MSS SP-96-2017

MSS SP-96-2017
Terminology
for
Valves, Fittings, and Their
Related Components
Standard Practice
Developed and Approved by the
Manufacturers Standardization Society of the
Valve and Fittings Industry, Inc.
127 Park Street, NE
Vienna, Virginia 22180-4602
Phone: (703) 281-6613 www.msshq.org
Fax: (703) 281-6671
E-mail: standards@msshq.org
MSS STANDARD PRACTICE SP-96
This MSS Standard Practice was developed under the consensus of the MSS Technical Committee 302
and the MSS Coordinating Committee. In addition, this Standard Practice was approved by an
ANSI/MSS Consensus Committee and ANSI as a revised American National Standard. The content of
this Standard Practice is the resulting efforts of competent and experienced volunteers to provide an
effective, clear, and non-exclusive standard that will benefit the industry as a whole. This MSS Standard
Practice describes minimal requirements and is intended as a basis for common practice by the
manufacturer, the user, and the general public. The existence of an MSS Standard Practice does not in
itself preclude the manufacture, sale, or use of products not conforming to the Standard Practice.
Mandatory conformance to this Standard Practice is established only by reference in other documents
such as a code, specification, sales contract, or public law, as applicable. MSS has no power, nor does it
undertake, to enforce or certify compliance with this document. Any certification or other statement of
compliance with the requirements of this Standard Practice shall not be attributable to MSS and is solely
the responsibility of the certifier or maker of the statement.
“Unless indicated otherwise within this MSS Standard Practice, other standards documents
referenced to herein are identified by the date of issue that was applicable to this Standard
Practice at the date of approval of this MSS Standard Practice (see Annex A). This
Standard Practice shall remain silent on the validity of those other standards of prior or
subsequent dates of issue even though applicable provisions may not have changed.”
By publication of this Standard Practice, no position is taken with respect to the validity of any potential
claim(s) or of any patent rights in connection therewith. MSS shall not be held responsible for identifying
any patent rights. Users are expressly advised that determination of patent rights and the risk of
infringement of such rights are entirely their responsibility.
In this Standard Practice, all text, notes, annexes, tables, figures, and references are construed to be essential
to the understanding of the message of the standard, and are considered normative unless indicated as
“supplemental”. All appendices, if included, that appear in this document are construed as “supplemental”.
Note that supplemental information does not include mandatory requirements.
This Standard Practice has been substantively revised from the previous 2011
edition. It is suggested that if the user is interested in knowing what changes have
been made, that a direct page by page comparison should be made of this document
and that of the previous edition.
Excerpts of this Standard Practice may be quoted with permission. Credit lines should read ‘Extracted
from ANSI/MSS SP-96-2017 with permission of the publisher, Manufacturers Standardization Society of
the Valve and Fittings Industry'. Reproduction and/or electronic transmission or dissemination is
prohibited under copyright convention unless written permission is granted by the Manufacturers
Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings Industry Inc. All rights reserved.
Originally Published: September 1986

Current Edition Approved by MSS: September 2016
Current Edition Approved by ANSI: January 2017
Current ANSI/MSS Revised Edition Published: April 2017
MSS is a registered trademark of Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings Industry, Inc.
Copyright ©, 2017 by
Manufacturers Standardization Society
of the
Valve and Fittings Industry, Inc.
Printed in U.S.A.
i
FOREWORD
Valves and fittings were being manufactured in the United States for many years before the first standards
were written. In selecting names for these products and their component parts, manufacturers chose
terms which seemed appropriate to the configuration and intended use.
Uses expanded and changed, and manufacturers sometimes found that logical choices of terminology had
been preempted by other products. The result has been that valves, fittings, and parts of similar
configuration or intended use sometimes have more than one name. In other cases, the same name has
been applied to assemblies or parts of different configuration and function.
The absence of a common set of preferred terminology has contributed to variations being used by
individual manufacturers and the industry in general.
This Standard Practice has been developed to serve two functions:

1) To assist the users of valves, fittings, and their related components in communicating with their
manufacturers.
2) To promote standardization in the usage of terminology and acronyms within the industry.
This Standard Practice provides definitions of the preferred items, and provides cross referencing to the
appropriate preferred terms for other commonly used terminology.
The 2011 American National Standard (ANS) edition was published in 2014, after successful balloting
with the ANSI/MSS Consensus Committee and final approval by the American National Standards
Institute (ANSI).
This 2017 revised American National Standard edition was ANSI-approved and published in 2017 after
being substantively revised, reformatted, and approved by MSS in 2016, then being submitted unpublished
to the ANSI/MSS Consensus Committee balloting and ANSI final approval process.
NOTICE REGARDING NEW PROPOSALS:

SP-96 is subject to the periodic review procedure common to standards; however, proposed inclusions and
updates can be submitted by anyone to MSS, at any time, by sending correspondence to: standards@msshq.org.
Proposals will be collected and transmitted to MSS Committee 302 for consideration.
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Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings Industry
iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1 SCOPE ........................................................................................................................................... 1
2 DOCUMENT SOURCES AND ACRONYMS ............................................................................ 1
3 GLOSSARY OF TERMS .............................................................................................................. 5
4 ABBREVIATIONS ..................................................................................................................... 42
ANNEX
A Reference Standards and Applicable Dates ............................................................................... 46
iv
TERMINOLOGY FOR VALVES, FITTINGS,

AND THEIR RELATED COMPONENTS
1. SCOPE
1.1 This Standard Practice lists and defines principle terms, acronyms, and abbreviations that are
widely used to describe valves, fittings, and their related components. It is comprised of separate
sections which contain:
 Acronyms for organizations whose documents are applicable to valves, fittings, and their related
components, and a brief summary of the applicable area of interest as it relates to this subject.
 A glossary of terms used within the valve and fittings industry, including standards developers,
to describe design, operation, and performance characteristics.
 Abbreviations commonly used in the valve and fittings industry.
2. DOCUMENT SOURCES AND ACRONYMS
A number of technical societies, Standards Development Organizations (SDOs), trade associations,

and governmental agencies promulgate codes, standards, or specifications that are pertinent to the
valve and fittings industry. Many SDOs are recognized throughout the valve and fittings industry,
while others are relevant to specific services, segments, or regions, while others are applicable to all
usages within a specific industry. The organizations and their acronyms most frequently referenced,
and their relationship to the valve and fittings industry, are listed below in alphabetical order
(according to acronym):
AAR Association of American Railroads – publishes design and dimensional standards for
bronze valves and 300 psi pressure rating, malleable pipe fittings used by railroads.
ABS American Bureau of Shipping – publishes safety standards for shipbuilding, including
specifications for valves and fittings used in commercial maritime service.
ACI Alloy Castings Institute – publishes material specifications for heat and corrosion
resistant alloys.
AESC American Engineering Standards Committee – one of the precursor structures of ANSI;
from 1916 to 1928.
AFS American Foundry Society – publishes information on casting methods, procedures, and
practices that are basic references for product design, procurement, and inspection of cast
products.
AGA American Gas Association – a trade association that represents companies which deliver
natural gas to customers. Promotes and advocates for natural gas industry issues, regulatory
constructs and business models that are priorities for their industry. See “CSA” with regard
to gas distribution markings.
AISI American Iron and Steel Institute – a trade association that represents the North American
steel industry; membership comprised of furnace steelmakers and suppliers to or customers
of the steel industry.
ANSI American National Standards Institute – serves as administrator of the United States
voluntary standardization system by accrediting the procedures of standards developing
organizations (SDO’s); known as ASDs or Accredited Standards Developers. ANSI
originally organized in 1916 as the American Engineering Standards Committee (AESC).
1
In 1928, it was reorganized and renamed the American Standards Association (ASA), then
reorganized in 1966 as the United States of America Standards Institute (USASI), and
finally adopted its current name in 1969. Note that ANSI is also the sole U.S. member body
to the ISO and IEC.
API American Petroleum Institute – a trade association and SDO that publishes standards for
systems and equipment related to the oil and natural gas industry.
ASA American Standards Association – one of the precursor structures of ANSI (1928 to 1966).
ASHRAE American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers – a trade
association and SDO that publishes standards for systems and equipment related to the built
environment; formally known as American Society of Heating and Ventilating Engineers
(ASHVE).
ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers (also known as ASME International) –
publishes codes, standards and specifications for materials, products, systems, services,
and test methodologies involving a full range of technical fields, including the valves and
fittings industry.
ASNT American Society for Non-Destructive Testing – publishes specifications for non-
destructive examination procedures and methods for parts of valves and fittings.
ASQ American Society for Quality Control – publishes specifications applicable to valve and
fitting components covering systems and procedures for quality assurance.
ASSE American Society of Sanitary Engineering – publishes plumbing and sanitary-related
standards, and certifies plumbing and mechanical products and personnel.
ASTM ASTM International (previously known as American Society for Testing and Materials) –
publishes standards for materials, products, systems, services, including test methodology
used in the manufacture of valves and fittings.
AWS American Welding Society – publishes specifications for materials and procedures used
in welding and weld repair.
AWWA American Water Works Association – publishes standards for valves and piping used in
water systems.
CDA Copper Development Association – publishes chemical specifications for copper alloys;
supplements ASTM specifications for valve and fitting materials.
CGA Compressed Gas Association – publishes technical information, standards, and
recommendations for the manufacture, storage, transportation, distribution, and use of
industrial gases. See “CSA” with regard to gas distribution markings.
CI Chlorine Institute – publishes special material-requirements and procedures for piping
components used in the production and handling of chlorine.
CSA Canadian Standards Association (operating as CSA Group) – publishes standards for
fuel gas systems and for other gas appliances and accessories, which are relevant to valves
and fittings. Through its commercial subsidiaries, CSA Group engages in testing,
certification, marking, and related activities. With regard to certification markings,
manufacturers are required (as of 2000) to replace the "AGA" and the "CGA" markings
with the "CSA" marking on all gas components. The "CSA" marking denotes compliance
with applicable AGA and CGA safety standards. All valve products that are rated
(formerly by International Approval Services and then by CSA International) for gas
distribution are affected.
DIPRA Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association – publishes information on research, design,
applications, and corrosion protection for ductile iron pipe.
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FCI Fluid Controls Institute – publishes standards and practices for capacity, design,
efficiency, manufacture, and terminology of control equipment; including valves for gas,
hydraulic, pneumatic circuits, and steam.
FED STDS United States Government Specifications and Standards – publishes standards and
specifications for valves and fittings used for federal, non-military and civilian applications.
FM Approvals FM Approvals – certifies products and services with a focus on objectively testing
property loss prevention products and services and certifying those that meet rigorous
loss prevention standards. A member of the FM Global Group; see FM Global. Note
that FM Approvals was previously known as FMRC (Factory Mutual Research
Corporation/FM Research Corporation).
FM Global FM Global – provides comprehensive global commercial and industrial property
insurance, engineering-driven underwriting and risk management solutions, property loss
prevention research and professional claims handling. FM Global officially refers to
Factory Mutual Insurance Company, including its subsidiaries, affiliates and brands. FM
Global offers worldwide industrial and commercial product certification and testing
services through FM Approvals.
IAPMO International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials – publishes the
Uniform Plumbing Code and Uniform Mechanical Code and provides product
certifications and training materials.
IEC International Electrotechnical Commission – publishes internationally agreed standards and
specifications for control valves, electrical and electronic systems and apparatus.
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers – publishes internationally accepted
standards and technical literature for electrical and electronic equipment, information
technology, and other technically-oriented products and services.
IFI Industrial Fasteners Institute – publishes specifications for bolting and fasteners used in
the manufacture of valves and fittings.
ISA International Society of Automation (previously known as the Instrument Society of
America) – publishes standards, educational material, and reference material related to
the theory, design, manufacture, and use of instruments and controls in many scientific
and industrial applications including automatic fluid-control systems.
ISO International Organization for Standardization – publishes technical internationally
accepted standards, specifications and recommendations involving a full range of technical
fields, including international standards for valves, piping, and fittings.
JIC Joint Industry Conference – publishes hydraulic and pneumatic standards that affect
valve and fitting specifications and designs.
MCA Manufacturing Chemists Association – publishes chemical statistics handbooks and
manuals of recommended practices and guidelines for handling chemicals.
MIL-STDS / United States Military Standards and Specifications – publishes standards and
MIL-SPECS specifications for valves and fittings used throughout the Department of Defense and for
applicable civilian applications.
MSS Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings Industry – publishes
Standard Practices for dimensions, marking, terminology, quality, testing, and other
information for manufacturers and users of products involving the valve and fittings
industry. ANSI-accredited standards developer.
3
NACE NACE International (previously known as National Association of Corrosion Engineers) –

publishes standards and guidelines related to corrosion control; special material requirements
and procedures for piping components used in sour gas and other corrosive services.
NEMA National Electrical Manufacturers Association – publishes specifications for electrical
equipment.
NEWWA New England Water Works Association – not-for-profit member organization
incorporated 1882 in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; affiliated with AWWA.
NFPA National Fire Protection Association – publishes design and performance standards and
codes to minimize the possibility and effects of fire and other risks, which can be relevant
to valves and fittings.
NFPA National Fluid Power Association – publishes technical standards for pumps, valves,
cylinders, and fittings used in transmitting energy by means of fluid within a pipe,
primarily for purposes of material handling or mechanism operation and control.
NSF NSF International – publishes public and environmental health standards.
PFI Pipe Fabrication Institute – publishes standards and technical bulletins for high-
pressure, high-temperature piping systems and components for chemical plants,
refineries, central power stations, ships, etc.
PHMSA Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration – a U.S. Department of
Transportation agency that develops and enforces regulations (i.e., Titles within the
Federal Code of Federal Regulations) for the safe, reliable, and environmentally sound
operation of the nation's pipeline transportation system and shipments of hazardous
materials by land, sea, and air.
RDT Reactor Development and Technology Division of U.S. Nuclear Regulatory
Commission – publishes design, performance, and quality assurance standards for valves
and fittings.
SAE Society of Automotive Engineers – publishes materials and dimensional standards for
fittings and Hardness scale.
SAMA Scientific Apparatus Makers Association – publishes standards covering process
measurement and control devices including valves, scientific apparatus, and laboratory
equipment.
SSPC Society for Protective Coatings (Previously known as Steel Structures Painting Council) –
publishes specifications for surface preparation and coating of valves and other piping
elements.
SWPA Submersible Wastewater Pump Association – a trade organization of pump and
associated manufacturers that publishes industry guidelines and training materials.
TAPPI Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry – publishes test procedures
for laboratory apparatus and process control equipment for pulp, paper, and related
industries.
UL Underwriters Laboratories – publishes safety and performance standards and provides
certification testing for valves, actuators, and fittings used in fire-protection systems
and in hazardous-fluid systems.
USASI United States of America Standards Institute – one of the precursor structures of ANSI;
from 1966 to 1969.
4
U.S. DOT United States Department of Transportation – publishes regulations applicable to valves
and fittings used in the transportation of gas, oil, and other hazardous materials in
interstate commerce.
VMA Valve Manufacturers Association of America – a trade organization of manufacturers
that publishes training materials.
VRC Valve Repair Council – a trade organization of valve repair and modification companies.
WQA Water Quality Association – a trade association representing the water treatment industry
that tests and certifies products to various standards and codes.
3. GLOSSARY OF TERMS
This section defines terms and expressions used to describe the design, operation, and performance of
valves, valve components, and fittings. Where more than one expression is used to describe a feature,
the preferred term is defined, and synonymous or related terms are referred to the preferred term. Flow
phenomena are excluded from this listing.
Pipe hanger and support terminology are also excluded within this document, but may be found in
ANSI/MSS SP-58, Pipe Hangers and Supports – Materials, Design, Manufacture, Selection, Application,
and Installation.
Bellows seals terminology may be found in MSS SP-117, Bellows Seals for Globe and Gate Valves.
Words underlined in the definitions may be found defined elsewhere in this glossary.
3.1 Glossary
TERM DEFINITION
acme thread: Flat-topped trapezoidal shaped thread used for power transmission.
actuator: Mechanical hydraulic, electric, or pneumatic device or
mechanism used to open, position, or close a valve.
actuator stem force: Force produced by an actuator used to position a valve stem.
actuator thrust: Axial force transmitted through the mounting flanges and driving
components of a valve, expressed in pounds or kilo newtons.
actuator torque: Turning moment transmitted through the mounting flanges and
driving components of a valve, expressed in pound-foot (lb-ft) or
Newton meter (Nm).
adjustable travel-stop: Adjustable device attached to a valve or actuator that limits the
range of motion of a valve’s closure member.
air-cylinder actuator: Type of power actuator using air to drive a cylinder mechanism.
air-motor actuator: Type of power actuator wherein an air motor is used to supply the
force to drive the valve’s closure member, often through a geared
mechanism.
air valve: See valve, air.
5
TERM DEFINITION
all iron: Trim class used in cast iron valves wherein the seating surfaces
and stem, when present, are made of iron or steel.
ambient temperature: Prevailing temperature of the environment surrounding a valve,
fitting, or a related component.
angle-disc check valve: See valve, angle-disc check.
angle non-return valve: See angle-stop check valve and valve, angle non-return.
angle pattern: Valve in which the body ends are at right angles.
angle ring: An angle section rolled into a ring where the inside diameter of
the ring is to suit the outside diameter of thin walled pipe or tube.
An angle ring performs a similar function to a lap-joint stub end.
angle-stop valve: See angle valve and valve, angle-stop.
angle-stop check valve: See valve, angle non-return.
angle valve: See valve, angle-stop.
atmospheric pressure: External pressure exerted on a body by the atmosphere: 14.7 psia
(1 bar) at sea level. Atmospheric pressure decreases as the
elevation above sea level increases.
automatic control: Action derived from the combination of a valve, actuator, and
sensing and activating circuits, programmed to regulate a fluid
flow or process by throttling the valve’s closure member in
response to process changes without operator intervention.
back face: Surface of a flange that is opposite the gasket face.
backflow preventer valve: See valve, backflow preventer.
backflow prevention assembly: (also known as a reduced-pressure-principle backflow prevention
assembly) A complete assembly consisting of a mechanical,
independently acting, hydraulically dependent relief valve, located
between two independently operating, internally loaded check
valves that are located between two tightly closing resilient-seated
shut-off valves with four properly placed resilient-seated test cocks.
back-pressure regulator: (also known as back pressure regulator or backpressure regulator)
Senses and responds to changes in process (inlet) pressure. As
force exceeds the pressure of the process fluid, the downward
movement of the piston causes the valve to close.
back-pressure valve: See valve, back-pressure and related valve, check.
back seat: (also referred to as backseat) A surface on the bonnet or bonnet
bushing that contacts a mating surface on the stem, when the stem
is fully retracted, to prevent leakage through the stuffing box.
back-seat bushing: See bonnet bushing and back seat.
back-seat test: (also referred to as backseat test) A pressure test performed with
a gate or globe valve in the fully opened position to verify the
leakage of the back seat.
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TERM DEFINITION
back welding: See welding, back.
ball: The closure member in a ball valve or the closure member in a
ball check valve.
ball check valve: See valve, ball check.
ball port: Flow-way opening in the closure member of a ball valve.
ball-type disc: A disc with a spherical seating surface.
ball valve: See valve, ball.
ball valve, full-port: See full-port valve.
ball valve, reduced-port: See reduced-port valve.
ball valve, standard-port: See standard-port valve.
basket strainer: A pipeline strainer that has a strainer element in the shape of a
basket.
bell end: See female end.
bearing: A cylindrical journal located in the body hubs that is used to
support the valve shaft and transmit closure member forces to the
valve body while minimizing friction and wear.
belleville spring: (also known as belleville washer or disc spring) Dished washer
used to exert an axial force.
belleville washer: See belleville spring.
bellows: Thin tube with corrugations to allow axial deflection.
bellows-seal valve: See valve, bellows-seal.
bevel: Type of chamfer typically used on pipe, fittings, flanges, and
valve ends to facilitate welding.
bevel-gear actuator: (also referred to as bevel gear actuator) Gear mechanism with a
beveled ring gear driven by a pinion gear oriented at a right
angle.
bevel end(s): End of a pipe, tube, or fitting that has been prepared for welding
by forming an angle between the edge of the end of a pipe, tube,
or fitting and a plane that is perpendicular to the surface.
bi-directional valve: See valve, bi-directional.
bilateral tolerance: Method of dimensioning wherein the tolerance is taken as plus
and minus from the stated dimension.
blind flange: A flange with no flow-way bore, used to provide a
pressure-tight closure of a flanged opening.
block valve: See shut-off valve.
block and bleed valve: See valve, block & bleed.
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TERM DEFINITION
blowdown: Difference between the set pressure and the re-seating pressure of
a pressure-relief valve.
blowdown valve: See blowoff valve.
bluing: Blue indelible ink paste applied to closely mating part to confirm
the closeness of their fit.
body: Principal pressure-containing shell of a valve or fitting that has ends
adapted for connecting to piping. Also see valve body.
body-bonnet joint: Connection of a valve body to the bonnet (such as threaded union,
breech lock, bolted, welded, or pressure seal type, or a
combination thereof, a capability for seal welding may be
included).
body end: Portion of the body which is adapted for connecting to piping
components.
body-end port: Flow opening in the body end.
body flange: Flange on a valve body to which the bonnet or cover is bolted.
body plug: Threaded pipe plug designed to seal a tapped hole in the body.
body seat: See seat.
body tap: Tapped hole in a pressure-boundary wall often used for
connection to a drain or bypass.
bolt: Headed fastener, usually with external threads wrapped around a
cylindrical shank that is designed to accept (via the bolt chamfer) a
nut or combination of washer(s) and nut(s), to secure two unthreaded
components (by torqueing). Various types (heads, threading,
material, etc.) are available for specified applications. Also see
bolting (bolted). Bolts without heads are known as stud bolts.
bolting (bolted): The act of or existence of a combination of bolt fasteners, washers,
and nuts, that will secure or are securing two unthreaded
components through bolt holes, which would then be considered
“bolted” (the product of bolting).
bolt circle: Circle on which the centers of the bolt holes are located.
bolted bonnet: Valve construction in which the bonnet is fastened by bolts (i.e.,
bolted) in the body.
bolted cap: See bolted cover.
bolted cover: Cover attached to a body by bolting.
bolted gland: See packing gland and bolting.
bonnet: A valve body closure component that contains an opening for the
stem. It is also described as the cover for the opening in the valve’s
body and usually cast or forged of the same material as the body.
The bonnet typically screws into or is bolted to the valve body,
however may be integral to the valve body.
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TERM DEFINITION
bonnet bolting: Bolting that secures a bonnet to a valve body.
bonnet bushing: Insert in a bonnet that serves as a stem or plug guide and may also
provide a back-seat surface.
bonnet flange: Flange on a bonnet through which the bonnet is bolted to the
valve body.
bonnet gasket: Gasket that seals a body-bonnet joint on a valve.
bonnet ring: See union nut.
bonnetless valve: See valve, bonnetless.
bore: Inside diameter of a valve seat, port, ball, flange, fitting, tube, or pipe.
boss: Raised area on the surface of a component.
branch welding-outlet fitting: See fitting, branch welding-outlet.
brazing: A metal-joining process in which two or more metal items are
joined together by melting and flowing a filler metal (alloy) that
is above 840 °F (450 °C) into the joint, with the filler metal having
a lower melting point than the adjoining metal.
brazing end: End of a valve or fitting, adapted for brazing to pipe or tube, and
intended for joining to another pipe or tube.
breech lock: A means of connection between two valve components
characterized by interrupted lug-type elements that are engaged
by a partial turn or one part inserted into or over the other.
bronze mounted: A trim class used in cast iron valves wherein the seating surfaces,
and when present the stem, are made of brass or bronze.
bubble tight: Test acceptance criteria wherein a closed valve is tested with
pressurized air and a pool of water over the closure member with
no visual indication of air bubbles during the test.
burst pressure: Pressure at which rupture of a pressure retaining part takes place.
bushing: See pipe bushing.
butt weld: (also referred to as butt-weld or buttweld) See welding, butt. A
result or product of butt welding.
butt welding: See welding, butt.
butt-welding end: (also referred to as butt welding end, butt weld end, buttwelding
end, buttweld end, or butt-weld end) End of a valve or fitting
adapted for welding to pipe by abutting the end (see bevel) and
welding within the groove formed between the prepared ends.
butt-welding fitting: See fitting, butt-welding.
butterfly valve: See valve, butterfly.
bypass: Piping loop provided to permit flow around a valve’s closure
member in its closed position.
9
TERM DEFINITION
bypass valve: See valve, bypass.
cage: Element in a globe valve that fully surrounds the valve disc providing
support and alignment to the disc. In a ball check valve, it is a part
provided to guide and restrict the motion of the check ball.
cap: Fitting or valve component use to affect closure of a piping
system.
carrier: See valve carrier.
casting: A part or component having been formed by pouring molten metal
into a mold.
cavitation: Rapid formation and collapse of vapor pockets in flowing fluid
immediately downstream of a throttled valve.
center-guided check valve: See valve, center-guided check.
center-to-center dimension: See dimension, center-to-center.
center-to-end dimension: See dimension, center-to-end.
center-to-face dimension: See dimension, center-to-face.
chainwheel: Manual actuator that uses a chain-driven wheel to turn a valve
stem, handwheel, or gearing.
chain wrench: Special form of chainwheel utilizing a lever.
characterized: Design feature of a valve or actuator to provide specific flow or
closure characteristics.
charpy test: Mechanical hammer blow test on a V-notched metal coupon to
determine the material’s resistance to shock or impact loads.
check valve: See valve, check and valve, back-pressure.
chevron packing: V-shaped seal used in a packing assembly.
choke valve: See valve, choke.
clapper: Hinged closure member of a swing check valve.
Class: Designation of pressure capability (pressure-temperature
rating); usually correlated to a technical standard’s
determination and indirectly related to the pressure retaining
capability as a function of temperature of the component. The
number following “Class” does not represent a measurable value
and is not used for calculation purposes except where specified
in a standard. Also see “PN”; however, there is no definitive
correlation that links Class designations to PN designations.
clear waterway: Flow path through a valve capable of passing a sphere equal to
the nominal size of the valve.
clevis: U-shaped connecting yoke at the end of a stem or rod, designed to
be coupled to another component with a pin or bolt.
10
TERM DEFINITION
closure member: Valve component that is positioned in the flow stream to permit
flow or to obstruct flow, depending on its closure position. In a
specific design, it may also be called a disc, wedge, plug, ball,
gate, diaphragm or other functionally similar expression (also
see obturator).
closure-member test: See seat test.
closure test: See seat test.
cock: Normally a form of plug valve that depends exclusively on
sealing of conical surfaces to prevent leakage through the valve
and into the atmosphere. The flow is blocked by a cone-shaped
plug or cock that moves aside when the operator turns a wheel
or handle. Note that some cocks may involve a “ball valve” style
closure mechanism.
cold working pressure (CWP): Maximum fluid pressure at which a valve or fitting is allowed to
be used at ambient temperature.
compact wafer valve: See valve, compact wafer.
composition disc: Valve closure member containing a non-metallic component for
sealing or stopping flow.
compression fitting: Fitting for pipe or tube that seals and grips by the radial
deformation of circumferential sealing-elements.
compressor: A rigid member, in a diaphragm valve, attached to the valve stem
to support the diaphragm and to force it against the weir.
concentric: Two components with diameters having the same centers.
concentric reducer: Type of reducer with both openings on the same centerline.
control valve: See valve, control.
controller: Device that measures a controlled variable, compares it to a
predetermined setting, and signals the valve actuator to adjust the
valve position in order to obtain the variable setting.
corporation stop: Type of cock that controls the flow of water or gas from a(the)
main(s) to individual consumers (e.g., service lines). Note this
type of cock may involve a “ball”-style closure member.
corrosion: Deterioration of a material due to chemical action.
counter-sunk plug: See plug, counter-sunk.
coupling: Fitting used to make a linear connection between two lengths of
piping.
cover: Valve component that provides a closure for an opening into the
valve.
cover bolting: Bolting that fastens a cover to a valve.
cover gasket: Gasket in a valve that seals the cover joint.
11
TERM DEFINITION
cover ring: Union ring that connects a union cover to the body of a valve.
cross: Fitting having four openings of equal size in one plane at 90° angles.
cross, reducing: Cross with one or more openings smaller than the inlet.
crude oil: Unrefined petroleum oil as it comes directly from the well.
cryogenic valve: See valve, cryogenic.
Cv A flow coefficient representing U.S. gallons per minute of
60 °F water which will flow through a valve with a pressure drop
of one (1) psi.
cycle of operation: Actuation of a valve from one limit of its operational position to
the opposite limit and return to its original position. Example:
full-closed to full-open to full-closed.
cylinder actuator: Fluid-powered actuator that converts hydraulic or pneumatic
pressure acting on a piston within a cylinder into a mechanical force
to impart motion to a valve’s closure member.
dashpot (buffer): An air or oil cylinder designed to control the movement of a check
valve’s closure member.
delta P (∆P): See differential pressure.
design actuator thrust: When actuating a valve at the design pressure, the minimum
axial force required to be transmitted through the mounting
flanges and driving components of a valve, expressed in pounds
force or kilo Newtons.
design actuator torque: When actuating a valve at the design pressure the minimum
required turning moment transmitted through the mounting
flanges and driving components of a valve, expressed in pound-
foot (lbf-ft) or Newton meter (Nm).
design pressure: Maximum fluid pressure that a valve or fitting is designed for use.
Usually associated with a non-class rated valve or fitting.
diameter nominal/ Size identification number, not necessarily an actual dimension,
nominal diameter (DN): indirectly related to the physical size of the bore or outside
diameter of the end connections. Also, see nominal pipe size
(NPS). Note that the number following “DN” does not represent
a measurable value and is not considered usable for calculation
purposes, except where specified.
diaphragm: Valve component consisting of a flexible sheet of material
arranged to contain a fluid and to which mechanical or fluid forces
may be applied to deform the sheet to interrupt fluid flow (see
closure member).
diaphragm actuator: Fluid-powered actuator that uses hydraulic or pneumatic fluid
pressure acting on a diaphragm to develop enough force to move
the valve’s closure member.
diaphragm valve: See valve, diaphragm.
12
TERM DEFINITION
dielectric union: See insulating union.
differential pressure: Difference in pressure between two points located on opposite
sides of a valve during flowing conditions.
dimension, center-to-center: Linear distance from the centerline of a port-passage end of a non-
flanged end fitting or valve to an opposing port-passage end.
dimension, center-to-face: Linear distance from the centerline of a port passage of a flanged-
end (see flanged end) fitting or valve to an opposing flanged end.
dimension, center-to-end: Linear distance from the centerline of a port passage of a weld-
end (see weld end) fitting or valve to an opposing weld end.
dimension, face-end: Overall length, along the axis of the pipeline, of a valve, fitting,
or pipe.
dimension, face-to-face: Linear distance from the face of the inlet port to the face of the
outlet port of flanged valves or fittings.
dimension, end-to-end: Linear distance from the end of the inlet port to the end of the
outlet port of weld-end (see weld end) valves or fittings.
disc: A closure member with a thin round shape, typical of butterfly
valves and many types of check valves.
disc face: Seating surface of a disc.
disc guide: Guide that aligns the disc relative to the seat.
disc hinge-pin: Pin that supports the disc of a swing check valve or a tilting-disc
check valve.
disc holder: See valve carrier.
disc spring: See belleville spring.
double block & bleed: See block & bleed valve.
double check valve assembly: An assembly consisting of two internally loaded, independent
operating check valves, located between two tightly closing,
resilient-seated shut-off valves with four properly placed
resilient-seated test cocks.
double disc: (Also referred to as “double-disc” when describing a subject)
Two-piece disc used in a gate valve.
drain: Connection provided in a valve body, bonnet, or fitting for the
purpose of releasing fluid.
drain cock: See drain valve.
drain valve: A valve used to drain off material that has separated from a fluid
or gas stream, or one used to empty a process line, vessel, or
storage tank.
13
TERM DEFINITION
drainage fitting: Non-pressure rated fitting having an inside diameter the same as
the connecting piping, with a shoulder against which the piping
abuts (such fittings provide substantially continuous internal flow-
passage surfaces).
drilling machine: See tapping machine.
drop elbow: An elbow having two integral lugs or ears with screw holes for
mounting (sometimes called drop-ear or drop-eared elbow).
drop tee: A tee having two integral lugs or ears extending from the side
opposite the outlet and equipped with holes for mounting
(sometimes called a drop-ear or drop-eared tee).
drop tight: Test acceptance criteria wherein a closed valve is tested with
pressurized water with no visual indication of water droplets
across the valve seat during the test.
drum trap: Drainage fitting designed to provide a liquid seal in a drain line
and characterized by an upright, cylindrical body.
dual-sealing valve: See valve, dual-sealing.
durometer: A 0 to 100 measurement scale for rubber hardness.
dynamic torque: Flow-induced valve torque.
eccentric: A condition where the diameter of a component’s centerline does
not lie on the axis of rotation.
eccentric reducer: Type of fitting used where the connecting piping, of different
diameters, is aligned by one edge instead of the centerline (small
end is off-center).
eccentric plug valve: See valve, eccentric plug.
elastomer: Synthetic non-metallic material with properties similar to those of
natural rubber.
elbow: Fitting used to change the direction of piping.
elbow, long-radius (LR): Elbow with the center-to-face dimensional distance 1½ times the
nominal size of the elbow.
elbow, short-radius (SR): Elbow with the center-to-face dimensional measurement equal to
the nominal size of the elbow.
elbow, reducing: Elbow with ends of different sizes.
elbow, side-outlet: Elbow with an additional outlet extending from the side of the
fitting usually 90 degrees to the plane of the inlet and outlet.
elbow, street: Elbow having an external connection on one end and an internal
connection on the other.
14
TERM DEFINITION
elbow, 3D/3R: Elbow with the center-to-face dimensional distance (center-line
radius) three times the nominal diameter size of the elbow. Both
“3D” and “3R” essentially refer to the same type of elbow and
are indicative of a smoother curve than a SR or LR elbow. The
term “3D” originates from an association with nominal or O.D.
pipe diameter. The term “3R” is utilized in MSS SP-75 for
fittings and originates from an association with bend radii
relative to the pipe centerline. Note that “3D” does not refer to
modeling software or screens.
electric motor actuator: Power actuator for valves wherein a gear-reduction unit is
powered by an electric motor.
elevation: A geometrical projection (especially used in architectural
drawings) of an object(s) on a plane perpendicular to the horizon
or a drawing to scale of the external face of a structure.
Elevation is also defined as the height above the ground or other
surface, or a place or position of height (altitude). Note that
elevations of a valve or other component may influence pressure
and/or cause cavitation (where the inlet pressure of the valve is
low due to its elevation).
end connection: Provision made on a valve, fitting, or pipe for attachment to
another piping component.
end-to-end dimension: See dimension, end-to-end.
end-entry ball valve: See valve, end-entry ball.
end stop: See adjustable travel-stop.
equal percentage: Inherent flow characteristic in which equal increments of valve
travel produce equal percentage changes in flow rate.
equivalent pipe length: Measure of a valve’s resistance to flow where the resistance is equal
to and expressed as a length of pipe of the same size as the valve.
erosion: Deterioration of a material due to abrasive action from the fluid.
extended bonnet: Extension of the “top works” of a valve to allow operation from a
height above the valve.
expansion joint: Pressure-tight connection device that accommodates relative
movement of attached piping.
eye bolt: Threaded bolt which has a head fashioned to accommodate a
cylindrical cross-pin connection.
face-end dimension: See dimension, face-end.
face-to-face dimension: See dimension, face-to-face.
fail-safe position: Pre-determined position in which the valve travels upon loss of
external power.
15
TERM DEFINITION
female end: Socket, solder-end, bell end, or internally threaded end of a valve,
fitting, or pipe which accepts the plain end of externally threaded
end of a piping component.
fillet weld: See welding, fillet. A result or product of fillet welding.
finned bonnet: A bonnet with external fins located between the packing chamber
and flow area.
fire hydrant: See hydrant.
fireplug: See hydrant.
fire tested valve: See valve, fire tested.
fitting: Connector or closure used with piping or piping components to
form fluid lines and passages with a desired system configuration.
fitting, branch welding-outlet: Fitting that is attached to the run pipe by welding (the branch pipe
is usually attached by welding, socket-welding, or threading).
fitting, butt-welding: (also referred to as butt welding fitting, butt weld fitting,
buttwelding fitting, buttweld fitting, or butt-weld fitting) Fitting
whose end connections are adapted for butt welding to pipe or to
other butt-welding fittings or valves.
fitting, flanged: Fitting having flanged-end (see flanged end), end connections.
fitting, flared: Fitting designed for attachment of a tube or pipe having a pre-
formed flare on the tube or pipe end.
fitting, flareless: A tube or pipe fitting which seals and grips by means which do
not involve a pre-formed flare at the end of a tube or pipe (see
compression fitting).
fitting, socket-welding: (also referred to as socket welding fitting, socket weld fitting,
socketwelding fitting, socketweld fitting, or socket-weld fitting)
Fitting with end connections having a socket configuration to fit
the ends of the pipe or tube and in which the pipe or tube is fillet
welded in place on its outside diameter.
fitting, solder-end: See fitting, solder-joint. Fitting with end connections having
solder ends.
fitting, solder-joint: (also referred to as solder joint fitting or “solder-end” fitting)
Copper or copper alloy fitting with solder-end, end connections,
designed and manufactured to permit joining to copper/copper
alloy pipe or tube, a solder-end fitting, or valve by soldering or
brazing. This type of end connection is also sometimes referred
to as a “sweat” joint or a “sweated” joint.
fitting, threaded: Fitting with threaded end connections for attachment to threaded
pipe.
16
TERM DEFINITION
flange: Annular collar designed to permit a bolted connection with similar
collars.
flange facing: Geometry of the mating surface of a flange.
flange, lap-joint: Flange that has a radius at the intersection of the bore and the flange
face in order to slip over a lap-joint stub end; this flange can be
swiveled around a lap-joint stub end in order to align bolt holes.
flange, orifice: See orifice flange.
flange, reducing: Flange of a given size with a flow bore of a smaller size used to
make a joint between different pipe sizes.
flange, slip-on: Flange that slips over the end of a pipe or fitting and is fillet
welded in place.
flange, socket-welding: (also referred to as socket welding flange, socket weld flange,
socketwelding flange, socketweld flange, or socket-weld flange,
or socket-weld flange) Flange having a socket configuration that
fits the end of a pipe for fillet welding.
flange, threaded: Low-hub flange with a threaded bore for assembly with threaded
pipe.
flange, welding-neck: (also referred to as welding neck flange, weld neck flange,
weldingneck flange, weldneck flange, or weld-neck flange) Flange
with a tapered hub, bored to match the inside diameter of matching
pipe, and with the hub beveled for butt welding to the pipe.
flanged end: (also referred to as flanged-end) Type of end connection on a
valve or a fitting, used for joining to other components with
mating flanges.
flanged fitting: See fitting, flanged.
flanged valve: See valve, flanged.
flared end: A compression-type end connection for fittings or valves that is
used with annealed steel, copper, and aluminum, among other
materials. During assembly, a flare nut is threaded onto the end
connection and the flared end of the tubing or pipe is drawn up
against a tapered or spherical surface of the end connection and
compressed, forming a pressure-resistant, leak-tight seal.
flared fitting: See fitting, flared.
flareless fitting: See fitting, flareless.
flat-faced flange: Flange that is flat from the flange’s periphery to the flow or access
opening.
flat full-face gasket: Flat gasket that contacts the entire surface of a flat-faced flange.
flexible coupling: A joint or connection in a pipeline that will allow movement in
the pipeline without failure in the joint.
17
TERM DEFINITION
flexible joint: A joint between two pipes that permits one of them to be deflected
without disturbing the other pipe.
flexible-wedge disc: The valve disc of a gate valve that has a solid center but which is
flexible at the sealing periphery.
floating ball valve: See valve, floating ball.
flow characteristic: Relationship between the fluid flow rate through a valve and the
position of the closure member.
flow control valve: See valve, flow-control.
flow regulation: Control of flow passing through piping.
fluid: Substance that is characterized by low resistance to flow and the
tendency to assume the shape of its container or conduit. Valve
test fluids normally involve pressurized liquid or gas.
follower gland: Element used to compress the gasket or sealing gasket of a
mechanical joint.
foot valve: See valve, foot.
forging: Part or component that is formed by heating and hammering to a
specific shape.
four-way valve: See valve, four-way.
fugitive emissions: Named used by environmental protection agencies for the
external leakage of hazardous gases from piping components such
as valves and pumps.
fugitive emission testing: A test that measures fugitive emissions from piping components;
including the stem seal and body joints of a valve, pump, etc. May
involve separate prototype and production testing.
full-hard faced: (also referred to as full hard faced) Deposit of hard, wear-resistant
and corrosion-resistant material applied to both seating surfaces
and seat member/closure member of a valve.
full-opening-through- See valve, full-opening-through-bore of conduit.
bore of conduit valve:
full penetration weld: See welding, full penetration.
full penetration welding: See welding, full penetration.
full port: See full-port valve.
full-port valve: See valve, full-bore.
fusible plug: Non-reclosing plug, designed to melt at a specified temperature.
galling: The tearing of metal when two surfaces rub together under
extreme contact pressure.
gasket: Seal placed between mechanical joints such as flanges to prevent
escape of the flowing medium.
18
TERM DEFINITION
gasket union: See union, gasket.
gate: Closure member of a gate valve.
gate valve: See valve, gate.
gland: See packing gland and follower gland.
gland flange: Flange bearing against a packing gland used for compressing the
packing.
gland follower: See packing gland.
globe valve: See valve, globe.
grooved end: Circumferential recess that is cast, cut, or otherwise formed onto
a pipe, fitting, or valve end to form a restrained joint when used
with the proper gasket and coupling.
ground-joint union: See union, ground-joint.
guillotine valve: See knife-gate valve.
half-hard faced: (also referred to as half hard faced) Deposit of hard, wear-resistant
and corrosion-resistant material applied to one seating surface
only, either the seat surface or closure member, of a valve.
handle-bar union: See union, handle-bar.
handwheel: Rimmed component, often a wheel-shaped valve operating
device, designed to be grasped with one or both hands and
facilitate manual actuation of a valve by turning the valve stem or
operator shaft to which it is attached. Note that an actuator may
also be employed instead of a person.
hardfacing: Deposit of hard, wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant material
applied at the seating surfaces or other parts of a valve subject
to wear.
head: Height of an open-ended column of liquid above a given datum
used to express pressure (1 ft. water column equals 0.4335 psi).
headed plug: See plug, headed.
high-performance butterfly valve: See valve, high-performance butterfly.
high-speed union: See handle-bar union.
hinge: The pivotal element in a swing check valve that supports the disc
assembly, relative to the body seat.
hinge pin: See disc hinge-pin.
holiday test: Nondestructive test of the coating of a valve, hydrant, or
component part thereof, performed to electrically determine the
presence, if any, of voids or holidays in the coating.
hub: Structural, raised area (boss) member, integral to the body or
closure member and used to support the valve shaft.
19
TERM DEFINITION
hydrant: (also known as a fire hydrant or fireplug) An upright water pipe
and valve assembly with an outlet (e.g., nozzle or spout) to which
a fire hose can be attached.
hydraulic actuator: Device that converts hydraulic energy into mechanical force and
motion for positioning a valve’s closure member.
hydrostatic test: A test performed using pressurized water, or other non-corrosive
liquid that has a viscosity not higher than water, to verify leakage
or structural integrity.
inherent flow characteristic: Flow characteristic of a valve if the pressure drop across the valve
is held constant.
injection packing: See packing, injection.
inlet port: End of the valve which is connected to the upstream pressure zone
of a fluid system.
in-line check valve: See center-guided check valve.
input shaft extension: See stem.
inside-screw, non-rising stem: Type of gate valve design in which the disc rises on the threaded
part of the stem instead of the stem rising through the bonnet (the
stem does not rise or descend as the stem is turned).
inside-screw, rising stem: Type of gate or globe valve design in which the stem has both
rotary and axial motion and rises as the stem is turned (the stem
threads are between the stem packing and the closure member).
installed flow characteristic: Flow characteristic exhibited by a valve when it is installed in a
pipeline.
instrument valve: See valve, instrument.
insulating union: (also known as a dielectric union) A union used to mechanically
join piping for pressure-tight transmission of fluids, with
electrical insulation separating the joined piping.
iron pipe size (IPS): Pipe sizing system that began in the early 19th century and is still
used when referring to the pipe size of PVC pipe, among others.
The size identified the approximate inside diameter of the
wrought-iron pipe in inches. Today’s steel pipe equivalent
(“nominal pipe size”) involves outside diameters.
isolation valve: See shut-off valve.
junk ring: See packing washer.
knife-gate valve: See valve, knife-gate.
lantern gland: See lantern ring.
lantern ring: Rigid spacer-ring used in the lantern ring type of packing chamber
to permit lubrication of the packing, purging of the shaft or stem
area, or a leak-off system.
20
TERM DEFINITION
lantern ring packing-chamber: Stem sealing chamber with a lantern ring and rings of packing
above and below the lantern ring.
lap-joint flange: See flange, lap-joint.
lap-joint stub end: A fitting, normally used with a lap-joint flange, consisting of a
cylinder or barrel with an integral flat ring or lap around one end,
with a radius at the external intersection of the barrel and the lap,
and an opposing end that is beveled for butt welding to matching
pipe (the lap face typically has a spirally serrated finish to serve as
a raised-face gasket for the flange in lap-joint flange connections).
lateral: A three-way fitting having two pipe ends opposite each other in a
straight run and a branch outlet projecting from the run at an
angle, usually 45°.
lateral, reducing: Lateral with the branch outlet smaller than the run.
lateral, straight: Lateral with all three openings, the run as well as the branch
outlet, the same size.
lay length: Effective length of the valve or fitting along the axis of the pipeline
which if the valve or fitting (along with gaskets) were somehow
removed, would be the gap remaining between the pipe ends.
lens joint: Bolted flange joint characterized by metal-to-metal sealing
involving the inelastic deformation of the flange mating surfaces
of a pierced, lens-shaped member.
lever actuator: Actuator that includes an arm or lever that is manually moved to
operate a valve.
lift-check valve: See valve, lift-check.
lifting lugs: Round eyes or brackets with holes to allow for the lifting of a valve.
limit switch: Switch (electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic) that senses a valve’s
closure member at a particular position.
linear actuator: Device which provides valve thrust in a linear motion.
lined: Term applied to valves, fittings, or piping having internal surfaces
of protective materials to enhance resistance to corrosion, erosion,
or contamination.
live loading: Means of maintaining a compressive load on bolted assemblies,
such as by the use of disc springs (such as belleville washers) on
a packing gland.
locking device: Mechanism provided on valve actuators that allows placement of
a lock in order to prevent unauthorized operation or tampering.
long radius (LR) elbow: See elbow, long-radius (LR).
long radius return-bend: See return-bend, long radius.
lubricant: Material (such as light grease or oil) that is applied to a valve
component to reduce friction.
21
TERM DEFINITION
lubricated plug valve: See valve, lubricated plug.
lug-nut: See handle-bar union.
lug valve: See valve, lug.
lug-wafer valve: See lug valve, single-flanged valve, and wafer valve.
lugged valve: See lug valve and single-flanged valve.
male end: Externally threaded or plain end of a pipe, tube, valve, or fitting.
main: Term used to designate a pipe used in a water or sewerage system
for distribution of water or collection of sewage.
manifold (header): A common pipe or chamber having several lateral outlets.
manual override: Device designed to operate a power actuator manually when
required.
match marks: Scribed or written marks used to match the specific orientation of
a valve during disassembly and reassembly.
mechanical connection: Term used to designate various methods for assembling product
components by mechanical means.
mechanical joint: Bolted joint of a packing chamber design for coupling valves,
fittings, and pipe utilizing a follower gland to compress the
sealing gasket.
memory stop: Accessory on a valve that provides for repeatable stopping of the
closure member at a position other than fully open or closed.
modulating: See automatic control.
multi-turn actuator: An actuator that transmits a torque to the valve for at least one
revolution.
National Standard Thread: Dimensional system of threading commonly used on pipe, pipe
valves, and fittings in the United States; including tapered (NPT),
straight (NPSM), and Dryseal (NPTF) thread forms.
needle valve: See valve, needle.
nipple: Piping component consisting of a short piece of pipe with both
ends externally threaded, one end threaded, or plain both ends.
nominal pipe size (NPS): Size identification number, not necessarily an actual dimension;
indirectly related to the physical size of the bore or outside
diameter of the end connections. Also, see diameter nominal
(DN). Note that the number following NPS does not represent a
measurable value and is not considered usable for calculation
purposes, except where specified.
non-lubricated plug valve: A plug valve that does not require lubrication.
non-return valve: See stop check valve.
non-rising stem: Valve stem that does not move into and out of the valve when the
valve is actuated.
22
TERM DEFINITION
non-rising stem inside-screw: See inside-screw, non-rising stem.
normally closed: A condition in which a valve is closed when unpowered.
normally open: A condition in which a valve is open when unpowered.
obturator: See closure member (this term is used in international standards).
one-piece stem: An inseparable stem and closure member, or stem only, made
from on piece of metal.
OP-Nut: See stem nut.
open left: Counter-clockwise rotation of an actuation device to open a valve.
orifice flange: A set of two flanges used with an orifice plate to measure the flow
rate of a liquid or gas in a pipeline. Each flange has a pressure
tapping, generally two, directly opposite each other.
orifice plate: A device used for measuring flow rate, for reducing pressure, or
for restricting flow (in the latter two cases it is often called a
restricting plate). Either a volumetric or mass flow rate may be
determined, depending on the calculation associated with the
orifice plate.
outlet port: End of a valve which is connected to the downstream pressure
zone of the fluid system.
open right: Clockwise rotation of an actuation device to open a valve.
operating cycle: See cycle of operation.
operating nut: See stem nut.
operating pressure The maximum operating fluid pressure that will be actuated.
(actuated valve):
operating actuator thrust: When actuating a valve at the operating pressure the minimum
axial force required to be transmitted through the mounting
flanges and driving components of a valve are expressed in
pounds or kilo newtons.
operating actuator torque: When actuating a valve at the operating pressure the minimum
required turning moment transmitted through the mounting
flanges and driving components of a valve is expressed in pound-
foot (lb-ft) or Newton meter (Nm).
operator: Person, or device, that causes a valve to be actuated.
O-ring unions: Pipe unions that use O-rings for pressure sealing.
outside screw & yoke (OS&Y): A valve design that houses the packing between the stem threads
and the valve body.
P-trap: Drainage fitting having a vertical inlet into a “P”-shaped water-
seal section that has a horizontal or 90° outlet.
packing: Material that provides a seal around a movable component
through a pressure boundary (q.v., packing around a valve stem).
23
TERM DEFINITION
packing assembly: Stem-sealing system consisting of a material or one or more mating
components contained in a chamber, which may provide an
effective seal through a manually adjustable means of compression.
packing box: See packing chamber.
packing chamber: Part of the packing assembly containing the packing used to seal
against leakage around a movable component, such as a stem or
shaft (also called stuffing box or packing box).
packing follower: See packing gland.
packing gland: (also referred to as a packing follower) Component used to
compress packing.
packing injection: Material used in a sealing system that uses external pressure for
injection into a packing chamber.
packing nut: Nut used on a packing assembly to compress packing; often used
in conjunction with a packing gland.
packing washer: Spacer placed at the end of a set of packing to prevent extrusion
of packing.
parallel-disc gate valve: See valve, parallel-disc gate.
parallel expanding-disc See valve, parallel expanding-disc gate.
gate valve:
parallel sliding-disc gate valve: See valve, parallel sliding-disc gate.
part-turn actuator: Actuator that transmits a torque to a valve for less than one
revolution.
pattern: Duplicate of a part to be cast and used to form the mold into which
molten metal is poured.
PEX: See PEX tubing.
PEX barb-end: Compression-type of end connection for fittings or valves that has
an irregular machined or formed surface that is inserted into PEX
tubing, which when a ring or sleeve is slipped over the end of the
tubing and mechanically compressed, forms a seal against the
barbed surface.
PEX tubing: Cross-linked polyethylene, commonly abbreviated PEX or XLPE,
is a form of polyethylene with cross-links. It is formed into
tubing, and is used predominantly in building service pipework
systems, hydronic radiant heating and cooling systems, domestic
water piping, and insulation for high tension (high voltage)
electrical cables. It is also used for natural gas and offshore oil
applications, chemical transportation, and transportation of
sewage and slurries.
pinch valve: See valve, pinch.
pinion shaft: External input shaft of certain gear actuators which drives internal
reduction gearing.
24
TERM DEFINITION
pipeline strainer: A device which mechanically removes solids from a flowing fluid;
utilizing a perforated metal, mesh, or wedge wire straining element.
pipe bushing: Fitting with one external and one smaller internal end.
pipe plug: Threaded device with no opening used to provide closure of an
internally threaded port.
pipe thread: See National Standard Thread and threaded end.
piston check valve: See valve, piston check.
pivot pin: See hinge pin.
plain end: Male end on a tube, pipe, valve, or fitting that inserts or engages
into a female end or mechanical joint of another piping component.
plug: Closure member used in a plug valve.
plug cock: See cock.
plug, counter-sunk: (also known as countersunk plug) Tapered, threaded end pipe
plug having a square or hexagon counter-sunk socket.
plug, headed: Pipe plug having a hexagonal or square head.
plug, disc: Closure member design in which a tapered disc seals against a
cone-shaped seat surface.
plug valve: See valve, plug.
PN: Similar to the term “Class” in that it is a designation of pressure
capability (pressure-temperature rating); usually correlated to a
technical standard’s determination and indirectly related to the
pressure retaining capability as a function of temperature of the
component. The number following “PN” does not represent a
measurable value and is not used for calculation purposes except
where specified in a standard. Also, see “Class”; however, there
is no definitive correlation that links PN designations to Class
designations.
pneumatic actuator: Device that converts pneumatic pressure into mechanical motion
and force to move a valve’s closure member.
pneumatic-motor actuator: See air-motor actuator.
pneumatic test: A test performed using pressurized air, or other inert gas, to verify
leakage.
port: Opening in a valve to allow the flow of fluid.
position indicator: External device which indicates the open and closed position of
a valve.
press end: Compression-type of end connection for fittings and valves that
contain an elastomeric seal, which when mechanically
compressed forms a seal against the outside surface of the inserted
tube or pipe.
25
TERM DEFINITION
pressure retaining part: Component whose failure would permit the contained fluid to
escape to the atmosphere.
pressure-relief valve: See valve, pressure-relief.
pressure-seal gasket: Sealing ring member of a pressure-seal joint.
pressure seal: Provides a high level of pressure boundary sealing integrity;
commonly found in high-pressure service where the potential for
leakage (e.g., body/bonnet joint) decreases as system pressure
increases.
pressure-seal joint: Cover or bonnet closure-assembly in which internal fluid
pressure-force on the cover or bonnet increases the compressive
loading on the sealing gasket.
pressure-temperature rating: (also known as P/T rating) Maximum allowable working
pressure(s) at specified temperature(s).
pressure test: A prescribed test that uses specified pressures of liquid or gas with
which to check the integrity of the valve body and seal, design,
etc. of a particular valve or fitting.
production pressure test: Pressure testing, including closure member and shell leakage
tests, that are performed on production units manufactured for
sale. Production pressure tests verify the pressure containing
capability of production units.
P/T rating: See pressure-temperature rating.
pump control valve: See valve, pump control.
push-on joint: Generic term describing jointing designs that utilize a rubber
gasket that fits into an annular recess inside of a pipe, fitting, or
valve socket end and is compressed radially upon entry of the
beveled plain end of a pipe or fitting.
quarter-turn actuator: Actuator that is designed to provide a 90° rotary motion.
quarter-turn valve: See valve, quarter-turn.
quick-opening control valve: See valve, quick-opening control.
quick-opening valve: See valve, quick-opening.
rack and pinion: Quarter turn actuator mechanism that uses a gear pinion and rack
to convert linear motion.
radially: (adjective) Characterized by or related to moving along a radius
or divergence from a center.
raised face: Annular surface on certain types and classes of flanges that
projects above the bolting ring and provides the gasket-
compression area.
rated travel: See travel, rated.
reduced port: See reduced-port valve.
26
TERM DEFINITION
reduced-port valve: See valve, reduced-port.
reduced pressure principle See back-flow prevention assembly.
back-flow prevention assembly:
reducer: Fitting that functions as a coupling but has a smaller pipe size
on one end.
reducing cross: See cross, reducing.
reducing elbow: See elbow, reducing.
reducing flange: See flange, reducing.
reducing lateral: See lateral, reducing.
reducing tee: See tee, reducing.
regulating valve: See valve, regulating.
relief valve: See valve, relief.
remote control: System for operating a valve actuator from a distant location.
resilient hydrant valve: See valve, resilient hydrant.
resilient seat(s): A general class of seating surface materials that form a resilient
and pliable seat sealing combination; including elastomeric,
polymeric, solid and semi-solid grease seals. These materials may
be used in combination or in conjunction with a mating metallic
or ceramic component.
resilient wedge: Elastomer-coated (resilient material encapsulated) wedge closure
member for a gate valve.
restrained joint: Rubber-gasket joining system for valves, fittings, and pipe that
includes provisions to prevent axial joint-separation due to
hydraulic internal-pressure.
restricted-port valve: See reduced-port valve.
return bend: A “U-shaped” fitting that changes the direction of piping 180°.
return-bend, long radius: Return bend that has a center-to-center dimension two times the
nominal size of the fitting.
return-bend, short radius: Return bend that has a center-to-center dimension two times the
nominal size of the fitting.
ring joint: Bolted flange design in which the adjacent flange faces contain
grooves designed to receive a shaped, continuous ring arranged in
such a way that the ring is compressed by the mating flange
grooves to provide a seal.
rising stem: Valve stem that moves into and out of a valve when the valve is
operated.
rising-stem inside-screw: See inside-screw, rising-stem.
27
TERM DEFINITION
roof connection: Drainage fitting used with roof flashing and to extend the length
of a vent pipe.
roughness average: Measurement of surface finish (Ra) is expressed in micro-inches
or micrometers.
running trap: Water-trap drainage fitting having a horizontal inlet into a “U-
shaped” water seal section and with a horizontal outlet (the fitting
is usually furnished with a vent opening extending vertically
opposite each leg of the U-bend).
rupture disc: Pressure-relieving device designed to burst at a specified internal
pressure.
safety factor: Ratio between an actual property of a component to that required
under design conditions.
safety-relief valve: See valve, safety-relief.
safety valve: See valve, safety.
scotch yoke: A quarter-turn actuator mechanism utilizing a slotted lever.
screwed bonnet: See threaded-in bonnet and threaded-over bonnet.
screwed end: See threaded end.
screwed flange: See flange, threaded.
seal, water: Seal using water as a barrier between the packing and the
atmosphere.
seal welding: See welding, seal.
seal-welded bonnet: A valve design in which the bonnet is mechanically attached to a
body, such as by threading, and the joint is seal-welded to prevent
leakage (the seal weld shall not be considered to contribute
strength to the joint).
sealant: Material, such as pipe dope, PTFE tape, or grease, that is
applied to valve components to improve the sealing of seats,
threads, and stems.
seat: Portion of a valve against which the closure member presses to
effect shut-off or flow.
seat bushing: See seat ring.
seat insert: Material (usually a resilient material) inserted into the seat face to
provide improved sealing.
seat ring: Separate piece inserted in a valve body to form a seat against
which the closure member engages to shut off the flow.
seat closure test: See seat test.
seat test: An internal pressure test of flow regulating elements (seats, seals,
and closure member such as gate, disc, ball, or plug) to demonstrate
static performance within allowable leakage tolerances.
28
TERM DEFINITION
seating surface: Contacting surface of a closure member and a seat that effect
valve closure.
self-controlled regulator: Regulating valve that is activated by the fluid flowing through
the valve.
set pressure: Pressure at which a pressure-relief valve begins to open.
shaft: See stem.
shell leakage test: An internal pressure test of the pressure containing envelope to
demonstrate pressure containing capability of the external
pressure boundary.
shell test: A test of the valve pressure boundary, at a pressure in excess of
the cold working pressure rating of the valve, for the purpose of
validating the soundness and strength of the valve and its attached
pressure containing and retaining structures.
short-radius (SR) elbow: See elbow, short-radius (SR).
short radius return-bend: See return-bend, short radius.
shouldered end: Special shoulder that is cast, welded, or threaded onto a pipe,
fitting, or valve end to form a restrained joint when used with the
proper gasket and coupling.
shut-off pressure: Maximum differential pressure across a valve in the fully closed
position.
shut-off valve: See valve, shut-off.
side-outlet elbow: See elbow, side-outlet.
side-outlet tee: See tee, side-outlet.
silent check valve: See center-guided check valve.
silver brazing: Brazing process using silver alloys.
single-flanged valve: See valve, single-flanged.
size identification number: This number is not necessarily an actual dimension; indirectly
related to the physical size of the bore or outside diameter of the
end connections. Also, see nominal pipe size (NPS) or nominal
diameter/diameter nominal (DN), respectively. Note that the
number following NPS or DN does not represent a measurable
value and is not considered usable for calculation purposes,
except where specified.
slip-on flange: See flange, slip-on.
socket welding: See welding, socket.
socket-welding end: (also referred to as socket welding end, socket weld end,
socketwelding end, socketweld end, or socket-weld end) An end
connection of a valve or fitting configured to permit the insertion
of pipe ends for joining by fillet welding.
29
TERM DEFINITION
socket-welding fitting: See fitting, socket-welding.
socket-welding flange: See flange, socket-welding.
socket-welding reducing insert: (also referred to as socket welding reducing insert, socket weld
reducing insert, socketwelding reducing insert, socketweld
reducing insert, or socket-weld reducing insert) Fitting with an
insertion that reduces a socket-welding end to a smaller pipe size.
solder: A low-melting alloy, especially one based on lead and tin or (for
higher temperatures) on brass or silver, used for joining less
fusible metals. Also see soldering.
soldering: “Soldering” is a metal-joining process in which two or more
metal items are joined together by melting and flowing a filler
metal (alloy) that is below 840 °F (450 °C) into the joint, with
the filler metal having a lower melting point than the adjoining
metal. Also see solder.
solder end: (also referred to as solder-end) End of a valve or fitting, adapted
for soldering or brazing to pipe or tube, intended for soldering or
brazing to another pipe, tube, fitting, or valve.
solder-end fitting: See fitting, solder-end.
solder-joint fitting: See fitting, solder-joint.
solenoid valve: See valve, solenoid.
solid-wedge disc valve: See valve, solid-wedge disc.
spigot end: See plain end.
spindle: See stem.
spindle bushing: See stem nut.
split wedge: Two-piece wedge used in a gate valve with non-parallel seats.
spool piece: Short pipe extension to adjust the length of a valve or the pipe run.
spur gear: Gear set consisting of a pinion and ring gear with parallel shafts.
stall torque: Maximum output torque of an electric motor actuator produced at
motor locked rotor torque and specified voltage.
standard port: (Also, referred to as a standard-port valve) See valve, standard-port.
standard-port valve: See valve, standard-port.
stem: (Also, known as a rod or input shaft) Valve component to which
motion is imparted outside the valve assembly to move the
closure member inside the valve. The stem transmits motion
from an operator (handwheel or gear operator) to the closure
element of the valve. An extension increases the length of the
stem and may be utilized as an installation or application
requires (e.g., buried service).
stem bushing: See stem nut.
30
TERM DEFINITION
stem nut: Part of the valve assembly that converts rotary actuating effort
into thrust on the valve stem (i.e., operating nut).
stem extension: See valve stem extension.
stem packing: See packing.
stop check valve: See valve, stop check.
stop cock: Form of mechanism for opening and closing the valve, using
either a manual lever or wheel or an automated mechanism.
straight lateral: See lateral, straight.
straight tee: See tees, straight.
strainer: A component that filters out contaminants from the fluid.
street elbow: See elbow, street.
street ell: See elbow, street.
street tee: See tee, street.
stroke: See travel, rated.
stub end: See lap-joint stub end.
stud bolt: (Also, referred to as a “stud”) Type of fastening bolt with no
heads, that is threaded at both ends or threaded full length,
inserted into tapped holes and secured with a nut(s). Stud bolts
are often used with blind tapped holes.
stuffing box: See packing chamber.
stuffing nut: See packing nut.
surge (water hammer): Sudden rise or drop in line pressure due to change in fluid velocity.
swing check valve: See valve, swing check.
tapping sleeve: Fitting that can be assembled on an existing main to make a
branch or tee connection to the main with a tapping valve and
tapping machine, without interruption in service.
tapping machine: (Also, known as a drilling machine) A machine used to cut a hole
into an existing pressurized or non-pressurized main through the
use of a tapping sleeve and a tapping valve. The tapping machine
is equipped with a cutter that extends through the waterway of the
tapping valve and sleeve branch to cut the hole into the main and
remove the cut-out piece (coupon) upon retraction of the cutter.
The tapping valve can then be closed to seal the branch connection
while the tapping machine is removed from the valve and the
branch pipeline is connected to the tapping valve.
tapping valve: See valve, tapping.
tee: A branched-outlet fitting used to permit straight through and
90° flow.
31
TERM DEFINITION
tee, reducing: A tee with unequal pipe size connections.
tee, straight: A tee with all three openings, the run as well as the branch outlet,
the same size.
tee, side-outlet: A tee with an additional outlet extending from the side of the
fitting at 90° from the plane of the other three.
tee, street: A tee with external pipe threads on one end of the run.
test cock: A cock or valve through which a sample of a fluid may be drawn
from a vessel or chamber for examination or test.
test fluid: See fluid.
test pressure: Internal pressure, expressed in psi or bar, to which the
valve/component under test is subjected.
thermal-relief valve: See valve, thermal-relief.
threaded end: An end on a valve, fitting, or pipe that permits parts to be joined
by engaging external and internal threads.
threaded fitting: See fitting, threaded.
threaded flange: See flange, threaded.
thread lubricant: A paste, oil, or aerosol applied to the thread to reduce the risk
of galling.
thread seal tape: A polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film used in the sealing of
pipe threads.
threaded-in bonnet: Bonnet that is threaded into the body.
threaded-over bonnet: Bonnet into which the body is threaded.
3D/3R elbow: See elbow, 3D/3R.
three-way valve: See valve, three-way.
throttling: Reduction of flow through a valve by partial closure of the valve’s
closure member.
thrust: See actuator thrust.
thrust collar: Device for restraining axial movement of a stem.
tilting-disc check valve: See valve, tilting-disc check.
tongue-and-grooved joint: Joint in which a tongue (a raised annular surface) on one
component engages a mating groove in another to assist in
mechanical alignment and gasket retention of the assembly.
torque: See actuator torque.
torque test: A test to determine the turning effort required to operate a valve.
Usually performed before the actuator can be sized for any given
valve application.
32
TERM DEFINITION
travel, rated: The amount of movement or degree of rotation of the valve
closure member from the closed position to the rated full-open
position.
trim: Functional parts of a valve that are exposed to the line fluid,
usually refers to the stem, closure member, and seating surfaces.
true wye: See wye.
true Y: See wye.
trunnion ball valve: See valve, trunnion ball.
tucker connection: Drainage vent fitting having a threaded joint on one end and a
caulked joint on the other end, used to couple a threaded vent pipe
to a pipe having a plain or spigot end.
type testing: A test performed to assess the performance of a specific valve
design under controlled conditions.
unidirectional valve: See valve, unidirectional.
unilateral tolerance: Method of dimensioning wherein the tolerance is taken as either
plus or minus from the stated dimension in one direction only.
union: Multi-piece fitting that allows the joining or separating of piping
without rotating the piping.
union bonnet: Type of valve bonnet that is fastened to the valve body by means
of a union nut.
union cover: Cover fastened to the valve by means of a union nut.
union fitting: See union.
union, gasket: Union employing a resilient gasket for sealing.
union, ground-joint: Fitting assembly consisting of a tail or male part, a head or female
part, and a union nut (the seating surfaces between head and tail
are precision machined to produce a leak-tight joint.
union, handle-bar: (Also, known as lug-nut or high-speed union) Union nut that has
one or more projections that may be struck with a hammer for
quick opening or closure.
union nut: The threaded ring that joins the body and bonnet or cover of a
union bonnet or union cover valve or principal union component.
union ring: See union nut.
V-port plug: Type of valve plug or disc that has an orifice in the shape of the
letter “V” to provide specific throttling characteristics.
vacuum-relief valve: See valve, vacuum-relief.
valve: Type of device that isolates or controls fluid direction or flow rate
(synonymous with stop, cock, faucet, tap, and bib).
valve, air: Generic name used to describe a family of valves used to control
the release and admittance of air in a piping system.
33
TERM DEFINITION
valve, angle-disc check: Check valve with a disc element in an angle-pattern (see angle
pattern) body.
valve, angle non-return: (Also, referred to as angle non-return valve or angle-stop check
valve) Angle pattern variant of a globe-type stop-check valve.
valve, angle-stop: (Also, referred to as angle-stop check valve) Angle pattern variant
of the globe valve only (other types of angle valves must be
designated specifically; such as angle-plug valve).
valve, backflow preventer: An assembly or device, used to protect water (e.g., potable)
supplies from contamination or pollution.
valve, back-pressure: (Also, known as back pressure valve or backpressure valve)
Employed to regulate back-pressure (reverse flow) on equipment
or systems through which a fluid conveys. Back pressure valve
operates when the upstream end pressure is more than downstream
and does need pressure to seal. Also, see related valve, check.
valve, ball: A valve whose closure member is spherical and rotates to open
or close.
valve, ball check: A check valve in which the check closure member is a ball.
valve, bellows-seal: A valve having a stem seal utilizing a bellows.
valve, bidirectional: A valve having substantially equivalent flow and shut-off
capability in both directions.
valve, block & bleed: A valve with two seating surfaces that provide simultaneous
blockage of flow from both valve ends and a means for draining
or venting the cavity between the seating surfaces.
valve, blow-off: (Also, known as a blowoff valve) A valve used to release the
pressurized contents of a pressure vessel or piping.
valve, bonnetless: A valve with no bonnet.
valve, butterfly: Type of valve that uses a rotatable disc as a closure member and
obstructs flow when the disc is rotated to block the flow.
valve, bypass: Type of valve (device) used to control flow through a secondary
flow path or bypass.
valve, center-guided check: Type of check valve in which the closure member is perpendicular
to the flow.
valve, check: Type of unidirectional valve that is opened by the fluid flow in
one direction and closes automatically to prevent flow in the
reverse direction. Also, see related valve, back-pressure.
valve, choke: First throttling valve on an oil or gas well; usually an angle-pattern
globe valve.
valve, compact wafer: Type of wafer valve with a reduced outside body diameter or slots
to provide external flange-bolt clearance.
34
TERM DEFINITION
valve, control: Type of valve that provides the means for varying the rate of fluid
flow in a system.
valve, cryogenic: Type of valve which is specifically designed to operate at
temperatures below -150 °F (-101 °C).
valve, diaphragm: Type of valve that permits throttling of fluid flow by forcing a
diaphragm against a raised section or weir (saddle) on the body
flow passageway.
valve, dual-sealing: Type of valve which uses redundant seat-sealing means. Also,
double-seated with a seat on each end of the valve.
valve, eccentric plug: A quarter-turn valve with either the plug journal or seat located
off-center.
valve, end-entry ball: Type of ball valve design in which the ball and seats are accessible
by the removal of an end piece.
valve, fire tested: Type of valve capable of passing certain leakage and operational
tests after exposure to fire.
valve, flanged: Type of valve with end connections and flanged on both ends.
valve, flangeless: Type of valve intended to be mounted between pipe flanges with
span bolts passing from pipe flange to pipe flange. The valves
may have locators for line centering.
valve, floating ball: Type of ball valve design with a ball held in position only by
two seats.
valve, foot: Type of check valve with inlet strainer or basket designed
specifically for open end and totally immersed location on the
suction side of a pump.
valve, flow-control: Small control valve; The combined functions of a needle valve
and a check valve.
valve, four-way: Type of valve with four ports arranged to control the direction of
fluid flow through the valve and connected piping system.
valve, full-bore: (Also, known as full-port valve) Type of valve with no reduced
flow-passageway at the closure member for a given end
connection size. It can also be explained as having no restriction
of flow from the original pipe diameter; maintaining a consistent
flow rate and reducing pressure drop. In a ball valve, this valve
is usually considered to be the same pipe size and flow port size.
valve, full-opening-through- Type of full-port valve whose opening is substantially equivalent
bore of conduit: to the attached piping.
valve, full-port: See full-bore valve.
valve, gate: Type of valve with a closure member, such as a gate, wedge,
resilient wedge, disc, or double disc that moves on an axis
perpendicular to the direction of flow.
35
TERM DEFINITION
valve, globe: Type of valve with a closure member, such as a disc or plug, that
moves on an axis perpendicular to the seat.
valve, high-performance butterfly: Type of butterfly valve designed in which the disc seating surface
is off-set from its axis of rotation, producing an uninterrupted
seating surface and camming action when seating and unseating.
valve, instrument: Type of valve designed for use in instrument, control, and
sampling piping systems.
valve, knife-gate: Type of gate valve using a thin, flat gate usually used in
controlling slurries.
valve, lift-check: (Also, known as lift check valve) Type of check valve with a
closure member that is lifted by the force of the fluid flow.
valve, lubricated plug: Type of plug valve in which the plug rotation and sealing can be
assisted by sealant applied under external pressure.
valve, lug: Type of valve with short face-to-face dimensions in proportion to
the fluid-passage diameter designed to be bolted to one or both
flanges in a line by the use of fasteners, which are threaded into
lug protrusions of the valve body.
valve, lug-wafer: See valve, lug, valve, single-flanged, and valve, wafer.
valve, needle: Type of small valve in which the moving sealing element is small
and sharply tapered or needle shaped.
valve, non-return: See valve, stop check.
valve, parallel-disc gate: Type of double-disc (see double disc) gate valve design in which
the disc faces are parallel, independent of each other, and loaded
against the seats by a wedging mechanism between the discs and
line pressure on the downstream side (see parallel expanding-disc
gate valve and parallel sliding-disc gate valve).
valve, parallel expanding-disc Type of double-disc (see double disc) gate valve design in
gate: which the disc faces are parallel, independent of each other,
and loaded against the seats by a spring and line pressure on
the downstream side.
valve, parallel sliding-disc gate: Type of double-disc (see double disc) gate valve design in
which the disc faces are parallel, independent of each other,
and loaded against the seats by a spring and line pressure on
the downstream side.
valve, pinch: Type of valve design having a flexible tube or hose for a flow
passageway, which is “pinched” to effect closure.
valve, piston check: Type of lift-check valve design in which the closure member acts
like a piston within a cylinder.
valve, plug: Type of valve in which the closure member is of cylindrical or
conical shape and can be rotated into alignment with the flow
passageway and in which sealing is affected by the fit of the
cylinder or cone into the mating surface of the body.
36
TERM DEFINITION
valve, pressure-relief: Type of valve generally designed to open at a defined pressure,
usually to protect equipment or systems from rupturing due to
high pressure conditions; typically measured in psi or bar/Pa.
valve, pump control: Type of ball valve that is electrically wired to the pump control
circuit to provide the function of a check valve with the addition
of flow control.
valve, quarter-turn: Type of valve in which the closure member is rotated
approximately 90° to move from full-open to full-closed position.
valve, quick-opening: Type of valve designed to open or close quickly.
valve, quick-opening control: Type of valve in which the closure member reaches maximum
flow with minimum lift.
valve, reduced-port: (Also, known as a restricted-port valve) Type of valve equipped
with a reduced or restricted flow-passageway at the closure
member for a given end connection size. In a ball valve, this valve
is usually considered to be two pipe sizes smaller flow port than
a full port opening. Additionally, it can be noted with regard to
ball valves, that they can also be referred to as standard-port
valves when the flow passageway is one size smaller than the end
connection and reduced-port valves when the flow passageway is
two sizes smaller than the end connection or single-reduced bore
and double-reduced bore, respectively.
valve, regulating: Type of valve designed to control the flow rate or pressure of fluid
flowing through the valve.
valve, relief: Type of valve designed to actuate automatically to reduce its
internal pressure, when its pressure setting is exceeded.
valve, resilient-seated hydrant: A (fire) hydrant valve made of resilient materials to improve
effective shut-off.
valve, restricted-port: See valve, reduced-port.
valve, safety: Type of pressure-relief valve characterized by rapidly opening
operation.
valve, safety-relief: Type of pressure-relief valve suitable for use either as a safety
valve or relief valve depending on application.
valve, shut-off: Type of valve designed only for on/off service. Sometimes
referred to as block valve or isolation valve.
valve, single-flanged: Type of wafer valve with a body configured to be bolted as a
closure member on the end of a pipeline without any additional
flange or retaining parts. The holes that mate with the pipeline
flanges may be tapped or untapped, and the body exterior may be
cylindrical like the pipeline flange or may be cut away.
valve, solenoid: Type of valve where the closure member moves under the action
of an electric solenoid.
37
TERM DEFINITION
valve, solid-wedge disc: Type of gate valve design using a one-piece disc or wedge not
designed for flexibility.
valve, standard-port: (Also, known as a regular-port valve or standard bore valve) Type
of valve equipped with a reduced flow-passageway at the closure
member for a given end connection size. In a ball valve, this valve
is usually considered to be one pipe size smaller flow port than a
full port opening. A standard port is characterized by a typical
bore size (as opposed to full bore) and its flow coefficiency. Also,
see valve, reduced-port.
valve, stop check: (Also, referred to as a non-return valve) Type of check valve in
which the closure member can be mechanically closed.
valve, swing check: Type of check valve in which the closure member is mounted
(hinged from above), partly or completely out of the flow
passage), so that it opens with presence of flow or pressure.
valve, tapping: A gate valve with special end connections that are designed to
provide proper alignment of a tapping sleeve, the tapping valve,
and a tapping machine, so that the tapping machine cutter will
pass through the tapping valve and tapping sleeve branch with
clearance during the tapping operation. A tapping valve is also
specially designed so that its gate opens sufficiently to provide
clearance for the tapping cutter to pass through the open valve
during the tapping operation and so that there is sufficient distance
between the gate the valve’s connection with the tapping machine
to provide clearance between the gate and the pilot drill and cutter
at the conclusion of the tapping operation, when the cutter is
withdrawn and the tapping valve is closed.
valve, thermal-relief: (Also, known as thermal relief valve) Type of valve which
operates as a safety valve due to temperature or the thermal
expansion of the contained fluid.
valve, three-way: Type of valve with three ports arranged to control the direction of
fluid flow through the valve and connected piping system.
valve, tilting-disc check: Type of check valve in which the closure member pivots, but not
entirely out of the flow passage.
valve, trunnion ball: Type of ball valve with a ball supported by two bearings
(trunnion) in the valve body.
valve, unidirectional: (Also, known as uni-directional valve) Type of valve designed for
sealing only in one direction.
valve, vacuum-relief: Type of automatic valve used to release vacuum when draining a
piping system (synonymous with vacuum breaker).
valve, wafer: Type of valve designed to be installed between flanges, which has
a short face-to-face dimension in relation to the pipeline diameter.
valve, wedge gate: Type of gate valve design in which a wedge-shaped closure
member is forced between angled seats to stop flow.
38
TERM DEFINITION
valve, Y-type: A modified globe valve in which the seat and bonnet are at an
angle other than 90° to the flow passage.
valve, Y-type check: A modified check valve in which the seat and the closure member
are at an angle other than 90° to the flow passage.
valve, Y-type piston check: A modified piston check valve in which the seat and the closure
member are at an angle other than 90° to the flow passage.
valve, Y-type swing check: A modified swing check valve in which the seat and the closure
member are at an angle other than 90° to the flow passage.
valve actuator: See actuator.
valve body: See body.
valve bonnet: See bonnet.
valve carrier: A part of a (fire) hydrant that supports the valve washer from the
pressure side. The valve carrier is supported by and fits the stem.
Also, called a carrier or disc holder.
valve closure member: See closure member.
valve disc: A “valve member” that is a movable obstruction inside the
stationary body which adjustably restricts flow through the valve.
Although traditionally disc-shaped, valve discs come in various
shapes. See closure member.
valve end: Designed to connect the valve to the piping or equipment nozzle
by different types of end connections.
valve plug: See plug.
valve seat-port: Opening in a valve that can be partly or completely blocked by
the closure member.
valve stem: See stem.
valve stem extension: Means for extending the stem (also, rod or shaft) length; including
the valve operating nut or handwheel.
valve stem thrust: Force required to actuate a linear movement of a valve stem.
valve stem torque: Torque required to actuate a rotary movement of the valve stem.
valve trim: See trim.
vane: See disc.
vane actuator: Fluid-powered quarter-turn actuator in which the media acts upon
a rotatable vane to produce torque.
vanstone: Type of fitting similar to a lap-joint stub end which can be butt-
welded to tube or pipe.
wafer valve: See valve, wafer.
water seal: See seal, water.
39
TERM DEFINITION
wedge: A gate valve closure member with inclined surfaces that
mechanically force sealing contact of the gate or disc(s) (in
double-disc [see double disc] valves, the wedge may act as a
spreading device).
wedge gate valve: See valve, wedge gate.
weir: Another name for a “saddle”. Common in diaphragm valves,
where the seal is made over a weir or saddle; as opposed to
another type of diaphragm valve that seals over the seat.
welded bonnet: Valve design in which the bonnet is welded directly to the body.
welding: Method of joining two or more similar pieces of metal or
thermoplastic materials. Welding is also a method used to fill
gaps in metal parts.
welding back: (Also, referred to as back-welding, back weld, backwelding,
backweld, or back-weld) Method of welding wherein a “support”
weld is deposited at the back of a completed single groove weld
to facilitate complete joint penetration.
welding, butt: (Also, referred to as butt-welding) Method of welding or attaching
in which the butt-welding ends are beveled at each end of the valve
to match a similar bevel on the pipe. The two ends are then butted
to the pipeline and joined with a full penetration weld. This type of
joint or connection (e.g., a butt weld) is utilized with most valve
types; however, end preparation varies for each pipe schedule.
welding, fillet: (Also, referred to as fillet weld or fillet-weld) Method of joining two
pieces of metal together, whether they be perpendicular or at an angle
(i.e., 90°). Commonly referred to as Tee joints or Lap joints.
welding, full penetration: (Also, referred to as full penetration welding or full penetration
weld) Describes the type of weld wherein the welding metal
extends across the entire wall thickness of the joint or connection.
welding, seal: (Also, referred to as seal weld) A welding method with a primary
function of sealing joints; commonly used in gas or liquid
containers to ensure containment and prevent leakage. Also, used
on parts that are to be galvanized. Threaded joints are commonly
back-welded for seal.
welding, socket: (Also, referred to as socket welding, socket weld, socketwelding,
socketweld, or socket-weld) Method of welding or attaching in
which a pipe is inserted into a recessed area of a valve, fitting, or
flange; usually involving small pipe diameters. The socket-
welding ends are prepared by boring a socket into each end of the
valve with an inside diameter slightly larger than the pipe outside
diameter. The pipe is inserted into the socket and then joined to
the mating component with a fillet weld.
welding-neck flange: See flange, welding-neck.
weld end: See welding end.
40
TERM DEFINITION
welding end: (Also, referred to as weld end or weld-end when describing a
subject) Valve or fitting connection end designed for attachment
to a pipe or other valve or fitting by welding.
wire draw: Localized linear erosion of a valve seating surface as if it were
made by pulling an abrasive wire through the seat.
worm gear: Quarter-turn gear set consisting of a worm (i.e., a short revolving
cylinder) wheel driven by a small worm gear. Typically used when
large gear reductions are needed or as part of an actuator set-up.
wye: Three-way fitting with a flow passage shaped like the letter “Y”
(sometimes call a “true Y” or a “true wye”).
Y: See wye.
Y-type valve: See valve, Y-type.
Y-type check valve: See valve, Y-type check.
Y-type piston check valve: See valve, Y-type piston check.
Y-type strainer: A component where the strainer is at an angle other than 90° to
the flow passage.
Y-type swing check valve: See valve, Y-type swing check.
yoke: That part of a valve assembly used to position the stem nut or to
mount the valve actuator.
yoke bushing: See stem nut.
yoke nut: See stem nut.
yoke sleeve: See stem nut.
41
4. ABBREVIATIONS
4.1 This section lists abbreviations and their meanings used to describe valve, fitting, and related
component types, features, and parts. Many of these abbreviations originate in the early 1900s and some
may be considered obsolete today or conflict with more recent usage. The context of the abbreviation
should be mutually understood by involved parties.
ANS American National Standard (formerly “Amer Std” or “American Standard”)

AARH Arithmetic Average Roughness Height
abs Absolute
bar Metric unit of pressure
bbl Barrel
BB Bolted Bonnet
BHN Brinell Hardness Number
B&S Bell & Spigot or Brown & Sharpe (gauge)
BOV Blowoff Valve
Btu British Thermal Units
BFV Butterfly Valve
BV Ball Valve
BWE Butt-Weld(ing) End(s)
C Celsius (previously Centigrade) (context dependent if no degree symbol)
C or Cel Celsius degrees (context dependent)
°C Degrees Celsius (previously Centigrade)
Cv Flow Coefficient (different than CV)
CI Cast Iron
CI Chlorine Institute (context dependent)
CMTR Certified Material Test Report
C to F (also C-to-F) Center-to-Face
CR 13 13% Chromium Stainless Steel
Comp Companion
CRES Corrosion-Resistant Steel
CV Check Valve (different than Cv)
CWP Cold Working Pressure (Preferred)
cfm Cubic Feet Per Minute
cfs Cubic Feet Per Second
CS Cast Steel
diam Diameter
DD Double Disc
DI Ductile Iron
DN Diameter Nominal (SI Metric-based)
DPDT Double-Pole, Double-Throw
DWV Drainage-Waste-Vent Fitting
42
dwg Drawing
ELL Elbow
EMA Electric Motor Actuator
EMO Electric Motor Operator
ESD Emergency Shut Down
ex-hy Extra-Heavy
F or Fahr Fahrenheit degrees (context dependent)
°F Degrees Fahrenheit
F to F (also F-to-F) Face-to-Face
F&D Faced & Drilled (Flange)
FAS Free Alongside Steamer
FBE Fusion Bonded Epoxy
FF Flat Face
FHF Full Hard Faced
FLG (also flg) Flange(s)
FLGD (also flgd) Flanged
FO Faced Only
FOB Free On Board
FTTG Fitting
ft. (ft) Foot/Feet
FW Flexible Wedge
G Gas
g Gage or Gauge
gpm Gallons Per Minute
HF Hard Faced
hex Hexagonal
hg Mercury
HHF Half Hard Faced
HW Handwheel
in. (in) Inch/Inches
I.D. (also ID) Inside Diameter
IBBM Iron-Body Bronze (or Brass) Mounted (see Bronze Mounted definition)
INT Integral
IPS Iron Pipe Size
ISNRS Inside-Screw, Non-Rising Stem
ISRS Inside-Screw, Rising Stem
Kg Kilogram(s)
kw Kilowatt(s)
LH Left Hand
LNG Liquid Natural Gas
LPG Liquid Petroleum Gas
43
LR Long Radius (e.g., elbows)

MI Malleable Iron
max. (also Max) Maximum
min. (also Min) Minimum
mm Millimeter(s)
MAV Motor-Actuated Valve
MJ Mechanical Joint
MOV Motor-Operated Valve (see MAV)
mtd Mounted
NDE Non-Destructive Examination / Nondestructive Examination (also known as
Nondestructive Testing)
NPS Nominal Pipe Size (formally IPS for Iron Pipe Size)
NPT National Standard Pipe Thread Taper
NRS Non-Rising Stem
O.D. (also OD) Outside Diameter
OS&Y Outside Screw & Yoke
OWG Oil, Water, and Gas (see CWP)
PN Pressure Nominal (SI Metric)
Psi Pounds Per Square Inch
Psia Pounds Per Square Inch, Absolute
psig Pounds Per Square Inch, Gage
P-T Pressure-Temperature
Rc Rockwell “C”
RF Raised Face
RH Right Hand
red Reducing
RMS Root Mean Square Roughness Height
RS Rising Stem
RTJ Ring-Type Joint
RPM Revolutions Per Minute
sch or sched Schedule (Pipe Wall Thickness)
scd Screwed
SF Semi-finished
S Steam
SC Swing Check Valve
SE Screwed Ends
SDO Standards Development Organization
SP Standard Practice (i.e., MSS Standard)
Spec Specification
SC Swing Check Valve
SCFM Standard Cubic Feet Per Minute
44
SJE Solder-Joint End

SPDT Single-Pole, Double-Throw
SR Short Radius (e.g., elbows)
SS Stainless Steel
SSP Steam Service Pressure (antiquated)
SSU Seconds Saybolt Universal
std Standard
STD Standard Wall Thickness
SWE Socket-Welding End
SWP Steam Working Pressure (Preferred)
T Tee
TDCV Tilting-Disc Check Valve
Thd. Threaded
TIR Total Indicator Reading
Trans Transportation
UB Union Bonnet
W Water
WOG Water, Oil, and Gas (see CWP)
WSP Working Steam Pressure
WWP Working Water Pressure
XS Extra Strong (Wall Thickness)
XXS Double Extra Strong (Wall Thickness)
Y Wye Fitting
45
ANNEX A
Referenced Standards and Applicable Dates
This Annex is an integral part of this Standard Practice and is placed after the main text for convenience.
Standard Name Description
MSS; ANSI/MSS
SP-58-2009 Pipe Hangers and Supports – Materials, Design, Manufacture, Selection,
Application, and Installation
SP-75-2014 High-Strength, Wrought, Butt-Welding Fittings
SP-117-2011 Bellows Seals for Globe and Gate Valves
ASA
Z10.1-1941 American Standard Abbreviations for Scientific and Engineering Terms
The following organizations appear in the above list:
ANSI American National Standard Institute

25 West 43rd Street, Fourth Floor
New York, NY 10036-7406
ASA American Standards Association

(See ANSI)
MSS Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings Industry, Inc.
127 Park Street, NE
Vienna, VA 22180-4602
46
47
48
Purchase or View a Full Listing of MSS Standards at:
http://msshq.org/Store/PriceList.cfm
MSS Standard Practices (SPs) related to or referenced in this publication:

ANSI/MSS SP-58 Pipe Hangers and Supports – Materials, Design, Manufacture, Selection, Application,
and Installation
MSS SP-75 High-Strength, Wrought, Butt-Welding Fittings
MSS SP-117 Bellows Seals for Globe and Gate Valves
–––––––––––
American National Standards Published by MSS, an ANSI-accredited Standards Developer:

ANSI/MSS SP-25 Standard Marking System for Valves, Fittings, Flanges, and Unions
ANSI/MSS SP-44 Steel Pipeline Flanges
ANSI/MSS SP-55 Quality Standard for Steel Castings for Valves, Flanges, Fittings, and Other Piping Components
– Visual Method for Evaluation of Surface Irregularities
ANSI/MSS SP-58 Pipe Hangers and Supports – Materials, Design, Manufacture, Selection, Application, and
Installation
ANSI/MSS SP-96 Terminology for Valves, Fittings, and Their Related Components
ANSI/MSS SP-114 Corrosion Resistant Pipe Fittings Threaded and Socket Welding Class 150 and 1000
ANSI/MSS SP-134 Valves for Cryogenic Service, including Requirements for Body/Bonnet Extensions
ANSI/MSS SP-135 High Pressure Knife Gate Valves
ANSI/MSS SP-138 Quality Standard Practice for Oxygen Cleaning of Valves and Fittings
ANSI/MSS SP-144 Pressure Seal Bonnet Valves
–––––––––––
Do not violate copyright laws

All Standard Practices are officially available only from MSS and through our authorized distributors:
About MSS
The Manufacturers Standardization Society (MSS) of the Valve and Fittings Industry is a non-profit technical association organized
for development and improvement of industry, national and international codes and standards for Valves, Valve Actuators, Valve
Modifications, Pipe Fittings, Flanges, Pipe Hangers and Supports, and Associated Seals. Since its establishment in 1924, MSS has
been dedicated to developing standards for national and global applications, in cooperation with other standardizing bodies and
regulatory authorities. MSS is an American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-accredited standards developer.
For more information on membership and eligibility requirements, visit: http://msshq.org/Store/Membership.cfm
Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings Industry, Inc.

127 Park Street, NE, Vienna, VA 22180-4620 • Phone (703) 281-6613 • Fax (703) 281-6671
“The Technical Voice of the Industry”
TECH-ANSI/MSS SP-96-2017

MSS SP-96-2017

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Originally Published: September 1986

This Standard Practice has been developed to serve two functions:

NOTICE REGARDING NEW PROPOSALS:

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Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings Industry

A Reference Standards and Applicable Dates ............................................................................... 46

TERMINOLOGY FOR VALVES, FITTINGS,

2. DOCUMENT SOURCES AND ACRONYMS

A number of technical societies, Standards Development Organizations (SDOs), trade associations,

NACE NACE International (previously known as National Association of Corrosion Engineers) –

ANS American National Standard (formerly “Amer Std” or “American Standard”)

LR Long Radius (e.g., elbows)

SJE Solder-Joint End

Standard Name Description

The following organizations appear in the above list:

ANSI American National Standard Institute

ASA American Standards Association

This Page Intentionally Left Blank

Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings Industry

This Page Intentionally Left Blank

Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings Industry

MSS Standard Practices (SPs) related to or referenced in this publication:

American National Standards Published by MSS, an ANSI-accredited Standards Developer:

Do not violate copyright laws

Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings Industry, Inc.

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