In the world of industrial pumps, understanding the technical jargon is crucial for effective communication with manufacturers, suppliers, and maintenance personnel. A pump’s specifications, performance, and operation rely heavily on a common language that eliminates confusion and ensures seamless integration with other equipment. In this comprehensive glossary, we’ll demystify the terminology, providing a clear and concise guide to help you navigate the intricate world of industrial pumps.
1. Absolute Discharge Pressure (PSI)
Absolute discharge pressure refers to the pressure measured at the pump’s discharge flange, taking into account the pressure caused by the pump’s own flow resistance and the atmospheric pressure.
2. Adiabatic Efficiency
Adiabatic efficiency measures the pump’s ability to convert input power into useful work, without consideration of heat transfer. It’s expressed as a percentage and ranges from 0% to 100%. High adiabatic efficiency indicates the pump is operating close to its theoretical maximum efficiency.
3. ANSI Pump Flange
ANSI (American National Standards Institute) pump flanges are standardized flanges used in industrial pumps. They come in various sizes and are designed for compatibility with other ANSI-standardized equipment.
4. Anti-Rec Circulation
Anti-recirculation refers to the design feature that prevents cold water or other fluid from entering the pump after the motor has been turned off. This feature ensures the pump coil remains cool and reduces the risk of thermal shock.
5. Bearing Life
Bearing life is the theoretical or actual lifespan of the pump’s bearings, expressed in hours or cycles. It’s influenced by factors such as lubrication quality, operating conditions, and maintenance practices.
6. Brake Horsepower (BHP)
Brake horsepower measures the pump’s actual output power at the drive shaft, excluding parasitic losses (e.g., motor efficiency losses). It’s an essential parameter in determining pump performance and energy consumption.
7. Bulk Viscosity
Bulk viscosity measures the resistance offered by a fluid to the deformation of the entire fluid volume, rather than just the deformation of the fluid particles.
8. Centrifugal Pump
A centrifugal pump is a rotary pump that uses the principle of centrifugal force to increase the fluid’s pressure and flow rate. It’s commonly used for pumping liquids with low to moderate viscosity.
9. Ceramic Implant
Ceramic implant refers to the process of replacing a pump’s worn-out or damaged bearings with ceramic components, which offer improved wear resistance, reduce friction, and increase the pump’s overall lifespan.
10. Clogging
Clogging occurs when debris, sediment, or other contaminants accumulate within the pump’s impeller or suction chamber, impairing its performance and eventually requiring maintenance or repair.
11. Compatibility
Compatibility refers to the ability of different materials or components (e.g., pump, motor, and fluid) to operate together without compromising each other’s performance or lifespan.
12. Corrosion-Resistant Material
Corrosion-resistant materials, such as stainless steel, titanium, or coatings, are used to reduce the risk of corrosion and extend the pump’s lifespan.
13. Deadhead
Deadhead refers to the condition where the pump is operated without backpressure or discharge restrictions, allowing the discharge pressure to rise to atmospheric pressure or higher.
14. Delta-P (ΔP)
Delta-P (ΔP) measures the pressure differential between the pump’s suction and discharge sides, influencing the pump’s performance, efficiency, and capacity.
15. Dynamic Seal
Dynamic seals are used to connect moving parts within a pump (e.g., between the impeller and shaft) to prevent leakage and maintain the pump’s overall integrity.
16. Efficiency
Efficiency is the ratio of the pump’s output power to its input power, expressed as a percentage. High efficiency indicates that more of the input energy is converted into useful work, reducing energy consumption and costs.
17. End-Suction Pump
An end-suction pump is a type of centrifugal pump where the impeller is mounted on the end of the shaft, which exits the pump casing through a flange.
18. End-Thrust Bearing
An end-thrust bearing is designed to support the axial loads (forces parallel to the shaft direction) generated by the pump’s operation, typically in combination with radial bearings.
19. Epoxy Coating
Epoxy coatings are chemical-resistant materials applied to the pump’s internal surfaces to reduce corrosion, wear, and erosion.
20. Expansion Joint
Expansion joints are designed to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of pipework, ensuring a secure and leak-free connection.
21. Feet Per Second (FPS)
FPS measures the pump’s casing velocity, typically ranging from 1 to 20 FPS, influencing the pump’s performance, efficiency, and capacity.
22. Flexicoupling
A flexicoupling is a type of flexible coupling used to connect the pump’s shaft to the motor or driver, allowing for angular misalignment and vibration damping.
23. Flow Rate
Flow rate measures the volume of fluid pumped per unit of time, typically expressed in liters per minute (L/min), gallons per minute (GPM), or cubic meters per hour (m³/h).
24. Fluid Compatibility
Fluid compatibility ensures that the pump and its components can operate safely and effectively with the designated fluid or liquid.
25. Friction Loss
Friction loss measures the energy consumed by the pump due to internal friction, seal wear, and other mechanical losses, reducing its overall efficiency.
26. Gear Pump
A gear pump is a rotary pump that uses interlocking gears to transport fluids, commonly used for pumping sensitive or viscous materials.
27. Gland Packing
Gland packing refers to the process of compressing a sealant (e.g., graphite or PTFE) around the shaft to create a seal between the pump’s moving parts and the casing.
28. Heat Exchanger
A heat exchanger is a device or component used to transfer heat between the pump’s fluid and another fluid, air, or a solid surface.
29. Horsepower (HP)
Horsepower measures the pump’s power output, typically used to classify pumps by their capacity and performance.
30. Hydrophobic Pore Filter
A hydrophobic pore filter is designed to filter out contaminants and block larger particles while allowing the pumped fluid to pass through, minimizing downtime and maintenance.
31. Impeller
The impeller is the rotating element within a centrifugal pump that accelerates the fluid, increasing its pressure and flow rate.
32. In-line Pump
An in-line pump is designed to be installed within a pipeline, reducing the need for separate pump and piping arrangements.
33. Insulation
Insulation materials, such as foam, glass wool, or ceramic, are used to reduce heat transfer and minimize energy loss in pumps and process systems.
34. Jacket Cooling
Jacket cooling involves circulating a cooling fluid through an outer casing to reduce the pump’s temperature and improve performance.
35. Jointing Commission
A jointing commission is a device used to connect two adjacent components, such as piping or pump flanges, maintaining a leak-free seal.
36. Kilowatt (kW)
A kilowatt measures the pump’s electrical power consumption, influencing energy costs, efficiency, and carbon emissions.
37. Leakage
Leakage occurs when fluid or gases escape from the pump, either through seals, gaskets, or casing cracks, which can affect performance, efficiency, and lifespan.
38. Lift-Off
Lift-off refers to the condition where the pump’s suction performance is compromised due to inadequate submergence, inadequate intake clearance, or flow restrictions.
39. Linear Seal
A linear seal is designed to create a seal between moving parts within a pump, such as between the shaft and casing or impeller and casing.
40. Lobe Pump
A lobe pump is a type of positive displacement pump using a rotating lobe and chamber design to move fluids.
41. Low-Temperature Application
Low-temperature applications refer to the operation of pumps in cold environments, where materials, lubricants, and fluid properties may be affected by temperature extremes.
42. Magnetic Coupling
A magnetic coupling is a type of sealless pump that uses a magnetic field to transmit torque between the pump and motor, eliminating mechanical seals.
43. Mechanical Seal
A mechanical seal is used to create a seal between the pump’s moving parts and the casing, ensuring pressure integrity and fluid containment.
44. Mechanical Seal Failure
Mechanical seal failure occurs when the seal becomes compromised due to wear, damage, or improper installation, resulting in leaks or pump damage.
45. Material of Construction
The material of construction refers to the composition and properties of a pump’s components, influencing its corrosion resistance, durability, and compatibility with the pumped fluid.
46. Motor-Driven Pump
A motor-driven pump is a pump powered directly by an electric motor, eliminating the need for a separate driver or gearbox.
47. Multistage Pump
A multistage pump is a centrifugal pump designed to achieve high pressure or vacuum by using multiple stages or sets of impellers and diffusers.
48. NPSH (Needle-Valve-Pressure-Hydrostatic)
NPSH measures the pump’s ability to draw fluid into the suction side, affected by suction pressure, submergence, and fluid properties.
49. API-674 (American Petroleum Institute-674)
API-674 is a standard for reciprocatingsposets and pump unit foundation plans, ensuring compatibility and ensuring the integrity of pump installations.
50. Performance Curve
A performance curve is a graphical representation of a pump’s flow rate, head, efficiency, and pressure characteristics, used to predict and optimize its operation.
51. Phase-Locked Loop (PLL)
A phase-locked loop is a control system used to regulate the pump’s speed, ensuring consistent operation and minimizing noise or vibration.
52. Piping
Piping refers to the system of pipes, fittings, and connectors used to transport fluid, air, or gases between components, equipment, or systems.
53. Piston Pump
A piston pump is a type of positive displacement pump using a reciprocating piston and cylinder design to move fluids.
54. Plunger Pump
A plunger pump is a type of positive displacement pump using a reciprocating plunger and cylinder design to move fluids.
55. Positive Displacement
Positive displacement refers to the process of increasing a fluid’s pressure and volume by displacing it from a fixed volume, commonly used in pumps, compressors, and engines.
56. Power Consumption
Power consumption measures the pump’s electrical energy consumption, influenced by its design, efficiency, and operating conditions.
57. Pressure-Rated
Pressure-rated refers to the pump’s ability to withstand specific pressure levels, ensuring the safety and integrity of the system.
58. Priming
Priming is the process of filling the pump’s suction side with fluid, ensuring the pump is ready for operation and minimizes the risk of cavitation.
59. Pulse-Pounding
Pulse-pounding occurs when a pump’s operation creates a pulsating flow, which can affect system performance, efficiency, and lifespan.
60. Pumping Head
Pumping head measures the pump’s ability to increase the fluid’s pressure, typically expressed in units of pressure (e.g., psi or bar).
61. Remote Control
Remote control refers to the ability to operate the pump from a distance, using electronic controls, sensors, and remote operators.
62. Reliability
Reliability measures a pump’s ability to consistently perform its designed function without failures or malfunctions, influencing its lifespan and maintenance requirements.
63. Rotor
The rotor is the rotating element within a pump that creates the pressure differential to move the fluid.
64. Seal Face
The seal face is the surface of the pump’s moving parts that comes into contact with the sealant or gland packing, ensuring a secure seal.
65. Sealless Pump
A sealless pump is a type of pump that eliminates the need for mechanical seals, using alternative technologies such as magnetic couplings or gas-filled seals.
66. Shaft End
The shaft end refers to the end of the pump’s shaft that connects to the motor or driver, influencing the pump’s movement and rotation.
67. Single-Stage Pump
A single-stage pump is a centrifugal pump designed to achieve a specific pressure or flow rate using a single set of impellers and diffusers.
68. Suction Side
The suction side refers to the pump’s intake side, where the fluid enters the pump and is drawn into the suction chamber.
69. Tailpipe
The tailpipe is the discharge pipe or pipe section that connects the pump to the system or piping network, ensuring a secure and leak-free connection.
70. Temperature Sensor
A temperature sensor is a device used to monitor the pump’s temperature, ensuring optimal operation, preventing overheating, and reducing the risk of damage or failure.
71. Thermal Shock
Thermal shock occurs when a pump’s components are subject to rapid and extreme temperature changes, potentially causing damage or failure.
72. Thrust Bearing
A thrust bearing is designed to support the axial loads generated by the pump’s operation, typically in combination with radial bearings.
73. Torque
Torque measures the rotational force applied to the pump’s shaft, influencing its movement, rotation, and power output.
74. Total Head
Total head measures the pump’s ability to increase the fluid’s pressure, taking into account the pressure generated by the pump’s flow resistance and backpressure.
75. Turbo Pump
A turbo pump is a type of pump that uses a turbocharger or turbine to increase the pump’s flow rate and pressure, commonly used in high-flow applications.
76. Vibration
Vibration refers to the unwanted movement or oscillation of the pump’s components or casing, potentially affecting its performance, efficiency, and lifespan.
77. Viscosity
Viscosity measures the fluid’s resistance to flow, influencing the pump’s performance, efficiency, and capacity.
78. Wear Rings
Wear rings are designed to reduce the friction between moving parts within the pump, such as the impeller and casing or shaft and bearing.
79. Wet Gap
A wet gap occurs when the pump’s sealing surfaces are not properly engaged, allowing fluid to escape and potentially compromising the pump’s performance and lifespan.
80. Working Pressure
Working pressure measures the pump’s ability to operate safely under specified pressure conditions, ensuring the integrity of the system.
81. Yield Pressure
Yield pressure measures the pump’s ability to withstand specific pressure levels without compromising its structure or integrity.
In conclusion, mastering the language of industrial pumps is essential for effective communication and understanding of their operation, performance, and maintenance. This comprehensive glossary provides a solid foundation for understanding the technical terminology used in the industry, enabling you to navigate the intricate world of industrial pumps with confidence.
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