Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Technical Handbook
ISO Valve Symbols
Globe Valves
Check Valves
Ball/Plug Valves
Butterfly Valves
Diaphragm Valves
Screw-down Valves
Needle Valves
Angle Valves
Three-way Valves
Reducing Valves
Relief Valves
49
Steam Tables
Specific
Specific
Enthalpy of
Absolute Temperature Temperature Specific Density Entropy of
Pressure (Degrees (Degrees Volume -p- Steam
(kN/m2) Celcius) Fahrenheit) (m3/kg) (kg/m3) -s-
Liquid Evaporation Steam
(kJ/kgK)
- hl - - he - - hs -
(kJ/kg) (kJ/kg) (kJ/kg)
0.8 3.8 38.8 160 0.00626 15.8 2493 2509 9.058
2.0 17.5 63.5 67.0 0.0149 73.5 2460 2534 8.725
5.0 32.9 91.2 28.2 0.0354 137.8 2424 2562 8.396
10.0 45.8 114.4 14.7 0.0682 191.8 2393 2585 8.151
20.0 60.1 140.2 7.65 0.131 251.5 2358 2610 7.909
28 67.5 153.5 5.58 0.179 282.7 2340 2623 7.793
35 72.7 162.9 4.53 0.221 304.3 2327 2632 7.717
45 78.7 173.7 3.58 0.279 329.6 2312 2642 7.631
55 83.7 182.7 2.96 0.338 350.6 2299 2650 7.562
65 88.0 190.4 2.53 0.395 368.6 2288 2657 7.506
75 91.8 197.2 2.22 0.450 384.5 2279 2663 7.457
85 95.2 203.4 1.97 0.507 398.6 2270 2668 7.415
95 98.2 208.8 1.78 0.563 411.5 2262 2673 7.377
100 99.6 211.3 1.69 0.590 417.5 2258 2675 7.360
101.33 100 212.0 1.67 0.598 419.1 2257 2676 7.355
110 102.3 216.1 1.55 0.646 428.8 2251 2680 7.328
130 107.1 224.8 1.33 0.755 449.2 2238 2687 7.271
150 111.4 232.5 1.16 0.863 467.1 2226 2698 7.223
170 115.2 239.4 1.03 0.970 483.2 2216 2699 7.181
190 118.6 245.5 0.929 1.08 497.8 2206 2704 7.144
220 123.3 253.9 0.810 1.23 517.6 2193 2711 7.095
260 128.7 263.7 0.693 1.44 540.9 2177 2718 7.039
280 131.2 268.2 0.646 1.55 551.4 2170 2722 7.014
320 135.8 276.4 0.570 1.75 570.9 2157 2728 6.969
360 139.9 283.8 0.510 1.96 588.5 2144 2733 6.930
400 143.1 289.6 0.462 2.16 604.7 2133 2738 6.894
440 147.1 296.8 0.423 2.36 619.6 2122 2742 6.862
480 150.3 302.5 0.389 2.57 633.5 2112 2746 6.833
500 151.8 305.2 0.375 2.67 640.1 2107 2748 6.819
550 155.5 311.9 0.342 2.92 655.8 2096 2752 6.787
600 158.8 317.8 0.315 3.175 670.4 2085 2756 6.758
650 162.0 323.6 0.292 3.425 684.1 2075 2759 6.730
700 165.0 329.0 0.273 3.66 697.1 2065 2762 6.705
750 167.8 334.0 0.255 3.915 709.3 2056 2765 6.682
800 170.4 338.7 0.240 4.16 720.9 2047 2768 6.660
850 172.9 343.2 0.229 4.41 732.0 2038 2770 6.639
900 175.4 347.7 0.215 4.65 742.6 2030 2772 6.619
950 177.7 351.9 0.204 4.90 752.8 2021 2774 6.601
1000 179.9 355.8 0.194 5.15 762.6 2014 2776 6.583
1050 182.0 359.6 0.186 5.39 772 2006 2778 6.566
1150 186.0 366.8 0.170 5.89 790 1991 2781 6.534
1250 189.8 373.6 0.157 6.38 807 1977 2784 6.505
1300 191.6 376.9 0.151 6.62 815 1971 2785 6.491
1500 198.3 388.9 0.132 7.59 845 1945 2790 6.441
1600 201.4 394.5 0.124 8.03 859 1933 2792 6.418
1800 207.1 404.8 0.110 9.07 885 1910 2795 6.375
2000 212.4 414.3 0.0995 10.01 909 1889 2797 6.337
2100 214.9 418.8 0.0945 10.54 920 1878 2798 6.319
2300 219.6 427.3 0.0868 11.52 942 1858 2800 6.285
2400 221.8 431.2 0.0832 12.02 952 1849 2800 6.269
2600 226.0 438.8 0.0769 13.01 972 1830 2801 6.239
2700 228.1 442.6 0.0740 13.52 981 1821 2802 6.224
2900 232.0 449.6 0.0689 14.52 1000 1803 2802 6.197
3000 233.8 452.8 0.0666 15.00 1008 1794 2802 6.184
3200 237.4 459.3 0.0624 16.02 1025 1779 2802 6.158
3400 240.9 465.6 0.0587 17.04 1042 1760 2802 6.134
3600 244.2 471.6 0.0554 18.06 1058 1744 2802 6.112
3800 247.3 477.1 0.0524 19.08 1073 1728 2801 6.090
4000 250.3 482.5 0.0497 21.00 1087 1713 2800 6.069
50
Materials of Construction
A wide range of materials is available to meet the many different service conditions in which valves may be
required to operate. It is useful to consider the question of material selection in relation to the function of
the component, so that the material for the envelope of the valve (body and bonnet or cover) may be
different from that of the trim (closer member, body seats, and stem). In this way, optimum economic life
and performance can be obtained.
The materials most frequently used for valve bodies and bonnets are bronze, cast iron, and steel and some
consideration of each of these is given in the following. Trim materials are considered separately.
It should be understood that these notes can be only of a generally indicative nature and in making a
specific selection it is necessary to pay regard to manufacturer’s specifications, national codes of practice,
and local standards appropriate to the duty involved.
Although bronze valves are used mostly for applications at relatively modest temperatures, some grades of
bronze are suitable for temperatures up to around 280 degrees C. At the other end of the temperature
scale the attribute of not becoming embrittled at very low temperatures, possessed by most copper alloys,
has led to bronzes being widely used for cryogenic services such as liquid oxygen and nitrogen where
temperatures below –180 degrees C prevail.
Cast Iron
Cast iron valves offer a considerable cost advantage and have a wide range of permissible service
applications in practically every field of industry. They are commonly used on water, steam, oil, and gas
services and find numerous applications in the handling of chemicals, dyestuffs, paints, textiles, and many
other industrial products where a degree of iron contamination is of little or no consequence. The operating
temperature range is usually from ambient up to around 220 degrees C.
Valves are also available in s.g. (spheroidal graphite) iron (also known as nodular or ductile iron), a form of
cast iron in which the graphite is present substantially in nodular or spheroidal form instead of in flakes as
in grey iron. This modification to the structure of the metal gives it mechanical properties superior to those
of ordinary grey iron without detriment to its other characteristics. Consequently, valves made of s.g. Iron
can be used for operating pressures higher than those associated with grey iron valves.
Steel
Cast carbon steel valves were developed originally to cope with operating requirements beyond the
capabilities of iron or bronze valves but the general serviceability and greater resistance to stresses,
caused by thermal expansion, shock loads, and pipeline strains, of carbon steel valves, have resulted in
their use being extended to services that are often within the scope of cast iron or bronze valves.
51
Materials of Construction
Bodies and bonnets of carbon steel or low alloy steels such as carbon-molybdenum and chromium-
molybdenum are suitable for a great variety of services, including saturated and superheated steam, cold
and hot oils, gases, and air. Operating temperatures up to around 540 degrees C are possible using carbon
steel and over 600 degrees C for valves in low alloy steels. The latter steels also have greater physical
strength than carbon steel at the higher temperatures.
Special carbon steels and low nickel alloy steels are used for subzero (down to minus 49 degrees C) not
extending fully into the cryogenic zone (below –150 degrees C) and valves made of these materials are
used on services such as brines, carbon dioxide, acetylene, propylene, and ethylene.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steels containing about 18 percent chromium and 8 percent nickel, 18-8 austenitic stainless
steels, are regularly used as body and bonnet materials for services at elevated and subzero temperatures
and for highly corrosive conditions. The addition of molybdenum to the basic type 18-8 steel and a slight
increase in nickel materially increases its corrosion resistant properties and valves made of 18-10-3 Mo
steel are used extensively in the chemical industry for handling acetic acid, nitric acid, alkalis, bleaching
solutions, food products, fruit juices, sulfurous acid, tanning liquors, and many other industrial chemicals.
For use at elevated temperatures a further modification is made by the addition of niobium and this steel,
known as 18-10-Nb, is suitable for temperatures up to 800 degrees C.
Austenitic stainless steels usually do not suffer embrittlement at extremely low temperatures, so valves in
materials such as 18-8 and 18-10-3 Mo are very suitable for operating on cryogenic services; instances are
the handling of liquefied gases such as natural gas, methane, oxygen, and nitrogen.
Even more highly alloyed materials are available, such as ‘Incoloy 825’ and ‘ Carpenter 20Cb3’, which may
be required for the more extreme conditions.
There is also a growing use of duplex stainless steel (having a ferritic or austenitic structure), which
contains 20 percent or more of chromium and 5 percent or so of nickel, with some molybdenum. These
alloys are stronger and harder than the standard austenitic stainless steels and have better resistance to
selective corrosion in the more severe conditions of sulfuric and phosphoric acids.
‘Monel’ Alloy
A high nickel-copper alloy with good general corrosion resistance. It is often used for valves handling
alkalis, salt solutions, food products and many air-free acids, in particular sulfuric and hydrofluoric. ‘Monel’
alloy is extremely resistant to steam, seawater and marine environments.
Nickel
Pure nickel offers even greater resistance to alkalis and salt solutions and is usually used where it is
desired to ensure a very high degree of purity in the product handled.
52
Materials of Construction
In oxidizing atmospheres ‘Hastelloy’ alloy ‘B’ can be used up to approximately 800 degrees C, and at even
higher temperatures in reducing atmospheres.
‘Hastelloy’ alloy ‘C’ is also highly resistant to wet chlorine and hypo chlorites, sulfates, oxidizing salt
solutions and many other corrosives. Resistance to halogen acids such as hydrofluoric acid is also
exceptional.
The mechanical properties and range of temperature operation of these materials is less than that of most
metals but with proper selection and design this is not a serious disadvantage for many applications.
Complete valves, usually of the ball, plug, or diaphragm type are moulded in plastics, the following being
he more common materials used:
These materials have excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals and many compounds are
approved for use of foodstuffs. Such valves are used in plastic pipe work systems where connection can
be made by solvent or fusion welding as well as with threaded or flanged joints.
The upper temperature limit of these materials varies from about 60 degrees C for PVC to 150 degrees C
for PVDF. Actual operating temperatures and pressures are closely related and will vary with the valve size
and pressure.
A variety of plastics are used for certain structural valve components, such as bonnets, hand wheels and
spindles. The following are the more common material used:
• Polypropylene (PE)
• Acrylinitrite butadiene styene (ABS)
• Nylon
• Polycarbonate
• Polyphenylene oxide
• Acetal
53
Materials of Construction
Many of these materials possess good tensile strength and toughness and their properties may be
enhanced by the addition of fillers, such as glass fibre. The use of plastics is generally restricted to
relatively small valve components <200mm and excludes applications involving extremes of temperature.
Plastics offer a less expensive form of material against the costly exotic metals. Plastic materials once
thought of as a cheaper alternative are now engineered in their own right as first choice materials.
Plastics are used for lining valve bodies and pipe where it is required to maintain the full working pressure
of the valve and utilize the corrosion resistance and temperature properties of the plastics. Linings are
usually moulded into the valve body and the body itself forms the outer part of a moulding tool.
Plastic linings are applied to several different valve types, including butterfly, diaphragm, ball and plug
valves.
Valve body plastics linings are usually limited to those materials having the best all-round chemical
resistance properties. The following materials are mainly used:
• Polypropylene (PP)
• Polyvinylident fluoride (PVDF)
• Fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP)
• Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE)
• Perfluoro alkoxy (PFA)
The fluoropolymers are resistant to a very wide range of chemicals and their upper temperature limit may
be as high as 200 degrees C.
Elastomers are also used to a large extent for valve body linings. These may be moulded in much the
same way as plastics but a common method of application, especially for large valves, is to take a sheet of
the elastomer and ‘tailor’ it to the inside of the valve body.
A wide range of elastomers is used in this way and is most suitable for many chemical services as well
having excellent resistance. Among the materials commonly used are:
• Natural rubbers
• Styrene rubbers
• Polyurethane rubbers
• Ethylent propylene rubbers
• Butyl rubbers
• Nitrite rubbers
• Neoprene rubbers
Plastics and elastomers are used as valve coatings for decorative purposes as well as corrosion
resistance. These are applied using spray or dip coating techniques. On external surfaces, epoxy and
nylon coatings give good appearance and corrosion resistance. These materials are also applied to internal
valve surfaces but for better corrosion resistance, the fluoropolymer coatings such as PVDF and thylene
chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE) are used. Many of the elastomers already described are applied to valve
components in a paint form using a suitable solvent.
Although the thickness of these coatings is limited, continuous layers are applied and a high degree of
corrosion protection is achieved.
It will be seen that there is a large number of plastics and elastomeric materials available for use in valve
construction by the methods described. Although some indication of their properties has been given, the
suitability of a given material for valve service depends upon a number of factors. Reference should always
be made to manufacturers’ literature and recommendations.
54
Materials of Construction
Trim Parts
The expression ‘trim’ refers specially to the disk or disk seats, body seats, stem and ball but in some
cases it may also include other items such as bushings, bolts and nuts, etc.
A brief survey of some of the materials used most frequently for trim parts is given in the following.
Bronze
Used extensively in bronze, iron and steel valves for general services up to around 280 degrees C
temperature. Applications include steam, water, oil, air and gas lines. It is also used, in the appropriate
grade, for disks and body seats (with stainless steel stems) for extremely low temperature services such as
liquid methane, oxygen and nitrogen.
Zinc-free bronze, usually an aluminium bronze, can also often be provided for specific applications, i.e.,
potable water.
Iron
Valves are available with all parts made of iron (‘all iron’) with the exception of the stem, which is usually of
steel. Both disk and body usually have integral seating faces. ‘All iron’ valves are often an economic
choice for handling concentrated sulfuric acid or mixture of the acid with hydrocarbons and are very
satisfactory for many other fluids in the chemical and related industries such as brines, ammonia, alcohols,
detergents and chlorinated solvents.
Nickel Alloy
A combination of ‘nickel alloy’ (in this context, an alloy of nickel, copper and tin) seat rings and a 13
percent chrome steel disk is especially suitable for nonlubricating and relatively noncorrosive gases and
liquids. Other service applications include superheated or saturated steam, natural gas, fuel oil, gasoline
and low viscosity oils.
Temperature limits are in the order of 450 degrees C for steam and 260 degrees C on other services.
A combination of nickel alloy seat rings and disk is also used for steam, water and other duties.
55
Materials of Construction
‘Monel’ Alloy
As a trim material this alloy is mostly used in iron or steel valves for handling seawater, salt solutions, or
steam.
Hardfacing
Hardfacing involves the deposition of a fused layer of hard material on to disk and body seatings so as to
provide high wear resistance and avoid galling, particularly where elevated temperatures or dry conditions
are to be encountered.
Facing materials are usually chosen from cobalt and nickel based alloys and the mating surfaces are
generally deposited in similar materials but with a hardness differential to reduce the risk of galling in
operation. This latter condition, however, does not always apply, being dependent on the properties of the
hardfacing alloy used.
Cobalt and nickel based hardfacing alloys are available from a number of valve manufacturers to very
similar specifications and choice will depend on an assessment of many factors. An important
consideration is often the relative ease with which a given produce can be deposited on a particular
component.
The most widely used plastics material is polytelrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is used for seats in ball and
butterfly valves and as a diaphragm facing in diaphragm valves. PTFE is also used for stem packing in
many types of valves.
As a seating and sealing material, PTFE is unique; it is resistant to practically all fluids, has very low
frictional properties and can be used at temperatures up to 250 degrees C. PTFE is often used in its pure
form but for many applications, to improve its compression set properties, it is filled with a proportion of
relatively inert filler, such as glass.
The chemical resistance of PTFE makes it ideal for use as a diaphragm where its toughness and flex crack
resistance are also useful properties. In most valves using a diaphragm, a thin PTFE facing is used in
conjunction with an elastomeric backing. The PTFE facing may be a separate, or bonded to the elastomer.
A large number of elastomers are used for trim applications in valves in the form ‘O’ rings, gaskets, valve
seats and seat inserts, diaphragms and butterfly valve sleeves.
‘O’ rings for stem sealing are used in large numbers, a very popular material being nitrite rubber. Fluoro-
carbon rubbers (‘Viton’*) – FPM, ethylene propylene rubbers EPDM and silicone rubbers are specified for
higher temperature applications.
56
Materials of Construction
The spectrum of elastomeric compounds used for valve seats, inserts, diaphragms and sleeves is
extremely wide. The base polymers can be compounded to give a wide range of physical and chemical
properties. The most common elastomers for these applications are:
The advantage of using plastics and elastomers for valve trim applications is their resistance to corrosion
and erosion and the ability to give a leak-tight seal. Their disadvantage is a limited temperature application,
depending upon the material used. Again, the suitability of a given material will depend upon a number of
actors. Reference should always be made to manufacturers’ literature and recommendations.
There may also be a requirement for such valves to include ‘fire safe’ features so that in the event of the
soft seats and/or seals being damaged or destroyed by fire the valve will still be operational and any
leakage will be within the acceptable limits laid down by some particular standard or specification, e.g. BS
6755 pt 11 or API 6FA.
Unaffected by the line fluid and without influence on the chemical process.
Mechanically reliable and easily fabricated.
Economical in cost.
When one considers the numerous environment conditions of line fluid, temperature and pressure, it is not
surprising that one material is not available which has universal acceptance.
An attempt is made in the following paragraphs to outline in some detail the more important
considerations.
Mechanical Properties
It is essential that materials should be mechanically reliable, i.e. tensile strengths and mechanical
resistance should be such that there is no danger of fracture.
Some materials which are mechanically strong at normal temperature become very brittle at sub-zero
temperatures and lose strength at high temperatures thus making them unsuitable for these extremes.
Plastic materials in general have a very limited temperature range due to these changes. Others with
excellent chemical resistance have very poor mechanical strength and resistance to thermal or mechanical
shock. Thus when employing this type of material it is necessary to take special precautions against
failure.
57
Materials of Construction
Fabrication processes such as weldability, machineability, or, for that matter, formability are also restrictive
to the use of certain materials for particular types of plant. For example, certain highly corrosive resistant
materials cannot be machined but must be formed by grinding operations.
Chemical Resistance
Chemical resistance information is usually based on both laboratory and field experience but there are also
cases where introduction of a material under a particular environment has proved both expensive and
inadequate. These unexpected failures are generally attributed to unforeseen causes such as impurities in
the line fluid, bimetallic corrosion, weld decay, etc.
Impurities may produce a much-accelerated corrosion due to catalytic or electrolytic chemical attack.
In contrast, there are a number of impurities, which have an inhibiting action; although these are less
frequently encountered. It is not possible to generalize on the effects of impurities but each should be
considered in its own particular environment.
Electrolytic Attack
This type of attach usually occurs when:
Under these conditions the less noble metal suffers accelerated corrosion, the severity and magnitude of
which is related to the difference in electropotential of the two metals under consideration. For example,
rapid corrosion occurs on iron pipework when water contains traces of copper salts. Similarly, aluminium
suffers rapid corrosion when in contact with steel in seawater conditions.
In contrast, this phenomenon of bimetallic corrosion is used to advantage to protect steel vessels in
marine environments. For example, magnesium or zinc anoides are connected to the hulls of ships to
protect the steel from seawater corrosion during the life of the ship. This is known as cathodic protection.
The whole subject of electrolytic corrosion is highly complex and many technical papers have been written
on specialised problems. It is not possible to generalize on the various effects of dissimilar metal in contact
but each should be considered by carefully before acceptance for plant construction.
Weld Decay
Certain materials when subjected to various fabricating processes, e.g., hardening, welding, etc. undergo
structural changes which have an adverse effect upon their corrosive resistance.
A well-known example is the welding of austenitic stainless steels. Without correct precautions this
process results in carbide precipitation at the grain boundaries adjacent to the welded zone. These zones
suffer accelerated corrosion attach and result in drastic failure of the component, in this particular case
without warning.
It is sometimes necessary, therefore, to pay great attention to the fabrication history of materials prior to
use in plant construction.
Erosion
Erosive attack of valves and plant can generally be anticipated or identified due to the presence of
abrasive solids. In these cases the use of wear resistant materials is to be recommended.
There are, however, may materials which owe their chemical resistance to the formation of an insoluble
‘skin’ which is itself a corrosion product, e.g., stainless steels. In these cases high fluid velocities can
cause continuous removal of this ‘skin’ by erosion, and rapid corrosion occurs. A further, although less
common form of erosion, is due to the formation of cavitation gas bubbles on the point of low pressure.
These collapse suddenly as they pass to the point of higher pressure and cause local water hammer
effects. This phenomenon is generally found in areas of high velocity and sharp change of direction.
For example, centrifugal pumps inlet necks, etc.
58
Materials of Construction
Economics
The total cost, maintenance and possible replacement of selected materials must always be considered.
In many cases, completely resistant materials may be excluded on account of the high initial price. In many
plants it is common practice to allow slight attack on less expensive materials and replace as necessary.
However, this philosophy must not be applied to all parts of plant equipment indiscriminantly. For example,
what may be an acceptable corrosion rate for a 5mm thick mild steel pipe may not be an acceptable rate
for a valve containing precision components. It is often more economical, therefore, to consider a higher
priced material for components such as valves and pumps.
Purity of Product
In the food and fine chemical industries purity of the product has a bigger influence on the choice of
materials than actual corrosion behaviour. Under many conditions the slightest trace of contamination or
colouration cannot be tolerated and the use of expensive materials is usual.
It is obvious from the above remarks that in no case are it possible to give a final recommendation of
materials of construction without knowing all the details of the service under consideration. The selection
of suitable materials should always be guided by the practice of similar industries and whenever possible
substantiated by tests under actual plant conditions.
59
Materials of Construction
60
Materials of Construction
Forgings
EN 14A
221 Grade 32 Carbon Manganese Steel 32-37 494-572
(normalised)
EN 14A
Grade 34 34-39 525-602
(normalised)
845 Grade B 18% Cr - 10% Ni - 2 1/2% Mo 35 min 540 316 S16 A182 - F316
Austenitic Stainless Steel
Grade Ti 35 min 540 320 S17
Castings
821 Grade Nb 18% Cr - 10% Ni Niobium Stabilised 30 464 1631 Gr B A351 - CF8C
61
Chemical Composition
62
Pressure Temperature Chart /API 598 Test Requirements
63
Pressure Temperature Chart
Pressure Class
Temperature
Class 150 Class 300 Class 600 Class 800* Class 1500 Class 2500
°F °C PSI bar PSI bar PSI bar PSI bar PSI bar PSI bar
-20 to 100 -29 to 38 285 20.0 740 52.0 1480 104.1 1975 138.8 3705 260.5 6170 433.8
200 93.3 260 18.3 675 47.5 1350 94.9 1800 126.5 3375 237.3 5625 395.5
300 148.9 230 16.2 655 46.1 1315 92.5 1750 123 3280 230.6 5470 384.6
400 204.4 200 14.1 635 44.6 1270 89.3 1690 118.8 3170 222.9 5280 371.2
500 260 170 12.0 600 42.2 1200 84.4 1595 112 2995 210.6 4990 350.8
600 315.6 140 9.8 550 38.7 1095 77 1460 102.6 2735 192.3 4560 320.6
650 343.3 125 8.8 535 37.6 1075 75.6 1430 100.5 2685 188.8 4475 314.6
700 371.1 110 7.7 535 37.6 1065 74.9 1420 99.8 2665 187.4 4440 312.2
750 398.9 95 6.7 505 35.5 1010 71 1345 94.6 2520 177.2 4200 295.3
800 426.7 80 5.6 410 28.8 825 58 1100 77.3 2060 144.8 3430 241.2
850 454.4 65 4.6 270 19.0 535 37.6 715 50.3 1340 94.2 2230 156.8
900 482.2 50 3.5 170 12.0 345 24.3 460 32.3 860 60.5 1430 100.5
950 510 35 2.5 105 7.4 205 14.4 275 19.3 515 36.2 860 60.5
1000 537.8 20 1.4 50 3.5 105 7.4 140 9.9 260 18.3 430 30.2
Pressure Class
Temperature
Class 150 Class 300 Class 600 Class 800* Class 1500 Class 2500
°F °C PSI bar PSI bar PSI bar PSI bar PSI bar PSI bar
-20 to 100 -29 to 38 290 20.4 750 52.7 1500 105.5 2000 140.5 3750 263.7 6250 439.4
200 93.3 260 18.3 715 52.7 1500 105.5 1910 134.2 3750 263.7 6250 439.4
300 148.9 230 16.2 730 51.3 1455 102.3 1805 126.8 3640 255.9 6070 426.8
400 204.4 200 14.1 705 49.6 1410 99.1 1730 121.6 3530 248.2 5880 413.4
500 260 170 12 665 46.8 1330 93.5 1705 119.8 3325 233.8 5540 389.5
600 315.6 140 9.8 605 42.5 1210 85.1 1615 113.5 3025 212.7 5040 354.4
650 343.3 125 8.8 590 41.5 1175 82.6 1570 110.3 2940 206.7 4905 344.9
700 371.1 110 7.7 570 40.1 1135 79.8 1515 106.5 2840 199.7 4730 332.6
750 398.9 95 6.7 530 37.3 1065 74.9 1420 99.8 2660 187.0 4430 311.5
800 426.7 80 5.6 510 35.9 1015 71.4 1355 95.2 2540 178.6 4230 297.4
850 454.4 65 4.6 485 34.1 975 68.6 1300 91.4 2435 171.2 4060 285.5
900 482.2 50 3.5 450 31.6 900 63.3 1200 84.3 2245 157.8 3745 263.3
950 510 35 2.5 375 26.4 755 53.1 1005 70.6 1885 132.5 3145 221.1
1000 537.8 20 1.4 260 18.3 520 36.6 715 50.2 1305 91.8 2170 152.6
1050 565.6 20 1.4 175 12.3 350 24.6 530 37.2 875 61.5 1455 102.3
1100 593.3 20 1.4 110 7.7 220 15.5 300 21.1 550 38.7 915 64.3
1150 621.1 20 1.4 70 4.9 135 9.5 275 19.3 345 24.3 570 40.1
1200 648.9 20 1.4 40 2.8 80 5.6 145 10.2 205 14.4 345 24.3
* Pressure/Temperature Class Values as per API 602
Note: A 182 F22 use normalised and tempered material only
64
Pressure Temperature Chart
* For butt weld end valves only. Flanged end ratings terminate at 800 °F (425 °C).
A351 CF8 Note: Minimum 32 °F (0 °C) for valves requiring PED approval.
* For butt weld end valves only. Flanged end ratings terminate at 1000 °F (538 °C).
Note: Minimum 32 °F (0 °C) for valves requiring PED approval.
65
Pressure Temperature Chart
A217 WC9
Temperature Class 900 Class 1500 Class 2500
°F °C PSI bar PSI bar PSI bar
-20 to 100 -29 to 38 2250 158.1 3750 263.7 6250 439.4
200 93.3 2250 158.1 3750 263.7 6250 439.4
300 148.9 2225 156.4 3750 260.5 6180 434.5
400 204.4 2175 152.8 3620 254.5 6035 424.3
500 260 2160 151.8 3600 253.1 6000 421.9
600 315.6 2160 158.1 3600 253.1 6000 421.9
650 343.3 2145 150.7 3580 251.7 5965 419.4
700 371.1 2135 150.0 3555 249.9 5930 416.9
750 398.9 2070 145.5 3450 242.6 5750 404.3
800 426.7 2020 142.0 3365 236.6 5605 394.1
850 454.4 1930 135.6 3215 226.0 5355 376.5
900 482.2 1800 126.5 3000 210.9 5000 351.6
950 510.0 1415 99.4 2355 165.9 3930 276.3
1000 537.8 975 68.5 1630 114.6 2715 190.9
1050 565.6 655 46.0 1095 77.0 1820 128.0
1100 593.3 410 28.8 685 48.2 1145 80.5
66
API Trim Definitions
67
Flange Tables
The information in this catalogue has been extracted from the following British, American and Australian
standards. BS 4504 Flanges and bolting for pipes, valves and fittings, metric series. ANSI B16.1 Cast Iron
pipe flanges and flanged fittings. ANSI B16.5 Steel pipe flanges and flanged fittings.ANSI B16.24 Bronze
flanges and flanged fittings. AS 2129 Flanges for pipes, valves & fittings.
Thickness of Flange
Bolt Diameter Height
15mm Diameter
Circle
Number Diameter Diameter
of raised of raised Cast &
(1/2’’) of flange of bolts of bolts of holes Grey Copper
Diameter face face Forged
Cast Iron Alloy
Steel
PN6 80 55 4 M10 11 40 2 12 - -
PN10 95 65 4 M12 14 45 2 14 - -
PN25 95 65 4 M12 14 45 2 16 8 16
PN40 95 65 4 M12 14 45 2 - 9 16
TABLE C 95 67 4 13 14 - - 13 13 10
TABLE D 95 67 4 13 14 - - 13 6 10
AS 2129 TABLE E 95 67 4 13 14 - - 13 6 10
TABLE F 95 67 4 13 14 - - 13 8 10
TABLE H 114 83 4 16 17 57 2 16 10 13
TABLE J 114 83 4 16 17 57 2 - 16 16
68
Flange Tables
Thickness of Flange
Bolt Diameter Height
20mm Diameter
Circle
Number Diameter Diameter
of raised of raised Cast &
(3/4’’) of flange of bolts of bolts of holes Grey Copper
Diameter face face Forged
Cast Iron Alloy
Steel
PN6 90 65 4 M10 11 50 2 14 - -
TABLE C 100 73 4 13 14 - - 13 13 10
TABLE D 100 73 4 13 14 - - 13 6 10
TABLE F 100 73 4 13 14 - - 13 8 10
TABLE H 115 83 4 16 18 57 2 16 10 13
TABLE J 115 83 4 16 18 57 2 - 16 16
Thickness of Flange
Bolt Diameter Height
25mm Diameter
Circle
Number Diameter Diameter
of raised of raised Cast &
(1’’) of flange of bolts of bolts of holes Grey Copper
Diameter face face Forged
Cast Iron Alloy
Steel
PN6 100 75 4 M10 11 60 2 14 - -
125/150 (114) (79) (13) (16) (51) (2) (11) (10) (14)
TABLE C 115 83 4 13 14 - - 13 13 10
TABLE D 115 83 4 13 14 - - 13 8 10
TABLE F 120 87 4 16 18 - - 13 10 10
TABLE H 120 87 4 16 18 64 2 19 11 14
TABLE J 120 87 4 16 18 64 2 - 19 19
9
6
lFange Tables
Thickness of Flange
Bolt Diameter Height
32mm Diameter
Circle
Number Diameter Diameter
of raised of raised Cast &
(1 1/4’’) of flange of bolts of bolts of holes Grey Copper
Diameter face face Forged
Cast Iron Alloy
Steel
PN6 120 90 4 M12 14 70 2 16 - -
CLASS 4 5/8” 3 1/2” 4 1/2” 5/8” 2 1/2” 1/16” 1/2” 13/32” 5/8”
125/150 (117) (89) (13) (16) (64) (2) (13) (10) (16)
TABLE C 120 87 4 13 14 - - 16 16 13
TABLE D 120 87 4 13 14 - - 16 8 13
TABLE F 135 98 4 16 18 - - 16 10 13
TABLE H 135 98 4 16 18 76 2 22 11 17
TABLE J 135 98 4 16 18 76 2 - 19 19
Thickness of Flange
Bolt Diameter Height
40mm Diameter
Circle
Number Diameter Diameter
of raised of raised Cast &
(1 1/2’’) of flange of bolts of bolts of holes Grey Copper
Diameter face face Forged
Cast Iron Alloy
Steel
PN6 130 100 4 M12 14 80 3 16 - -
125/150 (127) (98) (13) (16) (73) (2) (14) (11) (17)
TABLE C 135 98 4 13 14 - - 16 16 13
TABLE D 135 98 4 13 14 - - 16 10 13
0
7
Flange Tables
Thickness of Flange
Bolt Diameter Height
50mm Diameter
Circle
Number Diameter Diameter
of raised of raised Cast &
(2’’) of flange of bolts of bolts of holes Grey Copper
Diameter face face Forged
Cast Iron Alloy
Steel
PN6 140 110 4 M12 14 90 3 16 - -
125/150 (152) (121) (16) (19) (92) (2) (16) (13) (19)
Thickness of Flange
Bolt Diameter Height
65mm Diameter
Circle
Number Diameter Diameter
of raised of raised Cast &
(2 1/2’’) of flange of bolts of bolts of holes Grey Copper
Diameter face face Forged
Cast Iron Alloy
Steel
PN6 160 130 4 M12 14 110 3 16 - -
125/150 (178) (140) (16) (19) (105) (2) (17) (14) (22)
17
lFange Tables
Thickness of Flange
Bolt Diameter Height
80mm Diameter
Circle
Number Diameter Diameter
of raised of raised Cast &
(3’’) of flange of bolts of bolts of holes Grey Copper
Diameter face face Forged
Cast Iron Alloy
Steel
PN6 190 150 4 M16 18 128 3 18 - -
125/150 (191) (152) (16) (19) (127) (2) (19) (16) (24)
Thickness of Flange
Bolt Diameter Height
100mm Diameter
Circle
Number Diameter Diameter
of raised of raised Cast &
(4’’) of flange of bolts of bolts of holes Grey Copper
Diameter face face Forged
Cast Iron Alloy
Steel
PN6 210 170 4 M16 18 148 3 18 - -
125/150 (229) (191) (16) (19) (157) (2) (24) (17) (24)
2
7
Flange Tables
Thickness of Flange
Bolt Diameter Height
125mm Diameter
Circle
Number Diameter Diameter
of raised of raised Cast &
(5’’) of flange of bolts of bolts of holes Grey Copper
Diameter face face Forged
Cast Iron Alloy
Steel
PN6 240 200 8 M16 18 178 3 20 - -
CLASS 10” 8 1/2” 8 3/4” 7/8” 7 5/16” 1/16” 15/16” 3/4” 15/16”
125/150 (254) (216) (19) (22) (186) (2) (24) (19) (24)
Thickness of Flange
Bolt Diameter Height
150mm Diameter
Circle
Number Diameter Diameter
of raised of raised Cast &
(6’’) of flange of bolts of bolts of holes Grey Copper
Diameter face face Forged
Cast Iron Alloy
Steel
PN6 265 225 8 M16 18 202 3 20 - -
125/150 (279) (241) (19) (22) (216) (2) (25) (21) (25)
3
7
lFange Tables
Thickness of Flange
Bolt Diameter Height
200mm Diameter
Circle
Number Diameter Diameter
of raised of raised Cast &
(8’’) of flange of bolts of bolts of holes Grey Copper
Diameter face face Forged
Cast Iron Alloy
Steel
PN6 320 280 8 M16 18 258 3 22 - -
CLASS 13 1/2” 11 3/4 8 3/4” 7/8” 10 5/8” 1/16” 11/8” 15/16” 1 1/8
125/150 (343) (298) (19) (22) (270) (2) (29) (24) (29)
Thickness of Flange
Bolt Diameter Height
250mm Diameter
Circle
Number Diameter Diameter
of raised of raised Cast &
(10’’) of flange of bolts of bolts of holes Grey Copper
Diameter face face Forged
Cast Iron Alloy
Steel
PN6 375 335 12 M16 18 312 3 24 - -
125/150 (406) (362) (22) (25) (324) (2) (30) (25) (30)
4
7
Flange Tables
Thickness of Flange
Bolt Diameter Height
300mm Diameter
Circle
Number Diameter Diameter
of raised of raised Cast &
(12’’) of flange of bolts of bolts of holes Grey Copper
Diameter face face Forged
Cast Iron Alloy
Steel
PN6 440 395 12 M20 22 365 4 24 - -
125/150 (483) (432) (22) (25) (381) (2) (32) (27) (32)
Thickness of Flange
Bolt Diameter Height
350mm Diameter
Circle
Number Diameter Diameter
of raised of raised Cast &
(14’’) of flange of bolts of bolts of holes Grey Copper
Diameter face face Forged
Cast Iron Alloy
Steel
PN6 490 445 12 M20 22 415 4 26 - -
5
7
lFange Tables
Thickness of Flange
Bolt Diameter Height
400mm Diameter
Circle
Number Diameter Diameter
of raised of raised Cast &
(16’’) of flange of bolts of bolts of holes Grey Copper
Diameter face face Forged
Cast Iron Alloy
Steel
PN6 540 495 16 M20 22 465 4 28 - -
Thickness of Flange
Bolt Diameter Height
450mm Diameter
Circle
Number Diameter Diameter
of raised of raised Cast &
(18’’) of flange of bolts of bolts of holes Grey Copper
Diameter face face Forged
Cast Iron Alloy
Steel
PN6 595 550 16 M20 22 520 4 30 - -
PN25 - - - - - - - - - -
PN40 - - - - - - - - - -
6
7
Flange Tables
Thickness of Flange
Bolt Diameter Height
500mm Diameter
Circle
Number Diameter Diameter
of raised of raised Cast &
(20’’) of flange of bolts of bolts of holes Grey Copper
Diameter face face Forged
Cast Iron Alloy
Steel
PN6 645 600 20 M20 22 570 4 30 - -
PN25 - - - - - - - - - -
PN40 - - - - - - - - - -
Thickness of Flange
Bolt Diameter Height
600mm Diameter
Circle
Number Diameter Diameter
of raised of raised Cast &
(24’’) of flange of bolts of bolts of holes Grey Copper
Diameter face face Forged
Cast Iron Alloy
Steel
PN6 755 705 20 M24 26 670 5 30 - -
PN25 - - - - - - - - - -
PN40 - - - - - - - - - -
7
iDmensions of End Connections
SOCKET WELD
ANSI B16.11
NPS SOCKET BORE DIA. B SOCKET DEPTH
MIN. MAX. MIN.C
1/4 14.10 (0.555) 14.35 (0.565) 9.7 (0.38)
3/8 17.55 (0.690) 17.75 (0.700) 9.7 (0.38)
1/2 21.75 (0.855) 21.95 (0.865) 9.7 (0.38)
3/4 27.10 (1.065) 27.30 (1.075) 12.7 (0.50)
1 33.80 (1.330) 34.00 (1.340) 12.7 (0.50)
1 1/4 42.55 (1.675) 42.75 (1.685) 12.7 (0.50)
1 1/2 48.65 (1.915) 48.85 (1.925) 12.7 (0.50)
2 61.15 (2.406) 61.35 (2.416) 15.8 (0.62)
SCREWED
8
7
Conversion Tables
79
Glossary of Valve Terminology
A
AGA - 1 - Australian Gas Association
A society comprising gas companies set up to achieve common goals in Australia.
AGA - 2 - American Gas Association
A society comprising gas companies set up to achieve common goals in the USA.
AISI - American Iron & Steel Institute
An association of steel makers which sets standards for the chemical and physical properties of steel and iron in
various shapes and forms - pipe, tubing, sheet, strip, wire, in the USA.
ANSI - American National Standards Institute
The principal standards writing organisation in the US which sets standards for a variety of items, including the design,
fabrication and testing of pressure piping, systems and components and pipeline valves.
API - American Petroleum Institute
The principal US oil company trade association. It has some standards and specification writing functions, such as
well head components and pipeline valves.
AS
Australian Standards (see Standards Australia)
ASME - American Society of Mechanical Engineers
This professional society publishes many technical books, papers, codes and standards. Of principal interest is the
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, which is referenced for many aspects of valve making, although not for the
valves themselves.
ASTM - American Society for Testing & Materials
A professional society governing detailed physical and chemical analysis of all basic metals and alloys used in
construction. The valves of most manufacturers have components whose materials correspond to ASTM standards.
AWS - American Welding Society
A society which sets guidelines and standards for all welds. Operates in the USA.
Absolute Pressure
The pressure expressed in bar, pascal, or psi, and is measured above a perfect vacuum.
Accumulation
The pressure increase over the maximum allowable working (operating) pressure, expressed in pressure units, or as a
percentage of the maximum allowable working pressure. Applies generally to safety and safety relief valves.
Accumulator
A vessel in which a gas is trapped and compressed by the liquid in a hydraulic actuator system, thus storing energy to
supply liquid under pressure to the system when needed.
Accumulator Tank
Enclosed volume that contains a compressible fluid (gas) to provide standby energy in the event of loss of
system pressure.
ACME Thread
A flat topped screw thread for power transmission. This thread has a 29º included angle between adjacent thread
faces compared with the 60º angle of the standard 'V' thread giving a high mechanical advantage. Used on some
valve stems.
Actuator
The mechanical, hydraulic, electric, or pneumatic device or mechanism used to open, position, or close a valve.
Actuator Spring
A spring to move the actuator stem in a direction opposite to that created by diaphragm or piston pressure.
Actuator Stem
A rod-like extension of the diaphragm plate or piston to permit convenient external connection.
Actuator Stem Force
The net force from an actuator stem that is available for actual positioning of the valve member.
Actuator Travel Characteristic
Relation between percent rated travel and diaphragm or piston pressure. This may be stated as an inherent or
installed characteristic.
80
Glossary of Valve Terminology
Adaptor Spool
An extension which is added to a short face-to-face valve, to conform to standard API, BS or DIN
face-to-face dimensions.
Aerodynamic Noise
Noise produced by a gas accelerating to supersonic velocity at critical or higher pressure drops through the valve trim.
This noise can vary from a whistling to a heavy roar, and may induce vibrations in the valve which could cause failure.
Air Cylinder
A device fitted to a valve in order to permit opening and closing using compressed air. The cylinders may be either
double acting ie, air to both open and close, or single acting ie, with a spring return for emergency fail-safe operation.
To permit correct sizing of the cylinder, full operating requirements and conditions must be specified.
Air Manifold
An enclosure containing inlet and outlet ports that route the flow of air to the active piston or diaphragm areas.
Alloy 20
This highly alloyed stainless steel has been specifically developed for its resistance to sulphuric acid, which it will
handle at most concentrations up to approximately 80ºC.
All Welded Construction
Pertains to a valve construction in which the body is completely welded and cannot be disassembled or repaired in
the field.
Aluminium
Aluminium owes its good corrosion resistance to the presence of a thin oxide film and it thus has excellent resistance
in oxidising conditions, notably for nitric acid where it is an attractive alternative to stainless steel, particularly at high
concentrations. It is not satisfactory, however, for sulphuric or hydrochloric acids, particularly as the concentration
increases, although it can be used for handling Deum.
Aluminium is often used for handling organic acids. These materials often do not attack copper or iron very rapidly, but
these can cause discolouration whereas aluminium gives colourless corrosion products. The metal is also used in the
manufacture of antibiotics and for handling food and plastics materials which must not acquire metallic taste or colour.
Aluminium Bronzes
The two grades most commonly used in the chemical industry are alloys with 9 - 10% aluminium and additions of iron
and nickel.
Nickel aluminium bronze of nominal composition 9.5% aluminium, 5% iron, 5% nickel, remainder copper, is widely
used as a pump and valve components for corrosive duties. This alloy combines high strength and ductility with
excellent corrosion and erosion resistance and resistance to oxidation. Strength and hardness are retained to a marked
extent at temperatures up to 400ºC.
Bronzes of this type are employed for marine applications, in the paper making industry, and steel pickling plant
involving the handling of both sulphuric and hydrochloric acids. They also show good resistance to caustic solutions,
hydrofluoric acid, acetic acid, mixed organic acids and many neutral salts.
Ambient Temperature
The prevailing temperature of the environment immediately surrounding an object.
Anchor Pin
A pin welded onto the body of some ball valves. This pin aligns the adaptor plate and restrains the plate and gear
operator or actuator from moving while the valve is being operated.
Angle Valve
A variation of the globe valve, in which the end connections are at right angles to each other, rather than being in line.
As distinct from Y pattern - 'see oblique pattern'.
Asbestos (blue) - Sodium Iron Silicate
A naturally occurring mineral which is the raw material used for oxidising chemicals and higher temperatures. Much
shorter fibres than white asbestos.
Asbestos (white) - Calcium Magnesium Silicate
A naturally occurring mineral which is the raw material used in the manufacture of gaskets and gland packing. It is now
superseded by a number of asbestos substitutes.
Asbestos Free
A valve containing no asbestos materials.
Atmosphere (Standard Atmosphere)
A unit of pressure in the old metric system which is the pressure exerted by 'one standard atmosphere' and equals
1.033 kgf/cm2 or 14.695 lbf/in2 or 29.92 inches of mercury or 1013 millibar or 101.322 kpa. Always written as 1 atm.
81
Glossary of Valve Terminology
B
BASEEFA
British Approvals Service, Electrical Equipment in Flammable Atmospheres. The certifying authority which deals with
explosion proof components and equipment for use in non mining areas in the UK. This abbreviation appears on some
imported electrical switches, equipment and valves.
BB
Bolted Bonnet.
bbl
An abbreviation for 'barrel'. Used to express liquid volume. One barrel of oil is equal to 42 US gallons or 158.97 litres.
BDV - Blow Down Valve
A small valve that is installed on the above-ground end of an extended drain line. This valve also serves to vent body
cavity pressure in the 'block and bleed' mode. See also 'Blowdown Valve - Steam'.
BGO - Bevel Gear Operated (Operator)
The actuation of a valve by means of a set of bevel gears having the axis of the pinion gear at right angles to that of
the larger ring gear. The reduction ratio of this gear set determines the multiplication of torque achieved. Used on gate
valves, globe valves, plug valves, ball valves, and large butterfly valves.
BRV - Body Relief Valve
A relief valve installed on ball valves without a self relief design to provide for the relief of excess body pressure caused
by thermal expansion of the line fluid.
BSI
British Standards Institution.
BSP
British Standard pipe thread. Usually read to mean 'taper thread'. If parallel thread then usually BSP Pl is written.
Btu
British Thermal Unit. the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by 1
degree Fahrenheit.
BVAMA
British Valve and Actuator Manufacturers Association.
BVR - Ball Valve Regulator
An automatic throttling valve controlling flow or pressure in a pipeline, comprising a package involving a ball valve,
actuator, positioner, and controlling instrument.
Back Pressure
See 'Pressure - back.'
Back Seat
A seal between spindle and cover, incorporated in many valves, which is designed to take the pressure off the gland
packing to 'permit repacking under operating conditions'. Note - For reasons of safety, repacking under pressure is
not recommended.
Back Seat Test
A test carried out on every valve fitted with a back seat, in order to ensure that this seal does not leak.
Ball
The spherical closure element of a ball valve.
Ball Float Valve
An automatic valve which uses a floating ball and levers to control the level of water in a storage tank to a
predetermined level. They may be either direct or reverse acting.
82
Glossary of Valve Terminology
Ball Valve
A valve using a spherical closure element (ball) which is rotated through 90' to open and close the valve.
Ball Valve - Control
A control valve utilising a rotatable ball shaped valve closure member that is bored, notched, or contoured to obtain
various flow characteristics. This member is positioned to close, open, or to control the amount of flow by rotation.
Banjo - 1
A circular component attached to the spindle, which moves the discs in a parallel slide valve. Also known as a
belt eye.
Banjo - 2
A tube or pipe fitting adaptor having a fixed male thread one end and a freely rotating outlet (male or female) the
other end.
bar
A unit of pressure. One bar equals 100 kpa or 14.503 psi. Always written in lower case. eg 3 bar - not 3 bars.
International agreement is that bar means gauge pressure; bar a is written when the pressure is in bar absolute. The SI
unit of pressure is the pascal often considered too small to use conveniently therefore, the use of bar (100,000 pascals)
is encouraged in Europe. In Australia the kilopascal (1000 pascals) is more often used.
Belleville Spring
A spring resembling a dished washer, used in some ball valves to push the seats against the ball. In some valves they
are used to transmit a continuing force via the gland bolts on to the valve gland packings.
Bellows Seal Bonnet
A bonnet which uses a bellows for sealing against leakage around the valve plug stem.
Belt Eye
See 'Banjo - 1'.
Bending Moment
The mechanical bending load produced by a force applied to a part at right angles to its surface or axis. The product
of the force times the perpendicular distance to the point of restraint. Usually expressed in Newtons or pound feet.
Bevel
A chamfer. the angle between two adjacent surfaces (other than 90º). The word 'bevel' is used in describing weld end
preparations. See 'End Bevel'. See also 'Bevel gear unit'.
Bleed Valve
A valve used to ensure that any leakage past the seat is drained away safely.
Blind Flange
A solid circular plate which is bolted to the flanged end of a pipe or fitting in order to seal it.
Block and Bleed
The capability of obtaining a seal across the upstream and downstream seat rings of a valve when the body pressure
is bled off to atmosphere through blow down valves or vent plugs. Useful in testing for integrity of seat seals and in
accomplishing minor repairs under pressure. See 'Double Block and Bleed'.
Blowdown Valve - steam
A valve specially designed for discharging boiler water containing excess dissolved solids.
Blowdown Valve - steam
Made in two types:
Continuous - A valve capable of fine regulation which is kept partially open in order to maintain the quality of water
in a boiler
Intermittent - A quick acting valve which is opened periodically in order to clear solids and sludge from boilers.
Body
The principal pressure containing part of a valve, in which the closure element and seats are located.
Bolt
A fastener having a square or hex head and threaded on the opposite end to receive a nut. Sometimes used to make
up a flanged connection.
Bolt Circle
The circle on which bolt holes are located.
Bolted Bonnet
A bonnet which is connected to a valve body with bolts.
83
Glossary of Valve Terminology
Bolted Construction
Describes a valve construction in which the pressure shell elements are bolted together, and thus can be taken apart
and repaired in the field.
Bolting Sets
Bolts, or studs, and nuts sometimes supplied with flanged valves to install the valve between line flanges.
Bonnet
The top part of a valve, attached to the body which guides the stem and adapts to extensions or operators.
Bonnet Assembly
An assembly including the part through which a valve stem moves and a means for sealing against leakage along the
stem. It provides a means for mounting the actuator. Sealing against leakage may be accomplished by packing, stem
seals, or a bellows. A bonnet assembly may include a packing lubricator assembly with or without isolating valve. An
extension bonnet may be used to maintain a temperature differential between the valve body and sealing means.
Bore (or Port)
The inside diameter of the smallest opening through a valve. The diameter of the hole in the ball of a ball valve. The
diameter of the passage in the gate of a gate valve. The inside diameter of seat rings.
Bottom Flange
A part which closes a valve body opening opposite the bonnet assembly. In a three-way valve it may provide an
additional flow connection. It may include a guide bushing and, in a three-way valve, may also include a seat.
Brasses
These copper/zinc alloys are very widely used and maintain good strength and ductility over a wide range of
temperatures. However, they are not as corrosion resistant as the paretn metal and in some conditions suffer
dezincification leaving a mechanically weak copper-rich phase.
The addition of 1% tin improves the corrosion resistance, eg in Admiralty Brass (70% copepr, 29% zinc, 1% tin); a
small addition of aluminium yields an improved machinability. In general, brasses have inferior corrosion resistance
compared with other copper alloys and their main outlet is in general engineering and not in the handling of chemicals.
Breakaway (unseating) Torque
A published value depicting the turning force required to initiate rotation of the closure element of a rotary valve.
Brinell Hardness No.
A number indicating metal hardness using the Brinell Scale. Can be converted to Rockwell B & C hardness by
reference to conversion tables. See 'Rockwell Hardness No'.
Bronze
See Gunmetal.
Bubble-Tight Shut-Off
A phrase used in describing the sealing ability of a valve. During air pressure testing of a new valve in the closed
position, leakage past the seats is collected and bubbled through water. To qualify as 'bubble tight', no bubbles should
be observed in a prescribed time span.
BUNA 'N'
See NBR.
Buried Service
An application in which valves are installed in lines which are buried below ground level.
Bursting Disc
A solid disc which is designed to rupture when a predetermined safe pressure has been exceeded in order to protect a
system and to protect a safety relief valve from possible corrosive action of the line fluid.
Burst Pressure
That pressure (kpa) at which rupture of a stressed element or pressure-containing vessel takes place.
See 'Ultimate Strength'.
Butt Weld Ends
The end connection of a valve, suitably prepared for butt welding to connecting piping. See 'WE', 'End Bevel'.
Butterfly Valve
A short face-to-face valve which has a movable vane, or disc in the centre of the flow stream, which rotates 90º as the
butterfly valve opens and closes.
Bypass
A system of pipes and valves permitting the diversion of flow or pressure around a line valve.
84
Glossary of Valve Terminology
C
Cage
A hollow cylindrical trim element that may guide the valve plug and may retain the seat ring in the valve body.
The cage contains openings which determine the flow characteristics of the valve.
CIF - Cost Insurance & Freight
Shipper pays all freight and insurance charges. Same as FOB Destination.
Cv
The capacity factor of a valve, also called the valve coefficient; specifically, the number of US gallons of water per
minute that will flow through a valve with a pressure drop of 1 psi when its temperature is constant at 60ºF. See 'Kv'.
CPVC - Polyvinyl Dichloride - Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride
A Thermoplastic material used for valve bodies, valve parts, pipes, and fittings - higher temperature rating than
UPVC - see 'UPVC'.
CR - Chloroprene Rubber
Neoprene Rubber - elastomer used for seats and seals.
CSM - Chlorine Sulfonyl Polyethylene
Hypalon - elastomer used for valve seats and seals.
CWP - Cold Working Pressure
See 'MWP'
Capacity
Rate of flow through a valve under stated conditions.
Capacity Factor
See 'Cv' or 'Kv'.
Capillary Ends
A socket connection between a fitting and a pipe where the seal is made by the application and capillary action of
solder or brazing alloy around the gap.
Capscrew
A fastener having a head and whose shank is normally threaded throughout its entire length. Not used with a nut, but
rather engagement is made with a female thread in the piece to be joined.
Carpenter 20
See 'Alloy 20'.
Cast
The form of a particular part of a valve, or actuator where the basic shape is formed by moulding rather
than fabricating.
Cast Carbon Steel
A term often used to describe the most commonly used cast steel in the Valve Industry, namely ASTM A216 WCB.
Casting
A part having been formed by pouring molten metal into a mould.
Cast Iron (Grey)
The series of grades of Cast Iron that are specified in BS 1452, or equivalent ASTM specifications and which are often
used for valve bodies and covers. The minimum tensile strength required by the appropriate valve design standard is
220 N/mm2.
Cast Iron is virtually immune from attack in alkalis and is used extensively on caustic solutions up to 30% strength. In
higher concentrations it can suffer from caustic embrittlement and alternative materials such as the austenitic irons are
normally employed in these conditions. It can be used on brines, sea water, brackish waters, etc., when an economic
material is required and where iron contamination is not important. Salts which hydrolise to give acidic solutions, eg
aluminium sulphate, give unacceptable corrosion rates. Sometimes called 'Semi Steel'.
Cavitation
Cavitation is a phenomenon which may be found in any liquid process where low and higher pressure areas exist. In
the low pressure area, liquids boil, forming vapour bubbles, which then move into an area of high pressure where the
vapour condenses and the bubbles collapse. The liquid surfaces come together with considerable velocity, sending
out severe shockwaves through the liquid. The shock waves are radiated equally in all directions, but if the implosion
occurs at a metal surface, half the energy of the shock wave is imparted to the adjacent metal. Under repeated
implosions, severe damage to the metal surface may occur.
85
Glossary of Valve Terminology
Celsius (ºC)
The practical scale of temperature used in the SI Metric System where 0ºC is the ice point of water and 100ºC is the
boiling point of water. Identical to the Centigrade scale - see Centigrade.
Centigrade
A temperature scale identical to the Celsius scale. Note Centigrade is no longer recognised as this is used in France to
denote an angular measure (1/100 grade). See Celsius.
Centre to End Dimension
The distance, on a butt weld angle pattern valve, between the centre of one port, and the extremity of the other.
Centre to Face Dimension
The distance, on a flanged angle pattern valve, between the centre of one port, and the sealing face of the other.
Centre Valve Body
A housing placed between the upper and lower valve bodies to provide another flow connection as in a three-way
valve or 3 piece valve.
Ceramics
Chemical stoneware and chemical porcelain. The method of manufacture is such that complex shapes can be made
relatively cheaply and easily. These materials have excellent resistance to many chemicals which are difficult to handle
in metals, being vulnerable only to fluorine, hydrofluoric acid and strong alkalis, particularly when hot. Some attack at
100ºC is also experienced in the presence of strong phosphoric acid and some chlorinated solvents such as
chloroform.
These admirable chemical properties are, however, balanced by poor mechanical properties.
Certification
Documents that may be supplied with valves detailing the results of chemical, mechanical, physical properties, and/or
pressure tests either on a specific valve or a specific batch of valves - must be stated which?
Chain Wheel Operated Valve
An overhead valve operated by a chain drive wheel instead of a handwheel.
Chain Wheel Operation
An adaptation made to a valve whereby operation is achieved using a chain driven wheel.
Chatter
Rapid reciprocating motions of the disc of a steam trap or, safety or safety relief valve during which the disc contacts
the seat - see 'Flutter'.
Characterised Gate or Ball
A ball or gate valve, the shape of whose port has been specially altered to provide a specific throttling capability.
Charpy Test
A mechanical test conducted on a precisely machined coupon of the steel to be tested. The coupon is clamped in a
special machine and subjected to a lateral hammer blow. This test provides a relative measure of the toughness of
steel or its resistance to shock or impact loads. Often required for low temperature applications where testing is done
at the expected minimum service temperature.
Check Valve
A one-directional valve which is opened by the fluid flow in one direction and which closes automatically when the flow
stops or reverses direction. See 'Clapper'.
Chevron Packing
Gland packing which is manufactured in the shape of an inverted V. It is designed so that when pressure enters the
opening, it spreads the two arms which then make contact with the spindle and stuffing box wall, thus producing
a seal.
Choked Flow
The condition which exists when the flow through a valve cannot be further increased by decreasing the pressure
downstream from the valve.
Choke Valve - Production & Drilling
A valve which is specifically designed to provide non deteriorating shut-off and throttling capabilities and extreme long
life in the control of oil or gas flow either, in the oil/gas productive process or at the drilling stage.
City Gate - City Gate Station
The metering and pressure reducing station where gas is transferred from a high pressure cross-country transmission
line to a low pressure distribution piping system within a city.
86
Glossary of Valve Terminology
Clack
See 'Clapper'.
Clapper or Clack
The hinged closure element of a swing-disc check valve.
Class
A designation of pressure capability. See 'ANSI', 'MWP', 'AS'.
Clearance Flow
That flow below the minimum controllable flow with the valve closing member not seated.
Clevis
A 'U' shaped connecting yoke at the end of a stem or rod, between the ends of which a gate or other part may be
pinned or bolted.
Closure
The ends of a ball valve, bolted to the body, which often contain the seat rings. Often referred to as part of the body.
Closure Element
The moving part of a valve, positioned in the flow stream, which controls flow through the valve. Ball, Gate, Plug,
Clapper, Disc, etc. are specific names for closure elements.
Closure Member
That part of the valve which is positioned in the flow stream to obstruct flow. In specific designs, it is called a disc,
wedge, plug, ball, gate, or other functional term.
Coal Gasification
The process of manufacturing natural gas from coal.
Coefficient of discharge
The ratio of the measured relieving capacity to the theoretical relieving capacity, related to the nominal flow area in a
safety or safety relief valve.
Coefficient of discharge - applied
The coefficient of discharge multiplied by a derating factor, as required by codes for computing the relieving capacity
in a safety or safety relief valve.
Cold Flow
The creep of a hard elastomer or plastic material under continuous loading, similar to creep in metals highly stressed
at high temperature.
Cold Rating
The maximum pressure that a valve or fitting is designed to withstand at room temperature. This is listed in the various
flange and design standards.
Compressible
Capable of being compressed. Gas and vapour are compressible fluids, but not liquids.
Compression Ends
A socket connection made between a fitting and a pipe, where one or two metal rings or olives fit over the pipe,
the pipe is located in the socket on the fitting, and the ring is compressed onto the pipe, by tightening a nut onto
the fitting.
Compressor - 1
A device which converts mechanical energy into gas pressure.
Compressor - 2
The part of the stem assembly in a diaphragm valve which effects flow restriction by forcing the diaphragm toward
an internal web.
Concentric
Having the same centres.
Condensate
A liquid which has condensed from the vapour state, usually water from steam.
Contaminant
A particle or material which is foreign to the fluid medium.
Control Valve - 1
A valve that controls a process variable, such as pressure, flow or temperature by modulating its opening in response
to a signal from a controller. See 'controller'. Usually a self actuating valve such as a pressure reducing valve.
87
Glossary of Valve Terminology
Control Valve - 2
A valve with a power positioning actuator for moving the valve closure member to any position relative to valve port or
ports in response and in proportion to an external signal. The energy for the control valve actuator is provided from an
independent source.
Controller
A device that measures a controlled variable, compares it with a predetermined setting and signals the positioner
to readjust the opening of the valve in order to re-establish the original control setting.
Corrosion
The deterioration of a material due to chemical action.
Crawl
The gradual adjustment of the set pressure in a safety or relief valve from below normal to normal after the temperature
of the spring has been raised by the fluid just discharged.
Creep
A permanent change in the physical dimensions of a metal or plastics material caused by the application of
continuous stress.
Critical Flow
See 'Choked Flow'.
Critical Point
The conditions of temperature and pressure necessary for Sonic, or Choked Flow.
Critical Pressure
The pressure of the saturated vapour of a substance at the critical temperature.
Critical Pressure Ratio
The ratio of downstream pressure to upstream pressure at the point of Sonic, or Choked Flow.
Critical Temperature
The temperature above which a gas cannot be liquefied by pressure alone.
Critical Velocity
The velocity at which the flow of a liquid ceases to be streamline or laminar and becomes turbulent.
Critical Volume
The volume occupied by unit mass of a substance at its critical pressure and critical temperature.
Crude Oil
Unrefined oil. Oil as it comes directly from the well.
Cupro Nickel
A style of proprietary alloys comprising of mainly Copper and Nickel, that have been developed by many valve
manufacturers for use as valve trim, in order to resist the erosive effects of the medium.
Curtain Area
The area of the cylindrical or conical discharge opening created between the seating surfaces by the lift of the disc
above the seat of a safety valve or safety relief valve.
Cryogenic Temperature
Any temperature below about minus 150ºC.
Cryogenic Valve
A valve capable of functioning at cryogenic temperatures.
Cycle
A single complete operation or process returning to the starting point. A valve, stroked from full open to full closed and
back to full open, has undergone one cycle.
Cycle Life
The period of time an actuator will cycle without failure.
Cylinder
The chamber in which the piston moves.
Cylinder Operator
A power-piston valve actuator using either hydraulic or pneumatic pressure. A sealed piston converts applied pressure
into a linear piston rod (stem) motion. See 'Power Operators' and 'Actuator'.
88
Glossary of Valve Terminology
D
DN
'Diamèter Nominal' is a French expression accepted internationally for 'Nominal diameter' when expressing the
nominal bore of a valve port bore. For instance - DN50, DN3", DN100.
DPDT
Double-pole double-throw, as related to electrical switches. See definition of 'SPDT'.
DPST
Double-pole single-throw, as related to electrical switches. See definition of 'SPST'.
Dead Band
The range through which an input signal may be varied upon reversal of direction without an observable change in
output signal.
Dead-tight
A term meaning no leaks visible by ordinary observation without instrumentation.
Delta P (_P)
See 'Differential Pressure', 'Pressure Drop'.
Density
Mass per unit volume. Typical units would be kg/m2 or lb/ft2.
Design Conditions
All conditions that are present in a system which must be taken into account when designing a component of that
system. This may include pressure, temperature, time, power supply and velocities, etc.
Design Pressure
The pressure in a system used to design pressure vessels and other equipment.
Diaphragm
A round, thin, flexible sealing device secured and sealed around its outer edge - and sometimes around a central hole
in the diaphragm - with its unsupported area free to move by flexing.
Diaphragm Actuator
An assembly utilising pressure acting on a diaphragm to develop a force to move the actuator stem. It may, or may
not, have a spring for positioning and return of the actuator stem.
Diaphragm Case
A housing consisting of top and bottom sections, used for supporting a diaphragm and establishing one or two
pressure chambers.
Diaphragm Control Valve
A control valve that is actuated by a diaphragm or not having a spring-diaphragm actuator.
Diaphragm Plate
A plate concentric with the diaphragm for transmitting force to the actuator stem.
Diaphragm Pressure Span
Difference between the high and low values of the diaphragm pressure change. This may be stated as an inherent or
installed characteristic.
Diaphragm Valve
A control valve that utilises a flexible diaphragm as a valve closure member. The diaphragm is forced down toward an
internal dividing web to restrict the flow.
Differential Pressure
The difference in pressure across a valve in a pressurised line. (Upstream pressure minus downstream pressure). The
difference in pressure between any two points in a pressurised system under flowing conditions - see 'pressure drop'.
DIN
Deutsches Institut fur Normung. The principal writing body for German National Standards.
Dip Tube
Extending the blow down valve on large gate valves requires a tube which is located inside of the valve. This tube is
called the 'dip tube' and extends through the bonnet to the bottom of the body cavity.
Direct Acting Diaphragm Actuator
A diaphragm actuator in which the actuator stem extends with increasing diaphragm pressure.
89
Glossary of Valve Terminology
90
Glossary of Valve Terminology
Dynamic Head
See Velocity Head.
Dynamic Pressure
See Velocity Head.
Dynamic Unbalance
The net force produced on the valve closing member in any stated open position by the fluid forces acting upon it.
E
EMO - Electric Motor Operated
The actuation of a valve by electric motor. See 'Power Operator'.
EPDM - Ethylene propylene rubber
An elastomer used for seats and seals.
Eccentric
Not having the same centre.
Effective Area
In a diaphragm actuator, the area which is effective in producing stem force.
Elastomer
A natural or synthetic elastic material. Used in synthetic rubber parts such as O-rings.
Elbow
A female threaded or socket fitting used for changing direction in a run of pipe or tubing.
Emergency Seat Seal
To obtain tight shut off in an emergency situation, a sealant can be injected into a specially designed groove in the
seat rings. Available for most pipeline ball valves and gate valves.
Emergency Shut Down Valve
A valve that uses energy which is stored in an actuator, in order to rapidly close in an emergency. Sometimes referred
to as a Quick Closing Valve.
End Bevel
Weld end preparations for butt welding. Governed by ANSI B31.4 & B16.25
End Connection
The type of connection supplied on the ends of a valve which allows it to be installed in a pipeline. Weld end,
flanged end, screwed end, socket end, etc.
Energy
The capacity for doing work. The various forms of energy interconvertible by suitable means include, potential, kinetic,
electrical, heat, chemical, nuclear, and radiant energy. The derived S.I. unit of energy is the joule. (J)
Equal Percentage Flow Characteristic
The equal percentage flow characteristic is defined as that characteristic which will produce equal percentage
increments in flow for equal increments in openings. If the valve is moved from twenty percent to thirty percent open
the flow capacity changes from four percent of maximum to six percent of maximum, a fifty percent increase. If this
valve is then moved from thirty percent to forty percent open the flow capacity increases from six percent to nine
percent of maximum, again a fifty percent increase.
Equalising Connection
A pipe which connects the body chamber of a Parallel Slide Valve to a By-Pass Valve. This is done in order to allow
the safe venting of any build up of pressure when the main valve is closed.
Equivalent Length
The pressure drop through a valve expressed as a straight length of pipe (measured in feet or metres), which would
give the same pressure drop under the same conditions.
Erosion
The mechanical wearing away of a metal surface or part due to fluid impingement. The presence of entrained solid
particles accelerates this process.
Explosion Proof
The prevention of explosion, triggered by electrical components, through containment in special housings. A
requirement for electrical devices, such as solenoids and switches, when exposed to a potentially explosive
environment.
91
Glossary of Valve Terminology
Export Packing
Special packing and crating that is required for export shipping. Includes sealing against a salt atmosphere (sea air).
Extended BDV (Blow Down Valve)
Used on buried valves where the drain plug is inaccessible. Instead, a line is piped above ground, terminating in a
small valve. Line pressure is used to blow out condensates and other material which settles out in the bottom of the
body cavity. See 'BDV'.
Extensions
The equipment applied to buried valves to provide above-ground accessibility to operating gear, blowdown and seat
lubrication systems.
Extended Bonnet
A bonnet with an extension between the gland packing box assembly and bonnet for hot or cold service and to alloy
for pipe lagging material.
External Coating
Coating applied to protect valves against various environments - sea air, salt water, earth buried, normal air exposure.
Extended Gland
A bonnet with an extension between the valve body and the gland which moves the gland packing away from the
valve bonnet area. Used for cryogenic valves to facilitate a gas seal by a temperature gradient so keeping the gland
area ice free.
F
Friction factor.
A constant for a particular valve or fitting. It is determined experimentally and is used in fluid flow calculations from
manufactures published tables.
FAS - Free Along Side
Term used for ocean shipment. Vendor pays transportation only to shipping dock alongside vessel.
FE - Flanged End
See 'RF', 'RTJ', & 'FF'.
FEP - Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene
A thermoplastic material closely related to PTFE used in valves generally as a lining material or coating of valve parts.
FEP is rated to 149ºC - See 'PFA'.
FLD End
See 'RF', 'RTJ', & 'FF.
FOB - Free on Board
Transportation charges are absorbed by vendor to the FOB point. Usually shipment is FOB factory. In which case,
title and transportation charges pass to the customer when shipment leaves the factory.
FPM - Fluorine Rubber - Viton
Best, but most expensive of the elastomers.
Fabricated Valve
One in which the body and hub parts are not cast - but rather are formed from plate or pipe and then welded,
or bolted together.
Face-to-Face
The overall dimension from the inlet face of a valve to the outlet face of the valve (one end to the other). This
dimension is governed by ANSI B16.10, API-6D, DIN, and BS 2080 to ensure that such valves are mutually
interchangeable, regardless of the manufacturer.
Facing
The finish of the contact surface of flanged fittings.
Failure Mode
Upon electrical power failure or air pressure loss to an actuator, the valve is operated to a predetermined position (fail
open, fail closed, fail in last position).
Fail Safe
A characteristic of the actuator - valve system that provides that the unit will be operated into a safe condition upon
the failure of electrical power, air pressure loss or any power source loss.
92
Glossary of Valve Terminology
93
Glossary of Valve Terminology
Flow Characteristic
Relation between flow through the valve and percent rated travel as the latter is varied from 0 to 100 percent. This is a
general term. It should always be designated as either inherent flow characteristic or installed flow characteristic.
Flow Characteristic
The relationship between flow, or pressure loss coefficient, and the valve opening position.
Flow Coefficient - 1
The number of US gallons of water per minute that will flow through a valve with a pressure drop of 1 psi and temp
65ºF. Also referred to as the Cv of the valve - see 'Kv'.
Flow Coefficient - 2
The number of cubic metres of water per hour that will flow through a valve with a pressure drop of 1 bar and
temperature of 15.5ºC. Also, referred to as the Kv of the valve - see 'Cv'.
Flow, Laminar
The flow of a viscous fluid in which the fluid moves in parallel layers with a fixed velocity gradient from the centreline
to the containing walls of the conduit. Sometimes referred to as 'streamline' flow.
Flow Meter
An instrument used to measure flow rate or total flow or both.
Flow Rate
The volume or weight of a fluid passing through a pipeline or conductor per unit of time, ie 3,000 barrels of oil per day;
4 MMCF of gas per hour; 100 kg/hr; 10 m3/hr.
Flow, Turbulent
The random flow of a fluid in which the velocity at a certain point in the fluid varies irregularly.
Fluid
Any non-solid substance that can be made to flow. Both liquids and gases are fluids.
Flutter
Rapid reciprocating motions of the disc of a steam trap or safety relief valve during which the disc does not contact
the seat. - See 'Chatter'.
Force
The intensity of an influence tending to produce motion, distortion, or change of shape. Usually expressed in Newtons.
Forging
A part that is formed by heating and hammering to a specific shape.
Friction
The resistance to motion between two contacting surfaces or substances. Friction is also developed between a
flowing fluid and the inner wall of the conducting pipe - resulting in a drop in pressure.
Four-Way Pilot Valve
A pilot valve used with double-acting actuators.
Four-Way Valve
A valve with four outlet/inlet ports. The passage of flow through the obturation allows options for a number of different
flow paths through the valve.
Full Bore
See 'Full Opening'
Full Opening
Describes a valve whose bore (port) is nominally equal to the bore of the connecting pipe. See 'Venturi Valve'.
Full Penetration Weld
Describes the type of weld wherein the weld metal extends across the entire wall thickness of the joint.
G
GO - Gear Operated
The actuation of a valve through a gear set which multiplies the torque applied to the valve stem. See 'BGO', 'MGO'.
Galling
The tearing of metal when two elements rub against each other. Usually caused by lack of lubrication or extreme
contact pressure. Surfaces of the same material will exacerbate the phenomenon.
94
Glossary of Valve Terminology
Gas
A compressible fluid - such as air, hydrogen, nitrogen, etc.
Gasket
A seal or packing placed between mechanical joints (such as flanges) to prevent the escape of the flowing medium.
Gate
The closure element of a gate valve.
Gate Valve
A straight through pattern valve whose closure element is a wedge or parallel sided slab, situated between two fixed
seating surfaces, with means to move it in or out of the flow stream in a direction perpendicular to the pipeline axis.
Gauge, Pressure
An instrument, usually with a threaded connection, for measuring and indicating the pressure in a piping system at the
point at which it is connected.
Gauge Pressure
The pressure expressed in bar g, or psi g, measured above atmospheric pressure.
Gauge Glass Protector
Toughened plate glass shields that are fitted to Water Gauges. Their purpose is to protect operators in the event of
Water Gauge glass failure.
Gauges, Water
See Water Gauges.
Gearbox
A manual actuator designed to increase the torque applied to a valve spindle in order to make operation easier.
This is achieved at the expense of increasing the number of turns required to close the valve.
Gland or Gland Bushing
That part of a valve which retains or compresses the stem packing in a stuffing box (where used) or retains a stem
O-ring, lip seal, or stem O-ring bushing. Sometimes manually adjustable. See 'Packing', 'Stuffing Box'.
Gland Nut
The nut(s) which is (are) used to exert force on the gland.
Gland Packing
See packing.
Gland Plate
The plate in a valve which retains the gland, gland bushing or stem seals and sometimes guides the stem.
Glass
Glass is used for chemical plant construction both in the form of solid glass and as a coating or lining for metals. It is
possible to obtain glasses in a very wide range of chemical and physical properties.
Globe Valve
A valve whose closure element is a flat disc or conical plug sealing on a seat which is usually parallel to the flow axis.
The tortuous flow path produces a relatively high pressure loss.
Graphite
A form of carbon which has excellent temperature and chemical resistance. It is available in various forms eg ribbon,
sheet, solid rings, composites and fibre. It is used extensively for gaskets, and gland packing.
Graphoil®
Proprietary name for Graphite by the Union Carbide Company.
Grease Fitting
A fitting through which lubricant is injected.
Guide Bushing
A bushing in a bonnet, bottom flange, or body to align the movement of a valve closure member with a seat ring.
Guiding of a valve closure member may be accomplished by an internal part of a bonnet or bottom flange or by a
seat ring or seat ring extension or by a cage.
Gunmetal
A group of alloys (often referred to as Bronze), consisting mainly of Copper, Lead, Tin, and Zinc, and which are
commonly used in the manufacture of valves.
95
Glossary of Valve Terminology
H
HWO - Handwheel Operated
A valve on which the handwheel drives the stem directly to operate the valve.
Hammer Blow
A type of handwheel designed to temporarily increase the operating torque applied to a valve. This may be used in
situations where a gear box, or actuator is considered unnecessary.
Handwheel
The manual input device used to open and close the valve.
Hard Facing
A surface preparation in which an alloy usually stellite, is deposited on a metal surface, usually by weld overlay, to
increase abrasion and/or corrosion resistance. Hastelloy A, B, C, & D, see 'Nickel Molybdenum Alloys'.
Hazardous Environment
Any combination of combustible or potentially explosive mixtures existing in the surrounding atmosphere.
Head
The height of an open ended column of liquid above a given datum, expressed in linear units; ie metres of water,
millimetres of mercury, etc. It is another way of expressing pressure - see pressure.
Header
See 'Manifold'.
Head Loss
The pressure that a fluid loses as it flows through a valve or fitting - see 'pressure drop'.
Heat
Energy that is transferred from one body or system to another as a result of a temperature difference measured in
joules in the S.I. system and in calories in the old metric system and British Thermal units (Btu) in the imperial system.
Heat Analysis
A chemical analysis, conducted by the foundry immediately prior to pouring, which measures the exact chemical
composition of a particular batch of molten metal. Does not include analysis of physical properties. See 'Mill Test'.
Heat Treatment
Describes any process or procedure by which the internal structure of steel is altered by heating to produce desired
physical characteristics. This is usually accomplished by furnace heating followed by controlled cooling.
Heat Treatment Charts
Furnace charts providing a temperature vs time record of the heating and cooling cycle, required by a specific heat
treatment process for a particular furnace load of steel or steel parts.
Holiday
An imperfection or 'bare spot' in a coating or plating.
Hot Tapping
The process by which a pipeline, under pressure, is cut into to provide a side outlet. A flanged fitting is saddle welded
to the pipeline and a full port valve bolted to the flange. The hot tapping machine, bolted to the outboard valve flange,
operates through the open valve. After cutting out a circular piece from the pipe wall, the tapping machine is removed
and the valve closed.
Hubs
The end connection tubes on a gate valve or the axles of a trunnion mounted ball.
Huddling chamber
The annular pressure chamber located beyond the seat of full-lift pressure relief valves.
Hydraulic
Pertaining to, or using, water, oil, or other liquids.
Hydraulic Motor Actuator
A device by which rotation of an hydraulically powered motor is converted into mechanical motion.
Hydrodynamic Torque
The turning force exerted on a valve stem due to fluid flow through the valve, and its effect on the closure element.
Hydrostatic Test (Shell Test)
A test in which a valve is completely filled with water and pressure tested. Used for conducting proof pressure testing.
See 'Proof Pressure'. The closing member is normally open.
96
Glossary of Valve Terminology
Hypalon
See 'CSM'.
Hysteresis
The variation of stem position at a specific control pressure at increasing control signal compared to decreasing
control signal. It is usually expressed as a percent of total travel, and is caused by packing friction and seat friction.
Hysteresis = Difference Travel
Total Travel x 100
I
ID - Inside Diameter
The measurement of the inner diameter of a circular part.
ISRS
Inside Screw Rising Stem. A type of spindle and cover design, where the spindle actuating threads are inside the
valve. Operating the valve causes the spindle to rise and fall together with the disc(s) or gate.
ISNRS
Inside Screw Non Rising Stem. A type of spindle and over design, where the spindle actuating threads are inside the
valve. Operating the valve causes the disc(s) or gate to rise and fall, but the spindle only rotates.
Incompressible
Most liquids are referred to as being incompressible since their change in volume due to pressure changes is minute
compared to gases and vapour.
Inconel TM
A group of alloys which comprise mainly of Nickel, and Chromium, and which have specific properties advantageous
when used for valves. It is immune from stress corrosion cracking and resists hot magnesium chloride solutions.
However, it has no particular merit for use in contact with sulphuric or hydrochloric acids. Inconel shows excellent
resistance to hot gases and is used for handling hot anhydrous hydrogen fluoride in the production of uranium
hexafluoride and aluminium trifluoride.
Incremental Seat Test
The leakage testing of valve seats in an assembled valve by increasing the applied pressure in prescribed
pressure steps.
Indicator
A device fitted to valves (and actuators) in order to show the degree of valve opening.
Inertia
The property of a body or mass which resists a change in velocity.
Inlet Port
That end of a valve which is connected to the upstream pressure zone of a fluid system.
Inherent Diaphragm Pressure Range
The high and low values of pressure applied to a diaphragm to produce rated, closure member travel with atmospheric
pressure in the valve body.
Inherent Flow Characteristic
The inherent flow characteristic of a valve describes the relationship between flow capacity of the valve and the
percentage of opening of the valve while the pressure drop across the valve remains constant. The relationship may be
described graphically by plotting the percentage of maximum flow capacity against the degree of opening expressed
as percent opening.
Inherent Rangeability
Ratio of maximum to minimum flow within which the deviation from the specific inherent flow characteristic does not
exceed some stated limits.
Inner Seat Ring
The inner part of a two-piece valve seat assembly.
Inspection
A means of checking that the valve conforms to the required quality. This check may be carried out by our own trained
staff, by the customer, or by other outside specialists on the customers behalf, eg by Lloyds.
Installation
The physical act of connecting the valve into the system.
97
Glossary of Valve Terminology
J
JIS
Japanese Industrial Standards.
Joint
See Gasket.
Joule
The S.I. unit of work or energy (Mechanical definition). The work done when the point of application of a force of one
newton is displaced through a distance of 1 metre in the direction of the Force. (Electrical definition) The work done
per second by a current of 1 ampere flowing through a resistance of 1 ohm. Symbol J. 1 joule = 10 ergs.
Junction Valve
See Angle Valve.
K
The ratio of specific heat at constant pressure to specific heat at constant volume.
K
Resistance Coefficient. A constant for a particular valve or fitting, which is used in fluid flow calculations.
Usually published by the valve manufacturer.
kJ
Kilojoule, ie 1 x 103 joule see 'joule'.
Kv
The capacity factor of a valve also called the valve co-efficient. Specifically the number of cubic metres per hour that
will flow through the valve with a pressure drop of 1 bar (100 kpa) and the temperature is constant at 15.5ºC. See 'Cv'.
Kelvin
The S.I. unit of thermodynamic temperature symbol K (Degrees Celcius = Degrees Kelvin - 273.16).
Kilogram
The kilogram is the basic unit of mass for all S.I. measurements.
Kilopascal (kpa)
One thousand pascals. - See 'pascal'.
Knife Gate Valve
A straight through pattern valve whose closure element is a relatively thin plate situated between two fixed seating
surfaces with means to move it in and out of the flow stream in a perpendicular direction to the pipeline.
L
LNG - Liquefied Natural Gas
Natural gas in the liquid state. To remain liquefied, the temperature must be maintained in the cryogenic region. The
liquid occupies far less volume than an equivalent volume of gas, and it can be readily transported by ship or truck
and stored in insulated tanks to await re-gasification.
98
Glossary of Valve Terminology
99
Glossary of Valve Terminology
Live Loading
A particular configuration of gland assembly where a load is continuously applied to the gland packing by the action of
spring washers or by other similar means.
Locked Bonnet
A screwed bonnet or cover which is secured to the body in order to prevent it unscrewing in service.
Locking Device
A mechanism provided on valve actuators or valves to prevent unauthorised operation or tampering.
Locking Device
A device or mechanism incorporated into a valve in order to prevent unauthorised operation.
Low Carbon Steel
A grade of casting or forging steel where the carbon content is closely controlled to a low level. This is done in order to
minimise problems during welding. This material is suitable for temperatures of the medium down to minus 29ºC
depending on exact material specifications.
Lower Valve Body
A half housing for internal valve parts having one flow connection. For example, the half housing of a split body valve.
Lube Seats
Seats which are equipped with a lubricant injecting system. See 'Emergency Seat Seal'.
Lubricator
See 'packing', 'lubricator assembly'.
M
MAOP
Maximum allowable operating pressure. Determined in accordance with piping codes.
MGO - Manual Gear Operator
A gear operator that is operated manually (with a handwheel).
MMCF
An abbreviation for 'million cubic feet'. Used to designate gas volume and gas flow rates in pipelines (MMCF per hour
or day). Used only in USA systems.
MO - Motor Operated
See 'Power Operated'., 'EMO'.
MSS - Manufacturers Standardisation Society of the Valve and Fitting Industry (USA)
A technical association of valve, fitting, and actuator manufacturers that writes standards and practices for the valve
and fittings industry. Recommendations of this society are advisory only.
MWP - Maximum Working Pressure or CWP (Cold Working Pressure)
The maximum working pressure Megapascals (pounds per square inch) at which a valve can be operated. The
maximum working pressures for various pressure classes, per ANSI B16.34 within temperature limits of -29ºC(-20ºF)
and + 38ºC(100'F), are as follows:
Class MWP (CWP) PSI MWP(CWP)Mpa
150 285 19.7
300 740 51.0
400 990 68.2
600 1,480 102.0
900 2,220 153.1
1500 3,705 255.5
2500 6,170 425.2
4500 11,110 765.7
Maintenance
The process of inspection, adjustment, and/or replacement of parts as necessary in order to ensure reliable and
efficient operation. Individual recommendations are given in Operating and Maintenance Instructions.
Magnetic Particle Inspection
An inspection procedure for detecting surface cracks in welded areas through the use of fine iron particles in an
electrical field.
Male Thread
The external thread on pipe, fittings or valves used in making a connection with mating female (internal)
threaded parts.
100
Glossary of Valve Terminology
Manifold (Header)
A common pipe or chamber having several lateral outlets.
Manifold Valve
A number of valves connected by a common body, chamber, or header.
Manual Override
A capability provided to actuators that allows the manual positioning of the actuator.
Mass
The mass of a body is the quantity of material in it, and is unchanged wherever it is - on the Moon or Mars or Earth.
Mass is measured in kilograms. See 'Weight'.
Material Selection
An important aspect of valve specification and design in order to ensure that suitably strong, corrosion and erosion
resistant materials are selected, which are capable of withstanding both the specified temperature and pressure at an
acceptable cost to the customer.
Maximum Pressure Differential
See pressure differential.
Maximum Working Pressure
The maximum pressure at which the valve is expected to work.
Megapascal (mpa)
1,000,000 pascals - see 'pascal'.
Metal-to-Metal Seal
The seal produced by metal-to-metal contact between the sealing face of the ring and the closure element, without
the benefit of a synthetic seal.
Metal-to-Metal Seat
Where the seal between seat and closure element is achieved by metal to metal contact of these components,
ie, no soft seal is used.
Meter Prover
A system used to check or 'prove' a flow meter. A close fitting sphere is launched into a pipe of known inside
diameter. The flow medium pushes the sphere through a measured length of pipe between two sphere detection
devices. Knowing the transit time and the exact volume between the two stations, a flow rate is calculated and
compared with the meter reading.
Meter Run
A section of pipeline in which a meter is installed to measure the volume of fluid passing through the line.
Mill Certificates
Certificates, provided by the steel mill, indicating the chemical analysis and physical properties of a specific batch of
steel. 'Mill Certs' are usually required only for pressure containing parts and the customer's need for such 'Certs'
must be made known at the time an order is first placed, otherwise traceability of a valve part back to the mill is not
possible. See 'Heat Analysis'.
Mill Tests
All tests required by the material specification. Usually includes both the heat analysis (chemical) and the physical
properties. Sometimes also impact tests.
Mill Test Reports
See 'Mill Certificates'
Modified Parabolic Flow Characteristic
An inherent flow characteristic which provides fine throttling action at low valve closure member travel and
approximately a linear characteristic for upper portions of valve travel.
Modules of Elasticity (Coefficient of Elasticity)
The ratio between a force per unit area (stress) which acts to deform a body and the corresponding fractional
deformation (strain) produced by the stress. See 'Young's modulas'.
Mole
The basic SI unit of amount of substance, symbol, mol.
Moment Arm
The linear distance from the centre of rotation upon which a force may act to produce torque.
101
Glossary of Valve Terminology
MonelTM
A group of alloys comprising mainly of Nickel, and Copper, which have specific properties advantageous when used
for valves. Monel has excellent resistance to salt solutions and to brine but is not extensively used in this field as it is
considerably more expensive than bronze. The usefulness of the alloy for handling acids is dependant upon the degree
of aeration of the acid and it is used for up to 50% sulphuric acid at temperatures up to 80ªC, for phorphoric acid and
for weak hydrochloric acid. its resistance to alkaline solutions is excellent, almost as good as that of pure nickel and it
is very widely used in this field. One of theoutstanding properties of Monel is its resistance to hydrofluoric acid andit is
the normal material of consturciton for HF alkylation units in the petroleum industry and in plants for the fluorination of
uranium dioxice int he processing of nuclear fuel.
Monitoring - Monitor Service
A field procedure whereby two valves - usually regulators - are installed in series and adjusted in such a manner that,
should the primary regulator fail, the standby regulator will automatically take over at a slightly higher pressure setting.
Mould
A hollow cavity (frequently in packed sand) for giving a desired shape to a material in a molten or plastic state. Used in
making metal castings.
Mounting Bracket
A machined coupling and plate, spool, or length of rectangular tubing designed to adapt an actuator to a valve.
Multiple Spring Concept
A unique design where two or more springs may be used in an actuator, in parallel to provide a variable spring rate
within a fixed space.
N
NACE - National Association of Corrosion Engineers
This technical association publishes papers, articles, and standards on all aspects of corrosion, and has written
the definitive standard for valve materials for sour gas service.
NB
Nominal Bore, approximate valve port bore diameter. - See 'DN'.
NBR - Nitrile Rubber
An elastomer used for seats and seals - sometimes called Buna 'N'.
NDE - Non-Destructive Examination
See 'Non-Destructive Tests'.
NEMA - National Electrical Manufacturers Association
An association which has set up guidelines for the manufacture of electrical equipment. Generally applicable to
specifications for switches, etc., for electric operators. Used in the US and recognised in Australia on USA equipment.
NEMA Classification
A code established for electrical components by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.
NPT - National Pipe Tapered
A uniform USA standard governing the dimensions of tapered pipe threads. In Australia used primarily in the oil and
petroleum industries.
NRS
See 'non-rising stem'.
Nameplate
A circular or rectangular engraved, embossed, or painted plate which contains reference details of the valve, and is
rigidly attached to it. See 'label'.
Needle Valve
A type of small valve, used for flow metering, having a tapered needle-point plug or closure element and a seat
having a small orifice.
Neoprene Rubber
See CR.
Newton
The derived SI Unit of force. The force required to give a mass of one kilogram an acceleration of one metre per
second per second. Symbol N.
Nickel Alloy
A style of alloy used for valve trim developed by many valve manufacturers in order to resist the effects of steam.
They comprise of mainly Nickel and Copper. - See 'Cupro Nickel'.
102
Glossary of Valve Terminology
O
OD - Outside Diameter
The measurement of the outermost diameter of a circular part.
O - Ring
An elastomeric or synthetic seal ring of circular cross-section.
103
Glossary of Valve Terminology
P
Pa
See 'Pascal'.
PCD
Pitch Circle Diameter - the circle on which bolt holes are located - see 'Bolt Circle'.
PE - Polyethylene
A Thermoplastic material used for pipes and fittings, rarely used for valves (one use is in buried polyethylene systems
carrying low pressure natural gas reticulation). A high thermal expansion is encountered with this material.
PFA - Perfluoroalkoxy
A thermoplastic material closely related to PTFE used in valves generally as a lining material or coating of valve parts.
PFA is rated to 260ºC. See 'FEP'.
PP - Polypropylene
A Thermoplastic material used for valves, valve parts, pipes and fittings.
PSI (psi) - Pounds Per Square Inch
Force per unit area exerted against a resisting body - Imperial system.
Written as lbf/in_ or psi.
PSV
See 'Parallel Slide Valve'.
104
Glossary of Valve Terminology
105
Glossary of Valve Terminology
Pig Catcher
A ball valve having a blind or semi blind pocket in the ball rather than a through hole. The valve will catch and hold a
metal sphere, and then launch it down the pipe. Used also in meter prover systems to accurately measure flow rates
and calibrate flowmeters. See 'Metal Prover'.
Pilot Valve
A small valve with a spool or poppet action, used in conjunction with a solenoid or pressure source to divert fluid
from port to port(s). Normally used with a solenoid to divert pneumatic flows to either side of the piston on an air
actuator - a directional flow valve.
Pinch Valve
- See 'Flexible Tube Valve'.
Pinion Shaft
The external input shaft of certain gear operators which drives internal reduction gearing. The pinion shaft can accept
a handwheel or power actuator.
Pinion
A circular gear which operates in conjunction with a gear rack to provide rotary motion.
Pinion Shaft Extension
On a buried valve, the gear operator pinion shaft must be extended above grade to permit the valve to be operated.
Pipe Schedule
Numbers and / or letters which are assigned to pipe in order to define its wall thickness.
Piston
A movable pressure responsive element which transmits force to the actuator stem.
Piston Actuator
A fluid pressure operated piston and cylinder assembly for positioning an actuator stem.
Piston Area
The net cross-sectional area upon which air pressure may act to provide an output force.
Piston Effect
The sealing principle involved in utilising line pressure to effect a seal across the floating seats of some valves.
Pitch & Lead
Pertaining to screw threads. the pitch refers to the measurement between adjacent threads. the lead refers to the
distance the screw advances in one complete revolution. Worm gears of gear operators, are also identified by pitch
and lead. Speed of operation and torque required are related to pitch and lead.
Plastics
A broad classification covering a variety of non-metallic, synthetic or organic materials capable of being moulded
or formed into desired shapes. Also used as a protective coating for valves.
Plate
A separate piece inserted in a slide valve body to form a valve body port.
Plug
The rotating closure element of a plug valve. Also a threaded fitting used to close off and seal an opening into a
pressure containing chamber, eg pipe plug.
Plug Valve
A quarter turn valve whose closure element is usually a plug, parallel or tapered, having a rectangular or round port.
Pneumatic
Pertaining to, or using, air or gas.
Pneumatic Test
An optional leak test which may be performed on valves using air at low pressure, usually between 6 and 7 bar,
80 and 100 psi g.
Poisson's Ratio
The ratio of the lateral strain to the longitudinal strain in a stretched wire.
That is d = l where
D L
D = original diameter L = length
d = decrease in diameter l = increase in length
(named after Simeon Poisson 1781-1840
106
Glossary of Valve Terminology
107
Glossary of Valve Terminology
Pressure - Overpressure
The pressure increase over the set pressure, expressed in pressure units or percent of set pressure for safety and
safety relief valves.
Pressure Rating
An alpha numeric designation related to the pressure and temperature that a component is capable of withstanding.
See also 'Class' and 'PN'.
Pressure - relieving
Set pressure plus overpressure in safety and safety relief valves.
Pressure - reseating
The pressure at which a pressure relief valve reseats after discharge.
Pressure - start-to-open
The pressure at which a safety or safety relief valve commences to open.
Pressure - seating difference
The difference between the operating pressure and the set pressure, expressed in pressure units or percent of set
pressure for safety or safety relief valves.
Pressure Sensing Valve
A valve design usually operated automatically by the flowing media which senses increases of pressure upstream in a
pipeline. An increase in pressure such as a pressure surge wave when a pump stops or an actuated valve closes
quickly, is 'sensed' by the pressure sensing valve. This valve then opens quickly to relieve this excess pressure before
damage to equipment occurs. See 'Surge Reliever'.
Pressure - set
The start-to-open pressure at service conditions of back pressure and temperature. Note: This definition complies
with ISOI 4126.1979(E). In USA practice, this definition applies to modulating pressure relief valves only. In the case
of full-lift pressure relief valves, the pressure at which the pressure relief valve opens suddenly is considered to be the
set pressure.
Pressure - superimposed back pressure
The static pressure at the outlet of a pressure relief valve from foreign sources prior to the time the valve is required
to operate, expressed in pressure units or percent or set pressure.
Pressure Relief Valve
A generic term for a pressure-relieving device which automatically relieves a pressure system of excess pressure when
abnormal operating conditions cause the pressure to exceed a set limit, and recloses when the abnormal pressure
recedes again below the set limit.
Pressure Relief Valve - Direct acting
A mechanically loaded pressure relief valve which is actuated directly by the pressure on the underside of the disc.
Depending on operating conditions and the type of fluid for which the pressure relief valve is designed, such valves
are defined as relief valves, safety valves, or safety relief valves.
Pressure Relief Valve - Full-lift
A pressure relief valve which modulates open over only a minute portion of the lift and then opens suddenly to the
fully open position. Note: For a pressure relief valve to qualify as a full-lift pressure relief valve, codes may specify the
maximum portion of the lift over which the valve modulates open, and the maximum overpressure prior to the valve
opening suddenly.
Pressure Relief Valve - Modulating
A pressure relief valve which modulates open and closed over the entire or a substantial portion of the valve lift.
Note: For a pressure relief valve to qualify as a modulating pressure relief valve, codes may specify the minimum
portion of the lift over which the valve modulates open and closed.
Pressure Relief Valve - Ordinary
A pressure relief valve with an opening characteristic which does not meet the code requirements of either the
modulating or full-lift pressure relief valve.
Pressure Relief Valve - Piloted
A pressure relief valve which consists of a main valve and a pilot mechanism. The main valve is the actual pressure
relief valve, while the pilot mechanism senses the pressure of the pressure system and pilots the main valve open
and closed.
The force to hold the main valve closed may be derived thereby from the system fluid, an external source, or a
combination of these.
108
Glossary of Valve Terminology
Q
Quality Assurance
Is a management system to ensure that Quality Control procedures are implemented, and that they are effective in
ensuring that the specified standards requirements are met.
Quality Control
The process of ensuring that the specified quality of materials, components, and finished products are supplied. This is
achieved by inspection and process control.
Quarter-Turn Valve
A valve whose closure member can be moved from full open to full closed with a 90' rotation of the stem.
Quick Opening Flow Characteristic
That flow characteristic in which there is maximum flow with minimum travel.
109
Glossary of Valve Terminology
R
RF (Raised Face)
The raised area of a flange face which affords a seal with a mating flange face by means of a flat gasket of the same
diameter as the raised face.
RPM
Rotational speed, revolutions per minute. For example, the RPM delivered by a power operator to the pinion shaft of a
gear operator.
RTJ or R.T.J. - Ring Type Joint
A flange connection using a specially shaped soft metal ring as a gasket. Generally used on high pressure valves.
Rack
A linear gear that operates in conjunction with a pinion gear to provide rotary motion.
Rack & Pinion Actuator
A quarter turn actuator using a geared pinion stem which is turned by a linear geared rack attached to a pressurised
piston. This design generates a constant torque at the valve stem. 'See Scotch Yoke'.
Radiation Fin Bonnet
A bonnet with fins to reduce heat transfer between the valve body and packing box assembly.
Radiographic Inspection
An X-ray, NDE Procedure for locating flaws in welds, castings, & fabricated parts.
Rangeability
The term is intended to express the ratio between the maximum flow coefficient and the minimum flow coefficient at
which it is practical to throttle the valve continuously. In other words, if a valve will perform well from the point of view
of both accuracy and longevity at one percent of its maximum Kv or Cv, then the rangeability of that valve is a hundred
to one.
Rated Kv or Cv
The value of Kv or Cv (flow capacity) at the rated full open position of the valve.
Rated Travel
Linear movement of the valve closure member from the closed position to the rated full open position.
Ratchet Drive
A shaft or valve that is operated by means of a ratchet mechanism. The ratchet delivers an intermittent stepped
rotation through a gear in one direction only.
Rating
An alpha numeric classification used to define the pressure capability of a pipework system, and its components. See
also 'Class', and 'PN'.
Reduced Port (Reduced Bore)
See 'Venturi', 'Regular Port'.
Reflex Indicator
A special form of Water Gauge glass designed to increase the visibility of the water level, using refracted light.
Regular Port Valve
A term usually applied to ball and plug valves. The 'regular' port of such a valve is customarily about 40% of the line
pipe area. Hence, it corresponds to a venturi or reduced bore valve of like nominal pipe size.
Regulator
A simple self-operated control device which operates off the process itself. This is basically a force balance
mechanism - not an on-off valve.
Relief Valve - 1.
A quick acting, spring loaded valve that opens (relieves) when the pressure exceeds the spring setting. Often installed
on the body cavity of ball and gate valves to relieve thermal overpressure in liquid services. See 'BRV'.
Relief Valve - 2.
A direct-acting pressure relief valve which is intended for liquid service only. Depending on design, such valves may
open as modulating or full-lift pressure relief valves or, depending on code interpretation, as ordinary pressure relief
valves.
110
Glossary of Valve Terminology
Remote Control
The operation of a valve or other flow control device from a point at a distance from the device being controlled. Can
be accomplished by electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic means.
Repeatability
The capability of a valve actuator and positioner to maintain an accuracy to return to a given position at the same
given signal. Rated as a maximum variation regardless of actuator pistons direction.
Reseating
When the valve head in a Safety or Relief Valve remakes contact with the seat after opening, and seals the flow
of fluid.
Reseating Pressure
See pressure - reseating.
Resilient Seat
A valve seat containing a soft seal, such as a 'lip' seal or an O-ring, to assure tight shut-off.
Resolution
Smallest possible change in valve stem position when it is operated by a valve actuator with positioner.
Response Level
Maximum change in the input signal to a valve actuator positioner to cause a change in valve stem position in one
direction of the actuator piston.
Retaining Ring
A split ring that is used to retain a separable flange on the upper and lower valve bodies. Used also to retain the two
pieces of a ball in a split ball valve design.
Reverse Acting Diaphragm Actuator
A diaphragm actuator in which the actuator stem retracts with increasing diaphragm pressure
(applies to globe valve actuators only).
Rising Stem
A valve stem which rises as the valve is opened.
Road Box
A concrete, plastic, or metal box with a removable cover, enclosing and providing access to valves installed in buried
lines alongside roads or streets. The valves are operated by removing the box cover and inserting a long handled 'tee'
wrench which engages a 50mm (2") square nut attached to the valve stem or to the pinion shaft of geared valves.
Rockwell Hardness No.
A numerical expression of the hardness of a metal as determined with a Rockwell Hardness Tester. There are several
hardness scales. The most commonly used are the Rockwell 'B' scale for soft metals and the Rockwell 'C' scale for
hard materials.
Rotary Actuator
A device that provides torque or rotating movement to a rotary valve.
Rubber Boot
A protective device similar to a flexible bellows, which is used to prevent buildup of external abrasive deposits on
the valve stem.
Rupture Disc (Blow-out Disc)
An emergency over-pressure relief device employing a relatively thin diaphragm, designed to burst at a
specified pressure. Cannot be reset- must be replaced after rupture event. Protects safety and relief valves
from corrosive mediums.
S
SCFH
Standard Cubic Feet per Hour.
SCMH
Standard Cubic Metres per Hour.
SCFM
Standard Cubic Feet per Minute.
SCMM
Standard Cubic Metres per Minute.
111
Glossary of Valve Terminology
SDNR
Screw Down Non Return. See 'Screw Down Non Return Valve'.
S.I.
Système Internationale d'Unités - known as S.I. units. An internationally agreed coherent system of units derived from
the metre/kilogram/second (MKS) system. Now in use in most countries including Australia but excluding USA. It
replaces the old metric and Imperial systems.
SNG - Synthetic Natural Gas
A substitute natural gas made from the by products of chemical plants and refineries. Also, see 'Coal Gasification'.
SPDT - Single-Pole, Double-Throw
See definition of SPST.
SPST - Single-Pole, Single-Throw
Refers to the function of an electrical switch often used in the control system of electric valve operators.
SY - Scotch Yoke
See 'Scotch Yoke Operator'.
Safety Valve
A full-lift pop action pressure relief valve which is intended for gas service only. The main application of this valve is
for steam service.
Safety Relief Valve
A direct-acting pressure relief valve intended for gas, vapour, liquid service. The valve opens in gas or vapour service
as a full-lift pressure relief valve. In liquid service, the valve may likewise open as a full-lift pressure relief valve or,
depending on code interpretation, as an ordinary pressure relief valve. Depending on construction, safety relief valves
are referred to as conventional or balanced safety relief valves.
Safety Relief Valve - Balanced
A safety relief valve which is designed so that the opening and closing forces due to back pressure acting on
the seated disc are balanced. Superimposed back pressure does not influence the set pressure of the valve.
Safety Relief Valve - Conventional
A safety relief valve in which the bonnet is vented to the discharge side of the valve.
Saturated Steam
Steam which is at a temperature equal to the boiling point of water and condensing temperature of steam,
at the specified pressure.
Saturated Steam, Dry
See Dry Saturated Steam.
Saturated Steam, Wet
See Wet Saturated Steam.
Schedule
A USA system for indicating the wall thickness of pipe. The higher the schedule number, the thicker the wall for a
certain pipe size.
Schedule, Pipe
See Pipe Schedule.
Scotch Yoke
A device that translates linear motion to rotary motion. The linear motion is defined by a pin or roller element trapped
within a channel in the rotary element. This design generates high torque at the beginning and end of the stroke only.
It so happens that this matches the breakaway, running, and seating torque valves of ball valves and therefore, this
design is often used for actuators on this type of valve. Generally it is cheaper to manufacture that the 'rack and
pinion' design.
Screwed Ends
Internally threaded end connections supplied on some valves. Usually tapered pipe threads (BSP or NPT).
Seal, Dynamic
A sealing element used between parts that have relative motion, ie, stem seals, seat seal O-rings, etc.
Seal, Static
A sealing element used as a gasket between two non-moving parts, ie, valve bonnet O-ring, ball valve body O-ring,
flange gasket.
Seat
That part of a valve against which the closure element (gate, ball) effects a tight shut-off.
112
Glossary of Valve Terminology
Seat Test
A test which is carried out on every valve in order to ensure that this seal does not leak. See also Hydrostatic and
Pneumatic Test.
Seat Load
The contact force between the valve seat and valve closure member.
Seat Ring
A separate piece inserted in a valve body to mate with the valve closure member.
Seating Surfaces
The contacting surfaces of the closure member and seat which effect valve closure.
Seating Torque
A value depicting the turning force required to set a valve into its closed position.
Secondary Orifice
The ring-shaped opening at the exit of the huddling chamber in a safety, or safety relief valve.
Self Relieving
The process whereby excessive internal body pressure, in some valves, is automatically relieved either into the
upstream or downstream line. This is achieved by individual manufacturers designs.
Separator
A special tank used to separate gas from oil in some crude oil gathering systems.
Separable Flange
A removable flange which fits over a valve body flow connection. It is generally held in place by means of a
retaining ring.
Shell
Those parts of a valve which enclose the pressurised fluid.
Shell Test
A test carried out on every valve to ensure that the valve shell is leak free. See also 'Hydrostatic' and 'Pneumatic Test'.
Shock
A temporary increase in internal pressure caused by a pressure wave travelling in a pipe.
Shock Test
That series of vibration and impact tests required by the military for valves which could be operated in combat
situations ie, submarines, surface fighting vessels, minesweepers, etc.
Short Gate
A gate valve whose seat rings contact the gate only in the closed position. Such valves are not through-conduit,
as the gate is completely withdrawn from the flow area in the open position.
Short Pattern Valve
a valve whose face-to-face dimension is less than the AP or BS standard.
Shut-Off Valve
A valve designed only for on/off service. Not a throttling valve. Sometimes referred to as a 'block valve'.
Silencer
A device used to reduce noise generated by flowing gasses. Sometimes referred to as an Attenuator.
Simmering
The action of the valve head of a Safety Valve as the pressure force under the valve head (trying to open the valve),
balances with the force from the spring (trying to close the valve), causing the valve head to hover before
'popping' open.
Sizing
The process of determining what size valve or actuator is required for the specified conditions.
Slab Gate
A gate having flat, finely finished parallel faces - as opposed to a wedge gate. Such a closure element slides across
the seats and does not depend on stem force to achieve tight shut off. Used generally on high pressure lines.
Slam Retarder
A device designed to prevent the clapper of a check valve from slamming as it closes upon flow reversal. Hydraulic
damping cylinders, rotary vanes, and torsional springs are all used for this purpose as are 'pressure' sensing valves'.
113
Glossary of Valve Terminology
Slamming
The action that can occur on a partially open non-return valve by a returning pressure wave after a pump stops or a
valve closes too fast. The pressure wave slams shut the non-return valve and can cause irreparable damage. Solutions
to this are:
Provide a means of relieving the pressure wave before the non-return valve closes or ensure the non return valve
closes before the pressure wave occurs. See 'slam retarder' - 'pressure sensing valve'.
Slurry Service
An application involving a flow medium consisting of varying size solid particles suspended in a liquid in differing
concentrations.
Socket End
An end connection in which a pipe or tube is inserted into a counterbored hole and then brazed or fillet welded.
Soft Seal
A means of ensuring leak free shut off between seat and disc by fitting a soft material into a safety valve or relief valve
head or globe or gate valve. Sometimes also referred to as soft facing.
Solenoid Valve
A small electrically operated valve used in the control of fluid in the piping of hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder actuators
or other equipment.
Sonic Flow
See Choked Flow.
Sonic Velocity
The local speed of sound in the fluid. The speed of sound varies in air gasses and liquids).
Sour Gas
Natural gas containing significant amounts of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Requires special trim. See 'NACE'.
Spare Parts
Ensure that only original manufacturers parts are fitted during reconditioning.
Specific Gravity
The ratio of the density of a given volume of fluid to the density of an equal volume of water (if the fluid is a liquid)
or to the density of an equal volume of air (if the fluid is a gas).
Specific Volume
The reciprocal of density. Units may be m3/kg or ft3/kg.
Spindle
That part of a valve which controls the position of the valve closing member.
Split Body Valve Assembly
An assembly of an upper valve body, lower valve body, and trim elements. The assembly can also include a
centre valve body to provide another flow connection as in a three-way valve.
Split Wedge Gate Valve
A Gate Valve design which has a two piece disc in the form of a wedge.
Spring Adjuster
A fitting, usually threaded on the actuator stem, body, or into the yoke, to adjust the spring compression.
Spring Compression Force
The characteristic of a spring expressed as the restoring force available when the linear spring dimension is at a
minimum length.
Spring End Torque
A published value depicting the potential turning force of a spring-return actuator at the end of travel, when air
pressure is zero.
Spring Rate
Force change per unit change in length.
Spring-Return Actuator
A device that contains a spring element having the capability of returning a valve/actuator system to its normal
position in the absence of air pressure, electrical, hydraulic power, etc.
Spring Seat
A plate to hold the spring in position and also to provide a flat surface for a spring adjuster to contact.
114
Glossary of Valve Terminology
115
Glossary of Valve Terminology
116
Glossary of Valve Terminology
T
Tag
A rectangular strip of stainless steel, brass, aluminium, or plastic, which is engraved or embossed with reference
details to customer requirements. It is loosely attached to the valve by wire.
Tee
A pipe or tubing fitting with a side outlet at right angles. Resembles a 'T'.
Teflon® - See 'PTFE'
A proprietary name for polytetraflurorethylene.
Temperature
A measure of hotness or coldness of a material or fluid.
Tensile Strength
The highest tensile stress that a material can withstand before failure or rupture occurs - force being applied in a
direction tending to elongate the material.
Tensile Test
A test performed on a specially machined specimen taken from material in its delivered condition, to determine
physical properties, ie yield strength, ultimate strength and percent elongation.
Tension Test
Same as 'Tensile Test'.
Test Certificates
Documents provided by a manufacturer certifying that required tests were performed.
Testing
The process of physical and / or mechanical inspection of a valve or its components.
Three Piece Construction
Relates to the number of pieces used to make up a valve body assembly.
Three Position Actuator
An actuator that allows it to be used in operations requiring a mid position stop. May be used with a
90º or 180º actuator.
Three-Way Pilot Valve
A pilot valve used with single-acting (spring-return) actuators.
Three-Way Valve
A valve with three outlet /inlet ports. The passage of flow through the obturator can be in a 'T' or 'L' configureation
which offers an option of a number of different flow paths through the valve.
Throttling
The intentional restriction of flow by partially closing or opening a valve. A wide range of throttling is accomplished
automatically in regulators and control valves as required by the process controller.
Thru-Conduit
An expression characterising valves when in the open position, wherein the bore presents a smooth uninterrupted
interior surface across seat rings and through the valve port, thus affording minimum pressure drop. There are no
cavities or large gaps in the bore between seat rings and ball/gate. Consequently, there are no areas that can
accumulate debris to impede pipeline cleaning equipment or restrict the valve's motion.
Thrust
Force applied to a part in a particular direction - eg thrust on a valve stem.
Titanium
The mechanical properties of titanium are similar to those of the austenitic stainless steels, However, it is more
brittle especially at low temperatures. The specific gravity of titanium is only 4.5 so that it possesses a high strength
to weight ratio.
The corrosion resistance of titanium is in many ways similar to that of an austenitic stainless steel although generally
somewhat inferior. Like stainless steel it owes its corrosion resistance to a thin oxide film which is self-healing under
oxidising conditions. Its resistance to nitric acid, chromic acid, perchloric acid, etc., is extremely good but the rate of
attack is unacceptable in sulphuric and hydrochloric acid solutions. Most important is its resistance to chloride,
chlorite and hypochlorite solutions and it is used extensively in the textile bleaching industry on the more severely
corrosive duties. Its resistance to sea water and to brines is insurpassed and it is also used for handling wet chlorine
and chlorine dioxide.
117
Glossary of Valve Terminology
U
UPVC -Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride.
A Thermoplastic material used for valve bodies, actuators and valve parts - pipes and fittings.
U-cup (Ring Packing)
A 'U' cross-section ring located on the tail end of certain ball valve seats to retain the grease in an emergency seat
seal system.
UL-Underwriters Laboratory
An impartial testing laboratory concerned with the safety of electrical components. Products surviving the tests
are included on a certified listing of products by manufacturer. This does not imply UL approval.
USGpm
United States Gallons per Minute.
Ultimate Strength
That stress at which a material will fail. See 'Tensile Test', 'Burst Pressure'.
Ultrasonic Inspection
An inspection procedure using high frequency sound waves to detect voids and imperfections throughout the
thickness of metal parts.
Underground Storage
The storage of natural gas or other fluids underground.
Union Bonnet
A connection between cover and body, which is produced by a nut passing over the cover, screwing onto the body
and clamping both together.
Union Connection
A small 3-piece fitting used to join two lengths of pipe. A female piece is installed on each of the two pipe ends and
the connection is mechanically sealed by an external nut.
Units
Two systems of units are commonly used in the valve industry, these are:
SI Units (International), eg kilograms, metres, bar, etc
British Units, eg, pounds, feet, psi, etc.
Unit Sensitivity
The percent increase in existing flow for an increase in movement of 1 percent of rated travel at a stated
operating point.
Unseating Torque - See Breakaway Torque
Upper Valve Body
A half housing for a split body type valve. It contains internal valve parts and has one flow connection. It usually
includes a means for sealing against leakage along the stem and provides a means for mounting the actuator.
119
Glossary of Valve Terminology
V
VPI - Visible Position Indicator
See 'Stem Indicator'
V Port Seat
A Gate Valve where the outlet bore is in the form of a V. This is done in order to give some degree of regulation in the
flow of fluid as the valve is opened.
Vacuum
A space from which air or gas has been exhausted until its pressure is less than atmospheric pressure, ie, any
pressure below 101 kpa absolute. ie (zero) Pa is a perfect vacuum.
Outside the SI system, degrees of vacuum can be listed in terms of:
1. Millimetres of mercury (Hg). 1 atm = 760 millmetres of Hg therefore, degrees of vacuum can be shown as less
than 760 mm of Hg.
2. In the field of high vacuum degrees of torr is used frequently. A torr is equivalent to 1 mm of mercury or
133.322 pascals, that is to be within one part in 7 million.
Therefore, 133.322 pascals = 1 mm Hg = 1 torr.
Vacuum Breaker Valve
A valve designed to open when a vacuum is present.
Valve
A device which controls or shuts off the flow of a liquid or gas in a conduit or pipeline.
Valve Body
A housing for internal parts having inlet and outlet flow connections. Several common body arrangements are
employed as follows:
(a) Single ported having one port and one valve closure member.
(b) Double ported having two ports and one valve closure member.
(c) Two-way having two flow connections - one inlet and one outlet.
(d) Three-way having three flow connections, two of which may be inlets with one outlet (for conveying
or mixing flows), or one inlet and two outlets (for diverging or diverting flows).
(e) Multi port, ie, four way and five way.
Valve Body Assembly
An assembly of a body, bonnet assembly, bottom flange and trim elements. The trim includes a valve closure
member which opens, shuts, or partially obstructs one or more ports.
Valve Closure Member
That part of a valve which is positioned to close, open, or to control the amount of flow. - See 'closure element'.
Valve Flow Co-efficient (Cv)
Number of US gallons per minute of 60 degree F water that will flow through a valve with one psi pressure drop
under stated conditions. Stated conditions include pressure and percent of rated travel.
Valve Flow Co-efficient (Kv)
Number of cubic metres per hour at 15.5ºC of water that will flow through a valve with 1 bar pressure drop under
stated conditions. Stated conditions include pressure and percent of rated travel.
Valve Closure Member Guide
That portion of a valve which aligns it movements in either a seat ring, bonnet, bottom flange or any two of these.
Valve Plug Stem
A rod attached to the plug and extending through the bonnet assembly to permit positioning of the valve plug.
Valve Selection
An operation essential to ensure that the valve chosen is best suited for the service and duty at a price the purchaser
is prepared to pay.
Vane
The valve closure member in a butterfly valve which provides a variable restriction in a port. Sometimes called disc.
Vapour Pressure
The pressure at which, for a given temperature, vapour bubbles form in a liquid.
120
Glossary of Valve Terminology
Variable Speed
A characteristic of an actuator providing for revised (slower) operating time over the range of operation.
Velocity
The speed at which a fluid flows through a line in a specified direction. Usually expressed in 'metres per second' - m/s.
Velocity Head
The extra pressure that would be generated in a fluid if a moving fluid were brought to rest. Also known as Dynamic
Pressure, and Dynamic Head.
Vena Contracta
The point in the valve where the fluid reaches its maximum velocity and the cross sectional area of the stream is
actually less than in the narrowest portion of the valve.
Vent Plug (Vent Plug Assembly, Safety Vent Plug, Drainage Plug)
A special pipe plug having a small allen-wrench operated vent valve. These special plugs are located at the bottom
of most pipeline ball valves. With the line valve closed (and under pressure) the body cavity pressure can be vented
through this small valve to check tightness of seat seals or to make minor repairs. Having vented the body pressure,
the vent plug may be removed to blow out debris and foreign material or to flush the body cavity. On some gate
valves the vent plug is installed on the bonnet for the sole purpose of venting the body. Such valves have separate
drain valves. See 'Block and Bleed'. 'Drain Valve'.
Venturi Valve
A reduced bore valve. A valve having a bore smaller in diameter than the inlet or outlet. For example, an 8" x 6" x 8"
ball valve has 8" inlet and outlet connections, while the ball and seats are 6". The flow through a venturi valve will be
reduced because of the smaller port. Venturi valves can often be economically substituted for round way valves as the
extra pressure drop will have recovered somewhat a short distance downstream if in a straight pipe.
Viscosity
A measure of the internal friction of a fluid or the resistance of a fluid to flow. Two fluids of identical specific
gravity may have quite different viscosities.
Viton Rubber
See 'FPM'.
W
WB
Welded Bonnet.
WE or W.E. - Weld End
The end connection of a valve which is to be installed by welding into the line. To prepare the end bevel, it is
necessary to know the wall thickness and specified minimum yield strength of the connecting pipe. See 'End Bevel'.
W.O. Wrench Operated
The operation of a valve by means of a handle or lever. Used on smaller size and lower pressure class valves.
WOG - (Water - Oil - Gas) - USA term.
Used in connection with a pressure rating. Thus: 100 WOG indicates the rated pressure is 100 psi in water, oil, or gas
service, at normal ambient temperatures.
WP - Working Pressure
The pressure at which a valve is designed to operate. Same as 'operating pressure rating'.
WSP
Working Steam Pressure.
Wall Thickness
The thickness of the wall of a pressure vessel. The thickness of the wall of a pipe.
Water Gauge
A valve unit that is mounted on a boiler in order to show the water level inside the boiler. This is done by using high
strength glass tubes - see 'Reflex Indicator'.
Water Hammer
The physical effect, often accompanied by loud banging, produced by pressure waves generated within the piping
by rapid change of velocity in a liquid system and collision with obstacles such as bends, tees, and closed valves
- see 'Surge'.
121
Glossary of Valve Terminology
Weather Proof
Describes a valve operator or other device that is protected against intrusion of water, sand, dust, or other
atmospheric contamination.
Weatherproof
A term used to describe pieces of equipment which can withstand certain atmospheric conditions. Different classes
of weather proofing are available eg IP54, (NEMA Type 4), IP 67, (NEMA Type 6).
Wedge
That part of a Wedge Gate Valve which makes contact with the valve seat and thus stops the flow of fluid.
Wedge Gate
A gate whose seating surfaces are inclined to the direction of closing thrust so that mechanical force on the stem
produces tight contact with the inclined seat rings.
Weight
The weight of a body is the force exerted by gravity on the mass of a body and it varies according to location,
eg, a kilogram of butter bought in Melbourne will weigh much less on the moon or mars but its MASS has not altered.
Weight is a force and the unit of weight or force is the Newton (N). - See 'Mass'.
Weld End
See 'WE', 'End Bevel'.
Weld Neck Flange
A flanged piping element with a weld neck used in pipeline construction to provide a companion flange for installation
of flanged valves. Also used to convert weld end valves to flanged valves or vice versa.
Weld Reducers
A reducing fitting used on weld end piping components to adapt from a large sized pipe to a smaller diameter pipe, or
vice versa.
Wet Saturated Steam
Saturated steam which contains droplets of water.
Wire Drawing
A form of erosion on a valve seat or disc which is caused by high velocity flow. It appears in the form of smooth
grooves as though cut by wire.
Worm Gears
Gears used to transmit motion to power between right angle shafts when a high-ratio reduction is necessary. The
worm is the small gear which drives the larger ring gear. Worm threads resemble screw threads and are available in
various leads and pitches.
Wrench
A formed or cast lever to operate a valve by hand. The length of the lever is calculated to apply a torque to the valve
capable of being operated by the average person <80Nm.
122
Glossary of Valve Terminology
X
X-ray
See 'Radiographic Inspection'
Y
Y Type
See Oblique pattern
Yield Strength
The limiting stress (N/m2) beyond which a material will sustain permanent deformation. Up to the yield strength, the
material will spring back to its original dimension when the pressure is removed. Often, in valve material specs, the
yield strength will be designated. This allows proper material selection.
Yoke - 1
That part of a gate valve which serves as a spacer between the bonnet and the operator or actuator.
Yoke - 2
A structure by which the actuator assembly is supported rigidly on the bonnet assembly.
Young's Modulas
The Elastic Modulas applied to a stretched wire or to a rod under tension or compression; the ratio of the STRESS
on a cross-section of the wire or rod to the longitudinal STRAIN.
That is Stress = E (Young's modules)
Strain
(Named after Thomas Young 1773 - 1829)
Z
Zero Leakage
The minimum leakage rate such as specified in BS 6755 Part 1 or API 6FA.
123
Transmark Fcx has a network Australia
Transmark FCX
ABN: 46 080 156 378
VIC / SA / TAS
Belgium 3 Corporate Avenue
Rowville Victoria 3178
China Tel +61 (0)3 9765 6111
Fax (03) 9765 6160
Singapore WA
49 Catalano Circuit
Canning Vale WA 6155
Spain Tel (08) 9456 2300
Fax (08) 9456 2311
Thailand Brisbane
Unit 4, 31 Archimedes Place
UK Metroplex on Gateway
Murrarie QLD 4172
Tel (07) 3258 4300
Fax (07) 3258 4399
Townsville
Unit 2 / 46-50 Hugh Ryan Drive
Garbutt QLD 4814
Tel (07) 4725 2977
Fax (07) 4725 2383
Gladstone
29a Chapple Street
Gladstone, QLD 4680
Tel (07) 4976 9551
Fax (07) 4976 9559
website www.transmark-fcx.com
e-commerce www.fcxdirect.com