active component |
A fluid system component characterized by being a source of activity. Active components such as pumps perform an action on hydraulic and pneumatic fluids. |
aluminum |
A metal that is silvery white in color and lightweight. Aluminum resists corrosion. |
American Society of Testing and Materials |
ASTM. An organization that writes and updates specifications for a broad range of materials. The American Society of Testing and Materials provides pressure ratings for fluid conductors. |
annealing |
To heat a material and then let it cool gradually. Annealing is done to tubing in order to bend it and relieve internal stresses. |
brazed |
A process in which a filler metal is melted at a temperature above 840°, but below the melting point of the base metals to form a joint between two base metals. Brazed metals differ from welded metals because only the filler metal is melted. |
burst pressure |
The pressure at which a conductor is expected to fail and burst. Burst pressure is determined by pressure tests conducted by the American Society of Testing and Materials. |
cast iron |
A metal consisting of iron, over 2.11% carbon, and 1 to 3% silicon. Cast iron offers heat resistance and compressive strength. |
conductor |
A component that conveys fluids throughout a pneumatic or hydraulic system. Conductors include pipe, tubing, and hose. |
contaminants |
Any foreign substance that may cause a loss of efficiency or a breakdown in a fluid system. Contaminants can include particles from cutting or chemicals from sealants. |
cover |
The outermost layer of hose that protects the inner layers from the environment and wear. The cover is made of wire mesh for strength. |
diameter |
The distance from one edge of a circle to the opposite edge that passes through the center. Round or cylindrical features require diameter measurements. |
drilled metal block manifold |
A fluid conductor that is drilled to make fluid passages. Drilled metal block manifolds are made of steel, aluminum, or cast iron. |
dry seal |
A sealing condition caused by the crest of one thread contacting the root of another thread. Dry seals do not allow fluid to leak from a fluid system. |
efficiency |
A measure of the work output of a system versus the total energy input. An efficient system is able to convert a greater amount of the supplied energy into the intended useful work. |
external leakage |
The unintentional movement of fluid from a fluid system into the environment. External leakage can be dangerous and detrimental to the efficiency of the system. |
failure |
When a part of a system stops being able to perform its job. Failures in a system include corrosion, wear, and leakage. |
female thread |
A type of thread that appears on the inner diameter of a cylindrical part or round feature. The female thread receives and holds the male thread. |
fitting |
A fluid component that connects, redirects, extends, or terminates the run of a fluid conductor. A fitting can be a piece such as a coupling or an elbow. |
flow rating |
The volume of fluid that is passing through a given area of a system per unit time. Flow rating can also be measured for an individual component. |
fluid |
A state of matter that has the ability to flow. Fluids can be liquids or gases. |
fluid system |
A power transmission system that uses the force of flowing liquids and gases to transmit power. Fluid systems include hydraulic systems and pneumatic systems. |
hoop strength |
The resistance of a fluid conductor to inside pressure. Hoop strength indicates the ability of a conductor to maintain its structural integrity. |
hose |
A type of fluid conductor that joins other components, usually in a non-linear fashion. Hose bends and flexes and is the most versatile conductor. |
hose |
A type of pneumatic fluid conductor that joins other components usually in a non-linear fashion. Hose bends and flexes and is the most versatile pneumatic conductor. |
hydraulic systems |
A power transmission system that uses the force of flowing liquids to transmit power. Hydraulic systems allow hydraulic machinery to perform work. |
inlet port |
A one-way valve where compressed air enters a pneumatic pump.The inlet port is the valve through which fluid is drawn into the pump. |
inner diameter |
ID. The size of a conductor, as measured along a line extending from opposite points on the inner surface and through the center of the conductor. |
inner tube |
The innermost layer of hose that contacts the fluid. The inner tube is made of rubber for flexibility. |
internal leakage |
The unintentional movement of fluid from one component to another within a fluid system. Internal leakage is detrimental to the system by hampering efficiency, but it can also be helpful to pnuematic sytems by providing lubrication. |
kilopascal |
kPa. A metric measurement of pressure. Kilopascal is a unit of pressure of 1,000 newtons per square meter. |
laminated manifold |
A manifold that is comprised of several layers of metal. Laminar manifolds are usually made of steel. |
leakage |
The movement of fluid either out of a fluid system or from one fluid component to another. Leakage causes a loss of effiency and often leads to system failure. |
leakage |
The unintentional movement of fluid either out of a fluid system or from one fluid component to another. Leakage causes a loss of efficiency and can lead to system failure. |
male thread |
A type of thread that appears on the outer diameter of a cylindrical part or round feature. The male thread is inserted into the female thread to make the connection. |
manifold |
A fluid conductor that consists of a metal block with multiple integrated channels. Manifolds are designed to conduct fluid in confined spaces. |
maximum allowable working pressure |
MAWP. The pressure rating that indicates the highest pressure a conductor should experience in service. Maximum allowable working pressure is also referred to as simply working pressure. |
minimum bend radius |
A value indicating the limit beyond which a conductor should not be bent. Exceeding the minimum bend radius causes a conductor to not perform properly. |
modular-block manifold |
A fluid conductor that usually supports one valve. A modular block manifold is designed to be used in conjunction with other manifolds and fluid components. |
nominal size |
The size by which pipe is known and sold in the fluid component market. The nominal size of pipe differs from its actual size. |
outer diameter |
OD. The actual size of a conductor, as measured along a line extending from opposite points on the outer surface and through the center of the conductor. |
outlet port |
A one-way valve where compressed air exits a pneumatic pump.The inlet port is the valve through which fluid is expelled from the pump. |
passive component |
A fluid system component characterized by inactivity. Passive fluid components such as conductors do not perform an explicit action on fluids, but allow fluids to act upon them. |
pipe |
A type of fluid conductor that joins other components, usually in a straight line and on a permanent basis. Pipe can be made of metal or plastic. |
pipe |
A type of fluid conductor that may be used to join system components, usually in a straight line and on a more permanent basis. Pipe can be made of steel, stainless steel or several types of plastic. |
plugs |
A pipe fitting that closes the end of the pipe. Plugs terminate the run of a pneumatic fluid. |
pneumatic systems |
A power transmission system that uses the force of flowing gases to transmit power. Pneumatic systems most commonly use air to transmit power. |
ports |
Openings on valves through which fluid can flow. Ports link one device with another. |
pounds per square inch |
psi. A measurement of pressure. Pounds per square inch is the pressure resulting from a force of one pound-force applied to an area of one square inch. |
pressure |
The exertion of force upon a pneumatic fluid. Pressure can cause changes to the properties of a fluid. |
pressure rating |
An indication of the amount of pressure a fluid conductor can withstand. Pressure ratings generally depend on a conductor's wall thickness. |
pump |
A mechanical device used to move fluids in a hydraulic system. Pumps use suction or pressure in order to operate. |
reinforcement |
A layer of woven material used to strengthen hose. Reinforcement of hose may have many layers. |
safety factor |
The ratio of a fluid conductor's burst pressure to working pressure. A safety factor of 5:1 means that a conductor has a burst pressure that is five times greater than the working pressure. |
schedule 160 |
A common pipe designation that indicates the thickness of pipe wall and how much pressure a pipe can withstand. Other schedules include 40 and 80, among others. |
schedule 40 |
The most common pipe designation that indicates the thickness of pipe wall and how much pressure a pipe can withstand. Other schedules include 160, 80, and 10. |
schedule 80 |
A common pipe designation that indicates the thickness of pipe wall and how much pressure a pipe can withstand. Other schedules include 40 and 160, among others. |
schedule number |
A number that describes the thickness of a pipe wall. Schedule 40 is the most common metal pipe size. |
seal |
An intentional obstruction designed to keep fluids inside a fluid power system. A seal prevents leakage and contamination. |
single-block manifold |
A fluid conductor that contains all of the fluid passages and valves of a complete system. Single-block manifolds can be either laminar manifolds or drilled metal block manifolds. |
steel |
A metal consisting of iron and carbon, usually with small amounts of other elements. Steel is the most common manufacturing metal. |
suction |
An indication of the amount of fluid a pump can draw in. Suction capability determines the flow rate of a pump. |
supports |
A mechanical device that fixes and stabilizes the position of a fluid conductor. Supports can guard against vibration. |
tapered |
Gradually decreasing in size from one end of the object to the other. A tapered thread is the most common type of thread. |
threads per inch |
TPI. The number of threads in a linear inch. Threads per inch is measured along the length of a workpiece. |
tube |
A type of pneumatic fluid conductor that joins other components usually in a non-linear fashion. Tubing is made of thin wall steal or flexible plastic and is easily bent. |
tubing |
A type of fluid conductor that joins other components, usually in a non-linear fashion. Tubing is easily bent and flared. |
valves |
Mechanical devices that control air in pneumatic and hydraulic system. Valves are primarily used to control fluid systems. |
vibration |
The fast, back-and-forth movement of an object. Vibration can lead to system failure. |
vibration |
The fast, back-and-forth movement of an object. Vibration is a physical hazard. |
volume |
The amount of three-dimensional space that an object occupies. Solids and liquids have definite volume, while gases have indefinite volume. |
wall thickness |
A value that indicates the thickness of the wall of a conductor. Wall thickness may remain unchanged as outside diameter and inside diameter change. |