AISI - American Institute of Steel & Iron
ANSI - American National Standards Institute
API - American Petroleum Institute
ASME - American Society of Mechanical Engineers
ASTM - American Society of Testing Materials
Austenitic - A non-magnetic solid solution of ferric carbide or carbon in iron used in making corrosion-resistant steel.
Bar - The unit of rated pressure used in Europe (Bar * 14.50 = psi)
BSP - British pipe thread, tapered
BSPP - British pipe thread, parallel
C.W.P. - Cold working pressure. The working pressure of a valve under ambient conditions.
Chevron - A figure of pattern having the shape of a "V" or an inverted "V".
Cold Flow - The distortion, deformation, or dimensional change which takes place in materials under continuous load at temperatures within the working range.
CSA - Canadian Standards Association
Cv-Flow Coefficient - Index of Flow Capacity equivalent to the gallons per minute of water at standard temperature (60°F = 18°C) which will flow through a valve or fitting at a pressure differential across the valve of 1 psi.
DIN - European flanged dimensions similar to ANSI
Ductile - When referring to iron, it was invented in 1943 by adding graphite and other chemicals to cast iron to add tensile strength and flexibility.
Ferrite - Iron or iron alloy.
FM - Factory Mutual
FRL - A device that conditions air for use in pneumatic systems. An FRL is combination filter-regulator-lubricator.
GHT - Garden hose thread
Hysteresis - The tendency of the position of a component to be dependent on the previous position of the component when reacting to a physical stimulus. Hysteresis leads to varying degrees of inaccuracy relative to the valve actuation and target pressure
IAPMO - International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials
IPS - Iron pipe straight thread
Limit Switch - A device used for making, breaking, or for changing the connections in an electrical circuit.
MSS - Manufacturers Standardization Society
NACE - National Association of Corrosion Engineers
NAMUR - International interface connection standard for electrical devices to valve - of German origin
NEMA - National Electrical Manufacturers Association - defines degrees of protection for electrical devices
Newton Meter - The abbreviation is Nm, and is a unit of measuring torque. To convert to inch-pounds, multiply by 8.85.
NPT - American standard taper pipe thread
NPTF - American standard taper pipe thread, fuel dry seal
NSF - National Sanitation Foundation
OSHA - The Occupational Safety and Health Administration. A government agency under the U.S. Department of Labor that helps employers reduce injuries, illnesses, and death in the workplace
PLC - A processor-driven device that uses logic-based software to provide electrical control to machines.
PN - Pressure Nominal (French) European pressure ratings similar to ANSI class pressure ratings
Solenoid - A coil of wire that generates an electromagnetic force when a current is applied. When activated, solenoids can open and close a valve.
Spool - A cylindrical valving element that alternately allows and blocks flow depending upon its position used in a NAMUR solenoid valve.
Sublimation - The change from a solid to a gas without entering the liquid phase. The characteristic of virgin P.T.F.E.
U.L. - Underwriters Laboratory
UPC - Uniform Product Code
Venturi Effect - The reduction in fluid pressure that results when a fluid flows through a constricted section of pipe, or even a hollow ball.
W.O.G. - Body rating of a valve concerning generic water, oil, or gas.
W.S.P. - Working Steam Pressure. The steam rating of a valve.