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end play / enhancement, serial data
end play Axial movement in a shaft-bearing
assembly as a result of clearances within the
assembly.
end points 1. The outputs at the specified
upper and lower limits of the range. Note:
Unless otherwise specified, end points are
averaged during any one calibration. [ISA-
37.1-1975 (R1995)] 2. The limits of a full-scale
calibration curve.
end-scale value The value of an actuating
electrical quantity that corresponds to the
high end of the indicating or recording scale
on a given instrument.
endurance limit The maximum stress below
which a material can presumably withstand
an infinite number of stress cycles. If the
stress is not completely reversed, the mini-
mum stress also should be given. See also
fatigue strength.
end point In titration, an experimentally
determined point, close to the equivalence
point, that is used as the signal to terminate
titration. The end point is used instead of the
equivalence point in most calculations, and
corrections for the error between the end
point and equivalence point usually are not
applied.
end-point control The exact balancing of pro-
cess inputs that is required to satisfy stoichio-
metric demands.
end-point line The straight line between the
end points. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1995)]
end-point linearity The linearity of the
object, taken between the end points of cali-
bration.
end-to-end dimension See face-to-face dimen-
sion and center-to-end dimension". [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
end-user interface A device through which
computer application program(s) and /or
instrumentation and measurement device(s)
provide information to the appropriate peo-
ple. See also GUI.
energized Electrically connected to a source
of potential difference. [ISA-12.01.01-1999]
energize to trip Circuits of a safety instru-
mented system (SIS) in which the outputs
and devices are deenergized under normal
operation. The application of power (e.g.,
electricity or air) causes a trip action. [ANSI/
ISA-84.01-1996]
energy The capacity of a body for doing work
or its equivalent. Energy may be classified as
potential or kinetic, depending on whether it
is associated with bodies at rest or bodies in
motion. It may also be classified as chemical,
electrical, electromagnetic, electrochemical,
mechanical, radiant, thermal or vibrational,
180
or any other type, depending on its source or
nature.
energy balance The balance that relates the
energy in and energy out of a process. In a
distillation column, the energy balance
manipulative variables are reflux and boilup.
energy beam An intense ray of electromag-
netic radiation, such as a laser beam, or of
nuclear particles, such as electrons. An
energy beam can be used to test materials or
to process them by cutting, drilling, forming,
welding, or heat treating.
energy density Light energy per unit area,
expressed in joules per square meter. Equiva-
lent to the radiometric term irradiance.
energy exchanger A generic term for any of
several devices whose primary function is to
transfer energy from one medium to another.
Examples include heat exchangers, boilers,
and electrical transformers.
engine A machine whose chief purpose is to
convert various forms of energy, such as heat
or chemical energy, into mechanical power,
and to perform work by imparting mechani-
cal force and motion to other mechanisms.
engine block See cylinder block.
engine lathe A manually operated lathe
whose headstock is driven by a gear train, by
a stepped pulley mechanism, or by a combi-
nation of gears and pulleys.
engineering analysis system A system that
performs computer-based analyses for the
purpose of evaluating CAD (computer-aided
design) designs and Models.
engineering plastics Plastics materials that
are suitable for making into structural mem-
bers and machine elements.
engineering time The total machine down-
time that is necessary for routine testing
(good or bad), for machine servicing as a
result of breakdowns, or for preventive ser-
vicing measures. This includes all test time
(good or bad) after a breakdown and the sub-
sequent repair of preventive servicing. Syn-
onymous with "servicing time."
engineering units Terms of data measure-
ment, such as degrees Celsius, pounds, grams,
and so on. [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-2000]
Engler viscosity A standard time-based vis-
cosity scale used primarily in Europe.
enhancement, serial data A method whereby
a continuous string of logical ONEs or
ZEROs is Modified to introduce bit transi-
tions that make it possible to synchronize
bits for recording purposes. Serial data
enhancement also preserves bandwidth. For
example, in an incoming serial data stream, a
number of words are all logic ZEROES and
 Enhanced Performance Architecture (EPA) / entry point
are therefore a DC level that the bit synchro-
nizer cannot synchronize on. The data are
enhanced by making the least-significant bit
of the words a logic ONE.
Enhanced Performance Architecture
(EPA) EPA is an extension to MAP (Manu-
facturing Automation Protocol) that makes
possible low-delay communication between
nodes on a single segment.
ENIAC Electronic Numerical Integrator and
Computer; reputed to be the first electronic
computer. Introduced at the University of
Pennsylvania in 1945 by John W. Mauchly
and J. Presper Eckert Jr. Mauchly had visited
John V. Atanasoff in 1941 to examine his 1939
prototype electronic vacuum-tube computer,
which was the first to use the binary system
and could solve equations containing
twenty-nine variables. ENIAC consisted of
30 tons of 18,000 vacuum tubes, 500,000 sol-
dered joints, 70,000 resistors, and 10,000
capacitors.
ENQ A control character that is used to
request the identification or the status of a
remote device.
enter key The key on a computer terminal
that is pressed to enter data into a computer.
enterprise 1. An organization that coordi-
nates the operation of one or more sites.
[ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995] 2. Any undertaking,
venture, initiative, or business organization
with a defined mission. [ANSI/ISA-95.00.01-
2000]
enthalpy The sum of the internal energy of a
system plus the product of the system's vol-
ume multiplied by the pressure exerted on
the system by its surroundings. Also known
as heat content, sensible heat, and "total heat."
entities Design elements at the lowest stage
of complexity, such as lines or arcs, which are
joined to make symbols or groups. See also
primitives.
entity 1. A particular thing, such as a person,
place, process, object, concept, association, or
event. [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-2000] 2. An active
element within an OSI layer (e.g., Token Bus
MAC is an entity in the Layer 2).
entity concept A concept that allows an
intrinsically safe apparatus to be intercon-
nected with an associated apparatus that has
not specifically been examined in such a
combination. The criteria for interconnection
is that the voltage (Vmax) and current (Imax)
that intrinsically safe apparatuses can receive
and remain intrinsically safe, considering
faults, must be equal to or greater than the
voltage (Voc or Vt) and current (Isc or It) levels
that can be delivered by the associated appa-
181
ratus, considering faults and applicable fac-
tors. In addition, the maximum unprotected
capacitance (Q) and inductance (Li) of the
intrinsically safe apparatus, including inter-
connecting wiring, must be equal to or less
than the capacitance (Ca) and inductance (La)
that can safely be connected to the associated
apparatus. If these criteria are met, then the
combination may be connected without com-
promising intrinsic safety. Additional infor-
mation on the entity concept is provided in
ANSI/ISA-RP12.6-1995. [ANSI/ISA-
12.01.01-1999]
entity evaluation A method for determining
acceptable combinations of intrinsically safe
apparatuses and associated apparatuses that
have not been investigated in such combina-
tions. [ISA-12.02.01-1999; ANSI/ISA-RP12.6-
1995] See entity concept.
entrainment The process by which steam
conveys particles of water or solids from the
boiler water.
entropy [Comm] 1. In communications, a
measure of the absence of information about a
situation or, equivalently, the uncertainty
associated with the nature of a situation. [Sci]
2. In scientific contexts, entropy is a function
of the state of a thermodynamic system whose
change in any differential reversible process is
equal to the heat that the system absorbs from
its surroundings divided by the absolute tem-
perature of the system. Also known as "ther-
mal charge."
entry Any item of computer data that is to be
stored and processed.
entry, direct A method for connecting an
electrical apparatus to the external circuits by
means of the connecting facilities that lie
inside the main enclosure or in a terminal
compartment that has a free opening to the
main enclosure. (IEV 426-04-07) [ISA-
12.01.01-1999]
entry, indirect A method for connecting an
electrical apparatus to the electrical circuits
by means of a terminal box or a plug-and-
socket connection that is external to the main
enclosure. (IEV 426-04-08) [ISA-12.01.01-
1999]
entry conditions The initial data and control
conditions that must be satisfied in order for
a given routine to execute successfully.
entry data The initial data that is required for
a given routine to execute successfully. See
entry conditions.
entry name The alphanumeric name given to
an entry point. See entry point.
entry point In a routine, any place to which
control can be passed.
envelope / equipment entity
envelope Generally, the boundaries of an
enclosed system or mechanism. Specifically,
the glass or metal housing of an electron
tube, or the glass enclosure of an incandes-
cent lamp. Also known as bulb.
environment The ambient conditions
(including temperature, pressure, humidity,
radioactivity, and corrosiveness of the atmo-
sphere) surrounding the valve and actuator.
Also, the mechanical and seismic vibration
that is transmitted through the piping or the
heat that is radiated toward the actuator
from the valve body. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-
2000]
environmental area See area, environmental.
environmental conditions The specified
external conditions (shock, vibration, tem-
perature, etc.) to which a transducer may be
exposed during shipping, storage, handling,
and operation. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
environmental conditions, operating The
environmental conditions in which a trans-
ducer must perform in some specified man-
ner. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
environmental engineering A branch of
engineering that deals with the technology
for controlling the surroundings humans live
in, especially the control or mitigation of the
contamination or degradation of natural
resources such as air quality and water
purity.
environmental influence See operating influ-
ence.
environmental test Any laboratory test that
is conducted under conditions that simulate
the expected operating environment in order
to determine the effect of the environment on
a component's operation or service life.
EOF marker In data processing, a code that is
written after the last record of a file to indi-
cate the end of that file. See end-of-file and end
of tape.
EP lubricant "Extreme-pressure lubricant."
An oil or grease that contains additives that
enhance the ability of the lubricant to adhere
to a surface and reduce friction under high
bearing loads.
epoxy adhesive An adhesive made of epoxy
resin.
EPP Enhanced parallel port; digital
communication that communicates in both
directions.
Eppley pyrheliometer A thermoelectric
device for measuring direct and diffuse solar
radiation. Radiation is directed onto two con-
centric silver rings, the outer covered with
magmesium oxide and the inner covered
with lampblack. A thermopile is used to
182
determine the difference in temperature
between the two rings.
EPRI Electric Power Research Institute;
research consortium of 660 member utilities
in the United States.
EPS Encapsulated PostScript; format for sav-
ing bit-mapped graphics in electronic mem-
ory; used for exchanging data between
computers.
equal-percentage characteristic An inherent
flow characteristic which, for equal incre-
ments of rated travel, will ideally give equal
percentage changes of the flow coefficient
(Cv or Kv). [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
equalization Compensation for the increase
of attenuation with frequency. Its purpose is
to produce a flat frequency response.
equalizer 1. A device that connects the parts
of a boiler so as to equalize pressures. 2. The
electronic circuit in a tape reproducer whose
gain across the spectrum in question com-
pensates for the unequal gain characteristic
of the record/reproduce heads. This com-
pensation provides "equalized" gain across
the band.
equilibrium state Any set of conditions that
results in perfect stability. Examples include
mechanical forces that completely balance
each other and do not produce acceleration,
or a reversible chemical reaction in which
there is no net increase or decrease in the
concentration of reactants or reaction prod-
ucts.
equipment 1. An assembly of electrical or
electronic components or circuits that is
intended to perform a complete function
apart from being a substructure of a system.
2. A generic term for any apparatus, assem-
bly, mechanism, or machine; for a group of
units constructed similarly; or for a group of
units that perform similar functions.
equipment class A means for describing a
group of equipment that has similar charac-
teristics for the purposes of scheduling and
planning. [ANSI/ISA-95.00.01-2000]
equipment compatibility The characteristic
of computers by which one computer may
accept and process data prepared by another
computer without converting or Modifying
codeMod.
equipment control The equipment-specific
functionality that provides the actual control
capability for an equipment entity, including
procedural, basic, and coordination control,
and that is not part of the recipe. [ANSI/ISA-
88.01-1995] See recipe.
equipment entity A combination of physical
processing and control equipment and

equipment control that is grouped together
so as to perform a certain control function or
set of functions. [ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995]
equipment failure A fault in the equipment,
excluding all external factors, that prevents
continued performance.
equipment Module A functional group of
equipment that can carry out a finite number
of specific, minor processing activities. Note
1: An equipment Module is typically cen-
tered around a piece of process equipment (a
weigh tank, a process heater, a scrubber, etc.).
This term applies to both the physical equip-
ment and the equipment entity. Note 2:
Examples of minor process activities are dos-
ing and weighing. [ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995]
equipment operation An operation that is
part of equipment control. [ANSI/ISA-88.01-
1995]
equipment phase A phase that is part of
equipment control. [ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995]
equipment procedure A procedure that is
part of equipment control. [ANSI/ISA-88.01-
1995]
equipment test A test to verify that individ-
ual instrument items operate in accordance
with the assembly drawings. Note: This test
does not include signal direction or calibra-
tion.
equipment unit procedure A unit procedure
that is part of equipment control. [ANSI/
ISA-88.01-1995]
equivalence point The point on the titration
curve at which the acid ion concentration
equals the base ion concentration.
equivalent binary digits The number of
binary digits that are required to express a
number in another base to the same preci-
sion. For example, it takes approximately 3
1/3 binary digits to express in binary form
each digit of a decimal number. For binary-
coded decimal notation, the number of
binary digits required is usually four times
the number of decimal digits.
equivalent evaporation Evaporation that is
expressed in terms of the pounds of water at
a temperature of 212°F that are evaporated
into dry saturated steam at 212°F.
equivalent network A network that can per-
form the functions of another network under
certain conditions. The two networks may be
of different forms—one mechanical and one
electrical, for instance.
equivalent volume For a gas enclosed in a
rigid cavity the volume that would give the
same acoustical input impedance as that of
the piezoelectrical sound-pressure trans-
ducer. [ISA-37.10-1982 (R1995)]
183
equipment failure / error
ERA ERA Technology Ltd. (Britian); British
certification laboratory for testing the equip-
ment of different vendors to some common
standard.
erasable programmable read-only memory
(EPROM) A read-only memory in which
stored data can be erased by ultraviolet light
or other means and reprogrammed bit by bit
with pulses of the appropriate voltage.
erasable storage 1. A storage device whose
data can be altered during the course of a
computation, for example, magnetic tape,
drum, and cores. 2. An area of storage used
for temporary storage.
erase [Comp] 1. In computing, to change all
the binary digits in a digital computer stor-
age device into binary zeros. [Eng] 2. In engi-
neering, to remove recorded material from
magnetic tape by passing the tape through a
strong, constant magnetic field or through a
high-frequency alternating magnetic field.
erg The unit of energy in the centimeter-
gram-second (CGS) system. It is the amount
of energy that is consumed (work) when a
force of one dyne is applied through a dis-
tance of one centimeter.
ergonomic design Equipment or a work
environment that is designed to suit human
capabilities and psychology.
ergonomics The science of designing
machines and work environments to suit the
needs of people.
EROM Erasable read-only memory; entire
memory can be erased with exposure to
ultraviolet light so that a new program can
replace an old.
erosion 1. Deterioration by the abrasive
action of fluids, usually accelerated by the
presence of solid particles in suspension.
[ISA-71.04-1985] 2. The wearing away of
refractory or metal parts by gas- borne dust
particles. 3. The progressive destruction of a
structural member by the abrasive action of a
moving fluid, often one containing solid par-
ticles in suspension. If the fluid is a gas, ero-
sion may be caused by liquid droplets
carried in the moving gas stream.
erosion-corrosion The progressive destruc-
tion of a structural member by the combined
effects of corrosion and erosion acting simul-
taneously.
erosion-resistant trim Valve trim that has
been designed with special surface materials
or geometry to resist the erosive effects of the
fluid flow. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
error 1. In process instrumentation, the alge-
braic difference between the indication and
the ideal value of the measured signal. It is
error, environmental / error-correcting code
the quantity that when algebraically sub-
tracted from the indication gives the ideal
value. Note: A positive error denotes that the
indication of the instrument is greater than
the ideal value: error = (indication) - (ideal
value). See ANSI/ISA-S51.1-1979 (R1993).
[ANSI/ISA-67.04.01-2000;ISA-RP67.04.02-
2000] 2. The algebraic difference between the
indicated value and the true value of the
measurand. Note 1: Error is usually
expressed in terms of the percentage of the
full-scale output, but sometimes in terms of
the percentage of the output reading of the
transducer. Note 2: A theoretical value may
be specified as true value. [ISA-37.1-1975
(R1982)] 3. Error is the general term that refers
to any deviation of a computed or a measured
quantity from the theoretically correct or true
value. 4. That part of the error that is caused
by a particular identifiable cause, for example,
a truncation error or a rounding error. In a
restricted sense, error is that deviation that is
caused by unavoidable random disturbances
or by the use of finite approximations to what
is defined by an infinite series. 5. In a single
automatic control loop, the set point minus
the controlled variable measurement.
error, environmental An error that is caused
by a change in a specified operating condi-
tion from a reference operating condition.
See operating influence. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)]
error, frictional The error in a device that is
caused by the resistance to motion presented
by contacting surfaces. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)]
error, hysteresis See hysteresis.
error, inclination The change in output that
is caused solely by an inclination of the
device from its normal operating position.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
error, mounting strain The error that results
from the mechanical deformation of an
instrument when it is being mounted and
connected to other devices. See also error,
inclination. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
error, position The change in output caused
by mounting or setting an instrument in a
position different from that at which it was
calibrated. See also error, inclination. [ANSI/
ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
error, span The difference between the actual
span and the ideal span. Note: It is usually
expressed as a percentage of ideal span.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)] Span error,
when displayed on an input/output calibra-
tion graph, is represented by an as-found line
184
that is not parallel to the ideal line, that is, the
slopes of the two lines are different.
error, systematic When a number of mea-
surements are made under the same condi-
tions of the same value for a given quantity, a
systematic error either remains constant in
absolute value and sign or varies according
to a definite law when the conditions change.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
error, zero In process instrumentation, the
error of a device that is operating under
specified conditions of use, when the input is
at the lower-range value. It is usually
expressed as percentage of ideal span.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)] Zero error,
when displayed on an input/output calibra-
tion graph, is represented by an as-found line
that is parallel to the ideal line. The zero
error may produce a constant offset through-
out the range of the instrument.
error band The band of maximum deviations
of the output values from a specified refer-
ence line or curve because of factors attribut-
able to the transducer. Note 1: The band of
allowable deviations is usually expressed as
"+ [number] percent of full scale output,"
whereas in test and calibration reports the
band of maximum actual deviations is
expressed as "+ [number] percent, - [num-
ber] percent of full-scale output." Note 2: To
include repeatability, the error band should
be specified as being applicable over at least
two calibration cycles and verified accord-
ingly. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
error burst In data transmission, a sequence
of signals that contains one or more errors
but is counted as only one unit in accordance
with some specific criterion or measure. An
example of such a criterion is that if three
consecutive correct bits follow an erroneous
bit, an error burst is terminated.
error checking A form of data quality assur-
ance that is usually attempted by calculating
some property of the data block before trans-
mission. The resulting property or check
character is also sent to the receiver, where it
may be inspected and compared with a recal-
culated value based on the received data.
error control An arrangement that detects the
presence of errors. In some systems, refine-
ments are added that will correct detected
errors, either by performing operations on
the received data or by requesting retrans-
mission from the source.
error-correcting code 1. A code that is stored
along with data in a semiconductor memory
to help detect and correct errors. 2. A code in
which each acceptable expression conforms

to specific rules of construction, which also
define one or more equivalent and accept-
able expressions. The result will be one of its
equivalents, and thus the error can be cor-
rected.
error curve A graphical representation of
errors that is obtained from a specified num-
ber of calibration cycles. [ISA-37.1-1975
(R1982)]
error-detecting code A code in which each
expression conforms to specific rules of con-
struction. If certain errors occur in an expres-
sion, the resulting expression will not
conform to the rules of construction, and
thus the presence of the errors is detected.
Synonymous with "self-checking code."
error detection and correction A term that is
sometimes used for "self-correcting mem-
ory" (code, transmission). Software that
looks for specific rules of construction,
detects expressions that do not conform, and
substitutes an equivalent form. See self-cor-
recting memory.
error-detection routine A routine that is used
to detect whether or not an error has
occurred, usually without special provision
to find or indicate its location.
error indication Ideal value.
error maximum (data processing) The maxi-
mum error ("EMAX") of the analog sub-
system. It is defined as the deviation that
exists between the true value of the input sig-
nal and the particular output reading within
the distribution of output readings that is
furthest displaced from the true value. [ISA-
RP55.1-1975 (R1983)]
error message 1. An audible or visual indica-
tion of a software or hardware malfunction, or
a nonacceptable data entry attempt. 2. In com-
puting, some terse, baffling remark used by
programmers to place blame on users for the
shortcomings of a program.
error range 1. The range of all possible values
of the error of a particular quantity. 2. The
difference between the highest and the low-
est of these values.
error ratio The ratio of the number of data
units in error to the total number of data
units.
error signal The output of a comparing ele-
ment. See "signal, error."
error squared A control technique in which
the square of the error is introduced in the
error term of a linear algorithm so as to pro-
duce a nonlinear correction.
ESC "Escape." A digital communication con-
trol character that is used to provide addi-
tional control functions. It alters the meaning
185
error curve / Ethernet 10Base5
of a limited number of continuously follow-
ing bit combinations, usually to take control
of a computer away from a program or to
stop a program.
escape key A key on a computer keyboard
that returns the operator to the prior step in a
command sequence.
escapement A ratchet device that permits
motion only in one direction. An example is
the device that controls motion in the works
of a mechanical watch or clock.
escutcheon A decorative shield, flange, or
border around a panel-mounted part such as
a dial or control knob. Also known as an
"escutcheon plate."
Etalon A type of Fabry-Perot interferometer
in which the distance between two highly
reflecting mirrors is fixed. It is used to sepa-
rate light in different wavelengths when the
wavelengths are closely spaced.
etch cleaning Removing soil by electrolytic
or chemical action, which also removes some
of the underlying metal.
etch cracks Shallow cracks in the surface of
hardened steel caused by the hydrogen
embrittlement that sometimes occurs when
the metal comes into contact with an acidic
environment.
etching 1. The controlled corrosion of a metal
surface so as to reveal its metallurgical struc-
ture. 2. The controlled corrosion of a metal
part so as to create a design. The design may
consist of alternating raised and depressed
areas, or it may consist of alternating pol-
ished and roughened areas, depending on
the conditions and corrodent used.
Ethernet A popular local area network (LAN)
design, invented by Robert Metcalfe of Xerox
Corporation in the mid-1970s, and used as a
standard by DEC and Intel. Characterized by
10 Mbps baseband transmission over
shielded coaxial cable and employing
CSMA/CD as the access control mechanism.
The Ethernet is standardized in the IEEE
specification IEEE 802.3. Ethernet uses error-
detection procedures but no error correction,
but unlike IEEE 802.3 it has signal quality
error/heartbeat signal from transceiver to
node. Ethernet allows audio and video infor-
mation to be carried as well as computer
data.
Ethernet 10BASE2 An implementation of the
IEEE 802.3 standard, known as "thinnet." It
operates over thin coaxial cable at 10 Mbps
baseband.
Ethernet 10BASE5 An implementation of the
IEEE 802.3 standard, known as "standard
Ethernet 10BaseFL / exception reporting
Ethernet" or "thicknet." It operates over
thick coaxial cable at 10 Mbps baseband.
Ethernet 10BASEFL An implementation of
the IEEE 802.3 standard that is designed to
operate over fiber-optic cable at 10 Mbps
baseband.
Ethernet 10BASET An implementation of the
IEEE 802.3 standard that is designed to oper-
ate over unshielded twisted -pair (UTP)
cable at 10 Mbps baseband.
ETX The control character used to request the
identity or status of a remote device.
EU Engineering unit [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-
2000]; European Union; group of European
countries banded together for common secu-
rity and defense policies; includes the coun-
tries of European Community (EC) but not to
be confused with that organization. See EC.
European Workshop on Industrial Computer
Systems (EWICS) The European indus-
trial computer control standards group.
eutectic 1. A process by which a liquid solu-
tion undergoes isothermal decomposition in
order to form two homogeneous solids—one
richer in solute than the original liquid, and
one leaner. 2. The composition of the liquid
that undergoes eutectic decomposition and
possesses the lowest coherent melting point
of any composition in the range in which the
liquid remains single-phase. 3. The solid that
results from eutectic decomposition, which
consists of an intimate mixture of two
phases.
eutectoid A decomposition process that has
the same general characteristics as a eutectic,
but takes place entirely within the solid state.
evaluation kit A small microcomputer sys-
tem that is used for learning the instruction
set of a given microcomputer. It usually
includes light emitting diodes, a keyboard, a
monitor/debugger in ROM, a small amount
of RAM, and some input-output ports.
evaporated makeup Distilled water that is
used to supplement returned condensate for
boiler feedwater.
evaporation The change of state from a liquid
to a vapor.
evaporation gauge See atmometer.
evaporation rate The number of pounds of
water that are evaporated in a unit of time.
evaporative cooling 1. Lowering the temper-
ature of a mass of liquid by evaporating part
of it, using the latent heat of vaporization to
dissipate a significant amount of heat. 2.
Cooling ambient air by evaporating water
into it. See vaporization cooling.
evaporator Any of several devices where a
material undergoes a change of state from
186
liquid to gas under relatively low tempera-
ture and low pressure.
evaporimeter See atmometer.
even parity A data verification technique
used by "dumb" terminals in which each
character must have an even number of "on"
bits.
event [Cont] 1. In process control, the occur-
rence of some action within a process, which
can affect another process. Examples include a
variable reaching some threshold of Modu-
lating value, the completion of a sequence
step, the change of state of a discrete switch
(manually or automatically), or a point going
into or coming out of alarm condition. An
event is generally not connected to a time
frame but serves to mark the beginning and
completion of activities or conditions and to
relate activities to one another. 2. An instan-
taneous occurrence that is significant for
scheduling the execution of an algorithm.
Note: Alerts also have algorithms that are
scheduled based on events. [ISA-TR50.02,
Part 9-2000]
event-driven programming The ability of a
program to respond to events rather than fol-
low traditional, sequential code.
event-oriented Pertaining to a physical
occurrence.
event recorder An instrument that detects
and records the occurrence of specific events,
often by recording on-off information
against time, to show when an event starts
and stops and how often it recurs.
EWMA Exponentially weighted moving
average; method of SQC/SPC suited for con-
tinuous process production.
Ex A designation for an explosion-protected
electrical apparatus. [ISA-12.01.01-1999]
ExCA Exchangeable Card Architecture;
extension to the PCMCIA specification
added by Intel to ensure PCMCIA card
interoperability on host systems using Intel
CPUs.
Ex cable entry A cable entry that is tested
separately from the apparatus enclosure but
is evaluated as apparatus and which can be
fitted to the apparatus enclosure during
installation without further evaluation. [ISA-
12.00.01-1999 (IEC 60079-0 Mod)]
exception handling Those functions that deal
with plant or process contingencies and
other events that occur outside the normal or
desired behavior of batch control. [ANSI/
ISA-88.01-1995]
exception reporting An information system
that reports on situations only when actual
results differ from planned results. When
 excess air / execution of an instruction
results occur within a normal range they are
not reported.
excess air Air supplied for combustion in
excess of theoretical combustion air.
Effect of Excess Air on Temperature
excess loss In a fiber-optic coupler, the opti-
cal loss from that portion of light that does
not emerge from the nominally operational
ports of the device.
exchange A unit established by a common
carrier for the purpose of administering a
communications service.
excimer laser A laser in which the active
medium is an "excimer" molecule—a
diatomic molecule that can exist only in its
excited state. The internal physics are condu-
cive to high powers in short pulses, with
wavelengths in the ultraviolet.
excitation 1. The external supply that is
applied to a device for its proper operation.
Note: It is usually expressed as a range of
supply values. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)] 2. The external electrical voltage
and/or current that is applied to a trans-
ducer for its proper operation. Note 1: When
referring to excitation in the sense of a physi-
cal quantity to the measured by a transducer,
use measurand. Note 2: Usually expressed as
range of voltage and/or current values. Note
3: Also see excitation, maximum". [ISA-37.1-
1975 (R1982)] 3. A oltage supplied by a signal
conditioner to certain types of physical mea-
surement transducers (bridges, for example).
excitation, maximum 1. The maximum value
of the excitation voltage or current that can
be applied to the transducer at room condi-
tions without causing damage or perfor-
mance degradation beyond specified
tolerances. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)] 2. The
maximum allowable voltage (current)
applied to the potentiometric element at
room conditions while maintaining all other
187
performance characteristics within their lim-
its. Note: The excitation value is particularly
associated with temperature. [ISA37.6-1982
(R1995)]
excitation voltage A precision voltage
applied to transducers. When pressure,
strain, or the like are sensed by the trans-
ducer, a small portion of this voltage appears
on the signal lines. The value of this signal
voltage is proportional to the stimulus
applied.
exclusions See exclusive OR.
exclusive OR A logical operator that has the
property that if P and Q are two statements,
then the statement P*Q (where the * is the
exclusive OR operator) is true if either P or Q
(but not both) are true and false if P and Q
are both false or both true.
exclusive-use resource A common resource
that only one user can use at any given time.
[ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995]
ex component A part of an electrical appara-
tus for potentially explosive atmospheres. It
is not intended to be used alone in such
atmospheres and must receive additional
evaluation and certification when it is incor-
porated into electrical apparatuses or sys-
tems for use in potentially explosive
atmospheres. [ISA-12.00.01-19999IEC 60079-
0 MOD); ISA-12.01.01-1999; ISA-12.23.01-
1998 (IEC 79-18 MOD)]
executable statement The constituent of a
program that specifies the action of the pro-
gram. It is contrasted with a nonexecutable
statement, which describes the use of the
program, the characteristics of the operands,
editing information, statement functions, or
data arrangement.
execute 1. To interpret machine instructions
or higher-level statements and perform the
indicated operations on the specified oper-
ands. 2. In computer terminology, to run a
program.
execution The process of carrying out a
sequence of operations specified by an algo-
rithm. Note: the sequence of operations to be
executed may vary from one invocation of a
function block instance to another. This vari-
ance will depend on the rules specified by
the function block's algorithm and the cur-
rent values of the variables in the function
block's data structure. [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-
2000]
execution of an instruction The set of ele-
mentary steps that the computer carries out
to produce the result specified by the opera-
tion code of the instruction.
execution time / expanding
execution time 1. The time required to exe-
cute a program. 2. The period during which a
program is being executed. 3. The time at
which the execution of a program is initiated.
4. The period of time that is required for a
particular machine instruction. See also
instruction time.
executive 1. Short for "executive routine." See
routine, executive. [ISA-ISA-RP16.4-1960-1960]
2. The controlling program or set of routines
in an operating system. The executive coordi-
nates all activities in the system, including I/
O supervision, resource allocation, program
execution, and operator communication. See
also monitor.
executive Mode A central processor Mode
that is characterized by the lack of memory
protection and the relocation of all defined
instruction codes by the normal execution.
executive program A program that controls
the execution of all other programs in the
computer based on established hardware
and software priorities and real-time or
demand requirements.
executive software That portion of the opera-
tional software that controls online,
response-critical events and responds to
urgent situations as specified by the applica-
tion program. This software is also known as
the "real-time executive."
executive system An integrated collection of
service routines for supervising the sequenc-
ing of programs by a computer.
exfoliation corrosion A type of corrosion that
proceeds parallel to the surface of a material,
causing thin outer layers to be undermined
and lifted by corrosion products.
exhaust 1. The discharge of working fluid
from an engine cylinder or from turbine
vanes after it has expanded to perform work
on the piston or rotor. 2. The fluid dis-
charged. 3. A duct for conducting waste
gases, fumes, or odors from an enclosed
space, especially the discharge duct from a
steam turbine, gas turbine, internal combus-
tion engine, or similar prime mover. The
movement of gas may be assisted by fans.
exhaust-gas analyzer An instrument that
measures the concentrations of various com-
bustion products in waste gases to determine
the effectiveness of combustion.
exhaust steam The steam that is discharged
from a prime mover. See prime mover.
exhaust stroke The portion of the cycle in an
engine, pump, or compressor that expels
working fluid from the cylinder.
exhaust valve A valve in the headspace of a
cylinder that opens during the exhaust
188
stroke to allow working fluid to pass out of
the cylinder.
exit The time or place at which the control
sequence ends or transfers out of a particular
computer program or subroutine.
exothermic reaction A reaction that occurs
with the evolution of heat. Such reactions can
be difficult to control.
Exothermic Reactor Temperature Control
exotic fuels High-energy fuels, especially the
hydroborons, which have higher calorific
values than the corresponding hydrocar-
bons. At one time exotic fuels were proposed
for use in high-performance aircraft and mis-
siles.
expanded joint The pressure-tight joint that
is formed by enlarging a tube end in a tube
seat.
expanded memory The ability to add usable
memory to a computer.
expanded metal A form of coarse screening
that is made by lancing sheet metal in alter-
nating rows of short slits, each offset from
the adjacent rows. The sheet is then stretched
in a direction transverse to the rows of slits
so that each slit expands to give a roughly
diamond-shaped opening.
expanded plastic A light, spongy plastics
material made by introducing air or gas into
solidifying plastic to make it foamy. Also
known as "foamed plastic" and "plastic
foam."
expanded type In the typographical compo-
sition of screen displays and printing, a type
font whose width is greater than the size
used for other similar elements.
Expander The tool that is used to expand
tubes.
expanding Increasing the diameter of a
ring-shaped or cylindrical part. This is usu-
ally done by placing it over a circular seg-
mented die and forcing the segments to

move radially in a controlled manner to
stretch the part circumferentially.
expansion 1. Increasing the volume of a
working fluid, with a corresponding
decrease in pressure and usually with an
accompanying decrease in temperature, as in
an engine, turbine, or other prime mover. 2.
Generally, any increase in volume or dimen-
sion that causes a body to occupy more phys-
ical space.
expansion factor (V) The correction for the
change in density between two pres-
sure-measurement stations in a constricted
flow.
expansion joint The joint that permits move-
ment caused by expansion without undue
stress.
experience Of an employee or potential
employee, a background of applicable work
in design, construction, pre-operational and
start-up testing activities, operation, mainte-
nance, on-site activities, or technical services.
Observing how others perform work in these
areas is not experience. Such experience can
be obtained during start-up or actual opera-
tions in a nuclear facility, in fossil power
plants, in other industries, or in the military.
[ANSI/ISA-67.14.01-2000]
expert system 1. Software that provides a
knowledge base (i.e., the symbolic represen-
tation of the knowledge and reasoning of
experienced human experts in a particular
field) and a rule interpreter, or inference
engine, to analyze problems and recommend
solutions. 2. A computer program that uses
stored data to reach conclusions, unlike a
database which presents data unchanged.
explosion Combustion that proceeds so rap-
idly that a high pressure is generated
suddenly.
189
expansion / exposed junction
explosion door A door in a furnace or boiler
setting that is designed to be opened by a
predetermined gas pressure.
explosion-proof Used of an enclosure or
apparatus, to describe its ability to withstand
the explosion of a specified gas or vapor that
may occur within it. Also entails the capacity
of the enclosure to prevent the ignition of a
specified gas or vapor surrounding it by
sparks, flashes, or explosion of the gas or
vapor within the enclosure. Finally, explosion-
proof also refers to the enclosure's capacity to
operate at such an external temperature that
a surrounding flammable atmosphere will
not be ignited. (See National Electric Code
standards for definitions of explosion-proof)
(See also flameproof enclosure.) [ISA-12.01.01-
1999]
explosion-proof enclosure An enclosure that
is capable of withstanding an explosion of a
gas or vapor within it and of preventing
explosive gas or vapor that may surround
from igniting. Such an enclosure can operate
at so high an external temperature that a sur-
rounding explosive gas or vapor will not be
ignited. This type of enclosure is similar to a
flameproof enclosure. [ISA-12.00.01-1999 (IEC
60079-0 Mod)]
explosive atmosphere A mixture with air,
under atmospheric conditions, of flammable
substances in the form of gas, vapor, mist, or
dust. After ignition of this atmosphere, com-
bustion spreads throughout the unconsumed
mixture. See also hazardous (classified) loca-
tion. [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999]
explosive gas atmosphere A mixture with
air, under atmospheric conditions, of flam-
mable substances in the form of gas, vapor,
or mist, in which after ignition, combustion
spreads throughout the unconsumed mix-
ture. [ISA-12.00.01-1999 (IEC 60079-0 Mod)]
explosive test mixture A specified explosive
mixture that is used to test electrical appara-
tuses for potentially explosive atmospheres.
[ISA-12.00.01-1999 (IEC 60079-0 Mod)]
exponent In floating-point representation,
one of a pair of numerals that represent a
number that indicates the power to which
the base is raised. Synonymous with charac-
teristic.
exponential notation A way to express very
large or small numbers in data processing.
exponentiation A mathematical operation
that denotes increases in the base number by
a previously selected factor.
exposed junction A form of construction of a
thermocouple in which the measuring junc-
tion is fully exposed to the process being
exposure / externally quenched counter tube
measured. Used to provide the fastest
response time if contamination is minimal.
exposure 1. For a photographic or radio-
graphic emulsion, the product of the incident
radiation intensity and the interval of time
the radiation is allowed to impinge on the
emulsion. 2. A term loosely used to indicate
time of exposure in photography.
exposure time The elapsed time during
which radiant energy is allowed to impinge
on photographic or radiographic emulsion.
expression 1. A combination of operands and
operators that a computing system can eval-
uate to a distinct result. 2. Any symbol that
represents a variable (or a group of symbols
that represent a group of variables) that may
be combined by symbols that represent oper-
ators according to a set of definitions and
rules. 3. In computer programming, a set of
symbols that can have a specific value.
Ex Scheme An international system of certifi-
cation for explosion-protected electrical
apparatuses administered by the IECEE (IEC
System for Conformity testing and Certifica-
tion of Electrical Equipment) and described
by IECEE-04. The eventual goal of this
scheme is that a manufacturer of hazardous
location electrical apparatus would be able to
obtain a single 'Ex' certificate of conformity
from one certification laboratory and then
provide that product in any participating
country without legal or technical obstacles
and without the need to get it recertified
locally. [ISA-12.01.01-1999]
Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange
Code (EBCDIC) 1. An 8-bit code used pri-
marily by IBM equipment that contains
alpha, numeric, and control characters. 2. An
8-bit code that represents an extension of a
6-bit BCD code, which has been widely used
in computers of the first and second genera-
tions. EBCDIC can represent up to 256 dis-
tinct characters and is the principal code
used in many of current computers.
extension 1. A device for translating float
motion into a useful secondary function, for
indicating, alarming, transmitting or for other
secondary functions. An extension usually
consists of an extension tube, an extension
housing, and the necessary adaptor to the pri-
mary rotameter. But an extension may also be
any auxiliary device fixed to the rotameter
that performs specific functions. [ISA-RP16.4-
1960] 2. An abbreviated code at the end of a
file that tells the user what kind of informa-
tion that file contains. For example, the
extensions .bat, .com, .exe contain applica-
190
tions; .tif, .wmf, and .eps contain illustrations,
and .doc and .txt contain word files.
extension bonnet A bonnet with a packing
box that is extended above the usual height
in order to maintain the temperature of the
packing within its operating limits. [ANSI/
ISA-75.05.01-2000]
extension furnace See dutch oven.
extensions, controlling A controller that
derives its input from the motion of the float
and can be installed within the extension
housing. [ISA-ISA-RP16.4-1960-1960]
extensions, integrating An integrator that
derives its input from the motion of the float
and can be installed within the extension
housing. [ISA-ISA-RP16.4-1960-1060]
extensions, recording The recorder is
attached directly to the meter body, with the
recorder pen positioned by the metering float
through a magnetic coupling. [ISA-ISA-
RP16.4-1960-1960]
extension spring A tightly coiled helical
spring that is designed to resist a tensile
force.
extensometer 1. An apparatus for studying
seismic displacements by measuring the
change in distance between two reference
points that are separated by 20 to 30 meters
or more. 2. An instrument for measuring
minute elastic and plastic strains in small
objects under stress, especially the strains
prior to fracture in standard tensile-test spec-
imens.
external communication The exchange of
data between the safety instrumented system
(SIS) and a variety of systems or devices that
are outside the safety instrumented system.
These include shared operator interfaces,
maintenance/engineering interfaces, data
acquisition systems, host computers, and so
on etc. [ANSI/ISA-84.01-1996]
external graphic On the Internet, a digital
graphic that must be downloaded from the
Web instead of being viewed directly from a
Web page. See inline graphic.
externally applied maximum voltage,
U m The maximum voltage, r.m.s., a.c., or
d.c. (as specified by the manufacturer), that
can be applied to the connection facilities of
the apparatus without invalidating the type
of the protection powder filling. [ISA-
12.25.01-1998 (IEC 79-05 MOD)]
externally fired boiler A boiler in which the
furnace is essentially surrounded by refrac-
tory or water-cooled tubes.
externally quenched counter tube A radia-
tion counter tube that is equipped with an

external circuit that inhibits reignition of the
counting cycle by internal ionizing events.
external memory See external storage.
external-mix oil burner A burner that has an
atomizer in which the liquid fuel is struck,
after it has left an orifice, by a jet of high-
velocity steam or air.
external multiplexors Devices such as
switching temperature indicators that permit
several signals to be input on one computer
input channel.
external party line (XPL) A logic level from
telemetry equipment that causes the buffered
data channel to switch input ports (to merge
time, for example).
external sampling The rate of measurement
in the digitizing process (through sampling
that process) is controlled by a multiplied
tachometer signal. The result is a stationary
display of vibration as the speed changes.
External sampling is useful for analyzing
variable-speed machine.
external start (XST) The hardware-generated
pulse that causes the system to start receiv-
ing data (concurrent with word 1 of a frame,
and often frame 1 of a subframe).
external storage 1. The storage of data on a
device that is not an integral part of a com-
puter but in a form prescribed for use by the
computer. 2. A facility or device that is not an
integral part of a computer, on which data
usable by a computer is stored, such as
off-line magnetic tape units or punch-card
devices. Synonymous with "external mem-
ory" and contrasted with internal storage.
external treatment The treatment of boiler
feedwater prior to its introduction into the
boiler.
external trigger In vibration measurement,
the beginning of each time block is controlled
by an external signal. This is typically a point
on the rotating system that is sensed as it
passes by a fixed detector (see Keyphasor).
extract instruction An instruction that
requests the formation of a new expression
from the selected parts of given
expressions.
extractive distillation A distillation tech-
nique (employing the addition of a solvent)
that is used when the boiling points of the
components being separated are very close
(within 3°C [5°F]) or when the components
are constant boiling mixtures. In extractive
distillation, which is a combination of frac-
tionation and solvent extraction, the solvent
is generally added to the top of the column
and recovered from the bottom product by
means of subsequent distillation. The chemi-
191
external memory / E-zines
cal added is a solvent only to the less volatile
components.
extra hard temper A level of hardness and
strength in nonferrous alloys and some fer-
rous alloys that corresponds approximately
to a cold-worked state one-third of the way
from "full hard" to "extra spring temper."
extra spring temper A level of hardness and
strength for nonferrous alloys and some fer-
rous alloys that corresponds to a cold-
worked state above "full hard." Beyond this
level hardness and strength cannot be mea-
surably increased by further cold work.
extreme (operating)
specifications Environmental conditions
that equipment or a system will operate in
but that may degrade their performance
and/or life span. See operating specifications
and storage specifications.
extrinsic loss In an optical fiber interconnec-
tion, that portion of loss that is not intrinsic
to the fiber but is related to imperfect joining,
which may be caused by a connector or
splice.
extrusion 1. A process for forming elongated
metal or plastic shapes of simple to Moder-
ately complex cross section by forcing duc-
tile, semisoft solid material through a die
orifice. 2. A length of product made by this
process.
extrusion billet A slug of metal, usually
heated into the forging temperature range,
that is forced through a die by a ram in an
extrusion process.
eyebar A metal bar that has a hole through an
enlarged section at each end of the bar.
eyebolt A bolt that has a loop formed at one
end in place of a head.
eyelet A small ring or barrel-shaped piece of
metal that is used to reinforce a hole, espe-
cially in fabric.
eyeleting Forming a lip around the rim of a
hole in sheet metal.
E-zines "Electronic magazines." Generally
found on the Internet, these publications are
accessed via computer over some network
and contain pictures, articles, sound bites,
and video clips often focusing on very spe-
cialized topics. Their advantage is that infor-
mation can be published on line right away
rather than postponed for later publication in
a print edition.