE - A type of valve in which the
tightness depends on the wedge action of a tapered
gate between the valve faces.
2510. WEEP - A term usually applied to a minute leak in a
boiler joint, which forms droplets (or tears) of water
very slowly.
2511. WEIGHT TO POWER RATIO - It is the weight of the
machine producing work. For example - the gas
turbine is capable of producing more horse power
per given mass of its machinery, then the same
amount of horse power produced by a machine
having many times that mass.
2512. WET BULB - Device used in measurement of relative
humidity. Evaporation of moisture lowers
temperature of wet bulb compared to dry bulb
temperature in same area.
2513. WET BULB TEMPERATURE (WB) - The temperature
registered by a thermometer whose bulb is covered
by a saturated wick and exposed to a current of
rapidly moving air. The wet bulb temperature also
represents the dew point temperature of the air,
where the moisture of the air condenses on a cold
surface.
2514. WET STANDBY - Boiler is filled completely with water or
maintained at normal operating level with a positive
nitrogen pressure of 35 to 70 kPa.
2515. WET-BULB DEPRESSION - The difference between the
dry-bulb temperature and the wet bulb temperature.
2516. WINCH: A hoisting or pulling machine fitted with a
horizontal single or double drum. A small drum is
generally fitted on one or both ends of the shaft
supporting the hoisting drum. These small drums
are called gypsies, or winch heads. The hoisting
drums either are fitted with a friction brake or are
directly keyed to the shaft. They are in the form of a
spool and carry the working wire rope. The driving
power is usually electricity, but hand power is also
used. A winch is used principally for handling,
hoisting, and lowering cargo from a dock or lighter
to the hold of a ship and vice versa.
2517. WINDAGE - The mechanical loss when circulating the
cooling medium (air or hydrogen) through the
generator.
2518. WINDAGE DRIFT - That water lost from an open re-
circulating-water system by means of wind blown
through the spray area that carries water out of the
system. This is not the same as loss by evaporation,
since such a loss can occur even without
evaporation.
2519. WINDBOX - A chamber below the grate or surrounding
a burner, through which air under pressure is
supplied for combustion of the fuel.
2520. WINDBOX PRESSURE - The static pressure in the
windbox of a burner or stoker.
2521. WINDLASS: An apparatus in which horizontal or vertical
drums or gypsies and wildcats are operated by
means of a steam engine or motor for the purpose
Page 76 of 77
 Engineering Dictionary

of handling heavy anchor chains, hawsers, Each section is selected so that one thermostat can
and so forth. be used to determine its requirements.
2522. WIPED BEARINGS: A bearing in which the babbit
has melted because of excess heat.
2523. WOBBLE PLATE-SWASH PLATE - Type of
compressor designed to compress gas, with
piston motion parallel to crankshaft.
2524. WORK: The transference of energy from one body
or system to another.
2525. WORKING FLUID - is the substance which does
the work in a heat engine. The air is one of the
working fluids used with gas turbines. Freons
are the working fluids used with some
refrigeration systems. Water is the working
fluid used with steam boilers.
2526. WORK REQUEST: Request issued to naval
shipyard, tender, or repair ship for repairs.
2527. WORM, WORM SHAFT: A threaded shaft
designed to engage the teeth of a wheel lying
in the plane of the shaft axis. This type of gear
is used for the transmission of heavy loads at
low speeds.
2528. WYE GATE: A fitting with two separately
controlled hose fittings, designed to connect to
an outlet.
Y
2529. YOKE: A frame or bar having its center portion
bored and keyed or otherwise constructed for
attachment to the rudder stock. Steering effort
from the steering gear is applied to each end
of the yoke for the purpose of turning the
rudder.
Z
2530. ZEOLITE - A natural mineral (hydrous silicates)
that has the capacity to absorb hardness,
calcium, and magnesium ions from water.
2531. ZEOLITE SOFTENING - Refers to the process,
where zeolite chemicals are capable to
exchange ions with the hardness causing
impurities of the water.
2532. ZERK FITTING: A small fitting to which a grease
gun can be applied to force lubricating grease
into bearings or moving parts of machinery.
2533. ZETA POTENTIAL - The difference in voltage
between the surface of the diffuse layer
surrounding a colloidal particle and the bulk
liquid beyond.
2534. ZERO SETTING: The output of a device when its
input is minimum.
2535. ZINC: (1) A primary metal useful in a number of
anticorrosion applications. (2) A metal block or
form placed in seawater systems to
counteract the effects of electrolysis.
2536. ZONING - The practice of dividing a building into
small sections for heating and cooling control.

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