General Data

Document Number G101

Glossary of Terms
Affinity LawThe law which states that when the speed GlandA piece which compresses packing in the
of a centrifugal pump is changed, the capacity varies stuffing box and allows for gradual adjustment for
directly, the head varies as the square, and the leakage. (Also commonly used by some instead of term
horsepower varies as the cube of the speed ratio. Stuffing Box)

AgentManufacturers representative. A person or HeadThe potential and/or kinetic energy content in a

persons having contractual agreement with a principal to liquid referred to any arbitrary datum. It is usually
represent and sell a product. expressed in feet, meters or some other units of distance.

Bond FailureClean separation of rubber from core. Hydrostatic TestA testing procedure wherein a pump
is tested for leaks by sealing the casing, filling it with
Clipper SealA flexible lip-type shaft seal device used water, and applying known pressure for a predetermined
in place of packing. length of time.

Critical speedThe resonant frequency of a pump or ImpellerThe rotating part in a pump that imparts
pump/piping system. If the natural frequency of the energy to the liquid. There are different types: Open -
installation is close to the rotating speed, extreme pumping vanes only, Semi-open- Vanes with rear shroud
vibration may occur. only, enclosed vanes fully enclosed by a front and rear
shrouds.
DeflectionMisalignment of an overhung shaft caused
by unbalanced radial loads on the impeller. Impeller ClearanceThe critical distance between a
pumps impeller and its case. Recommended by the
DelaminationSeparation of an elastomer into layers. manufacturer and is necessary for optimum
performance.
DeliveryThe period of time required to process an
order and ship it. Impeller DiameterThe outside diameter of the
pumping vanes. It does not include the extended shroud
DilatantThe liquid which increases in viscosity as a with expelling vanes.
result of pressure or agitation.
Impeller EyeThe area of the impeller where the liquid
Discharge headThe reading of a discharge gauge at enters, which diameter is determined by the inlet of the
the discharge of a pump converted to feet of liquid. pumping vanes.

Discharge PressureThe reading of a pressure gauge Lantern RingA ring used in the stuffing box to permit
at the discharge of a pump, read in psi. even distribution of seal water.

DistributorA firm dealing in the distribution and Mechanical SealA rotating shaft seal device using a
reselling of a product. lapped seal face rotating against a lapped stationary seat.

Drive LinerThe elastomer covered, removable Mounting PlatePlate used on vertical sump pumps
section of a pump nearest the drive end which protects for supporting the unit. Sometimes used for a sump
the casing from wear and corrosion. cover. On most sizes it is a part of the pedestal.

ElastomerAny resilient material. NPSHNet Positive Suction Head. The absolute

pressure above the vapor pressure of the liquid pumped,
Expeller VanesVanes which are cast or molded into available at the eye of the impeller to accelerate it.
the front and/or rear shroud of an impeller to prevent
solids from entering the front seal foace or stuffing box Natural RubberA vulcanized compound of natural
area (also called pump-out vanes). rubber and curing agents. Not to be confused with
general term rubber which quite often includes
Friction LossResistance to flow caused by friction of synthetic elastomers.
liquid in the pumping system.
Parallel InstallationThe practice of separating the
Froth FactorAn arbitrary number used in sizing a flow of a system between two or more pumps. Each
pump to handle a frothy or aerated liquid (most pump must develop equal total head.
commonly used for flotation concentrate).

Page 1 of 2

2002 Weir Slurry Group. All rights reserved Home

 General Data
Document Number G101
Pedestal LengthThe distance from the bottom of the Static HeadThe vertical distance in feet between the
mounting plate to the bottom of the pump casing. free level of suction source and the point of free
Synonym: pump setting. discharge.

Performance TestA test conducted to determine a Stocking DistributorA firm dealing in the
pumps hydraulic performance, capacity, head, and distribution of a product with components and/or parts
power requirements. stocked in his warehouse.

Peripheral SpeedThe speed of the impeller, usually Stuffing BoxThe part of the pump containing packing
expressed in feet per minute, at the periphery of the or shaft seal.
pumping vanes (does not include the expelling vanes).
Suction extensionA means of extending the overall
Pipeline VelocityThe speed of a liquid in a given pipe, length of a sump pump by attaching a pipe to the lower
usually expressed in feet per second. case. Pump must be primed and left running to effect a
suction lift. Also referred to as tail pipe.
Pulp - A mixture of liquids and solids usually finer and
softer than slurries. Suction HeadThe gauge reading at the pump suction
flange converted to feet of liquid and corrected to the
Pumping ConditionsThe flow rate, total head and pump center line (or the eye of the impeller on a vertical
description of fluid, including temperature, specific pump). In the case of a suction lift, it is the reading on a
gravity, corrosives, abrasives and any other unusual vacuum gauge.
conditions.
Suction LinerThe elastomer covered, removable
Pumping VanesThose vanes on a pump impeller part of a pump nearest the suction end which protects the
which produce the discharge head (not the expelling case from wear and corrosion.
vanes).
Total HeadThe measure of energy increase per unit
RubberA general term denoting all elastomer weight of the liquid, imparted to the liquid by the pump.
compounds. This is the head normally specified for pumping
applications since the complete characteristics of a
Running TestRunning the pump in air to determine system determine the total head required. (Previously
mechanical competency. referred to as Total Dynamic Head - TDH)

Run-outWhip or distortion noted in a rotating shaft or TEFCTotally Enclosed, Fan Cooled. A term used by
impeller caused by misalignment or a bent shaft motor manufacturers to define a particular type of motor
resulting in vibration suitable for operating in hazardous or dusty
environments.
Seal WaterWater injected into the pumps stuffing box
to flush, cool and lubricate the packing or seal. ThixotropicPhenomena noted in some viscous liquids
or gels becoming fluid when agitated. The change is
Series InstallationTwo or more pumps installed so reversible.
the flow goes through each pump successively. Each
pump must handle the total volume but only a TrimUsed to denote a special impeller
proportionate part of the discharge head. diameter.Term also applied to the type of gland fitting
installed in a pump.
SlurryA mixture of liquids and solids, usually very
gritty and abrasive. V-DriveThe combination of pump and motor sheaves
to pulleys and V-belts necessary to drive a pump.
SolutionA clear liquid with dissolved solids.
Velocity HeadThe kinetic energy of the liquid at a
Specific SpeedA dimensionless number used to given cross section. Velocity head is expressed by the
classify impeller types in pump design. High specific following equation:
speed impellers have low head characteristics; and V2
H v = ------
conversely, low specific speed impellers have high head 2g
characteristics. Expressed by formula:

RPM Where v is obtained by dividing the flow by the cross

N s = ------------
- GPM section area at the point of gauge connection.
H 3 /4

Page 2 of 2

Home