The Automation,

Systems, and
Instrumentation
Dictionary
Fourth Edition
Notice
The information presented in this publication is for the general education of the reader. Because neither
the author nor the publisher have any control over the use of the information by the reader, both the
author and the publisher disclaim any and all liability of any kind arising out of such use. The reader is
expected to exercise sound professional judgment in using any of the information presented in a
particular application.
Additionally, neither the author nor the publisher have investigated or considered the affect of any
patents on the ability of the reader to use any of the information in a particular application. The reader is
responsible for reviewing any possible patents that may affect any particular use of the information
presented.
Any references to commercial products in the work are cited as examples only. Neither the author nor
the publisher endorse any referenced commercial product. Any trademarks or tradenames referenced
belong to the respective owner of the mark or name. Neither the author nor the publisher make any
representation regarding the availability of any referenced commercial product at any time. The
manufacturer's instructions on use of any commercial product must be followed at all times, even if in
conflict with the information in this publication.

Copyright © 2003 ISA

Printing November 2005

All rights reserved.

Printed in the United States of America.

ISBN 155617-778-X

No part of this work may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted

in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or oth-
erwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

ISA
67 Alexander Drive
P.O. Box 12277
Research Triangle Park, N C 27709

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

The automation, systems, and instrumentation dictionary.-- 4th ed.
p. cm.
ISBN 1-55617-778-X
1. Engineering instruments--Dictionaries. 2. Automatic
control—Dictionaries. I. ISA—The Instrumentation, Systems, and
Automation Society.
TA165 .I5973 2002
670.42-dc21
2002013092
Acknowledgements

This edition of The Automation, Systems, and Instrumentation

Dictionary would not have been possible without the assis-
tance of a great many people. Among those who deserve spe-
cial thanks are Joice Blackson, Shandra Botts, Ann Thompson
and Linda Wolffe at ISA Headquarters. Terry Blevins of
Fisher-Rosemont and Kurt Zech of the Fieldbus Foundation
helped with Fieldbus issues. The extensive glossary that Sam
Herb compiled for his Understanding Distributed Control Sys-
tems was a great help, especially after the jokes were removed.
Paul G. Friedmann

ix
Table of Contents

Preface to the Fourth Edition v

Acknowledgements ix

Definitions 1

Abbreviations 561

Standards 579

vii
Preface to the Fourth Edition

This edition of The Automation, Systems, and Instrumentation

Dictionary, formerly entitled Comprehensive Dictionary of Mea-
surement and Control, is intended as an essential reference tool
for all instrumentation and control professionals. To this end,
several features have been added.
Coverage of digital topics has been expanded significantly. Of
the over 1000 new definitions that have been added, most are
in the areas of software and digital communication. These
fields make heavy use of acronyms and abbreviations, so
many of these have also been added.
Almost 200 illustrations are included, all new to the dictio-
nary. At the standard exchange rate (1 picture = 1000 words)
this is a 40% increase in the information provided.
Some definitions have been classified to increase clarity. A
particular term may have one meaning in the context of man-
ufacturing, another in that of control, and yet another in that
of computation. Where provided, a classification is shown in
brackets (e.g., [Comp]) preceding definition(s). The following
classifications are used:
[Comm] - Communications
[Comp] - Computers and Computation
[Cont] - Control
[Eng] - Engineering
[Meas] - Measurement
[Mfg] - Manufacturing
[Proc] - Process
[Safe] - Safety
[Sci] - Science and Mathematics
Each entry consists of the defined term in boldface, followed
by the definition(s) in regular typeface. If a term has more
than one definition, each definition is preceded by a number.
Terms are listed in alphabetical sequence, on a letter-by-letter
basis. Hyphens, commas, word spacing, etc., within a term
are ignored in constructing the sequence. The first and last
term on each page are shown in large type at the top of that
page.
Definitions are limited to those used in the fields of measure-
ment and control; everyday common usages are omitted.
Thus, worm is defined as "A shaft having at least one com-

v
plete spiral tooth...", but not as a relatively small elongated
soft-bodied animal.
All definitions from ISA Standards are included. Each defini-
tion from a standard is followed by the designation of that
standard (e.g., [ISA-12.01.01-1999]) in brackets. A separate
section contains a full numerical list of ISA Standards. ISA
Standards definition may have been changed slightly for
readability. Please reference the standard for full information.

vi
Abbreviations
A anode; angstrom; area of pipe;
A area; acceleration (in general);
ampere.
a ampere and area.
A/D analog/digital.
A/M auto/manual switch.
AA arithmetical average; Aluminum Associ-
ation.
ABI application binary interface.
ABS acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.
AC (or ac) alternating current.
Ac actinium.
ACE Advanced Computing Environment ini-
tiative. Also known as asynchronous com-
munications elements.
ACF actual cubic feet.
ACK acknowledge.
ACPDP alternating current plasma display
panel.
ACR automatic cartridge recorder. Also
known as attenuation-to-crosstalk ratio (of
signal cable).
ACSE association control service element.
ACT acoustic charge transport.
ACTFEL alternating-current thin-film elec-
troluminescent. See electroluminescent dis-
plays.
ACU automatic calling unit.
ADC analog-to-digital converter.
ADCCP Advanced Data Communications
Control Procedure.
ADLC advanced data link control.
ADO Ampex Digital Optical.
ADP ammonium dihydrogen phosphate.
ADPCM adaptive differential pulse code
modulation.
ADS address data strobe.
ADSL asymmetric digital subscriber line.
AE application entity. Also known as archi-
tectural engineer; application enabler.
A&E Architecture and Engineering.
AEB Australian Elecrrotechnical Board.
AECMA Association Européenne des
Constructeurs de Matériel Aérospatial (also
known as the European Association of Aero-
space Industries).
AENOR Asociación Española de Normaliza-
tión y Certification.
AFAN advanced factory automation net-
work.
AFC automatic frequency control.
AFIPS American Federation of Information
Processing Societies (Inc.).
AFM abrasive flow machinery; audio fre-
quency modulated.
AFMDC Air Force Machinability Data Cen-
ter.
AFNOR Association Française de Normalisa-
tion.
Ag silver.
AGA Advanced Graphics Architecture. Also
known as American Gas Association.
AGC automatic gain control.
AGP accelerated graphics port.
AGVS Automated Guided Vehicle System.
AHP Analytical Hierarchy Process.
AI See artificial intelligence.
AI/O analog input/output.
AIA Application integration architecture.
AIChE American Institute of Chemical Engi-
neers.
AIFF Audio Interchange File Format.
AIM avalanche-induced migration.
AIT See autogenous ignition temperature (for-
merly referred to as "autoignition tempera-
ture"). [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999]
A1 aluminum.
A12O3 aluminum oxide (alumina).
ALARP as low as reasonably practical.
ALE application link enabling.
ALGOL algorithmic-oriented language.
ALU arithmetic logic unit.
AM amplitude modulation.
Am americium.
AM/FM automated mapping/facility
management.
AM/PSK amplitude modulation/phase shift
keying.
AMLCD See active matrix liquid crystal dis-
plays.
AMR automated meter reading.
ANDF Architecture-Neutral Distributed For-
mat.
ANN artificial neural network.
ANSI American National Standards Insti-
tute.
ANSP Advanced Networking Security Proto-
col.
AOE application operating environment.
AOI and/or invert.
AOX adsorbable organic halides.
AP application process. [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-
2000] Also application platform.
APC advanced process control.
APD avalanche photodiode. See avalanche.
APHA American Public Health Association.
API / BOB

API application programming interface. Also AVK audio/video kernel.

known as American Petroleum Institute. AVL audio/video library.
APL "A Programming Language." AVSS audio/video subsystem.
APM Advanced Power Management. AWG American Wire Gauge.
APP Application Portability Profile. AWS American Welding Society.
APPC advanced peer-to-peer communica-
tions. B boron; byte; a symbol of an ANSI
AFT automatically programmed tools.
Ar argon.
ARP Address Resolution Protocol.
ARPA Advanced Research Projects Agency.
B thermocouple type for Platinum 30
percent Rhodium vs. Platinum 6 per-
ARQ automatic request for retransmission. cent Rhodium; Also, Burner, Combus-
AS Australian Standard [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01- tion (in ISA instrument function tag).
1999]; air supply. b barn; baud rate; bit.
As arsenic. B-ISDN broadband integrated services digi-
ASA American Standards Association. tal network.
ASC accredited standard committee. Ba barium.
ASCII American Standard Code for Informa- BASEEFA British Approvals Service for Elec-
tion Interchange. trical Equipment in Flammable Atmo-
ASE application service element. spheres. (Subsumed within EECS in 1987.)
ASHRAE American Society of Heating, BASIC Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic
Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engi- Instruction Code.
neers. BAT best available technology.
ASI actuator sensor interface. bb1 barrel.
ASME American Society of Mechanical Engi- BBS bulletin board system.
neers. BCC block check character.
ASN.1 Abstract Syntax Notation One. BCD binary-coded decimal.
ASPC algorithmic statistical process control. BCH Bose-Chandhuri-Hocquendhem.
ASQC American Society for Quality Control. BCOMP buffer complete.
(Now American Society for Quality.) BCS batch control system.
ASR automatic send/receive. BDAT best demonstrated available technol-
ASRS, AS/RS automated storage and ogy-
retrieval system. BDC buffered data channel.
AST aboveground storage tank. BDS Balgarski Darzhaven Standart (Bul-
asterisk (*) symbol often used in calculations garia).
to represent multiplication. Also used as a Be beryllium.
general request in some computer search BEDO burst extended data out.
tools to mean all references in some particu- BefNr Baume fNr (specific gravity scale).
lar category, such as "*"file = all files. BEI backscattered electron imaging.
ASTM American Society for Testing and BER bit error rate.
Materials. BERT/BLERT bit error rate test/block error
At astatine. rate test.
at.wt. atomic weight. bEv one billion electron volts (also Bev, BEv,
ATC air-to-close. or BEV).
ATE automatic test equipment. BFSL best fit straight line.
ATG automatic tank gauge (or gauging). BHN Brinell hardness.
ATM asynchronous transfer mode. Bi bismuth.
atm atmosphere. [ANSI / ISA-12.01.01-1999] BILBO built-in logic block observer.
ATO air to open. BIPS billion instructions per second.
ATPG automatic test program generator BIS business information system. Also
ATRAC adaptive transform acoustic coding. known as Bureau of Indian Standards (IEC).
ATS automatic test system. BIST built-in self-test.
Au gold. Bk berkelium.
AUI access unit interface; attachment unit BMP bit-map. Also, best management prac-
interface. tices.
AUTRAN automatic utility translator. BMS burner management system.
AVD audio/video driver. BNC Bayonet-Neill-Concelman.
AVI audio video interleaved. BNI Bureau d'Orientation de la Normalisa-
tion en Informatique (France).
562BOB break-out box.

BOD biochemical oxygen demand.
BOM bill of materials.
BORAM block-oriented random access
memory.
BOSFET bipolar metal oxide semiconductor
field effect transistor.
BPCS basic process control system.
Bps, B/s bytes per second.
bps, b/s bits per second.
BPSK binary phase shift keying.
BFT best practicable control technology.
Br bromine.
BS British Standard. [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-
1999]
BSC binary synchronous communications. See
bisync.
BSI British Standards Institution.
BSL best straight line; see BFSL.
BSR business service request.
BTEX benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and
xylene.
BTF bend to fit.
BTG boiler turbine generator.
BTL bridge-tied load.
Btu (or BTU) British thermal unit.
BVS Berggewerkschaftliche Versuchsstrecke
(Germany). [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999]
C Celsius; coulomb; carbon; coeffi-
C cient of discharge, dimensionless;
thermocouple type for tungsten 5
percent Rhenium versus tungsten 26
percent Rhenium.
C/J cold junction.
c/s client/server.
C.S. carbon steel.
CA constant amplitude.
Ca calcium.
CAA Clean Air Act.
CAAA Clean Air Act Amendments.
CACSD computer-aided control system
design.
CAD computer-aided design; computer-
aided drafting.
CAD/CAM computer-aided design/com-
puter-aided manufacturing.
CADD computer-aided drafting and design.
CAE computer-aided engineering.
CAI computer-assisted instruction.
CAID computer-aided industrial design.
CAL computer-assisted learning; Conversa-
tional Algebraic Language; CAN Application
Layer.
cal calorie.
cal/cm3 calorie per cubic centimeter.
cal/in.3 calories per cubic inch.
CALS computer-aided acquisition and logis-
tics support.
563
BOD / CDA
CAM computer-aided manufacturing; content
addressable memory; common access
method.
CAMAC computer-automated measurement
and control.
CAN controller area network. Also, short for
cancel.
CAPE concurrent art-to-product environ-
ment.
CAPISCE computer architecture for produc-
tion information systems in a competitive
environment.
CAPP computer-aided process planning.
CAR computer-aided repair.
Cas cascade. [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-2000]
CASA/SME Computer and Automated Sys-
tems Association of the Society of Manufac-
turing.
CASE Common Applications Session Ele-
ment. Also, computer-aided software engi-
neering; conformity assessment systems
evaluation.
CAT catalog; chemical addition tank; computer-
aided test; computer-assisted training; Cur-
rent Adjusting Type.
CATT controlled avalanche transit time.
CATV Community Antenna Television.
CB certification board. See also NCB.
CBDS connectionless broadband data ser-
vice.
CBEMA Computer and Business Equipment
Manufacturers Association.
CBL computer-based learning.
CBT computer-based training.
CBW constant bandwidth.
CCD charge-coupled device.
CCITT Comité Consultant Internationale de
Télégraphie et Téléphonie (France).
CCL connection control language.
CCR control complexity ratio.
CCT CNMA conformance testing. See
CNMA.
CD cut down; critical dimension; compact
disk. Also, compatible digital; constant delay.
Cd cadmium.
cd candela.
C d relative capacity factor (C d =C v /d 2 ).
CD-E compact disk-erasable. See CD-R.
CD-I compact disk-interactive.
CD-R compact disk-recordable.
CD-ROM compact disk read-only memory.
Also, "consumer device, rendered obsolete in
months."
CD-ROM/XA compact disk read-only mem-
ory/extended architecture.
CD-RTOS compact disk real-time operating
system.
CDA Compound Document Architecture.
CDDI / CNC
CDDI copper-distributed data interface.
CDE Common Desktop Environment.
CDF compressed data format.
CDMA Code Division Multiple Access.
CDPD cellular digital packet data. See also
SCADA.
CDR critical design review.
CDTV Commodore Dynamic Total Vision.
CE Conformité Européene.
Ce cerium.
CEA certified environmental auditor (United
States); certified category listed by National
Registry of Environmental Professionals
(NREP).
CEB, CEBus Consumer Electronic Bus. Also,
Comité Electrotechnique Beige (Belgium).
CEC Canadian Electrical Code. [ANSI/ISA-
12.01.01-1999]
CEF Comité Electrotechnique Français
(France).
CEI Comitato Elettrotecnico Italiano (Italy).
CEM(S) continuous emission monitoring
(system).
CEN Comité Européen de Normalisation.
CEN/CS Comité Européen de Normalisa-
tion/Central Secretariat.
CEN/TC Comité Européen de Normalisa-
tion/Technical Committee.
CENELEC, CLC Comité Européen de
Normalisation Electrotechnique.
CEPEL Centro de Pesquisas de Energia
Elétrica (Brazil).
CERCHAR Centre d'Etudes et Recherches des
Chourbonnage de France (France).
CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and Liability Act.
CESI Centro Elettrotecnico Sperimentale Ital-
iano (Italy).
CF CompactFlash.
Cf californium.
Cf liquid pressure recovery factor. See FL
CFA CompactFlash Association.
CFC chlorofluorocarbon.
CFH cubic feet per hour.
CFI CAD Framework Initiative.
cfm cubic foot per minute.
CG computer graphics.
CG/VDI computer graphics/virtual device
interface.
CGA color/graphics adapter.
CGI Compressed Gas Institute.
CGM(IF) Computer Graphics Metafile (Inter-
change Format)
CGMP current good manufacturing practice.
CGRM Computer Graphics Reference
Model.
CGS centimeter-gram-second.
char character.
564
CHI computer human interface.
CI computer integration.
Ci curie.
CIAC Computer Incident Advisory Capabil-
ity.
CID computer interface device; charge injec-
tion device.
CIDR Classless Inter-Domain Routing.
CIE computer-integrated engineering.
CIEE computer-integrated extended enter-
prise.
CIM computer integrated manufacturing.
CIM-AF computer-integrated manufactur-
ing application framework.
CIME computer-integrated manufacture and
engineering.
CIMS computer-integrated manufacturing
system.
CIP clean-in-place.
CIR committed information rate.
CISC complex instruction set computer.
Cl chlorine.
CLB configuration-logic block.
clk clock.
CLNP connectionless network protocol.
CLNS connectionless network service.
CLS connectionless server.
CLUT color lookup table.
CLV constant linear velocity.
Cm curium.
cm centimeter.
cm/s centimeter per second.
cm2 square centimeter.
cm3 cubic centimeter.
cm3/min cubic centimeter per minute.
cm3/s cubic centimeter per second.
CMAC Cerebellar Model Articulation Con-
trol.
CMEX continuous media extensions to X
Windows.
CMIG Canadian MAP Interest Group.
CMIP Common Management Information
Protocol.
CMIS Common Management Information
Services.
CML current mode logic.
CMM color matching method.
CMMS computer maintenance management
system.
CMOS complementary metal-oxide semicon-
ductor.
CMR common mode rejection.
CMR(R) common mode rejection (ratio).
CMS cable management system.
CMV common mode voltage.
CMYK cyan, magenta, yellow, black.
CNC computer numerical control.

CNEC Comité Nacional Español de la CEI
(Spain).
CNMA Communications Network for
Manufacturing Applications.
CO carbon monoxide; compliance officer.
Co cobalt.
CO2 carbon dioxide.
COBOL Common Business-Oriented Lan-
guage.
COD chemical oxygen demand.
CODAB configuration data block.
CODIL Control Diagram Language.
COFF Common Object File Format.
COIN COS OSI Information Network.
COM Computer Output Microfilm; Compo-
nent Object Model.
com communication. [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-
2000]
COM(M)S Customer-Oriented Manufactur-
ing (Management) System.
cond conductivity content.
CONS connection-oriented network service.
COS Corporation for Open Systems.
COSE Common Open Software Environ-
ment.
COTS commercial off-the-shelf.
cP specific heat.
CP/M Command Program for Microcomput-
ers.
CPAC Center for Process Analytical Chemis-
try.
CPG consumer packaged goods.
CPI chemical process industries.
cpp characters per pica.
CPS characters per second; cycles per second;
conversions per second.
CPU central processing unit.
CR carriage return.
Cr chromium.
CRC cyclic redundancy check.
CROM Control React-Only Memory.
CRT cathode ray tube.
CRTL C-language Run-Time Library.
Cs cesium.
CSA Canadian Standards Association.
CSI current source inverter. Also, Control
Systems Integrator.
CSIA Control Systems Integrators Associa-
tion.
CSIC customer-specific integrated circuit.
CSMA/CD Carrier Sense Multiple Access/
Collision Detection.
CSN (Czech Republic) Office for Standards,
Measurement, and Testing.
CSP computer set point; computer-driven set
point.
CSS client/server solutions.
CSU channel service unit.
565
CNEC/DDA
CSV comma-separated variable.
CT computer telephony.
CTD cumulative trauma disorder.
CTE coefficient of thermal expansion.
CTI comparative tracking index.
CTS clear to send. Also, carpal tunnel syn-
drome; cubital tunnel syndrome.
Cu copper.
cu in cubic inch.
CUI character-based user interface.
CUSUM cumulative sum.
CV controlled variable.
Cy value-sizing coefficient.
CVD chemical vapor deposition.
CVT constant voltage transformer; current
value table.
CWA Clean Water Act; current word address.
CWP cold working pressure.
CWT cold water temperature.
CYS Organization for Standards and Control
of Quality (Cyprus).
d diameter. Also known as "deci-"
D for 10-1 (= 0.1).
D diameter; derivative (rate) action.
Also known as a thermocouple type
for tungsten 3 percent rhenium versus tung-
sten 25 percent rhenium.
D/A digital-to-analog.
D/DBP disinfectants and disinfection by-
products rule.
DAA Data Access Arrangement.
DAC digital-to-analog converter.
DAIS Database Access Integration Services.
DAL data access language.
DAQ data acquisition.
DAS data acquisition system.
DASD direct access storage device.
DAT duration adjusting type. Also, digital
audio tape.
dB decibel.
DBMS database management system.
DC (or dc) direct current; device control; data
communication.
DCC digital compact cassette. Also known as
duty cycle control.
DCD data carrier detect(ed).
DCE data communications equipment.
DCOM Distributed Component Object
Model.
DCPDP direct current plasma display panel.
DCS distributed control system.
DCT discrete cosine transform.
DCTV digital composite television.
DCX Intel file format for saving multiple
PCX graphics in electronic memory.
DD device description.
DDA digitally directed analog.
DDAC / DTE
DDAC digitally directed analog control.
DDAS diagnostic data acquisition system.
DDC direct digital control.
DDCMP Digital Data Communications Mes-
sage Protocol.
DDCS distributed digital control systems.
DDD direct distance dialing.
DDE Dynamic Data Exchange.
DDES Digital Data Exchange Specifications.
DDL data description language [ISA-
TR50.02, Part 9-2000]; data definition lan-
guage.
DDMC Distributed Discrete Manufacturing
Control.
DDP distributed data processing.
DDR digital data repeating. Also known as
digital disk recorders.
DDS Dataphone Digital Service.
DE digitally enhanced.
DECnet Digital Equipment Corporation Net-
work.
DEDMKO Danmarks Elektriske Material
Kontrol (Denmark).
deg (or °) degree.
DEK Dansk Elektroteknisk Komite (Den-
mark).
DEMKO Danmark Elektriske Materiellkon-
troll (Denmark).
DES Data Encryption Standard. Also, distri-
bution execution system.
DFA digital fault analysis; design for assem-
bly.
DFM design for manufacturing.
Dfs distributed file system; design for ser-
vice.
DFT design for test; diagnostic function test.
DGIS Direct Graphics Interchange Standard.
DHCP Dynamic Host Configuration Proto-
col.
DHW data highway.
DI dielectric isolation.
DI/O, DIO discrete input/output.
DI/OU data input/output unit.
dia. or diam diameter.
DIAT Direction Impulse Adjusting Type.
DIB device-independent bitmap. Also, direc-
tory information base.
DIF Data Interchange Format.
DIMM dual inline memory module.
DIN Deutsches Industrie Norms; Deutsches
Institut für Normung e.V. (Germany).
DIP dust-ignition-proof; dual in-line package.
dir direct acting.
DIS draft international standard; DCE Inde-
pendent Sublayer.
DISOSS distributed office support system.
DL data link; drawing list.
566
DLC data link control. Also, distributed line
carrier.
DLE data link entity.
DLL data link layer; dynamic link library.
DLT digital linear technology.
DMA direct memory access.
DMAC direct memory access control.
DMACS Distributed Manufacturing Auto-
mation and Control System.
DMC Distributed Measurement and Control
system.
DME Distributed Management Environ-
ment.
DML data manipulation language.
DMM digital multimeter.
DMOS double-diffused metal-oxide
semiconductor.
DMS dynamic mapping system.
DMT (BvS) Deutsche Montan Technologic
DMT dead man timer.
DMUX demultiplexer.
DNA Digital Network Architecture; Digital
Equipment Corporation's layered data com-
munication protocol.
DNC distributed numeric control; also, direct
numerical control.
DNP Distributed Network Protocol.
DNS domain name system.
DNV Det Norske Veritas (Norway).
DO dissolved oxygen.
DOE Department of Energy (United States).
DOS disk operating system.
dp differential pressure.
DPDT double pole double throw.
dpi dots per inch.
DPM digital panel meter.
DPMI DOS-protected mode interface.
DPS distributed processor system.
DPSK differential phase-shift keying.
DPST double pole single throw.
DPU distributed processing unit; differential
pressure unit.
DQDB Distributed Queue Dual Bus.
DRAM dynamic random access memory
[pronounced dee-ram].
DS data structure [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-2000];
Dansk Standardiseringsråd (Denmark).
DSA Directory Service Agent.
DSL digital subscriber line.
DSM demand-side management.
DSO digital storage oscilloscope.
DSP digital signal processor (or processing).
DSR data set ready.
DSS decision support system.
DSSS Direct sequence spread spectrum.
DSU digital service unit.
DSVD digital simultaneous voice and data.
DTE data terminal equipment.

DTL diode-transistor logic.
DTMF dial tone multiple frequency.
DTP distributed transaction processing;
desk-top publishing.
DTR data terminal ready.
DTV desktop video.
DUA Directory User Agent.
DUT device under test.
DV Dynamic list of Variable list.
[ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-2000]
DVCAM digital videocassette camera video
format.
DVD digital video disk (or digital versatile
disk).
DVD-ROM digital video (versatile) disk
read-only memory.
DVI digital video interactive.
DVM digital voltmeter.
DVR dynamic voltage restorer.
DXF Document Exchange Format file.
Dy dysprosium.
E modulus of elasticity. Also known
E as symbol of ANSI thermocouple
type for chromel versus constantan.
EABI Embedded Application
Binary Interface.
EAPROM electrically alterable programma-
ble read-only memory.
EAROM electrically alterable read-only
memory.
EBCDIC Extended Binary Coded Decimal
Interchange Code.
EC European Community.
ECC error checking and correction. Also
error correcting code.
ECL emitter coupled logic.
ECM electrochemical machining; electro-
chemical milling.
ECMA European Computer Manufacturers
Association.
ECSA Exchange Carriers Standard Associa-
tion.
EDC error detection and correction.
EDG electronic dot generation.
EDI electronic data interchange.
EDIF Electronic Design Interchange Format.
EDIFACT Electronic Data Interchange for
Administration Commerce and Transport.
EDM electrical discharge machining.
EDO extended data out.
EDP electronic data processing.
EEC European Economic Community.
EECS Electrical Equipment Certification Ser-
vice.
EEMS Enhanced Expanded Memory Specifi-
cation.
567
DTL / Eu
EEPLD electronically erasable programmable
logic device.
EEPROM electrically erasable programmable
read-only memory.
EES enterprise execution system.
EFL emitter follower logic.
EFT electrical fast transient.
EFTA European Free Trade Association.
EFTS electronic funds transfer system.
EGA Enhanced Graphics Adapter (or Array).
EIA Electronics Industry Association.
EIS extended instruction set; enterprise infor-
mation system.
ELD electroluminescent display.
ELF extremely low frequency.
ELOT Hellenic Organization for Standardiza-
tion (Greece).
ELSI extra large-scale integration.
EMC electromagnetic compatibility.
EMD equilibrium mode distribution.
emf electromotive force.
EMI (or emi) electromagnetic interference.
EMMUA Engineering Equipment and Mate-
rials Users Association.
EMP electromagnetic pulse.
EMR Energy Mines and Resources (Canada).
EMUG European MAP Users Group.
EN European Norm (standard).
ENDEC encoder/decoder.
eng engineers.
EOF end of file.
EOT end of tape; end of transmission.
EP explosion proof; emergency power.
EPA Enhanced Performance Architecture;
Environmental Protection Agency (United
States).
EPLD erasable programmable logic device.
EPP enhanced parallel port.
EPRI Electric Power Research Institute.
EPROM erasable programmable read-only
memory.
EPS Encapsulated PostScript.
Er erbium.
ERA ERA Technology Ltd. (Britian).
EROM erasable read-only memory.
err error.
Es einsteinium.
ESCA Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical
Analysis.
ESD electrostatic discharge.
ESR equivalent series resistance.
ESS electronic switching system.
est estimated.
ETSI European Telecommunications Stan-
dards Institute.
ETX end of text.
Eu europium.
EU / Ge
EU engineering unit [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-
2000]; European Union.
EUI end-user interface.
eV electron volt.
EWI enterprise-wide integration.
EWICS European Workshop on Industrial
Computer Systems.
EWMA exponentially weighted moving
average.
ExCA Exchangeable Card Architecture.
Extnd Stands for "extended data transfer."
F farad; Fahrenheit.
F FA factory automation.
FAIS Factory Automation Inter-
connection System [pronounced fice].
FAQ frequently asked questions.
FB function block. [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-2000]
FC fail closed.
FCC Federal Communications Commission;
frame code complement.
FCFS first come, first served.
FCS Frame Check Sequence.
FDA Food and Drug Administration (United
States).
FDC final control device.
FDDI fiber distributed data interface.
FDDI-II variant of FDDI that supports iso-
synchronous traffic.
FDI failure detection and identification rou-
tines.
FDM frequency division multiplexer (or mul-
tiplexing).
FDX full duplex.
FEA finite element analysis.
FED field emission display.
FEP front end processor.
FET field-effect transistor.
FF Fieldbus Foundation [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-
2000]; form feed.
FFT fast Fourier transform.
FI fail indeterminate.
FIC Fieldbus Implementation Consortium.
FICIM Fieldbus Integration into computer
integrated manufacturing.
FIFO first in, first out.
FInt Fieldbus International.
FIP Factory Instrumentation Protocol.
FIPS Federal Information Processing Sys-
tems.
FIR finite impulse response filter; in digital
signal processing (DSP), filter that has out-
put determined by its coefficients and previ-
ous inputs and is characterized by having
linear phase response; see IIR.
FIS Financial Information System.
FL fail locked.
FLC fuzzy logic controller.
568
FM Factory Mutual Research Corporation;
frequency modulation.
FMEA failure mode and effects analysis.
FMS flexible manufacturing system. Also,
Fieldbus Message Specification [ISA-
TR50.02, Part 9-2000]; Fieldbus Messaging
Service.
FNFT female national pipe thread.
FO fail open.
FOF first out fault.
FOIRL Fiber-Optic Inter Repeater Link.
FOV field of view.
FP-EPSM Functional Profiles for Electric
Power Systems Messaging.
FPD flat-panel display.
FPGA field-programmable gate array.
FPLA field-programmable logic array.
FPM feet per minute.
FPROM field-programmable read-only
memory.
FPS feet per second; frames per second.
FPU floating point unit.
FQ flow quantity. [ANSI/ISA S5.1-1984
(R1992)]
FRAD frame relay access device.
FRAM ferroelectric random access memory.
FRP fiber-reinforced plastic.
FSA Fault State fail-safe Active. [ISA-
TR50.02, Part 9-2000]
FSK frequency-shift keying.
FT-IR Fourier transform infrared-based ana-
lyzer.
FTAM File Transfer Access and Management
FTP file transfer protocol.
FTSA fault-tolerant system architecture.
FWA first word address.
G thermocouple type for tungsten
G versus tungsten 26 percent rhenium.
Also known as acceleration due to
gravity; specific gravity
g gram.
Ga gallium.
gal gallon.
GAW Guided Acoustical Wave type of touch
screen, which channels acoustical energy
into the full volume of screen material; com-
pare with SAW.
Gb gigabit.
GB gigabyte.
GC gas chromatography.
GCI guest computer interface.
GCR gray component replacement.
Gd gadolinium.
GDDM graphical data display manager.
GDS graphic data system.
GDT gas discharge tube.
Ge germanium.

GEMS Global Enterprise wide Management
System.
GFCI ground fault circuit interrupter.
GFLOPS giga floating-point operations per
second.
GIF Graphics Interchange Format [pro-
nounced jiff].
GIGO garbage in, garbage out.
GIS Graphic Information System.
GIW gain in weight.
GKS Graphical Kernel System.
GLP good laboratory practice.
GMAW gas-metal arc welding.
GMC general motion controller.
GMM graphical multimeter.
GMP good manufacturing practice.
GMR giant magnetoresistive.
gnd ground.
GOSIP Government Open Systems
Interconnection Profile.
GPD gas plasma displays.
gph gallons per hour.
GPIB General Purpose Interface Bus.
gpm gallons per minute.
GPSS General-Purpose Simulation System.
GRAFCET Graphe de Commande Etape-
Transition.
GRIN graded index fiber.
GS gas supply.
GSM Global System for Mobile communica-
tions.
GUI graphical user interface [pronounced:
gooey].
GX in equipment-corrosion specifications,
equal to or greater than 300 Å/month copper
corrosion (of electrical terminals) as one mea-
sure of severe environmental contamination.
[ISA standard S71.04]
Gy gray.
H henry; hydrogen; valve-travel in
H inches; fluid head.
h hour (also abbreviated hr);
valve-travel function; fluid head feet.
HALT Highly Accelerated Life Test.
HAP hazardous air pollutant(s).
HAZOP Hazard and Operability studies.
HCFC Hydrochlorofluorocarbon..
HCS hybrid control system.
HDCD high-definition compatible digital.
HDCD-ROM high-density compact disk
read-only memory.
HDDR high-density digital recording
HDLC High-level Data Link Control.
HDTV high-definition television.
HDX half duplex.
H F latent heat of fusion.
Hf hafnium.
569
GEMS / IEEE
HFC Hart Communication Foundation.
Hg mercury.
HGED high-gain emissive display.
HIS human resources information system.
H/L high/low.
HLCD high-level computing device.
HLHI high-level human interference.
HLOI high-level operator interface.
HMD head-mounted display.
Ho holmium.
HOOPS Hierarchical Object-Oriented Picture
System.
HP high pressure.
hp horsepower.
HP-IB Hewlett-Packard Interface Bus.
HPLC high-performance liquid chromatogra-
phy.
HRF Hazard Reduction Factor.
HS hand station; hydraulic supply.
HSLN high-speed local network.
HSM Hierarchal Storage Management.
HSV hue-saturation-value (or brilliance or
luminance).
HSWA Hazardous and Solid Waste Amend-
ments.
HTML hypertext markup language.
HTTP hypertext transport protocol.
HV latent heat of vaporization.
HVAC heating, ventilation, and air condi-
tioning.
HVLC high volume, low concentration.
Hz hertz.
I current or moment of inertia;
I iodine; integral (reset) action.
IA instrument air [ANSI/ISA-
7.0.01-1996]; initialization acknowl-
edge. [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-2000]
IACS International Annealed Copper Stan-
dard.
IAE integral absolute error.
IAR instruction address register.
IBN Institut Beige de Normalisation (Bel-
gium).
IC integrated circuit.
I&C instrumentation and control.
ICMP Internet Control Message Protocol.
ID A unique IDentifier for batches, lots, oper-
ators, technicians, and raw materials.
[ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995]
I.D. inside diameter.
IDLH immediately dangerous to life and
health.
IDU interface data unit (defined in ISO 7498).
IEE Institution of Electrical Engineers
(England).
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers.
IEC / LCIE

IEC International Electrotechnical Commis- J J joule; symbol of ANSI thermocou-

sion. ple type for iron versus constantan.
IES integral error squared. JCL job control language.
IF intermediate frequency. JEIDA Japan Electronic Industry
IFAC International Federation of Automatic Development Association.
Control. JFET, JUGFET junction field effect transistor.
IFD intelligent field device. JIS Japanese Industrial Standards.
IFF if and only if. JIT just-in-time manufacturing.
IFIP International Federation for Information JOVIAL Jules's Own Version of International
Processing. Algebraic Language.
IGES Initial Graphic Exchange Specification. JPEG Joint Photographic Experts Group.
IMan initialization manual. [ISA-TR50.02, JSA Japanese Standards Association (member
Part 9-2000] of IEC).
IMC Institute of Measurement and Control; JTM Job Transfer and Manipulation.
Internal Model-based Control.
In indium. K kelvin; ratio of specific heats;
INERIS Institut National de L'Environnement
Industrial et des Risques. The French certifi-
cation and testing laboratory for testing the
equipment of different vendors against some
K kilobyte (1,024 characters).
Ka air spring rate (lb/in).
common standard. KB Bernoulli coefficient.
INIEX Institut National des Industries KB keyboard; kilobyte.
Extractives (Belgium). Kbps kilobits per second.
I/O input/output. KByte l,024(210) bytes.
IP Internet protocol. kc kilocycles.
I/P current to pressure transducer; current/ Kc cavitation index.
pneumatic; current/pressure. kcal kilocalorie.
IPDS Intelligent Printer Data Stream. KEMA KEMA Registered Quality Nederland
IPQ Instituto Português da Qualidade (Por- B.V.
tugal). kg kilogram.
IPTS International Practical Temperature Kh fluid force coefficient.
Scale. kHz kilohertz.
ir infrared. kl kiloliter.
Ir iridium. km kilometer.
IRIG Inter-Range Instrumentation Group. kPa kilopascal.
IRS information retrieval services; also, Insti- Kr krypton.
tut Român de Standardizare (Romania). ksi 1,000 pounds per square inch.
IS intrinsically safe; inside; international KSR Keyboard Send/Receive.
standard. kV kilovolt.
I.S. intrinsic safety. kVA kilovolt-ampere (1,000 volt amps).
ISA ISA--The Instrumentation, Systems, and KVVD Kelvin-Varney voltage divider.
Automation Society (formerly, Instrument kW kilowatt.
Society of America). kWh kilowatt hour (1,000 watt-hours).
ISDN integrated systems digital network.
ISO International Organization for Standard-
ization.
ISORM ISO Reference Model.
L L liter; length.

IT information technology.
ITAE integral time absolute error.
ITB intermediate block character.
ITC International Trade Commission.
ITI Industrial Technology Institute.
ITU-TSS International Telegraphic Union-
Telecommunications Standards Sector.
ITV interactive television.
IUT instrument under test.
IVD integrated voice data LAN.
570 Electriques (France).
La lanthanum.
LAN local area network.
LAP Line Access Procedure.
LAPB Link Access Procedure, Balanced.
LAPI Layered Application Programming
Interface.
LASCR Light-Activated Silicon Controlled
Rectifier.
lb pound.
LbE Loopback Enable signal (to MAU).
LCCA life cycle cost analysis.
LCD liquid crystal display.
LCH luminance, chroma, hue.
LCIE Laboratoire Central Des Industries
 LCP / MeV

LCP liquid crystal polymer. LS-TTL-compatible low-power Schottky-

LCU local control unit. transistor/transistor logic.
LDAP Lightweight Directory Access Proto- Lu lutetium
col. LU logical unit.
LDAR leak detection and repair. LVDT linear variable differential transformer;
LDM limited distance modem. linear velocity differential transformer.
LDR Land Disposal Restrictions. LVHC low volume, high concentration.
LEC local exchange carrier. The carrier LVIT linear variable inductance transducer.
responsible for extending telephone service LVRT linear variable reluctance transducer.
to the final user. Lx lux.
LED light emitting diode. Lx A factor in sound-prediction formulae.
LEL lower explosive limit (lower flammable LZH Lempel-Ziv-Huffman.
limit). LZSS Lempel-Ziv-Huffman A refinement of
LF line feed. the L-Z. An algorithm for data compression
LFL lower flammable limit (lower explosive that can reconstruct data so it is exactly like
limit). its original form with no loss.
Li lithium. LZW Lempel-Ziv and Welch.
LIC linear integrated circuit.
LIFO last in, first out.
µ 10-6.
LILO last in, last out.
LIMS laser ionization mass spectrometer.
lin linear.
M
µP
µ micro.
µC microcontroller.
microprocessor.
LISP list processing language. M mega.
LIT logic integrity test. m meter; area ratio
LIW loss in weight. mA milliamperes (electrical)
LK A factor used in sound-prediction formu- MAC Media Access Control.
lae. mach machine.
LLC Link Layer Control. Also called Logical MACT Maximum Achievable Control
Link Control and Link Level Control. Technology.
LLEI low-level engineering interface. man manual.
LLHI low-level human interface. MAN Metropolitan Area Network.
LLOI low-level operator interface. MAP Manufacturing Automation Protocol.
LLSAP Link Layer Service Access Point. MASER microwave amplification by the
lm lumen. stimulated emission of radiation.
L/min liter per minute. MATE modular automatic test equipment.
LOC lines of code. MAU multistation access unit; media attach-
LOSC Londonderry Occupational Safety ment unit.
Centre (United Kingdom). max maximum.
LOX liquid oxygen. Mb megabit.
Lp sound pressure level, dBA (decibels). MBM magnetic bubble memory.
LP linear programming. MBPC model-based predictive control.
LPM lines per minute. MByte megabyte.
Lpo Sound pressure level at a point four feet MCAA Measurement and Control Automa-
downstream of a valve and three feet from tion Association.
the surface of the pipe. MCC motor control center.
LPOF low-pass output filter. MCI media control interface.
Lr lawrencium. MCL maximum contaminant level.
LRC longitudinal redundancy check. MCR maximum continuous rating.
LRDCT linear rotary differential capacitive MCS matrix control strategies.
transducer. Md mendelevium.
LRU line replaceable unit. MDA manufacturing defects analyzer.
LSAP Link Service Access Point. See Service MEIC most easily ignited concentration.
Access Point (SAP). MEMS microelectro mechanical systems.
LSB least significant bit. MES Manufacturing Execution System.
LSC least significant character. MESFET metalized semiconductor field
LSD least significant digit. effect transistor.
LSI large-scale integration. MESG maximum experimental safe gap.
LSP local set point. MeV mega-electron-volts.

571
MFD / NIC
MFD mode field diameter.
MFLOPS million floating point operations
per second ("megaflops").
MFP multifunction printer.
Mg magnesium.
MgO magnesium oxide.
MHz megahertz.
MIC minimum ignition current.
MICR magnetic ink character recognition.
MIDI Musical Instrument Digital Interface.
MIE minimum ignition energy.
MIL-STD military standard (U.S.).
MIMD multiple instruction multiple data
stream (pronounced "mimdee").
MIMO multiple-input-multiple-output.
min minute; minimum.
mips million instructions per second.
MIS management information system.
MISO multiple input single output.
MKS meter-kilogram-second.
mL milliliter.
mm millimeter (length).
MMA maximum-minimum algorithm.
MMCD MultiMedia Compact Disk.
MMFS Manufacturing Messaging Format
Standard.
MMS Minerals Management Service (U.S.
Department of the Interior).
Mn manganese.
MNOS metal-nitride-oxide semiconductor.
Mo molybdenum.
MOCS multiple-output control system.
mol wt molecular weight.
MOS metal-oxide-semiconductor.
MOSFET metal oxide semiconductor field-
effect transistor.
MoS2 molybdenum sulfide.
MOTIS message-oriented text interchange
system (ISO 10021).
MOV metal oxide varistor; motor-operated
valve.
MPC multivariable predictive control.
MPEG Motion Picture Experts Group.
MPP massively parallel processing.
MPR maximum power rating.
MPU microprocessor unit.
ms millisecond.
MR magnetoresistive.
MRAC Model Reference Adaptive Control.
MRP (MRP II) Material Requirements Plan-
ning (Manufacturing Resource Planning II).
MS manual station.
MSB most significant bit.
MSD most significant digit.
MS-DOS Microsoft disk operating system.
MSHA Mine Safety and Health Administra-
tion (U.S.).
MSI medium-scale integration.
572
MSS Manufacturers Standardization Society
(Valves and Fittings Industry Inc.).
MS/TP master-slave/token-passing.
MTBF mean time between failures (since
1962); mean time before failure (until 1962).
MTTF mean-time-to-failure.
MTTR mean time to repair.
MUMS Multiuser Management Systems.
MUX multiplexer.
mV millivolt.
MV measured variable; manipulated vari-
able.
MWP maximum working pressure.
n power law index.
N N newton; nitrogen; the thermo-
couple type for omegalloy (nicrosil-
nisil).
N 2 nitrogen (molecule).
Na sodium.
NA numerical aperture.
NACCB National Accreditation Council for
Certification Bodies.
NACE National Association of Corrosion
Engineers.
NAK negative acknowledgment.
NAMUR Normenarbeitsgemeinschaft für
Meβ- und Regelungstechnik in der Chemis-
chen Industrie.
NAS National Aerospace Standards;
National Academy of Science.
NASA National Aeronautics and Space
Administration.
Nb columbium (niobium).
NBS National Bureau of Standards (now
NIST).
NC normally closed; numeric control; net­
work computer.
NCAP network-capable applications proces­
sor.
NEC National Electrical Code.
neg negative.
NEMA National Electrical Manufacturers
Association.
NEMCO Norges Elektriske Materiellkontrol
(Norway).
NEPSI National Supervision and Inspection
Center for Explosion Protection and Safety of
Instrumentation.
NFPA National Fire Protection Association.
NetBEUI NetBIOS Enhanced User Interface.
NetBIOS Network Basic Input/Output Sys­
tem.
NetPC network PC.
NFPA National Fire Protection Association.
NFS network file server.
Ni nickel.
NIC network interface card.

NICET National Institute for Certification in
Engineering Technologies.
NIOSH National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health.
NIS not intrinsically safe.
NIST National Institute of Science and
Technology.
NMOS N-channel metal-oxide semiconduc-
tor.
NMRR normal-mode rejection ratio.
NNI Nederlands Normalisatie-instituut
(Netherlands).
NNS non-nuclear safety.
NO normally open.
NOM natural organic materials.
NOVRAM nonvolatile random access mem-
ory.
NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimi-
nation System.
NPS national pipe straight (thread); nominal
pipe size (diameter).
NPSH net positive suction head.
NPT national pipe taper thread.
NRC Nuclear Regulatory Commission;
National Research Council.
NRZ non-return-to-zero code.
NSE nth sequential algorithm.
NSR nuclear safety related.
NT new technology.
NTC Negative Temperature Coefficient.
NTP normal temperature and pressure.
NURBS nonuniform rational b-splines.
O oxygen.
O OA open access.
OBE operating basis earthquake.
OCD open circuit detection.
OCR optical character recognition.
OCX OLE custom controls (extension).
OD outside diameter.
OEM original equipment manufacturer.
OFHC oxygen-free high-conductivity copper.
OI operator interface.
OLE object linking and embedding.
OOP object-oriented programming.
OS operator station; operating system.
OS&Y outside screw and yoke.
OSF Open Software Foundation.
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health
Administration.
OSI Open System Interconnection.
OTD Open Thermocouple Detection.
OTM overtempered martensite.
oz ounce.
P P phosphorous; poise
p pressure, psia.
573
NICET/PhICI
P&ID piping and instrumentation drawing.
Pa pascal.
PA plant air.
PABX private automatic branch exchange.
PAD packet access device.
PAL programmable array logic.
PAM pulse amplitude modulated.
PAM/FM/FM The frequency modulation of a
carrier by Pulse Amplitude Modulated infor-
mation.
PAT position adjusting type.
PAW plasma arc welding.
Pb lead.
PB proportional band.
PBW proportional bandwidth.
PBX private branch exchange.
Pc thermodynamic critical pressure, psia.
PC personal computer; programmable con-
troller.
PC/AT Personal Computer/Advanced
Technology.
PCB printed circuit board; Polychlorinated
biphenyl.
PCI protocol control information.
PCIU process control interface unit.
PCM pulse code modulation.
PCMCIA Personal Computer Memory Card
International Association.
PC/RT Personal Computer/RISC Technol-
ogy-
PCS plastic-clad silica.
PC/XT Personal Computer/Extended
Architecture.
PD pitch diameter; proportional derivative.
PD2 plastically deformed debris.
PDA personal digital assistant.
PDD programmable data distributor.
PDES Product Definition Exchange Stan-
dard.
PDF Portable Document Format.
PDIF Product Definition Interchange Format.
Formerly, Product Data Interchange Format.
PDM pulse duration modulation, predictive
maintenance.
PDP plasma discharge panel.
PDU protocol data unit.
PERT Program Evaluation and Review Tech-
nique.
PES programmable electronic system.
PFD process flow diagram; probability of
failure on demand.
PFU programmable function unit.
PGA Professional Graphics Adapter (Array);
pin grid array.
Ph physical.
PhE physical layer entity.
PhICI physical layer interface control infor-
mation.
PhID / RNRZ
PhID physical layer interface data.
PhIDU physical layer interface data unit.
PhL physical layer.
PhPCI physical layer protocol control infor-
mation.
PhPDU physical layer protocol data unit.
PhS physical layer service.
PhSAP physical layer service access point.
PhSDU physical layer service data unit.
PI proportional-integral.
P/I pressure-to-current converter.
PIA Peripheral Interface Adaptor.
PID proportional-integral-derivative.
PIO programmed input/output.
PIP Peripheral Interchange Program.
pk - pk peak to peak.
pk peak.
PKNMiJ Polski Komitet Normalizacji
(Poland).
PL/1 See PL/I.
PL/I Programming Language 1.
PLA programmable logic array.
PLC programmable logic controller.
PLD programmable logic device.
PLL phase-locked loop.
PM, P/M powder metallurgy.
PMOS P-channel metal-oxide semiconduc-
tor.
PMT photomultiplier tube.
POL problem-oriented language.
pos positive.
POS point of sale.
POSIX Portable Operating System Interface
for UNIX.
ppb parts per billion.
PPD pour point depressant.
PPI programmed peripheral interface.
ppm parts per million (1/106).
PPP point-to-point protocol.
PROM programmable read only memory.
PRP potentially responsible party.
PRT platinum resistance thermometer.
PRV pressure-regulating valve; pressure-
reducing valve.
PSD power spectral density.
psi pounds per square inch.
psia pounds per square inch, absolute.
psig pounds per square inch, gauge.
PSK phase shift keying.
PSM Process Safety and Management.
PSS packet switching system.
pt part.
PTB Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt
(Germany).
PTC Positive Temperature Coefficient.
PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon).
PTO PROFIBUS Trade Organization.
PTR paper tape reader.
574
PV process variable.
PVC polyvinyl chloride.
PVDF polyvinylidene fluoride (Kynar).
Material that is used in place of stainless steel
to reduce leaching contamination in some
conditions.
PWM pulse width modulation; pulse width
modulated type.
PWR pressurized water reactor.
Q q volumetric flow rate.
Q The ratio of reactance to resis-
tance in a reactive component or res-
onant circuit.
QA quality assurance.
QAD quarter amplitude damping.
QBC queue control block.
QC quality control.
QCB queue control block.
R Rankine; gas content (consistent
RA,B
R with units).
C scales).
radius.
or C Rockwell hardness (A, B or
rad radian.
radar radar detection and ranging.
RAID redundant array of independent disks.
RAM random access memory.
RBE report by exception.
RBS Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy.
RCPB reactor coolant pressure boundary.
RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act.
RCTL resistor-capacitor-transistor logic.
RDA remote database access.
RDBMS relational database management
system.
Re Reynolds number.
ref reference.
REM Roentgen equivalent man.
REP Roentgen equivalent physical.
REV reverse acting.
RF radio frequency.
RFC request for comments.
RFI radio frequency interference.
RFP request for proposal.
RFQ request for quote.
RGA relative gain array.
RH right-hand thread; relative humidity.
RIIS Research Institute of Industrial Safety of
the Ministry of Labor (Japan).
RIP real-time interrupt process.
RISC reduced instruction set computer (or
computing).
RJC reference junction compensation.
rms root mean square.
RNRZ randomized non-return-to-zero.

RO read only, reverse osmosis.
ROI return on investment.
ROM read-only memory.
RPC remote procedure calls.
RPG report program generator.
rpm revolutions per minute.
RPN reverse Polish notation.
rps revolutions per second.
RPU remote processing unit.
RS recommended standards.
RTD resistance temperature detector.
RTF rich text format.
RTL real-time language; resistor-transistor
logic.
RTOS real-time operating system.
RTS request to send.
RTU remote termination unit.
RxA receive activity signal (from DCE).
RxC receive clock signal (from DCE).
RxS receive signal (from MAU).
S siemens.
S s second.
S-COMMISSION Komisija Za
Ispitivanje S-Vredaja (Yugoslavia).
SA Standards Australia (Australia).
SAA System Application Architecture; Stan-
dards Association of Australia (IEC).
SABS South African Bureau of Standards
(South Africa).
SAE Society of Automotive Engineers.
SAMA Scientific Apparatus Makers Associa-
tion (now Measurement and Control Auto-
mation Association, MCAA).
SAP Service Access Point.
SARA Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act.
SAR Successive Approximation Register.
SASE Specific Application Service Element.
SAW surface acoustic wave.
Sb antimony.
SBC single board computer; single board
controller.
SBE scan by exception.
SC standing committee.
SCADA supervisory control and data acqui-
sition.
SCC Standards Council of Canada (IEC).
SCFH standard cubic feet per hour (flow).
SCFM standard cubic feet per minute.
SCI Serial Communications Interface.
SCR silicon-controlled rectifier.
SCS supervisory control system.
S/D synchro-to-digital converter.
SDLC Synchronous Data Link Control.
SDU service data unit.
sec second.
575
RO / SP
SECS Semiconductor Equipment
Communications Standard.
SERCOS serial real-time communication sys-
tem.
SEV Schweizerischer Elektrotechnischer
Verein (Switzerland).
SFC sequential function chart; shop floor
control.
sfm surface feet per minute.
SFM scanning force microscopy.
SG specific gravity; steam generator.
SGC solid ground curing.
Si silicon.
SI Systeme Internationale d'Unites.
SIL safety integrity level.
SIMD single instruction multiple data stream
(pronounced "simdee").
SIMS secondary ion mass spectrometry.
SIMTARS Safety in Mines Testing and
Research Station (Australia).
SiO2 silicon dioxide.
SIPAI Shanghai Institute of Process Automa-
tion Instrumentation (China).
SISO single input single output.
SIT spontaneous ignition temperature.
SLA stereolithography.
SLIP Serial Line Internet Protocol.
SMAW shielded metal arc welding.
SMD surface-mounted device.
SME Society of Manufacturing Engineers.
SMPTE Society of Motion Picture and Televi-
sion Engineers.
SMRE Safety in Mines Research Establish-
ment (U.K.).
SMRT single-message unit rate timing.
SMT surface mount technology.
SMTP Simple Mail Transfer Protocol.
Sn tin.
S/N signal to noise.
SNAP Sub-Network Access Protocol.
SNMP Simple Network Management Proto-
col.
SNR signal-to-noise ratio.
SOE sequence of events.
SOH start of header.
SONET Synchronous Optical Network.
SOS silicon-on-sapphire.
sp ht specific heat.
SP standards and practices.
SPARC Scalable Processor Architecture
(trademark of Sun Microsystems). Also,
"Scalable Processor Architecture reduced
instruction set Computer."
SPC statistical process control.
SPDT single pole double throw.
SPL sound pressure level.
SPST single pole single throw.
SP set point.
SQC/UMS
SQC statistical quality control.
SQE signal quality error.
SQL Structured Query Language (pro-
nounced "see quill").
sr steradian.
SRAM static random access memory.
SRF side relief angle.
SSI small-scale integration.
SST simultaneous self-test.
SSU Seconds Saybolt Universal.
SS steam supply; stainless steel.
STC self-tuning controller.
STIM Smart Transducer Interface Module.
STL Standard Template Library.
STP standard temperature and pressure;
spanning tree protocol; standard text pro-
gramming; shielded twisted pairA routing
specification for IEEE 802.1.
STR self-tuning regulator.
STX start of text
SVGA Super Video Graphics Adapter (or
Array).
SW stud arc welding.
SWOP Specifications Web Offset Publica-
tions.
SWR standing wave ratio; switcher; switch
register.
SYN synchronous idle.
SYSGEN system generation.
t metric ton (tonne); also tempera-
T ture (degrees F).
T/C thermocouple.
T tesla; temperature (degrees
Rankin).
Ta tantalum.
TAGS technical assistance groups.
TAPPI Technical Association of the Pulp and
Paper Industry (United States).
Tb terbium.
Tc thermodynamic critical temperature
(degrees Rankin).
Tc technetium.
TC technical committee.
TCF totally chlorine free.
TCLP Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Proce-
dure.
TCP Transmission Control Protocol.
TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol/Inter-
net Protocol.
TDEL thick dielectric electroluminescent.
TDM time division multiplex (or multi-
plexer).
TDMA time division multiplex access.
TDR time domain reflectometry.
TDS total dissolved solids.
Te tellurium.
TFE telemetry front end; tetraflouroethylene.
576
TFT thin film technology; thin film transistor.
Th thorium.
THD total harmonic distortion; total
dynamic head.
THF time horizon to failure.
THR throughput algorithm.
THT through-hole technology.
Ti titanium.
TIA Telecommunications Industries Associa-
tion.
TIFF Tagged Image File Format.
TITO twin input twin output.
Tl thallium.
TLC thin-layer chromatography.
TLV threshold limit value.
TLV-STEL threshold limit value-short term
exposure limit.
TLV-TWA threshold limit value-time
weighted average.
Tm thulium.
TMR triple modular redundant.
TOC total organic carbon.
TOE time of event.
tol tolerance.
TOP Technical and Office Protocol.
TOX Total Organic Halide.
TPG test pattern generator.
TP twisted pair.
tpi threads per inch.
TQC Total Quality Control.
TQM Total Quality Management.
TRI toxic release inventory.
TRS transverse rupture strength.
TSCA Toxic Substance Control Act.
TSS total suspended solids.
TTL transistor/transistor logic.
TTP telephone twisted pair.
TTY teletypewriter.
TUR test uncertainty ratio; turret.
TxC Transmit Clock signal (from DCE).
TxD Transmit Data signal (to DCE).
TxE Transmit Enable signal (to MAU).
TxS Transmit signal (to MAU).
U uranium; velocity (ft/sec).
U UART Universal Asynchronous
Receiver Transmitter.
UDP User Datagram Protocol.
UEL upper explosive limit (upper flammable
limit).
UFL upper flammable limit (upper explosive
limit).
UHF ultrahigh frequency.
UK United Kingdom.
UL Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc. (U.S.).
ULD unit load devices.
UMS Utilities Management System.
 UNC/Zr02

UNC unified coarse thread; Uniform Naming VHSIC very high speed integrated circuit.
Convention. VISRD virtual interrupt service routine
UNEF unified extra fine thread. driver.
UNF unified fine thread. VLSI very large-scale integration.
UPS uninterruptible power supply. VMS virtual memory system.
URL Uniform Resource Locator. VOC volatile organic compounds.
US United States. vol volume.
USART universal synchronous/asynchro- VPN virtual private network.
nous receiver transmitter. VR virtual reality.
USASCII U.S. Standard Code for Informa- VRC vertical redundancy parity check.
tion Exchange. VSI Virtual Socket Interface.
USB Universal Serial Bus. VSWR voltage standing wave ratio.
USBM United States Bureau of Mines. W I variable voltage input.
USCG United States Coast Guard.
USNC/IEC United States National Commit- W w mass flow rate.
tee for International Electrotechnical Com- W watt; tungsten.
mission. w.c. water column (hydrostatic
USOC Universal Service Order Code. head).
USRT universal synchronous receiver trans- WAIS Wide Area Information Servers (pro-
mitter. nounced "wayz").
UST underground storage tank. WAN wide area network.
UTP unshielded twisted pair. Wb weber.
UUT unit under test. WC word count.
uv, UV ultraviolet. WDM wavelength division multiplexing.
UVROM ultraviolet-erasable read-only WFW Windows for Workgroups.
memory. WG working group.
WIP work in process.
v volt; specific volume (ft3/lb). wt weight.

V V vanadium; velocity (ft/sec); vol-

WWW (or W3) World Wide Web.
WYSIWYG what you see is what you get
(pronounced "wissywig").
ume (in3).
vA volt ampere. x pressure drop ratio.
VAN Value-Added Network.
VAT voltage-adjusting type.
VAV variable air volume.
VAX virtual address extension.
X Xe xenon.
XGA Extended Graphics Adapter
VBX Visual Basic extension. (Array).
VCF voltage-controlled frequency. XIP execute in place.
VCG voltage-controlled generation. XML Extensible Markup Language.
VCO voltage-controlled oscillator. XOFF Transmitter off.
VCP video control panel. XON Transmitter on.
VCR videocassette recorder. XOR exclusive OR; logic gate.
VDE Verband Deutscher Electrotechniker XPL external party line.
(Germany). XST external start.
VDF vacuum fluorescent display. xt pressure drop ratio factor.
VDI virtual device interface; Verein Deut- x tp value of x for a valve-fitting assembly.
scher Ingenieure (Germany).
VDT video display terminal.
VDU visual display unit; video display unit.
VESA Video Electronics Standards Associa-
Y Y yttrium; expansion factor.

Y2K Year 2000.

tion.
V/F (vapor flow and feed flow) boi-
lup-to-feed ratio.
VFD variable frequency drive; vacuum fluo-
Z Z compressibility factor.

ZFN zero-order fixed-aperture

non-redundant sample algorithm.
rescent display; virtual field device. ZIF zero insertion force socket.
VGA Video Graphics Adapter (Array). Zn zinc.
VHDL VHSIC Hardware Description Lan- ZOH zero order hold.
guage. Zr zirconium.
VHF very high frequency. ZrO2 zirconium oxide.
577
 I a (alpha) Average percent-
age change in resistance per
A degree of pure metal resis-
tance of device between 0°C
and 100°C Usually desig-
nated by the Greek letter
alpha, with units of W / W /
°C.
aberration Deviation from ideal behavior by
a lens, optical system, or optical component.
Aberration exists in all optical systems, and
designers must make trade-offs among the
different types depending on how much
aberration they will tolerate.
ABI Application Binary Interface; to run
without porting.
abnormally distributed uncertainty In the
ISA recommended practice ISA-RP67.04.02-
2000 this term denotes uncertainties that do
not have a normal distribution.
abort In data processing, to terminate a com-
puter operation before its normal conclusion.
abrasion 1. The act of removing surface mate-
rial from a substance through sliding or roll-
ing contact with the hard particles made of
the same or another substance. The particles
themselves may be loose or part of another
surface brought into contact with the first.
2. A surface blemish caused by roughening
or scratching.
abrasive 1. Particulate matter, usually having
sharp edges or points, that can be used to
shape and finish workpieces in grinding,
honing, lapping, polishing, blasting, or tum-
bling processes. Depending on the process,
abrasives may be loose, formed into solid
shapes, glued to paper or cloth, or sus-
pended in a paste, slurry, or air stream. 2.
Any substance capable of removing material
from a surface through the act of abrasion. 3.
A material formed into a solid mass, usually
fired or sintered, and used to grind or polish
workpieces; common forms are grinding
wheels, abrasive disks, honing sticks, cones,
and burrs.
ABS Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene; fre-
quently used for enclosures; good high-tem-
perature resistance with high impact
strength and cold-temperature impact, good
overall chemical resistance; can be adversely
affected by ultraviolet.
absolute accuracy error The deviation of the
analog value at any code from its theoretical
value after the full-scale range has been cali-
brated. Expressed in percent, ppm, or frac-
tions of 1 LSB.
absolute address An address that indicates
the exact storage location at which the refer-
3
enced operand is to be found or stored in the
actual machine code address numbering sys-
tem. It is synonymous with specific address
and actual address and related to absolute code.
absolute alarm An alarm caused when a sys-
tem has detected a variable that has exceed-
ed a set of prescribed high- or low-limit con-
ditions.
absolute altimeter See terrain clearance indica-
tor.
absolute altitude Distance between an air-
craft or spacecraft and the actual surface of a
planet or natural satellite.
absolute code Coding that uses machine
instructions with absolute addresses. Synon-
ymous with specific code.
absolute encoder An electronic or electrome-
chanical device that produces a unique digi-
tal output (in coded form) for each value of
an analog or digital input. In an absolute
rotary encoder, for instance, you can deter-
mine directly the position following any
incremental movement, without having to
refer to the starting position.
absolute feedback In numerical control, the
action of assigning a unique value to each
possible position of a machine slide or actu-
ating member.
absolute humidity The weight of water
vapor in a gas-water vapor mixture per unit
volume of space occupied, as, for example,
grains or pounds per cubic foot.
absolute instrument An instrument that
determines the value of a measured quantity
in absolute units by making a simple physi-
cal measurement.
absolute measurement A measured value
that is expressed in terms of fundamental
standards of distance, mass, and time.
absolute pressure 1. The pressure measured
relative to zero pressure (vacuum). 2. The
combined local pressure that is induced by
some source and the atmospheric pressure at
the location of the measurement. 3. Gauge
pressure plus barometric pressure expressed
in the same units of measurement.
absolute programming In numerical control,
the process of using a single point of refer-
ence to determine all positions and dimen-
sions.
absolute stability A linear system is abso-
lutely stable if there exists a limiting value of
the open-loop gain such that the system is
stable for all lower values of that gain and
unstable for all higher values.
absolute value error The magnitude of the
error disregarding the algebraic sign or, if a
vectorial error, disregarding its direction.
absolute viscosity / accelerometer
absolute viscosity A measure of the internal
shear properties of fluids. It is expressed as
the tangential force per unit area at either of
two horizontal planes separated by one unit
thickness of a given fluid, with one of the
planes fixed and the other moving with unit
velocity.
absorbance An optical property expressed as
log (1/T), where T is the transmittance.
absorptance The fraction of the incident light
absorbed by something.
absorption [Sci] 1. The reduction in intensity
of a beam of electromagnetic or particulate
radiation as it passes through matter. This
reduction is chiefly due to interactions with
atoms or electrons or with their electric and
magnetic fields. [Comm] 2. In fiber-optic
cable, the loss of power resulting from the
conversion of optical energy into heat. This
loss is usually caused by impurities such as
transition metals and hydroxyl ions.
absorption band A region of the electromag-
netic spectrum in which a given substance
exhibits a high absorption coefficient com-
pared to adjacent regions of the spectrum.
absorption coefficient An inherent material
property that is expressed as the fractional
loss in radiation intensity per unit mass or
per unit thickness. It is determined over an
infinitesimal thickness of the given material
at a fixed wavelength and bandwidth.
absorption curve A graph showing the varia-
tion of transmitted radiation through a fixed
sample while the wavelength material of a
given thickness is changed at a uniform rate.
absorption dynamometer A device for mea-
suring mechanical force or power by con-
verting the mechanical energy into heat in a
friction mechanism or bank of electrical resis-
tors.
absorption-emission pyrometer An instru-
ment for determining gas temperature by
measuring the radiation emitted by a cali-
brated reference source both before and after
the radiation passes through the gas, where it
is partly absorbed.
absorption hygrometer An instrument for
determining the water vapor content of the
atmosphere by measuring the amount of
water absorbed by a hygroscopic chemical.
absorption meter An instrument for measur-
ing the quantity of light transmitted through
a transparent medium by means of a photo-
cell or other light-detecting device.
absorption spectroscopy The study of the
wavelengths of light that are absorbed by
materials and the relative intensities at which
different wavelengths are absorbed. This
4
technique can be used to identify materials
and measure their optical densities.
AC Alternating current; electric current that
reverses its direction at regularly recurring
intervals, such as 60 times/second (60 Hz).
accelerated life test A method for estimating
the reliability or durability of a product by
subjecting it to operating conditions above
its maximum ratings.
accelerating agent 1. A substance that increa-
ses a chemical reaction rate. 2. A chemical
that hastens the curing of rubber, plastic,
cement or adhesives, and may also improve
their properties. Also known as accelerator.
accelerating electrode An auxiliary electrode
in an electron tube that is maintained at an
applied potential so as to accelerate electrons
in a beam.
acceleration The time rate of change of veloc-
ity; the second derivative of a distance func-
tion with respect to time.
acceleration error The maximum difference,
at any measured value within the specified
range, between output readings taken with
and without the application of specified con-
stant acceleration along specified axes. Note:
See transverse sensitivity when applied in the
context of acceleration transducer.
acceleration limit The maximum vibration
and shock acceleration that the transducer
can accept in either direction along its sensi-
tive axis without permanent damage. This
limit is usually stated as + g's. The
acceleration limits are usually much wider
than the acceleration range and thereby rep-
resent a measure of the overload capability
of the transducer. [ISA/RP-37.2 (R1995)]
acceleration range The range of accelerations
over which the transducer has the specified
linearity. [ISA/RP-37.2 (R1995)]
acceleration time [Comp] 1. The amount of
time it takes a mechanical component of a
computer to go from rest to running speed.
[Sci] 2. The measurement of the time
required for any object to reach a predeter-
mined speed.
accelerators A feature of some computer
applications to create keyboard commands
that provide alternatives to screen menus for
selecting choices. The keystroke has special
meaning within that particular application,
which means more involved, but usually
more "user- friendly," procedures can be
saved for making requests or entries.
accelerometer 1. An instrument for measur-
ing acceleration or an accelerating force such
as gravity. If the instrument includes provi-
sions for making a recorded output, it is

called an "accelerograph." 2. A transducer
used to measure linear or angular accelera-
tion.
acceptance angle In fiber-optic cable, the half
angle of cone within which incident light is
totally reflected internally by the fiber core.
acceptance test A series of tests used to
demonstrate the capabilities and workability
of a new system and usually conducted by
the manufacturer to show the customer that
the system is in working order.
access The state in which it is permissible to
place information into, or retrieve informa-
tion, from a storage device.
access, direct storage (DSA) The procedure
whereby data are transferred to or from stor-
age that is essentially coincident with the
normal operation of a computer, without dis-
turbing the central processing unit registers.
[ISA / RP-55.1-1975 (R1983)]
access, random 1. The process of obtaining
data from, or placing data into, storage such
that the time required for such access is inde-
pendent of the location of the data most
recently obtained or stored. 2. A type of stor-
age device in which the access time is effec-
tively independent of the location of the
data. [ISA/RP-55.1-1975 (R1983)]
access, serial The process of obtaining data
from, or placing data into, storage when
there is a sequential relation governing the
time it takes to access successive storage
locations. [ISA/RP-55.1-1975 (R1983)]
access code A group of alphanumeric charac-
ters that identifies the user to the system so
information can be placed or retrieved by
other devices in the system.
access line The portion of a leased communi-
cation line, such as in a telephone system,
that permanently connects the user with the
serving central office or wire center.
access method Any of the data-management
techniques available to the user for transfer-
ring data between main storage and an
input/output device.
access privilege The right or permission to
access (read or write) a file that is granted by
the processor after such permission has been
requested.
access procedures The procedure by which
the devices attached to the network gain
access to the medium. The access procedure
typically includes provisions for guarantee-
ing fairness in the sharing of the network
bandwidth between attached devices. The
most common access procedures for LANs
are CSMA/CD, token bus, token ring, and
slotted ring. See MAC.
5
acceptance angle / accumulator
access time 1. The interval between a request
for stored information and the delivery of
that information; often used to refer to the
speed of memory. 2. The time interval that is
characteristic of a storage unit. A measure of
the time required to locate information in a
storage position and make it available for
processing or to return information from the
processing unit to a storage location.
access unit interface (AUI) The optional
interface between a data station that uses an
IEEE 802.3 LAN and a transceiver or modem.
The AUI makes it possible to transparently
connect a data station to either baseband or
broadband media.
accessible 1. A system feature that is view-
able by and interactive with the operator,
and allows the operator to perform user-per-
mitted control actions, for example, make set
point changes and auto-manual transfers or
perform on-off action. 2. The capacity to be
touched with a standard test finger or test
pin, when used as specified in Section 6.2 of
ANSI/ISA-82.02.01-1999 (IEC 1010-1 Mod).
[ANSI/ISA-82.02.01-1999 (IEC 1010-1 Mod)]
accessible area An area that is routinely or
periodically entered by plant personnel in
their performance of routine functions dur-
ing normal plant operation and in accor-
dance with applicable health physics
procedures. [ISA-67.03-1982]
accessible isolation valve The isolation valve
that is nearest the measured process on an
instrument-sensing line, which is available to
personnel during normal plant operation.
The root valve may or may not perform the
function of the accessible isolation valve,
depending on where it is located. [ANSI/
ISA-67.02.01-1999]
accessible part A part that can be touched
during normal use or operator servicing.
[ANS/ISA-82.01.01-1999 (IEC 1010-1 Mod)
accessible surface A surface to which a flam-
mable or combustible mixture has access.
[ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999]
accessible terminal A node in an electronic
network that is configured to allow it to be
connected to an external circuit.
accessory A peripheral device that supports a
main system function, such as a floppy disk
drive or printer.
Accredited Standard Committee A standard
committee accredited to ANSI.
accumulator 1. The register and associated
equipment in the arithmetic unit of the com-
puter in which arithmetical and logical oper-
ations are performed. 2. A unit in the digital
computer where numbers are totaled, that is,
accuracy / accuracy rating
accumulated. Often the accumulator stores
one operand and when it receives any sec-
ond operand it performs the indicated opera-
tions on them and then forms and stores the
result. It is related to an adder. [Proc] 3. A
pressure vessel containing water and steam
that is used to store the heat of the steam for
use at a later time and at some lower pres-
sure. 4. A relatively large-volume chamber or
other hydraulic device that receives fluid
under low hydraulic power, stores it, and
then discharges it at high hydraulic power,
after which it is ready to repeat the cycle. 5. A
chamber or vessel for storing low-side liquid
refrigerant in a refrigeration system. 6. An
accumulator is also referred to as a receiver, a
"reflux receiver", or a "reflux drum."
accuracy 1. The ratio of the error to the full-
scale output or the ratio of the error to the
output, as specified, expressed as a percent-
age. Note 1: Accuracy may be expressed in
terms of units of measurand or as being
within ± [number] percent of full-scale out-
put. Note 2: The term accuracy should be
used only for generalized descriptions of
characteristics. It should not be used in speci-
fications. The term error is preferred in speci-
fications and other specific descriptions of
transducer performance. [ISA-37.1-1975
(R1982)] 2. In process instrumentation, the
degree of conformity of an indicated value to
a recognized, accepted standard value or
ideal value. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1983);
ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000] 3. The degree to
which an indicated value matches the actual
value of a measured variable. 4. Quantita-
tively, the difference between the measured
value and the most probable value for the
same quantity, when the latter is determined
from all available data and critically adjusted
for sources of error. 5. The deviation or error
by which an actual output varies from an
expected ideal or absolute output. Each ele-
ment in a measurement system contributes
to errors, which should be separately speci-
fied if they contribute significantly to the
degradation of total system accuracy. 6. In an
analog-to-digital converter, accuracy is tied
to resolution. A 13-bit A/D, as used in the
controller, for example, can resolve to one
part in 213 or 8,192, so the best accuracy as a
percentage of full-scale range is theoretically
1/8192, or about 0.0125 percent.
accuracy (data processing) The degree of
freedom from error, that is, the degree of con-
formity to truth or to a rule. Accuracy is con-
trasted with precision. For example,
four-place numerals are less precise than
6
six-place numerals; nevertheless, a properly
computed four-place numeral might be more
accurate than an improperly computed
six-place numeral. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)]
accuracy, mean (data processing) Mean accu-
racy is precisely defined as (100 - E) % F.R.,
where the mean error £ is expressed as a per-
centage of full range (F.R.). It is common
practice, however, to equate mean accuracy
with the value of the mean error. That is,
mean accuracy is commonly stated as 0.1%
F.R. whereas a more precise and acceptable
statement is that mean accuracy is 99.9% F.R.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
accuracy, measured The maximum positive
and negative deviation observed when testing
a device under specified conditions and by a
specified procedure. Note 1: Measured accu-
racy is usually measured as an inaccuracy and
expressed as accuracy. Note 2: Measured
accuracy is typically expressed in terms of the
measured variable, percentage of span, per-
centage of upper-range value, percentage of
scale length, or percentage of actual output
reading. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
accuracy, reference See accuracy, rating.
accuracy, total (data processing) Total accu-
racy is precisely defined as (100 - E max) %
F.S. where the maximum error E max is
expressed as a percentage of full-scale value.
Total accuracy is a measurement of the
worst-case effect of all the errors present in
the analog subsystem. [ISA/RP-55.1-1975
(R1983)]
accuracy measured test The procedure for
this test is described in ISA Standard ANSI/
ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993).
accuracy rating In process instrumentation, a
number or quantity that defines a limit that
errors will not exceed when a device is used
under specified operating conditions. Note 1:
When operating conditions are not specified,
reference operating conditions shall be
assumed. Note 2: As a performance specifi-
cation, accuracy (or reference accuracy) shall
be assumed to mean the accuracy rating of
the device when used at reference operating
conditions. Note 3: Accuracy rating includes
the combined effects of conformity, hystere-
sis, dead band, and repeatability errors. The
units being used should be stated explicitly.
It is preferable to use a + sign before the
number or quantity. Accuracy rating can be
expressed in a number of forms. The follow-
ing five examples are typical: (a) Accuracy
rating can be expressed in terms of the mea-
sured variable. Typical expression: The accu-
 AC/DC coupling / acoustic inertance
racy rating is + 1 C, or + 2°F. (b) Accuracy
rating can be expressed in percentage of
span. Typical expression: The accuracy rating
is +.0.5% of span. (This percentage is calcu-
lated using scale units such as degrees F,
psig, etc.). (c) Accuracy rating can be
expressed in percentage of the upper-range
value. Typical expression: The accuracy rat-
ing is + 0.5% of upper-range value. (This per-
centage is calculated using scale units such
as kPa, degrees F, etc.). (d) Accuracy rating is
expressed in percentage of scale length. Typi-
cal expression: The accuracy rating is + 0.5%
of scale length. (e) Accuracy rating is
expressed in percentage of actual output
reading. Typical expression: The accuracy
rating is + 1% of actual output reading.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
AC/DC coupling A selection on the front
panel of some readout instruments. The AC-
coupling position switches a capacitor into
the input conductor. This is used for piezo-
electric accelerometers to remove the power
supply bias voltage. The DC-coupling posi-
tion removes this capacitor from the input
line. This is used for transducers that have an
output at zero frequency (such as piezoresis-
tive accelerometers and proximity probes),
and it is desired to make measurements
below 1 Hz.
ACE Advanced Computing Environment ini-
tiative; alliance of more than twenty firms
who support software standards for MIP
architecture based on common ABI and API.
Also known as asynchronous communica-
tions elements.
achromatic Optical elements that are
designed to refract light of different wave-
lengths at the same angle. Typically, achro-
matic lenses are made of two or more
components of different refractive index and
are designed to be uses at visible wave-
lengths only.
acid cleaning The process of cleaning the
interior surfaces of steam-generating units
by using an inhibitor so as to prevent corro-
sion and then subsequently draining, wash-
ing, and neutralizing the acid with a further
wash of alkaline water.
acid wash A chemical solution that contains
phosphoric acid, which is used to neutralize
residues from alkaline cleaners and to simul-
taneously produce a phosphate coating that
protects a surface of metal from rusting and
prepares it for painting.
acidity Represents the amount of free carbon-
dioxide mineral acids and salts (especially
sulphates of iron and aluminum) that
7
hydrolize to yield hydrogen ions in water.
Acidity is reported as milliequivalents per
liter of acid, ppm acidity is reported as cal-
cium carbonate, and pH is reported as the
measure of hydrogen ion concentration.
acid-resistant Able to withstand chemical
attack by strongly acidic solutions.
AC input module An I/O module that con-
verts process-switched AC into logic levels
for use in the PC.
ACK A transmission control character that is
transmitted by a receiving device as an affir-
mative response to a sending device. Also
see acknowledge.
acknowledge 1. The sequence action that
indicates that a new alarm has been recog-
nized. [ANSI/ISA-18.1-1079 (R1992)] 2. A
message sent between peer entities to indi-
cate that data was properly received.
Acme screw thread A type of power-trans-
mission thread that is made in four series—
29° general purpose, 29° stub, 60° stub, and
10 modified square. The number of threads
per inch is not standardized according to
shank diameter.
acoustic Related to sound.
acoustic compliance The reciprocal of acous-
tic stiffness.
acoustic coupler A type of communications
device that converts digital signals into
audio tones that can be transmitted over the
public telephone network through a conven-
tional handset.
acoustic dispersion The separation of a com-
plex sound wave into its various frequency
components. Acoustic dispersion is usually
caused by variation of the wave velocity in
the medium that has the sound frequency. It
is usually expressed in terms of the rate of
change of velocity with frequency.
acoustic generator A transducer for convert-
ing electrical, mechanical, or some other
form of energy into sound waves.
acoustic holography A technique for detect-
ing flaws or regions of inhomogeneity in a
part by subjecting it to ultrasonic energy.
This produces an interference pattern on the
free surface of water in an immersion tank.
Laser holography can then read the interfer-
ence pattern to produce an image of the test
object.
acoustic impedance The complex quotient
that is obtained by dividing the sound pres-
sure on a surface by the flux through the sur-
face.
acoustic inertance A property that is related
to the kinetic energy of a sound medium,
which equals Za/2ðf where Za is the acoustic
acoustic interferometer / activation analysis
reactance and/is sound frequency. The usual
units of measure are g/cm 4 . Also known as
acoustic mass.
acoustic interferometer An instrument for
measuring either the velocity or frequency of
sound pressure in a standing wave that has
been established in a liquid or gas medium
between a sound source and a reflector as the
reflector is moved or the frequency is varied.
acoustic radiometer An instrument that mea-
sures sound intensity by determining unidi-
rectional steady-state pressure when the
sound wave is reflected or absorbed at a
boundary.
acoustic reactance The imaginary component
of acoustic impedance.
acoustic resistance The real component of
acoustic impedance.
acoustic sensitivity The output of a trans-
ducer (not caused by rigid body motion) in
response to a specified acoustical environ-
ment. This sensitivity is sometimes
expressed as the acceleration in g rms that is
sufficient to produce the same output that is
induced by a specified sound pressure-level
spectrum with an overall value of 140 dB
referred to as 0.0002 dyne per sq cm rms.
[ISA-RP37.2-1982 (R1995)]
acoustic signature In sonar applications, the
profile that is characteristic of a particular
undersea object (or class of objects), for
example, the profile of a school of fish or a
sea-bottom formation.
acoustic spectrometer An instrument for
analyzing a complex sound wave by deter-
mining the volume (intensity) of
sound-wave components that have different
frequencies.
acoustic stiffness A property related to the
potential energy of a medium or its bound-
aries that equals 2 ð fZa, where Za is the
acoustic reactance and f is sound frequency.
The usual units of measure for acoustic stiff-
ness are dyne/cm 5 .
acoustical ohm The unit of measure for
acoustic resistance, reactance, or impedance.
It equals unity when a sound pressure of one
microbar produces a volume velocity of one
cubic centimeter per second.
acoustics 1. The technology associated with
the production, transmission, and utilization
of sound, and the science associated with
sound and its effects. 2. The architectural
quality of a room—especially a concert hall,
theater, or auditorium—that influences the
ability of a listener to hear sound clearly at
any location.
8
acousto-optic An interaction between an
acoustic wave and a lightwave passing
through the same material. Acousto-optic
devices can be used for the deflection or
modulation of beams, for signal processing,
and for Q switching.
acousto-optic glass Glass whose composition
is designed to maximize the acousto-optic
effect.
AC output module An I/O module that con-
verts PC logic levels into output switch
action for AC load control.
acquisition time The interval in which a
sample-and-hold circuit acquires an input
signal to within specification.
acronym A word formed from the initial let-
ters of a long or complex technical term. For
example, RAM is the acronym for "random
access memory."
acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) A plas-
tic frequently used for enclosures because it
provides good high-temperature resistance
with high-impact strength and cold-tempera-
ture impact as well as good overall chemical
resistance. ABS can be adversely affected by
ultraviolet. See ABS.
ACSE Association control service element;
for ISO layer 7, for MAP 3.0.
ACT Acoustic charge transport; technology
that processes signals in their natural analog
domain, taking advantage of the 10,000-to-l
simplification that results when using analog
rather than digital circuits. Converts analog
input signal into discrete- time signal, sam-
pled in time, not quantitized in amplitude.
actinicity The ability of radiation to induce
chemical change.
actinometer 1. An instrument for measuring
the actinic quality of radiation—that is, its
relative ability to induce chemical change. 2.
An instrument for measuring the flux den-
sity of solar radiation.
action, air-to-close See fail-open.
action, air-to-open See fail-close.
action object An object that supports the
instantiation and deletion of blocks and
objects within a resource. [ISA-TR50.02, Part
9-2000]
activation analysis A method for determin-
ing composition, especially the concentration
 active alarm point / actuator, diaphragm type
of trace elements. The composite substance is
bombarded with neutrons, and the wave-
lengths and intensities of the characteristic
gamma rays emitted from the activated
nuclides are measured.
active alarm point See alarm point.
active application The software application
on a computer that the keyboard is now
focused in a Windows environment. Usually,
it is the "top" window that is "open."
active device Any component, device, or cir-
cuit that introduces gain or has functional
direction. The active device is usually consid-
ered to be any device except pure capaci-
tance, inductance, resistance, or combina-
tions of these. In current loop applications,
the active device is a device capable of sup-
plying current for the loop.
active medium The material in a laser that
produces the amplified stimulated emission.
The name of the laser identifies the active
medium.
active transducer A transducer whose output
waves are produced by power derived from
a source other than any of the actuating
waves, but whose output power is controlled
by the actuating waves.
active window The window that appears "on
top" of other windows in a Windows com-
puter environment, thereby overlapping and
obscuring from view other windows (appli-
cations) that are also open. The active win-
dow is the window that is currently in use.
See active application.
active-matrix liquid crystal displays
(AMLCDs) A liquid crystal display (LCD)
technique in which the pixels on the screen
are controlled by voltage signals applied in
rows and columns. An array of thin film
transistors (TFTs), with one transistor per
pixel, keeps the pixels energized at all times
so there is no need to reenergize on each
scan. Thus, the pixels respond faster and are
brighter than passive-matrix liquid crystal
displays (PMLCDs). Compare with passive-
matrix liquid crystal displays.
ActiveX Short for "active component exten-
sion." A binary reusable software object
(COM component) that plugs into object
linking and embedding (OLE) software,
thereby allowing different software packages
to communicate and interact with one
another in a networked environment. This
makes it possible to integrate plant floors
using the Internet and intranets. Since the
advent of Internet, Microsoft has preferred
the term ActiveX over OLE because of the
9
former's expanded scope (and marketing
appeal).
activity [Comm] 1. The presence of a signal
or noise at the input terminals of a fieldbus
device in which the signal or noise is higher
than the receiver signal level threshold of
that device. [ANSI/ISA-50.02, Part 2-1992]
[Sci] 2. The ratio of the escaping tendency of
the component in a solution to the escaping
tendency of a standard state. The ion concen-
tration multiplied by an activity coefficient is
equal to the activity.
activity-based costing An information sys-
tem that maintains and reports data on the
activities, products, and processes of a plant
or company.
actual address See absolute address.
actual flow The actual volume of liquid pass-
ing through the flowmeter in a unit time. It is
computed by applying all necessary correc-
tions for the effects of temperature, pressure,
air buoyancy, and the like to the correspond-
ing readings indicated by the calibrator.
[ISA-RP31.1-1977]
actuate To put into action or motion.
actuating error signal See signal, actuating
error.
actuation signal The set point minus the con-
trolled variable at a given instant. Same as
error.
actuator 1. A pneumatic, hydraulic, or electri-
cally powered device that supplies force and
motion so as to position a valve's closure
member at or between the open or closed
position. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000] 2. A part
of the final control element that translates the
control signal into action by the final control
device in the process. Typical examples are
motors, solenoids, cylinders, and so on. 3. A
device responsible for actuating a mechani-
cal device such as a control valve. 4. A device
that actuates.
actuator, bellows type A fluid-powered
device in which the fluid acts upon a flexible
convoluted member, known as the bellows,
so as to provide rotary motion to the actuator
stem. [ISA-75.01-1985 (R1995)]
actuator, diaphragm type A fluid-powered
device in which the fluid acts upon a flexible
member, termed the diaphragm, so as to pro-
vide linear motion to the actuator stem.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
actuator, double-acting / adaptive control, adaptive tuning
Actuator, Diaphragm Type
actuator, double-acting An actuator in which
the power supply acts both to extend and
retract the actuator stem. [ISA-75.01-1985
(R1995)]
actuator, electric type A device that converts
electrical energy into motion. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
actuator, electrohydraulic type A self-con-
tained device that responds to an electrical
signal by positioning an electrically operated
hydraulic pilot valve so that it allows pres-
surized hydraulic fluid to move an actuating
piston, bellows, diaphragm or fluid motor in
order to position a valve stem. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
actuator, electromechanical type A device
that uses an electrically operated, motor-
driven gear train or screw to position the
actuator stem. Such actuators may operate in
response to either analog or digital electrical
signals. The electromechanical actuator is
also referred to as a "motor gear train actua-
tor." [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
actuator, fluid motor type A fluid-powered
device that uses a rotary motor to move the
actuator stem. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
actuator, hydraulic type A fluid-powered
device that converts the energy of an incom-
pressible fluid into motion.
actuator, piston type A fluid-powered device
in which the fluid acts upon a movable cylin-
drical member, termed a piston, so as to pro-
vide linear motion to the actuator stem.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
actuator, pneumatic A device that converts
the energy of a compressible fluid, usually
air, into motion.
actuator, single-acting An actuator in which
the power supply acts in only one direction.
In a spring and diaphragm actuator, for
example, the spring acts in a direction oppo-
site to the diaphragm thrust. Single-acting
spring and diaphragm actuators may be fur-
ther classified in terms of the direction of the
10
stem movement on the increasing fluid pres-
sure: (a) air to extend the actuator stem and
(b) air to retract the actuator stem.[ANSI/
ISA-75.05.01-2000]
actuator, vane type A fluid-powered device
in which the fluid acts upon a movable piv-
oted member, known as the vane, so as to
provide rotary motion to the actuator stem.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
actuator effective area The net area of a pis-
ton, bellows, vane, or diaphragm that is
acted on by fluid pressure in order to gener-
ate actuator output force. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
actuator environment 1. The temperature,
pressure, humidity, radioactivity, and corro-
siveness of the atmosphere surrounding the
actuator. 2. The mechanical and seismic
vibration transmitted to the actuator through
the piping or heat that is radiated toward the
actuator from the valve body. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
actuator stem or actuator shaft The part that
connects the actuator to the valve stem or
shaft and transmits motion (force) from the
actuator to the valve. Rotary-motion valves
have shafts, while linear-motion valves gen-
erally have stems. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
actuator travel time See stroke time.
ACU Automatic calling unit; Dialing device
that permits a business machine to automati-
cally dial calls over a communications net-
work (auto answer/ dial modem).
Ada A Pascal-based, real-time systems pro-
gramming language developed by CII-Hon-
eywell Bull under a contract to develop
weapons system tracking for the United
States Department of Defense. It has since
been used throughout the federal govern-
ment for applications far beyond this initial
purpose.
adapter Device that makes possible compat-
ibility between different equipment.
adapting See self-adapting.
adaptive control 1. A control system that
uses its previous experience to adjusts its
response to its inputs. 2. Automatic means
used to change the type or influence (or
both) of control parameters in such a way as
to improve the performance of the control
system. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]. See
control, adaptive.
adaptive control, adaptive tuning 1. Contin-
uously adjusting the gain (proportioning
action) of the control loop from a signal
external to that loop. Sometimes other
parameters are (also) modified, particularly
integral (reset action). 2. When referring to
 adaptive dithering / adhesive bonding
advanced control techniques, the term has
come to have the broader connotation of a
system of advanced process control that is
capable of automatically adjusting (adapt-
ing) itself to meet a desired o u t p u t despite
shifting control objectives and process condi-
tions or unmodeled uncertainties in the pro-
cess dynamics. Such control is often
performed through neural networks a n d / o r
fuzzy logic coupled with traditional PID-
type algorithms.
adaptive dithering A form of dithering for
displaying graphics on a system that has a
different- sized palette. In this form of dither-
ing, the program looks to the overall image
on the system to determine the best set of
colors or shapes.
adaptive optics Optical components that can
be m a d e to change the w a y in which they
reflect or refract light. In practice, the term
usually means mirrors with adjustable sur-
face shapes.
adaptive system A system that displays the
ability to learn, change state, or otherwise
react to stimuli. It is capable of adapting itself
to changes in its o w n environment.
adaptor bushing The part that attaches a
close-coupled diaphragm actuator to the
bonnet of the diaphragm valve body. [ANSI/
ISA-75.05.01-2000]
ADCCP Advanced Data Communications
Control Procedure; bit-oriented communica-
tions protocol standard defined by ANSI.
A/D converter (ADC) A h a r d w a r e device
that converts analog data into digital form;
also called an "encoder."
add time The time required for one addition,
not including the time required to get and
return the quantities from storage.
A D D 1. See false add and OR. 2. See sum.
adder A device that forms, as output, the
sum of two or more n u m b e r s that are pre-
sented to it as inputs. Often such devices
include n o data-retention feature, that is, the
output signal remains only as long as the
input signals are present. Related to accumu-
lator.
adder-subtractor A device whose o u t p u t is a
representation of either the arithmetic s u m or
difference, or both, of the quantities repre-
sented by its operand inputs.
additive primaries In color reproduction,
red, green and blue. When lights of these col-
ors are a d d e d together, they produce the sen-
sation of white light.
add-on A component or device that is a d d e d
to a system to increase storage capacity, mod-
ify architecture, or u p g r a d e performance.
11
This capability is one of the powerful bene-
fits of a good distributed control system.
address 1. An identification, represented by a
name, label, or number, of a register or loca-
tion in storage. Addresses also are part of an
instruction word along with commands,
tags, and other symbols. 2. The part of an
instruction that specifies an operand for the
instruction.
address bus The highway that links the sub-
components of the microcomputer system
along which address data are transferred.
address field That part of an instruction or
word that contains an address or operand.
address format The arrangement of the
address parts of an instruction.
addressing The means whereby the origina-
tor or control station selects the unit to which
it is going to send a message.
addressing mode Method for addressing a
location that is used for data storage.
address modification The hardware action in
which an instruction's effective operand
address is computed by some sequence of
the following two operations (as prescribed
within the instruction): (a) indexing—adding
an index to the address; (b) indirect address-
ing—using the intermediate computed
address to obtain another address from
memory.
address register A register in which an
address is stored.
address resolution The process of relating a
logical address to a physical address.
add time The time required for one addition,
not including the time required to get and
return the quantities from storage.
adequately ventilated area An area that has a
ventilation system (natural or artificial) that,
at a m i n i m u m , prevents the accumulation of
gases or vapors to an explosive level. Most
standards and recommended practices rec-
o m m e n d having systems that prevent levels
in excess of 25 percent of the lower flamma-
ble (explosive) limit (LFL or LEL). Note:
Adequate ventilation of an area is by itself
not an effective means for preventing dust
explosions. [ISA-12.01.01-1999]
adhesion 1. A bonding between two surfaces
that is usually applied to localized welding
at high points u n d e r substantial contact pres-
sures. 2. Bonding between two surfaces,
assisted by an adhesive substance.
adhesive Any substance capable of bonding
two surfaces together.
adhesive bonding A commercial process for
fastening parts together in an assembly by
adhesive strength / aerosol
using only glue, cement, resin, or other adhe-
sive.
adhesive strength The strength of an adhe-
sively bonded joint, usually measured in ten-
sion (perpendicular to the plane of the
bonded joint) or in shear (parallel to the
plane of the joint).
adiabatic Taking place without any exchange
of heat between the process system and
another system or its surroundings.
adiabatic temperature The theoretical tem-
perature that would be attained by the prod-
ucts of combustion provided that the entire
chemical energy of the fuel, the sensible heat
content of the fuel, and the combustion air
above the datum temperature were trans-
ferred to the products of combustion. This
assumes that (a) combustion is complete, (b)
there is no heat loss, (c) there is no dissocia-
tion of the gaseous compounds formed, and
(d) inert gases play no part in the reaction.
adjacent channel In FM/FM telemetry, the
modulated signal bandwidth immediately
below or above the channel of interest. See
FM/FM.
adjacent equipment The auxiliary equip-
ment that may be located adjacent to the
valve or actuator. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
adjustment The process of altering the value
of some circuit element or some component
of the mechanism of an instrument, control-
ler, or auxiliary device so as to bring the indi-
cation to a desired value within a specified
tolerance. This desired value usually corre-
sponds to an independently determined
value of the measured variable within a spec-
ified tolerance.
adjustment, span A means provided in an
instrument to change the slope of the input-
output curve. See span shift. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-
1979 (R1993)]
adjustment, zero A means provided in an
instrument to produce a parallel shift of the
input-output curve. See zero shift. [ANSI/
ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
ADO Ampex Digital Optical; in video
development, a traditional video editing sys-
tem component that allows video frames to
appear to be in motion.
ADPCM Adaptive differential pulse code
modulation; encoding format for compress-
ing and storing audio information in digital
format.
ADSL Asymmetric digital subscriber line; a
technique that compresses the amount of
data needed to send computer, voice, and
video data over normal phone lines (a com-
pared to coaxial cable) so those three services
12
can function independently and simulta-
neously. The asymmetrical component
means that the upload speeds are slower
than the download speeds, but most delays
occur during downloading.
adsorption The concentration of molecules of
one or more specific elements or compounds
at a phase boundary. The concentration usu-
ally occurs at a solid surface that bounds a
liquid or gaseous medium containing the
specific element or compound.
advanced process control (APC) Process con-
trol strategies beyond straightforward PID
loop control, which is usually defined as
"classical" advanced control. These
advanced strategies involve a combination of
PID loops, dead-time compensators, lead/
lag feedforward function blocks, and single-
variable constraint controllers.
advisory alert An alert object that has an
assigned priority value of less than 8. [ISA-
TR50.02, Part 9-2000]
AE Application entity; active element within
an ISO layer. Also known as: architectural
engineer; application enabler.
A&E Architecture and Engineering; com-
pany that designs and builds the process
plant.
AEB Australian Electrotechnical Board; stan-
dards association of Australia, a member of
IEC.
AECMA Association Européenne des
Constructeurs de Matériel Aérospatial (also
known as the European Association of Aero-
space Industries). European standards group
for aerospace industry.
AENOR Asociación Española de Normaliza-
tión y Certificatión; standards group in
Spain.
aeolight A type of glow lamp whose inten-
sity of light output varies with a signal volt-
age applied to it. Its construction employs a
cold cathode and an envelope filled with a
mixture of gases.
aerator Any device for injecting air into a
material or process stream.
aerodynamics A branch of mechanics that
deals with the motion of gases, such as air,
and with the forces acting on solids in rela-
tive motion with respect to a gas.
aerograph Any self-recording instrument
carried aloft to take meteorological data.
aerometer An instrument for determining the
density of air or other gases.
aerosol A dispersion of fine liquid or solid
particles in a gas. For instance, both smoke
and fog are aerosols.

Aex A required prefix for apparatus that
meet one or more types of protection as
defined in the National Electric Code: Sec-
tion 505-2(c) for installation in accordance
with Article 505 of the National Electrical
Code, NFPA 70: 1999. [ANSI / ISA-12.01.01-
1999]
AFNOR Association Française de Normalisa-
tion; standards group in France.
afterglow Luminosity that persists in a gas
after an electrical discharge passes through
it. The phenomenon is sometimes utilized to
measure flow.
AGA Advanced Graphics Architecture; chip
set for driving high-resolution multimedia
tools. Also known as: American Gas Associa-
tion, a national trade association founded in
1918 in the United States, composed of about
three hundred gas distribution and transmis-
sion companies to act as clearinghouse on
gas energy information, and act as a catalyst
in technical and energy policy matters, and
as a voice for gas industry.
age hardening Raising the strength and hard-
ness of an alloy by heating a supersaturated
solid solution at a relatively low temperature
so as to induce precipitation of a finely dis-
persed second phase. Also known as aging
and precipitation hardening.
agent 1. A system that acts on behalf of
another system. 2. A computing program
that performs some information-gathering or
processing task in the background, usually
some very small, well-defined task. Some
believe that the human mind consists of
thousands or millions of agents working in
parallel, so "true" artificial intelligence (AI)
machines should also contain many agents
along with some system for arbitrating
among the competing results of these agents'
activity.
agglomeration Any process for converting a
mass of relatively fine solid material into a
mass of larger lumps.
aggregate 1. Natural sand, gravel, and
crushed stone that is mixed with cement to
make mortar or concrete. 2. A structured col-
lection of data elements. [ISA-TR50.02, Part
9-2000]
aging 1. The alteration of the characteristics
of a device because of use. 2. Operating a
product before shipping it so as to stabilize
component functions or detect early failures.
3. Any time-dependent change in the proper-
ties of a material, but especially age harden-
ing at room or slightly elevated temperatu-
res. 4. Curing or stabilizing parts or materials
13
Aex / air bind
through long-term storage outdoors or
under closely controlled storage conditions.
agitator A device for mixing, stirring, or
shaking liquids or liquid-solid mixtures so as
to keep them in motion.
AGP Accelerated graphics port; provides the
capability for three-dimensional and full-
motion video graphics in workstations.
AGVS Automated Guided Vehicle System;
controls vehicles that proceed along prede-
termined routes or guide-paths, performing
scheduled material-handling tasks without
operators.
AHP Analytical Hierarchy Process; approach
to using multiple criteria in decisions that
aids in the meaningful organization of infor-
mation, provides the ability to easily change
weights and ratings for "what-if" analysis,
and verifies that the approach to evaluation
is logical and consistent.
AIA Application integration architecture;
method of Digital Equipment Corporation
for allowing programs to be portable
between VMS and ULTRIX.
AIFF Audio Interchange File Format; method
for saving digital audio in electronic mem-
ory, used for exchanging data between com-
puters. Developed by Apple and used in
Macintosh computers with a compression
standard called Macintosh Audio Compres-
sion/Expansion (MACE).
air 1. The mixture of oxygen, nitrogen and
other gases that, with varying amounts of
water vapor, forms the atmosphere of the
earth. [ISA-77.41-1992] 2. Air implies the use
of any suitable and normally clean, dry, safe
gas. [ISA-RP60.9-1981]
air, dry 1. Air with which no water vapor is
mixed. This term is used comparatively since
in nature air always has some water vapor,
which, being a gas, is dry. 2. A papermaking
term used to describe dry pulp that contains
about 10 percent moisture.
air, saturated Air that contains the maximum
amount of the vapor of water or other com-
pound that it can hold at its temperature and
pressure.
air-atomizing oil burner A burner for firing
oil in which the oil is atomized by com-
pressed air, which is forced into and through
one or more streams of oil. This action breaks
the oil into a fine spray.
air bearing A device that lubricates motion
with flowing air. A linear air bearing floats a
table on air as it travels a straight line.
air bind An air pocket in a pump, conduit, or
piping system that prevents liquid from
flowing past it. Also known as liquid trap.
air binding / air cushion
air binding The inclusion of air in a space,
hindering the flow of some other gas or liq-
uid.
air blast The flow of air at a high velocity,
usually for a short period.
airborne Carried in the atmosphere either by
being transported in an aircraft or by being
dispersed in the atmosphere.
air-bubbler liquid-level detector A device
for indirectly measuring the level of liquid in
a vessel—especially a corrosive liquid, vis-
cous liquid, or liquid containing suspended
solids. This detector consists of a standpipe,
open at the bottom and closed at the top, that
is connected to an air supply whose pressure
is maintained slightly above the maximum
head of the liquid in the vessel. Air bubbles
out of the bottom of the pipe, ensuring that
the internal pressure is equal to the head of
the liquid in the vessel (this pressure is mea-
sured by a simple gauge or transducer). Also
known as purge-type liquid-level detector.
air-bubbler specific-gravity meter Any of
several devices that measure specific gravity
by determining the differential pressure
between two air-purged bubbler columns.
The devices ordinarily use either of two prin-
ciples for determining specific gravity—com-
paring sample density with the density of a
known liquid, or comparing the pressure
between two bubbler columns immersed at
different depths in the process liquid.
air buoyancy The lifting effect or buoyancy
of the ambient air that acts during a weigh-
ing procedure involving open gravimetric
calibrations. This effect is caused by the dis-
14
placement of air from the measuring vessel
during the calibration run. The standard air
(50% R.H.) for correcting to weights in vac-
uum has a density of 1.217 kg/m 3 at 288.7 K
and 1.013 250E + 05 Pa. When weighings are
made against weights, the buoyancy force on
these weights must also be considered. For
brass weights, the net effect of air buoyancy
in air at standard conditions is about 0.015
percent. [ISA-RP31.1-1977]
air compressor A machine that raises the
pressure of air above atmospheric pressure
and normally delivers it to an accumulator or
distribution system.
air condenser 1. A heat exchanger for con-
verting steam into water in which the
heat-transfer fluid is air. Also known as
air-cooled condenser. 2. A device for removing
oil or water vapors from a compressed-air
line.
air-conditioned area See area, air conditioned.
air conditioning Controlling the atmospheric
environment in a confined space by measur-
ing and continually adjusting factors such as
temperature, humidity, air motion, and con-
centrations of dust, gases, odors, pollen, or
microorganisms.
air consumption The maximum rate at which
air is consumed by a device within its operat-
ing range during steady-state signal condi-
tions. Note: Air consumption is usually
expressed in cubic feet per minute (ft3/min)
or cubic meters per hour (m 3 /h) at a stan-
dard (or normal) specified temperature and
pressure. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
air-cooled engine An engine, such as an
internal combustion engine, whose waste
heat is removed directly by a flowing stream
of air—either a stream blown across the
engine's external surfaces or one blown
through internal cooling passages.
air-cooled heat exchanger A device for
removing heat from a process fluid by pass-
ing it through a bank of finned tubes that are
cooled by blowing or drawing a stream of air
across the tube exteriors. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-
1979 (R1993)]
air curtain A stream of high-velocity, condi-
tioned air that is directed downward across
an opening such as a door or window so as
to exclude insects and exterior drafts, pre-
vent heat transfer through the opening, and
make it possible to air condition the interior
space.
air cushion 1. A mechanical device that uses
trapped air to absorb shocks or arrest motion
without shock. 2. The partly confined stream
of low-pressure, low-velocity air that sup-

ports a vehicle k n o w n as an air-cushion vehi-
cle, ground-effect machine, or hovercraft.
This air allows the vehicle to travel equally
well over water, ice, marshland, or relatively
level ground.
air cylinder A cylindrical b o d y for storing
compressed air, for compressing air with a
piston, or for driving a piston with com-
pressed air.
air deficiency Insufficient air, in an air-fuel
mixture, to supply the oxygen that is theoret-
ically required to completely oxidize the fuel.
air ejector A device for removing air or non-
condensable gases from a confined space,
such as the shell of a steam condenser,
through the eduction created by a fluid jet.
air entrainment The artificial infusion of a
semisolid mass such as concrete or a dense
slurry with minute bubbles of air, especially
by mechanical agitation.
air filter A device for removing solid parti-
cles such as dust or pollen from a stream of
air, especially by causing the airstream to
pass through layered, porous material such
as cloth, paper, or screening.
airfoil-vane fan A device for creating a
stream of moving air by drawing it into a fan
casing near the h u b and propelling it centrif-
ugally with a rotor whose vanes are curved
backward from the direction of rotation.
air furnace Any furnace w h o s e combustion
air is supplied by natural draft or whose
internal atmosphere is predominantly heated
air.
air gap The space between two ferromagnetic
elements of a magnetic circuit.
air gauge 1. A device for measuring air pres-
sure. 2. A device for precisely measuring
physical dimensions by measuring the pres-
sure or flow of air from a nozzle against a
workpiece surface a n d then relating the mea-
surement to the distance between the nozzle
and the workpiece.
air hoist A lifting or hauling tackle whose
p o w e r is provided by air-driven pistons (for
reciprocating motion) or by air motors (for
rotary motion).
air infiltration The leakage of air into a set-
ting or duct.
air knife A device that uses a thin, flat jet of
air to remove excess coating material from
sheet stock such as paper.
air lance A device for directing a high-veloc-
ity stream of pressurized air into a process
vessel or against a surface such as a boiler
wall to remove u n w a n t e d deposits.
air lock 1. An intermediate chamber between
an environmentally controlled confined
15
air cylinder / air resistance
space and the outside atmosphere that
allows personnel and materials to enter by
sealing a door between the chamber and the
confined space. After the door is opened to
the outside to admit personnel or materials,
it is closed a n d sealed. The environmental
conditions in the chamber are changed to
match those in the confined space, then an
interior door is opened to permit entry into
the confined space. The process is reversed
w h e n exiting the confined space. 2. See air
bind.
air meter A device for measuring the flow of
air or other gas and expressing it as weight
or volume per unit time.
air moisture Water vapor suspended in air.
air monitor A w a r n i n g device that detects
airborne radioactivity or chemical contami-
nation and sounds an alarm when the radia-
tion, gas, or vapor level exceeds a preset
value.
air motor An engine that produces rotary
motion by using compressed air or other gas
as the working fluid.
air nozzle An air port that has direction a n d
appreciable length so as to direct an air
stream.
air permeability A method of measuring the
fineness of p o w d e r e d materials, such as port-
land cement, by determining the ease with
which air passes through a defined mass or
volume.
air port An opening through which air
passes.
air preheater A heat exchanger for transfer-
ring some of the waste heat in flue gases
from a boiler or furnace to incoming air, thus
increasing the efficiency of combustion.
air purge 1. A flow of air through a furnace,
boiler gas passages, and associated flues and
ducts that effectively removes any gaseous
combustibles and replaces them with air.
Purging may also be accomplished by an
inert m e d i u m . [ISA-77.41-1992] 2. The
removal of undesired matter by replacing it
with air.
air purging Removing airborne contami-
nants, gases, or odors from a confined space
by introducing fresh, clean air.
air regulator A device for controlling air-
flow—for example, a d a m p e r to control the
flow of air through a furnace or a register to
control the flow of heated air into a room.
air reheater A device in a forced-air heating
system that a d d s heat to air circulating in the
system.
air resistance The opposition offered to the
passage of air through any flow path.
air ride / alarm-only instrument
air ride An air-suspension system installed
on some moving-van trailers to provide
shock and vibration control for moving deli-
cate equipment. [ISA-RP60.11-1991]
air separator A device for separating materi-
als of different density, or particles of differ-
ent sizes, by means of a flowing current of
air.
air set A device that is used to control the
supply air pressure to the valve actuator and
its auxiliaries. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
airspeed The speed of an airborne object with
respect to the surrounding air mass. In calm
air, airspeed is equal to ground speed. True
airspeed is a calibrated airspeed that has
been corrected for pressure and temperature
effects caused by altitude and for compress-
ibility effects at high airspeeds.
air spring A device commonly used in place
of a mechanical spring in heavy vehicles to
support the vehicle's body on its running
gear. The energy-storage element is an
air-filled container with an internal elasto-
meric bellows or diaphragm.
air supply (AS) 1. The supply of air used in
pneumatic instrumentation as a power sup-
ply. 2. Plant air supply (PA). 3. Instrument air
(IA). 4. The energy supply for pneumatic
instrumentation.
air thermometer A device for measuring
temperature in a confined space by detecting
variations in the pressure or volume of air in
a bulb placed inside the space.
airtight Sealed to prevent the passage of air
or other gas; impervious to leakage of gases
across a boundary.
air vent A valve opening in the top of the
highest drum of a boiler or pressure vessel
for the purpose of venting air.
air vessel An enclosed chamber, partly filled
with pressurized air, that is connected to a
piping system to counteract water hammer
or promote the uniform flow of liquid. [ISA-
RP60.9-1981]
airy disk The central bright spot produced by
a theoretically perfect circular lens or mirror.
The spot is surrounded by a series of dark
and light rings, which are produced by dif-
fraction effects.
alarm 1. A device or function that signals the
existence of an abnormal condition by making
an audible or visible discrete change, or both,
so as to attract attention to that condition.
[ANSI/ISA-5.1-1979] 2. An abnormal process
condition. 3. The sequence state when an
abnormal process condition occurs. 4. A
device that calls attention to the existence of
an abnormal process condition. [ANSI/ISA-
16
18.1-1979 (R1992)] See annunciator. 5. An audi-
ble, visual, or physical presentation that is
designed to alert the instrument user that a
specific level of gas concentration has been
reached or exceeded. [ISA-92.02,03,04 and
06.01-1998] 6. An instrument, such as a bell,
light, printer, or buzzer, that indicates when
the value of a variable is out of limits. 7. A
piece of equipment that generates a visual or
audible signal that attracts attention. [ISA-
RP12.4-1996] 8. A warning signal presented
whenever a critical deviation state from nor-
mal conditions occurs in a process. Techni-
cally, alarm is a condition (not an event). An
event is when the alarm condition begins;
another event is when that condition ends. 9.
The detection of a block leaving a particular
state as well as its returns back to that state.
[ISA-TR50.02, Part 9- 2000]
alarm, maintained An alarm that returns to
normal after being acknowledged. [ANSI/
ISA-18.1-1979 (R1992)]
alarm, momentary An alarm that returns to
normal before being acknowledged. [ANSI/
ISA-18.1-1979 (R1992)] An indication that is
used to alert an operator about an abnormal
operating condition. [ANSI/ISA-77.13.01-
1999]
alarm extensions, electrically
operated Usually a highly sensitive induc-
tion-type device for signaling high or low
flows or deviations from any set flow. The
device consists of a sensing coil positioned
around the extension tube of the rotameter.
When the metering float moves into the field
of the coil it causes a low-level signal change
that is usually amplified to a level suitable
for performing annunciator or control func-
tions. [ISA-RP16.4-1960]
alarm extensions, magnetically actuated A
device attached to the meter body that con-
tains an electrical switch and is magnetically
actuated by the metering float extension so
as to signal a high or low flow. The switch is
adjustable with respect to the float position
over a range that is equal to the travel of the
metering float. Standard switch ratings are
usually 0.3 amperes for a 110-volt, 60-cycle
AC supply (five amperes or more if relays
are used). [ISA-RP16.4-1960]
alarm module (point or sequence module) A
plug-in assembly that contains the sequence
logic circuit. Some alarm modules also con-
tain visual display lamps or lamps and win-
dows. [ANSI/ISA-18.1-1979]
alarm-only instrument An instrument that
provides alarm(s) but does not have an inte-

gral display device to indicate gas concentra-
tion levels. [ISA-92.02, 03, 04 and 06.01-1998]
alarm point The sequence logic circuit, visual
display, auxiliary devices, and internal wir-
ing that are related to one visual display.
[ANSI/ISA-18.1-1979]
alarm point, active An alarm point that is
wired internally and completely equipped.
The window is labeled to identify a specific
monitored variable. [ANSI/ISA-18.1-1979]
alarm point, future (blank) An alarm point
that is wired internally and equipped except
for the plug-in alarm module. The window is
not labeled to identify a monitored variable.
[ANSI/ISA-18.1-1979]
alarm point, spare An alarm point that is
wired internally and completely equipped.
The window is not labeled to identify a mon-
itored variable. [ANSI/ISA-18.1-1979]
alarm set point 1. The selected input value at
which an indication, alarm, or other output
function is initiated. The value of the process
variable and the corresponding value of the
transmitted signal at which an alarm is initi-
ated. Example: An electronic pressure trans-
mitter is calibrated 0-200 psi. A high-
pressure alarm needs to be sounded if the
process reaches 175 psi. The transmitter out-
put is a 4-2 mA signal. The alarm set point
would be 175 psi with an increasing pres-
sure. To calibrate a switch activated by the
mA signal, the following formula is used:
The alarm set point would be 175 psi, which
is represented by an 18 mA increasing signal.
2. The selected gas concentration level(s) at
which an indication, alarm, or other output
function is initiated. [ANSI/ISA-12.13.01-
2000] or activated [ISA-92.06.01-1998]
alarm severity A selection of levels of prior-
ity for the alarming of each input, output, or
rate of change.
alarm system An integrated combination of
detecting instruments and visible or audible
warning devices that actuates when an envi-
ronmental condition or process variable
exceeds some predetermined value.
alarm valve A device that detects water flow
and sounds an alarm when an automatic
sprinkler system is activated.
ALARP As low as reasonably practical;
acceptable control system failure designation
based upon IEC 1508 specification.
17
alarm point / alignment
ALE Application link enabling; allows a mes-
sage exchange between different applica-
tions within or between computer systems.
alert Alarms and events. [ISA-TR50.02, Part
9-2000] See process condition; see also sequence
state.
alert box In data processing, a window that
appears on a computer screen to alert the
user of an error condition.
algebraic adder An electronic or mechanical
device that can automatically find the alge-
braic sum of two quantities.
algorithm 1. A finite set of well-defined rules
for solving a problem in a finite number of
steps. [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-2000] 2. Detailed
procedures for giving instructions to a com-
puter. 3. Contrast with heuristic and stochastic.
4. A recursive computational procedure. 5. A
step-by-step procedure for solving a problem
or accomplishing an end. 6. Sometimes used
to refer to a firmware or a software program.
algorithmic language A language designed
for expressing algorithms.
algorithmic-oriented language (ALGOL)
Computer language designed by a commit-
tee of the Association for Computing
Machinery and European computer industry
representatives. Useful for mathematical
problem-solving and the first block-oriented
computer language.
alias 1. When varying signals are sampled at
equally spaced intervals, two frequencies are
considered to be aliases of one another if
they cannot be distinguished from each other
by an analysis of their equally spaced values.
2. False signals in the frequency domain
caused by an excessive sampling interval for
digitizing.
aliasing 1. A peculiar problem in data sam-
pling, where data are not sampled enough
times per cycle, and the sampled data cannot
be reconstructed. 2. In digital bitmapped
graphics, a jagged boundary along the edges
of shapes and different-colored shapes
within an image.
aliasing error An inherent error in
time-shared telemetry systems where
improper filtering is employed prior to sam-
pling.
alidade 1. An instrument used in the
plane-table method of topographic survey-
ing and mapping. 2. Any sighting device for
making angular measurements.
alignment The condition of proper orienta-
tion of machine-drive components to mini-
mize vibratory forces unnecessary to power
transmission.
alkaline cleaner / alternate code complement
alkaline cleaner An alkali-based aqueous solu-
tion for removing soil from metal surfaces.
alkalinity The amount of carbonates, bicar-
bonates, hydroxides, and silicates or phos-
phates in the water. Reported as grains per
gallon, or ppm, as calcium carbonate.
Allen screw A screw or bolt that has a hexag-
onal socket in its head and is turned by
inserting a straight or bent hexagonal rod
into the socket.
alligatoring 1. Cracking in a film of paint or
varnish that is characterized by broad, deep
cracks extending through one or more coats.
Also known as "crocodiling." 2. The rough-
ening of the surface of very coarse-grained
sheet metal during forming. 3. The longitudi-
nal splitting of flat slabs in a plane parallel to
the rolled surface that occurs during hot roll-
ing. Also called "fishmouthing."
allobar A form of an element in which the
distribution of isotopes is different from the
distribution in the naturally occurring form.
Thus, an allobar has a different apparent
atomic weight than the naturally occurring
form of the element.
allocation A form of coordination control
that assigns a resource to a batch or unit.
Note: An allocation can be for the entire
resource or for portions of a resource.
[ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995]
allowable response time The limiting
response time established in the safety analy-
sis and documented in the plant's technical
specifications. [ISA-67.06-1984]
allowable value A limiting value that the trip
set point may have when it is periodically
tested, beyond which appropriate action
shall be taken. [ANSI/ISA-67.04.01-2000]
allowable working pressure See design pres-
sure.
allowance The specified difference in limit-
ing sizes—either minimum clearance or
maximum interference between mating
parts—that is computed mathematically
from the specified dimensions and tolerances
of both parts.
alloy A solid material that has metallic prop-
erties and is composed of two or more chem-
ical elements.
alloy steel An alloy of iron and carbon that
also contains one or more additional ele-
ments intentionally added to increase harde-
nability or to enhance other properties.
all-pass network A network that is designed
to introduce phase shift or delay into an elec-
tronic signal without appreciably reducing
amplitude at any frequency.
18
Alnico Any of a series of commercial
iron-base permanent magnet alloys that con-
tain varying amounts of aluminum, nickel,
and cobalt as the chief alloying elements. The
Alnicos are characterized by their ability to
produce a strong magnetic field for a rela-
tively small magnet mass and to retain their
magnetism, with relatively insignificant loss
in field strength when the magnetizing field
is removed.
alphabet The specific character set used by a
computer.
alphabetic word 1. A word consisting solely
of letters. 2. A word consisting of characters
from the same alphabet.
alpha counter 1. A system for detecting and
counting energetic alpha particles. It consists
of an alpha counter tube, amplifier, pulse-
height discriminator, scaler, and recording or
indicating mechanism. 2. An alpha counter
tube and necessary auxiliary circuits alone. 3.
A term sometimes loosely used to describe
just the alpha counter tube or chamber itself.
alpha emitter A radionuclide that disinte-
grates by emitting an alpha particle from its
nucleus.
alphanumeric 1. Pertaining to a character set
that contains both letters and numerals, and
usually by other characters. Synonymous
with "alphameric." [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)]
2. The sequencing or ordering of a list using
both initial letters and numbers.
alpha particle A positively charged, energetic
atomic particle consisting of two protons and
two neutrons that is identical in all measured
properties with the nucleus of a helium
atom. It may be produced by radioactive
decay of certain nuclides or by stripping a
helium atom of its electrons.
alpha-ray spectrometer An instrument used
to determine the energy distribution in a
beam of alpha particles.
alpha test Trying out a new product at a ven-
dor's own company before subjecting it to a
beta test. Software undergoes alpha testing
as a first step in gathering user feedback.
altazimuth A sighting instrument that has
both horizontal and vertical graduated cir-
cles so that both azimuth and declination can
be determined from a single reading. Also
known as astronomical theodolite and universal
instrument.
alteration switch A manual switch on the
computer console or a program-simulated
switch that can be set on or off to control
coded machine instructions.
alternate code complement In a frame syn-
chronization scheme, a frame synchroniza-
 alternate immersion test / ambient temperature
tion pattern is complemented on alternate
frames to give better synchronization.
alternate immersion test A type of acceler-
ated corrosion test in which a test specimen
is repeatedly immersed in a corrosive
medium, then withdrawn and allowed to
drain and dry.
alternating-current bridge A bridge circuit
that utilizes an AC signal source and AC null
detector. Generally, both in-phase (resistive)
and quadrature (reactive) balance conditions
must be established to balance the bridge.
Some bridges require only one balance (resis-
tive or reactive) and use a phase-sensitive
detector.
alternating current plasma display panel
(ACPDP) A type of liquid crystal display
(LCD) that relies upon the emission of pho-
tons from gas that has been ionized by elec-
tric charge. Electrodes that are covered by
insulation layers to protect them from work-
ing gas and therefore assuring longer life.
Compare with direct current plasma display
panel (DCPDP).
alternating-current thin-film electrolumines-
cent (ACTFEL) A type of liquid crystal dis-
play (LCD) flat-panel display device. See
electroluminescent displays.
altigraph A recording pressure altimeter.
altimeter An instrument for determining the
height of an object above a fixed level or ref-
erence plane sea level, for example; the aner-
oid altimeter and the radio altimeter are the
most common types.
altitude 1. The vertical distance above a
stated reference level. Unless otherwise spec-
ified, this reference is mean sea level. [ISA-
37.1-1975 (R1982)] 2. Height above a speci-
fied reference plane, such as average sea
level. Usually given as a distance measure-
ment in feet or meters regardless of the
method of measurement.
altitude signals Reflected radio signals
returned to an airborne electronic device
from the land or sea surface directly under-
neath the vehicle.
ALU Arithmetic logic unit, which is the por-
tion of the central processing unit (CPU) that
performs arithmetic and logic functions
(rather than memory organization and data
transfer functions).
alum A general name for a class of double
sulfates that contain aluminum and another
cation such as potassium, ammonium, or
iron.
Alumel Aluminum nickel alloy used in the
negative leg of a type K thermocouple. Trade
name of Hoskins Manufacturing Company.
19
alumina The oxide of aluminum—A1203.
aluminizing 1. Applying a thin film of alumi-
num to a material such as glass. 2. Forming a
protective coating on metal by depositing
aluminum on the surface or a reacting sur-
face material with an aluminum compound.
The aluminum is then diffused into the sur-
face layer at elevated temperature.
aluminum A soft, white metal that in pure
form exhibits excellent electrical conductiv-
ity and oxidation resistance. It is the base
metal for an extensive series of lightweight
structural alloys used in such diverse appli-
cations as aircraft frames and skin panels,
automotive body panels and trim, lawn fur-
niture, ladders, and domestic cookware.
ambient A surrounding or prevailing condi-
tion, especially one that is not affected by a
body or process contained in it.
ambient air 1. Air to which the sensing ele-
ment is normally exposed. [ISA-92.02, 03, 04
and 06.01-1998] 2. The air that surrounds the
equipment. The standard ambient air for per-
formance calculations is air at 80F, 60 per-
cent relative humidity, and a barometric
pressure of 29.921 in. Hg. This gives a spe-
cific humidity of 0.013 lb of water vapor per
lb of air.
ambient compensation The design of equip-
ment or a measuring instrument such that
changes in ambient conditions do not affect
the performance of that equipment or the
readings of that instrument.
ambient conditions 1. The conditions (pres-
sure, temperature, etc.,) of the medium that
surrounds the case of the transducer. [ISA-
37.1-1975 (R1982)] 2. The environment of an
enclosure (room, cabinet, etc.) surrounding a
given device or equipment.
ambient pressure See pressure, ambient.
ambient pressure effects The change in sen-
sitivity and the change in zero-measurand
output caused by subjecting the transducer
to a specified ambient pressure change. [ISA-
37.8-1982 (R1995)]
ambient pressure error The maximum
change in output at any measured value
within the specified range when the ambient
pressure is changed between specified val-
ues. [ISA-37.1-1075 (1982)]
ambient temperature 1. The temperature of
the atmosphere encompassing the entire area
of the instrument air system installation,
including the compressor, piping, dryer, and
the instruments themselves. 2. The tempera-
ture of the medium surrounding a device.
[ANSI/ISA-7.0.01-1996]
American standard pipe thread / amplitude linearity, shock
American standard pipe thread A series of
specified sizes for tapered, straight, and dry-
seal pipe threads established as a standard in
the United States. Also known as Briggs pipe
thread.
American standard screw thread A series of
specified sizes for threaded fasteners, such as
bolts, nuts, and machine screws, established
as a standard in the United States.
AM/FM Automated mapping/facility
management; electronic mapping, a branch
of the Geographic Information System (GIS).
See GIS.
Amici prism Also known as a "roof prism."
A right-angle prism in which the hypotenuse
has been replaced by a roof, where two flat
faces meet at a 90° angle. The prism performs
image erection while deflecting the light by
90°. This is the same as rotating the image by
180°? reversing it left to right and at the same
time inverting it top to bottom.
ammeter An instrument for determining the
magnitude of an electric current.
amorphous film A film of material deposited
on a substrate for corrosion protection, or
insulation, for its conductive properties, or
for a variety of other purposes. It is noncrys-
talline and can be deposited by evaporation
chemical deposition or by condensation. The
method employed is dictated by the mate-
rial's composition and ultimate use.
amp or ampere 1. A unit of measure used to
define the rate of flow of electricity (current)
in a circuit; the electric current produced by
one volt acting through a resistance of one
ohm. 2. The current that will deposit silver at
the rate of 0.001118 grams per second, with
the current flowing at 1 coulomb (6.25 x 108
electrons) per second.
ampere-hour A quantity of electricity equal
to the amount of electrical energy passing a
given point when a current of one ampere
flows for one hour.
ampere-hour meter An integrating meter
that measures the electric current flowing in
a circuit and indicates the integral of current
with respect to time.
ampere per meter The SI unit of magnetic
field strength; it equals the field strength
developed in the interior of an elongated,
uniformly wound coil excited with a linear
current density in the winding of one ampere
per meter of axial distance.
ampersand (&) In the typographical composi-
tion of screen displays and printing, the sym-
bol for the Latin word et, meaning "and."
amplification 1. Increasing the amplitude of
a signal by using a signal input to control the
20
amplitude of a second signal supplied from
another source. 2. The ratio of the output-sig-
nal amplitude from an amplifier circuit to the
input-signal amplitude from the control net-
work, both expressed in the same units.
amplification factor Theµfactor for the plate
and control electrodes of an electron tube
when the plate current is held constant.
amplification factor at resonant
frequency The ratio of the maximum sensi-
tivity of a transducer (at its resonant fre-
quency) to its reference sensitivity. The
amplification factor at resonant frequency is
sometimes referred to as Q. [ISA-RP37.2-1982
(R1995)]
amplifier 1. In process instrumentation, a
device that enables an input signal to control
power from a source independent of the sig-
nal. This makes the device capable of deliver-
ing an output that bears some relationship
to, and is generally greater than, the input
signal. [ANSI/ISA51.1-1979 (R1993)] 2. Any
device that can increase the magnitude of a
physical quantity, such as mechanical force
or electric current, without significantly dis-
torting the wave shape of any variation with
time associated with the quantity. 3. A com-
ponent used in electronic equipment to raise
the level of an input signal so that the corre-
sponding output signal has sufficient power
to drive an output device such as a recorder
or loudspeaker.
amplifier (laser) A laser amplifier is a device
that amplifies the light produced by an exter-
nal laser but lacks the mirrors needed to sus-
tain oscillation and independently produce a
laser beam.
amplifying Having an integral output ampli-
fier. [ISA-S37.1-1975 (R1982)]
amplitude 1. A measure of the departure of a
phenomenon from any given reference.
2. The maximum departure measured from
the mean position of a wave form. 3. The dif-
ference between the average value of a sinu-
soidal variation and the maximum (or
minimum) value. 4. The maximum depar-
ture of motion measured from the mean
position to an extreme. The units of ampli-
tude are peak, peak-to-peak, and root mean
square.
amplitude distortion A condition in an
amplifier or other device when the ampli-
tude of the output signal is not an exact lin-
ear function of the input (control) signal.
amplitude-frequency response See frequency
response.
amplitude linearity, shock The closeness of
sensitivity to reference sensitivity over a

amplitude linearity, vibration / analog electronic controller
stated range of acceleration amplitudes,
under shock conditions, usually specified as
"within ± percent for acceleration rise
times longer than microseconds." [ISA-
RP37.2-1982 (R1995)]
amplitude linearity, vibration Closeness of
sensitivity to reference sensitivity over a
stated range of acceleration amplitudes, at a
stated fixed frequency. This linearity is usu-
ally specified as within "+ [number] percent."
[ISA-RP37.2-1982 (1995)]
amplitude modulation (AM) The process (or
the results of the process) of varying the
amplitude of the carrier at the same time as
and in proportion to the variation in the
modulating signal.
amplitude noise Random fluctuations in the
output of a light source or signal from other
generating or detecting means.
amplitude ratio A factor that expresses the
ratio of the output amplitude to the input
amplitude when the input is sinusoidal.
amplitude response A measure of the time it
takes for a defined change of amplitude to
occur.
AM rejection The removal of unwanted
amplitude modulation of a signal. Usually
performed by using signal clipping or limit-
ing circuitry.
A/M station (automatic/manual station) In
control systems, a device that enables the
21
Next Page
process operator to manually position one or
more valves. A single-loop station enables
the operator to manually position a single
valve, a shared station makes possible con-
trol of multiple valves, and a cascade station
provides control of paired loops.
analog 1. Having the form of continuously
variable physical quantities, as in data. Con-
trast with digital. 2. The representation of
numerical quantities by means of physical
variables, such as translation, rotation, volt-
age, or resistance. 3. A waveform is analog if
it is continuous and varies over an arbitrary
range. Contrast with digital.
analog backup Conventional analog instru-
mentation that is provided to control a pro-
cess if the computer system fails.
analog channel A channel on which the
information transmitted over it can take any
value between the limits defined by that
channel. Voice channels are analog channels.
analog computer 1. A computer in which
data are mainly represented in analog form.
2. A computer that operates on analog data
by performing physical processes on them.
Contrast with digital computer.
analog control The implementation of auto-
matic control loops with analog (pneumatic
or electronic) equipment. Contrast with direct
digital control.
analog control system Classically, a system
that consists of electronic or pneumatic sin-
gle-loop analog controllers, in which each
loop is controlled by a single, manually
adjusted device.
analog data Data represented in a continuous
form, as contrasted with digital data, which
is represented in a discrete, discontinuous
form. Analog data are usually represented by
means of physical variables, such as voltage,
resistance, rotation, and so on.
analog DC current signal A signal used for
transmission that varies in a continuous
manner according to one or several physical
quantities. [ANSI/ISA-50.1-1982 (R1992)]
analog device A mechanism that represents
numbers by physical quantities, for example,
by lengths, as in a slide rule, or by voltage or
currents, as in a differential analyzer or a
computer of the analog type.
analog electronic controller Any of several
adaptations of analog computers to perform
control functions. They may produce an out-
put signal that is directly related to the differ-
ence between a measured value and a
predetermined set point or an output signal
that is modified by rate-of-change or other
feedback signals.
Previous Page
analog hardware description language / Anderson bridge
analog hardware description language
(AHDL) A modeling language that is capa-
ble of representing both the structural and
behavioral properties of analog circuits.
Structural refers to the connectivity or net-list
properties of a circuit; behavioral refers to the
mathematical equations for individual com-
ponents.
analog input 1. A continuously variable
input. 2. A termination panel used to connect
field wiring from the input device. See input,
analog.
analog input module An I/O module that
converts a process voltage or current signal
into a multiple-bit form for use in the PC.
The signal is the analog of some process vari-
able.
analog input point An alarm point for use
with an analog-monitored variable signal,
usually current or voltage. The logic circuit
initiates an alarm when the analog signal is
above or below a set point. [ANSI/ISA-18.1-
1979 (R1992)]
analog output 1. Transducer output that is a
continuous function of the measurand,
except as modified by the resolution of the
transducer. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)] 2. A con-
tinuously variable output (generally 4-20 ma
or 3-15 psi). See also output, analog.
analog output module An I/O module that
converts a multiple-bit number calculated in
the PC into a voltage or current output signal
for use in control.
analog sampling The process by which the
computer selects individual analog input sig-
nals from the process, converts them into an
equivalent binary form, and stores the data
in memory.
analog signal An analog signal is a continu-
ously variable representation of a physical
quantity, property, or condition such as pres-
sure, flow, temperature, and so on. The sig-
nal may be transmitted as pneumatic, mech-
anical, or electrical energy. See signal, ana-
log.
analog simulation The solution of a set of
simultaneous equations that are similar in
form to the set of equations that describe the
dynamic behavior of the subject system.
analog-to-digital (A/D) 1. A device, or sub-
system, such as a microprocessor that
changes real-world analog data (as from
transducers) in to a form that is compatible
with binary (digital) processing. 2. The con-
version of analog data into digital data. See
analog-to-digital converter.
analog-to-digital converter (ADC) Any unit
or device that is used to convert analog infor-
22
mation into approximate corresponding digi-
tal information. See converter, analog to digital.
analysis The quantitative and/or qualitative
determination of the constituent parts of
some entity, object, or problem.
analysis, ultimate The chemical analysis of
solid, liquid, or gaseous fuels. In the case of
coal or coke, the determination of the constit-
uent carbon, hydrogen, sulfur, nitrogen, oxy-
gen, and ash.
analysis of variance A method for partition-
ing the total variance in experimental data
into components that can be assigned to spe-
cific sources.
analytical balance Any weighing device that
has a sensitivity of at least 0.1 mg.
analytical curve A graphical representation
of some function of relative intensity in spec-
troscopic analysis plotted against some func-
tion of concentration.
analytical gap The separation between the
source electrodes in a spectrograph.
analytical limit The limit of a measured or
calculated variable established by the safety
analysis to ensure that a safety limit is not
exceeded. [ANSI/ISA-67.04.01-2000]
analytical line The spectral line of an element
that is used to determine its concentration in
spectroscopic analysis.
analytical scale In spectroscopic analysis, the
scale that results when an analytical curve is
projected onto the intensity axis. It is often
used in lieu of an analytical curve to permit
direct reading of spectral intensity as element
concentration.
analyzer 1. Unattended instrumentation that
continuously monitors a process stream.
2. Any of several types of test instruments,
ordinarily one that can measure several dif-
ferent variables either simultaneously or
sequentially. 3. In an absorption refrigeration
system, the component that allows the mix-
ture of water and ammonia vapors leaving
the generator to come into contact with the
relatively cool ammonia solution entering
the generator. In this component, the mixture
loses some of its vapor content.
AND 1. Logic output D exists if and only if
all logic inputs A, B, and C exist. [ANSI/ISA-
5.2-1976 (R1992)] 2. A logic operator that has
the property that if P is an expression, Q is an
expression, R is an expression ..., then the
AND of P, Q, R ... is true if all expressions are
true, false if any expression is false.
Anderson bridge A type of AC bridge that is
especially suited to measuring the character-
istics of extremely low Q coils.
 ANDF / angular momentum flowmeter

ANDF Architecture-Neutral Distributed For-
mat; an O S F / 1 term.
A N D gate A basic electronic circuit used in
microprocessor systems. A logical 1 value on
output is produced only if all of the inputs
have logical 1 values.
anechoic chamber 1. A test room in which all
the surfaces are lined with a sound-absorb-
ing material. Also known as a dead room. 2. A
room that is lined with a material that
absorbs radio waves of a particular fre-
quency or band of frequencies. It is used
chiefly for tests at microwave frequencies,
such as a radar-beam cross section.
anemobiagraph A recording pressure-tube
anemometer, such as a Dines anemometer, in
which springs are used to make the output
from the float manometer linear with wind
speed.
anemoclinometer An instrument for deter-
mining the inclination of the wind to a hori-
zontal plane.
anemometer A device for measuring wind
speed. If it produces a recorded output, it is
known as an "anemograph."
anemoscope A device for indicating wind
direction.
aneroid Not containing or using liquid, as of
a device or system.
angle beam In ultrasonic testing, a longitudi-
nal wave from an ultrasonic search unit that
enters the test surface at an acute angle.
angle modulation A type of modulation in
which carrier-wave angle is varied in accor-
dance with some characteristic of a modulat-
ing wave. Angle modulation can take the
form of either phase modulation or fre-
quency modulation.
angle of elevation The angle between a hori-
zontal plane and the observer's line of sight
to an object that lies above the plane of the
observer.
angle of extinction The phase angle of the
stopping instant of anode current flow in a
gas tube with respect to the starting instant
of the corresponding half cycle of anode volt-
age.
angle of ignition The phase angle of the
starting instant of anode current flow in a gas
tube with respect to the starting instant of
anode current flow in a gas tube with respect
to the starting instant of the corresponding
positive half cycle of anode voltage.
angle of incidence The angle between the
direction of propagation of a ray of incident
radiation and a normal to the surface it
strikes. For a reflected wave, the angle of
reflection and the angle of incidence are
equal.
angle of repose A characteristic of bulk sol-
ids that is equal to the m a x i m u m angle with
the horizontal at which an object on an
inclined plane will retain its position without
tending to slide. The tangent of the angle of
repose equals the coefficient of static friction.
angle valve A valve design in which one port
is collinear with the valve stem or actuator,
and the other port is at a right angle to the
valve stem. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
angstrom (A) A unit of length defined as
1/6438.4696 of the wavelength of the red line
in the Cd spectrum. It equals almost exactly
10 -10 meters. Angstrom was once used almost
exclusively to express the wavelengths of
light and x-rays, b u t it has now been largely
replaced by the SI unit nanometer, or 10-9
meters.
angular accelerometer A device for measur-
ing the rate of change of the angular velocity
between two objects.
angular frequency A frequency expressed in
radians per second. It equals two times the
frequency in Hz.
angular misalignment In fiber-optic cables, the
loss of optical power that is caused by a devi-
ation from the o p t i m u m alignment of the
fiber to the fiber at the coupling.
angular momentum The product of a body's
m o m e n t of inertia and its angular velocity.
angular momentum flowmeter A device for
determining mass flow rate. An impeller
turning at constant speed imparts angular
m o m e n t u m to a stream of fluid passing

23
angular velocity / antialias filter
through the meter. A restrained turbine
located just downstream of the impeller
removes the angular momentum, and the
reaction torque is taken as the meter output.
Under proper calibration conditions, the
reaction torque is directly proportional to
mass flow rate. Also called an "axial flowme-
ter."
angular velocity The rate of motion along a
circular path, measured in terms of angle tra-
versed per unit time.
animation The process of making an object
move across a video screen by rapidly dis-
playing a series of static pictures of it (icons),
each in a slightly different position.
anisotropic Exhibiting different values of a
property when characteristics of that prop-
erty are measured along different directions
or axes.
anisotropy Exhibiting different properties or
other characteristics—strength or coefficient
of thermal expansion, for instance—in differ-
ent directions with respect to a given refer-
ence, such as a specific lattice direction in a
crystalline substance.
annotate To add explanatory text to com-
puter programming or any other instruc-
tions.
annotation A comment, note, or descriptive
remark added to a printout, screen view, or
even in memory itself.
annular nozzle A nozzle whose inlet opening
is ring shaped rather than an open circle.
annulus 1. Any ring-shaped cavity or open-
ing. 2. A plate that protects or covers a
machine.
annunciator 1. A device or group of devices
that call attention to changes in process con-
ditions. An annunciator usually calls atten-
tion to abnormal process conditions, but may
be used also to show normal process status.
Usually included in this category are
sequence logic circuits, labeled visual dis-
plays, audible devices, and manually oper-
ated push buttons. [ANSI/ISA-18.1-1979
(R1992)] 2. An electromagnetic, electronic, or
pneumatic signaling device that either dis-
plays or removes a signal light, metal flag, or
similar indicator or sounds an alarm, or both,
when it detects the occurrence of a specific
event. In most cases, the display or alarm is
single-acting and after being tripped must be
reset before it can indicate another occur-
rence of the event.
anode 1. The metal plate or surface that acts
as an electron donor in an electrochemical
circuit. Metal ions go into solution in an elec-
trolyte at the anode during electroplating or
24
electrochemical corrosion. 2. The negative
electrode in a storage battery, or the positive
electrode in an electrochemical cell. 3. The
positive electrode in an X-ray tube or vac-
uum tube, where electrons leave the inter-
electrode space.
anode circuit A circuit that includes the
anode-cathode path of an electron tube con-
nected in series with other circuit elements.
anode supply voltage The voltage across the
terminals of an electric power source con-
nected in series in the anode circuit.
anodic coating An oxide film that is pro-
duced on a metal by treating it in an electro-
lytic cell with the metal as the cell anode.
anodic protection Reducing the corrosion
rate of a metal that exhibits active-passive
behavior by imposing an external electrical
potential on a part.
anodize To form a protective passive film
(conversion coating) on a metal part, such as
a film of A12O3 on aluminum. This is done by
making the part an anode in an electrolytic
cell and by passing a controlled electric cur-
rent through the cell.
anodizing A method of producing film on a
metal surface that is particularly well suited
for aluminum.
anomalous dispersion Inversion of the
derivative of the refractive index with
respect to wavelength in the vicinity of an
absorption band.
ANSI American National Standards Insti-
tute; nonprofit, independent organization
supported by trade organizations, industry,
and professional societies for standards
development and coordination in the United
States. They represent the United States to
the ISO; they defined ASCII.
ANSI screen control An ANSI standard that
specifies a specific set of character sequences
that instruct the computer to perform certain
actions on the computer screen.
ANSI X3J3 Name given to the ANSI PL/I
Language Standardization Committee.
antenna A device for sending or receiving
radio waves. The term does not refer to the
means for connecting the device to a trans-
mitter or receiver. See also dipole antenna and
horn antenna.
antenna array A single mounting that con-
tains two or more individual antennas cou-
pled together to give specific directional
characteristics.
antialias filter A low-pass filter that is
designed to block frequencies greater than
one-half the measuring rate.

antialiasing In digital graphics, a technique
for reducing the jagged appearance of
aliased bitmapped images, usually by insert-
ing pixels that blend boundaries, especially
color boundaries.
anti-cavitation trim A trim style for control
valves that by its geometry reduces or elimi-
nates the tendency of the controlled liquid to
cavitate. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000] It is a
combination of plug and seat ring or plug
and cage that by its geometry permits opera-
tion without cavitation or reduces the ten-
dency to cavitate. This minimizes damage to
the valve parts and to the downstream pip-
ing. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
anticipatory action See rate action.
anticipatory control Changing a control sig-
nal to one of the inputs to a process in
response to a change in another input of the
same process. Such control does not have
self-correcting action as does closed loop
(feedback) control. Anticipatory control is
also called feedforward control or open-loop con-
trol.
anticoincidence circuit A circuit with two
inputs and one output that produces an out-
put pulse only if either input terminal
receives a pulse within a specified time inter-
val. It does not produce a pulse if both input
terminals receive a pulse within that interval.
anticorrosive Containing, as of paint or
grease, a chemical that counteracts corrosion
or produces a corrosion-resistant film by
reacting with the underlying surface.
antifriction Used to describe a device, such
as a bearing or other mechanism, that
employs rolling contact with another part
rather than sliding contact.
antihunt circuit A circuit designed to prevent
oscillation in a feedback process control loop,
thereby stabilizing it.
antimagnetic Made of nonmagnetic materi-
als or employing magnetic shielding that
blocks the influence of magnetic fields dur-
ing operation, as of a device.
antinodes The points, lines, or surfaces in a
medium that contains a standing wave
where some characteristic of the wave field is
at maximum amplitude. Also known as
loops.
anti-noise trim A trim style for control valves
that by its geometry reduces the noise gener-
ated by fluid flowing through the valve.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
antireflective coating A coating designed to
suppress reflections from an optical surface.
anti-reset windup A device, circuit, or soft-
ware that prevents the saturation of the inte-
25
antialiasing / aperiodic
gral mode of a controller, which occurs when
control cannot be achieved. It helps to pre-
vent the controlled variable from overshoot-
ing its set point when the obstacle to control
is removed.
antiresonance A condition that exists
between an externally excited system and the
external sinusoidal excitation, such that any
small increase or decrease in the frequency of
the excitation signal causes the peak-to-peak
amplitude of a specified response to increase.
antiresonant Having very high (approach-
ing infinity) impedance, as of an electric,
acoustic, or other dynamic system.
antiresonant frequency A frequency at
which antiresonance exists between a system
and its external sinusoidal excitation.
antiskid Used to describe a material, surface,
or coating that has been roughened or that
contains abrasive particles in order to
increase the coefficient of friction and pre-
vent sliding or slipping. Also known as
"antislip."
antisurge control Control that avoids the
unstable operating mode of compressors
known as "surge." See surge.
anvil 1. The part of a machine that absorbs
the energy of a sharp blow. 2. A heavy block
made of wrought iron, cast iron, or steel and
used to support metal being forged in a
smith. 3. The base of a forging press or drop
hammer that supports the die bed and lower
die. 4. The stationary contact of a micrometer
caliper or similar gauging device.
AOE Application operating environment;
design for UNIX by AT&T.
AOX Adsorbable organic halides, a consider-
ation in EPA (United States) regulations.
AP Application process. [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-
2000] Also application platform; part of soft-
ware systems management services that pro-
vide the environment for management
application development, debugging, and
execution.
APC Advanced process control; process con-
trol strategies beyond straightforward PID
loop control, which are usually defined as
"classical" advanced control; APC involves a
combination of PID loops, dead time com-
pensators, lead/lag feedforward function
blocks, and single-variable constraint
controllers.
APD Avalanche photodiode; diode that
exhibits internal amplification of photocur-
rent through avalanche multiplication of car-
riers in the junction region. See avalanche.
aperiodic Varying in a way that is not period-
ically repeated.
aperiodically damped / application layer
aperiodically damped Reaching a constant
value or steady state of change without intro-
ducing oscillation.
aperture A hole in a surface through which
light is transmitted. Apertures are sometimes
called spatial filters, a more descriptive term
when the aperture is placed in the Fourier
(focal) plane.
aperture time The time required in a sam-
ple-and-hold circuit for the switch to open
after the "hold" command has been given.
API Application programming interface; a
set of formalized software calls and routines
that can be referenced by some application
program so as to access underlying network
services. Programs that use API-compliant
calls can communicate with any others that
use that same API; the interface between
applications software and the application
platform. Also known as American Petro-
leum Institute.
APL "A Programming Language;" a com-
puter language developed by Kenneth Iver-
son and used mainly in scientific
applications; known for its scope compact-
ness, and facility with arrays, it has a highly
specialized character set that can be mapped
to keyboard.
APL "A Programming Language;" A power-
ful systems programming language devel-
oped by the International Business Machines
Corporation.
APM Advanced Power Management; a stan-
dard for saving power by automatically turn-
ing off computer hardware when it is not in
use.
APP Application Portability Profile; devel-
oped by NIST, includes X Windows, POSIX,
SQL, Information Resource Dictionary Sys-
tem (see IRDS) for database systems, Open
Systems Interconnections (see OSI), NFS (see
NFS), COBOL, C, and Ada.
apparatus and systems of category "ia"
Electrical apparatus and systems that contain
intrinsically safe circuits that are incapable of
causing ignition. This category has the fol-
lowing safety factor: the circuits remain safe
when up to two countable faults are applied
and, in addition, those non-countable faults
give the most onerous condition. [ISA-
12.02.01-1999 (IEC 60079-11 Mod)]
apparatus and systems of category "ib"
Electrical apparatus and systems that contain
intrinsically safe circuits that are incapable of
causing ignition. This category has the fol-
lowing safety factor: the circuits remain safe
when up to one countable fault is applied
and, in addition, those non-countable faults
26
give the most onerous condition. [ISA-
12.02.01-1999 (IEC 60079-11 Mod)]
apparent density The density of loose or
compacted particulate matter as determined
by dividing actual weight by volume occu-
pied. The apparent density of the matter is
always less than the true density of the mate-
rial that comprises the particulate matter
because the volume occupied includes the
space devoted to pores or cavities between
particles.
apparent flow The uncorrected volume flow
as indicated by the calibrator. [ISA-RP31.1-
1977]
apparent viscosity The resistance to continu-
ous deformation (viscosity) in a non-Newto-
nian fluid that is subjected to shear stress.
APPC Advanced peer-to-peer communica-
tions; network architecture definition by IBM
that is specified as featuring high-level pro-
gram interaction capabilities on a peer-to-
peer basis.
appearance potential The minimum elec-
tron-beam energy required to produce ions
of a particular type in the ion source of a
mass spectrometer.
applet A small application program fre-
quently received by Internet users as part of
a web page they are viewing.
applicable uncertainty (AU) That portion of
the channel uncertainty that is applicable to a
calculation of the minimum separation
between set points. [ANSI/ISA-TR67.04.08-
1996]
application 1. The system or problem to
which a computer is applied. Computation,
data processing, and control are often
described as the three categories of applica-
tion. 2. A program that provides functional-
ity to end users. 3. A software functional unit
that consists of an interconnected aggrega-
tion of function blocks, events, and objects,
which may be distributed, may have inter-
faces with other applications, and may con-
tain other applications. [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-
2000]
application enabler A software product that
allows a software application to be devel-
oped rapidly by using productivity tools and
standard components and by reusing previ-
ously developed software.
application layer A logical entity of the OSI
digital communication model. It is the top-
most of seven layers and the one that inter-
faces with the network user. The application
layer performs network services like file
transfer and e-mail.
 application-oriented language / area
application-oriented language A problem-
oriented programming technique that
employs statements that resemble the termi-
nology of the user rather than of the pro-
grammer.
application program A program that per-
forms a task specific to a particular
end-user's needs. Generally, an application
program is any program written on a pro-
gram development operating system that is
not part of a basic operating system.
application program interface (API) A set of
formalized software calls and routines that
can be referenced by an application program
to access underlying network services. Pro-
grams that use API-compliant calls can com-
municate with any others that use that same
API. APIs are the interface between applica-
tions software and the application platform.
application software Software that is specific
to the user application in that it is the Safety
Instrumented System functional description
programmed into the PES (programmable
electronic system) to meet the overall Safety
Requirement Specifications. In general,
application software contains logic sequen-
ces, permissives, limits, expressions, and so
on, that control the appropriate input, out-
put, calculations, and decisions necessary to
meet the safety functional requirements.
[ANSI/ISA-84.01-1996] 2. Programs that are
unique to a specific process control system
installation or other specific installations
rather than of a general purpose and a broad
applicability.
application-specific software A computer
program that is adapted or tailored to spe-
cific user requirements for the purpose of
collecting, manipulating, or archiving data or
for process control.
applied load 1. The weight carried or force
sustained by a structural member in service.
In most cases, the load includes the weight of
the member itself. 2. Material carried by the
load-receiving member of a weighing scale,
not including any load necessary to bring the
scale into initial balance.
applied shock Any rapidly applied load or
other form of excitation that produces shock
motion within a system.
approach idler The last idler passed before the
material on a belt reaches the weighbridge.
[ISA-RP74.01-1984]
approved Acceptable to the authority that
has jurisdiction. The term is considered syn-
onymous with listed and certified. [ANSI/
ISA-RP12.6-1995]
27
apron The part of the control center that
encloses the area below the console mount-
ing panel.
APT Automatically programmed tools; com-
puter-aided part programming system for
numerically controlled machine tools devel-
oped for multiaxis milling machines and for
point-to-point and turning work.
aramid A liquid crystal polymer with excep-
tional tensile strength and a coefficient of
expansion near that of glass. Widely used in
fiber-optic cables.
arbitration A form of coordination control that
determines how a resource should be allo-
cated when there are more requests for the
resource than can be accommodated at one
time. [ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995]
arc 1. A segment of the circumference of a cir-
cle. 2. The graduated scale on an instrument
for measuring angles. 3. A discharge of elec-
tricity across a gap between electrical con-
ductors.
arc lamp A high-intensity lamp in which a
direct-current electric discharge produces
light that is continuous, as opposed to a
flashlamp, which produces pulsed light.
arc line A spectral line in spectroscopy.
architecture 1. The structure, functional, and
performance characteristics of a system,
specified in a way that is independent of the
system's implementation. 2. The arrange-
ment and interconnection of the hardware
components or modules that comprise the
Safety Instrumented System. [ANSI/ISA-
84.01-1996]
archival (archive) Long-term storage of data,
usually onto some auxiliary storage medium,
such as a separate disk or tape.
archival file In data processing, a store of sel-
dom used data that must be retained for sev-
eral years.
arcing device An electrical make/break com-
ponent that is generally interpreted as being
capable of producing an arc with enough
energy to ignite a specific ignitable mixture.
[ISA-12.01.01-1999]
ARCnet "Attached Resource Computer net-
work." A token-passing network developed
by Datapoint in 1977 that uses an active hub
star at 2.5 Mbs, specifies only the bottom few
layers of the ISO model, and combines a
token-passing scheme with star, bus, or tree
topologies rather than ring topology (such as
token ring).
area 1. A component of a batch manufactur-
ing site that is identified by physical, geo-
graphical, or logical segmentation within the
site. Note: An area may contain process cells,
area, air-conditioned / argentometer
units, equipment modules, and control mod-
ules. [ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995] 2. A physical,
geographical, or logical grouping deter-
mined by the site. An area may contain pro-
cess cells, production units, and production
lines. [ISA-95.00.01-2000]
area, air-conditioned A location that has a
temperature at a nominal value that is main-
tained constant within a narrow tolerance at
some point in a specified band of typical
comfortable room temperatures. Humidity is
maintained within a narrow specified band.
Note: Air-conditioned areas also feature
clean air circulation and are typically used
for instrumentation, such as computers or
other equipment, that requires a closely con-
trolled environment. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979]
area, control room A location with heating
and/or cooling facilities and whose condi-
tions are maintained within specified limits.
Such rooms may or may not provide features
for automatically maintaining constant tem-
perature and humidity. Note: Control room
areas are commonly provided for the opera-
tion of those parts of a control system that
require ongoing operator surveillance.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979]
area, environmental A basic qualified loca-
tion in a plant that has specified environmen-
tal conditions dependent on severity. Note:
Environmental areas include air-conditioned
areas; control room areas, heated and/or
cooled; sheltered areas (process facilities);
and outdoor areas (remote field sites).
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979]
area, outdoor A location in which equipment
is exposed to outdoor ambient conditions,
including temperature, humidity, direct sun-
shine, wind, and precipitation. [ANSI/ISA-
51.1-1979]
area, sheltered An industrial process loca-
tion, area, storage, or transportation facility
that provides protection against direct expo-
sure to the elements, such as direct sunlight,
rain or other precipitation, or full wind pres-
sure. The minimum and maximum tempera-
tures and humidity in such areas may be the
same as outdoors. Condensation can occur,
and ventilation, if any, is provided by natural
means. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979]
area classification The classification of haz-
ardous (classified) locations by Class I, II ,or
III depending upon the presence of flamma-
ble gases or vapors, flammable liquids, com-
bustible dust, or ignitable fibers or flyings.
The classification can also be by Division 1 or
2 depending upon whether these materials
28
exist in an ignitable concentration under nor-
mal or abnormal conditions.
area classification (class) 1. Class I locations
are those in which flammable gases or
vapors are or may be present in the air in
quantities sufficient to produce explosive or
ignitable mixtures. 2. Class II locations are
those that are hazardous because of the pres-
ence of combustible dust. 3. Class III loca-
tions are those that are hazardous because of
the presence of easily ignitable fibers or fly-
ings, but where such fibers or flyings are not
likely to be suspended in the air in quantities
sufficient to produce ignitable mixtures.
area classification (division) 1. Division 1
(hazardous) locations are those where con-
centrations of flammable gases or vapors
exist (a) continuously or periodically during
normal operations, (b) frequently during
repair or maintenance or because of leakage,
or (c) due to equipment breakdown or faulty
operation, which could cause the simulta-
neous failure of electrical equipment. 2. Divi-
sion 2 (normally nonhazardous) locations are
those in which the atmosphere is normally
nonhazardous and may become hazardous
only if the ventilating system fails, pipe lines
are opened, or other unusual situations
occur.
area classification (group) Identified groups
of chemicals and compounds whose air mix-
tures have similar ignition and explosive
characteristics for the purpose of testing,
approval, and area classification. Group A:
atmospheres containing acetylene. Group B:
atmospheres containing butadiene, ethylene
oxide, propylene oxide, acrolein, or hydro-
gen (or gases or vapors equivalent in hazard
to hydrogen). Group C: atmospheres such as
cyclopropene, ethyl ether, ethylene, or gases
or vapors of equivalent hazard. Group D:
atmospheres such as acetone, alcohol,
ammonia, benzene, benzol, butane, gasoline,
hexane, lacquer solvent vapors, naphtha,
natural gas, propane, or gases or vapors of
equivalent hazard. Group E: atmospheres
that contain metal dusts. Group G: atmo-
spheres that contain combustible dusts that
have a resistivity of <105 ohm-cm2.
area meter A device for measuring the flow
of fluid through a passage of fixed cross-sec-
tional area, usually by using a weighted pis-
ton or float that is supported by the flowing
fluid.
argentometer 1. A hydrometer is used to find
the concentration of a silver salt in water
solution.
 argument / artificial intelligence (AI)
argument 1. In a mathematical function, the
variable that, when a certain value is substi-
tuted for it, determines the value of the func-
tion. If y =f(x), then x, the independent
variable, is the argument of the function. 2.
An operand in an operation on one or more
variables. See also parameter.
arithmetic ability The capability of perform-
ing (at least) addition and subtraction on the
personal computer.
arithmetic check See mathematical check.
arithmetic element The portion of a mechan-
ical calculator or electronic computer that
performs arithmetic operations.
arithmetic expression An expression that
contains any combination of data names,
numeric literals, and named constants that is
joined by one or more arithmetic operators in
such a way that the expression as a whole
can be reduced to a single numeric value.
arithmetic logic unit (ALU) A component of
the central processing unit of a computer in
which data items are compared, arithmetic
operations performed, and logical operations
executed.
arithmetic operation A computer operation
in which the ordinary elementary arithmetic
operations are performed on numerical
quantities. Contrast with logical operation.
arithmetic operator Any of the operators +
and - or the infix operators +, -, *, /, and **.
arithmetic unit The unit of a computing sys-
tem that contains the circuits that perform
arithmetic operations.
arm To make it possible for a hardware inter-
rupt to be recognized and remembered. Con-
trast with disarm. See enable.
armature 1. The core and windings of the
rotor in an electric motor or generator. 2. The
portion of the moving element of an instru-
ment that is acted upon by magnetic flux to
produce torque.
armored meter tube A variable-area meter
tube (rotometer) of all-metal construction
that utilizes a magnetic coupling between the
float and an external follower.
ARPA Advanced Research Projects Agency;
operates within United States Department of
Defense, which developed the first major
packet- switched digital computer network.
ARP Address Resolution Protocol; TCP/IP
process that maps Internet Protocol (IP)
addresses to Ethernet addresses; required by
TCP/IP for use with Ethernet.
ARPANet Advanced Research Projects Admin-
istration Network. A precursor to the Inter-
net, developed in the late 1960s and early
29
1970s by the United States Department of
Defense.
ARQ Automatic request for retransmission;
in digital communications, where a receiver
asks a transmitter to resend a block or frame,
generally because of errors detected by the
receiver.
array 1. An arrangement of elements in one
or more dimensions. See also matrix and vec-
tor. [Comp] 2. In a computer program, a
numbered, ordered collection of elements, all
of which have identical data attributes. 3. An
aggregate whose elements are of the same
data type and may be uniquely referenced by
subscripting. [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-2000]
[Eng] 4. A group of detecting elements that
are usually arranged in a straight line (linear
array) or in two-dimensional matrix (imag-
ing array). 5. A series of data samples, all
from the same measurement point. Typically,
an array is assembled at the telemetry
ground station for frequency analysis.
array dimension The number of subscripts
needed to identify an element in the array.
array processing The capability of a com-
puter to operate at a variety of data locations
at the same time.
array processor A hardware device that pro-
cesses data arrays. Fast Fourier transforms
(FFT) and power-spectral density (PSD) are
typical processes.
arrester A device that impedes the flow of
large dust particles or sparks from a stack,
usually through screening at the top.
arrow keys Keys on a computer keyboard
that will move the cursor.
articulated arms (waveguides) A beam-
direction arrangement in which light passes
through a series of jointed pipes containing
optics.
articulated structure A structure that is either
stationary or movable, such as a motor vehi-
cle or train, that is permanently or semiper-
manently connected so that its different
sections can move relative to the others, usu-
ally by using pinned or sliding joints.
artifact 1. Any component of a signal that is
extraneous to the variable represented by the
signal. 2. In video development, the area
within an image or characteristic of an image
that is caused by system limitations, such as
weird shimmering, jaggies, or other undesir-
able distortion. Also, in digital graphics,
image imperfections caused by data com-
pression.
artificial intelligence (AI) That branch of com-
puting that studies capabilities that resemble
human thought processes, such as reasoning,
artificial language / aspiration
learning, vision, aural recognition, and even
self- improvement.
artificial language 1. A language specifically
designed for ease of communication in a par-
ticular area of endeavor, but one that is not yet
natural to that area. This is contrasted with a
natural language which has evolved through
long usage. 2. A programming language that
is based on a prescribed set of rules estab-
lished ahead of time, such as BASIC,
COBOL, Pascal, and the like.
artificial radioactivity Radioactivity that is
induced by bombarding a material with a
beam of energetic particles or with electro-
magnetic radiation.
artificial weathering Producing controlled
changes in materials, such as surface appear-
ance, under laboratory conditions that simu-
late outdoor exposure.
as built 1. A document revision that includes
all the modifications that were performed as
a result of actual fabrication or installation.
As-built documents may have various issues
that reflect various milestones such "as pur-
chased," "as manufactured," "as insured,"
and "as commissioned.". [ISA-RP60.4-1990]
2. During construction, changes that are
made in design and installation and marked
up on drawings as built.
ascender In typography, that part of a lower-
case letter that rises above the main body, as
in the characters b and d.
ASCII American Standard Code for Informa-
tion Interchange; a widely used code in which
alphanumerics, punctuation marks, and cer-
tain special machine characters are repre-
sented by unique, seven-bit binary numbers.
One hundred and twenty-eight different
binary combinations are possible (27 = 128),
thus 128 characters may be represented.
ASCII was defined in ANSI X3.4-1986 and is
normally used for asynchronous transmis-
sion.
ASCII file A text file that uses the ASCII
character set.
as-fabricated The condition of a structure or
material after assembly, without any condi-
tioning treatment such as a stress-relieving
heat treatment. Specific terms such as
"as-welded," "as-brazed," or "as-polished"
are used to designate the nature of the final
step in fabrication.
as-fired fuel Fuel in the condition it was as it
was fed to the fuel-burning equipment.
as found The condition in which a channel, or
portion of a channel, is found after a period
of operation and before recalibration (if
30
needed). [ANSI/ISA-67.04.01-2000; ISA-
RP67.04.02-2000]
ash The noncombustible inorganic matter in
the fuel.
ash content The incombustible residue that
remains after burning a combustible material
completely.
ash-free basis The method for reporting fuel
analysis whereby ash is deducted, and other
constituents are recalculated to total 100 per-
cent.
ASI Actuator sensor interface; European
"fieldbus" for binary sensors and actuators.
as left The condition in which a channel, or
portion of a channel, is left after calibration
or final setpoint device setpoint verification.
[ANSI/ISA-67.04.01-2000; ISA-RP67.04.02-
2000]
ASN.1 Abstract Syntax Notation One. An
ISO standard (DIS 8824) that specifies a
canonical method of data encoding. This
standard is an extension of CCITT standard
X.409.
ASN.1 Abstract Syntax Notation One; ISO IS
8824 and IS 8825 encoding and decoding
structures.
ASPC Algorithmic statistical process control;
closed loop version of normally open loop
SPC.
aspect ratio [Comp] 1. The ratio of a symbol's
height to its width. [ISA-5.5-1985] [Comm]
2. The ratio of frame width to height for a
television picture. It is 4:3 in the United
States, Canada and United Kingdom. [Eng]
3. In any rectangular structure, such as the
cross section of a duct or tubular beam, the
ratio of the longer dimension to the shorter.
4. A ratio of width to depth used to calculate
resistance to flow in a rectangular elbow.
aspheric Not spherical or flat, as of the sur-
face of optical elements. Lenses with
aspheric surfaces are sometimes called
"aspheres."
aspirating burner A burner in which the fuel
is in a gaseous or finely divided form and is
burned in suspension. The air for combus-
tion is supplied by bringing into contact with
the fuel air that has been drawn through one
or more openings by the lower static pres-
sure created by the velocity of the fuel
stream.
aspiration Using a vacuum to draw up gas or
granular material. This is often accomplished
by passing a stream of water across the end
of an open tube or through the run of a tee
joint, where the open tube or branch pipe
extends into a reservoir that contains the gas
or granular material.
 as-received fuel / astronomical theodolite
as-received fuel Fuel in the condition it is in
as it received at the plant.
assemble To prepare a machine-language
program from a symbolic language program
by substituting absolute code for symbolic
operation codes and absolute or relocatable
addresses for symbolic addresses.
assembler A program that translates sym-
bolic source code into machine instructions
by replacing symbolic operation codes with
binary operation codes and symbolic
addresses with absolute or relocatable
addresses.
assembly [Eng] 1. A unit constructed of
many parts or components and that func-
tions in service as a single device, mecha-
nism, or structure. [Comp] 2. A mid-level
computer language.
assembly language A computer program-
ming language, similar to a computer lan-
guage, in which the instructions usually have
a one-to-one correspondence with computer
instructions in machine language and that
utilizes mnemonics to represent instructions.
assembly list A printed list that is the
by-product of an assembly procedure. It lists
in logical instruction sequence all details of a
routine, showing the coded and symbolic
notation next to the actual notations estab-
lished by the assembly procedure. This list-
ing is highly useful when debugging a
routine.
assembly program See assembly system.
assembly system A system comprised of two
elements, a symbolic language and an
assembly program. The assembly program
translates the source programs written in the
symbolic language into machine language.
assign To designate a part of a system for a
specific purpose.
assignable Permitting the channeling (or
directing) of a signal from one device to
another without the need for switching,
patching, or changes in wiring. [ANSI/ISA-
5.1-1984 (R1992); ISA-5.3-1983]
assignment statement A program statement
that calculates the value of an expression and
assigns it a name (e.g., x = x + 5, y = 8).
associated apparatus An electrical apparatus
in which there are both intrinsically safe cir-
cuits and non-intrinsically safe circuits. The
latter can affect the safety of the former.
Note: An associated apparatus may be either
(a) an electrical apparatus that has an alter-
native type of protection for use in the appro-
priate explosive gas atmosphere or (b) an
electrical apparatus not so protected and that
should not therefore be used within an
31
explosive gas atmosphere. An example of the
latter is a recorder that is not itself in an
explosive gas atmosphere but is connected to
a thermocouple that is situated within an
explosive gas atmosphere where only the
recorder input circuit is intrinsically safe.
[ISA-12.02.01-1999 (IEC 60079-11 Mod)]
associated electrical apparatus An electrical
apparatus in which the circuits are not all
intrinsically safe but that contains circuits
that can affect the safety of intrinsically safe
circuits connected to it.
association [Sci] 1. The combining of ions into
larger ion clusters in concentrated solutions.
[Comp] 2. A program-to-program logical
relationship which may be dynamically
established and torn down; may be assumed,
may not be required. See connection.
associative memory A neural network archi-
tecture used in pattern recognition applica-
tions, in which the network is used to
associate data patterns with specific classes
or categories it has already learned.
associative storage A storage device in which
storage locations are identified by their con-
tents, not by names or positions. Synony-
mous with content-addressed storage. Contrast
with parallel search storage.
astable circuit A circuit that alternates auto-
matically and continuously between two
unstable states at a frequency that is depen-
dent on circuit constants, for example, in a
blocking oscillator.
astable multivibrator A multivibrator in
which each active device alternately con-
ducts and is cut off for intervals of time as
determined by circuit constants, without
using external triggers.
astatic Without polarity; independent of the
earth's magnetic field.
astigmatism A defect in an optical element
that causes rays from a single point in the
outer portion of a field of view to fall on dif-
ferent points in the focused image.
ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials; scientific and technical organiza-
tion that develops material standards and
testing methods.
astrodynamics A practical application of fun-
damental science to the problem of planning
and controlling the trajectories of space vehi-
cles.
astrolabe An instrument formerly used to
find the altitudes of celestial bodies; a prede-
cessor of the sextant.
astronomical theodolite See altazimuth.
asymmetric rotor / attached equipment
asymmetric rotor A rotating machine ele-
ment whose axis of rotation is not the same
as its axis of symmetry.
asymmetrical compression A data compres-
sion system that requires more processing
capability to compress an image than to
decompress an image. Such systems are typi-
cally used for the mass distribution of pro-
grams on media such as CD-ROMs.
asymmetry potential The difference in
potential between the inside and outside pH-
sensitive glass layers when they are both in
contact with 7 pH solutions. This difference
is caused by the deterioration of the pH-sen-
sitive glass layers or by contamination of the
internal fill of the measurement electrode.
asynchronous [Comp] 1. Circuitry or opera-
tion without common clock or timing sig-
nals. 2. A mode of operation in which an
operation is started by a signal before the
operation on which this operation depends is
completed. When referring to hardware
devices, it is the method in which each char-
acter is sent with its own synchronizing
information. The hardware operations are
scheduled by "ready" and "done" signals
rather than by timer intervals. This implies
that a second operation can begin before the
first operation is completed. [Eng] 3. Not
synchronous with the line frequency as
applied to rotating a.e. machinery.
asynchronous transmission 1. Transmission
in which each information character, or
sometimes each word or small block, is indi-
vidually synchronized, usually by using start
and stop elements. The gap between each
character (or word) is not of a necessarily
fixed length. (Compare with synchronous
transmission.) Often called "start-stop trans-
mission." 2. A data transmission mode in
which the timing is self-determined and not
controlled by an external clock.
ATM Asynchronous transfer mode; type of
packet switching that transmits fixed-length
units of data, and being asynchronous the
recurrence of cells does not depend on the bit
rate of the transmission system, only on the
source requirements (packets include
address of their destinations). Provides a
very fast and efficient transfer mode for mul-
timedia applications (up to ten thousand text
pages per second), allowing, for example,
real-time video transfer and groupware slide
projection. Also, abbreviation for atmo-
spheres, a unit of pressure measurement.
atmometer A generic name for any instru-
ment that measures evaporation rates. Also
32
known as an "atmidometer," "evaporime-
ter," or "evaporation gauge."
atmospheric air Air under the prevailing
atmospheric conditions.
atmospheric communication Sending sig-
nals in the form of modulated light through
the atmosphere, without the use of fiber
optics to contain and direct the beam.
atmospheric corrosion Corrosion that occurs
naturally due to exposure to climatic condi-
tions. Corrosion rates vary by global location
because of variations in average tempera-
ture, humidity, rainfall; because of airborne
substances such as sea spray, dust, and pol-
len; and because of airborne pollutants such
as sulfur dioxide, chlorine compounds, fly
ash, and other combustion products.
atmospheric monochromator A monochro-
mator in which the optical path is through
air. This is the standard type of monochro-
mator used for visible and infrared wave-
lengths transmitted by air.
atmospheric pressure The barometric read-
ing of pressure exerted by the atmosphere.
At sea level it is 14.7 lb per sq in. or 29.92 in.
of mercury.
atomic mass unit A unit for expressing
atomic weights and other small masses. It
equals exactly 1/12 the mass of the carbon
12 nuclide.
atomic number An integer that designates
the position of an element in the periodic
table of the elements. It equals the number of
protons in the nucleus and the number of
electrons in the electrically neutral atom.
atomic weight The weight of a single atom of
any given chemical element. It is usually
taken as the weighted average of the weights
of the naturally occurring nuclides,
expressed in atomic mass units.
atomization Mechanically producing fine
droplets or mist from a bulk liquid or molten
substance.
atomizer A device by means of which a liq-
uid is reduced to a very fine spray.
atom probe An instrument that consists of a
field-ion microscope with a probe hole in its
screen that opens into a mass spectrometer. It
is used to identify a single atom or molecule
on a metal surface.
ATRAC Adaptive transform acoustic cod-
ing; coding method to create minidisks using
a varying number of bits per sample depend-
ing upon "critical" frequencies encountered.
attached equipment The auxiliary equip-
ment that must be located on the valve or
actuator. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
 attachment plug / authority having jurisdiction
attachment plug A connecting device for a
flexible cord that, when it is inserted into a
receptacle, establishes supply circuit connec-
tions between the flexible cord and the recep-
tacle.
attemperation Regulating the temperature of
a substance, for instance, by passing super-
heated steam through a heat exchanger or by
injecting water mist into it to regulate final
steam temperature.
attemperator A mechanical device used for
maintaining and controlling the temperature
of superheated steam. [ANSI/ISA-77.44-
1995]
attemperator (direct contact type) A mechani-
cal device in which the steam and the cooling
medium (water) are mixed. [ANSI/ISA-
77.44-1995; ANSI/ISA-77.44-1995]
attenuate To weaken or make thinner—for
example, to reduce the intensity of sound or
ultrasonic waves by passing them through
an absorbing medium.
attenuation 1. A decrease in signal magni-
tude between two points or between two fre-
quencies. 2. The reciprocal of gain, when the
gain is less than one. [ISA-RP55.1-1075
(R1983)] Note: Attenuation may be express-
ed as a "dimensionless ratio" or "scalar
ratio" or expressed in decibels as "20 times
the log10 of that ratio." [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)] 3. The loss of amplitude in a signal
as it is transmitted through a conductor. The
opposite of "gain."
attenuator 1. An optical device that reduces
the intensity of a beam of light passing
through it. 2. An electrical component that
reduces the amplitude of a signal in a con-
trolled manner.
attitude 1. The relative orientation of a vehi-
cle or object as represented by its angles of
inclination to three orthogonal reference
axes. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)] 2. The position
of an object in space as determined by the
angles between its axes and a selected set of
planes.
attitude error The error caused by the orien-
tation of the transducer relative to the direc-
tion in which gravity acts upon it. [ISA-37.1-
1975 (R1982)] See acceleration error.
attribute 1. A property or characteristic of an
entity. For instance, value and status are
attributes of an output parameter. [ISA-
TR50.02, Part 9-2000] 2. A characteristic qual-
ity of a data type, data structure, element of a
data model, or system. In object-oriented
programming, an attribute is some piece of
information that describes a characteristic of
the object.
33
attribute sampling A type of sampling
inspection in which an entire production lot
is accepted or rejected if the number of items
in a statistical sample has at least one charac-
teristic (attribute) that does not meet specifi-
cations.
auctioneering device See signal selector.
audible device A device that calls attention
by emitting a sound when abnormal process
conditions occur. An audible device may also
call attention to a return to normal condi-
tions. [ANSI/ISA-18.1-1979 (R1992)]
audible device follower See auxiliary output.
audio Pertaining to audible sound—usually
taken as referring to sound frequencies in the
range 20 to 20,000 Hz.
audio analyzer An instrument that displays
audio signal voltage or power as a function
of the signal's frequencies.
audio frequencies Frequencies that can be
heard by the human ear, usually between 15
and 20,000 cps (cycles per second).
audiometer An instrument used to measure
the ability of people to hear sounds. It con-
sists of an oscillator, amplifier, and attenua-
tor, and may be adapted to generate pure
tones, speech, or bone-conducted vibrations.
audit The action of corroborating the evi-
dence regarding the authenticity and validity
of data or procedures.
auger 1. A wood-boring tool that consists of a
shank with a T-shaped handle. 2. A feeding
device that consists primarily of a set of spi-
ral blades mounted on a central shaft or fas-
tened together to make a spiral rotating
assembly. The auger may rotate in a tube,
trough, or housing to move powdered, gran-
ular, or semisolid material axially. In some
applications, the auger may be constructed
of two counter-spiraled augers, which feed
material toward the midpoint or outward
from the midpoint of the axis, depending on
the direction of rotation.
AUI Access unit interface; attachment unit
interface; twisted-pair telephone wire IEEE
standard for Ethernet.
authoring system Software that helps devel-
opers design interactive courseware easily,
without the painstaking detail required in
computer programming.
authoring tools Software capabilities that
make it possible to create applications with-
out involving oneself in the tedious details of
programming.
authority having jurisdiction The organiza-
tion, office, or individual that has the respon-
sibility and authority to approve equipment,
installations, or procedures. Note: The term
auto answer / automatic/manual station
"authority having jurisdiction" is used
broadly since jurisdiction and approval
agencies vary, as d o their responsibilities.
Where public safety is primary, the authority
that has jurisdiction m a y be federal, s t a t e /
provincial, local, other regional department,
or an individual such as an inspector from a
labor or health department, electrical inspec-
tor, or others with statutory authority. An
insurance inspection agency, rating bureau,
or other insurance company representative
m a y be the authority with jurisdiction. An
owner or his designated agent may also
assume the role. At government-owned
installations, the commanding officer,
departmental official, or designated agent
m a y be the authority with jurisdiction. [ISA-
12.01.01-1999; ANSI/ISA-RP12.6-1995]
auto answer A m o d e m that can automati-
cally answer incoming telephone calls from
computers and provide data to that system.
autoclave An airtight vessel for heating its
contents and sometimes agitating them. It
usually uses high-pressure steam to process,
sterilize, or perform cooking steps using
moist or dry heat.
autocollimator A telescopic sight that
includes a light source and a partially reflect-
ing mirror, focused to infinity. It is used to
measure small angular motion and check
alignment.
autocorrelation In a time series, the relation-
ship between values of a variable taken at
certain times in the series and values of the
same variable taken at other, usually earlier
times.
auto dial A m o d e m capable of connecting to
a telephone system and dialing a number.
M o d e m and communications software that
performs proper procedures so computers
may exchange data.
autoexec.bat The n a m e of the file in MS-DOS
that contains the c o m m a n d s to be executed
w h e n the computer is booted.
autogenous ignition temperature (AIT) The
m i n i m u m uniform temperature that is
required to initiate or cause the self-sus-
tained combustion of a solid, liquid, or gas-
eous substance, independent of any other
ignition source. [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999]
Formerly k n o w n as "auto-ignition tempera-
ture."
auto-manual station Synonym for control sta-
tion. [ANSI/ISA-5.1-1984 (R1992)]
automate To convert a procedure, a process,
or equipment into an automatic operation.
automatic 1. Self-acting or operating by its o w n
mechanism w h e n actuated by some imper-
34
sonal influence, as, for example, a change in
current strength, pressure, temperature, or
mechanical configuration. [ISA-12.01.01-
1999] 2. A machine that operates automati-
cally. 3. Functioning without intervention by
a h u m a n operator u n d e r specified condi-
tions, as of a process or device.
automatically programmed tools A numeri-
cal language.
automatic control The type of control in
which there is n o direct h u m a n action on the
controlling device.
automatic control engineering The branch of
science and technology that deals with the
design and use of automatic control devices
and systems.
automatic control panel A panel of indicator
lights and switches that display an indication
of process conditions and from which an
operator can control the operation of the pro-
cess.
automatic control system See control system,
automatic.
automatic controller Any device that mea-
sures the value of a process variable and gen-
erates a signal or some controlling action to
ensure that the value corresponds with a ref-
erence value, or set point.
automatic error correction A technique for
detecting and correcting errors that occur in
data transmission or data handling. Such
correction usually requires the use of special
codes or automatic retransmission, which
detects and corrects errors occurring in trans-
mission. The degree of correction depends
u p o n the coding and equipment configura-
tion.
automatic frequency control A device or cir-
cuit designed to maintain the frequency of an
oscillator within a preselected band of fre-
quencies. In a FM radio receiver, the circuitry
that senses frequency drift and automatically
controls an internal oscillator to compensate
for the drift.
automatic gain control An auxiliary circuit
that adjusts the gain of the main circuit in a
predetermined manner w h e n the value of a
selected input signal varies.
automatic lighter A means for igniting fuel
without manual intervention. Usually
applied to liquid, gaseous, or pulverized
fuel.
automatic/manual station A device that
enables an operator to select an automatic
signal or a manual signal as the input to a
controlling element. The automatic signal is
normally the output of a controller, while the
 automatic pilot / auxiliary output (auxiliary contact)
manual signal is the output of a manually
operated device. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979]
automatic pilot An automatic control system
that is adapted to maintain an aircraft in sta-
ble, level flight or to execute selected maneu-
vers.
automatic reset See reset.
automatic send/receive (ASR) A teletype-
writer unit with keyboard, printer, paper
tape, reader /transmitter, and paper tape
punch. This combination of units may be
based on line or off line and, in some cases,
on line and off line simultaneously.
automatic test equipment (ATE) Equipment
that analyzes the response of an instrument
under test to a well-defined electrical stimu-
lus in order to evaluate its performance with
minimum human intervention.
automatic test program generator
(ATPG) Computer software and/or hard-
ware that automatically generates programs
for automatic test equipment based on
device characteristics and test parameters.
automatic tracking The action of a control
system to automatically track a set point or
the process variable without any other cor-
rective mechanisms. [ANSI/ISA-77.13.01-
1999]
automatic utility translator (AUTRAN) A
process control language and system offered
by Control Data Corporation.
automatic zero- and full-scale
calibration Zero and sensitivity stabiliza-
tion by servos for the purposes of comparing
demodulated zero- and full-scale signals
with zero- and full-scale references.
automation 1. The implementation of pro-
cesses by automatic means. 2. The theory, art,
or technique of making a process more auto-
matic. 3. The investigation, design, develop-
ment, and application of methods for
rendering processes automatic, self-moving,
or self-controlling. 4. The conversion of a
procedure, a process, or equipment to auto-
matic operation.
autonomous system A system with no
inputs.
autoradiography A technique for producing
a radiographic image by using the ionizing
radiation produced by radioactive decay of
atoms within the test object itself.
autoranging The automatic selection of an
appropriate range setting so as to measure
the value of a signal applied to an instru-
ment's input.
auto-tracking antenna A receiving antenna
that always points to the transmitting site,
35
automatically tracking all movements of the
vehicle being telemetered.
autotransformer A type of transformer in
which certain portions of the windings are
shared by the primary and secondary circuits.
auto restart The capability to perform auto-
matic initialization functions so as to resume
operations after an equipment or power fail-
ure.
auto tuning A technique within a controller
that analyzes the effects of a change in the set
point of a closed loop or in the control output
of an open loop and adjusts or recommends
tuning parameters based upon that analysis.
The change is necessary because it allows the
tuner to learn the magnitude and period of
process response, which it is uses to calculate
new parameters. See self-adaptive tuning.
auto-tuning controller A controller feature
that calculates PID settings based on calcula-
tions using measured process dynamics and
combining those with the parameters of a
PID controller. Depending on who manufac-
tured the controller, open or closed loop tun-
ing may be used. Calculations may be based
on transient responses, frequency responses,
or parametric models.
auto-zero An automatic internal correction
for offsets and/or drift at zero signal input.
auto-zero logic module A component of a
digital controller whose function is primarily
to establish an arbitrary zero-reference value
for each individual measurement.
auxiliary contact See auxiliary output.
auxiliary device 1. Generally, any device that
is separate from a main device but is neces-
sary or desirable for the effective operation
of the system. 2. Specifically, any device used
in conjunction with an instrument to extend
its range, increase its accuracy, otherwise
assist in making a measurement, or perform
a function not directly involved in making
the measurement.
auxiliary location A location for panel instru-
ments that is somewhere other than the con-
trol room.
auxiliary means A device or subsystem, usu-
ally placed ahead of the primary detector,
that alters the magnitude of the measured
quantity to make it more suitable for the pri-
mary detector without changing the nature
of the measured quantity.
auxiliary output (auxiliary contact) 1. An
output signal that is operated by a single
alarm point or group of points so it can be
used with a remote device. [ANSI/ISA-
S18.1-1979 (R1992)] 2. A secondary output.
auxiliary output, audible device follower / average resolution
auxiliary output, audible device follower
(horn relay contact) An auxiliary output
that operates while the common alarm audi-
ble device operates. [ANSI/ISA-S18.1-1979
(R1992)]
auxiliary output, field contact follower An
auxiliary output that operates while the field
contact indicates an abnormal process condi-
tion. [ANSI/ISA-S18.1-1979 (R1992)]
auxiliary output, lamp follower An auxiliary
output that operates while the visual display
lamps indicate an alarm, silenced, or ack-
nowledged state. [ANSI/ISA-S18.1-1979
(R1992)]
auxiliary output, reflash An auxiliary output
that operates when any one of a group of
alarm points indicates an abnormal process
condition. The output usually returns to nor-
mal briefly when each alarm point changes
to an abnormal process condition and
returns to normal when all alarm points in
the group indicate normal process condi-
tions. [ANSI/ISA-S18.1-1979 (R1992)]
auxiliary panel 1. A panel that is not in the
main control room. The front of an auxiliary
panel is normally accessible to an operator,
but the rear is normally accessible only by
maintenance personnel. 2. Located at an aux-
iliary location.
auxiliary storage A storage device in addi-
tion to the main storage of a computer, for
example, magnetic tape, disk, magnetic
drum, or core. Auxiliary storage usually
holds much larger amounts of information
than the main storage, but the information is
accessible less rapidly. Contrast with main
storage.
availability The ratio of time in which a sys-
tem is operating correctly to the total hours
of scheduled operation. Before 1962, avail-
ability was calculated as the value of MTBF ÷
(MTBF + MTTR). After 1962, it was defined
by military specifications, as MTTF ÷ (MTTF
+ MTTR), which is a calculation of those
times, not a tested value. Very much depen-
dent on environmental conditions, the MTBF
of electronic equipment will drop by about
half for every 10°C increase. All other ambi-
ent factors will have a similar impact.
availability factor The fraction of the time
during which the unit is in operable condi-
tion.
available capability The portion of the pro-
duction capability that can be attained but is
not committed to current or future produc-
tion. [ISA-95.00.01-2000]
36
available draft The draft that may be utilized
to cause the flow of air for combustion or the
flow of products of combustion.
available energy Energy that theoretically
can be converted into mechanical power.
available heat In a thermodynamic working
fluid, the amount of heat that could be trans-
formed into mechanical work under ideal
conditions by reducing the temperature of
the working fluid to the lowest temperature
available for heat discard.
available power An attribute of a linear
source of electric power. It is defined as
Vrms/4R, where Vrms is the open-circuit rms
voltage of the power source, and R is the
resistive component of the internal imped-
ance of the power source.
available power gain An attribute of a linear
transducer that is defined as the ratio of
power available from the output terminals of
the transducer to the power available from
the input circuit under specified conditions
of input termination.
available work The capacity of a fluid or
body to do work if applied to an ideal
engine.
avalanche The production of a large number
of ions by cascade action in which a single
charged particle, accelerated by a strong elec-
tric field, collides with neutral gas molecules
and ionizes them.
avalanche photodiode (APD) A photodiode
that is designed to take advantage of ava-
lanche multiplication of photocurrent. As the
reverse-bias voltage approaches the break-
down voltage, hole- electron pairs created by
absorbed photons acquire sufficient energy
to create additional hole-electron pairs when
they collide with substrate atoms, producing
a multiplication effect.
average outgoing quality limit The average
percentage of defective units that remain
undetected in all lots that pass final inspec-
tion. It is a measure of the ability of sampling
inspection to limit the probability of ship-
ping defective product. Here, a defective unit
is considered to be one that contains at least
one attribute that does not meet specifica-
tions.
average-position action A type of control
system action in which the final control ele-
ment is positioned in either of two fixed
positions. The average time at each position
is determined from some function of the
measured value of the controlled variable.
average resolution The reciprocal of the total
number of output steps over the unit range
multiplied by 100 and expressed in % VR.
 averaging pitot tube / azimuth circle

[ISA-37.6-1982 (R1995); ISA-37.12-1982

(R1995)]
averaging pitot tube An adaptation of the
pitot tube in which a multiple-ported pitot
tube spans the process tube. Total pressure is
measured as a composite of the pressures on
several ports facing upstream, while static
pressure is measured using one or more
ports facing downstream. The device works
best for clean liquids, vapors, and gases, but
can be used for streams that contain sus-
pended solids or viscous contaminants if the
purging flow is supplied to the measuring
tube.
AVI Audio video interleaved; digital file for-
mat by Microsoft developed for dynamic
graphics.
AWG American Wire Gauge; United States
standard system used for designating the
size of electrical conductors; gauge numbers
are inverse to size.
axial In the direction parallel to the shaft
centerline.
axial fan Consists of a propeller or disk type
of wheel within a cylinder in which the air is
discharged parallel to the axis of the wheel.
axial-flow Describing a machine such as a
pump or compressor in which the general
direction of fluid flow is parallel to the axis
of its rotating shaft.
axial hydraulic thrust In single-stage and
multiple-stage pumps, the axial component
of the summation of all unbalanced impeller
forces.
axial runout For a rotating member, the total
amount that a specific surface deviates from
a plane that is perpendicular to the axis of
rotation in one complete revolution. It is usu-
ally expressed in 0.(301 in., or in some other
suitable unit of measure, taken at a specific
radial distance from the axis of rotation.
axle A rod, shaft, or other supporting mem-
ber that carries wheels and either transmits
rotating motion to the wheels or allows the
wheels to rotate freely about it.
azimuth angle An angular measurement in a
horizontal plane about some arbitrary center
point, in which true north or some other arbi-
trary direction is used as a reference direc-
tion (0).
azimuth circle A ring scale graduated from 0
to 360 and used with a compass, radar plan
position indicator, direction finder, or other
device to indicate compass direction, relative
bearing, or azimuth angle.

37
 babbitt Any of the white
alloys composed princi-
B pally of lead or tin that are
used extensively to make
linings for sliding bearings.
babble The composite sig-
nal caused by cross talk
among a large number of
interfering channels.
backbone 1. The trunk media of a multime-
dia local area network (LAN) that is sepa-
rated into sections by bridges, routers, or
gateways. 2. A high-speed high-performance
network that links other networks together.
backbone network Traditionally, a transmis-
sion facility designed to interconnect low-
speed distribution channels or clusters of
dispersed user devices. It is currently
defined as a high-speed line or series of con-
nections that form the major pathway within
a given network.
backdrive To use an external test driver to
electrically force a logic device's output to a
specified state that is independent of its
input state.
back face The machined surface on the side
of a through-bolted flange, opposite the gas-
ket face, that is provided for nut seating.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
backflush The injection of a fluid against the
process flow manner in order to remove line
fluid or obstructions. [ISA-67.02.01-1999;
S67.10]
background 1. In a computer's graphic dis-
play, the field that information is displayed
upon for contrast. [ISA-5.5-1985] [Meas] 2. In
radiation counting, a low-level signal that is
caused by radiation from sources other than
the source of radiation being measured.
[Comp] 3. A computer environment in which
low-priority programs are executed.
background discrimination The capacity of a
measuring instrument or detection circuit to
distinguish an input signal from electronic
noise or other background signals.
background noise Undesired signals or other
stimuli that are always present in a trans-
ducer output or electronic circuit, regardless
of whether a desired signal or stimulus is
also present.
background program A program of the low-
est urgency that may therefore be preempted
by a program of higher urgency and priority.
Contrast to foreground program.
backing pump In a vacuum system that uses
two pumps, the pump that discharges
directly to the atmosphere. It reduces system
39
pressure to an intermediate value, usually
10-2 to 10-5 psia. Also known as "ore pump."
backing ring A ring of steel or other material
placed behind the welding groove when
joining tubes or pipes by welding so as to
confine the weld metal.
backing strip A piece of metal, asbestos, or
other nonflammable material placed behind
a joint before welding to enhance the quality
of the weld.
backlash 1. In process instrumentation, a rel-
ative movement that occurs between inter-
acting mechanical parts, caused by loose-
ness, when motion is reversed. [ANSI/ISA-
51.1-1979 (R1993)] 2. In a mechanical linkage
or gear train, the amount by which the driv-
ing shaft must rotate, when reversing direc-
tion, just to take up the looseness in the
linkage or gear train before it begins to trans-
mit motion in the reverse direction. 3. The
difference in actual values of a controlled
variable when a control dial is brought to an
indicated position from opposite rotational
directions.
back pressure The absolute pressure level,
expressed in pascals, as measured four
pipe-diameters downstream from the turbine
flowmeter under operating conditions.
[ISA-RP31.1-1977]
back seat A seating surface in the bonnet that
mates with the closure member or valve stem
in the extreme open position so as to provide
pressure isolation of the stem seal. [ANSI/
ISA-75.05.01-2000]
backplane A wiring board, usually con-
structed as a printed circuit, that is used to
provide required connections between logic,
memory, and input/output modules. A
backplane is usually located in the back of a
rack that has sockets into which specific
boards fit so they can be interconnected.
backscattered electron imaging (BED A
method for producing scanning electron
microscope images by detecting electrons
that are reflected back out of a sample after
they collide with surface atoms. Backscat-
tered electron imaging is used to detect sub-
surface cracking, contamination, and
inclusions.
backscattering The scattering of light in the
opposite direction it was originally traveling
in.
backtracking A technique for synchronizing
mixed-signal simulation systems in which an
analog simulator is made to back up to a pre-
vious point in time in order to process a sig-
nal originating in the digital simulator.
backup / balanced (to ground)

backup 1. Equipment used to complete an bag-type collector A filter consisting of a

operation in the event that the primary cloth-filtering medium taking the form of a
equipment fails. 2. A copy of a computer file cylindrical bag.
made so as to protect against destruction or bakeout The process of heating the surfaces
loss of the original. of a vacuum system during evacuation in
backup copy In data processing, a copy of order to degas them and to promote their
data or of a program that can be used if the progress toward of a stable final vacuum
original copy is lost or destroyed. level.
backward compatible Designs that provide balance 1. Generically, a state of static or
compatibility with earlier versions. Often dynamic equilibrium. Such equilibrium is
referred to as reverse compatible. static when, for example, forces on a body
BACnet Building Automation and Control counteract each other exactly. It is dynamic
network. An object-oriented model of the when material flowing into and out of a
standard automation system network sup- pipeline or process has reached steady state,
ported by ASHRAE to serve as a high-speed, and there is no discernible rate of change in
low-cost network for commercial building the process variables. 2. An instrument for
services, but not designed for industrial pro- making precise measurements of mass or
cess control. weight. 3. A condition in which the rotation
bad break In the typographical composition centerline between bearings coincides with
of screen displays and printing, starting or the line that defines the center of mass distri-
ending a page (or ending a paragraph) with a bution.
single word, or "widow."
baffle A plate or vane, either plain or perfo-
rated, that is used to regulate or direct the
flow of fluid.
baffle-nozzle amplifier A device for convert-
ing mechanical motion into a pneumatic sig-
nal. It consists of a supply tube that ends in a
small nozzle and a moveable baffle plate that
is attached to a mechanical arm. The length
of the supply tube is restricted to a short dis-
tance before the nozzle, so that as the baffle Simple Beam Balance
plate moves closer to the nozzle opening, the
pressure rises in the section of the supply
tube between the restriction and the nozzle. balanced bridge A Wheatstone bridge circuit
The arm motion and nozzle clearance are that, when in a quiescent state, has an output
small—on the order of 0.2 mm or less. A baf- voltage of zero. A balanced bridge can be
fle-nozzle amplifier serves as the primary used to measure changes in resistance in
detector in almost all pneumatic transmitters such applications as RTDs, strain gauges,
and controllers. Often referred to as a "flap- and so on.
per-nozzle amplifier" because the baffle balanced draft A system of furnace pressure
plate is mounted on a pivoting arm. control in which the inlet air flow or the out-
let flue gas flow is controlled in order to
baffle plate A tray or partition, either solid or maintain the furnace pressure at a fixed
perforated, that is positioned in the flow path value (typically slightly below atmospheric).
through a process vessel so as to cause the
process stream (a) to flow in a certain direc-
tion, (b) to reverse its direction of flow, or (c)
to slow its velocity.
baffle-type collector A device in gas paths
that utilizes baffles arranged in such a way
that dust particles are deflected out of the gas
stream.
bag filter A device that contains one or more
cloth bags that serve to recover particles
from the dust-laden gas or air blown through
it.
balanced (to ground) See unbalanced (to
ground).

40

balanced trim A control valve trim that is
designed to minimize the net static and
dynamic fluid flow forces, from fluid pres-
sure, that are acting on the trim. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
balance weight A mass that is positioned on
the balance arms of a weighing device so
they can be brought to a predetermined (null
position) for all conditions of use.
balancing A procedure for adjusting the
mass distribution of a rotor by adding or
removing weight so as to achieve less vibra-
tion amplitude at rotational speed.
ball A spherically shaped closure member.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
ball, full A closure component that has a
complete spherical surface that includes a
flow passage.
ball, segmented A closure component that is
a segment of a spherical surface which may
have one edge contoured to yield a desired
flow characteristic.
ball bearing A type of antifriction bearing in
which the load is borne by a series of hard
spherical elements (balls) that are held in
place between inner and outer retaining
rings (races).
ball burnishing 1. Producing a smooth,
dimensionally precise hole by forcing a
slightly oversize tungsten-carbide ball
through a slightly undersize hole at high
speed. 2. A method of producing a lustrous
finish on small parts by tumbling them in a
wood-lined barrel with burnishing soap,
water, and hardened steel balls.
ball bushing A variation of ball bearing that
permits axial motion of a shaft instead of
rotating motion.
ball check valve A valve that permits flow in
one direction only by lifting a spring-loaded
ball off its seat when a pressure differential
acts in that direction and by forcing the ball
more tightly against the seat when a pressure
differential acts in the opposite flow direc-
tion.
ball-float liquid-level meter A device that
consists of a hollow or low-density float
attached by a linkage to a pointer. The float
rises and falls with the level of liquid in a
tank, while the pointer indicates the position
of the float on a scale outside the tank
balloon 1. The circular symbol used to
denote and identify the purpose of an instru-
ment or function. It may contain a tag num-
ber. 2. Synonym for "bubble." See also bubble.
ballot box In the typographical composition
of screen displays and printing, an open,
41
balanced trim / bandwidth
square bullet, usually intended to receive a
check mark. See also check box.
ball sizing See ball burnishing.
ball-type viscometer An apparatus for deter-
mining viscosity, especially of high-viscosity
oils and other fluids. The time required for a
ball to fall through liquid confined in a tube
is measured.
Balun Balanced/unbalanced. In the IBM
cabling system, Balun refers to an imped-
ance-matching device that is used to connect
balanced twisted-pair cabling with unbal-
anced coaxial cables.
ball valve A valve that has a rotary motion clo-
sure member consisting of a full ball or a seg-
mented ball. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
band 1. The gamut or range of frequencies. 2.
The frequency spectrum between two
defined limits. 3. Frequencies that are within
two definite limits and are used for different
purposes. 4. A group of channels; See chan-
nel. 5. A group of recording tracks on a com-
puter magnetic disk or drum.
band brake A device for stopping or slowing
rotational motion by increasing the tension
in a flexible band so it tightens around a
drum that is attached to the rotating member.
band-elimination filter A wave filter that
has a single attenuation band whose critical
and cutoff frequencies are finite, nonzero val-
ues.
band gap In semiconductors, the range of
energies between the conduction band and
the valence band in which no free electrons
or holes are allowed. See conduction band and
also valence band.
band pass filter In digital signal processing
(DSP), a filter that passes signals in a certain
range of frequencies and attenuates signals
above and below that range.
B and S gauge Brown and Sharp gauge; See
American Wiring Gauge (AWG).
band spectrum A spectral distribution of
light or other complex wave in which the
wave components can be separated into a
series of discrete bands of wavelengths. See
also continuous spectrum.
band splitter A multiplexer that is designed
to split available bandwidth into indepen-
dent, narrower-band subchannels, each of
which is suitable for transmitting data at a
fraction of the total channel's data rate.
bandwidth 1. The difference, expressed in
hertz, between the two boundaries of a fre-
quency range. 2. A group of consecutive fre-
quencies, constituting a band, that exists
between limits of stated frequency attenua-
tion. A band is normally defined as being
bang-bang control / baseband
more than 3.0 decibels greater than the mean
attenuation across the band. 3. A group of
consecutive frequencies, constituting a band,
that exists between limits of a stated fre-
quency delay. 4. The range of frequencies that
can be transmitted in an electronic system. 5.
A symmetrical region around the set point in
which proportional control occurs.
bang-bang control The same as two-position
control.
bank switching A method for equipping a
computer with greater memory by giving the
same address to added memory chips.
bar One atmosphere.
bar code A pattern of narrow and wide bars
that can be scanned and interpreted into
alpha and numeric characters.
bar-code scanner A type of optical scanner
developed to read the 12-character Universal
Product Code for identifying items.
bare-board tester A system that tests unpop-
ulated printed circuit boards for trace
defects.
Barkometer scale A specific-gravity scale
used primarily in the tanning industry, in
which the specific gravity of a water solution
is determined from the following formula:
sp gr=1.000 ± 0.001n
where n is degrees Barkometer. On this scale,
water has a specific gravity of zero Barkome-
ter.
barn A unit of nuclear cross section in which
the probability of a specific nuclear interac-
tion, such as neutron capture, is expressed as
an apparent area. In this context, one barn
equals 10-28 m2.
barometer An absolute pressure gauge for
determining atmospheric pressure. If it is a
recording instrument, it is known as a
"barograph."
barometric hypsometry The method of
determining elevation above some arbitrary
reference plane (usually sea level) through
the use of mercury or aneroid barometers.
barometric pressure Atmospheric pressure
as determined by a barometer, usually
expressed in inches of mercury.
barometry The study of atmospheric pres-
sure measurement. In particular, the science
of determining and correcting errors in baro-
metric instrument readings.
barostat A device for maintaining constant
pressure within a chamber.
barothermograph An instrument for auto-
matically recording both atmospheric tem-
perature and pressure.
barothermohygrograph An instrument for
automatically recording atmospheric pres-
42
sure, temperature, and humidity on the same
chart.
barrel A unit of volume. For petroleum, a bar-
rel equals 9,702 cubic inches. For fruits, vege-
tables, other dry commodities, and some
liquids, a different standard barrel is used.
barrel finishing The craft of producing a lus-
trous surface finish on metal parts by tum-
bling them in bulk in a barrel that is partly
filled with an abrasive slurry. Similar pro-
cesses are used for cleaning and electroplat-
ing that involve detergent solutions or
electrolytes instead of an abrasive slurry.
barrier 1. A part that provides protection
against direct contact from any usual direc-
tion of access. Note: Enclosures and barriers
may provide protection against the spread of
fire. [ANSI/ISA-82.02.01-1999 (IEC 1010-1
Mod)] 2. A physical entity that limits the cur-
rent and voltage into a hazardous area in
order to satisfy intrinsic safety requirements.
[ANIS/ISA-50.02, part 2 - 1992]
barrier, intrinsic safety See intrinsic safety
barrier.
barrier shield A wall or enclosure that is
made of a material designed to absorb ioniz-
ing radiation. It shields the operator from an
area where radioactive material is being used
or processed by remote-control equipment.
base 1. The physical foundation or support
upon which a machine or instrument rests. 2.
For a number system, the number whose
powers determine place value. 3. A chemical
substance that hydrolyzes to yield OH" ions.
4. A reference value. 5. A number that is mul-
tiplied by itself as many times as indicated
by an exponent. 6. See radix number.
base address 1. A number that appears as an
address in a computer instruction but serves
as the base, index, or initial or starting point
for subsequent addresses to be modified.
Synonymous with "presumptive address"
and "reference address." 2. A number used
in symbolic coding in conjunction with a rel-
ative address; an address used as the basis
for computing the value of some other rela-
tive address.
baseband 1. A single channel-signaling tech-
nique in which the digital signal is encoded
and impressed on the physical medium. 2.
The frequencies starting at or near DC. 3.
Communications signals whose bandwidth
is approximately equal to the highest fre-
quency transmitted. This contrasts with
modulated signals (RF), where the frequen-
cies transmitted (approximately the carrier
frequency) are much higher than the band-
width.

baseband modems See limited distance
modems.
BASEEFA British Approvals Service for Elec-
trical Equipment in Flammable Atmo-
spheres. British certification and testing
laboratory responsible for testing the equip-
ment of different vendors to some common
standard. (Subsumed within EECS in 1987.)
baseline 1. Generally, a reference set of data
against which operating data or test results
are compared to determine such characteris-
tics as operating efficiency or system degrada-
tion over time. 2. In navigation, the geodesic
line between two stations that are operating in
conjunction with each other. 3. In the typo-
graphical composition of screen displays and
printing, the imaginary line on which the
bases of characters sit.
baseline spectrum A vibration spectrum cap-
tured from a machine when it is presumed to
be in good running condition. Subsequent
spectrums captured from this machine are
compared to this baseline when looking for
changes.
base load The term applied to that portion of
a station or boiler load that is practically con-
stant for long periods.
base metal 1. The metallic element that is
present in greatest proportion in an alloy. 2.
The type of metal to be welded, brazed, cut,
or soldered. 3. In the welded joint, metal that
was not melted during welding. 4. Any
metal that will oxidize in air or that will form
metallic ions in an aqueous solution. Con-
trast with "noble metal." 5. Metal to which a
plated, sprayed, or conversion coating is
applied. Also known as "basis metal."
base number A synonym for "radix num-
ber." See radix number.
BASIC Beginners' All-purpose Symbolic
Instruction Code; A widely used computer
language for personal computers. Developed
at Dartmouth to teach students program-
ming, BASIC features array and string
manipulation and is widely used for educa-
tional and business applications because it is
easily understood and appropriate for solv-
ing small problems.
basic control Control that is dedicated to
establishing and maintaining a specific state
of equipment or specific process condition.
Note: Basic control may include regulatory
control, interlocking, monitoring, exception
handling, and discrete or sequential control.
[ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995]
basic device A basic device is any device that
does not have the capacity to control com-
43
baseband modems / batch
munications on an H1 fieldbus segment. See
H1 Field Device.
basic element A single component or sub-
system that performs one necessary and dis-
tinct function in a measurement sequence. To
be considered a basic element, the compo-
nent must perform one and only one of the
smallest steps into which the measuring
sequence can be conveniently divided.
basic frequency In a waveform that is made
up of several components of different fre-
quencies, basic frequency is the single com-
ponent that has the largest amplitude or has
some other characteristic that makes it the
principal component of the composite wave.
basic input-output system (BIOS) That part
of a computer operating system that handles
input and output.
basic insulation Insulation that poses the
risk of electric shock if it fails. Note: Basic
insulation may also serve functional pur-
poses. [ANSI/ISA-82.02.01-1999 (IEC 1010-1
Mod)]
basic process control system 1. The control
equipment that is installed to perform the
normal regulatory functions for the pro-
cess—for example, PID control and sequen-
tial control. [ANSI/ISA-91.01-1995] 2. A
system that responds to input signals from
the equipment under control and/or from an
operator and generates output signals that
cause the equipment under control to oper-
ate in the desired manner. Some examples
include control of an exothermic reaction,
anti-surge control of a compressor, and fuel/
air controls in fired heaters. Also referred to
as process control system. [ANSI/ISA-84.01-
1996]
basic recipe A generic, transportable process
recipe that consists of header information,
equipment requirements, formula, and pro-
cedure.
basis weight For paper and certain other
sheet products, the weight per unit area.
bat file A file name ending in .bat that con-
tains a list of the commands most often used
to initiate a computer program.
batch 1. The material that is being produced
or that has been produced by a single execu-
tion of a batch process. 2. An entity that rep-
resents the production of a material at any
point in the process. Note: Batch means both
the material made by and during the process
and also the production of that material.
Batch, in other words, is used as an abstract
contraction of the words "the production of a
batch." [ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995] [Comp] 3. A
group of similar computer transactions
batch control / BBS
joined together for processing as a single
unit.
batch control Control activities and control
functions that provide a means to process
finite quantities of input materials by subject-
ing them to an ordered set of processing
activities over a finite period of time using
one or more pieces of equipment. [ANSI/
ISA-88.01-1995]
batch manufacturing A technique for
manufacturing parts or finished goods in
groups, lots, or batches in which each part or
finished product in the batch is identical.
batch process A process that leads to the pro-
duction of finite quantities of material by
subjecting quantities of input materials to an
ordered set of processing activities over a
finite time using one or more pieces of equip-
ment. [ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995]
batch processing [Comp] 1. The technique of
executing a set of programs such that each is
completed before the next program of the set
is started. 2. Loosely, the execution of pro-
grams serially. 3. In data processing, a tech-
nique in which data are accumulated and
processed in batches, as compared with
interactive processing. See interactive process-
ing. [Proc] 4. A production operation that
does not operate continuously but must be
stopped for loading and unloading after pro-
cessing a quantity of material or a limited
number of items.
batch schedule A list of batches to be pro-
duced in a specific process cell. Note: The
batch schedule typically contains such infor-
mation as what is to be produced, how much
is to be produced, when or in what order the
batches are to be produced, and what equip-
ment is to be used. [ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995]
bathochrome An agent or chemical group
that causes the absorption band of a solution
to shift to lower frequencies.
bathometer An instrument for measuring
depth in the ocean or other body of water.
bathyclinograph An instrument for measur-
ing vertical ocean currents.
bathyconductograph An instrument for mea-
suring the electrical conductivity of seawater
as it is towed at various depths behind a
moving ship.
bathymetry The application of scientific prin-
ciples to the measurement of ocean depths.
bathythermograph An instrument for
recording sea temperature versus depth
(pressure) as it is towed behind a moving
ship. Also known as "bathythermosphere."
44
battery Two or more cells that are electrically
connected and used as a source of energy.
[ANSI/ISA-12.16.01-1998 (IEC 79-7 Mod)]
battery capacity The quantity of electricity
(electric charge), usually expressed in
ampere-hours (Ah), that a fully charged bat-
tery can deliver under specified conditions.
[ANSI/ISA-12.16.01-1998 (IEC 79-7 Mod)]
battery container An enclosure that enve-
lopes or secures the battery. Note: The cover
is a part of the battery container. [ANSI/ISA-
12.16.01-1998 (IEC 79-7 Mod)]
baud 1. The measure of the rate at which dig-
ital data are transmitted, in bits per second.
2. A unit of signaling speed that is equal to
the number of code elements per second.
(This definition is applied only to the actual
signals on a communication line.) If each sig-
nal event represents only one bit condition,
baud is the same as bits per second. When
each signal event represents something other
than the logical state of only one bit, baud is
used for data entry only in the simplest of
systems. 3. The unit of signal speed that is
equal to twice the number of Morse code
dots continuously sent per second, clarified
by rate, bit and capacity, and channel.
baudot code A three-part teletype code con-
sisting of a start pulse (always a space), five
data pulses, and a stop pulse (1.42 times the
length of the other pulses) for each character
transmitted. Various combinations of data
pulses are used to designate letters of the
alphabet, the numerals 0 to 9, and certain
standard symbols.
baud rate Any of the standard transmission
rates for sending or receiving binary coded
data. The standard rates are generally
between 50 and 19,200 bauds.
Baumé scale Either of two specific-gravity
scales devised by French chemist Antoine
Baumé in 1768 and often used to express the
specific gravity of acids, syrups, and other
liquids. For light liquids, the scale is deter-
mined from the formula:
°Bé = (140/sp. gr.) - 130
For heavy liquids it is determined from:
°Bé = 145 - (145/sp. gr.)
60F is the standard temperature used.
Bauschinger effect The phenomenon
wherein the plastic deformation of a metal
raises its tensile yield strength but decreases
its compressive yield strength.
BBS Bulletin board service; general access
provided for users of computers connected
to a phone line and provided by a group for
the general exchange of messages, illustra-
tions, software, etc. A BBS can be commercial

(paid subscribers), volunteer, or perhaps pro-
vided by product vendors for use by their
customers.
BCC Block check character; the result of the
transmission of a verification algorithm
accumulated over a transmission block, nor-
mally added to the end, such as CRC, LRC.
BCD Binary-coded decimal; method to
express individual decimal digits in four-bit
binary notation. (1 = 0001; 2 = 0010; 23 = 0010
0011).
BCD, buffered Buffered binary-coded deci-
mal; a binary-coded decimal output that has
output drivers in order to increase line-drive
capability.
BCD, parallel Parallel binary-coded deci-
mal; a digital data output format wherein
every decimal digit is represented by binary
signals on four lines and all digits are pre-
sented in parallel. The total number of lines
is four times the number of decimal digits.
BCD, serial Serial binary-coded decimal; a
digital data output format wherein every
decimal digit is presented by binary signals
on four lines and up to five decimal digits are
presented sequentially. The total number of
lines is four data lines plus one strobe line
per digit.
BCD, three-state Three-state binary-coded
decimal; an implementation of parallel BCD
that has 0, 1, and high-impedance output
states. The high-impedance state is used
when the BCD output is not addressed in
parallel connect applications.
BCH Bose-Chandhuri-Hocquendhem; error-
checking technique.
BCOMP See buffer complete.
BDAT Best demonstrated available technol-
ogy economically achievable in complying to
EPA (United States) pollution prevention
requirements.
bead 1. A rolled or folded seam along the
edge of metal sheet. 2. A projecting band or
rim. 3. A drop of precious metal that is pro-
duced during cupellation in fire assaying. 4.
An elongated seam that is produced by
welding in a single pass.
beaded tube end The rounded exposed end
of a rolled tube when the tube metal is
formed over the sheet in which the tube is
rolled.
beam 1. An elongated structural member that
carries lateral loads or bending moments.
2. A confined or unidirectional ray of light,
sound, electromagnetic radiation, or vibra-
tional energy that usually has a relatively
small cross section.
45
BCC / BEDO
beam divergence The increase in beam diam-
eter that results from the increase in distance
from a laser's exit aperture. Divergence,
expressed in milliradians, is measured at
specified points across the beam's diameter.
beam expander An optical system that
expands a narrow beam to a larger diameter,
ideally without changing the divergence of
the beam.
beam integrator A device that integrates the
energy in a light beam so it is uniform across
the beam's cross section.
beam splitter A device that separates a light
beam into two beams. Some types affect the
polarization of the beam.
beam spread The angle of divergence of an
acoustic or electromagnetic beam from its
central axis as it travels through a material.
bearing 1. A machine part that supports
another machine part while the latter under-
goes a rotating, sliding, or oscillating motion.
2. That portion of a beam, truss, or other
structural member that rests on the supports.
3. The angle in a horizontal plane between
the line of sight to a distant object and some
absolute or relative reference direction.
bearing circle A ring-shaped device that fits
over a compass or compass repeater to make
it easier to take compass bearings.
beat-frequency oscillator An electrical oscil-
lator that generates a frequency that, in turn,
is beat against another frequency to generate
a third, usually audible frequency. Beat-fre-
quency oscillators are generally used in com-
munications receivers to provide an audible
signal or to reinsert a carrier for the reception
of single side-band signals.
beating A pulsating waveform that is some-
times produced when two or more periodic
quantities of different frequencies combine.
beat note The wave of different frequency
that results when two sinusoidal waves
whose frequencies differ from each other are
supplied to a nonlinear device.
beats 1. Periodic pulsations in amplitude that
are created when a wave of one frequency is
combined with a wave of a different fre-
quency. 2. The alternating rise and fall of
vibration amplitude caused by two sources
vibrating at close to the same speeds.
bed The part of a machine that has precisely
machined ways or bearing surfaces so that it
can support and align other parts such as
toolholders or dies.
BEDO Burst extended data out; technology
for high-speed (66 MHz) bus access to com-
puter memory.
Beer's law / belt conveyor scale
Beer's law The law that relates the absorption
coefficient of a material to its molar density.
behavioral modeling Modeling a device or
component directly in terms of its underly-
ing mathematical equations.
behind the panel 1. A location that is within
an area that (a) contains the instrument
panel, (b) contains its associated rack-
mounted hardware, or (c) is enclosed within
the panel. 2. Behind-the-panel devices are
not accessible for the operator's normal use.
3. Behind-the-panel devices are not desig-
nated as local or front-of-panel-mounted.
[ANSI/ISA-5.1-1984 (R1992)]
bel A dimensionless unit for expressing the
ratio of two power levels. The value in bels
equals log P 2 /P 1 ), where P1 and P2 are the
two power levels.
BEL In communication, BEL is a control char-
acter used when a need exists for a call to
attention. A BEL character may also control
alarm or attention devices.
Bell Designation for AT&T standards for
devices that transmit over telephone lines,
such as modems.
Bell 103, 113 [etc.] Codes devised by the Bell
system to define modem type and speeds
(e.g., Bell 103, Bell 208). They include the fol-
lowing: Bell 103 - a 300 bps asynchronous
modem with originate or answer; Bell 113—a
300 bps asynchronous modem with originate
or answer; Bell 201 - a 2400 bps synchronous
modem; Bell 202--an 1800 bps asynchronous
modem, full duplex with 4-wire; Bell 208—a
4800 bps synchronous modem; Bell 209—a
9600 bps synchronous modem; Bell 212—a
1200 bps asynchronous/synchronous dial-
up full duplex.
belled tube end See flared tube end.
Belleville washer See disk spring.
bellows 1. A pressure-sensing element of
generally cylindrical shape whose walls con-
tain deep convolutions and whose length
changes when a pressure differential is
applied. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)] 2. An
enclosed chamber whose walls are designed
pleated or corrugated so its interior volume
may be varied, either to alternately draw in
and expel a gas or other fluid or to expand
and contract in response to variations in
internal pressure. 3. A pressure transducer
that converts pressure into a nearly linear
displacement.
bellows actuator A fluid-powered device in
which the fluid acts upon a flexible, convo-
luted component termed "the bellows".
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
46
bellows expansion joint A type of coupling
between two pieces of pipe that uses a flexi-
ble metal bellows to prevent leakage while
allowing limited linear movement, in order
to accommodate, for example, thermal
expansion and contraction.
bellows gauge A pressure-measuring device
in which variations in internal pressure
within a flexible bellows cause an end plate
to move against the spring force. The posi-
tion of the end plate is directly related to the
bellows' internal pressure.
bellows meter A differential pressure-mea-
suring instrument that has a measuring ele-
ment of opposed metal bellows whose
motion positions the output actuator.
bellows seal 1. A multiconvolution-type ele-
ment used as a protective barrier between
the instrument and the process fluid. 2. A
seal in the shape of a bellows used to prevent
air or gas leakage.
bellows sealed valve A valve that utilizes a
bellows to replace the conventional packing
gland. One end of the bellows is welded to
the rising stem; the other is sealed against the
valve body.
bellows stem seal A thin-walled, convoluted,
flexible component that makes a hermetic
seal between the stem and bonnet or body
and allows stem motion. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
bellows type valve A fluid-powered device
in which the fluid acts upon a flexible, con-
voluted member, termed the bellows, in
order to provide linear motion to the actua-
tor stem. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
bell-type manometer A gauge for measuring
differential pressure, which consists essen-
tially of a cup inverted in a container of liq-
uid. Pressure from one source is fed to the
inside of the cup, while pressure from a sec-
ond source is applied to the exterior of the
cup. Pressure difference is indicated by the
position of the cup in relation to the liquid
level.
belt conveyor A continuous band of fabric,
rubber, plastic, leather, or metal that moves
indefinitely and features a drive, a tail end,
and bend terminals; belt idlers; or slider beds
for handling bulk materials, packages, or
objects placed directly upon the belt. [ISA-
RP74.01-1984]
belt conveyor scale A device installed on a
belt-conveyor structure that continuously
weighs the material being conveyed. [ISA-
RP74-1984]
 belt-speed sensor / beta particle
Belt Conveyor and Weighbridge Assembly
belt-speed sensor A device that generates a
signal as it detects belt speed. [ISA-RP74.01-
1984]
belt-speed transmitter A device that trans-
mits a belt speed signal to a receiver. [ISA-
RP74.01-1984]
bench (optical) A mounting surface for opti-
cal components.
bench check A laboratory-type test of an
assembly, component, or subassembly to ver-
ify its function or to identify a source of mal-
function. Bench checks are often done with
the unit removed from its housing or system
for service or repair. Also known as "bench
test."
benchmark 1. A natural or artificial object that
has a specific point marked on it so as to iden-
tify a reference location, such as a reference
elevation. 2. A fixed point of reference; a
standard for comparison; an outstanding
example, appropriate for use as a model.
benchmark program A routine used to deter-
mine the performance of a computer or soft-
ware.
bench set The calibration performed in the
shop of the actuator spring range of a control
valve, to account for the in-service process
forces. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
bench top equipment Equipment that is
designed to be used on and supported by a
bench, table, stand, and so one, but is neither
fixed nor portable, as defined by the follow-
ing conditions: (a) It has at least one handle
and the weight exceeds 20 kilograms (44
pounds), or (b) It has no handle and the
weight exceeds 5 kilograms (11 pounds), or
(c) It is not mobile (does not have casters,
wheels, rollers, etc., nor is it provided with a
cart).
bending Applying mechanical force or pres-
sure to form a metal part by plastic deforma-
tion around an axis lying parallel to the
metal surface. Bending is commonly used to
produce angular, curved, or flanged parts
from sheet metal, rod, or wire.
47
bend loss Attenuation caused by high-order
modes radiating from the side of a fiber. The
two common types of bend losses are (a)
those occurring when the fiber is curved
around a restrictive radius of curvature and
(b) microbends caused by small distortions
of the fiber imposed by externally induced
perturbations, such as poor cabling tech-
niques.
bend pulley Any pulley used to change the
direction of travel of a belt. [ISA-RP74.01-
1984]
bend radius The smallest arc in a cable that
can be made without causing damage.
bend test A ductility test in which a metal
specimen is bent through a specified arc
around a support of known radius. Bend
tests are used primarily to evaluate the inher-
ent formability of metal sheet, rod, or wire,
or to evaluate the weld quality specific mate-
rials produce, joint design, and welding tech-
nique.
bent tube boiler A water-tube boiler consist-
ing of two or more drums connected by
tubes, practically all of which are bent near
the ends to permit their attachment to the
drum shell on radial lines.
Bernoulli coefficient In any stream, if the
area is changed, as by a reducer, there is a
change in the velocity and a corresponding
change in the static pressure, or "head." This
pressure change is measured in units of
velocity head. The dimensionless coefficient
used for this purpose is the Bernoulli coeffi-
cient K8.
BERT/BLERT Bit error rate test/block error
rate test; error-checking technique that com-
pares received data pattern with known
transmitted data pattern to determine the
transmission line quality.
bessel The filter characteristic in which phase
linearity across the pass band is emphasized
rather than amplitude linearity. Also known
as constant delay.
best straight line A line midway between, on
the one hand, the two parallel straight lines
that are closest together and that enclose all
output and, on the other, the measurand val-
ues on a calibration curve. [ISA-37.1-1975
(R1982)]
best-straight-line linearity An average of the
deviation of all calibration points. Also called
independent linearity.
beta emitter A radioactive nuclide that disin-
tegrates by emitting a beta particle.
beta particle An electron or positron that is
emitted from the nucleus of a radioactive
nuclide.
beta ratio(ß) / bimetal thermometer
beta ratio(6) The ratio of the diameter of a
pipeline constriction to the unconstricted
pipe diameter.
beta ray A stream of beta particles.
beta-ray spectrometer An instrument used to
measure the energy distribution in a stream
of beta particles or secondary electrons.
beta test The second stage of testing a new
software program. The program is tested by
selected "typical" users to discover bugs
before releasing it to general sale. Software
undergoes beta testing shortly before it is
released.
betatron A large particle accelerator that is
used to impart energy to a stream of elec-
trons by means of magnetic induction.
bevel gear One of a pair of gears whose teeth
run parallel to a conical surface so that they
can transmit power and motion between two
shafts whose axes intersect.
bezel A ring-shaped member surrounding a
cover glass, window, cathode-ray tube face,
or similar area so as to protect its edges and
often to also provide a decorative appear-
ance.
Bézier curve A description of a character, sym-
bol, or graphic by its outline; used by com-
puter drawing programs to define shapes.
BFSL Best fit straight line; line midway
between two parallel straight lines, enclosing
all charted values of measurement. Also
known as independent linearity, which
allows zero and full-scale values, used to
establish the position of a reference line, to be
moved to points that minimize the nonlin-
earity specification of an instrument, often
when zero is generally not zero and full scale
will seldom equal the actual or desired full
scale of the instrument, such as with pressure
devices.
bias 1. An uncertainty component that con-
sistently has the same algebraic sign and is
expressed as an estimated limit of error.
[ISA-RP67.04.02-2000] 2. The departure from
a reference value of the average of a set of
values. Thus, bias is a measurement of the
amount of unbalance of a set of measure-
ments or conditions. A biased measurement
has an average error value that is nonzero. 3.
A signal applied to an electronic device to
ensure that it operates on a particular portion
of its characteristic curve. 4. The average DC
voltage or current maintained between a
control electrode and the common electrode
in a transistor or vacuum tube.
bias current A very low-level DC current
generated by a panel meter and superim-
posed on the signal. This current may intro-
48
duce a measurable offset across a very high
source impedance.
bias (tape) The sine wave, typically 10 times
the amplitude and 3.5 times the top fre-
quency, which is applied to tape recording
heads with a signal to eliminate most signal
distortion.
bidirectional load cell A column-type
strain-gauge load cell with female or male
fittings at both ends for attaching load hard-
ware. It can be used to measure either ten-
sion or compression loading. Also known as
universal load cell.
bidirectional printer An electronic printer
capable of printing either forward or back-
ward.
bidirectional pulse A wave pulse in which
intended deviations from the normally con-
stant values occur in two opposing direc-
tions.
bilateral tolerance The amount of allowable
variation about a given dimension, usually
expressed as plus or minus a specific fraction
or decimal.
bilateral transducer A transducer that can
transmit signals simultaneously in both
directions between two or more termina-
tions.
bill of lading A contract or receipt for goods
that a carrier agrees to transport from one
place to another and to deliver to a desig-
nated person or that it assigns for compensa-
tion upon the conditions stated in the bill of
lading. [ISA-95.00.01-2000]
bill of material A listing of all the subassem-
blies, parts, and/or materials that are used in
the production of a product. It includes the
quantity of each material required to make a
product. [ISA-95.00.01-2000]
bill of resources 1. A listing of all resources
and at what point in the production process
they are needed to produce a product. 2. A
listing of the key resources required to manu-
facture a product, organized as segments of
production. Bills of resources are often used
to predict the impact of activity changes in
the master production schedule on the sup-
ply of resources. [ISA-95.00.01-2000]
bimetal A bonded laminate consisting of two
strips of dissimilar metals. The bond is usu-
ally a stable metallic bond produced by roll-
ing or diffusion bonding. The composite
material is used most often as an element for
detecting temperature changes by means of
differential thermal expansion in the two lay-
ers.
bimetal thermometer Temperature-sensing
instrument in which two dissimilar metals
 bimetallic thermometer element / binary unit
are bonded together so that the differential
expansion of the two metals actuates the
pointer, indicating temperature.
bimetallic thermometer element A tempera-
ture-sensitive strip of metal (or other config-
uration) m a d e by bonding or mechanically
joining two dissimilar strips of metal
together. Small changes in temperature will
cause the composite assembly to distort elas-
tically and produce a predictable deflection.
The element is designed to take advantage of
the fact that different metals have different
coefficients of thermal expansion.
Bimetallic Sensor
bin 1. One spectral line in the frequency dis-
play of a fast-Fourier transform (FFT) ana-
lyzer. The bin can be viewed as a bandpass
filter with a bandwidth that is adjusted by
whatever frequency span is selected. 2. In
video development, a place for storing a
piece of video footage.
binary 1. A term applied to a signal or device
that has only two discrete positions or states.
When used in its simplest form, a s in "binary
signal" (as opposed to "analog signal"), the
term denotes an "on-off" or " h i g h - l o w "
state, that is, one that does not represent con-
tinuously varying quantities. [ANSI-ISA-5.1-
1984 (R1992)] 2. Pertaining to the characteris-
tic or property that involves a selection,
choice, or condition in which there are two
possibilities. [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (1983)] 3. Per-
taining to the numeration system that has a
radix of two. [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)] 4. A
computer numbering system that uses two
as its base rather than ten. The binary system
uses only 0 and 1 in its written form. 5. A
device, such as a computer, that uses only
two states or levels to perform its functions,.
binary cell An information-storage element
that can assume either of two stable condi-
tions and no others.
49
binary code A code that uses two distinct
characters, usually 0 and 1.
binary-coded decimal (BCD) Describing a
decimal notation in which the individual
decimal digits are represented by a group of
binary bits. For example, in the 8-4-2-1 coded
decimal notation each decimal digit is repre-
sented by a group of four binary bits. The
n u m b e r twelve is represented as 0001 0010
for 1 and 2, respectively, whereas in binary
notation it is represented as 1100. Related to
binary.
binary counter 1. A counter that counts
according to the binary n u m b e r system. 2. A
counter w h o s e basic counting elements are
capable of assuming one of two stable states.
binary digit 1. In binary notation, either of
the characters 0 or 1.2. Synonymous with bit.
3. See equivalent binary digits.
binary file An electronic term for a file that is
not a text file.
binary notation A method of numerical
representation with two as the base and thus
having only two digits, " 0 " and " 1 . " This
notation is easily represented in computing
and transmission by two states in frequency,
phase, amplitude, voltage, current, and so
on.
binary number A n u m b e r composed of the
characters 0 and 1, in which each character
represents a power of two. The decimal num-
ber 2 is 10; the n u m b e r 12 is 1100; the number
31 is 11111, and so on.
binary phase-shift keying (BPSK) A digital
form of phase modulation in which the out-
put phase is modulated between two states.
binary point The radix point in a binary
number system. See radix point.
binary scaler A signal-modifying device
(scaler) that has a scaling factor of 2.
binary search A dichotomizing search in
which the set of items to be searched is
divided at each step into two equal, or nearly
equal, parts. Also known as "binary chop."
binary synchronous A procedure for con-
necting many terminals that share a single
link.
binary synchronous communications
(BSC) 1. An IBM synchronous communica-
tions protocol also referred to as "bisync." 2.
A communications procedure that uses spe-
cial characters for the control of synchro-
nized transmission
binary unit 1. A binary digit. 2. A unit of
information content, equal to one binary
decision, or the designation of one of two
possible a n d equally likely values or states of
anything that is used to store or convey
binary word / bit duration
information. 3. See check bit and parity bit. 4.
Synonymous with bit.
binary word A group of binary digits that
have place values in increasing powers of
two.
binder 1. In metal founding, a material other
than water that is added to foundry sand to
make the particles stick together. 2. In pow-
der metallurgy, a substance added to the
powder to increase the green strength of the
compact, or a material (usually with a rela-
tively low melting point) added to a powder
mixture to bond particles together during
sintering that otherwise would not bond into
a strong sintered body.
Bingham viscometer A time-of-discharge
device for measuring fluid viscosity in which
the fluid is discharged through a capillary
tube instead of an orifice or nozzle.
bioinstrumentation Instruments that can be
attached to humans or animals to record bio-
logical parameters, such as pulse rate,
breathing rate, or body temperature.
biomedical engineering The application of
engineering principles to the solution of
medical problems, including the design and
fabrication of prostheses, diagnostic instru-
mentation, and surgical tools.
biometric To measure using biological tech-
niques, typically for security purposes but
also for interfaces for process control involv-
ing the recognition or matching of voice,
face, fingerprint, iris, retina, and so on.
BIOS Basic input/output system. Com-
mands used to tell a CPU how it will com-
municate with the rest of the computer. The
information that is typically needed when a
computer starts up. In some operating sys-
tems, that part of program that customizes it
to its specific computer.
biphase A method of bit encoding for serial
data transmission or recording in which
there is a signal transition every bit period.
bipolar meter The ability of a meter to dis-
play both positive and negative readings.
bipolar technology Technology that uses two
different polarity electrical signals to repre-
sent logic states of 1 and 0.
bipolar transistor A transistor created by
placing a layer of P- or N-type semiconduc-
tors between two regions of an opposite type
of semiconductor.
BIPS Billion instructions per second (rough
measure of processing power).
biquinary code A method of coding decimal
digits in which each numeral is coded in two
parts—the first being either 0 or 5 and the
50
second any value from 0 to 4. The digit
equals the sum of the two parts.
birefringent element A device that has a
refractive index that is different for light-
waves of different orthogonal polarizations.
Because of this difference, light of the two
orthogonal polarizations travels at different
speeds and is refracted slightly differently.
Birmingham wire gauge (BWG) A system of
standard sizes used in the United States for
brass wire as well as for strip, bands, hoops,
and wire made of ferrous and nonferrous
metals. The decimal equivalent of standard
BWG sizes is generally larger than for the
same gauge number in both the American
wire gauge and U.S. steel wire gauge sys-
tems.
bistable 1. A device that changes state when
a preselected signal value is reached. [ISA-
RP67.04.02-2000] 2. The capability of assum-
ing either of two stable states, hence of stor-
ing one bit of information.
bistable uncertainty (BU) That portion of the
channel uncertainty that is due to uncor-
rected possible errors associated only with
the bistable. [ANSI/ISA-TR67.04.08-1996]
bit 1. An abbreviation of "binary digit." 2. A
measure of failure rate that corresponds to
10"8 failures per hour. 3. A single character in a
binary number. 4. A single pulse in a group of
pulses. 5. A unit of information capacity for a
storage device. The capacity in bits is the loga-
rithm to the base two of the number of possi-
ble states of the device. Related to storage
capacity. 6. The smallest unit of information
that can be recognized by a computer.
bitbus Process control and data acquisition
communication by Intel using the seven-
layer OSI model, EIA-485 comms, plus SDLC
protocol, plus 8044 chip; twisted-pair, multi-
point, up to 28 stations per segment, up to
500 round-trip messages per second.
bit density A measure of the number of bits
recorded per unit of length or area.
bit depth In digital graphics, the number of
bits used to represent the color of each pixel
in an image: a bit depth of 2 = black and
white pixels, 4 = 16 colors or grays, 8 = 256
colors or grays, 16 = 65,536 colors, 24 = 16.7
million colors, and so on.
bit duration The time it takes for one
encoded bit to pass a point on the transmis-
sion medium. A relative unit of time mea-
surement used to compare delay times, such
as propagation delay or access latency, where
the data rate of a (typically high-speed)
transmission channel may vary.

bit error rate (BER) The ratio of bits received
in error to bits sent.
bit error rate/block error rate testing (BERT/
BLERT). An error-checking technique that
compares a received data pattern with a
known transmitted data pattern to determine
transmission line quality.
bit error rate tester A system that measures
the fraction of bits transmitted incorrectly by
a digital communication system.
bit fail map A diagnostic report from a mem-
ory device test that contains actual failure
modes and failure locations through a series
of characteristic patterns.
bit map 1. A table that describes the state of
each member of a related set. A bit map is
most often used to describe the allocation of
storage space; each bit in the table indicates
whether a particular block in the storage
medium is occupied or free. 2. In computer
imaging, the electronic representation of a
page or a chosen area of a page or illustra-
tion, indicating the position of every possible
spot (zero or one). A bit map is pixel-based
(typically providing higher resolution on a
video screen) rather than object-oriented
(typically providing higher resolution on a
printer).
bit pattern A combination of n binary digits
to represent 2 to the n possible choices. For
example, a three-bit pattern represents eight
possible combinations.
bit rate 1. The speed at which bits are trans-
mitted, usually expressed in bits per second.
(Compare with baud). 2. The rate at which
binary digits, or the pulses representing
them, pass a given point on a communica-
tions line or channel (clarified at baud).
bits per second In a serial transmission, the
instantaneous bit speed within one character,
as transmitted by a machine or a channel. See
baud.
bit stream A binary signal without regard to
grouping by character.
bit string A string of binary digits in which
each bit position is considered an indepen-
dent unit.
bit synchronizer A hardware device that
establishes a series of clock pulses in syn-
chronism with an incoming bit stream and
identifies each bit.
blackbody 1. A physical object that absorbs
incident radiation, regardless of the spectral
character or directional preference of that
radiation. A perfect blackbody is most
closely approximated by a hollow sphere
with a small hole in its wall—the plane of the
hole being the blackbody. A perfect black-
51
bit error rate (BER) / bleeding
body is used as an ideal reference concept in
the study of radiant energy. 2. Denotes a per-
fectly absorbing object, that is, one for whom
none of the incident energy is reflected. It
radiates (perfectly) at a rate expressed by the
Stefan-Boltzmann Law; the spectral distribu-
tion of radiation is expressed by Planck's
radiation formula. When a blackbody is in
thermal equilibrium, it absorbs and radiates
at the same rate.
blackbody temperature The true tempera-
ture of a blackbody source. When used to cal-
ibrate a radiation pyrometer, the radiation
pyrometer will measure the brightness tem-
perature of sources other than the blackbody.
To obtain the true temperature of nonblack-
bodies using a radiation pyrometer, multiply
the brightness temperature by the emissivity
of the observed source.
black box A generic term used to describe an
unspecified device that performs a special
function or in which known inputs produce
known outputs in a fixed relationship.
black-box testing See functional testing.
black-bulb thermometer A thermometer
whose sensitive element is covered with
lampblack to make it approximate a black
body.
blade-type consistency sensor A pneumatic
device for determining changes in consis-
tency of a flowing non-Newtonian substance
such as a slurry. It senses the force required
for a shaped blade to shear through the flow-
ing stock, and transmits a pneumatic output
signal proportional to changes in consis-
tency. Its normal operating range is 1.75 to
6.0 percent suspended solids, with a sensitiv-
ity of -0.02 percent in many applications.
blank In computer programming, the charac-
ter used to represent a space.
blank alarm point See alarm point.
blanking Inserting a solid disk at a pipe joint
or union to close off flow during mainte-
nance, repair, or testing.
blasting 1. Detonating an explosive. 2. Using
abrasive grit, sand, or shot carried in a strong
stream of air or other medium to remove soil
or scale from a surface.
bleeding 1. Allowing a fluid to drain or
escape to the atmosphere through a small
valve or cock. Bleeding is used to provide
controlled slow reduction of slight overpres-
sure, to withdraw a sample for analysis, to
drain condensation from compressed air
lines, or to reduce the airspace above the liq-
uid level in a pressurized tank. 2. Withdraw-
ing steam from an intermediate stage of a
turbine to heat a process fluid or boiler feed-

blend / blocked impedance
water. 3. Natural separation of liquid from a
semisolid mixture—such as oil from a lubri-
cating grease or water from freshly poured
concrete.
blend 1. To mix ingredients so they are indis-
tinguishable from each other in the mixture.
2. To produce a smooth transition between
two intersecting surfaces, such as at the
edges of a radiused fillet between a shaft and
an integral flange or collar.
blind hole A hole in a piece of material that
does not completely penetrate to the back
surface.
blind nipple A short piece of pipe or tubing,
one end of which is closed and sealed.
blind pressure transmitter A pressure trans-
mitter that does not have an integral readout
device.
blinking A periodic change of the hue, satu-
ration, or intensity of a video display unit
pixel, character, or graphic symbol. [ISA-5.5-
1985]
blip Any erratic signal on a computer screen.
blister 1. A small area on the surface of metal
or plastic where gas trapped between layers
has forced up a bubble of material from the
material underneath. 2. An enclosed macro-
scopic cavity in a glaze or other fired ceramic
coating. 3. A raised area where a paint, elec-
troplate, or other coating has become
detached from the substrate because gas or
moisture has accumulated at the coating-
substrate interface.
BLOB Binary large object; in object-oriented
programming, a BLOB can contain all kinds
of data, such as images, sounds, graphics,
programming codes, animations, and the
like.
block 1. A set of things, such as words, charac-
ters, or digits, handled as a unit. 2. A collec-
tion of contiguous records that are recorded as
a unit. The blocks are separated by interblock
gaps, and each block may contain one or more
records. 3. In data communication, a group of
contiguous characters formed for transmis-
sion purposes. The groups are separated by
interblock characters. 4. A group of physically
adjacent words or bytes of a specified size that
are particular to a device. With respect to I/O,
the smallest system-addressable segment on a
mass-storage device. 5. A logical processing
unit of software that comprises an individual,
named copy of the block and associated
parameters specified by a block type, which
persists from one invocation of the block to
the next. Note: The values of the data in a
block's data structure typically change each
52
Next Page
time the block is invoked. [ISA-TR50.02, Part
9-2000]
block, data A set of associated characters or
words treated as a unit.
block-and-tackle A hoisting gear consisting
of a rope or cable and one or more indepen-
dently rotating frictionless pulleys. Also
known as "block and fall."
block check character A character, usually
transmitted at the end of a block, that is the
result of a verification transmission algo-
rithm accumulated over all the characters in
a block (e.g., CRC, LRC).
block diagram 1. A graphical representation
of the hardware in a computer system. The
primary purpose of a block diagram is to
indicate the paths along which information
or control flows between the various parts of
a computer system. It should not be con-
fused with the term flowchart. 2. A coarser
and less symbolic representation than a flow-
chart. 3. A graphical representation of a com-
puter program. 4. A simple pictorial repre-
sentation of a control system. Block diagrams
have two basic symbols, the circle and the
function block. The arrows entering and
leaving the circle represent the flow of infor-
mation, and the head of each arrow has an
algebraic sign associated with it, either plus
or minus. Block diagrams graphically repre-
sent the hardware in a system.
block sequence A welding sequence in
which separated lengths of a continuous
multiple-pass weld are built up to full cross
section before gaps between the segments
are filled in. Compare with cascade sequence.
block size The number of voltage measure-
ments in a time block of data sampled by a
fast Fourier transform (FFT) spectrum ana-
lyzer. This number is usually 512 for a 200-
line frequency display, 1,024 for a 400-line
frequency display, and so on.
block switching A two-level multiplexing
technique used in data transmission,
whereby one level selects the input channel
to be transmitted, and the second level
selects the group of first-level input channels
to be addressed. The chief advantage of
block switching is that it reduces leakage
currents from "off" channels that interfere
with the data signals being transmitted. Also
known as submultiplexing.
blocked impedance Of an electromechanical
transducer; the electrical impedance at the
input terminals when the mechanical system
is "blocked," or prevented from moving.
Previous Page
blow down valve A valve generally used to
continuously regulate the concentration of
solids in the boiler (not a drain valve).
blowback The difference between the pres-
sures at which a safety valve opens and
closes, usually about 3 percent of the pres-
sure at which the valve opens.
blowby Leakage of fluid through the clear-
ance between a piston and its cylinder dur-
ing operation.
blowdown 1. In a safety valve, the difference
between opening and closing pressures. 2. In
a steam boiler, the practice of periodically
opening valves attached to the bottom of
steam drums and water drums, during boiler
operation, to drain off accumulations of sedi-
ment.
Blowdown and Chemical Balance
blower A fan used to force air under pres-
sure.
blowhole A pocket of air or gas trapped dur-
ing the solidification of a cast metal.
blow-off valve A specially designed, manu-
ally operated valve connected to the boiler
for the purpose of reducing the concentration
of solids in the boiler or for draining pur-
poses.
blowout disk See rupture disk device.
bluing Also spelled "blueing." 1. Forming a
bluish oxide film on steel by exposing it to
steam, air, or other agents at a suitable tem-
perature, thus giving scale-free surfaces an
attractive appearance and improved corro-
sion resistance. 2. Heating formed springs
after fabrication to improve their properties
and reduce residual stress. 3. A thin blue
oxide formed on polished metal surfaces
when exposed briefly to air at high tempera-
tures.
BMP Bit-mapped format method for saving
graphics in electronic memory, used for
exchanging data between computers. Also,
best management practices, an EPA (United
53
blow down valve / Bodé plot
States) term for a practice that is not standard
per se but must be adhered to no matter
what or result in permit loss, even if effluent
limits are met.
BMS Burner management system; terminol-
ogy originating in power generation indus-
try.
BNC Bayonet-Neill-Concelman; bayonet-
locking connector used on Ethernet 10Base2
thinnet coaxial cabling.
board A flat sheet in which integrated cir-
cuits are mounted. See panel.
board tester A system that tests printed cir-
cuit boards, with or without components.
BOB Break-out box; testing device that per-
mits the user to cross and tie leads using
jumper wires.
BOD Biochemical oxygen demand of pollut-
ants, calculated for EPA (United States) regu-
lations. Also, business object document.
Bode diagram In process instrumentation, a
plot of the log gain (magnitude ratio) and
phase angle values on a log frequency base
for a transfer function. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(1993)]
Typical Bode Diagram
Bode plot 1. A graph of transfer function ver-
sus frequency. The gain (often in decibels)
and phase (in degrees) are plotted against the
frequency on log scale. Also called a "Bode
diagram." 2. In vibration analysis, a plot of
amplitude versus frequency and phase ver-
sus frequency with all data points at running
speed. The data are admitted through a
tracking filter as the machine changes speed.
body / bolometer

body The main pressure b o u n d a r y of the

valve, which also provides the pipe connect-
ing ends and the fluid flow passageway as
well as supporting the valve trim. [ANSI/
ISA-75.05.01-2000]
body, encapsulated A body with all surfaces
covered by a continuous surface layer of a
different material, usually an elastomeric or
polymeric material.
body, split A valve b o d y design in which
trim is secured between two segments of a
valve body.
body, wafer A thin annular section b o d y
whose end surfaces are located and clamped
between the piping flanges by bolts extend-
ing from flange to flange.
body, wafer, lugged A thin annular section
body whose end surfaces m o u n t between the
pipeline flanges or may be attached to the
end of a pipeline without any additional
flange or retaining parts, using either
through-bolting a n d / o r tapped holes.
body, weir type A body that has a raised con-
tour that is contacted by a diaphragm to shut
off fluid flow.
body cavity The internal chamber of the
valve body. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
boiler 1. A closed vessel in which water is
heated, steam is generated, steam is super-
heated, or any combination of these, by the
application of heat from combustible fuels in
a self-contained or attached furnace. [ISA-
77.41-1992] A typical boiler control scheme is Boiler Drum Level Mechanics
shown in the illustration accompanying this
definition. 2. The entire vessel in which boiler water A representative sample of the
steam or other vapor is generated for use circulating boiler water after the generated
external to itself, including the furnace. This steam has been separated and before the
includes the waterwall tubes; the firebox incoming feed water or a d d e d chemical
area, including burners and dampers; the becomes mixed with it, thus affecting its
convection area, consisting of any super- composition.
heater, reheater, a n d / o r economizer sections boiling The conversion of a liquid into vapor
as well as d r u m s , generating tubes, and with the accompanying formation of bub-
headers. [ANSI/ISA-77.13.01-1999; A N S I / bles.
ISA-77.42.01-1999;ANSI/ISA-77.44-1995] boiling out The boiling of a highly alkaline
water in boiler pressure parts for the removal
boiler drum level A water-tube boiler (not of oils, greases, a n d the like.
once-through) process variable that is mea-
boiling water reactor (BWR) A nuclear
sured and controlled by adding feedwater.
steam supply system in which process steam
Control may be single-element, two-element,
is generated in the reactor vessel. [ISA-67.03-
or three-element; the control strategy will
1982]
depend on the user's requirements a n d the
boiler design. Measured variables m a y boldface In the typographical composition of
include d r u m level, steam flow, feedwater screen displays and printing, the heavier
flow, b l o w d o w n flow, d r u m pressure, and typeface version of a type family.
feedwater pressure. bolometer A sensitive infrared detector that
operates based on a change in temperature
boiler horsepower The evaporation of 34½ induced by absorbing infrared radiation. It is
lbs of water per hour from a temperature of m a d e of two thin, blackened gratings of plat-
212°F into dry saturated steam at the same inum, one illuminated and the other kept in
temperature. Equivalent to 33,475 Btu. the dark. The absorption of heat changes the

54

electrical resistance, which is detected by
comparing the resistances of the two gratings
in an electrical circuit.
bolt A threaded fastener that consists of a
rod, usually made of metal, that has threads
at one end and an integral round, square, or
hexagonal head at the other end. Short bolts
usually have threads running the entire
length below the head, and longer bolts often
have an unthreaded shank between the head
and threaded end.
bolted joint An assembly of two or more
parts held together by a bolt and nut, with or
without washers, or by a bolt that threads
into a tapped hole in one of the parts.
bomb calorimeter An apparatus for measur-
ing the quantity of heat released by a chemi-
cal reaction. It consists of a strong-walled
metal container (bomb) immersed in about
2.5 liters of water in an insulated container. A
sample is sealed in the bomb, the bomb
immersed, and the sample ignited (or a reac-
tion started) by remote control. The heat
released is measured by observing the rise in
temperature of the water bath.
bond 1. A wire rope that attaches a load to a
crane hook. 2. Adhesion between cement or
mortar and masonry. 3. In an adhesive-
bonded or diffusion-bonded joint, the junc-
tion between faying surfaces. 4. In welding,
brazing, or soldering, the junction between
assembled parts. Where filler metal is used, it
is the junction between fused metal and
heat-affected base metal. 5. In grinding
wheels and other rigid abrasives, bond is the
material that holds abrasive grains together.
6. Material added to molding sand to hold
the grains together. 7. The junction between
base metal and cladding in a clad metal
product.
bondable Designed to be permanently
mounted to a surface by means of adhesives.
[ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
bonded Permanently attached over the
length and width of the active element.
[ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
bonded liner 1. A liner vulcanized or
cemented to the body bore. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000] 2. In a butterfly valve body, a
liner vulcanized or cemented to the body
bore.
bonded strain gauge A device for measuring
strain. It consists of a fine-wire resistance ele-
ment, usually in zigzag form, which is
embedded in nonconductive backing mate-
rial such as impregnated paper or plastic,
which is in turn cemented to the test surface
or sensing element.
55
bolt / Boolean algebra
bonded transducer A pressure sensor that
uses a bonded strain guage to generate the
output signal.
bonding 1. An electrically conductive con-
nection between metallic parts of the equip-
ment that needs to be grounded and some
other part of the equipment to which a
grounding conductor is connected. 2. The
permanent joining of metallic parts to form
an electrically conductive path that will
ensure electrical continuity and the capacity
to conduct safely any current likely to be
imposed. [ISA-12.01.01-1999]
bone dry A papermaking term used to
describe pulp fibers or paper from which all
water has been removed. Also known as
"oven dry" and "moisture free."
bonnet The portion of the valve that contains
the packing box and stem seal and may
guide the stem. It provides the principal
opening to the body cavity for assembling
internal parts or it may be an integral part of
the valve body. It may also make it possible
to attach the actuator to the valve body. Typi-
cal bonnets are bolted, threaded, welded,
pressure sealed, or integral with the body.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
bonnet, seal-welded A bonnet welded to a
body so as to provide a zero leakage joint.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
bonnet bolting A means of fastening the
bonnet to the body. It may consist of studs
with nuts for a flanged bonnet joint, studs
threaded into the bonnet neck of the body, or
bolts through the bonnet flange. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
bonnet gasket A deformable seal between
the mating surfaces of the body and bonnet.
It may be deformed by bonnet bolting load-
ing or energized by fluid pressure within the
valve. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
bonnetless A gate valve that has packing
between the gate and body, such that the gate
extends outside the pressure boundary in the
open position. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
bonnetted Agate valve that has a bonnet that
encloses the gate within the pressure bound-
ary when in the open position. The packing
is provided at the stem. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-
2000]
bonnet types Typical bonnets are bolted,
threaded, or welded to or integral with the
body. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000] Other types
are extension bonnets and seal welded bonnets.
Boolean Pertaining to logic quantities.
Boolean add See OR.
Boolean algebra A process of reasoning or a
deductive system of theorems that uses a
Boolean expression / bottom flange
symbolic logic and deals with classes, propo-
sitions, or on-off circuit elements. To permit
mathematical calculation, it employs sym-
bols to represent operators such as AND, OR,
NOT, EXCEPT, IF, THEN, and so on. Named
after George Boole, a famous English mathe-
matician.
Boolean expression A quantity expressed as
the result of Boolean operations such as and
and or, and not upon Boolean variables.
Boolean functions A system of mathematical
logic that is often executed in circuits in
order to provide digital computations such
as OR, AND, NOR, NOT, and so on.
Boolean operator A logic operator whose
operands and result are one of two values.
Boolean variable See logical variable.
booster A repeater station that amplifies and
retransmits a received signal.
booster fan A device for increasing the pres-
sure or flow of a gas.
booster relay A volume- or pressure-ampli-
fying pneumatic relay that is used to reduce
the time lag in pneumatic circuits by repro-
ducing pneumatic signals that have high-
volume and/or high-pressure output.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
boot 1. A computer routine in which a few
instructions are loaded that then cause the rest
of the system to be loaded. 2. To start or
restart a computer system by causing
instructions to be read from a storage device
(disk, etc.) into computer's memory. To boot
a computer involves loading part of the
operating system into the computer's main
memory. If the computer is already oper-
ating, it is called a "warm boot"; otherwise, it
is called a "cold boot."
bootstrap A technique for loading the first
few instructions of a routine into storage,
then using these instructions to bring in the
rest of the routine. This usually involves
either entering a few instructions manually
or using a special key on the console.
bootstrap loader A routine whose first
instruction is sufficient to load the remainder
of the routine into memory from an input
device. It is normally used to start a complete
system of programs.
bore 1. The inner cavity in a pipe or tube. 2.
The diameter of the cylinder of a piston-cyl-
inder device such as a reciprocating com-
pressor, engine or pump, or a hydraulic or
pneumatic power cylinder. 3. To penetrate or
pierce a workpiece with a rotating cutting
tool. 4. To increase the size of an existing
hole, generally with a single-point cutting
tool, while either the work or the cutting tool
56
rotates about the central axis of the hole. 5.
The inner surface of a gun tube. 6. The cen-
tral hole in a laser or other type of tube (a
capillary, waveguide, or a hole in a
micro-channel plate).
bore Reynolds number A calculated Rey-
nolds number, including Rd using Vbore, Pbore,
u b o r e , d b o r e ; a l s o Rd = R D )/B.
borescope A straight-tube telescope, incorpo-
rating mirrors or prisms, that is used to visu-
ally inspect the inner surfaces of pipes or gun
tubes.
boresighting To align a gun, directional
antenna, or other device by optical means or
by observing a return signal from a fixed tar-
get at a known location. The term is derived
from an early military practice of looking
down the bore of an artillery piece to obtain
an initial line of sight to a target.
boron counter tube A type of radiation
counter tube that is used to detect slow neu-
trons. The tube has electrodes that are coated
with a boron compound, and it also may be
filled with BF3. A slow neutron is easily
absorbed by a B10 nucleus, which results in
the emission of an alpha particle.
borosilicate glass A type of heat-resisting
glass that contains at least 5 percent boric
acid. Also, business object document.
BOSFET Bipolar metal oxide semiconductor
field effect transistor; an optically isolated
FET.
boss 1. A localized projection on a valve or
actuator surface that can serve various pur-
poses, such as for drain connections, auxil-
iary connections, a yoke connection, or for
other attachments. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-
2000] 2. A raised portion of metal of small
area and limited thickness on flat or curved
metal surfaces. 3. A short projecting section of
a casting, forging, or molded-plastic part,
often cylindrical in shape, and used to
strengthen, align, or fasten assembled parts.
bottom contraction The vertical distance
from the crest to the floor of the weir box or
channel bed.
bottom dead center The position of a piston
and its connecting rod when the piston is at
the extreme downstroke position.
bottom flange A part that closes a valve body
opening opposite the bonnet opening. It may
include a guide bushing and/or serve to
allow the reversal of the valve action. In
three-way valves, it may provide the lower
flow connection and its seat. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]

bound water In a moist solid that is to be
dried, that portion of the water content that
is chemically combined with the solid matter.
boundary lubrication A condition occurring
during the sliding contact between two sur-
faces when contact pressures are high enough
and sliding velocities low enough that hydro-
dynamic lubrication is completely absent.
Mating surfaces slide across each other on a
multimolecular layer of lubricant, often with
some solid-to-solid surface contact. For liquid
lubricants, a bearing-characteristic (Sommer-
field) number of 0.01 is considered to be the
upper limit of boundary lubrication.
Bourdon tube 1. A pressure-sensing element
consisting of a twisted or curved tube of non-
circular cross section that tends to be
straightened when internal pressure is
applied. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]. 2. A flat-
tened tube that is twisted or curved and
closed at one end and is used as the pres-
sure-sensing element in a mechanical pres-
sure gauge or recorder. A process stream
pressure is routed to the open end of the
tube, and the tube flexes or untwists in rela-
tion to the internal pressure. The change in
shape of the tube is used to operate a
mechanical pointer or pen positioner. Also
known as "Bourdon element" and "Bourdon
pressure gauge."
boustrophedon Literally, writing lines "as
the ox plows." Lines that are written (or
printed) alternately back and forth, that is,
right to left on one, left to right on the next,
and so on.
box A flowchart symbol.
boxcar averager A piece of signal-processing
instrument that averages equally weighted
selected portions of repetitive signals to
improve signal quality. Sometimes called a
57
bound water / branch
"gated integrator" because it passes or gates
portions of the signal, then integrates them.
box header boiler A horizontal boiler of the
longitudinal or cross-drum type and consist-
ing of a front- and rear-inclined rectangular
header that is connected by tubes.
box wrench A closed-end wrench that is
designed to fit a single size and shape nut.
Different wrench ends are needed for differ-
ent nut sizes and shapes. Also known as a
"box end wrench."
B power supply An electrical power supply
that is connected in the plate circuit of a vac-
uum tube electronic device.
Bps, B/s Bytes per second; unit of data
transmission rate.
BPT Best practicable control technology cur-
rently available in complying with EPA
(United States) pollution prevention require-
ments.
Bragg's law A principle that describes the
apparent reflection of X-rays (and DeBroglie
waves associated with certain particulate
beams) from atomic planes in crystals. The
maximum reflected intensity occurs along
the family of directions that is defined by:
0 = arcsin ënl/2d
where 0 is the Bragg angle (angle of reflec-
tion and of incidence), n is an integer, ë is the
wavelength of monochromatic radiation
reflected from the crystal, and d is the inter-
planar spacing of the reflecting parallel
planes in the crystal.
brake A machine element for applying fric-
tional force to slow or stop relative motion.
brake drum See drum.
brake horsepower The mechanical power an
engine develops. It is measured by absorbing
the engine's output with a friction brake or
dynamometer that is applied to the engine's
shaft or flywheel.
brake lining A material with a high coeffi-
cient of friction that is used as the principal
friction element in a mechanical brake. It
usually is made of fabric or molded asbestos
and usually can be readily replaced so as to
extend the brake's service life and restore
braking efficiency.
brake shoe See shoe.
Brale A 120° conical diamond indenter used
in the Rockwell hardness testing of relatively
hard metals.
branch [Comp] In computing, any one of a
number of instruction sequences in a pro-
gram to which computer control is passed,
depending upon the status of one or more
variables. The instructions that mechanize
this concept are sometimes called branch
branch circuit / bridged-T network
instructions. However, the terms transfer of
control and jump are more widely used.
Related to conditional transfer.
branch circuit That portion of permanently
installed wiring that lies between the final
overcurrent protective device and the attach-
ment-plug receptacle or outlet, or point of
connection to the fixed equipment.
branch instruction An instruction that per-
forms a branch.
branchpoint A point in a routine where a
choice is m a d e of one among of two or more
possible paths. See conditional transfer.
brass Any of the m a n y alloys that are based
on the binary system copper-zinc. Most
brasses contain no more than 40 wt% zinc.
braze welding A joining process similar to
brazing but in which the filler metal is not
distributed in the joint by capillary action.
brazing A method for joining metals that
uses heat and a filler metal whose melting
temperature is above 8 5 0 F b u t below the
melting temperature of the base metals. Filler
metal is distributed in the joint by capillary
action.
breadboard model A prototype or uncased
assembly of an instrument or electronic
device whose parts are laid out on a flat sur-
face and connected together to demonstrate
or check its operation.
break [Comp] 1. An interruption in computer
processing. [Comm] 2. In communications, to
interrupt the sending end and take control of
the circuit of the receiving end. 3. In digital
communications, a signal to another station,
usually to interrupt the process of transmis-
sion.
break condition In asynchronous transmis-
sion, this is a prolonged space condition that
often signals a request to terminate computer
output. Many asynchronous keyboards are
equipped with a break key.
breakdown voltage rating The DC or sinuso-
idal AC voltage that can be applied across
specified insulated portions of a transducer
without causing arcing or conduction above
a specified current value across the insulat-
ing material. Note: The time duration of
application, ambient conditions, and AC fre-
quency must be specified.
break point 1. The junction of the extension
of two confluent straight-line segments of a
plotted curve. Note: In the asymptotic
approximation of a log-gain versus log-fre-
quency relation in a Bode diagram, the value
of the abscissa is called the corner frequency.
[ISA-RP51.1-1975] 2. A point in a program
where an instruction, instruction digit, or
58
other condition enables a programmer to
interrupt the run either by external interven-
tion or through a monitor routine.
break-point instruction 1. An instruction
that will cause a computer to stop or to trans-
fer control, in some standard fashion, to a
supervisory routine that can monitor the
progress of the interrupted program. 2. An
instruction that, if some specified switch is
set, will cause the computer to stop or take
other special action.
breaks Creases or ridges, usually appearing
in aged sheet or strip, where the yield point
has been locally exceeded. Depending on the
origin of the break they may be termed a
"coil break," "cross break," "edge break," or
"sticker break."
breeching A duct for transporting the prod-
ucts of combustion between parts of a steam-
generating unit or to the stack.
Bremsstrahlung X-rays that have a broad
spectrum of wavelengths and are formed
w h e n a beam of energetic electrons deceler-
ates as it penetrates a target. Also known as
"white radiation."
Brewster-angle w i n d o w A w i n d o w inserted
into an optical path at Brewster's angle, that
is, the angle at which unpolarized light must
be incident u p o n a nonmetallic surface for
the reflected radiation to acquire m a x i m u m
plane polarization. At Brewster's angle, the
reflected plane polarized beam and the
refracted beam through the w i n d o w are both
at 90°.
bridge [Comm] 1. A network device that
interconnects two local area networks
(LANs) that use the same logical link control
(LLC) but m a y use different message authen-
tication codes (MACs). A bridge requires
only OSI (Open Systems Interconnection)
Level 1 and 2 protocols. See gateway and
router. [Meas] 2. The strain-to-voltage con-
verter in m a n y measurement systems (actu-
ally, a Wheatstone bridge).
bridge amplifier A type of amplifier circuit
used extensively in instrumentation to pro-
vide gains of u p to 1,000 at b a n d w i d t h s u p to
50 kHz. It is generally configured as a
direct-coupled amplifier constructed of four
subamplifiers and suitable fixed resistances.
bridge circuit An electronic network in
which an input voltage is applied across two
parallel elements and the output voltage—to
an indicating device or load—is taken across
two intermediate points on the parallel ele-
ments.
bridged-T network A T-network that has a
fourth branch that is connected in parallel

with the two series branches of the T, with
the fourth branch termination at one input
and one output terminal.
bridgewall A wall in a furnace over which
the products of combustion pass.
bridging 1. The premature solidification of
metal across a mold section before the adja-
cent metal solidifies. 2. Welding or mechani-
cal jamming of the charge in a downfeed
furnace. 3. The forming of an arched cavity in
a powder metal compact. 4. The forming of
an unintended solder connection between
two or more conductors, either a secure con-
nection or merely an undesired electrical
path without mechanical strength. Also
known as "crossed joint" and "solder short."
Briggs pipe thread See American standard pipe
thread.
bright dipping Producing a bright surface on
metal, such as by immersing it in an acid
bath.
brightness A term used in nonquantitative
statements to refer to sensations and percep-
tions of light. In quantified statements, the
term is used to refer to the description of
brightness in terms of photometric units. See
luminance.
brightness temperature The temperature of
any non-blackbody as determined by using
an optical pyrometer that is calibrated to give
the true temperature of a blackbody. This
temperature is always less than the true tem-
perature of the non-blackbody.
bright plating Electroplating in order to yield
a highly reflective coated surface.
bright switch A solid-state switch that con-
sists of two bipolar transistors connected in
an inverted configuration to achieve a low
offset voltage. Used in only limited applica-
tions today.
Brinell test A standard bulk hardness test in
which a 10-mm diameter ball is pressed into
the surface of a test piece. A hardness num-
ber is determined by dividing the applied
load in kg by the area of the circular impres-
sion in sq mm.
British thermal unit (Btu, BTU) The mean
British thermal unit is 1/180 of the heat
needed to raise the temperature of 1 lb of
water from 32°F to 212°F at a constant atmo-
spheric pressure. It is about equal to the
quantity of heat required to raise 1 lb of
water 1 F. A Btu is essentially 252 calories.
brittle fracture The separation of solid mate-
rial with little or no evidence of macroscopic
plastic deformation. It usually occurs by the
rapid propagation of cracks and requires less
59
bridgewall / bronze
energy than for ductile fracture of a similar
structure.
brittleness The tendency of a material to frac-
ture without apparent plastic deformation.
Brix scale A specific-gravity scale used
almost exclusively in sugar refining. Degrees
Brix represent the weight percentage of pure
sucrose in water solution at 17.5C.
broaching Cutting a finished hole or contour
in solid material by axially pulling or push-
ing a bar-shaped, toothed, tapered cutting
tool across a workpiece surface or through a
pilot hole.
broadband A medium based on CATV (com-
munity antenna television) technology
wherein multiple signals are frequency divi-
sion multiplexed. Because of the use of
CATV technology, a broadband cable is uni-
directional (within any given block of fre-
quencies). As a result, two types of
broadband systems are in common use: sin-
gle cable and dual cable. In a single cable sys-
tem, stations transmit and receive on the
same cable but at different frequencies. The
station transmits on one frequency. The sig-
nal travels down the network to the head
end, gets translated into a different fre-
quency, and is sent back down the network
where it is received by all stations. In a dual
cable system, the stations transmit and
receive at the same frequency but on differ-
ent cables. The end of the transmit cable is
connected to the beginning of the receive
cable, forming a double loop through the
plant.
broadband pyrometer See wideband radiation
thermometer.
broadband transmission (fiber optic) The
transmission of signals that have a large
bandwidth, such as video transmissions.
broadcast 1. The simultaneous dissemina-
tion of information to one or more stations,
in one direction, with no acknowledgment of
receipt. 2. A message addressed to all sta-
tions connected to a local area network
(LAN).
B roll In video development, video footage
that is edited over a voice track to illustrate
the issues being discussed. See A/B roll.
bronze 1. A copper-rich alloy of copper and
tin, with or without small amounts of addi-
tional alloying elements. 2. By extension, cer-
tain copper-base alloys that contain less tin
than other elements, such as manganese
bronze and leaded tin bronze. Also, certain
other copper-base alloys that do not contain
tin, such as aluminum bronze, beryllium
bronze, and silicon bronze. 3. Trade names
brouter / buffered computer
for certain copper-zinc alloys (brasses), such
as architectural bronze (Cu-40Zn-3Pb) and
commercial bronze (Cu-10Zn).
brouter A device that determines whether data
uses a protocol that it can route and bridges
data that it cannot route. Performs many of
the tasks of bridges and routers without the
protocol restrictions of a router. Brouters are
expensive, complex, and difficult to install.
browser A software program designed to
facilitate navigation along the World Wide
Web such as to find information, download
files, and print copies.
brush plating An electroplating process in
which the surface to be plated is not
immersed, but rather rubbed with an elec-
trode that contains an absorbent pad or
brush that holds (or is fed) a concentrated
electrolyte solution or gel.
BSI British Standards Institution; British
certification laboratory for testing the equip-
ment of different vendors to some common
standard. Member of IEC.
BTEX Benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and
xylene; a consideration in EPA (United
States) regulations.
BTF Bend to fit; this comment is the unstated
last step of all do-it-yourself instructions.
BTG Boiler turbine generator combination;
terminology originated in power generation
industry.
BTL Bridge-tied load; power amplifier tech-
nique.
bubble 1. The circular symbol used to denote
and identify the purpose of an instrument or
function. It may contain a tag number. Syn-
onym for "balloon." [ANIS/ISA-5.1-1984
(R1992)] 2. A small volume of steam enclosed
within a surface film of water from which it
was generated. 3. Any small volume of gas
or vapor surrounded by liquid. Surface-ten-
sion effects tend to make all bubbles spheri-
cal unless they are acted upon by outside
forces.
bubblegas Any gas that has been selected to
bubble from the end of a liquid-immersed,
level-measurement tube as a result of the
hydrostatic back pressure created in the tube.
bubble memory See magnetic bubble memory.
bubble point The temperature at which a liq-
uid mixture begins to boil and evolve vapors.
bubble sort A procedure for sorting a set of
items. It begins by sequencing the first and
second items, then the second and third, and
so on, until the end of the set is reached. It
then repeats this process until all items are
correctly sequenced.
60
bubble tight A nonstandard term used to
refer to leakage in the seat of a control valve.
Refer to ANSI/FCI 70-2 for the specification
of seat leakage classifications. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
bubble tube A length of pipe or tubing
placed in a vessel at a specified depth to
transport a gas that has been injected into the
liquid for the purposes of measuring level
from hydrostatic back pressure in the tube.
bubbler-type specific-gravity meter See
air-bubbler specific-gravity meter.
bubble-type viscometer A device similar to a
ball-type viscometer, except that viscosity is
determined from the timed rise of a stan-
dard-sized bubble through the sample liquid
instead of from the timed fall of a ball.
buckle 1. Localized waviness in a metal bar
or sheet, usually transverse to the direction
of rolling. 2. An indentation in a casting
caused by the expansion of molding sand
into the cavity.
Buckley gauge A device that measures very
low gas pressure by sensing the amount of
ionization produced by a prescribed electric
current.
buckling Producing a lateral bulge, bend,
bow, kink, or wavy condition in a beam, bar,
column, plate, or sheet by applying compres-
sive loading.
buffer [Comp] 1. In computing, an internal
portion of a data processing system that
serves as intermediate storage between two
storage or data-handling systems with differ-
ent access times or formats. The buffer is
usually used to connect an input or output
device with the main or internal high-speed
storage. Clarified by storage buffer. [Eng] 2. In
engineering, an isolating component
designed to eliminate the reaction of a driven
circuit on the circuits driving it, for example,
a buffer amplifier. [Sci] 3. See buffer solution.
buffer circuit An isolating circuit interposed
between two circuits to minimize the reac-
tion from output to input. It usually has a
high input impedance and a low output
impedance.
buffer coating In fiber-optic cable, a layer
such as acrylic polymer applied over fiber
cladding for protective purposes.
buffered computer A computing system
with a storage device that permits input and
output data to be stored temporarily in order
to match the slow speeds of input and output
devices. Thus, simultaneous input-output
and computer operations are possible. A
data transmission trap is essential to the
effective use of buffering since it obviates the
 buffered data channel (BDC) / bumpless transfer
need to test frequently for the availability of
a data channel.
buffered data channel (BDC) A device that
provides high-speed parallel data interfaces
into and out of the computer memory.
buffered I/O channel A computer I/O chan-
nel that controls the movement of data
between an external device and memory,
under the control of self-contained registers
(i.e., independently of the operating pro-
gram). See buffered data channel.
buffer memory A temporary storage device
used to compensate for the difference in data
rate and data flow of two devices (typically, a
computer and printer). Also called spooler.
buffer solution (or buffered solution) In pH
terms, a solution that maintains a set pH
value regardless of added acids or bases;
often used for calibration.
buffer tube In fiber-optic cable, a hard plastic
tube for holding one or more fibers.
buffing Producing a very smooth and bright
surface by rubbing it with a soft wheel, belt,
or cloth that has been impregnated with a
fine abrasive such as jeweler's rouge.
bug An error, defect, or malfunction in a
computer program.
buildup 1. Excessive electrodeposition on
areas of high current density, such as at cor-
ners and edges. 2. Small amounts of work
metal that adhere to the cutting edge of a tool
and reduce its cutting efficiency. 3. Deposi-
tion of metal by electrodeposition or spray-
ing in order to restore the required dimen-
sions of worn or undersized machine parts.
bulb In a liquid-filled thermometer, the area
at the tip (sensing portion) of a filled system
that contains the liquid reservoir and, hence,
the largest proportion of the expanding fluid
(thus minimizing inaccuracies).
bulb, thermal See thermal bulb.
bulge A local distortion of ouward swelling
caused by internal pressure on a tube wall or
boiler shell because of overheating. Also, the
similar distortion caused by external pres-
sure of a cylindrical furnace when over-
heated, provided the distortion is moderate
enough to be driven back.
bulk density The mass per unit volume of a
bulk material, averaged over a relatively
large number of samples.
bulkhead female connector (BFC) The tub-
ing to a pipe connector that allows the tube
to be joined to a pipe at a bulkhead junction.
The tubing connection is on one end, and the
female pipe thread is on the other end.
bulkhead male connector (BMC) The tubing
to a pipe connector, allowing the tube to be
61
joineding to a pipe at a bulkhead junction.
The tubing connection is on one end, and the
male pipe thread is on the other end.
bulkhead union (BU) A tubing connector
that allows the joining of two tubes at a bulk-
head junction. It has a tubing connection on
each end.
bulk memory See secondary storage.
bulk modulus An elastic modulus whose
value is determined by dividing hydrostatic
stress by the associated volumetric strain
(usually computed as the fractional change
in volume).
bulk storage A hardware device in a com-
puter system that supplements computer
memory; typically, a magnetic tape or disk.
bulk storage memory Any nonprogrammed
large memory, for example, disks, drums, or
magnetic tape units.
bullet In the typographical composition of
screen displays and printing, a solid dot used
as an ornamental character, usually to high-
light an important item in the text.
bulletin board service (BBS) A service pro-
viding users of computers connected to a
phone line with general access to a shared
site for the general exchange of messages,
illustrations, software, and the like. A BBS
can be commercial (paid subscribers), volun-
teer, or perhaps provided by a product ven-
dor for use by its customers.
bull gear A bull wheel with gear teeth
around its periphery.
bull wheel 1. The main wheel or gear of a
machine, usually the largest and strongest. 2.
A cylinder with a rope wound around it for
lifting or hauling.
bump A raised or flattened portion of a
boiler drumhead or shell formed by fabrica-
tion, generally used for nozzle or pipe attach-
ments.
bumpless transfer The change from a man-
ual to automatic mode of control, or vice
versa, without changing the control signal to
the process.
BUMPLESS TRANSFER
Buna-N / bushing
Buna-N A nitrile synthetic rubber known for
resistance to oils and solvents.
bundle (fiber optic) A group of fibers pack-
aged together that collectively transmits light
in a coherent bundle. The end fibers are in a
fixed relationship to each other and can
transmit an image.
bunker C oil Residual fuel oil of high viscos-
ity that is commonly used in marine and sta-
tionary steam power plants. (No. 6 fuel oil.)
buoyancy The tendency of a fluid to lift any
object submerged in the body of the fluid.
The amount of force applied to the body
equals the product of the fluid's density and
the volume of fluid displaced.
buoyancy displacers The technique for mea-
suring liquid level by measuring the buoyant
force on a partially immersed volumetric dis-
placing device.
buoyancy-type liquid-level detector Any of
several designs of level gauge that depend
for their operation on the buoyant force act-
ing on a float or similar device located inside
the tank or vessel.
burden 1. The amount of power consumed in
the measuring circuit of an instrument, usu-
ally given as the volt-amperes consumed
under normal operating conditions. 2. The
property of a circuit connected to the second-
ary winding of an instrument transformer
that determines active and reactive power at
the transformer output terminals.
Bureau d'Orientation de la Normalisatin en
Informatique The French national stan-
dards body for computer-related standards.
burner 1. Any device for producing a flame
using liquid or gaseous fuel. 2. A device in
the firebox of a fossil-fuel-fired boiler that
mixes and directs the flow of fuel and air in
order to give rapid and complete combus-
tion. 3. A worker who cuts metal using an
oxyfuel-gas torch.
burner windbox A plenum chamber around
a burner in which an air pressure is main-
tained to ensure the proper distribution and
discharge of secondary air.
burner windbox pressure The air pressure
maintained in the windbox or plenum cham-
ber as measured above atmospheric pres-
sure.
burn-in The operation of a device, usually
under accelerated environmental conditions,
to simulate life in the devices' intended
application so as to screen out early-life fail-
ures.
burnish To polish or make shiny. Specifically,
to produce a smooth, lustrous surface finish
on metal parts by tumbling them with hard-
62
ened metal balls or rubbing them with a hard
metal pad.
burr 1. A thin, turned-over edge or fin pro-
duced by a grinding wheel, cutting tool, or
punch. 2. A rotary tool that has teeth similar
to those on a hand file.
bursting In data processing, the act of sepa-
rating continuous forms into single sheets.
burst pressure Maximum pressure applied to
a device such as a transducer, sensor, or case
without causing leakage.
burst pressure rating The pressure that may
be applied to the sensing element or the case
(as specified) of a transducer without ruptur-
ing either the sensing element or trans-
ducer's case as specified. Note 1: The
minimum number of applications and time
duration of each application must be speci-
fied. Note 2: In the case of transducers that
are intended to measure a property of a pres-
surized fluid, the burst pressure is applied to
the portion subjected to the fluid. [ISA-37.1-
1975 (R1982)]
burst proportioning Fast-cycling output
from an on-time-proportioning controller
used in conjunction with solid-state relay.
Burst proportioning is typically used in the
control of electric furnaces to prolong the life
of heaters by minimizing thermal stress.
bus 1. The trunk and all devices connected to
it. [ANSI/ISA-50.02, Part 2-1992]. 2. A group
of wires or conductors, considered as a single
entity, that interconnect part of a system. 3. In
a computer, signal paths such as the address
bus, the data bus, and so on. 4. A circuit over
which data or power is transmitted, often
one that acts as a common connection among
a number of locations. Synonymous with
trunk. 5. A communications path between
two switching points. 6. A common connec-
tor circuit, usually multiwire, for transferring
power, data, timing, and the like between the
several modules or units on the bus.
bus arbiter, bus scheduler A device dedi-
cated to the task of regulating the fair alloca-
tion of bus bandwidth.
bus cycle The transfer of one word or byte
between two devices.
bushing 1. A device that supports and/or
guides moving parts such as valve stems or
shafts. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000] 2. A
removable piece of soft metal or impreg-
nated sintered-metal sleeve used as a bearing
or guide. 3. An insulating device carrying
one or more conductors through the internal
or external wall of an enclosure. [ISA-
12.00.01-1999 (IEC 60079-0 Mod)]
 butterfly valve / byte

butterfly valve 1. A valve with a circular bypass capacitor A capacitor connected in

b o d y and a rotary motion disk closure m e m - parallel with a circuit element to provide an
ber, pivotally supported by its stem. [ANSI/ alternative AC current path of relatively low
ISA-75.05.01-2000]. 2. A valve that consists of impedance.
a disk inside a valve body, which operates by b y p a s s i n g The act of temporarily defeating a
rotating about an axis in the plane of the disk safety function in a Safety Instrumented Sys-
in order to shut off or regulate flow in a pip- tem. [ANSI/ISA-84.01-1996]
ing system. A similar device used in heating by-product The incidental or secondary out-
or ventilating ductwork is called a butterfly p u t of a chemical production or manufactur-
damper. ing process that is obtained in addition to the
principal product with little or no additional
investment or allocation of resources.
byte 1. A sequence of adjacent binary digits
operated upon as a unit and usually shorter
than a word. [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)] 2.
Generally accepted as an eight-bit segment
of a computer word. 3. Eight contiguous bits
starting on an addressable byte boundary.
Bits are numbered from the right, 0 through
7, with 0 being the low-order bit. When inter-
preted arithmetically, a byte is a two's com-
butterfly valve liner types See slip in, locked plement integer with significance increasing
in, bonded, wrap around, flange retained, elasto- from bits 0 through 6. Bit 7 is the sign bit. The
meric energized, pressure energized, and encap- value of the signed integer is in the range of -
sulated body. 128 to 127 decimal. When interpreted as an
unsigned integer, the significance increases
butterfly valve seal types See flexible lip seal,
from bits 0 through 7, and the value of the
pressure energized seal, and metal piston type
unsigned integer is in the range 0 to 255 deci-
seal.
mal. A byte can be used to store one ASCII
buttering Coating the faces of a weld joint character. 4. A collection of eight bits that is
prior to welding to prevent the cross contam- capable of representing an alphanumeric or
ination of a weld metal and base metal. special character.
Butterworth The filter characteristic in which
constant amplitude across the pass band is
the objective. Also k n o w n as "constant
amplitude (CA)."
butt joint A joint between two members
lying approximately in the same plane. In
welded joints, the edges may be machined or
otherwise prepared to create any of several
types of grooves prior to welding.
buttstrap A narrow strip of boiler plate over-
lapping the joint of two butted plates. Used
for connecting by riveting.
butt weld A weld that joins the edges or ends
of two pieces of metal that have similar cross
sections, without overlap or offset along the
joint line.
BVS Berggewerkschaftliche Versuchsstrecke
(Germany). [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999] Ger-
man certification and testing laboratory for
testing the equipment of different vendors to
some common standard
by hand Denotes that an operation does not
require the use of a tool, coin, or any other
object that may serve as a tool.
b y p a s s A passage for a fluid that p e r m i t s a
portion or all of the fluid to flow around its
normal pass flow channel.

63
 I C A programming lan-
C
guage designed for the
UNIX operating system as a
successor of a language
n a m e d B, a n d k n o w n for its
compactness, m e m o r y con-
servation, and power. C
allows bit m a p p i n g and
strong typing.
C/J Cold junction; the reference junction of a
thermocouple.
C++ A superset of the C programming lan-
guage that provides object-oriented features
(objects, services, data abstraction, inherit-
ance, sets).
C power supply An electrical p o w e r supply
that is connected between the cathode and
grid of a vacuum tube to provide a grid-bias
voltage.
CAAA Clean Air Act A m e n d m e n t s of 1990 in
United States which expand EPA enforce-
ment powers and place restrictions on air
toxins, ozone- depleting chemicals, station-
ary and mobile emissions sources, and sub-
stances implicated in global w a r m i n g and
acid rain formation.
CAA Clean Air Act; United States federal law
calling for air pollutant emissions standards
for motor vehicles and stationary sources;
first passed in 1970, reauthorized in 1977 and
1990.
cable 1. A large, strong rope made of fiber or
wire. 2. A rope or chain used to restrain a ves-
sel at its mooring. 3. A composite electrical
conductor that consists of one or more solid or
stranded wires, usually capable of carrying
relatively large currents. It is covered with
insulation, and the entire assembly is encased
in a protective overwrap. The cables most
commonly used for data highway systems
are coaxial and twinaxial (shielded twisted-
pair), but fiber-optic and multiconductor
cables are also available.
cable entry (cable gland) A device that per-
mits an electric cable to be introduced into an
electrical apparatus. [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-
1999]
cache memory A small, high-speed m e m o r y
that is placed between the slower main m e m -
ory and the processor of a computer. A cache
increases effective memory transfer rates and
processor speed. It contains copies of data
recently used by the processor and fetches
several bytes of data from memory in antici-
pation of the processor accessing the next
sequential series of bytes.
CAD Computer-aided design; computer-
aided drafting. Package that couples tremen-
65
d o u s numerical capabilities with the graphi-
cal analysis techniques of desktop computers
to produce complete, easy-to-use computer
software for designing and simulating con-
trol systems.
cadmium plating An electroplated coating of
c a d m i u m on a steel surface that resists atmo-
spheric corrosion. Applications include nuts,
bolts, screws, and m a n y h a r d w a r e items in
addition to enclosures.
cage A part of a valve trim in a globe or angle
b o d y that surrounds the closure member and
whose flow passages m a y provide flow char-
acterization a n d / o r a seating surface. It may
also provide stability, guiding, balance, and
alignment, in addition to facilitating the
assembly of other parts of the valve trim.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000] 2. A circular frame
for maintaining uniform separation between
balls or rollers in a rolling-element bearing.
Also known as separator.
cage guide A valve plug fitted to the inside
diameter of the cage to align the plug with
the seat. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
calcine 1. To heat a material such as coke,
limestone, or clay without fusing it, for the
purpose of decomposing c o m p o u n d s such as
carbonates and driving off volatiles such as
moisture, trapped gases, and water of hydra-
tion. 2. To heat a material under oxidizing
conditions. 3. The product of a calcining or
roasting process.
calculating action A type of control system
action in which one or more feedback signals
are combined with one or more actuating
signals to provide an o u t p u t signal that is
some function of the combination.
calculation A group of n u m b e r s and mathe-
matical symbols that is executed according to
a series of instructions.
calculus of variations The theory of maxima
and minima of definite integrals whose inte-
grand is a function of the dependent vari-
ables, the independent variables, and their
derivatives.
calibrate To ascertain the outputs of a device
corresponding to a series of values of the
quantity, which the device is to measure,
receive, or transmit. Data so obtained are
used to (a) determine the locations at which
scale graduations are to be placed, (b) adjust
the output to bring it to the desired value,
within a specified tolerance, and (c) ascertain
the error by comparing the device output
reading against a standard. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-
1979(R1993]
calibrated airspeed The airspeed of an air-
craft as read from a differential-pressure air-
calibrating tank / calibration traceability
speed indicator that has been corrected for
instrument and installation errors. The read-
ing equals true airspeed at standard sea-level
temperature and pressure.
calibrating tank A liquid vessel of known
capacity that is used to check the volumetric
accuracy of positive-displacement meters.
Also known as "meter-proving tank."
calibration 1. A test during which known
values of a measurand are applied to the
transducer and the corresponding output
reading are recorded under specified condi-
tions. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)] 2. The capabil-
ity to adjust the instrument to "zero" and to
set the desired "span." [ANSI/ISA-12.13.01-
2000] 3. The procedure used to adjust the
instrument for proper response (e.g., zero
level, span, alarm, and range). [ISA-92.02,03,
04 and 06.01-1998.] 4. The determination of
the experimental relationship between the
quantity being measured and the output of
the device that measures it. The quantity
measured is obtained through a recognized
standard of measurement. 5. For vibration, a
transducer is subjected to a known motion,
usually on a shaker table, and the output
readings are verified or adjusted.
calibration constant In vibration, the sensi-
tivity of a transducer within its linear range,
expressed as a ratio of millivolts per vibra-
tion amplitude. Typical units are millivolts
per g, millivolts per inches per second, and
millivolts per mil.
calibration curve 1. A graphical representa-
tion of the calibration report. [ANSI/ISA-
51.1-1979 (R1993); ISA-37.1-1975 (1982)] 2. A
graph of the performance of a turbine flow-
meter, showing sensitivity as the ordinate
and volume flow, flowmeter frequency, or
frequency divided by kinematic viscosity as
the abscissa, for a liquid of specified density,
viscosity, and temperature. [ISA-RP31.1-
1977] 3. A plot of indicated value versus true
value used to adjust instrument readings for
inherent error. A calibration curve is usually
determined for each calibrated instrument in
a standard procedure, and its validity is con-
firmed or a new calibration curve deter-
mined by periodically repeating the
procedure.
calibration cycle 1. The application of known
values of the measured variable and the
recording of the corresponding values of out-
put readings, over the range of the instru-
ment, in ascending and descending
directions. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)] 2.
The application of known values of a mea-
surand, and the recording of the correspond-
66
ing output readings, over the full (or
specified portion of the) range of a trans-
ducer in an ascending and descending direc-
tion. [ISA-37.1-1979 (R1982)] 3. The frequen-
cy that a device is due for calibration. This
cycle could be dependent on calendar, cycles,
or hours.
calibration gas 1. A gas with known concen-
trations of components that is used as a stan-
dard for calibration of analyzers. 2. The
known concentration(s) of gas used to set the
instrument span or alarm level(s). [ANSI/
ISA-92.02.01, Part 1-1998; ANSI/ISA-
92.03.01-1998; ANSI/ISA-92.04.01, Part 1-
1996; ISA-92.06.01-1998]
calibration record A record (e.g., table or
graph) of the measured relationship of the
transducer output to the applied measurand
over the transducer range. Note: Calibration
records may contain additional calculated
points so identified. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
calibration report A table or graph of the
measured relationship of an instrument as
compared over its range against a standard.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
calibration simulation provisions Electrical
connections or circuitry, contained within a
transducer, that are designed to permit the
calibration of the associated measuring sys-
tem by causing output changes of known
magnitude without varying the applied mea-
surand. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
calibration standard A reference device used
for calibrating equipment or instruments to
the proper operating specifications. Primary
standards are maintained by the National
Institute of Standards and Technology in the
U.S. Devices that have been certified, using
the NIST primary standards, are called sec-
ondary standards.
calibration system A complete system for
calibrating turbine flowmeters, consisting of
liquid storage, pumps, and the filters; flow,
pressure, and temperature controls; the
quantity-measuring apparatus; and the asso-
ciated electronic instruments. [ISA-RP31.1-
1977]
calibration test A test using known weights
and forces to load the scale in order to deter-
mine the performance of a belt-conveyor
scale. [ISA-RP74.01-1984]
calibration traceability The process of relat-
ing the calibration of an instrument through
a step-by-step process to an instrument or
group of instruments that have been cali-
brated and certified by a national standardiz-
ing laboratory. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (1993)]
 calibration uncertainty / cam-type timer
Note: The estimated error incurred in each
step must be known.
calibration uncertainty The maximum calcu-
lated error in the output values, shown in a
calibration record, for reasons that cannot be
attributed to the transducer. [ISA-37.1-1975
(R1982)]
calibrator An instrument or system that veri-
fies the accuracy of an instrument by com-
paring it with an internal or external
calibration standard.
caliper A gauging device with at least one
adjustable jaw that is used to measure linear
dimensions such as lengths, diameters, and
thicknesses.
call 1. To transfer control to a specified closed
subroutine. 2. In communications, the action
performed by the calling party, the opera-
tions that must occur to make a call, or the
effective use of a connection between two
stations.
calling sequence The specified arrangement
of instructions and data needed to set up and
call a given subroutine.
calorie The mean calorie is 1 /100 of the heat
required to raise the temperature of 1 gram
of water from 0°C to 100 C at a constant
atmospheric pressure. It is about equal to the
quantity of heat required to raise 1 gram of
water 1 C. A more recent definition of a calo-
rie is 3600/860 joules, a joule being the
amount of heat produced by a watt in one
second.
calorific value The number of heat units lib-
erated per unit of quantity of a fuel burned in
a calorimeter under prescribed conditions.
calorimeter 1. A device for determining the
amount of heat liberated during a chemical
reaction, change of state, or dissolution pro-
cess. 2. An apparatus for determining the cal-
orific value of a fuel. 3. An instrument or
detector that measures the amount of heat in
a light beam—used to measure incident radi-
ation if the percentage of absorbed radiation
is known.
calorimetric analyzer See calorimeter.
calorimetric detection A detector that oper-
ates by measuring the amount of heat
absorbed. Incident radiation must be
absorbed as heat to be detected.
calorize To produce a protective coating of
aluminum and aluminum-iron alloys on
iron or steel (or, less commonly, on brass,
copper, or nickel). The calorized coating is
protective at temperatures up to about
1,800°F.
cam A machine element that produces com-
plex, repeating translational motion in a
67
member known as a follower that slides or
rolls along a shaped surface or in a groove
that is an integral part of the cam. A cam is
usually a rotating plate that is eccentrically
mounted on an axis perpendicular to the
plate surface, with the follower resting
against the contoured periphery of the plate.
Alternatively, it may be a rotating cylinder or
reciprocating plate with a groove cut into its
surface for the follower to rest in, or it may be
some other shape.
CAMAC Computer-automated measure-
ment and control. A standard multiplexing
interface, developed by the European
nuclear community and widely used to con-
nect instruments and transducers to comput-
ers.
CAMAC Computer-automated measure-
ment and control; instrumentation interface
standard, developed in 1970s by users of the
European nuclear physics community, that
was promoted for industrial process control.
camber 1. Deviation from a straight line,
most often used to describe a convex, edge-
wise sweep or curve. 2. The angle of devia-
tion from the vertical for the steerable wheels
of an automobile or truck.
camera tube An electron-beam tube in which
an optical image is converted into an elec-
tron-current or charge-density image that is
scanned in a predetermined pattern to pro-
vide an electrical output signal. This output
signal corresponds to the intensity of the
scanned image. The part of a television cam-
era that converts the optical image of the
scene to be transmitted into electrical video
signals. The two basic types of tubes are
image orthicon and vidicon tubes, from
which many others have been developed.
cam follower The output link of a cam mech-
anism.
campaign A limited run of product through
process. A campaign can last from days to
months. The term is typically used in the
chemical industry. Control strategy and
physical process changes may accompany a
campaign.
Campbell bridge A type of AC bridge that is
used to measure the mutual inductance of
coil or another inductor in terms of a mutual
inductance standard.
camshaft The rotating member that drives a
cam.
cam-type timer Any of several designs of
timing devices that use a single contoured
cam to continually adjust a process parame-
ter, such as a set point. Such timers may also
employ several cams mounted on a single
CAN/CAPE
timer shaft to provide interlocked sequence
control of a complex operation without using
relays.
CAN Controller area network; developed by
Intel and Robert Bosch Gmbh for real-time
automotive industry needs. Primarily Euro-
pean, it provides data link for J1939 used
with off-road construction, agricultural, and
other vehicles; often used on top of EIA 485,
more recently on ISO DIS 11898. Allen-Brad-
ley, with twenty other companies in 1994
promoted DeviceNet on top of CAN; Honey-
well promoted MICROSWITCH using SDS
on top. Also, short for cancel, character in dig-
ital communications indicating that data pre-
ceding it is in error and should be ignored.
can A metal vessel or container that is usually
cylindrical and usually has an open top or
removable cover.
candela A metric unit for luminous intensity.
The unit used to express the intensity of light
visible to the human eye. It corresponds to
the emission from l/60th of a square centi-
meter of a black body operating at the solidi-
fication temperature of platinum and
emitting one lumen per steradian.
candlepower An obsolete unit of measure for
luminous intensity.
canned 1. Describing a pump or motor that is
enclosed within a watertight casing. In the
case of a motor, this casing is usually
enclosed within the same casing as the
driven element (such as a pump) and
designed so that its bearings are lubricated
by the pumped liquid. 2. Describing a com-
posite billet or slab that consists of a reactive
metal core encased in metal, which is rela-
tively inert so that the reactive metal may be
hot worked in air by rolling, forging, or
extrusion without excessive oxidation.
canned configurable software Computer
software that is designed for a specific func-
tion, based on general principles, and
applied to many applications to achieve
some desired capability of a computer sys-
tem, for example, process control systems,
spreadsheets, historical data collection sys-
tems, statistical process control systems, and
so on.
cannibalize To disassemble or remove parts
from one assembly and use the parts to
repair other, similar assemblies.
canonical form A form of matrix to which all
members of a certain class of matrices can be
reduced by transformation. For instance, any
symmetric matrix can be reduced to a diago-
nal matrix.
68
cantilever A beam or other structural mem-
ber that is fixed at one end and hanging free
at the other end.
capabilities file A capabilities file describes
the communication objects in a fieldbus
device. A configuration device can use
device description (DD) files and capabilities
files to configure a fieldbus system without
having the fieldbus devices online.
capacitance 1. The ability of a condensor to
store a charge before the terminals reach a
potential difference of one volt. The greater
the capacitance, the greater the charge that
can be stored. 2. The amount of energy or
material that must be added to a closed sys-
tem to cause unit change in potential, hence,
the partial derivative of the content with
respect to potential.
capacitance meter An instrument for deter-
mining the electrical capacitance of a circuit
or circuit element. See also microfaradmeter.
capacitive When used as a third modifier per
ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982), capacitive means con-
verting a change of measurand into a change
of capacitance. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
capacitive instrument A measuring device
whose output signal is developed by varying
the capacitive reactance of a sensitive ele-
ment.
capacitor A device used for storing an electri-
cal charge and designed to hold voltage for a
limited time.
capacitor start/capacitor run motor An AC
motor used for hard-starting loads. It fea-
tures a high capacitor for starting the motor
and a low capacitor for running the motor.
Start-up and running windings are always
energized, and a centrifugal switch changes
the connection between high and low capaci-
tors.
capacity [Proc] 1. In process control, the rate of
flow through a valve, usually stated in terms
of C v or Kv. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000] 2. A
measure of the maximum quantity of energy
or material that can be stored within a given
piece of equipment or system. [Comp] 3. In
computing, information storage capability,
usually given in bytes (KB, MB, GB).
capacity factor The ratio of the average load
carried to the maximum design capacity.
capacity lag In any process, the amount of
time it takes to supply energy or material to a
storage element at one point in the process
from a storage point elsewhere in the pro-
cess. Also known as transfer lag.
CAPE Concurrent art-to-product environ-
ment; computer-aided design tools used for

(drawing) "concept-to-finished-product"
efforts.
cap height In the typographical composition
of screen displays and printing, the height of
a capital letter measured from baseline to
top.
capillary 1. Having a very small internal
diameter. 2. A tube with a very small diame-
ter.
capillary action Spontaneous elevation or
depression of a liquid level in a fine hairlike
tube when it is dipped into a body of the liq-
uid. Capillary action is induced by differ-
ences in surface energy between the liquid
and the tube material.
capillary drying The progressive removal of
moisture from a porous solid by evaporation
at an exposed surface followed by movement
by capillar action of the liquid from the inte-
rior to the surface until the surface and core
reach the same stable moisture concentra-
tion.
capillary tube A tube that is sufficiently fine
such that capillary action is significant.
CAPISCE Computer architecture for produc-
tion information systems in a competitive
environment; project funded by ESPRIT to
unite three layers of manufacturing architec-
ture (planning, execution, and control); first
effort by major CIM vendors toward seam-
lessly integrating information from control
systems into business planning systems.
CAPP Computer-aided process planning;
data management framework designed to
assist functions of process planning.
caps In the typographical composition of
screen displays and printing, capital letters
in the particular type font chosen.
cap screw A threaded fastener similar to a
bolt, but generally used without a nut. It is
threaded into a tapped hole in one part of an
assembly.
capstan A vertical-axis drum used for pulling
or hauling. It may be power driven, or it may
be turned manually by means of a bar
extending radially from a hole in the drum.
capsule A pressure-sensing element consist-
ing of two metallic diaphragms joined
around their peripheries. [ISA37.1-1975
(R1982)]
carbon An element. The principal combusti-
ble constituent of all fuels.
carbon equivalent An empirical relationship
that is used to estimate the ability of a metal
to produce gray cast iron. Also an empirical
relationship that is used to rate the weldabil-
ity of alloy steels. For cast iron, the formula is
CE = TC + l/3(Si + P), where CE is the car-
69
cap height / carburizing
bon equivalent, TC is the total carbon con-
tent, Si is the silicon content, and P is the
phosphorus content, all in wt%. For weld-
ability, the formula is CE = C + Mn/6 + (Cr +
Mo + V)/5 + (Ni + Cr)/15, where each sym-
bol stands for the concentration of the indi-
cated element in wt%.
carbonitriding A surface-hardening process
in which a suitable ferrous material is heated
at a temperature above the lower transfor-
mation temperature in an atmosphere that
will cause the simultaneous absorption of
carbon and nitrogen at the surface and, by
diffusion, create a concentration gradient.
Final properties are achieved by controlled
cooling through temperature and sometimes
through subsequent tempering.
carbonization The process of converting coal
into carbon by removing other ingredients.
carbon loss The loss that represents the
unliberated thermal energy that is occa-
sioned by the failure to oxidize some of the
carbon in the fuel.
carbon-pile pressure transducer A resis-
tive-type pressure transducer that depends
for its operation on the change in resistance
that occurs when irregular carbon granules
or smooth carbon disks are pressed together.
Because of its low resistance, carbon-pile
pressure transducers can often provide suffi-
cient output current to actuate electrical
instruments without needing amplification.
carbon potential A measure of the ability of
an environment to alter or maintain the sur-
face-carbon content of ferrous alloys. The
specific effect that occurs depends on tem-
perature, time, and steel composition as well
as on carbon potential.
carbon steel An alloy of carbon and iron that
contains not more than 2 percent carbon and
that contains no alloying elements other than
a small amount of manganese.
carburetor A component of a spark-ignition
internal combustion engine that mixes fuel
with air, in proper proportions, and delivers
a controlled quantity of the mixture to the
cylinders.
carburizing A surface-hardening process in
which a suitable ferrous material is heated at
a temperature above the transformation
range in the presence of a carbon-rich envi-
ronment. This carbon-rich environment may
be produced from solid carbon, vaporized
liquid hydrocarbons, or gaseous hydrocar-
bons. After the production of a carbon con-
centration gradient in the alloy, the ferrous
material is either quenched from the carbur-
izing temperature and tempered or reheated,
card / cascade
quenched, and tempered to achieve the
desired properties in both the carbon-rich
outer case and the carbon-lean inner core.
card A circuit board within a computer or
other electronic instrument or system.
card hopper See hopper, card.
card reader (Hollerith cards) A hardware
device for reading computer-standard
punched cards for computer entry. This
device was ubiquitous in the early days of
computing but is now rarely used.
card stacker See stacker, card.
carpal tunnel syndrome The irritation of the
tendon sheath and lining around the median
nerve at the human wrist. Carpal tunnel syn-
drome can affect typists, computer operators,
and anyone who uses hand tools.
carriage 1. A mechanism that moves along a
predetermined path in a machine in order to
carry and position another component. 2. A
mechanism designed to hold paper in the
active portion of a printing or typing
machine and to advance the paper as neces-
sary. Sometimes, the mechanism also auto-
matically feeds new sheets of paper on
demand.
carriage bolt A threaded fastener with a plain
(unslotted) head and a square shoulder
below the head that keeps the bolt from turn-
ing as the nut is tightened. This type of bolt is
designed primarily for bolting wood mem-
bers, but can be used with metal members if
the one next to the bolt head has a square
bolt hole to accommodate the bolt's shoulder.
carriage return The operation that causes
printing or typing to be returned to the left
margin of a page or screen with or without a
line advance. Sometimes used to indicate
that manual data entry has been completed.
carriage return character (CR) A format
effector that causes the location of the print-
ing or display position to be moved to the
left margin with or without a line advance.
Carrier A continuous frequency signal that is
capable of being modulated to carry infor-
mation.
carrier band A single-channel signaling tech-
nique in which the digital signal is modulated
on a carrier and transmitted. It transmits and
receives on the same frequency. Also, see
phase coherent frequency shift keying (FSK).
carrier detect A modem interface signal
defined by the RS-232 standard that indicates
to a receiving device that a signal is coming
from a distant modem.
carrier frequency The basic frequency or
pulse repetition rate of a transmitted signal.
It bears no intrinsic intelligence until it is
70
modulated by another signal that does bear
intelligence.
carrier insertion In digital communications, a
media access protocol method (ISO data link
layer 2) whereby a station in the network
monitors the message stream of all messages
passing through it until it detects a lull in
traffic. It then inserts its own message while
buffering and later retransmitting any addi-
tional incoming messages. Also known as
ring expansion because the method "expands"
the ring of data by one message until the
original message or acknowledgment by the
receiving station returns to the sender.
Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision
Detection (CSMA/CD) A method of con-
trolling multiaccess computer networks in
which each station on the network senses
traffic and waits for it to clear before sending
a message. Two devices that try to send con-
current messages must both step back and
try again. CSMA/CD is used as a media
access method (ISO data link layer 2) for
local area networks (LANs).
carrier-to-noise ratio Carrier amplitude
divided by noise amplitude, or carrier power
divided by noise power.
carryover The chemical solids and liquid that
are entrained with the steam from a boiler.
cartridge A small unit used for storing com-
puter programs or data values. The amount
of information it stores tends to be small and
access times large in comparison with disks.
cartridge disk A relatively low-capacity data
or program-storage medium. Generally
removable.
cartridge tape A small magnetic tape for stor-
ing digital programs. Stores discrete records.
CASE Common Applications Session Ele-
ment. Also, computer-aided software engi-
neering; the use of object-oriented
programming and other techniques to
streamline the generation of programming
code as well as to access information from a
relational data base. Also, conformity assess-
ment systems evaluation; voluntary program
for NIST to check the competency of manu-
facturers, testing groups, standards groups,
trade associations, or other organizations
involved in quality assurance.
CAS number A number assigned to specific
chemicals by the Chemical Abstracts Service.
In most cases, these numbers are unique
numerical identifiers. In others, this item
may show a "mixture" of chemicals within
some product.
cascade 1. A series of amplifiers in which the
output from one amplifier is connected to the

input of the next. 2. A series of stages in
which the output of one stage is the input of
the next.
cascade control 1. Control action in which the
output of one controller is the set point for
another controller. [ANSI/ISA-77.42.01-1999]
2. A control system composed of two loops
where the set point of one loop (the inner
loop) is the output of the controller of the
other loop (the outer loop). 3. A control tech-
nique that incorporates a master and a slave
loop. The master loop controls the primary
control parameters and establishes the
slave-loop set point. The purpose of the slave
loop is to reduce the effect of disturbances on
the primary control parameter and to
improve the dynamic performance of the
loop. See control, cascade.
cascade control action Control action in
which the output of one controller is the set
point for another controller.
cascade control system A control system in
which the output of one controller (the outer
loop) is the set point for another controller
(the inner loop). The outer loop is normally a
slow-responding process as compared to the
inner loop. [ANSI/ISA-77.44-1995]
cascading In communications, connecting
twisted-pair hubs by running a twisted-pair
cable from one hub to another.
case 1. An enclosure that is designed to hold
one or more components in a fixed position,
usually by nestling one component into a
conforming recess or resting it on fixed sup-
ports. In some instances, components are
attached directly to the enclosure. The entire
unit may be kept in storage or taken to a job
site and the contents removed as needed.
Sometimes as with certain portable instru-
ments, the contents can be used by merely
opening the cover of the enclosure and mak-
ing appropriate connections to the device
inside. 2. A hardened outer layer on a ferrous
alloy that is produced by suitable heat treat-
ment, which sometimes involves altering the
chemical composition of the outer layer
before hardening.
71
cascade control / catalog
case hardening Producing a hardened outer
layer on a ferrous alloy by any of several sur
face-hardening processes, including carbur-
izing, carbonitriding, nitriding, flame
hardening, and induction hardening. Also
known as surface hardening.
case pressure See burst pressure rating, proof
pressure, or reference pressure. [ISA-37.1-1975
(R1982)]
casing A covering consisting of sheets of
metal or other material such as fire-resistant
composition board that is used to enclose all
or a portion of a steam-generating unit.
cassette 1. A light-tight container for holding
photographic or radiographic film or a pho-
tographic plate that is positioned within a
camera or other device for exposure. 2. A
small, compact container that holds magnetic
tape and supply and takeup reels and that
can be quickly inserted and removed as a
unit from a tape recorder or playback
machine. Different sizes and styles of tape
and cassette are used for audio, video, and
computer applications, depending on the
hardware being used.
cassette tape Magnetic tape used for digital
data storage.
cast 1. To produce a solid shape from liquid
or semisolid bulk material by allowing it to
harden in a mold. 2. A tinge of a specific
color. A slight overtint of a color that is dif-
ferent from the main color—for instance,
white with a bluish cast.
caster 1. The fore-and-aft angle of deviation
from the vertical of the kingpin (or its equiv-
alent) in an automobile- or truck-steering
gear. 2. A wheel, usually small in diameter,
that is mounted so it is free to swivel about a
vertical axis. It is commonly used to support
hand trucks, machinery, or furniture.
casting 1. The process of making a solid
shape by pouring molten metal into a cavity,
or mold, and allowing it to cool and solidify.
2. A near-net-shape object produced by this
process. A rough casting that is cylindrical,
square, or rectangular in cross section and
intended for subsequent hot working or
remelting. Also called an "ingot."
cast iron Any iron-carbon alloy that contains
at least 1.8 percent carbon and that is suitable
for casting to shape.
CAT Catalog; chemical addition tank; com-
puter-aided test; computer-assisted training;
Current Adjusting Type process control out-
put (4-20 mA).
catalog In data processing, the contents of a
computer disk or tape.
catalysis / cavitation
catalysis A phenomenon in which a rela-
tively small amount of a substance augments
the rate of a chemical reaction without itself
being consumed.
catalyst A substance that alters the velocity of
a chemical reaction and that may be recov-
ered essentially unaltered in form and
amount at the end of the reaction.
cataphoresis The movement of suspended
solid particles in a liquid medium because of
the influence of electromotive force.
catastrophic failure 1. A sudden failure that
occurs without prior warning, as opposed to
a failure that occurs gradually by degrada-
tion. 2. The failure of a mechanism or compo-
nent that renders an entire machine or
system inoperable.
catenary The shape that is produced by hold-
ing a rope or cable at its ends and allowing
the center section to sag under its own
weight.
cathetometer An optical instrument for mea-
suring small differences in height—for
instance, the difference in height between
two columns of mercury.
cathode 1. The metal plate or surface that acts
as an electron acceptor in an electrochemical
circuit. 2. The positive electrode in a storage
battery or the negative electrode in an elec-
trolytic cell. 3. The negative electrode in an
X-ray tube or vacuum tube where electrons
enter the interelectrode space.
cathode corrosion 1. Corrosion of the cath-
ode in an electrochemical circuit, usually
involving the production of alkaline corro-
sion products. 2. Corrosion of the cathodic
member of a galvanic couple.
cathode follower A type of electronic circuit
in which the output load is connected in the
cathode circuit of an electron tube or equiva-
lent transistor. Also, the input signal is
impressed across a terminal pair in which
one is connected directly to the control grid
and the other is connected to the remote end
of the output load.
cathode ray In an electron tube or similar
device, a stream of electrons emitted by the
cathode.
cathode ray oscillograph An instrument that
produces a record of a waveform by photo-
graphing its graph as produced on a cath-
ode-ray tube, or by otherwise recording such
an image.
cathode ray oscilloscope An instrument that
indicates the shape of a waveform by pro-
ducing its graph on the screen of a cath-
ode-ray tube.
72
cathode ray tube (CRT) 1. An electronic vac-
uum tube that contains a screen on which
information may be stored for visible display
by means of a multigrid modulated beam of
electrons from the thermionic emitter. Stor-
age is effected by means of charged or
uncharged spots. 2. A storage tube. 3. An
oscilloscope tube. 4. A picture tube. 5. A
computer terminal that uses a cathode ray
tube as a display device.
cathodic coating A mechanical plate or elec-
trodeposit on a base metal, where the coating
is cathodic to the underlying base metal.
cathodic protection Preventing the electro-
chemical corrosion of a metal object by mak-
ing it the cathode of a cell that uses either a
galvanic or impressed current.
cathodoluminescence Luminescence that is
induced by exposure of a suitable material to
cathode rays.
caulk 1. A heavy paste, such as a mixture of a
synthetic or rubber compound and a curing
agent or a natural product such as oakum,
that is used to seal cracks or seams and make
them airtight, steam tight, or watertight.
Also known as "caulking compound" or
"calk." 2. To seal a crack or seam with caulk.
caustic dip A strongly alkaline solution for
immersing metal parts in order to etch them,
to neutralize an acid residue, or to remove
organic material such as grease or paint.
caustic embrittlement The intergranular
cracking of carbon steel or Fe-Cr-Ni alloy
when it is exposed to an aqueous caustic
solution at a temperature of at least 150F
while it is stressed in tension. A form of
stress-corrosion cracking. Also known as
"caustic cracking."
caustic soda The most important of the com-
mercial caustic materials. It consists of
sodium hydroxide that contains 76 percent to
78 percent sodium oxide.
Cavendish balance A torsional instrument
for determining the gravitational constant.
The displacement of two small spheres of
known mass mounted on opposite ends of a
thin rod suspended on a fine wire is mea-
sured when two large spheres of known
mass are brought near the small spheres.
cavitation A two-stage phenomenon of liq-
uid flow. The first stage is the formation of
vapor bubbles within the liquid system
because of the static pressure of fluid falling
below the fluid vapor pressure. The second
stage is the collapse or implosion of these
cavities back into an all-liquid state as the
fluid decelerates and static pressure is recov-

ered. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000; ISA-
RP75.23-1995]
cavitation erosion The progressive removal
of surface material as a result of localized
hydrodynamic impact forces that are associ-
ated with the formation and subsequent col-
lapse of bubbles in a liquid that is in contact
with the damaged surface. Also k n o w n a s
"cavitation d a m a g e " and "liquid-erosion
failure."
cavitation index The value for the operating
service conditions of a valve, expressed as s
and numerically equal to (P 1 - P v )/(P1 - P 2 ).
[ISA-RP75.23-1995]
cavitation level The degree to which cavita-
tion is occurring, that is, incipient, constant,
incipient damage, choking, or maximum
vibration. These levels can be determined by
testing for vibration, pitting, or metal loss as
well as for changes in valve capacity (C v ).
[ISA-RP75.23-1995]
cavity resonator A space normally enclosed
by an electrically conducting surface that is
used to store electromagnetic energy and
whose resonant frequency is determined by
the shape of the enclosure.
cavity-type w a v e m e t e r An instrument that is
used to determine frequency in a waveguide
system. Typically, the position of a piston
inside a cylindrical cavity is tuned to reso-
nance, which is determined by a drop in
transmitted power. The meter is then
detuned for normal operation.
CB Certification board; certificate issued by
National Certification Board (NCB) to pro-
vide assurance to the end user that claims of
product performance have been verified by
an independent party, attesting to the quality
and safety of that product. Differs from Euro-
pean CE Mark in which testing is done by
73
cavitation erosion / CDPD
the manufacturer w h o makes that product.
See also NCB.
CBDS Connectionless broadband data ser-
vice; definition of which is emerging from
the European Telecommunications Stan-
d a r d s Institute; expected to be equivalent to
and compatible with SMDS. See SMDS.
CCD Charge-coupled device; charge transfer
device that consists of an array of MOS
capacitors designed so charges can be moved
through the semiconductor substrate in a
controlled manner. Essentially a shift regis-
ter, it can be used to form analog or digital
serial memories, can function as a dynamic
filter, and can be used for imaging as in solid
state cameras, etc. See MOS.
CCITT Comité Consultatif Internationale de
Télégraphie et Téléphonie (France). Consul-
tative Committee for International Tele-
phony a n d Telegraphy [Comité Consultatif
Internationale d e Télégraphie et Téléphonie];
international association that sets worldwide
communications standards, such as V.21,
V.22, X.25, etc. Replaced by ITU-TSS (Interna
tional Telegraphic Union—Telecommunica-
tions Standards Sector).
CCITT V.XX (Consultative Committee for
International Telephony and Telegraphy)
International standards in communications
that are concerned with m o d e m interfaces,
speeds, and transmission modes (i.e., V.22).
CCITT X.25 (Consultative Committee for
International Telephony and Telegraphy)
An international standard that defines the
protocol used to access a packet switching
network.
CCL Connection control language; in com-
puters linked through phone networks, a file
that contains a list of c o m m a n d s the modem
needs to work over a network to other "for-
eign" modems.
CDDI Copper-distributed data interface-
unshielded twisted-pair, shielded twisted-
pair, dual- grade twisted-pair options; see
FDDI.
CDF Compressed data format; method of
saving data to electronic memory expressly
for the purpose of exchanging data between
computers.
CDMA Code Division Multiple Access; in
digital communications, a media access pro-
tocol (data link layer).
CDPD Cellular digital packet data; one of the
emerging wireless digital communications
technologies useful for true SCADA systems,
CDPD sends packets of data using existing
cellular communications technology for a
given region. While cost is still a constraining
CDR / centimeter-gram-second (CGS)
factor with CDPD, this technology has
proved effective for regions without direct
telephone or leased lines. See also SCADA.
CDR Critical design review; used to identify
issues in final design release; compare PDR.
CD-ROM "Compact disk, read-only mem-
ory." A compact disk used for computer data
storage.
CDTV Commodore Dynamic Total Vision;
consumer multimedia from Commodore,
which includes CD-ROM/CD audio player,
Motorola 68000 processor, 1 MB RAM and
ten-key infrared remote control.
CEB, CEBus Consumer Electronic Bus; EIA
draft (9/93) to integrate utilities, sensors,
controls, and communications in the home.
Also, Comité Electrotechnique Beige; Belgian
member of (BelgiumlEC).
CEF Comité Electrotechnique Français
(France); French member of IEC.
CEI Comitato Elettrotecnico Italiano (Italy);
Italian member of IEC.
ceilometer A recording instrument for auto-
matically determining cloud heights.
cell [Eng] 1. In engineering, one of a series of
chambers in which a chemical or electrochem-
ical reaction takes place—for example, the
chambers of a storage battery or electrolytic
refining bath. 2. One of the cavities in a honey-
comb structure. 3. In manufacturing, a cluster
of operations for performing a single func-
tion in an assembly line (such as, "drill, then
tap a set of holes, bolt on mounting bracket,
attach device"). [Comp] 4. In computing, a
storage location for one unit of information,
usually one character or one word. Specific
terms such as column, field, location, and block
are preferable when appropriate. See storage
cell.
cell constant In conductivity measurement,
the ratio of conductance electrodes to area of
electrode surface.
cell container The container for the plate
pack and electrolyte of a cell that is made of a
material impervious to attack by the electro-
lyte. [ANSI/ISA-12.16.01-1998 (IEC 60079-7
Mod)]
cell controller Typically, a programmable
logic controller or an interconnected cluster
of them for the purpose of performing opera-
tions in a "cell" on the manufacturing line.
The term is sometimes broadened to include
portions of process, but with varying inter-
pretations.
Celsius A scale for measuring temperature
that is based on the definition of 0 C and
100ºC as the freezing point and boiling point,
74
respectively, of pure water at standard pres-
sure.
cement 1. A dry, powdery mixture of silica,
alumina, magnesia, lime, and iron oxide that
hardens into a solid mass when mixed with
water. It is one of the ingredients in concrete
and mortar. 2. An adhesive for bonding sur-
faces for which intimate contact cannot be
established and the adhesive must therefore
fill a gap over all or part of the faying sur-
faces.
cementation 1. The high-temperature
impregnation of a metal surface with another
material. 2. The conversion of wrought iron
into steel by packing it in charcoal and heat-
ing it at about 1,800°F for 7 to 10 days.
CENELEC, CLC Comité Européen de
Normalisation Electrotechnique; its goals are
similar to those of CEN, but focused on elec-
trical and electronic products; European
counterpart of IEC.
cent The interval between two sound fre-
quencies, where the ratio of the two frequen-
cies is the twelve-hundredth root of 2. Also
equal to one-hundredth of a semitone.
center gauge A gauge used to check angles,
such as the angle of a cutting tool point or
screw thread.
center of gravity 1. A fixed point in a mate-
rial body through which the resultant force
of gravitational attraction acts. 2. The point
that represents the average position of matter
in a body.
center of mass That point of a material body
or system of bodies that moves as though the
system's total mass existed at that point and
all external forces were applied at that point.
Also known as "center of inertia" and "cen-
troid."
center of seismic mass The point within an
acceleration transducer at which acceleration
forces are considered to be summed. [ISA-
37.1-1975 (R1982)]
center-to-end dimension The distance from
the center line of a valve body to the extreme
plane of a specific end connection. See
face-to-face dimension and end-to-end dimen-
sion. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
centigrade A nonpreferred term formerly
used to designate the scale now referred to as
the Celsius scale.
centimeter-gram-second (CGS) A standard
metric system of units that was used largely
for scientific work before the adoption of the
international SI system, which is currently
preferred for both scientific and engineering
work.

centipoise (cp) A unit of viscosity that is
equal to 0.01 poise.
centistoke (cs) A CGS unit of kinematic vis-
cosity in customary use. It is equal to the
kinematic viscosity of a fluid that has a
dynamic viscosity of 1 centipoise and a den-
sity of 1 gram per cubic centimeter. See centi-
meter-gram-second (CGS).
central-limit theorem The theorem that the
distribution of sample means taken from a
large population approaches a normal
(Gaussian) curve.
centralize To bring under one control; consol-
idate.
centralized maintenance shop One mainte-
nance shop that has responsibility for main-
taining all equipment in the facility. Usually,
several crafts work out of this one central-
ized maintenance shop.
central office The main switching center for
common carriers.
central processing unit (CPU) 1. The brain of
the computing machine, usually defined by
the arithmetic and logic units (ALU) plus a
control section, often called a processor. 2.
The part of a computing system that contains
the arithmetic and logical units, instruction
control unit, timing generators, and memory
and I/O interfaces. See also unit, central pro-
cessing.
central station A power plant or steam-heat-
ing plant that generates power or steam for
sale.
centrifugal compressor A machine in which
a gas or vapor is compressed by radial accel-
eration in an impeller with a surrounding
casing and that can be multistaged to achieve
high ratios of compression.
centrifugal control Speed control that uses
sensors that respond to centrifugal force to
sense speed.
centrifugal fan A fan rotor or wheel within a
housing that discharges the air at a right
angle to the axis of the wheel.
centrifugal force A force that acts in a direc-
tion both along and outward on the radius of
turn for a mass in motion.
centrifugal pump A machine for moving a
liquid by accelerating it radially outward in
an impeller to a surrounding volute casing.
centrifugal switch A switch that is opened or
closed by centrifugal force.
centrifugal tachometer An instrument that
measures the instantaneous angular speed of
a rotating member such as a shaft by measur-
ing the centrifugal force on a mass that
rotates with it.
75
centipoise (cp) / certification
centrifuge A rotating device that uses centrif-
ugal force to separate suspended fine or col-
loidal particles from a liquid or to separate
two liquids of different specific gravities.
centripetal force Force exerted inward
toward the center of the rotation of an object
moving in a circular path (the opposite of
centrifugal force).
CEPEL Centro de Pesquisas de Energia
Elétrica (Brazil); Brazilian certification and
testing laboratory for testing the equipment
of different vendors to some common stan-
dard.
ceramic 1. A heat-resistant natural or syn-
thetic inorganic product made by firing a
nonmetallic mineral. 2. A shape made by
baking or firing a ceramic material, such as
brick, tile, or labware.
ceramic coating A protective coating made
by thermal spraying a material such as alu-
minum or zirconium oxide or by cementing a
material such as aluminum disilicide on a
metal substrate.
ceramic transducer See electrostriction trans-
ducer.
CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and Liability Act
(also known as Superfund). United States
federal law authorizing the identification
and remediation of unsupervised hazardous
waste sites.
Cerenkov radiation Visible light that is pro-
duced when charged particles pass through a
transparent medium at a speed exceeding
the speed of light in the medium.
cermet A powder-metallurgy product that
consists of ceramic particles bonded together
with a metal matrix.
certificate of analysis A certification of a
product's or material's conformance to qual-
ity standards or specifications. It may
include a list or reference of analysis results
and process information. It is often required
for the transfer of custody of materials. [ISA-
95.00.01-2000]
certification 1. The act of certifying. 2. The
state of being certified. 3. The certification of
instrumentation and control technicians in
nuclear power plants. The criteria of certifi-
cation address qualifications based on educa-
tion, experience, training, and job
performance. The attainment of certification
is a way for individuals to indicate to the
general public, to co-workers, to employers,
and to others that an impartial, nationally
recognized organization has determined that
they are qualified to perform specific techni-
cal tasks by virtue of their technical knowl-
certified / chain-float liquid-level gauge
edge and experiences. Certification bestows
a sense of achievement upon the certificant
since it reflects professional advancement in
achosen field.
certified A generic term that refers to appara-
tus that has been evaluated by a recognized
testing agency and confirmed to be in com-
pliance with the applicable standard(s).
Note: Some agencies use the terms approved,
listed, or labeled to indicate compliance with
the applicable standard. [ANSI/ISA-
12.01.01-1999]
certify 1. To confirm something formally as
true, accurate, or genuine. 2. To guarantee
something as meeting a standard. 3. To issue
a license or certificate.
CESI Centro Elettrotecnico Sperimentale Ital-
iano (Italy); Italian certification and testing
laboratory for testing the equipment of dif-
ferent vendors to some common standard.
CFA CompactFlash Association; independent
corporation of ten companies working to
help create CompactFlash standard: Apple,
Canon, Eastman Kodak, Hewlett-Packard,
Matsushita, Polaroid, NEC, SanDiak,
Seagate, and Seiko Epson.
CFC chlorofluorocarbon; a consideration in
EPA (United States) regulations; any com-
pound containing carbon and one or more
halogens, usually fluorine, chlorine, or bro-
mine. Used as a refrigerant and solvent and
as a propellant in aerosol sprays. Those CFCs
containing bromine are used in fire extin-
guishers; CFCs have been identified as a
cause of depletion of the Earth's protective
ozone layer.
CFR engine Cooperative Fuel Research
engine. A standard test engine for determin-
ing the octane number of motor fuels.
CGA Color/graphics adapter(array); video
standard (for IBM PC in 1981), offering 320 x
200 pixels with four colors, or 640 x 200 pix-
els with two colors. In text mode, up to six-
teen possible colors. See EGA, PGA, SVGA,
UXGA, VGA, XGA. Also, continuous gas ana-
lyzer.
CGI Compressed Gas Institute; Computer
Graphics Interface;Common Gateway Inter-
face, Internet web standard for methods used
by servers, external programs, and scripts for
intercommunication.
CGM(IF) Computer Graphics Metafile (Inter-
change Format); standard for archiving and
transferring graphics data.
CGMP Current good manufacturing practice;
regulations by FDA for finished pharmaceu-
ticals.
76
CGRM Computer Graphics Reference Model;
ISO/IEC JTC1/SC24 tools for computer
graphics to ensure that application programs
and pictures are portable.
CGS Centimeter-gram-second; system of
fundamental units for mass, length, and
time; now obsolete, replaced by MKS system
from which SI units are developed. See MKS.
chad The piece of material that is removed
when forming a hole or notch in a storage
medium such as punched tape or punched
cards. [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)]
chafing fatigue See fretting.
chain 1. A nonrigid series of metal links or
rings that are interlinked with each other or
are pinned or otherwise held together in
order to make an elongated flexible member
that is suitable for pulling, hauling, lifting,
supporting, or restraining objects or for
transmitting power. 2. A mesh of rods or
plates that is used in place of a belt to convey
objects or transmit power. 3. An organization
in which records or other items of data are
strung together by means of pointers.
chain-balanced density meter A sub-
merged-float meter that uses an iron-core
float that moves up and down within a
pickup coil. A slack chain attached to the bot-
tom of the float applies more weight as the
float rises and establishes a definite equilib-
rium position for any given fluid density
within the range of the instrument.
chain block A lifting tackle, often suspended
from an overhead track, that uses a chain
instead of rope to lift heavy weights and is
hand driven by pulling on an endless chain.
Some models are power driven. Also known
as chain fall and "chain hoist."
chain drive A device for transmitting power
and motion without slipping. It consists of
an endless chain that meshes with driving
and driven sprockets. Chain drives are used
on bicycles and motorcycles to provide the
motive power, on conveyors to drive the
belts, and in hoisting mechanisms to provide
the lifting power.
chain fall A method for manually operating
remote valves by mechanically using chains
and sprockets.
chain-float liquid-level gauge A device for
indicating liquid level in a tank that consists
of a float connected to a counterweight by a
chain running over a sprocket, as the float
rises and falls with liquid level in the tank,
the chain rotates the sprocket that in turn
positions a pointer to indicate liquid level.
 chalking / characteristic, equal-percentage
chalking A defect of coated metals that is
caused by the formation of a layer of pow-
dery material at the metal-coating interface.
chamfer 1. A beveled edge that relieves an
otherwise sharp corner. 2. A relieved angular
cutting edge at the tooth corner on a milling
cutter or similar tool.
change control In process validations, a formal
system by which qualified representatives of
appropriate disciplines review proposed or
actual changes that might affect validated
status. The intent is to determine the need for
action that would ensure and document that
the system is maintained in the validated
state.
channel 1. A path along which signals can be
sent, for example, a data channel or output
channel. [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)] 2. The
portion of a storage medium that is accessi-
ble to a given reading station. [[ISA-RP55.1-
1975 (R1983)] 3. In communication, a means
for one-way transmission. Contrast with cir-
cuit. [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)] 4. Sometimes
called a point. [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)] 5.
A collection of instrument loops, including
their sensing lines, that may be treated or
routed as a group while being separated
from instrument loops assigned to other
redundant channels. [ANSI/ISA-67.02-1999]
6. An arrangement of components and mod-
ules so as to generate a single protective
action signal when required by a generating
station condition. A channel loses its identity
where single-action signals are combined.
[ISA-67.06-1984] 7. A path along which infor-
mation, particularly a series of digits or char-
acters, may flow. 8. One or more parallel
tracks treated as a unit. 9. In a circulating
storage, a channel is one recirculating path
that contains a fixed number of words stored
serially by word. 10. A path for electrical
communication. 11. A band of frequencies
used for communication. 12. An ungrounded
conductor in a grounded, intrinsically safe
circuit, or a conductor and its reference in a
galvanically isolated intrinsically safe circuit.
[ANSI/ISA-RP12.6-1995]
channel, input The analog data path between
the field wiring connector or termination
strip and the analog-to-digital converter or
other quantizing device used in the sub-
system. In typical subsystems, this path may
include a filter, an analog signal multiplexer,
and one or more amplifiers. [ISA-RP55.1-
1975 (R1983)]
channel capacity The maximum data rate
that can be transmitted over a channel.
77
channel sampling rate The number of times
a given data input is sampled during a speci-
fied time interval.
channel selector In an FM discriminator, the
plug-in module that causes the device to
select one of the channels and demodulate
the subcarrier so as to recover data.
channel service unit A line driver that inter-
faces between a customer's data terminal
equipment and boosts the signal to a Data-
phone Digital Service (DDS) digital network.
channel uncertainty (CU) The total amount
to which an instrument channel's output is in
doubt (or the allowance made therefore)
because of unaccounted-for errors, either
random or systematic. The uncertainty is
generally identified within a probability and
confidence level. [ANSI/ISA-TR67.04.08-
1996]
character 1. A predefined group of pixels.
[ISA-5.5-1985] 2. One symbol of a set of ele-
mentary symbols such as those correspond-
ing to the keys on a typewriter. The symbols
usually include the decimal digits 0 through
9, the letters A through Z, punctuation
marks, operation symbols, and any other sin-
gle symbols that a computer may read, store,
or write. [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)] 3. The
electrical, magnetic, or mechanical profile
that is used to represent a character in a com-
puter, and its various storage and peripheral
devices. A character may be represented by a
group of other elementary marks, such as
bits or pulses. [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (1983)]
character codes The binary code patterns
used to create characters in a computer.
character embossing The raising of the sur-
face of a printing medium (such as paper)
within the perimeter of a printer character as
a result of the impact of a type element
against that printing medium. [ISA-RP55.1-
1975 (R1983)]
character generation The production of typo-
graphic images by using font master data
that is generated to screens or output
devices.
characteristic 1. The integral part of a com-
mon logarithm. In the logarithm 2.5, the
characteristic is 2 and the mantissa is 0.5. 2.
Sometimes, that portion of a floating-point
number that indicates the exponent. 3. A dis-
tinctive property of an individual, document,
item, and so on.
characteristic, equal-percentage The inher-
ent flow characteristic that, for equal incre-
ments of rated travel, will ideally give equal
characteristic, flow / charge
percentage changes of the existing flow coef-
ficient (Cu). [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
characteristic, flow An indefinite term
encompassing characteristic, inherent flow and
characteristic, installedflow.[ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
characteristic, inherent-flow The relation-
ship between the flow rate through a valve
and the travel of the closure member as the
closure member is moved from the closed
position to rated travel with constant pres-
sure drop across the valve. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
characteristic, inherent-flow
characteristic, installed-flow The relation-
ship between the flow rate through a valve
and the travel of the closure member as the
closure member is moved from the closed
position to rated travel when the pressure
drop across the valve varies under the influ-
ence of the system in which the valve is
installed. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
characteristic, linear-flow An inherent flow
characteristic that can be represented by a
straight line on a rectangular plot of flow
78
coefficient (Cv) versus percentage of rated
travel. Therefore, equal increments of travel
provide equal increments of flow coefficient
(Cv) at constant pressure drop. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
characteristic, modified parabolic flow An
inherent flow characteristic that provides
fine throttling action at low valve plug travel
and an approximately linear characteristic
for upper portions of valve travel. It is
approximately midway between linear and
equal percentage. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
characteristic, quick-opening flow An inher
ent flow characteristic in which there is a
maximum flow with minimum travel
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
characteristic curve 1. A graph (curve) that
shows the ideal values at steady state. Also,
the output variable of a system as a function
of an input variable, assuming that the other
input variables are maintained at specified
constant values. Note: When the other input
variables are treated as parameters, a set of
characteristic curves is obtained. [ANSI/ISA-
51.1-1979 (R1993)] 2. Of a photographic or
radiographic film, the graph of the relative
transmittance of the emulsion versus expo-
sure, or a graph of functions of these two
quantities. Also known as "characteristic
emulsion curve."
characteristic function A polynomial that
characterizes the transient response of a sys-
tem and is the denominator of the system's
overall transfer function.
characteristic impedance The impedance ter-
mination of an (approximately) uniform
transmission line that minimizes reflections
from the end of that line.
characterized cam A component in a valve
positioner used to relate the closure member
position to the control signal. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
characterized sleeve A part added to a plug
valve to provide various flow characteristics
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
characterized trim Control valve trim that
provides defined flow characteristics, such as
equal percentage, linear, or quick opening.
Usually stated in terms of C v or K v versus
travel. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
character-oriented Describing a communica-
tions protocol or transmission procedure that
carries control information that is encoded in
fields of one or more bytes.
character string A connected sequence of
characters.
charge 1. A defined quantity of an explosive.
2. The starting stock loaded into a batch pro-

cess. 3. The material loaded into a furnace for
melting or heat treating. 4. A measure of the
accumulation or depletion of electrons at any
given point. 5. The amount of substance
loaded into a closed system, such as refriger-
ant into a refrigeration system. 6. The quan-
tity of excess protons (positive charge) or
excess electrons (negative charge) in a physi-
cal body, usually expressed in coulombs.
charge amplifier An electronic amplifier
used to convert the high impedance of a
piezoelectric accelerometer into low imped-
ance so it can be accepted by common read-
out instruments.
charge-coupled device (CCD) A circuit ele-
ment that transfers information by passing a
definite amount of charge rather than a volt-
age or current level.
chart recorder A device for automatically
plotting a dependent variable against an
independent variable. The dependent vari-
able is proportional to the input signal from a
transducer. The independent variable may be
proportional to a transducer signal as well,
but the variable is most often time or a
time-dependent variable, which can be pro-
duced by controlling the rate of advance of
rolled chart paper.
chase A vertical passage in a building that
contains the pipes, wires, and ducts that pro-
vide heat, ventilation, electricity, running
water, drains, and other building services.
chassis 1. A frame or boxlike sheet-metal
support for mounting the components of an
electronic device. 2. A frame for a wheeled
vehicle that provides most of the stiffness
and strength of the vehicle body and sup-
ports the body, engine, and passenger or load
compartment on the running gear.
chatter Rapid cycling on and off of a device,
such as a relay in control process, because of
insufficient bandwidth in the controller.
Cheapernet An IEEE 802.3 standard for a
low-cost, 10 Mbit local area network (LAN)
that was compatible with the Technical
Office Protocol (TOP) communications pro-
tocol.
check A process of partial or complete testing
of the correctness of machine operations. The
existence of certain prescribed conditions
within the computer, or the correctness of the
results produced by a program. A check of
any of these conditions may be made auto-
matically by the equipment or may be pro-
grammed to occur. Related to marginal check.
check, parity A check that tests whether the
number of ones (or zeros) in an array of
binary digits is odd or even. Synonymous
79
charge amplifier / checksum
with odd-even check. [ISA-RP55.1-1975
(R1983)]
check, validity A check based upon known
limits or upon given information or com-
puter results. For example, a calendar month
will not be numbered greater than 12, and a
week will not have more than 168 hours.
[ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)]
check bit A binary check digit; often a parity
bit. Related to parity check.
check box A small square box that appears on
a video screen display, usually within a dia-
log box, and that is used for selecting a
choice of options within some application.
See also ballot box.
check digit In data transmission, one or more
redundant digits appended to a machine
word and used in relation to the other digits
in the word to detect errors in data transmis-
sion.
checker work An arrangement of alternately
spaced brick in a furnace that has openings
through which air or gas flows.
checking A network of fine cracks in a coat-
ing or at the surface of a metal part. Check-
ing may appear during processing but is
more often associated with service, espe-
cially when it involves thermal cycling.
checkout 1. The determination of the work-
ing condition of a system. 2. A test or prelim-
inary operation that is intended to determine
whether a component or system is ready for
service or ready for a new phase of opera-
tion. 3. A generalized term that encompasses
both inspection and testing. [ISA Draft
RP60.10]
checkpoint A point during a machine run at
which processing is temporarily halted so a
record can be made of the condition of all the
variables of the machine run, such as the sta-
tus of input and output devices and a copy of
working storage. Checkpoints are used in
conjunction with a restart routine to mini-
mize the reprocessing time occasioned by
functional failures. A checkpoint may also be
a particular point in a program at which pro-
cessing is halted for checking.
check problem A problem that is used to test
the operation of a computer or to test a com-
puter program. If the result given by the
computer does not match the known result,
this indicates an error in programming or
operation.
check valve A flow control device that per-
mits flow in one direction and prevents flow
in the opposite direction.
checksum 1. A routine for checking the accu-
racy of data transmission by dividing the data

chemical affinity / chromaticity
into small segments, such as a disk sector, and
computing a sum for each segment. 2. An
entry at the end of a block of data that corre-
sponds to the binary sum of all information in
the block. Used in error-checking procedures
to detect single-bit errors and some multiple-
bit errors.
chemical affinity 1. The relative ease with
which two elements or compounds react
with each other to form one or more specific
compounds. 2. The ability of two chemical
elements to react to form a stable valence
compound.
chemical analysis The determination of the
principal chemical constituents.
chemical conversion coating A decorative or
protective surface coating that is produced
by inducing a chemical reaction between sur-
face layers of a part and a specific chemical
environment, such as in chromate treatment
or phosphating.
chemical engineering A branch of engineer-
ing that deals with the design, operation, and
maintenance of plants and equipment for
chemically converting raw materials into
bulk chemicals, fuels, and other similar prod-
ucts through chemical reaction. Such reaction
is often accompanied by a change in state or
in physical form.
chemical feed pipe A pipe inside a boiler
drum through which chemicals for treating
the boiler water are introduced.
chemical reactor A vessel, tube, pipe, or
other container within which a chemical
reaction is made to take place. The reaction
may be batch or continuous, open or closed,
and can use thermal, catalytic, or irradiation
to initiate and control the reaction.
chemical vapor deposition A semiconductor
fabrication process in which material is
deposited on a substrate by means of reac-
tive chemicals in the vapor phase, sometimes
at low pressure (well below atmospheric
pressure) or sometimes plasma-enhanced (in
the presence of plasma discharge).
cherry picker Any of several types of small
traveling cranes, especially one that consists
of an open passenger compartment at the
free end of a jointed boom.
chimney A brick, metal, or concrete stack.
chimney core The inner cylindrical section of
a double-wall chimney, which is separated
from the outer section by an air space.
chimney lining The material that forms the
inner surface of the chimney.
chip A single large-scale integrated circuit.
chipping 1. Using a manual or pneumatic
chisel to remove seams, surface defects, or
80
Next Page
excess metal from semifinished mill prod-
ucts. 2. Using a hand or pneumatic hammer
with chisel-shaped or pointed faces to
remove rust, scale, or other deposits from
metal surfaces.
choke A valve that increases suction so as to
draw in an excess proportion of fuel and
facilitate the starting of a cold internal com-
bustion engine. See choke coil.
choke coil An inductor that allows direct cur-
rent to pass but presents relatively large
impedance to alternating current.
choked flow A condition wherein the flow
rate through a restriction does not increase
when the downstream pressure is decreased
at a fixed inlet pressure. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-
2000]
choking cavitation A limiting flow condition
in which vapor formation is enough to limit
the rate of flow through the valve to some
maximum value. Further increases in flow
rate through the valve are only possible by
increasing the valve inlet pressure, because
reducing downstream pressure will no
longer increase flow rate. [ISA-RP75.23-1995]
chopper Any device for periodically interrupt-
ing a continuous current or flux. A chopper is
used to create alternating current by periodi-
cally interrupting or reversing a continuous
source of direct current.
Christiansen filter A device for admitting
monochromatic radiation to a lens system. It
consists of coarse powder of a transparent
solid that is confined between parallel win-
dows. The spaces between particles are filled
with a liquid whose refractive index is the
same as that of the powder for a certain
wavelength. Only that wavelength is trans-
mitted by the filter without deviation.
chromadizing Improving paint adhesion on
aluminum and its alloys by treating the sur-
face with chromic acid.
chromate treatment Applying a solution of
hexavalent chromic acid in order to produce
a protective conversion coating of trivalent
and hexavalent chromium compounds.
chromatic aberration The focusing of light
rays of different wavelengths at different dis-
tances from the lens. This is not a significant
effect with a single wavelength laser source,
but it can be when working at different or
multiple wavelengths.
chromaticity The color quality of light,
defined by the combination of its dominant
wavelength and purity or by its chromaticity
coordinates. [ISA-5.5-1985]
Previous Page
chromaticity coordinate / cinder trap
chromaticity coordinate The ratio of any of
the three tristimulus values of a color sample
to the sum of the tristimulus values.
chromaticity diagram A graph of one of the
chromaticity coordinates against another.
chromatogram The pattern formed by the
chromatograph output represents zones of
separated elements and compounds on a
strip chart. The time at which the peak
appears and the area under the peak identify
the component and the concentration.
Typical Chromatograph Trace
chromatograph An analytical instrument
that uses chromatography to separate sub-
stances in order to analyze them for chemical
composition and concentration.
Chromatograph
chromatography An instrumental procedure
for separating components from a mixture of
chemical substances. The procedure depends
on the selective retardation and physical
absorption of substances by a porous bed of
sorptive media as the substances are trans-
ported through the bed by a moving fluid.
The sorptive bed (stationary phase) may be a
solid or a liquid dispersed on a porous, inert
solid. The moving fluid (moving phase) may
81
be a liquid solution of the substances or a
mixture of a carrier gas and the vaporized
sample. A wide variety of detection tech-
niques are used, some of which can be auto-
mated or microprocessor driven.
chromel Chromium nickel alloy used in the
positive leg of type K and type E thermocou-
ples. A registered trademark of Hoskins
Manufacturing Company.
chromium plating The electrodeposition on a
metal surface of either a bright, reflective
coating or a hard, less reflective coating of
chromium. Also known as "chrome plating"
and "chromium coating."
chromizing Producing an alloyed layer on
the surface of a metal by deposition and sub-
sequent diffusion of metallic chromium.
chromophore The group of atoms within a
molecule that contributes most heavily to its
light-absorption qualities.
chronograph An instrument used to record
the time at which an event occurs or the time
interval between two events.
chronotron A device for measuring the
elapsed time between two events. That time
is determined by measuring the position of
the superimposed loci of a pair of pulses ini-
tiated by the events.
CIAC Computer Incident Advisory Capabil-
ity; established in 1989, this United States
Department of Energy group provides com-
puter security services (such as computer
virus alerts) to its employees and contractors.
CIDR Classless Inter-Domain Routing; An
efficient method of assigning network
addresses and modifying routing tables.
CIE Computer-integrated engineering; Com-
mission Internationale de l'Eclairage, inter-
national standards group for color and
illumination, the first to specify color in
terms of human perception rather than just
listing the ingredients needed to make a par-
ticular device produce a given color.
CIM-AF Computer-integrated manufactur-
ing application framework; a framework
("protocol" is too restrictive) based upon dis-
tributed object-oriented technology to allow
control computers to communicate with
equipment in plant, and ideally to imple-
ment manufacturing execution systems
(MES).
cinder A particle of gas-borne, partially
burned fuel larger than 100 microns in diam-
eter.
cinder trap A dust collector with staggered
elements in the gas passage that concentrates
larger dust particles. A portion of the gas
passes through the elements with the con-
CIP / cladding
centrated dust into a settling chamber, where
change in direction and velocity drops out
the coarser particles.
CIP Clean-in-place, typically done in food/
pharmaceutical processing vessels where
parts are not removable.
Cipolletti weir An open-channel flow-mea-
surement device similar to a rectangular weir
but having sloping sides, which results in a
simplified discharge equation.
CIR Committed information rate; in network
communications, a traffic measurement that
is the average bandwidth that is provided
over a given time sample; often mistaken as
the amount of bandwidth that carrier is guar-
anteeing.
circle of confusion A circular image in the
focal plane of an optical system, which is the
image formed by that system of a distant
point object.
circuit [Comm] 1. In communications, the
means of two-way communications between
two points made up of both send and receive
channels. [Eng] 2. In engineering, any group
of related electronic paths and components
that electronic signals will pass to perform a
specific function.
circuit analyzer A multipurpose assembly of
several instruments or instrument circuits in
one housing that are to be used to measure
two or more operating characteristics of an
electronic circuit.
circuit breaker A device that is designed to
open and close a circuit by non-automatic
means but also to open the circuit automati-
cally on a predetermined overload of current
without injury to itself.
circuit diagram A line drawing of an elec-
tronic/electrical system that identifies com-
ponents and diagrams how they are
connected.
circuit-noise meter An instrument that uses
frequency-weighting networks and other
components to measure electronic noise in a
circuit. It gives approximately equal readings
for noises that produce equal levels of inter-
ference.
circuit switching A method of communica-
tion in which an electrical connection
between calling and called stations is estab-
lished when there is a demand for exclusive
use of the circuit and lasts until that connec-
tion is released. See also message switching
and packet switching.
circuit-to-ground voltage The rated value of
voltage with respect to earth ground. [ANSI/
ISA-82.02.01-1999 (IEC 1010-1 Mod)]
82
circular-chart recorder A type of recording
instrument in which the input signal from a
temperature, pressure, flow, or other trans-
ducer moves a pivoted pen over a circular
piece of chart paper, which rotates about its
center at a fixed rate with time.
circularity In data processing, a warning
message that the commands for two separate
but interdependent cells in a program cannot
proceed until a value for one of the cells is
determined.
circularly polarized light Light in which the
polarization vector rotates periodically, but
does not change magnitude, describing a cir-
cle. This light can also be stated as the super-
position of two plane-polarized (or linearly
polarized) lightwaves of equal magnitude,
one 90° in phase behind the other.
circular mil A wire-gauge measurement that
is equal to the cross-sectional area of a wire
one mil (0.001 in.) in diameter. Its actual area
is 7.8540 x 10-7 in2.
circular polarized wave An electromagnetic
wave for which the electric field vector, mag-
netic field vector, or both describe a circle.
circulating memory In an electronic memory
device, a means of delaying information
combined with a means for regenerating the
information and reinserting it into the delay-
ing means.
circulation The movement of water and
steam within a steam-generating unit.
circulation ratio The ratio of the water enter-
ing a circuit to the steam generated within
that circuit in a unit of time.
circulator A pipe or tube for passing steam or
water between upper boiler drums, which
are usually located where the best absorption
is low. A circulator is also used to apply to
tubes that connect headers of horizontal
water tube boilers with drums.
CISC Complex instruction set computer;
developed by Intel to provide the greatest
number of independently functioning units
by using them to perform tasks in parallel so
the processor makes the most out of each tick
of the clock; compare with RISC.
cladding [Proc] 1. In process control, the
technique of covering one piece of metal
with a relatively thick layer of another metal
and bonding them together. The bond may
be produced by corolling or coextrusion at
high temperature and pressure, or by explo-
sive bonding. [Comm] 2. In communications,
the low refractive index material that sur-
rounds the core of a fiber and protects
against surface contaminant scattering.
 cladding mode / Class H power classification, DC
cladding mode In fiber optics, the mode con-
fined to cladding. A light ray that propagates
in cladding.
cladding strippers Chemicals or devices that
remove the cladding from an optical fiber so
as to expose the light-carrying core. The term
is sometimes be misapplied to chemicals or
devices that remove the protective coating
that is applied over cladding to protect the
fiber from environmental stress.
clamping circuit A circuit that maintains
either the maximum or minimum amplitude
level of a waveform at a specific potential.
clamping device An element of a cable entry
that prevents tension or torsion in the cable
from being transmitted to the connections.
[ISA-12.00.01-1999 (IEC 60079-0 Mod)]
clamping voltage Predefined "sustained" volt-
age, which is held by the clamp circuit at
some desired level.
clamp time In power lines, the speed with
which the surge protector responds to block
power surge.
clasp A nonthreaded fastener, usually
hook-like and with a releasable catch.
class [Eng] 1. In engineering, a convenient
round number for designating allowable
pressure/temperature ratings for valves and
pipe fittings using arbitrary class numbers
from tables developed by the American Soci-
ety for Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and
the International Standards Organization
(ISO) for a variety of materials. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000] [Comp] 2. In computing, a set
of objects that share a common data structure
and a common behavior. [ISA-TR50.02, Part
9-2000]
class A amplifier An amplifier in which the
grid bias and alternating grid voltages are
such that plate current always flows in a
specified tube.
class AB amplifier An amplifier in which the
grid bias and alternating grid voltages are
such that plate current in a specified tube
flows considerably more than one-half of the
electrical cycle but less than the entire cycle.
class A power classification, AC Voltage tol-
erance is specified as the percentage devia-
tion of rms voltage from nominal.
[ISA-71.02-1991]
class B amplifier An amplifier in which the
grid bias is approximately equal to the cutoff
value, therefore making the plate current in a
specified tube approximately zero when the
grid voltage is zero.
Class B power classification, AC Frequency
deviation is specified as the percentage devi-
83
ation of frequency from nominal. [ISA-71.02-
1991]
class C amplifier An amplifier in which the
grid bias is considerably more negative than
the zero plate current value.
Class C power classification, AC Harmonic
content is specified as the present rms volt-
age not occurring at the primary frequency
[ISA-71.02-1991]
AC Power Classifications
Class D power classification, AC Phase
angle is specified as the departure from nom-
inal phase angle in degrees. This class is
specified for polyphase systems only. [ISA-
71.02-1991]
Class E power classification, AC Voltage
unbalance is specified for polyphase systems
as percentage maximum voltage deviation
from the average of the phase voltage as mea-
sured at the equipment terminal, divided by
the same average voltage. Example: With volt-
ages of 230, 238, and 225, the average is 231.
The maximum deviation from the average is 7
volts, and the average unbalance = 100 x (7/
231) = 3.03%. [ISA-71.02-1991]
Class F power classification, DC Voltage tol-
erance is specified as the percentage devia-
tion from nominal voltage. [ISA-71.02-1991]
Class F Power Classification, DC
Class G power classification, DC Ripple is
specified in percentage terms as the ratio of
the peak-to-peak value of the AC component
to the nominal voltage. [ISA-71.02-1991]
Class H power classification, DC Ground
reference is specified as the polarity of the
terminal of a DC power source, if any, that is
Class I, Division 1 location / Class II, Division 2 location
connected to a ground reference, as follows:
HI—Positive if the positive terminal is con-
nected to a ground reference. H2—Nega-
tive if the negative terminal is connected to a
ground reference. H3—Floating if neither
terminal is connected to a ground reference.
[ISA-71.02-1991]
Class I, Division 1 location A location (a) in
which ignitable concentrations of flammable
gases or vapors can exist under normal oper-
ating conditions, (b) in which ignitable con-
centrations of such gases or vapors may exist
frequently because of repair or maintenance
operations or because of leakage, or (c) in
which the breakdown or faulty operation of
equipment or processes might release ignit-
able concentrations of flammable gases or
vapors and might also cause the simulta-
neous failure of electrical equipment that
could act as a source of ignition. [ANSI/ISA-
12.01.01-1999]
Class I, Division 2 location A location (a) in
which volatile flammable liquids or flamma-
ble gases are handled, processed, or used,
but in which the liquids, vapors, or gases will
normally be confined within closed contain-
ers or closed systems from which they can
escape only in case equipment is operated
abnormally, (b) in which ignitable concentra-
tions of gases or vapors are normally pre-
vented by positive mechanical ventilation
and might become hazardous through fail-
ure or abnormal operation of the ventilating
equipment, or (c) that is adjacent to a Class I,
Division 1 location and to which ignitable
concentrations of gases or vapors might
occasionally be communicated unless this is
prevented by adequate positive-pressure
ventilation from a source of clean air and
effective safeguards against ventilation fail-
ure are provided. Electrical conduits and
their associated enclosures that are separated
from process fluids by a single seal or barrier
are classified as a Class I, Division 2 location
if the outside of the conduit and enclosures is
a nonhazardous (unclassified) location.
[ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999]
classification 1. Sorting particles or objects
by specific criteria, such as size or function. 2.
Separating a mixture into its constituents,
such as by particle size or density. 3. Segre-
gating units of product into various adjoin-
ing categories, often by measuring charac-
teristics of the individual units, thus forming
a spectrum of quality. Also termed "grad-
ing." See also area classification.
classification, area See area classification.
84
classification of a location The assignment of
a rating such as Division 1, Division 2, or
nonhazardous.
Class II, Division 1 location A location (a) in
which combustible dust is in the air under
normal operating conditions in quantities
sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable
mixtures, (b) in which mechanical failure or
the abnormal operation of machinery or
equipment might cause such explosive or
ignitable mixtures to be produced and might
also provide a source of ignition through
simultaneous (the word simultaneous is not
included in the Canadian definition) failure
of electric equipment, operation of protection
devices, or from other causes, or (c) in which
combustible dusts of an electrically conduc-
tive nature may be present in hazardous
quantities. [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999]
Class II, Division 2 location A location in
which combustible dust is not normally in
the air in quantities sufficient to produce
explosive or ignitable mixtures and in which
dust accumulations are normally insufficient
to interfere with the normal operation of
electrical equipment or other apparatus.
However, in this type of location combustible
dust may be suspended in the air as a result
of the infrequent malfunctioning of handling
or processing equipment. Likewise, combus-
tible dust accumulations on, in, or in the
vicinity of the electrical equipment may be
sufficient to interfere with the safe dissipa-
tion of heat from electrical equipment or may
be ignitable by abnormal operation or failure
of electrical equipment. [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-
1999]
Class II, Division 2 location (Canada) A
location in which combustible dusts are not
normally in suspension in air or likely to be
thrown into suspension by the normal or
abnormal operation or the failure of equip-
ment or apparatus in quantities sufficient to
produce explosive or ignitable mixtures.
However, in these locations, (a) deposits or
accumulations of dust may be sufficient to
interfere with the safe dissipation of heat
from electrical equipment or apparatus, or
(b) deposits or accumulations of dust on, in,
or near electrical equipment may be ignited
by arcs, sparks, or burning material from the
electrical equipment. [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-
1999]
Class II, Division 2 location (United
States) A location in which combustible
dust is not normally in the air in quantities
sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable
mixtures and in which dust accumulations
 Class III, Division 1 location / clearance fit
are normally insufficient to interfere with the
normal operation of electrical equipment or
other apparatus. However, in these locations
combustible dust may be in suspension in
the air as a result of the infrequent malfunc-
tioning of handling or processing equipment.
Moreover, combustible dust accumulations
on, in, or in the vicinity of the electrical
equipment may be sufficient to interfere with
the safe dissipation of heat from electrical
equipment or may be ignitable by the abnor-
mal operation or failure of electrical equip-
ment. [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999]
Class III, Division 1 location A location in
which easily ignitable fibers or materials that
produce combustible flyings are handled,
manufactured, or used. [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-
1999]
Class III, Division 2 location A location in
which easily ignitable fibers are stored or
handled (except in the process of manufac-
ture). [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999]
Class III location A location that is hazard-
ous because of the presence of easily ignit-
able fibers or flyings but in which such fibers
or flyings are not likely to be suspended in
the air in quantities sufficient to produce
ignitable mixtures. [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-
1999]
Class II location A location that is hazardous
because of the presence of combustible dust.
[ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999]
Class I location A location in which flamma-
ble gases or vapors are or may be present in
the air in quantities sufficient to produce
ignitable mixtures. [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-
1999]
Class J power classification, pneumatic
Instrument pressure is specified as the oper-
ating pressure range that is used by transmit-
ters and controllers. [ISA-71.02-1991]
Class } Power Classification, Pneumatic
Class K power classification, pneumatic
Control element pressure is specified as the
85
operating pressure range used by pneumatic
actuators and positioner-actuators. [ISA-
71.02-1991]
Class L power classification, pneumatic
Dew point is specified as the dew point tem-
perature of the gas that is supplied at the
lowest ambient temperature and maximum
operating pressure of the pneumatic system.
clay atmometer A simple device for deter-
mining evaporation rate to the atmosphere.
It consists of a porous porcelain dish that is
connected to a calibrated reservoir filled with
distilled water.
clean air 1. Air that is free of combustible
gases and contaminating substances. [ANSI/
ISA-12.13.01-2000] 2. Air that is free of any
substance that will adversely affect the oper-
ation of or cause a response from the instru-
ment. [ANSI/ISA-92.02.01, Part 1-1998;
ANSI/ISA-92.03.01-1998;ANSI/ISA-
92.04.01, Part 1-1996; ISA-92.06.01-1998]
cleanout door A door that is positioned so that
accumulated refuse may be removed from a
boiler setting.
clean room A room in which elaborate pre-
cautions are employed to reduce dust parti-
cles and other contaminants in the air, as
required for the manufacture or assembly of
delicate components or equipment.
cleanup 1. Removing small amounts of stock
by an imprecise machining operation, prima-
rily in order to improve surface smoothness,
flatness, or appearance. 2. The time required
for an electronic leak-testing instrument to
reduce its output signal to 37 percent of the
initial signal transmitted when tracer gas is
first detected. 3. The gradual disappearance
of internal gases during the operation of a
discharge tube.
clear To erase the contents of a storage device
by replacing the contents with blanks or
zeros. Clarified by erase.
clearance 1. The lineal distance between two
adjacent parts that do not touch. 2. An unob-
structed space for inserting tools or removing
parts during maintenance or repair. 3. The
shortest distance in the air between two con-
ductive parts. Note: This distance applies
only to parts that are exposed to the atmo-
sphere and not to parts that are covered with
solid insulation or casting compound.
[ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999; ANSI/ISA-
12.16.01-1998; ANSI/ISA-82.02.01-1999]
clearance distance The shortest distance
measured in air between conductive parts.
clearance fit A type of mechanical fit in
which the tolerance envelopes for mating
clearance flow / closed loop
parts always results in clearance when the
parts are assembled.
clearance flow That flow lying below the
minimum controllable flow with the closure
member not seated. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-
2000] The closure member not seated.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
clear-to-send (CTS) A modem interface sig-
nal, defined by the U.S. standard EIA-RS-
232-C, that indicates to data terminal equip-
ment that it may begin data transmission.
cleaver A device that is used to cut or break
optical fibers in a precise way so that the
ends can be connected with low loss.
clevis A U-shaped metal fitting that has holes
at the open ends of the legs so a pin or bolt
can be inserted in order to make a closed link
for attaching or suspending a load.
client One of usually several devices on a
computer network that are being supplied by
another processor, which acts as a server of
data, memory, or function(s). Client software
requests and receives these functions from
server software. See server.
client/server architecture An approach to
computer processing in which the functions
of an application are shared between multi-
ple computers on the same network. Such
architecture distributes the computing load
among several computers on the network.
clinched The bending of the excess length of
a nail so that the sharp, protruding point is
forced back into the nailed material. [ISA-
RP60.11-1991]
clinical thermometer A thermometer for
accurately determining the temperature of
the human body. Most often, it is a mercury-
in-glass maximum thermometer.
clinker A hard, compact, congealed mass of
fused furnace refuse, usually slag.
clinometer A divided-circle instrument for
determining the angle between mutually
inclined surfaces.
clip (as noun) In video development, a piece
of video footage.
clipboard In data processing, an area in which
information can be stored so that it can be
"pasted" into another application.
clipping circuit 1. A circuit that prevents the
peak amplitude of a signal from exceeding
some specific level. 2. A circuit that elimi-
nates the tail of a signal pulse after some spe-
cific time. 3. A circuit element in a pulse
amplifier that reduces the pulse amplitude at
frequencies that are less than some specific
value.
clock (CLK) 1. A master timing device that is
used to provide the basic sequencing pulses
86
for the operation of a synchronous computer.
2. Sources for the timing signals used in syn-
chronous transmission. 3. A register that
automatically records the progress of real
time, or perhaps some approximation to it,
and records the number of operations per-
formed. In addition, a register whose con-
tents are available to a computer program. 4.
A timing pulse that coincides with or is
phase related to the occurrence of an event,
such as bit rate or frame rate.
clock, real-time A clock that indicates the
passage of actual time, in contrast to a ficti-
tious time set up by the computer program.
Examples include the elapsed time in the
flight of a missile, wherein a 60-second tra-
jectory is computed in 200 actual millisec-
onds or a 0.1-second interval is integrated in
100 actual microseconds. [ISA-RP55.1-1975
(R1983)]
clock frequency The master frequency of
periodic pulses that schedules the operation
of the computer.
clock mode A system circuit that is synchro-
nized with a clock pulse, that changes states
only when the pulse occurs, and that will
change state no more than once for each
clock pulse.
clock pulse A synchronization signal pro-
vided by a clock.
clock rate The time rate at which pulses are
emitted from the clock. The clock rate deter-
mines the rate at which logical arithmetic
gating is performed with a synchronous
computer.
clock skew A phase shift between the clock
inputs of devices in a single-clock system.
The result of variations in gate delays and
stray capacitance in a circuit. [ISA-RP55.1-
1975 (R1983)]
clone In data processing, an exact duplication
of another computer device or software.
closed circuit 1. Any device or operation in
which all or part of the output is returned to
the inlet for further processing. 2. A type of
television system that does not involve
broadcast transmission, but rather transmis-
sion by cable, telephone lines, or a similar
method.
closed-fireroom system A forced draft sys-
tem in which combustion air is supplied by
elevating the air pressure in the fireroom.
closed loop 1. A combination of control units
in which the process variable is measured
and compared with the desired value (or set
point). Any deviation from the set point is
fed back into the control system in such a
way as to reduce deviation. Usually called
 closed loop control / closure member types
feedback control. 2. A hydraulic or pneu-
matic system in which flow is recirculated
following the power cycle. The system con-
tains a limited amount of fluid, which is con-
tinually reused. 3. Pertaining to a system
with feedback type of control, such that the
output is used to modify the input. 4. An
operation by which a computer applies con-
trol action directly to the process without
manual intervention. 5. A signal path that
includes a forward path, a feedback signal,
and a summary point, and forms a closed cir-
cuit. See loop, closed.
closed loop control In process control, any
system in which part of the output is fed
back to the input in order to effect regulatory
action and in which the controlled quantity is
measured and compared with a standard
that represents the desired value or perfor-
mance. See closed loop.
closed-loop gain See gain, closed-loop.
closed-loop numerical control A type of
numerical control system in which position
feedback, and often velocity feedback as
well, is used to control the dynamic behavior
and successive positions of machine slides or
equivalent machine members.
closed-loop system A system that has a feed-
back type of control, such that the output is
used to modify the input.
closed position A position that is zero per-
cent closed. [ANSI/ISA-5.2-1976 (R1992)]
close-grained Consisting of fine, closely
spaced particles or crystals.
closeness in control Total variation from the
desired set point of a system. Expressed as
"closeness of control is ±2°C" or "system
bandwidth of 4°C." Also referred to as
"amplitude of deviation."
close-tolerance forging Hot forging in which
draft angles, forging tolerances, and cleanup
allowances are considerably smaller than
those used for commercial-grade forgings.
closing plate A plate used to cover or close
openings in nonpressure parts.
87
closing pressure In a safety relief valve, the
static inlet pressure at the point where the
disk has zero lift off the seat.
closure component The movable part of the
valve, which is positioned in the flow path to
modify the rate of flow through the valve.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
closure component, characterized A closure
component with contoured surface, such as
the "vee plug," in order to provide various
flow characteristics.
closure component, cylindrical A cylindri-
cal closure component that has a flow pas-
sage through it (or a partial cylinder).
closure component, eccentric A closure com-
ponent face that is not concentric with the
shaft centerline and moves into seat when
closing.
closure component, eccentric spherical
disk A disk that is a spherical segment, not
concentric with the disk shaft.
closure component, linear A closure compo-
nent that moves in a line perpendicular to
the seating plane.
closure component, rotary A closure compo-
nent that is rotated into or away from a seat
to modulate flow.
closure component, tapered A closure com-
ponent that is tapered and may be lifted from
seating surface before rotating to close or
open.
closure member A movable part of the valve
that is positioned in the flow path so as to
modify or modulate the rate of flow through
the valve. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
closure member configurations 1. Character-
ized: A closure member with a contoured
surface, such as the "vee plug," in order to
provide desired flow characteristics. 2. Cylin-
drical: A cylindrical closure member that has
a flow passage through it (or a partial cylin-
der). 3. Eccentric rotary plug: The closure
member face of a rotary motion valve that is
not concentric with the shaft centerline and
moves into seat when closing. 4. Eccentric
spherical disk: The disk is a spherical seg-
ment in a rotary motion valve that is not con-
centric with the disk shaft and moves into
the seat when closing. 5. Linear: A closure
member that moves in a line perpendicular
to the seating plane. 6. Rotary: A closure
member that is rotated into or away from a
seat so as to modulate flow. 7. Tapered: A clo-
sure member that is tapered and may be
lifted from the seating surface before rotating
to close or open. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
closure member types Ball, disk, gate, plug.
cloud chamber / COBOL
cloud chamber An enclosure filled with
supersaturated vapor that can indicate the
paths of energetic particles when vapor con-
denses along the trail of ionized molecules
that are created as the particle passes
through the enclosure.
clusec A unit of power that is used to express
the pumping power of a vacuum pump. It
equals about 1.333 x 10-6 watt, or the power
associated with a leak rate of 10 ml/sec at a
pressure of 1 millitorr.
cluster A collection of multiple devices that
are connected to a central site over a single
line.
CLUT Color lookup table; used by video dis-
play station to define its color palette to use
an 8-bit or lower digital image file.
clutch A machine element that allows a shaft
in an equipment drive to be connected and
disconnected from the power train, espe-
cially while the shaft is running.
clutter Unwanted signals caused by noise
(EMI, RFI). Also, unwanted images on a
video screen, such as shapes and messages
that become unrecognizable because of
zooming.
CLV Constant linear velocity of rotation, as
found with compact disks; a formatted
LV-ROM.
CMAC Cerebellar Model Articulation Con-
trol; technique used in neural networks.
CMM Color matching method; scheme for
determining the best color approximations in
a color management system.
CMOS Complementary metal-oxide
semiconductor; uses very low power; less
heat to be dissipated.
CMR(R) Common mode rejection (ratio);
(measure of) ability of a device to cast off
power line interference.
CMYK Cyan, magenta, yellow, black; model
or color space used to convey color informa-
tion; combining differing amounts of these
subtractive secondary colors produces all the
colors in color space. Used by most printers,
CMYK works by starting with all light waves
(white paper) and then subtracting quantities
of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black wave-
lengths with pigments (theoretically, a maxi-
mum of CMY produces black, but inks are
not pure so the usual result is a muddy
brown, hence the addition of black); compare
with RGB.
CNC Computer numerical control; allows the
control of motion in an accurate and pro-
grammable manner through the use of a
dedicated computer within the numerical
control unit, with the capability for local data
88
input such that machine tools are freed from
the need for hardwired controllers.
CNMA Communications Network for
Manufacturing Applications; "sibling" of
MAP in Europe that includes IEEE 802.3 and
X.25 in the set of reference standards.
coalescence A term used to describe the
bonding of materials into one continuous
body, with or without melting along the
bond line, as in welding or diffusion bond-
ing.
coal gas Gas formed by the destructive distil-
lation of coal.
Coanda effect A phenomenon of fluid attach-
ment to one wall in the presence of two
walls.
coarse grained 1. Having a coarse texture. 2.
Having a grain size, in metals, larger than
about ASTM No. 5.
coarse vacuum An absolute pressure
between about 1 and 760 torr.
coating A continuous film of some material
on a surface.
coating (fiber optic) A layer of plastic or
other material applied over the cladding of
an optical fiber to prevent environmental
degradation and to simplify handling.
coating (optics) A thin layer or layers applied
to the surface of an optical component to
enhance or suppress the reflection of light
and/or to filter out certain wavelengths.
coaxial Having coincident axes, for example,
as in a cable where a central insulated con-
ductor is surrounded by one or more metallic
sheaths that act as ground leads or secondary
conductors.
coaxial cable A popular transmission
medium that is formed from two or more
coaxial cylindrical conductors that are insu-
lated from each other. The outermost con-
ductor is usually grounded and encased in
either wire mesh or extruded metal sheath-
ing. Coaxial cable is frequently used for tele-
vision and radio signals as well as digital
signals because its design is less likely to
cause or be affected by external fields. Many
varieties are available, depending upon the
shielding needed and the voltages/frequen-
cies to be accommodated.
coaxial thermocouple element A thermoele-
ment in wire form within a thermoelement in
tube form and electrically insulated from the
tube except at the measuring junction
COBOL (Common Business Oriented
Language) A specific programming lan-
guage by which business data-processing pro-
cedures may be precisely described in a
standard form. The language is intended not

only as a means for directly presenting any
business program to any suitable computer,
for which a compiler exists, but also as a way
of communicating such procedures between
individuals. It is primarily known for its
business applications. Highly structured but
wordy, COBOL is "English-like" and intrinsi-
cally self-documenting.
cock A valve or other mechanism that starts,
stops, or regulates the flow of liquid, espe-
cially into or out of a tank or other large-vol-
ume container.
code 1. A system of symbols for meaningful
communication. Related to instruction. 2. A
system of symbols for representing data or
instructions in a computer or a tabulating
machine. 3. To translate the program for the
solution of a problem on a given computer
into a sequence of machine language, assem-
bly language, or pseudo instructions and
addresses that is acceptable to that computer.
Related to encode. 4. A machine language
program.
code, Hollerith A widely used system for
encoding alphanumeric information onto
cards. Hence, Hollerith cards are synony-
mous with "punch cards." [ISA-RP55.1-1975
(R1983)]
codec 1. A device that consists of an encoder
(which translates an analog signal into a digi-
tal code) and a decoder (which performs the
reverse operation). 2. A compression/decom-
pression algorithm. Any of several unique
methods for emulating data from digital
video (compression) and then redisplaying it
with data substituted or assumed from the
original (decompression). The term origi-
nated during the 1950s for the process of dig-
itizing voice signals for transmission over
analog telephone lines and trunks using
pulse code modulation (PCM). The disk
drive industry uses the similar term ENDEC.
See PCM,
code of practice A document that describes
basic safety features and methods of protec-
tion and that recommends, for example, the
selection, installation, inspection, and main-
tenance procedures that should be followed
to ensure the safe use of electrical apparatus.
[ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999]
codes In PCM telemetry, the manner in which
ones and zeros in each binary number are
denoted.
coding The ordered list, in computer code or
pseudo code, of the successive computer
instructions that represent successive com-
puter operations for solving a specific prob-
lem.
89
cock / coherent scattering
coding sheet A fill-in form on which com-
puter programming instructions are written.
coefficient A constant that is to be multiplied
by a variable. In digital signal processing
(DSP), the values of the coefficients in the fil-
ter determine the bandpass band and stop-
band characteristics.
coefficient, flow A constant (Cv), related to
the geometry of a valve, for a given valve
opening. Used to predict flow rate. [ANSI/
ISA-75.05.01-2000]
coefficient, rated flow The flow coefficient
(Cv) of the valve at rated travel. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
coefficient, relative flow The ratio of the
flow coefficient (Cv) at a stated travel to the
flow coefficient (Cv) at rated travel. [ANSI/
ISA-75.05.01-2000]
coefficient, temperature/pressure See operat-
ing influence. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
coefficient, valve recovery See liquid pressure
recovery factor. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
coefficient of discharge The ratio of actual
flow to theoretical flow. It includes the effects
of jet contraction and turbulence.
coercimeter An instrument for measuring the
magnetic intensity of a magnet or electro-
magnet.
coextrusion 1. A process for bonding two
metal or plastic materials by forcing them
simultaneously through the same extrusion
die. 2. The bimetallic or bonded plastics
shape produced by such a process.
COFF Common Object File Format; file for-
mat within UNIX.
cofferdam An earthwork or piling structure
that prevents water from filling an excava-
tion or keeps it from surrounding and under-
mining a pier or foundation. 2. A raised
projection surrounding a hatch or trapdoor
to keep water out of the opening.
cog A tooth on the edge of a wheel.
cogwheel A wheel with radial teeth on its
rim.
coherence A property of electromagnetic
waves that are all the same wavelengths and
precisely in phase with each other.
coherence length The distance over which
light from a laser retains its coherence after it
emerges from the laser.
coherent fiber bundle A bundle of optical
fibers that have input and output ends in the
same spatial relationship to each other, thus
allowing them to transmit an image.
coherent scattering Scattering of electromag-
netic or particulate rays in which definite
phase relationships exist between the inci-
dent and scattered waves. Coherent waves
coil / collimate
scattered from two or more scattering centers
are capable of interfering with each other.
coil Any discrete and logical result that can be
transmitted as output by a programmable
controller.
coil breaks Creases or ridges in a metal sheet
or strip that appear as parallel lines across
the direction of rolling and that generally
extend the full width of the material.
coil spring A flexible, elastic member in a
helical or spiral shape that stores mechanical
energy or provides a pulling or restraining
force that is directly related to the amount of
elastic deflection.
COIN COS OSI Information Network; allows
the coexistence of the OSI and TCP/IP proto-
cols.
coincidence The existence of two phenomena
or the occurrence of two events simulta-
neously in time, space, or both.
coke The solid residue that remains after
most of the volatile constituents have been
driven out by the heating of a carbonaceous
material such as coal, pitch, or petroleum res-
idues. Coke consists chiefly of coherent, cel-
lular carbon with some minerals and a small
amount of undistilled volatiles.
coke oven gas Gas that is produced by the
destructive distillation of bituminous coal in
closed chambers. It has a heating value of
500-550 Btu/cu ft.
cold drawing The action of pulling rod, tub-
ing, or wire through one or more dies that
reduce its cross section, without applying
heat either before or during reduction.
cold-finished Referring to a primary-mill
metal product, such as strip, bar, tubing, or
wire, whose final shaping operation was per-
formed cold. Cold-finished material has
more precise dimensions, and usually higher
tensile and yield strength, than a comparable
shape whose final shaping operation was
performed hot.
cold joint In soldering, making a soldered
connection without adequate heating, so that
the solder does not flow to fill the spaces but
merely makes a mechanical bond. A cold
joint typically exhibits poor to nonexistent
electrical conduction across the joint, is not
leak tight, and may break loose under vibra-
tion or other mechanical forces.
cold junction See reference junction.
cold plate A mounting plate for electronic
components that has tubing or internal pas-
sages through which liquid is circulated to
remove the heat generated by the electronic
components during operation. Also known
as "liquid-cooled dissipator."
90
cold rolling The process of rolling metal at
about room temperature. The cold-rolling
process reduces thickness, increases tensile
and yield strengths, improves fatigue resis-
tance, and produces a smooth, lustrous, or
semilustrous finish.
cold trap A length of tubing between a vac-
uum system and a diffusion pump or instru-
ment that is cooled by liquid nitrogen to help
remove condensable vapors.
cold treatment The subzero treatment of a
metal part—usually at -65°F, -100F, or liq-
uid-nitrogen temperature—to induce metal-
lurgical changes that either stabilize
dimensions, complete a phase transforma-
tion, or condition the metal and prepare it for
further processing.
cold working Any plastic deformation of a
metal carried out below its recrystallization
temperature. The cold-working process
always induces strain hardening to a degree
that is directly related to the percentage
reduction in cross section.
cold working pressure The maximum pres-
sure rating of a valve or fitting coincident with
ambient temperature, generally in the range
of -29° C to +38° C (-20° F to +100° F). [ANSI/
ISA-75.05.01-2000]
collar A rigid, ring-shaped machine element
that is forced onto or clamped around a shaft
or similar member to restrict axial motion,
provide a locating surface, or cover an open-
ing.
collating sequence In data processing, the
order of the ASCII numeric codes for the
characters.
collator 1. A mechanical device at the output
of a printing machine or copier that sorts
multiple-page documents and arranges them
into sets. 2. In data processing, a device for
combining sets of data cards or other infor-
mation-bearing elements into a desired
sequence. 3. In data processing using elec-
tronic files, a program or routine that is used
to merge two or more files into a single,
ordered output file.
collector 1. Any of a class of instruments for
determining electrical potential at a point in
the atmosphere, and ultimately the atmo-
spheric electric field. All collectors consist of
a device for rapidly bringing a conductor to
the potential of the surrounding air and an
electrometer for measuring its potential with
respect to the earth. 2. A device that is used
for removing gas-borne solids from flue gas.
3. One of the functional regions in a transis-
tor.
collimate To make parallel.
 collimation / combination square
collimation The process of producing a beam
of light or other electromagnetic radiation
whose rays are essentially parallel.
collimator An optical system that focuses a
beam of light so all the rays form a parallel
beam.
collision [Sci] 1. A close approach of two or
more bodies (including energetic particles),
which results in an interchange of energy,
momentum, or charge. See also elastic collision
and inelastic collision. [Comm] 2. In communi-
cations, the event when electrical signals
from two network devices in a carrier sense
multiple access/collision detection (CSMA/
CD) media access system run into each other.
Retransmission by each is triggered but at
different times so a second collision is
unlikely.
collision domain In digital communications,
a single carrier sense multiple access/colli-
sion detection (CSMA/CD) network that
may consist of two or more media-access
control (MAC) sublayers. MAC sublayers
separated by repeater are within the same
collision domain. MAC sublayers separated
by bridge are within different collision
domains. Splitting the hub or repeater into
separate or multiple collision domains is
often incorrectly referred to as segmentation.
colloid 1. A dispersion of particles of one
phase in a second phase, where the particles
are so small that surface phenomena play a
dominant role in their chemical behavior.
Typical colloids include mists or aerosols (a
liquid-dispersed phase in gaseous dispersion
medium), smoke (solid in gas), foam (gas in
liquid), emulsions (liquid in liquid), suspen-
sions (solid in liquid), solid foam such as
pumice (gas in solid), and solid solution such
as colloidal gold in glass (solid in solid). 2. A
finely divided organic substance that tends
to inhibit the formation of dense scale and
results in the deposition of sludge, or causes
it to remain in suspension, so that it may be
blown from the boiler.
Colmonoy A series of high-nickel alloys
(manufactured by Wall-Colmonoy Corp.)
that are used for the hard facing of surfaces
subject to erosion.
color code 1. Any system of colors that is
used to identify a specific type or class of
objects from other, similar objects, for exam-
ple, to differentiate steel bars of different
grades in a warehouse. 2. A system of colors
that is used to identify different piping sys-
tems from each other in a factory or other
building—for example, red for fire protec-
91
tion, yellow for hazardous chemical, blue for
potable water, and green for compressed air.
color coding The use of different background
and foreground colors to symbolically repre-
sent processes and process equipment
attributes, such as status, quality, magnitude,
identification, configuration, and so on. [ISA-
5.5-1985]
color depth In video development, color
depth refers to the number of bits of data
used to define the pixels' color (8 bits = 256
colors, 16 bits = 65,535 colors, 24 bits = 16.7
million colors).
color filter A filter containing a colored dye
that absorbs some of the incident light and
transmits the remainder.
colorimeter An instrument for measuring
color in the same way that the eye sees color.
colorimetry Any analytical process that uses
the absorption of selected bands of visible
light, or sometimes ultraviolet radiation, to
determine a chemical property. Examples
include the end point of a reaction or the con-
centration of a substance whose color indi-
cates product purity or uniformity.
color mapping In digital graphics display, the
process of assigning colors to the presented
image by referencing a color palette.
column A vertical structural member of sub-
stantial length designed to bear axial com-
pressive loads.
COM Computer Output Microfilm; Compo-
nent Object Model, in computing, a connec-
tion mechanism and protocol used to link
different applications in the object linking
and embedding (OLE) environment. Allows
the development of independent, interopera-
ble software objects. De facto object standard
by Microsoft competing with CORBA.
coma A lens aberration in which light rays
from an off-axis source passing through the
center of a lens arrive at the image plane at
different distances from the axis than do rays
from the same source passing through the
edges of the lens.
combination automatic controller A type of
control system arrangement in which multi-
ple control loops are coupled through pri-
mary feedback or through any of the
controller elements.
combination scale An instrument scale that
consists of two or more concentric or colinear
scales, each graduated in equivalent values
with two or more units of measure.
combination square A measuring and rough
layout tool that consists of a special head and
a short steel rule, which, when used together,
can check angles of both 90° and 45°.
combination tester / command language
combination tester A tester that provides cir-
cuitry that is capable of performing both in-
circuit and functional board tests.
combustible The heat-producing constituent
of a fuel, flue gas, or fly ash. [ISA-77.41-1992]
combustible dust classifications 1. Group E
dusts are those that have resistivities lower
than 10,000 ohm-cm or that break down
when subjected to 1,000 volts/cm across a
bulk sample when tested in accordance with
ISA-12.10-1988. 2. Group F dusts are those
that have resistivities between 100 ohm-cm
and 100 meg-ohm-cm and that do not break
down when subjected to 10,000 volts/em
across the bulk sample when tested in accor-
dance with ISA-12.10-1988. This group
includes the carbonaceous dusts, which are
generally regarded as semiconductors3.
Group G dusts are those that have resistivi-
ties greater than 100 meg-ohm-cm and that
do not break down when subjected to 10,000
volts/cm across the bulk sample when tested
in accordance with ISA-12.10-1988. This
group includes the agricultural and plastic
dusts, which are generally regarded as insu-
lators.
combustible dust layer Any surface accumu-
lation of combustible dust that is large
enough to propagate flame or that will
degrade and ignite. [ISA-12.10-1988]
combustible dusts Dusts that (when mixed
with air in certain proportions) can be
ignited and that will propagate flame. [ISA-
12.10-1988]
combustible gas Any flammable or combus-
tible gas or vapor that can, in sufficient con-
centration by volume in air, become the fuel
for an explosion or fire. Not considered com-
bustible gases are materials that cannot pro-
duce sufficient gas or vapor to form a
flammable mixture at ambient or operating
temperatures and mists that are formed by
the mechanical atomization of combustible
liquidsidered to be combustible gases.
[ANS1/ISA-12.13.01-2000]
combustible loss The loss that represents the
unliberated thermal energy that is occa-
sioned by the failure to completely oxidize
some of the combustible matter in the fuel.
combustion The rapid chemical combination
of oxygen with the combustible elements of a
fuel, resulting in the production of heat.
[ISA-77.41-1992]
combustion air Air that is supplied to a fur-
nace or boiler either by natural or forced
draft. [ISA-77.41-1992]
combustion chamber Any chamber or enclo-
sure that is designed to confine and control
92
the generation of heat and power from burn-
ing fuels.
combustion control Usually, control of a
combustion process that is used as a heat
source. The usual manipulated variables are
fuel rate and air rate. Controls are designed
to supply the required heat while minimiz-
ing costs and maintaining safe conditions.
combustion engine An energy conversion
machine that operates by converting heat
from the burning of a fuel into motion.
combustion (flame) safeguard A system for
sensing the presence or absence of flame and
indicating, alarming, or initiating control
action.
combustion rate The quantity of fuel that is
fired per unit of time, as pounds of coal per
hour or cubic feet of gas per minute.
combustion safety control programming
type A combustion safety control that pro-
vides for various operations at definite peri-
ods of time in predetermined sequences.
[ISA-77.41-1992]
come-along 1. A lever-operated chain or
wire-rope hoist for lifting or pulling at any
angle. It has a reversible ratchet in the handle
to permit short strokes for tensioning or
relaxing the fall. Also known as a "puller." 2.
A device for gripping and applying tension
to a length of cable, wire rope, or chain by
means of jaws that close when the user pulls
on a ring.
com file A computer file name ending in
.com, short for "command" file, which most
often contains a machine code program.
comfort curve A line on the graph of
dry-bulb temperature versus wet-bulb tem-
perature or relative humidity. It represents
optimum comfort for an average person who
is not engaged in physical activity.
comfort zone The respective ranges of indoor
temperature, relative humidity, and ventila-
tion rate (air-movement rate) that most per-
sons consider acceptable for their normal
degree of physical activity and mode of
dress.
command 1. An electronic pulse, signal, or
set of signals to start, stop, or continue some
operation. It is incorrect to use command as a
synonym for instruction. 2. The portion of an
instruction word that specifies the operation
to be performed. [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)]
3. A signal that causes a computer to start,
stop, or continue a specific operation.
command language A source language that
consists primarily of procedural operations,
each of which is capable of invoking a func-
tion to be executed.
 command resolution / common storage
command resolution The maximum change
in the value of a command signal that can be
made without inducing a change in the con-
trolled variable. [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)]
comment An expression that explains or
identifies a particular step in a routine, but
has no effect on the operation of the com-
puter performing the instructions for the
routine.
commercial quality angle or channel Hot-
formed carbon steel, stainless steel, or
extruded aluminum shapes that are gener-
ally available as standard material.
committed capability The portion of a plant's
production capability that is currently in use
or is scheduled for use. [ISA-95.00.01-2000]
common A reference within a system that has
the same electrical potential throughout.
Usually connected to ground at one point.
Often different commons are used through-
out a system, such as power common, signal
common, and so on depending on the accu-
racy to which the reference is held.
Common Applications Service Elements
(CASE) One of the application protocols
specified by Manufacturing Automation Pro-
tocol (MAP).
common area A section in memory that is set
aside for common use by many separate pro-
grams or modules.
common carrier A company that furnishes
communications services to the general pub-
lic. The term originated in the transportation
industry, but has been expanded from the
movement of goods and passengers to
include signals.
common cause failure The result of a com-
mon cause fault. [ANSI/ISA-84.01-1996]
common cause fault A single source that will
cause failure in multiple elements of a sys-
tem. The single source may be either internal
or external to the system. [ANSI/ISA-84.01-
1996]
common field A field that can be accessed by
two or more independent routines.
common machine language In data process-
ing, coded information that is in a form com-
mon to a related group of data-processing
machines.
common mode In analog data, an interfering
voltage from both sides of a differential input
pair (in common) to ground.
common mode interference A form of inter-
ference that appears between the terminals
of any measuring circuit and ground. See
common mode voltage. See also interference,
common mode.
93
common mode rejection (CMR) 1. The abil-
ity of a circuit to discriminate against a com-
mon mode voltage. Note: It may be
expressed as a dimensionless ratio, a scalar
ratio, or in decibels as 20 times the log10 of
that ratio. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)] See
voltage, common mode. 2. The ability of a meter
to eliminate the effect of AC or DC noise
between signal and ground. Normally
expressed in dB and DC or 60 Hz. One type
is specified between SIG LO and PWR GND.
In differential meters, CMR is specified
between SIG LO and ANA GND (meter
ground).
common mode rejection ratio 1. The ability of
an instrument to reject interference from
common voltage at its input terminals with
relation to ground (versus normal mode). See
normal mode rejection ratio. CMR ratio is
usually expressed in decibels (dB). 2. A mea-
sure of the ability of a detector to damp out
the effect of a common-mode-generated
interference voltage. Usually expressed in
decibels.
common mode voltage (CMV) 1. In-phase,
equal-amplitude signals that are applied to
both inputs of a differential amplifier, usu-
ally referred to as a "guard shield" or "chas-
sis ground." See voltage, common mode. 2.
The AC or DC voltage that is tolerable
between signal and ground. One type of
CMV is specified between SIG LO and PWR
GND. In differential meters, CMV is speci-
fied between SIG HI or LO and ANA GND
(meter ground).
common object request broker architecture
(CORBA) An approach to creating open,
object- oriented system architectures.
CORBA specifies the interoperability of
Object Request Brokers (ORBs). This emerg-
ing object-oriented programming standard
was planned by eleven companies, including
IBM, Hewlett-Packard, and Sunsoft, and is
being presented by Object Management
Group (OMG). CORBA competes with the de
facto object standard COM, by Microsoft.
common port The port of a three-way valve
that connects to the other two flow paths.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
common resource A resource that can pro-
vide services to more than one requester.
Note: Common resources are identified as
either exclusive-use resources or shared-use
resources. [ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995]
common storage A section of memory in cer-
tain computers that is reserved for the tem-
porary storage of program outputs, to be
used as input for other programs.
COM(M)S / compatibility
COM(M)S Customer-Oriented Manufactur-
ing (Management) System; software package
that promotes closer communication among
various departments of a manufacturer, cus-
tomers, and suppliers. Envisioned by
Advanced Manufacturing Research (AMR)
as being linked through a manufacturing
execution system (MES) to plant controls;
counterpart to ERP by Gartner Group. See
ERP, MES.
communication The transmission of intelli-
gence between points of origin and reception
without altering the sequence or structure of
the information content.
communication element The part of a field-
bus device that communicates with other ele-
ments via the bus. [ANSI/ISA-50.02-Part 2-
1992]
communication link 1. Computer control is a
device in which control and/or display
actions are generated for use by other system
devices. When used with other control
devices on the communication link the com-
puter normally performs or functions in a
hierarchical relationship to the other control
devices. [ISA-5.3-1983] 2. The physical means
of connecting one location to another for the
purpose of transmitting and receiving infor-
mation. 3. The physical realization of a speci-
fied means through which stations
communicate with each other. The specifica-
tion describes the interfaces and some
aspects of functional capability. 4. A link may
provide multiple channels for communica-
tions.
communications protocol The rules govern-
ing the orderly exchange of information
between devices on a data link.
communications server A device on a local
area network (LAN), usually a dedicated
computer, that provides network users with
communications programs and links tele-
phone lines and multiplexing facilities so
data can be transmitted into and out of the
network.
communications stack 1. A communications
stack is fieldbus device communications soft-
ware that encodes and decodes user layer
messages and provides deterministic control
of message transmission and message trans-
fer. 2. Layers of protocol that provide com-
munication between the physical layer and
user layer.
commutation Cyclic sequential sampling on
a time-division basis of multiple data
sources.
94
commutation duty cycle A channel dwell
period, expressed as a percentage of a chan-
nel interval.
commutation frame period The time
required for the sequential sampling of all
input signals. This would correspond to one
revolution of a simple multicontact rotary
switch.
commutation rate The number of commuta-
tor inputs sampled per specified time inter-
val.
commutator 1. A device used to accomplish
time-division multiplexing (TDM) by repeti-
tive sequential switching. 2. A segmented
ring, usually constructed of hard-drawn cop-
per segments separated by an insulator such
as mica. It is used to energize only the correct
windings of a DC generator or motor at any
given instant.
compaction See compression.
CompactPCI A connection standard for
industrial-grade personal computer inter-
faces that readily allows modular architec-
tures, yet is rugged enough to greatly reduce
ground bounce, improve noise immunity,
and reduce noise emissions.
comparative tracking index (CTI) The
numeric value of the maximum voltage in
volts at which the material withstands 50
drops without tracking.
comparator 1. A circuit whose output is a
digital logic level that is dependent upon
whether its analog input signal is above or
below a threshold. 2. A device for inspecting
a part to determine by electrical, optical,
pneumatic, or mechanical means any devia-
tion from a specific dimension. 3. A circuit
that compares two inputs and produces out-
put that is a function of the result of that
comparison, such as a differential amplifier.
4. The portion of the control elements that
determines the feedback error (difference
between the reference input and the feed-
back variable) on which the controller acts.
compass 1. A drafting or layout tool for
drawing circles, arcs, or fillets that consists of
a bow or radius bar connecting a pin center
and a pan or drafting pencil. 2. An instru-
ment for indicating relative direction on the
earth's surface, usually measured with
respect to a reference direction such as mag-
netic or true north.
compatibility The ability of two or more
devices, regardless of manufacturer, to oper-
ate independently of one another in the same
communications network, or to operate
together using some or all of the same com-
munications protocols, without interfering
 compatibility interface / compiler
with the functioning of other devices on the
network. These devices require unique, pur-
pose-built applications in order to function
together in a distributed application. Replac-
ing a device with a similar one of different
manufacture requires the redesign of part or
all of the purpose-built application, if the dis-
tributed application is to operate as it did
before the replacement. Note: Compatible
devices have resources, data, functionality,
and communications mappings that are suf-
ficiently different such that the devices can
only function together in the same distrib-
uted application network with a purpose-
built custom application. The purpose-built
application must accommodate differences
in communications protocols and services,
data formats and parameter definitions, and
functionality between associated compatible
devices. The purpose-built application often
must be designed to avoid both communica-
tions and functional interference with and
between the associated compatible devices,
as well as with any other compatible devices
sharing the network in other distributed
applications. [IEC 611804]
compatibility interface A point at which
hardware, logic, and signal levels are defined
to allow the interconnection of indepen-
dently designed and manufactured compo-
nents.
compatible Can coexist with rules of rec-
ognized standard, but may not be compliant.
(See compliant.) For example, a specification-
compatible device will operate on a standard
communications system and communicate
with other devices on that system that were
made by same vendor and will not interfere
with devices made by other vendors on that
same system. But it will not necessarily be
able to communicate with those other
devices.
compensated pendulum A pendulum made
of two materials that have different coeffi-
cients of linear expansion, and so con-
structed that the distance between the center
of oscillation and the point of suspension
remains the same over the normal range of
ambient temperatures.
compensated range The range of values
within which all tolerances specified for
zero, sensitivity, and so on are applicable.
compensated temperature range The specific
limits of temperature within which compen-
sation ensures that an instrument will oper-
ate and maintain its performance to within
specifications.
95
compensating loop In thermal measure-
ments that use a resistance temperature
detector (RTD), the lead-wire resistance com-
pensation for this type of element. An extra
length of wire is run from the instrument to
the RTD and back to instrument, with no
connection through the RTD. See resistance
temperature detector.
compensation 1. Providing a supplemental
device, circuit, or special material to counter-
act known sources of error. [ISA-37.1-1975
(R1982)] 2. In process instrumentation, pro-
viding a special construction or a supple-
mental device, circuit, or special materials so
as to counteract sources of error caused by
variations in specified conditions. [ANSI/
ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
compensation signals In telemetry, a set of
reference signals recorded on tape along with
the data and used during playback to auto-
matically compensate for any nonuniformity
in tape speed.
compensator 1. A device that converts a sig-
nal into some function of it that, either alone
or in combination with other signals, directs
the final controlling element to reduce devia-
tions in the directly controlled variable.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)] 2. A device
introduced into a feedback control system to
improve performance and achieve stability.
compensatory leads An arrangement of con-
necting elements between an instrument and
a transducer or other observation device
such that variations in the properties of any
of the connecting elements—like temperature
effects that induce changes in resistance—are
compensated so that they do not affect
instrument accuracy.
compile 1. A computer function that trans-
lates symbolic language into machine lan-
guage. 2. To prepare a machine-language
program from a computer program written
in another programming language by mak-
ing use of the overall logic and structure of
the program or by generating more than one
machine instruction for each symbolic state-
ment, or both. A compile also includes per-
forming of the function of an assembler.
compiler 1. A program that translates a
high-level source language (such as FOR-
TRAN IV or BASIC) into a machine language
suitable for a particular machine. 2. A com-
puter program more powerful than an
assembler. In addition to its translating func-
tion, which is generally the same process as
that used in an assembler, a compiler is able
to replace certain items of input with a series
of instructions, usually called subroutines.

compile time / compound angle
Thus, an assembler translates item for item
and produces as output the same number of
instructions or constants that were put into
it. A compiler will do more than this. The
program that results from compiling is a
translated and expanded version of the origi-
nal. Synonymous with "compiling routine"
and related to "assembler."
compile time The time it takes for a source
program to be translated into an object pro-
gram.
compiling routine Same as compiler.
complement 1. A quantity expressed to the
base n, which is derived from a given quan-
tity by a particular rule. Frequently used to
represent the negative of the given quantity.
2. A complement on n, which is obtained by
subtracting each digit of the given quantity
from n - 1 , adding unity to the least signifi-
cant digit and performing all resultant car-
ries. For example, the twos complement of
binary 11010 is 00110. The tens complement
of decimal 456 is 544. 3. A complement on n -
1, obtained by subtracting each digit of the
given quantity from n - 1. For example, the
ones complement of binary 11010 is 00101.
The nines complement of decimal 456 is 543.
complementary metal oxide semiconductor
(CMOS) 1. One type of computer semicon-
ductor memory. The main feature of CMOS
memory is its low power consumption. 2. A
type of semiconductor device that is not spe-
cifically memory.
complementary operator The logic operator
that is the NOT of a given logic operator.
complementary wavelength The monochro-
matic wavelength of light that matches a
standard reference light when combined
with the sample color in suitable proportions
as applied to colorimetry.
complete combustion The complete oxida-
tion of all the combustible constituents of a
fuel.
complete contraction A combination of both
end and bottom contractions in a weir.
completion network In a strain gauge signal
conditioner, the one to three resistors that
must be added to make a four-arm bridge
(the transducer being the active arm or
arms).
complex frequency A complex number that
is used to characterize exponential or
damped sinusoidal waves in the same way
as an ordinary frequency is used to charac-
terize a simple harmonic wave.
complex lens A lens system that consists of
more than one optical element.
96
Next Page
complex tone A sound wave that is produced
by combining simple sinusoidal component
waves of different frequencies.
compliance The reciprocal of stiffness.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
compliant Conforms exactly with the rules of
a recognized standard (versus compatible).
For example, a specification-compliant device
will operate on a standard communication
system and communicate with all other
devices on that system made by any other
vendor who is similarly compliant.
component RGB video In video develop-
ment, red, green, blue, and luminance signals
are processed as separate signals (or compo-
nents), thus achieving higher quality. Com-
ponent RGB video is generally found in
professional-grade equipment. See composite
video.
composite A material or structure that is
made up of physically distinct components,
which are mechanically, adhesively, or metal-
lurgically bonded together. Examples
include filled plastics, laminates, fila-
ment-wound structures, cermets, and adhe-
sive-bonded honeycomb-sandwich
structures.
composite joint A connection between two
parts that involves both mechanical joining
and welding or brazing, and where both con-
tribute to total joint strength.
composite link Circuit-carrying frequency,
time division, or statistically multiplexed
data.
composite subcarrier Two or more subcarri-
ers that are combined in a frequency-division
multiplexing (FDM) scheme.
composite video In video development, a
video signal that combines chrominance (col-
ors red- green-blue) and luminance (bright-
ness of black, white, and gray) information
into one signal, which is relayed on a single
waveform or over a single wire. Used by
most consumer-grade products.
composite wave filter A selective transducer
that is made up of two or more filters. The fil-
ters are any combination of high-pass,
low-pass, band-pass, or band-elimination
types.
composition analysis An analytical process
for determining the elements or compounds
that are in the sample being analyzed.
compound In object-oriented computer pro-
gramming (OOP), compound means "consist-
ing of a combination of elementary objects."
compound angle The surface contour formed
by two intersecting mitered angles.
Previous Page
compound engine A multicylinder engine in
which the working fluid—steam, air, or hot
gas—expands successively as it passes from
one cylinder to another through the engine.
compound lever A device consisting of two
or more levers, where force or motion is
transferred from the arm of one lever to the
next lever in the train.
compounds Thermosetting, thermoplastic,
epoxy resin (cold curing), and elastometric
materials with or without fillers and/or
additives after they have solidified. [ANSI/
ISA-12.23.01-1998]
compound screw A screw that has threads of
different pitches or opposite helixes on oppo-
site ends of the shank.
compound semiconductor A semiconductor
such as gallium arsenide that is made up of
two or more materials, in contrast to simple
single-element materials such as silicon and
germanium.
compressibility Volumetric strain per unit
change in hydrostatic pressure.
compressibility factor (Z) A factor that is
used to compensate for deviation from the
laws of perfect gases. If the gas laws are used
to compute the specific weight of a gas, the
computed value must be adjusted by the
compressibility factor Z to obtain the true
specific weight.
compressible Capable of being compressed.
Gas and vapor are compressible fluids.
compressible flow Fluid flow under condi-
tions that cause significant changes in den-
sity.
compression Any of several techniques for
reducing the number of bits required to rep-
resent information in the storage or transmis-
sion of digital data (thereby saving memory
or bandwidth), and in which the original
form of the information can be reconstructed.
Also, called "compaction." See asymmetrical
compression, JPEG, MPEG, and symmetrical
compression.
compressional wave A wave in an elastic
medium that causes an element of the
medium to undergo changes in volume with-
out rotating.
compression element An element of a cable
entry that acts on the sealing ring to enable
the latter to fulfill its function. [ISA-12.00.01-
1999 (IEC 60079-0 Mod)]
compression failure Buckling, collapse, or
fracture of a structural member that is loaded
in compression.
compression member A beam, column, or
other structural component that is loaded in
97
compound engine / computer
such a way as to be under predominantly
compressive stress.
compression ratio 1. In an internal combus-
tion engine, the ratio of cylinder volume with
the piston at bottom dead center to the vol-
ume when the piston is at top dead center. 2.
In powder metallurgy, the ratio of the vol-
ume of loose powder used to make a part to
the volume of the pressed compact.
compression spring An elastic member, usu-
ally made by bending metal wire into a heli-
cal coil, that resists a force tending to
compress it.
compression test A destructive test for deter-
mining fracture strength, yield strength, duc-
tility, and elastic modulus by progressively
loading a short-column specimen in com-
pression.
compressor [Eng] 1. In engineering, the
device, in a weir-type or sleeve (pinch) valve,
that the valve stem forces against the back-
side of the diaphragm or sleeve so as to cause
the diaphragm or sleeve to move and seal
against the internal flow passageway of the
valve body. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000] 2. A
machine—usually a reciprocating-piston,
centrifugal, or axial-flow design—that is
used to increase pressure in a gas or vapor.
Also known as "compression machine."
[Comp] 3. In computing, a hardware or soft-
ware process for removing redundant or oth-
erwise uninteresting words from a stream,
thereby "compressing" the data quantity.
Compton scattering A form of interaction
between X-rays and loosely bound electrons
in which their collision results in the deflec-
tion of the radiation from its previous path,
accompanied by random phase shift and a
slight increase in wavelength.
computational process An instance of the
execution of a segment by a processor using
a data area.
computational stability The degree to which
a computational process remains valid when
subjected to effects such as errors, mistakes,
or malfunctions.
computer 1. A data processor that can per-
form substantial computation, including
numerous arithmetic or logic operations,
without intervention by a human operator
during the run. 2. A device that is capable of
solving problems by accepting data, per-
forming described operations on the data,
and supplying the results of these opera-
tions. Various types of computers are calcula-
tors, digital computers, and analog
computers. See analog computer, digital com-
computer, notebook / computer program
puter, general-purpose computer, hybrid com-
puter, and stored program computer.
computer, notebook A small, portable com-
puter with a flip-up screen.
computer-aided drafting or design (CAD)
The technique of using computers to auto-
mate the production of technical line draw-
ings such as P&IDs.
computer-aided repair (CAR) The technique
of using computers to automate the repair of
electronic products after a fault has been
detected.
computer-aided test (CAT) The technique of
using computers to automate the test process
of a device, board, or system.
Computer and Automated Systems Associa-
tion of the Society of Manufacturing Engi-
neers (CASA/SME) A professional
engineering association dedicated to the
advancement of engineering technology.
CASA/SME supports the administrative
functions of the MAP/TOP users group.
computer code A machine code for a specific
computer.
computer control Computer control is a
device in which control and/or display
actions are generated for use by other system
devices. When used with other control
devices on the communication link, the com-
puter normally performs or functions in a
hierarchical relationship to the other control
devices.
computer control system A system in which
all control action takes place within the con-
trol computer. Single or redundant comput-
ers may be used. [ISA-5.5-1985]
computer-dependent language A relative
term for a programming language whose
translation can be achieved only by a specific
model (or models) of computer.
computer graphics A general term identify-
ing pictures or diagrams, as distinct from let-
ters and numbers, presented on a computer
video screen or hard copy device.
computer-independent language A lan-
guage in which computer programs can be
created without regard for the actual com-
puters that will be used to process them.
Related to transportability.
computer instruction A machine instruction
for a specific computer.
computer-integrated engineering (CIE) An
engineering environment that combines fea-
tures of test and measurement, computer-
aided design, manufacturing, and engineer-
ing.
computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM)
The application of computer and communi-
98
cations technology to automate and integrate
manufacturing processes.
computer interface Serves as the interface
device between the host computer and other
devices on the data highway. It converts data
from the protocol of the computer to that of
the highway, and vice versa.
computer interface device (CID) Hardware
that allows a general-purpose computer to
share data with the rest of the distributed
control system.
computerized composition An all-inclusive
term for the use of computers to automati-
cally perform the functions of hyphenation,
justification, and page formatting.
computer-limited Pertaining to a situation in
which the time required for computation
exceeds the time available.
computer maintenance management system
(CMMS) A general classification of com-
puter programs that are designed to assist in
managing the maintenance of process plants
and other facilities. CMMS programs also
provide the history and future work schedul-
ing of assets, including tracking preventative
maintenance schedules for these assets.
Sophisticated CMMS systems keep an inven-
tory of spare parts on line with work orders
and handle inventory control, automatic pur-
chasing, receiving, and physical counting as
well as providing personnel with the
information to make appropriate decisions
based on costs and operating efficiencies. See
preventative maintenance, predictive mainte-
nance, and total productive maintenance.
computer network A complex that consists
of two or more interconnected computing
units.
computer networking The interconnection of
two or more geographically separated com-
puters so that information can be exchanged
between them, usually under the direction of
individual, autonomous control programs.
See also distributed processing.
computer operator A person who performs
standard system operations such as adjust-
ing system operation parameters at the sys-
tem console, loading a tape transport,
placing cards in a card reader, and removing
listings from the line printer.
computer part-programming In numerical
control, the preparation of a part program in
order to obtain a machine program using the
computer and the appropriate processor and
post processor.
computer program A series of instructions or
statements in a form that is acceptable to a
 computer simulation / condensed type
computer prepared to achieve a certain
result.
computer simulation A logical-mathemati-
cal representation of a simulation concept,
system, or operation programmed to be
solved on an analog or digital computer.
computer telephony Broad term for the
many combinations of (PC) computers and
telephones for new and unique applications.
computer word A sequence of bits or charac-
ters treated as a unit and capable of being
stored in one computer location. Synony-
mous with machine word.
computing device A device or function that
performs one or more calculations or logic
operations, or both, and transmits one or
more resultant output signals. A computing
device is sometimes called a computing
relay. See computing relay. [ANSI/ISA-5.1-
1984 (R1992)]
computing instrument See instrument, com-
puting.
computing relay 1. A transducer that per-
forms a computational function in order to
convert the input signal into the desired out-
put value. 2. A device that performs one or
more calculations or logical functions or
both, and sends out one or more resultant
signals.
concatenate To combine several files into one
file or several strings of characters into one
string by appending one file or string after
another.
concave Describing a surface whose central
region is depressed with respect to a flat
plane that passes approximately through its
periphery.
concave curve A change in the angle of incli-
nation of a belt conveyor where the center of
the curve is above the conveyor. [ISA-
RP74.01-1984]
concentrate 1. To separate metal-bearing
minerals from the gangue in an ore. 2. The
enriched product resulting from an ore-sepa-
ration process. 3. An enriched substance that
must be diluted, usually with water, before it
is used.
concentration 1. The weight of solids con-
tained in a unit weight of boiler water or
feedwater. 2. The number of times that the
dissolved solids have increased from the
original amount in the feedwater to the
amount in the boiler water because of evapo-
ration in generating steam.
concentrator 1. Any communication device
that allows a shared transmission medium to
accommodate more data sources than there
are channels available within that transmis-
99
sion medium. See multiplexor. 2. In twisted-
pair Ethernet networks, a multiport repeater
that has diagnostic and administrative capa-
bilities (often referred to as "hub" or
"repeater").
concentricity The quality of two or more geo-
metric shapes that have the same center.
Usually, the term is applied to plane shapes
or cross sections of solid shapes that are
approximately circular.
concentric orifice plate A fluid-meter orifice
plate that has a circular opening whose cen-
ter coincides with the axis of the center of the
pipe it is installed in.
concrete A mixture of aggregate, water, and a
binder, usually portland cement, that cures
as it dries and becomes rock hard.
concurrent engineering Structuring the
design process so that all concerned parties,
including manufacturing, sales, and custom-
ers, are involved from the beginning so as to
bring about a more meaningful result faster.
concurrent processing Two (or more) com-
puter operations that appear to be processed
simultaneously when in fact the CPU is rap-
idly switching between them.
condensate 1. The liquid product of a con-
densing cycle. Also known as "condensate
liquid." 2. A light hydrocarbon mixture that
is formed by expanding and cooling gas in a
gas-recycling plant so as to produce a liquid
output.
condensate pot A section of pipe (4 inches in
diameter) that is installed horizontally at the
orifice flange union in order to provide a
large-area surge surface. This makes possible
the movement of the impulse line fluid with
the instrument element position change,
reducing measurement error from the hydro-
static head difference in the impulse lines.
condensate trap 1. A device that separates
saturated water from steam in a pipe or piece
of process equipment. 2. A device that is
used to trap and retain condensate in a mea-
surement impulse line in order to prevent
hot vapors from reaching the instrument.
condensation-type hygrometer Any of sev-
eral designs of dew point instruments that
operate by detecting the equilibrium temper-
ature at which dew or frost forms on a ther-
moelectrically, mechanically, or chemically
cooled surface. Surface condensation may be
detected by optical, electrical, or nuclear
techniques.
condensed type In the typographical compo-
sition of screen displays and printing, a slen-
der or narrow typeface.
condenser / conductivity-type moisture sensor
condenser The heat exchanger, located at the
top of the column, that condenses overhead
vapors. For distillation, the common con-
denser cooling media are water, air, and
refrigerants such as propane. The condenser
m a y be partial or total. In a partial condenser,
only part of the vapors are condensed, with
the remainder usually being w i t h d r a w n as a
vapor product.
condenser backpressure elements A multiple
breakdown diffuser, normally installed in the
steam condenser neck, that is used to gener-
ate a positive back pressure upstream of the
condenser v a c u u m and to reduce the kine-
matic energy of steam from an external
source other than the turbine exhaust.
[ANSI/ISA-77.13.01-1999]
condenser boiler A boiler in which steam is
generated by the condensation of a vapor.
conditional branch See conditional transfer.
conditional jump See conditional transfer.
conditional probability The probability that
a second event will be B if the first event is A,
expressed as P(B/A).
conditional stability 1. A linear system is
conditionally stable if it is stable for a certain
interval of values of the open-loop gain and
unstable for certain lower and higher values.
2. The property of a controlled process by
which it can function in either a stable or
unstable mode, depending on the conditions
imposed.
conditional transfer An instruction that, if a
specified condition or set of conditions is sat-
isfied, is interpreted as an unconditional
transfer. If the conditions are not satisfied,
the instruction causes the computer to pro-
ceed in its normal sequence of control. A con-
ditional transfer also includes the testing of
the condition. Synonymous with "condi-
tional j u m p " and "conditional branch" and
related to branch.
conditioning [Comm] 1. The addition of
equipment to a voice grade line, usually by a
common carrier, to provide the m i n i m u m
line characteristic values required for some
data transmission. 2. Modification of a signal
in one form or media to match that of
another, such as preparing digital output for
voice-grade channel transmission, or trans-
forming a 4-20mA nonlinear transmitter sig-
nal into a linear digital signal within the
controller.
condition monitoring system A system
designed to monitor the condition of a
machine or process.
conductance In conductivity measurement, a
measure of the ability of a solution (fluid) to
100
conduct electricity. Thus, conductance is
reciprocal of resistance.
conducting polymer A plastics material that
has an electrical conductivity approaching
that of metals.
conduction Transmission of energy, thermal
or electrical, by a m e d i u m that does not
involve movement of the m e d i u m itself.
conduction band In semiconductors, the
range of energies in which free electrons are
allowed. See valence band and band gap.
conduction error The error in a temperature
transducer as a result of heat conduction
between the sensing element and the mount-
ing of the transducer. [ISA-37.1-1975]
conduction pump A device for p u m p i n g a
conductive liquid, such as a liquid metal, by
passing an electric current across the stream
of liquid and applying a magnetic field at
right angles to the electrical current.
conductive dust A dust whose resistivity is
less than 100 ohm-cm or that breaks d o w n
w h e n 1,000 volts per cm are applied across
the bulk sample w h e n it is tested in accor-
dance with methods outlined in ISA-12.10-
1988. Such dust is denoted as Group E in the
National Electrical Code.
conductive elastomer An elastomeric mate-
rial that conducts electricity. Usually m a d e
by mixing p o w d e r e d metal into a silicone
before it is cured.
conductively connected A part is conduc-
tively connected to another part if the current
between the parts, with the equipment at ref-
erence test conditions, exceeds the limit for
leakage current. [ANSI/ISA-82.02.01-1999
(IEC 1010-1 Mod)]
conductivity 1. The a m o u n t of heat (Btu)
transmitted in one hour through one square
foot of a homogeneous material that is 1 in.
thick w h e n there is a difference in tempera-
ture of 1 F between the two surfaces of the
material. 2. The electrical conductance, at a
specified temperature, between the opposite
faces of a unit cube. Usually expressed as
ohm- 1 cm- 1 .
conductivity bridge A simple four-arm AC
bridge circuit in which a conductivity cell is
the u n k n o w n circuit element. Electrically, the
cell is equivalent to a resistance and a capaci-
tance in series. Higher AC frequencies lead
to lower cell-polarization errors but intro-
duce greater errors because of capacitance
impedance. The latter can be reduced by
using a phase-sensitive detector.
conductivity-type moisture sensor An
instrument for measuring the moisture con-
tent of fibrous organic materials such as

wood, paper, textiles, and grain at moisture
contents u p to saturation.
conductometer An instrument that measures
thermal conductivity, especially one that
does so by comparing the rates at which dif-
ferent rods conduct heat.
conductor Any material through which elec-
trical current can flow.
conduit 1. Any channel, duct, pipe, or tube
for transmitting fluid along a defined flow
path. 2. A thin-wall pipe used to enclose wir-
ing.
conduit entry A means of introducing a con-
duit into an electrical apparatus so as to
maintain the relevant type of protection.
[ISA-12.00.01-1999 (IEC 60079-0 Mod)]
cone bearing A tapered sleeve bearing
shaped like a truncated cone that runs in a
correspondingly tapered bearing block.
cone-plate viscometer An instrument for
routinely determining the absolute viscosity
of fluids in small sample volumes by sensing
the resistance to rotation of a moving cone.
This resistance is caused by the presence of
the test fluid in a space between the cone a n d
a stationary flat plate.
confidence level 1. The probability that the
interval in question will include the true
value of the quantity being measured. 2. In
acceptance sampling, the probability that
accepted lots will be better than a specific
value known as the rejectable quality level
(RQL). A confidence level of 90 percent indi-
cates that 90 out of every 100 lots accepted
will have a quality that is better than the
RQL. 3. In statistical work, the degree of
assurance that a particular probability
applies to a specific circumstance.
config.sys A basic computer file that outlines
how that particular device is designed to
operate.
configurable 1. A system feature that permits
the basic structure and characteristics of a
device or system, such as control algorithms,
display formats, or i n p u t / o u t p u t termina-
tions, to be selected by entering keyboard
commands. [ISA-5.3-1983] 2. A term applied
to a device or system whose functional char-
acteristics can be selected or rearranged
through programming or other methods. The
concept generally excludes physical (hard)
rewiring as a means for altering the configura-
tion. [ANSI/ISA-5.1-1984 (R1992)] 3. In
instrumentation, the term for a device or sys-
tem whose functional characteristics can be
selected or rearranged by selecting from
libraries of algorithms, images, and "soft-
101
conductometer / conformity
wiring" techniques (generally, methods other
than programming languages).
configuration 1. The arrangement of the parts
or elements of something. 2. A low-level,
fill-in-the-blank form of programming a pro-
cess control device. 3. In computing, a particu-
lar selection of hardware devices or software
routines a n d / o r programs that function
together. 4. A term applied to a device or sys-
tem whose functional characteristics can be
selected or rearranged through programming
or other methods. 5. The hardware, firmware,
a n d / o r software combinations that make u p a
system. 6. The selection of h a r d w a r e devices,
firmware, or software programs that fits the
application technology to its particular use.
COMPARING
CONFIGURATION APPROACHES
Configuration
configure To run an installation procedure
that sets u p software to operate on a particu-
lar computer and printer.
confined flow The flow of a continuous
stream of fluid within a process vessel or
conduit.
conformance The condition whereby a
device conforms to the manufacturer's speci-
fications. See accuracy a n d error band.
conformance testing Running a standard set
of tests to determine whether some product
meets a set of standards a n d / o r specifica-
tions. Testing does not guarantee that prod-
ucts can interoperate, only that they conform
to specification.
conformity Of a curve, the closeness to which
it approximates a specified curve (e.g., loga-
rithmic, parabolic, cubic, etc.). Note: 1. Con-
formity is usually measured in terms of
nonconformity and expressed as conformity,
for example, the m a x i m u m deviation
between an average curve and a specified
curve. The average curve is determined after
making two or more full range traverses in
each direction. The value of conformity is
referred to the output unless otherwise
stated. 2. As a performance specification,
conformity, independent / connector
conformity should be expressed as "indepen-
dent conformity," "terminal-based confor-
mity," or "zero-based conformity." When
expressed simply as conformity, it is
assumed to be independent conformity. See
linearity" [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
conformity, independent The maximum
deviation of the calibration curve (the aver-
age of upscale and downscale readings) from
a specified characteristic curve positioned so
as to minimize the maximum deviation.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
conformity, terminal-based The maximum
deviation of the calibration curve (the aver-
age of upscale and downscale readings) from
a specified characteristic curve positioned so
as to coincide with the actual characteristic
curve at upper and lower range values.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
conformity, zero-based The maximum devia-
tion of the calibration curve (the average of
upscale and downscale readings) from a
specified characteristic curve positioned so
as to coincide with the actual characteristic
curve at the lower range value.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
Zero-based Conformity
conforms Agrees fully with the rules of a
recognized standard, is compliant. See com-
pliant and compatible.
conical orifice An orifice that has a 45° bevel
on the inlet edge to yield a more constant
and predictable discharge coefficient at low-
flow velocity (Reynolds number less than
10,000).
conical scan antenna An automatic-tracking
antenna system in which the beam is driven
102
in a circular path such that it forms a cone.
The antenna is steered automatically so that
the telemetry source is kept at the center of
the cone.
coniscope See koniscope.
conjugate bridge An arrangement of electri-
cal or electronic components in which the
supply circuit and detector circuit are inter-
changed as compared with the normal
arrangement for that type of bridge.
conjugate impedances An impedance pair in
which the magnitudes of the resistance and
reactive components of one are equal to the
corresponding values of the other, but whose
reactive components are of opposite signs.
connect To establish linkage between an
interrupt and a designated interrupt servic-
ing program. See disconnect
connecting rod Any straight link that trans-
mits power or motion from one part of a
mechanism to another, especially one that
links a rotating member to a reciprocating
member. An example is the link that attaches
a piston to the crankshaft in a reciprocating
internal combustion engine.
connection In communications, connection
implies a transport link-level control circuit.
See association.
connection facilities Terminals, plugs and
sockets, screws, and other parts that are used
to electrically connect the conductors of
external circuits. [ISA-12.00.01-1999 (IEC
60079-0 Mod); ISA-12.02.01-1999 (IEC 60079-
11 Mod)]
connection head An enclosure attached to
the end of a thermocouple within which elec-
trical connections are made.
connection head extension A threaded fit-
ting or an assembly of fittings extending
between the thermowell or angle fitting and
the connection head. [ANSI-MC96.1]
connections, external Terminations that are
intended to be connected in the field.
[S12.16.01]
connections, internal Terminations that are
intended to be connected in the factory
under controlled conditions. [ANSI/ISA-
12.16.01-1998 (IEC 60079-7 Mod)]
connector 1. A connector is a coupling device
that is used to connect the wire medium to a
fieldbus device or to another segment of
wire. 2. A coupling device employed to con-
nect the medium of one circuit or communi-
cation element with that of another circuit or
communication element. [ANSI/ISA-50.02,
Part 2-1992] 3. Any detachable device for
providing electrical continuity between two
conductors. 4. In fiber optics, a device that
 connector insertion loss / constant voltage power supply
joins the ends of two optical fibers together
temporarily.
connector insertion loss The power loss (in
dB) by an optical signal as it passes through a
fiber-optic connector.
connect time 1. The length of time a user is
connected to a computer system measured
from logon to logoff. 2. The amount of time it
takes a switching network to connect the
calling party to the called party.
consecutive access A method of data access
that is characterized by the sequential nature
of the I/O device involved. For example, a
card reader is an example of a consecutive
access device. Each card must be read one
after another, and no distinction is made
between logical sets of data in or among the
cards in the input hopper.
conservation of charge The principle that
states that the total charge of an isolated sys-
tem is constant. Also known as "charge con-
servation."
conservation of energy (first law of
thermodynamics) The principle that
energy cannot be created or destroyed,
although it can be changed from one form
into another. Also known as "energy conser-
vation."
consistency A qualitative means for classify-
ing substances, especially semisolids, accord-
ing to their resistance to dynamic changes in
shape.
console 1. A main control desk for an inte-
grated assemblage of electronic equipment.
Also known as "control desk." 2. A grouping
of control devices, instrument indicators,
recorders, and alarms that are housed in a
freestanding cabinet or enclosure to create an
operator's workstation. 3. The cabinet or
enclosure for a floor-model radio or televi-
sion receiver, or similar electronic device. 4.
That part of a terminal that provides user
input and output capability. 5. A control cen-
ter, or part of a control center, that has one or
more inclined surfaces for mounting instru-
ments and controls within a range, for conve-
nient viewing and manipulation
constant 1. A value that remains the same
throughout the distinct operation. The oppo-
site of variable. 2. A data item that takes as its
value its name (hence, its value is fixed dur-
ing the execution of a program).
constant-amplitude (filter) A reference to the
characteristic of a butterworth filter. See But-
terworth.
constantan An alloy of copper (50% to 60%)
and nickel that has a very low temperature
coefficient of resistance and comparatively
103
high resistance, making it very suitable for
precision wire-wound resistors and for form-
ing thermocouples with iron, copper, silver,
and so on. Used as a negative lead in types E,
J, and T thermocouples.
constant-bandwidth (CBW) The spacing of
FM subcarriers equally with relation to each
other. See proportional bandwidth.
constant cavitation An early level of cavita-
tion that is characterized by mild, steady
popping or crackling sounds, which may be
audible or detected by vibration measure-
ments. It is the next higher inflection point
on the cavitation profile above the point of
incipient cavitation. This level is represented
by the constant cavitation coefficient sc. [ISA-
RP75.23-1995]
constant-current potentiometer A type of
null-balance instrument for determining an
unknown DC voltage, usually less than 10 V,
under conditions that maintain constant cur-
rent in the detector circuit. Resolution of up
to one part in 103 can be achieved with a sin-
gle potentiometer slidewire and up to one
part in 107 with a multidecade device.
constant-current transformer A type of
transformer that automatically adjusts the
output of its secondary circuit to maintain a
constant current under varying load imped-
ances when its primary windings are con-
nected to a constant-voltage power supply.
constant-delay (filter) See bessel.
constant-head meter A flow measurement
device that maintains a constant pressure dif-
ferential by varying the cross section of a
flow path through the meter, such as in a pis-
ton meter or rotameter.
constant-load balance A single-pan weight-
ing device that has a constant load and in
which the sample weight is determined by
hanging precision weights from a counter-
poised beam.
constant-resistance potentiometer A type of
null-balance instrument for determining an
unknown DC voltage, usually less than 10 V,
by using a constant scaling resistor in paral-
lel with the potentiometer circuit.
constant status A status attribute that has
both the high- and low-limit indications set
and is used to indicate that the downstream
block cannot respond to the output of the
upstream block. [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-2000]
constant voltage power supply A power
supply that is capable of maintaining a fixed
voltage across variable load resistance and
over defined input voltage and frequency
change. Output current is automatically con-
constant-volume gas thermo... / context switching multitasking
trolled to keep constant the product of out-
put current and load resistance.
constant-volume gas thermometer A device
for detecting and indicating temperature
based on Charles's law—the pressure of a
confined gas varies directly with absolute
temperature. In practical instruments, a bulb
immersed in the thermal medium is con-
nected to a Bourdon tube by means of a cap-
illary. Changes in temperature are indicated
directly by the movement of the Bourdon
tube because of changes in bulb pressure.
constrained mechanism A mechanical
device in which all members move only
along predetermined paths.
constraint 1. The limit of normal operating
range. 2. A condition imposed on a system
that limits the freedom of the system. The
constraint may be physical or mathematical,
necessary or incidental.
consumables 1. Those materials or compo-
nents that are depleted or that require peri-
odic replacement through normal use of the
instrument. [ANSI/ISA-92.02.01, Part 1-1998;
ISA-92.03.01-1998; ANSI/ISA-92.04.01, Part 1-
1996; ISA-92.06.01-1998] 2. Resources that are
not normally included in bills of material or
are not individually accounted for in specific
production requests. [ISA-95.00.01-2000]
contact In hardware, a set of conductors that
can be brought into contact by electrome-
chanical action and that thereby produce
switching. In software, a symbolic set of
points that are open or closed depending on
the logic status assigned to them by internal
or external conditions.
contact input See input, contact.
contact inspection In ultrasonic testing, a
method for scanning a test piece that
involves placing a search unit directly on a
test piece surface that has been covered with
a thin film of couplant.
contactor A mechanical or electromechanical
device for repeatedly making and breaking
electrical continuity between two branches of
a power circuit, thereby establishing or inter-
rupting current flow.
contact output See output, contact.
contact rectifier A device for converting AC
electrical power into DC power. It is con-
structed of two different solids that are in
contact with each other. Rectification is
accomplished because the selected combina-
tion of solids yields greater electrical conduc-
tivity in one direction across the interface
between them than in the other direction.
contacts The electrically conducting parts in a
contactor that repeatedly come into contact
104
or that separate to make or break electrical
continuity.
contact sense module A device that monitors
and converts program-specified groups of
field-switch contacts into digital codes so
they can be input into the computer.
contact symbology The representation of
logic schemes in contact or ladder diagram
form.
contact thermography A method for measur-
ing surface temperature in which the surface
of an object is covered with a thin layer of
luminescent material and then viewed under
ultraviolet light in a darkened room. The
brightness that is viewed indicates the sur-
face temperature.
contact-type membrane switch A disk-
shaped momentary-contact switch of multi-
layer construction. The active element con-
sists of two conductive buttons that are
separated by an insulating washer. Finger
pressure on one face of the disk brings the
buttons into contact, completing the electri-
cal circuit. When the pressure is released, the
contacts separate, breaking the electrical cir-
cuit.
contact-wear allowance The thickness that
may be lost because of wear from either of a
pair of mating electrical contacts before they
cease to adequately perform their intended
function.
contained parameter A block parameter that
is accessible to the communication network
but may not be linked to an input or output
parameter. The parameter value may be used
in the block algorithm or written by the block
algorithm. [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-2000]
container A special-purpose, reusable enclo-
sure for shipping cargo via truck, rail, and
ship. [ISA-RP60.11-1991]
contaminant That which makes something
else impure or corrupt through contact or
mixing. [ISA-71.04-1985]
contaminate To make impure or corrupt by
contact or mixing.
contamination The presence of an unwanted
substance—usually, a substance that causes
an undesired effect or interferes with a
desired effect.
content-addressed storage See associative
storage.
Contention 1. A condition on a multidrop
communication channel in which two or
more locations try to transmit at the same
time. 2. Unregulated bidding for a line or
other device by multiple users.
context switching multitasking Multiple
applications can be loaded into the com-

puter, but only the one in the foreground is
given process time. This simplest level of
multitasking is the way early versions of
Microsoft Windows worked. That is, once an
application is in the foreground, all other
applications stop. Compare cooperative multi-
tasking and time-slice multitasking.
contiguous file A file that consists of physi-
cally adjacent blocks on a mass-storage
device.
continuity test Any test to determine the
presence and/or location of broken or open
connections or of shorts in printed circuit
board interconnections, chassis, cables
(including fiber optic), and harness.
continuity tester A device for testing
whether a fiber-optic communication system
forms a continuous optical path between two
points.
continuous blowdown The uninterrupted
removal of concentrated boiler water from a
boiler in order to control total solids concen-
tration in the remaining water.
continuous control Automatic control in
which the controlled quantity is measured
continuously and corrections are a continu-
ous function of the deviation.
continuous dilution The technique of sup-
plying a protective gas flow continuously to
an enclosure that contains an internal poten-
tial source of flammable gas or vapor for the
purpose of diluting any flammable gas or
vapor that could be present to a level below
its lower explosive limit / lower flammable
limit (LEL/LFL). [ANSI/ISA-S12.01.01-1999]
continuous duty Term that describes a device
that is able to operate continuously with no
off or rest period.
continuous-duty rating The maximum
power or other operating characteristic that a
specific device can sustain indefinitely with-
out significant degradation of its functions.
continuous flow production A method of
ongoing production that is typical of the pro-
cess industries, as compared with batch man-
ufacturing.
continuous mixer A type of mixer in which
starting ingredients are fed continuously and
the final mixture is withdrawn continuously,
without stopping or interrupting the mixing
process. Generally, unmixed ingredients are
fed at one end of the machine and blended
progressively as they move toward the other
end, where the mixture is discharged.
continuous operating temperature of the
compound The maximum temperature to
which the compound can be subjected con-
tinuously according to the data given by the
105
contiguous file / contrast
compound's manufacturer of the compound.
[ANSI/ISA-12.23.01-1998 (IEC 60079-18
Mod)]
continuous operation A process that oper-
ates on the basis of continuous flow, as
opposed to batch, intermittent, or sequenced
operations.
continuous-path numerical control A type of
numerical-control system that involves not
only the specification of the successive end
positions of machine slides or equivalent
machine members, but also the automatic
generation of the linear, circular, or parabolic
path to be followed in moving from one end
position to the next. Also known as "con-
touring numerical control."
continuous rating 1. The rating that is appli-
cable to the specified operation for a speci-
fied uninterrupted length of time. [ISA-37.1-
1979 (R1982)] 2. A defined power input or set
of operating variables that represents the
maximum values for operating a device con-
tinuously for an indefinite time without
reducing its normal service life.
continuous spectrum A distribution of wave-
lengths in a beam of electromagnetic radia-
tion in which the intensity varies
continuously with wavelength. Further, the
intensity exhibits no characteristic structure
such as a series of bands where the intensity
does not abruptly change at discrete wave-
lengths. See also band spectrum.
continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) A
widely used type of chemical reactor to
which feed is continuously added and from
which product is continuously removed. The
vessel is well-stirred, so the product's com-
position is the same as the overall vessel
composition. This type of reactor has been
extensively modeled and has served as a test
bed for many novel control schemes.
continuous weld A welded joint in which the
fusion zone is continuous along the entire
length of the joint.
contour control system A system of control
in which two or more controlled motions
move in relation to each other so that a
desired angular path or contour is generated.
contouring numerical control See continu-
ous-path numerical control.
contraction The narrowing of the stream of
liquid that passes through a notch of a weir.
contract maintenance 1. Maintenance that is
not normally done by plant personnel. 2. A
maintenance service organization that con-
tracts to do specific maintenance.
contrast In a photographic or radiographic
image, the ability to record small differences
contrast factor / control, velocity limiting
in light or X-ray intensity as discernible dif-
ferences in photographic density.
contrast factor The slope of the central por-
tion of a graph of photographic density ver-
sus the exposure for a given photographic or
radiographic emulsion.
control 1. Frequently, one or more of the com-
ponents in any mechanism that is responsi-
ble for interpreting and carrying out
manually initiated directions. 2. In some
applications, a mathematical check. 3.
Instructions that determine conditional
jumps often are referred to as "control
instructions," and the time sequence of the
execution of these instructions is called the
"flow of control." 4. Any manual or auto-
matic device for regulating a machine to
keep it at normal operation. If automatic, the
device is motivated by variations in tempera-
ture, pressure, water level, time, light, or
other influences. 5. Maintaining a desired set
point of steam temperature during opera-
tion. [ANSI/ISA-77.44-1995]
control, adaptive Control in which automatic
means are used to change the type or influ-
ence (or both) of control parameters in such a
way as to improve the performance of the
control system. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)]
control, cascade Control in which the output
of one controller is the set point for another
controller. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
control, differential gap Control in which the
output of a controller remains at a maximum
or minimum value until the controlled vari-
able crosses a band or gap, causing the out-
put to reverse. The controlled variable must
then cross the gap in the opposite direction
before the output is restored to its original
condition. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
control, direct digital Control that is per-
formed by a digital device that establishes
the signal to the final controlling element.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
control, direct multiplex A control means
using hardware, a computer program, or
both, to directly interleave or simultaneously
receive or transmit two or more signals on a
single channel. [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)]
control, feedback Control in which a mea-
sured variable is compared to its desired
value to produce an actuating error signal
which is acted upon in such a way as to
reduce the magnitude of the error. [ANSI/
ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
control, feedforward Control in which infor-
mation concerning one or more conditions
that can disturb the controlled variable is
106
converted, outside of any feedback loop, into
corrective action to minimize deviations of
the controlled variable. NOTE: The use of
feedforward control does not change system
stability because it is not part of the feedback
loop which determines the stability charac-
teristics. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
control, high-limiting Control in which the
output signal is prevented from exceeding a
predetermined high limiting value.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
control, low limiting Control in which out-
put signal is prevented from decreasing
beyond a predetermined low limiting value.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
control, optimizing Control that automati-
cally seeks and maintains the most advanta-
geous value of a specified variable, rather
than maintaining it at one set value.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
control, relay A control system in which the
error signal must reach a certain value before
the controller reacts to it, so that the control
action is discontinuous in amplitude.
control, safety combustion See "combustion
(flame) safeguard."
control, safety Control (including relays,
switches, and other auxiliary equipment
used in conjunction therewith to form a
safety control system) which are intended to
prevent unsafe operation of the controlled
equipment.
control, shared time Control in which one
controller divides its computation or control
time among several control loops rather than
by acting on all loops simultaneously.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
control, supervisory Control in which the
control loops operate independently subject
to intermittent corrective action; e.g., set
point changes from an external source.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
control, time-proportioning Control in
which the output signal consists of periodic
pulses whose duration is varied to relate, in
some prescribed manner, the time average of
the output to the actuating error signal.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
control, velocity limited Control in which
performance is limited by the rate of change
attainable by some component, usually an
actuator.
control, velocity limiting Control in which
the rate of change of a specified variable is
prevented from exceeding a predetermined
limit. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]

control accuracy The degree to which a con-
trolled process variable corresponds to the
desired value or set point.
control action Of a controller or a controlling
system, the nature of the change of the out-
put that is effected by the input. Note: The
output may be a signal or the value of a
manipulated variable. The input may be the
control loop feedback signal when the set
point is constant, an actuating error signal, or
the output of another controller. [ANSI/ISA-
51.1-1979 (R1993)] See proportional control
action, integral control action, and derivative
control action.
control action, derivative (rate) (D) In pro-
cess instrumentation, control action in which
the output is proportional to the rate of
change of the input. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)]
control action, floating In process instru-
mentation, control action in which the rate of
change of the output variable is a predeter-
mined function of the input variable. Note:
The rate of change may have one absolute
value, several absolute values, or any value
between two predetermined values. [ANSI/
ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
control action, integral (reset) (I) Control
action in which the output is proportional to
the time integral of the input. That is, the rate
of change of output is proportional to the
input. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
control action, proportional (P) Control
action in which there is a continuous linear
relation between the output and the input.
This condition applies when both the output
and input are within their normal operating
ranges and when the process is operating at a
frequency below a limiting value.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
control action, proportional-plus-derivative
(rate) (PD) Control action in which the out-
put is proportional to a linear combination of
the input and the time rate of change of the
input. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
control action, proportional-plus-integral
(reset) (PI) Control action in which the out-
put is proportional to the linear combination
of the input and the time integral of the
input. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
control action, proportional-plus-integral
(reset)-plus-derivative (rate) (PID) Control
action in which the output is proportional to
a linear combination of the input, the time
integral of the input, and the time rate of
change of the input. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)]
107
control accuracy / control card
control agent The energy or material that
comprises the process element, which is con-
trolled by manipulating one or more of its
attributes. The attribute(s) are commonly
termed the controlled variable(s).
control algorithm A mathematical represen-
tation of the control action to be performed.
control and instrumentation engineer An
engineer who applies standard engineering
standards and practices to the specification,
sizing, and functional design of instrumenta-
tion hardware or control systems. Such engi-
neers must have a clear understanding of the
manufacturing or scientific process to be con-
trolled. They serve as the key person on the
instrumentation design and operation team,
often supervising and reviewing the team's
efforts. Under supervision, the control and
instrumentation engineer participates in the
design and planning of control and instru-
ment systems as required by the project
assignment, including: (a) collecting back-
ground information, (b) preparing drawings
and calculations, (c) designing or modifying
systems, (d) assisting in the selection and
procurement of equipment, (e) ensuring
compliance with applicable standards and
codes, (f) completing assigned tasks on
schedule, (g) assisting technicians and
designers as needed, and (h) possibly spe-
cializing in a specific engineering discipline.
3. See Instrument Engineer.
control apparatus An assembly that contains
one or more control devices to manipulate a
controlled variable.
control block A storage area through which a
particular type of information that is
required for control of the operating system
is communicated among its parts.
control board A panel that contains control
devices, instrument indicators, and some-
times recorders, which display the status of a
system or subsystem and from which
switches, dials, and controllers can be manip-
ulated to alter system operating variables.
Also known as control panel and panel board.
control bus The data highway that is used for
carrying control signals.
control calculations Installation-dependent
calculations that determine output signals
from the computer in order to operate the
process plant. These may or may not use
generalized equation forms such as PID
forms.
control card A card that contains input data
or parameters for a specific application of a
general routine.

control center / control instruction
control center 1. An equipment structure or
group of structures from which a process is
measured, controlled, and/or monitored.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)] 2. An equip-
ment structure, or group of structures, from
which a system is measured, controlled,
and/or monitored. [ISA-RP 60.4-1990]
control center facility A combination of the
services, protective enclosures, and environ-
mental treatment that are necessary for the
proper functioning of the control center.
[ISA-RP 60.4-1990] Control center facilities
can be found in the following: (a) an area
within an enclosure that is constructed to
protect a control center and its operating per-
sonnel (the enclosure might also contain a
computer room, motor control center room,
instrument/electric shop, laboratory, and
personnel facilities such as toilets, lockers,
and offices), (b) an unenclosed area located
either indoors or outdoors at grade level or
in an elevated or subsurface structure, (c) an
area in a mobile unit, or (d) an area in a pre-
fabricated or skid-mounted enclosure. [ISA-
RP60.1-1990]
control character A character whose purpose
is to control an action rather than to pass
data to a program. For instance, ASCII con-
trol characters have an octal code between 0
and 37. The control character is normally
typed by holding down the Ctrl key on a ter-
minal keyboard while striking a character
key.
control chart A plot of some measured quan-
tity, such as a dimension, against the sample
number, time, or quantity of goods pro-
duced. This plot can be used to determine a
quality trend or to make adjustments in pro-
cess controls as necessary to keep the mea-
sured quantity within prescribed limits.
control circuit 1. A circuit in a control appa-
ratus that carries the electrical signal that is
used to determine the magnitude or duration
of control action. It does not carry the main
power that is used to energize instrumenta-
tion, controllers, motors, or other control
devices. 2. A circuit in a digital computer that
performs any of the following functions:
directing the sequencing of program com-
mands, interpreting program commands, or
controlling the operation of the arithmetic
element and other computer circuits in accor-
dance with the interpretation.
control complexity ratio (CCR) A measure of
the complexity of a particular control sys-
tem's logic configuration.
108
Next Page
control computer A process computer that
directly controls all or part of the elements in
the process. See process computer.
control counter A physical or logical device
in a computer that records the storage loca-
tions of one or more instruction words,
which are to be used in sequence, unless a
transfer or special instruction is encountered.
control device Any device—such as a heater,
valve, electron tube, contactor, pump, or
actuator—that is used to directly effect a
change in some process attribute.
Control Diagram Language (CODIL) A pro-
cess-oriented language and system that was
once offered by Leeds and Northrup Com-
pany.
control domain In (the referenced) standard,
control domain is synonymous with the
manufacturing operations and control
domain. [ISA-95.00.01-2000]
control drawing A drawing or other docu-
ment that is provided by the manufacturer of
the intrinsically safe or associated apparatus.
It details the interconnections that are
allowed between the intrinsically safe and
associated apparatuses. If the intrinsically
safe or associated apparatus is investigated
under the entity concept, the control drawing
should include the applicable electrical
parameters that will make it possible to
select the apparatus for interconnection.
[ISA-12.02.01-1999 (60079-11 Mod); ANSI/
ISA-12.01.01-1999]
control electrode In an electron tube or simi-
lar device, an electrode whose potential can
be varied to induce variations in the current
flowing between two other electrodes.
control element A component of a control
system that when stimulated by an actuating
signal reacts to manipulate a process
attribute.
control equipment Equipment that controls
one or more output quantities to specific val-
ues. Each value is determined by manual set-
ting, local or remote programming, or by one
or more input variables. [ISA-82.03-1988]
control function See control operation.
control grid An element of an electron tube
that is ordinarily positioned between the
anode and cathode to act as a control elec-
trode.
control initiation The signal that is intro-
duced into a measurement sequence to regu-
late any subsequent control action as a
function of the measured quantity.
control instruction A computer instruction
that directs the sequence of operations.
Previous Page control key / controller, multiple-speed floating
control key A computer control key that,
when pressed with another key, gives that
key a different meaning.
control L In video development, a device
control standard that is used in many con-
sumer and prosumer devices. It allows
rewind, play, and record commands to be
triggered externally.
controlled cooling Cooling a part from an
elevated temperature in a specific medium in
order to produce desired properties or micro-
structure, or to avoid cracking, distortion, or
high residual stress. The usual cooling medi-
ums, in descending order of severity, are
brine, water, soluble oil, fused salt, oil,
fan-blown air, and still air.
controlled medium The process fluid or
other substance that contains the controlled
variable.
controlled system The body, machine, or pro-
cess that determines the relationship
between an indirectly controlled variable
and a corresponding directly controlled vari-
able. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)] See sys-
tem, controlled.
controlled variable 1. The variable that the
control system attempts to keep at the set
point value. The set point may be constant or
variable. 2. The part of a process to be con-
trolled (flow, level, temperature, pressure,
etc.). 3. A process variable that is to be con-
trolled at some desired value by manipulat-
ing another process variable.
controller 1. A device or program that oper-
ates automatically to regulate a controlled
variable. Note: This term by itself is adequate
for the process industries where the word con-
troller always means "automatic controller." In
some industries, "automatic" may not be
implied, so the term automatic controller" is
preferred. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)] 2. A
device that has an output that varies in order
to regulate a controlled variable in a specified
manner. A controller may be a self-contained
analog or digital instrument, or it may be the
equivalent of such an instrument in a
shared-control system. An automatic control-
ler varies its output automatically in response
to a direct or indirect input of a measured pro-
cess variable. A manual controller is a manual
loading station, and its output is not depen-
dent on a measured process variable but can
be varied only by manual adjustment. A con-
troller may be integral with other the func-
tional elements of a control loop. [ANSI/ISA-
5.1-1984 (R1992)] 3. Any manual or automatic
device or system of devices that is used to reg-
ulate processes within defined parameters.
109
[ISA-77.41-1992] 4. A manual or automatic
device or system of devices that is used to
regulate the boiler steam temperatures
within defined parameters as set forth by a
turbine/boiler manufacturer. [ANSI/ISA-
77.44-1995] 5. Any automatic, semiautomatic,
or manual device or system of devices that is
used to regulate the boiler turbine, or any
other equipment, within defined parameters.
If automatic, the device or system responds
to variations in temperature, pressure, water
level, flow, or other control variables. [ANSI/
ISA-77.13.01-1999] 6. Any manual or auto-
matic device or system of devices used for
regulating boiler systems to keep the boiler
at normal operation. If automatic, the device
or system is motivated by variations in tem-
perature, pressure, water level, time, flow, or
other influences. [ANSI/ISA-77.42.01-1999]
7. A device for interfacing a peripheral unit
or subsystem in a computer, for example, a
tape controller or a disk controller. 8. A
device that contains all the circuitry needed
for receiving data from external devices, both
analog and digital; processes the data accord-
ing to preselected algorithms; and then pro-
vides the results to external devices.
controller, derivative (D) A controller that
produces derivative control action only.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
controller, direct-acting A controller in
which the value of the output signal
increases as the value of the input (measured
variable) increases. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)] See controller, reverse-acting.
controller, floating A controller in which the
rate of change of the output is a continuous
(or at least a piecewise continuous) function
of the actuating error signal. Note: The out-
put of the controller may remain at any value
in its operating range when the actuating
error signal is zero and constant. Hence, the
output is said to float. When the controller
has integral control action only, the mode of
control has been called "proportional speed
floating." It is recommended that the term
integral control action be used as a replace-
ment for proportional speed floating control.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
controller, integral (reset) (I) A controller
that produces integral control action only.
Note: It may also be referred to as "controller,
proportional speed floating." [ANSI/ISA-
51.1-1979 (R1993)]
controller, multiple-speed floating A float-
ing controller in which the output may
change at two or more rates. Each rate corre-
sponds to a definite range of values of the
controller, multiposition / controller, single-speed floating

actuating error signal. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 controller, proportional-speed floating See

(R1993)]
controller, multiposition A controller that
has two or more discrete values of output.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
controller, integral (reset) (I). [ANSI/ISA-51.1-
1979 (R1993)]
controller, ratio A controller that maintains a
predetermined ratio between two variables.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]

controller, on-off A two-position controller

in which one of the two discrete values is
zero. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
controller, program A controller that auto-
matically holds or changes set point in order
to follow a prescribed program for a process.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
controller, proportional (P) A controller that
produces proportional control action only.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
controller, proportional-plus-derivative (rate)
(PD) A controller that produces propor-
tional-plus-derivative (rate) control action.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
controller, proportional-plus-integral (reset)
(PI) A controller that produces propor-
tional-plus-integral (reset) control action. controller, ratio (a and b)
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
controller, reverse-acting A controller in
which the value of the output signal
decreases as the value of the input (measured
variable) increases. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)] See controller, direct-acting.
controller, sampling A controller that in
order to effect control action uses intermit-
tently observed values of a signal such as the
set point signal and the actuating error signal
or the signal that represents the controlled
variable. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
controller, self-operated (regulator) A con-
troller in which all the energy to operate the
final controlling element is derived from the
controlled system. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
Controller, Proportional-plus-integral (Reset)
(R1993)]
controller, single-speed floating A floating
controller, proportional-plus-integral (reset)-
controller in which the output changes at a
plus-derivative (rate) (PID) A controller
fixed rate that increases or decreases in
that produces proportional-plus-integral
accordance with the sign of the actuating
(reset)-plus-derivative (rate) control action.
error signal. See controller,floating.Note: A
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
neutral zone of values of the actuating error

110
 controller, three-position / control panel
signal in which no action occurs may be
used.
controller, three-position A multiposition
controller that has three discrete values of
output. Note: This three-position control is
commonly achieved by selectively energiz-
ing a multiplicity of circuits (outputs) in
order to establish three discrete positions of
the final controlling element.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
controller drift See drift.
controller file A circuit card cage in which
the control functions of several process loops
were shared by the full set of cards within it.
A term that was more common with those
distributed control systems (DCSs) of the late
1970s through 1980s that used this style.
controller system A system in which deliber-
ate guidance or manipulation is used to
achieve a prescribed value for a variable.
Note: It is subdivided into a controlling sys-
tem and a controlled system.
controller, time schedule A controller in
which the set point or the reference input sig-
nal automatically adheres to a predeter-
mined time schedule. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)]
controller, two-position A multiposition con-
troller that has two discrete values of output.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
control limit An automatic safety control that
is responsive to changes in liquid level, pres-
sure, or temperature or position for the pur-
pose of limiting the operation of the
controlled equipment.
control limits In statistical quality control,
the upper and lower values of a measured
quantity, which establish the range of accept-
ability. If any individual measurement falls
outside this range, the relevant part is
rejected, and if the sample average for the
same measurement falls outside the range,
the entire lot is rejected.
controlling means The components of an
automatic controller that are directly
involved in producing an output control sig-
nal or other controlling action.
controlling system See system, controlling.
control logic The sequence of steps or events
that is necessary to perform a particular
function. Each step or event is defined to be
either a single arithmetic or a single Boolean
expression.
control loop 1. Two or more devices process-
ing a single variable that may provide an
input signal to a control system. [ANSI/ISA-
67.14.01-2000] 2. A combination of field
devices and control functions arranged so
111
that a control variable is compared to a set
point and returns to the process in the form
of a manipulated variable. [ANSI/ISA-77.44-
1995] 3. A control loop is a group of function
blocks (FBs) that execute at a specified rate
within a fieldbus device or distributed across
the fieldbus network. 4. A combination of
two or more instruments or control functions
arranged so that signals pass from one to
another for the purpose of measuring and/or
controlling a process variable. See closed loop
and open loop.
Control Loop Block Diagram
control loop instability A regular oscillation
of a feedback control system, caused by
excessive loop gain. It is independent of
external disturbances.
control mode A specific type of control action
such as proportional, integral, or derivative.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
control module The lowest-level grouping of
equipment in the physical model that can
carry out basic control. Note: This term
applies to both the physical equipment and
the equipment entity. [ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995]
control operation An action performed by a
single device, such as the starting or stop-
ping of a particular process. Conventionally,
carriage return, fault change, rewind, end of
transmission, and so on, are control opera-
tions, whereas the actual reading and trans-
mission of data are not.
control output module A device that stores
commands from the computer and translates
them into signals that can be used for control
purposes. The control output module can
generate digital outputs to control on-off
devices or to pulse set point stations, or it can
generate analog output (voltage or current)
so as to operate valves and other process
control devices.
control panel 1. A part of a computer console
that contains manual controls. 2. See plug-
board, console and automatic control panel. 2. A
cabinet or surface with any combination of
instruments, such as switches, indicators,
gauges, controllers, recorders, and so on,
control point / control unit
which are mounted for easy access and ease
of operation. An example are the panels in
control rooms on which are mounted instru-
ments so operations can use them to control
a process.
control point The set point or other reference
value that an automatic controller acts to
maintain as the measured value of a process
variable under a given set of conditions.
control precision The degree to which a
given value of a controlled variable can be
reproduced for several independent control
initiations using the same control point and
the same system operating conditions.
control program 1. A group of programs that
provide such functions as the handling of
input/output operations, detecting and
recovering from errors, loading programs,
and communicating between the program
and the operator. 2. Specific programs that
control an industrial process.
control programming Writing a user pro-
gram for a computer that will control a pro-
cess in the sense of enabling it to react to
random disturbances in time in order to pre-
vent the impairment of yield or dangerous
conditions.
control recipe A type of recipe that, through
its execution, defines the manufacture of a
single batch of a specific product. [ANSI/
ISA-88.01-1995]
control resolution The smallest increment of
change that can be induced in the controlled
process variable as a result of control-system
action.
control rod A long piece of neutron-absorb-
ing material that fulfills one or both of the
following functions: controlling the number
of neutrons available for triggering nuclear
fission or absorbing sufficient neutrons to
stop fission in case of an emergency. Control
rods are moved in and out to control reactiv-
ity.
control room area See area, control room.
control signal override device A device that
overrides the control signal to the valve actu-
ator, for example, solenoid valves, lock-up
valves, bypass valves, and so on. [ANSI/
ISA-75.05.01-2000]
control spring A spring designed to produce
a torque that is equal and opposite to the
torque produced by an instrument's moving
element for any position of the moving ele-
ment within the limits of its operating range.
control station [Cont] 1. In control, a manual
loading station that also provides switching
between the manual and automatic control
modes of a control loop. It is also known as an
112
auto-manual station. The operator interface
of a distributed control system may also be
regarded as a control station. [ANSI/ISA-5.1-
1984 (R1992)] [Comm] 2. In communications,
a station on a network that supervises that
network's control procedures such as poll-
ing, selecting, and recovery. It is also respon-
sible for establishing order on the line in the
event of contention or any other abnormal
situation arising between any stations on
that network.
control subsystem The portion of a distrib-
uted control system (DCS) that directs the
sequence of operations, interprets coded
instructions, and initiates appropriate com-
mands to computer functions before execut-
ing process actions.
control system A system in which deliberate
guidance or manipulation is used to achieve
a prescribed value for a variable (see ANSI/
ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)). [ANSI/ISA-67.14.01-
2000]
control system, automatic A control system
that operates without human intervention.
See also control system. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)]
control system, multielement (multivari-
able) A control system that utilizes input
signals derived from two or more process
variables for the purpose of jointly affecting
the action of the control system. Note 1:
Examples of such systems are the input sig-
nals that represent pressure and tempera-
ture, or speed and flow, and so on Note 2. A
term used primarily in the power industry.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
control system, noninteracting A control
system that has multiple inputs and outputs
and in which any given input-output pair is
operating independently of any other input-
output pair. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
control systems engineer An engineer who
designs, assembles, builds, and operates
instrumentation and control systems. He or
she applies standard engineering standards
and practices to the specification, sizing, and
functional design of instrumentation hard-
ware and control systems. Such engineers
must have a clear understanding of the man-
ufacturing or scientific process to be con-
trolled. They serve as the key person on the
instrumentation design and operation team,
often supervising and reviewing the team's
efforts. See instrument engineer.
control unit [Meas] 1. In measurement, the
portion of a multipart gas detection instru-
ment that is not directly responsive to the
combustible gas. Rather, it responds to the

electrical signal that is obtained from one or
more detector heads to produce an indica-
tion, alarm, or other output function if gas is
present at the detector head location. [ANSI/
ISA-12.13.01-2000; ANSI/ISA-92.02.01, Part
1-1998; ANSI/ISA-92.03.01-1998; ANSI/ISA-
92.04.01, Part 1-1996; ISA-92.06.01-1998]
[Comp] 2. In computing, the portion of a
computer that directs the sequence of opera-
tions, interprets the coded instructions, and
initiates the proper commands to the com-
puter circuits preparatory to executing them.
[Cont] 3. In control, a device designed to reg-
ulate the fuel, air, water, or electrical supply
to the controlled equipment. It may be auto-
matic, semiautomatic, or manual.
control valve 1. Any valve that controls pres-
sure, rate of flow, or flow direction in a
fluid- or gas-filled system. 2. A final control-
ling element, through which a fluid or gas
passes, that adjusts the size of a flow passage
in order to modify the rate of flow of the
fluid, as directed by a signal from a control-
ler. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)] 3. A
device, other than a common, hand-actuated
on-off valve or self-actuated check valve,
that directly manipulates the flow of one or
more fluid process streams. Use of the term
hand control valve is limited to hand-actuated
valves that (a) are used for process throttling
or that (b) require identification as an instru-
ment. 4. A power-actuated device that modi-
fies the fluid flow rate in a process control
system. It consists of a valve that is con-
nected to an actuator mechanism (including
all related accessories) and that is capable of
changing the position of a closure member in
the valve in response to a signal from the
controlling system. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-
2000]
113
control valve / converter
control valve characteristic See characteristic,
inherent-flow; characteristic, installed-flow;
characteristic, equal-percentage; characteristic,
linear-flow; characteristic, modified parabolic
flow; characteristic, quick-opening flow.
control valve gain The change in the flow rate
as a function of the change in valve travel. It
is the slope of the installed flow characteris-
tic curve. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000; ANSI/
ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993); ANSI/ISA-5.1-1984
(R1992)]
control variable 1. The variable that the con-
trol system attempts to keep at the set point
value. 2. The part of a process that you want
to control (flow, level, temperature, pressure,
etc.) 3. A process variable that is to be con-
trolled at some desired value by manipulat-
ing that variable or another process variable.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
convection 1. The transmission of heat by cir-
culating a liquid or a gas such as air. Convec-
tion may be natural or forced. [ISA-77.41-
1992] 2. Circulatory action that occurs in fluid
at nonuniform temperature because of the
variation of its density and action of gravity.
convection cooling Removing heat from a
body by means of heat transfer, in which a
moving fluid is used as the transfer medium.
Convection cooling usually involves only the
motion caused by differences in heat content
between fluid near the hot surface and fluid
at some distance from the surface. [ISA-
77.41-1992]
convection-type superheater See superheater.
convergence The condition in which all the
electron beams of a multibeam (color) cath-
ode ray tube intersect at a specific point.
conversational mode Communication
between a terminal and a computer in which
each entry from the terminal elicits a
response from the computer and vice versa.
conversion (to engineering units) Scaling
signals from their raw input form to the form
that is used internally, usually into floating-
point engineering units.
conversion coating A protective surface layer
on a metal that is created through chemical
reaction between the metal and a chemical
solution.
conversion time The time required by an
analog-to-digital converter to perform a
complete measurement.
conversion transducer Any transducer
whose output-signal frequency is different
from its input-signal frequency.
converter [Comm] 1. In communications, a
device that receives information in one form
of an instrument signal and transmits an out-
converter, analog-to-digital (ADC) / copyfitting
put signal of another form. An instrument
that changes a sensor's output to a standard
signal is properly designated a transmitter,
not a converter. Typically, a temperature ele-
ment (TE) may connect to a transmitter (TT),
not to a converter (TY). A converter is also
referred to as a "transducer." However, trans-
ducer is a completely general term, and its
use specifically for signal conversion is not
recommended. [ANSI/ISA-5.1-1984 (R1992)]
Widely used converters include
A / D (analog to digital), D/A (digital to ana-
log), I/P (current-to-pneumatic pressure con-
verter), P/I (pneumatic-pressure-to-current
converter), P/V (pneumatic-pressure-to-
voltage converter), and V/P (voltage-to-
pneumatic pressure converter). [Proc] 2. In
process control, a type of refining furnace in
which impurities are oxidized and removed
by blowing air or oxygen through the molten
metal.
converter, analog-to-digital (ADC) An
instrument that is used to convert analog sig-
nals into digital coded values that are pro-
portional to the analog input voltages. [ISA-
RP55.1-1975 (R1983)]
converter, digital-to-analog (DAC) An
instrument that converts digital information
into analog signals that are proportional to
the numerical value of the digital informa-
tion. [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)]
convex A term describing a surface whose
central region is raised with respect to a flat
plane that passes approximately through its
periphery.
convex curve A change in the angle of incli-
nation of a belt conveyor such that the center
of the curve is below the conveyor. [ISA-
RP74.01-1984]
convex programming In operations research,
a particular case of nonlinear programming
in which the function to be maximized or
minimized as well as the constraints are
appropriately convex or concave functions of
the controllable variables. Contrast this with
dynamic programming, integer programming,
linear programming, mathematical program-
ming, and quadratic programming.
conveyor A continuously moving materi-
als-handling device for transferring large
numbers of individual items or large quanti-
ties of bulk solids from one location to
another over a relatively short distance along
a fixed path.
conveyor stringers Support members for a
conveyor on which the idlers are mounted.
[ISA-RP74.01-1984]
114
convolution In digital signal processing
(DSP), a mathematical process that describes
the operation of filters. In discrete convolu-
tion, the values of corresponding samples are
multiplied and added together to form a new
function.
coolant 1. The fluid that is contained within
the reactor coolant pressure boundary. [ISA-
67.03-1982] 2. Any fluid that is used prima-
rily to remove heat from an object and carry
it away. 3. In a machining operation, any cut-
ting fluid whose chief function is to keep the
tool and workpiece cool.
Coolidge-type x-ray tube A high-vacuum
tube in which electrons emitted from a
high-voltage cathode impinge on a
water-cooled metal target that is inclined
with respect to the tube axis. X-rays emitted
from the focal spot on the target are directed
through a side window in the metal tube
enclosure, where a material that is relatively
transparent to X-rays—beryllium foil, mica,
aluminum, or special low-absorption glass—
allows them to escape.
cooling tower A towerlike structure in which
atmospheric air circulates and cools warm
water, generally by direct contact (evapora-
tion). Used in industry to remove heat from
cooling water so that it can be used again to
cool a process.
cooperative multitasking Common to the
Macintosh platform, this is a step above con-
text switching. Background applications are
given processor time but only when the fore-
ground task is idle and allows it, such as
while waiting for a keystroke. Compare con-
text switching multitasking and time-slice multi-
tasking.
coordination control A type of control that
directs, initiates, and/or modifies the execu-
tion of procedural control and the utilization
of equipment entities. [ANSI/ISA-88.01-
1995]
coprocessor A device that is added to a CPU
to perform special functions more efficiently
than the CPU can alone. Often dedicated only
to the task of processing numeric functions.
Especially useful when using math-inten-
sive programs such as spreadsheets and
CAD functions.
copy In data processing, to reproduce data
from one storage device to another.
copyfitting In the typographical composi-
tion of screen displays and printing, the cal-
culation of how much space the provided
copy will use in a given screen or page; the
selection of type fonts, type size, and art; the
 copy preparation / Coriolis-type mass flowmeter

performance of scaling and placement; and unit, in which binary data are represented by
so on switching the polarity of magnetic cores.
copy preparation The process of providing core resident Pertaining to programs or data
the directions for as well as checking illustra- that are permanently stored in core memory
tion details and placing the text and graphic for fast access.
elements in the design of the screen displays core storage See magnetic core.
and page layouts. core wire Copper wire that has a steel core,
copy protection A feature that makes it often used to make antennas.
impossible to copy a disk, particularly soft- Coriolis effect An accelerating force acting
ware program disks, by adding security on any body that moves freely above the
codes to the disk. earth's surface due to the fact that the earth is
CORBA See common object request broker archi- rotating with respect to a given axis through
tecture. its center. It is the Coriolis effect that causes,
corbinotron A device that consists of a corb- for instance, the bubble in a level carried on
ino disk, which is made of high-mobility an airplane to be deflected perpendicular to
semiconductor material, and a coil that pro- the direction of flight, and a river in the
duces a magnetic field that is perpendicular Northern Hemisphere to scour its right bank
to the plane of the disk. more than its left bank where a river in the
cord-connected equipment Equipment that Southern Hemisphere scours its left bank
connects to a supply circuit receptacle by more than its right. The Coriolis effect is the
means of a permanently attached flexible basis for many mass flowmeters.
power supply cord and attachment plug or Coriolis force A force that results from Cori-
by means of a detachable power supply cord. olis acceleration acting on a mass moving
[ANSI/ISA-82.02.01-1999 (EIC 1010-1 Mod)] with a velocity radially outward in a rotating
core [Eng] 1. In engineering, a strongly ferro- plane.
magnetic material that is used to concentrate Coriolis-type mass flowmeter An instru-
and direct lines of flux produced by an elec- ment for measuring mass flow rate by deter-
tromagnetic coil. 2. The inner layer in a com- mining the torque caused by radial
posite material or structure. 3. The central acceleration of the fluid.
portion of a case-hardened part that supports
the hard outer case and gives the part its
toughness and shock resistance. 4. An insert
placed in a casting mold to form a cavity,
recess, or hole in the finished part. 5. A rod or
closed tube that is inserted in a tube to reduce
the flow area. [Comp]6. In computing, mag-
netic memory elements that once constituted
the main memory in most computer systems
until they were displaced by semiconductor
memory. [Comm] 7. In fiber optics, the cen-
tral or inner region of the optical waveguide
through which light is transmitted along the
length of the fiber. It is typically 8 to 12
microns in diameter for single-mode fiber
and, 50 to 100 microns for multimode. The
core has an index of refraction that is higher
than that of the surrounding cladding. Light
is confined to the core by a difference in the
refractive index between the core and clad-
ding, with the latter having a lower index.
core dump See storage dump.
core iron A grade of soft steel that is suitable
for making the cores used in electromagnetic
devices such as chokes, relays, and trans-
formers.
core memory A once common type of main
memory storage used in a central processing
Coriolis Mass flowmeters

115
Corliss valve / corrosion
Corliss valve A type of valve that is used to
admit steam to, or exhaust it from, a recipro-
cating engine cylinder.
corner-cube prism A prism in which three
flat surfaces meet at right angles, as they
would if they were the corner of the cube.
Incident light through a planar face is
reflected back to the source.
comer frequency In the asymptotic form of a
Bode diagram, that frequency that is indi-
cated by a break point, that is, the junction of
two confluent straight lines asymptotic to the
log gain curve. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)]
corner taps The differential-pressure signal
location in an orifice flange union as defined
by the corner that is formed between the ori-
fice plate and the internal diameter of the
flange.
corona voltmeter A type of voltmeter that
uses the inception of corona to determine the
crest value or voltage in an AC electric cur-
rent.
Corporation for Open Systems (COS) An
organization formed in 1985 to coordinate
member company efforts in the selection of
standards and protocols, conformance test-
ing, and the establishment of certification.
correction In process instrumentation, the
algebraic difference between the ideal value
and the indication of the measured signal. It
is the quantity that added algebraically to the
indication gives the ideal value. Note: A pos-
itive correction denotes that the indication of
the instrument is less than the ideal value:
Correction = (Ideal Value) - (Indication)
correction time See time, settling.
corrective action The change that is pro-
duced in a controlled variable in response to
a control signal.
corrective maintenance 1. An activity that is
not normal in the operation of a piece of
equipment and that therefore requires that
access be gained to its interior. Such activities
are expected to be performed by qualified
personnel who are aware of the hazards
involved. These activities typically include
locating the causes for faulty performance,
replacing defective components, adjusting
service controls, and the like. [ANSI/ISA-
12.12.01-2000] [ANSI/ISA-RP12.6-1995] 2.
Maintenance that is specifically intended to
eliminate an existing fault. Synonymous
with emergency maintenance. Contrast with
preventive maintenance.
corrective network An electronic network
that is incorporated into a circuit to improve
116
its transmission or impedance properties, or
both.
correlation 1. The interdependence or associ-
ation between two variables that are quanti-
tative or qualitative in nature (see illustra-
tion). 2. A measurement of the degree of sim-
ilarity of two images as a function of detail
and the relative position of the images. It is
obtained by multiplying the Fourier trans-
forms of the two images, then taking the
Fourier transform of the product.
Scatter Diagrams Showing
Degrees of Correlation
correlation check A procedure whereby the
performance and accuracy of a calibration
system is checked against another calibration
system using "master flowmeters" as the
standards. [ISA-RP31.1-1997]
correlator A logic device that compares a
series of bits in a data stream with a known
bit sequence and puts out a signal when cor-
relation is achieved. One use of the correlator
is as a pulse code modulation (PCM) frame
synchronizer.
corresponding states A principle that states
that two substances should have similar
properties at corresponding conditions with
reference to some basic properties. Examples
would be critical pressure and critical tem-
perature.
Corrodekote test An accelerated corrosion
test for electrodeposits in which a specimen
is coated with a slurry of clay in a salt solu-
tion and is then exposed for a specified time
in a high-humidity environment.
corrosion 1. The deterioration of a substance
(usually a metal) because of a reaction with
its environment. [ISA-71.04-1985] 2. The
wasting away of metals because of chemical

action in a boiler. Usually caused by the pres-
ence of O2, CO 2 or an acid.
corrosion fatigue A synergistic interaction of
the two failure mechanisms corrosion and
fatigue such that cracking occurs much more
rapidly than would be predicted by simply
adding their separate effects. Failure by cor-
rosion fatigue requires the simultaneous
presence of a cyclic stress and a corrosive
environment.
corrosion protection Preventing corrosion or
reducing the rate of corrosive attack by any
of several means including coating a metal
surface with a paint, electroplate, rust-pre-
ventive oil, anodized coating, or conversion
coating; adding a corrosion-inhibiting
chemical to the environment; using a sacrifi-
cial anode; or using an impressed electric
current.
corrosive Any substance or environment that
causes corrosion.
corrosive flux A soldering flux that removes
oxides from the base metal when the joint is
heated in order to apply solder. The flux is
usually composed of inorganic salts and
acids that are corrosive and must be removed
before the soldered components are placed in
service, so as to ensure maximum service life.
corrosiveness The degree to which a sub-
stance causes corrosion.
corrugated fastener A thin, corrugated strip
of steel that is used to fasten two pieces of
wood together by hammering it into the
wood at approximately right angles to the
joint line.
corrugating Forming sheet metal into a series
of alternating parallel ridges and grooves.
The forming may be done by rolling the
metal between matched grooved rolls or by
forming it in a press brake that is equipped
with a special-shaped punch and die.
corrupt In data processing, the inclusion of
errors in programs or data.
COSE Common Open Software Environ-
ment; effort by the UNIX community to
unify the various versions of UNIX.
cosmic rays Penetrating ionizing radiation
whose ultimate origin is outside the earth's
atmosphere. Some of the constituents of cos-
mic rays can penetrate many feet of material
such as rock.
COTS Commercial off-the-shelf; in reference
to hardware, firmware, and/or software that
is not proprietary to one specific vendor but
rather is available from any of several ven-
dors in functionally identical and inter-
changeable form.
117
corrosion fatigue / counter
cotter A tapered part similar to a wedge or
key that can be driven into a tapered hole to
hold an assembly together
cottered joint A joint in which power is
transferred across the joint via shear force
that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of a
bar (usually tapered along one side to ensure
a tight fit). This bar, known as a "cotter,"
holds the joint together.
cotter pin A split pin, usually formed by fold-
ing a length of half-round wire back on itself.
The pin is inserted into a hole and is then
bent to keep a castle nut from turning on a
bolt, to hold a cotter securely in place, to hold
hinge plates together, or to pin various other
machine parts together. Also known as a
"cotter key."
Cottrell precipitator A device for removing
dust or mist from a gas by passing the gas
through a vertical, electrically grounded
pipe. There, the particulates become ionized
by corona discharge from an axial wire main-
tained at a high negative voltage. The ion-
ized particles migrate to the pipe's inner wall
where they collect for later removal by
mechanical means.
coulomb A metric unit for quantity of elec-
tricity.
coulombmeter An instrument for measuring
the quantity of electricity (in coulombs) by
integrating a stored charge in a circuit that
has a high impedance.
coulometer An electrolytic cell that is con-
structed and operated in order to measure a
quantity of electricity in terms of the electro-
chemical action it produces.
coulometric titration A method of wet chem-
ical analysis in which the amount of an
unknown substance taking part in a chemical
reaction is determined by measuring the
number of coulombs that are required to
reach the end point in electrolysis.
count In computer programming, the total
number of times a given instruction is per-
formed.
countable fault A fault that occurs in parts of
electrical apparatuses and systems that com-
ply with the constructional requirements of
part of IEC 60079 ISA-12.02.01-1999 (IEC
60079-11 Mod). [ISA-12.02.01-1999 (EIC
60079-11 Mod)]
counter 1. A device or register in a digital
processor for determining and displaying the
total number of occurrences of a specific
event. 2. In the opposite direction. 3. A
device or PC program element that can total
binary events and perform on/off actions
based on the value of the total. 4. A device,
counterbore / cover plate
register, or location in storage for storing
numbers or number representations such
that these numbers can be increased or
decreased by the value of another number or
can be changed or reset to zero or to an arbi-
trary value.
counterbore A drilled or bored flat-bottomed
hole, often concentric with another, smaller
hole.
countercurrent flow The flow of two fluids
in opposite directions within the same
device, such as a tube-in-shell heat
exchanger. Contrast with counterflow.
counterflow The flow of a single fluid in
opposite directions in adjacent portions of
the same device, such as a U-bend tube. Con-
trast with countercurrent flow.
counter, input The storage and buffer device
between an external pulse source and the
computer, for example, a real-time clock or
some other totalizing unit. [ISA-RP55.1-1975
(R1983)]
countershaft A secondary shaft, driven by
the main shaft of a machine, and used to sup-
ply power to one or more machine parts.
countersink A chamber around the edge of a
circular hole that removes burrs, provides a
seat for a flat-head screw or other fastener, or
provides a tapered surface for a machine cen-
ter to rest in.
counter/timer An instrument that counts
events and measures the frequency and/or
period of an AC input signal.
Counterweight 1. A mass that counterbal-
ances the weight of the lifting device or load
platform of an elevator or hoist so that the
engine must only work against the payload,
friction, and any remaining unbalanced
machine loads. 2. Any mass that is incorpo-
rated into a mechanism in order to compen-
sate for an out-of-balance condition and
maintain static equilibrium. Also known as
"counterbalance" and "counterpoise."
counting rate The average number of ioniz-
ing events that occur per unit of time, as
determined by a counting tube or similar
device.
counting-rate meter An instrument whose
indicated output is related to the average
rate of occurrence of ionizing events.
counting scale Any of several designs of
weighing device in which the total weight of
a large number of identical parts is compared
with the weight of one part or with the
weight of a small, easily counted number of
parts. The number of parts in the unknown
quantity is determined by automatic indica-
tion, readout, or calculation.
118
counts 1. An alternate form for representing
raw data that corresponds to the numerical
representation of a signal received from or
applied to external hardware. 2. The accumu-
lated total of a series of discrete inputs to a
counter. 3. The discrete inputs to an accumu-
lating counter. See digitized signal. 4. The
number of time intervals counted by the
dual-slope A / D converter and displayed as
the reading of a panel meter, before the deci-
mal point is added.
couplant A substance that is used to transmit
sound waves from an ultrasonic search unit
to the surface of a test piece, thus reducing
losses and improving test accuracy. Common
couplants include water, oil, grease, paste, or
other liquid or semisolid substances.
coupled control-element action A type of
control system action in which two or more
actuating signals or control element actions
are used in concert to operate one control
device.
coupled reference input See cascade action.
coupler 1. A physical interface between trunk
and spur or trunk and device. [ANSI/ISA-
50.02, Part 2-1992] 2. In data processing, a
device that joins similar items. 3. In fiber
optics, a device that joins together three or
more fiber ends—splitting the signal from
one fiber so it can be transmitted to two or
more other fibers. "Directional," "star," and
"tee" couplers are the most common variet-
ies.
coupling [Eng] 1. In engineering, any device
that connects the ends of adjacent parts. The
connection may be rigid, thus allowing little
or no relative movement, or it may be flexi-
ble, thus accommodating misalignment and
other sources of relative movement. 2. A
mechanical fastening between two shafts
that provides for the transmission of power
and motion. Also known as "shaft coupling."
[Comm] 3. In fiber optics, a device that mates
two connectors. Not the same as a coupler.
[Comp] 4. In computing, interdependence in
a computer system.
covalence The number of covalent (electron
pair) bonds that an atom can form.
covering power The ability of an electroplat-
ing solution to give a satisfactory plate at low
current densities, as in recesses, but not nec-
essarily to build up a uniform coating. Con-
trast with throwing power.
cover plate 1. Any flat metal or glass plate
that is used to cover an opening. 2. Specifi-
cally, a piece of glass that is used to protect
the tinted glass in a welder's helmet or gog-
gles from being damaged by weld spatter.

covert fault Faults that can be classified as
hidden, concealed, undetected, unrevealed,
latent, and so on. [ANSI/ISA-84.01-1996]
cowling A metal cover, usually one that pro-
vides a streamlined enclosure for an engine.
CP/M "Control Program for Microproces-
sors." An early operating system for micro-
computers developed at Digital Research.
cpp Characters per pica; in typographical
composition of screen displays and printing,
used in copyfitting calculations as the aver-
age number of characters in a specific point
size and typeface that will fit in one pica of
horizontal space.
CPU-bound A state of program execution in
which all operations are dependent on the
activity of the central processor. An example
is when a large number of calculations are
being performed. Compare to I/O-bound.
crack 1. A fissure in a part, where it has been
broken but not completely severed into two
pieces. 2. The fissure or chink between adja-
cent components of a mechanical assembly.
3. To incompletely sever a solid material,
usually by overstressing it. 4. To open a
valve, hatch, door, or other similar device by
a very slight amount.
cracked flow See clearance flow. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
cracking In computers, breaking into com-
puters through phone lines. See hacking.
crane A hoisting machine with a
power-driven horizontal or an inclined
boom and lifting tackle.
crane hoist A mobile hoisting machine that is
used principally to lift loads by means of
cables. It consists of a mobile undercarriage
and support structure, a power unit and
winch enclosed in a cab or house (often one
that swivels on the undercarriage), a mov-
able boom, and various lifting, boom posi-
tioning, and support cables.
crane scale A type of lifting device that is
integral with or attached to a crane hook and
that has an internal load cell that automati-
cally weighs a load as it is lifted. Where a
strain-gauge load cell is used, the weight can
be indicated or recorded remotely.
crank A mechanical link that can revolve
about a center of rotation.
crankpin A cylindrical projection on a crank
for the purpose of attaching a connecting
rod.
crankshaft 1. A straight shaft to which one or
more cranks are attached. 2. A cast, forged,
or machined shaft that has integral cranks,
such as is used in a reciprocating automobile
engine.
119
covert fault / creep recovery
crank throw 1. The web or arm of a crank. 2.
The radial displacement of the crankpin from
the crankshaft axis.
crank web The portion of a crank that con-
nects a crankpin to the crankshaft or to
another adjacent crankpin. Also known as
crank throw.
crash A computer hardware or software mal-
function that causes the system to be reset or
restarted.
crate A temporary enclosure that is used to
protect an item during shipping, handling,
and storage. [ISA-RP60.11-1991]
crater 1. A spot on the face of a cutting tool
where it has been worn by contact with
chips. 2. A depression at the finishing end of
a weld bead.
crazing 1. A network of fine, shallow cracks
at the surface of a coating, solid metal, or
plastic material. 2. The development of such
a network.
create To open, write data to, and close a file
for the first time.
creep 1. A change in output that occurs over
a specific time period while the measurand
and all environmental conditions are held
constant. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)] 2. A
time-dependent plastic strain that occurs in a
metal or other material under stress, usually
at elevated temperature.
creepage distance The shortest distance along
the surface of the insulating material
between two conductive parts. [IEV151- 03-
37; ANSi/ISA-82.02.01-1999 (IEC61010-
1Mod); ANSI/ISA-12.16.01-1998 (IEC 60079-
7 Mod); ANSI/ISA-12.25.01-1998 (IEC 60079-
5 Mod)]
creepage distance in air The shortest distance
along the surface of an insulating medium
that is in contact with air between two con-
ductive parts. Note: The distance concerned
here is, for example, applicable to printed cir-
cuits that have no coating, where the insula-
tion across which the creepage distance is
measured is in direct contact with the air.
[ISA-12.02.01-1999 (IEC 60079-11 Mod)]
creepage distance under coating The surface
of an insulating medium that is covered with
an insulating coating. [ANSI/ISA-12.25.01-
1998 (IEC 60079-5 Mod); ISA-12.02.01-1999
(IEC 60079-11 Mod)]
creep at load The change in output that
occurs over time under rated load and with
all environmental conditions and other vari-
ables remaining constant. [ISA-37.8-1982
(R1995)]
creep recovery The change in zero-measur-
and output (that occurs over) time after the
crest / crossbar micrometer
removal of the rated load, which had been
applied for an identical time in evaluating
the creep at load. [ISA-37.8-1982 (R1995)]
crest 1. The top of a screw thread. 2. The bot-
tom edge of a weir notch, sometimes referred
to as the "sill."
crest value Peak value (of voltage, current, or
any alternating signal). See peak value.
crest voltmeter An instrument whose indi-
cated value is the average positive peak
amplitude of a sinusoidal AC electric volt-
age.
crest width The distance along the crest
between the sides.
crevice corrosion A type of concentration-cell
corrosion that is associated with the stagnant
conditions in crevices, fissures, pockets, and
recesses away from the flow of a principal
fluid stream. Here, the concentration or
depletion of dissolved salts, ions, or gases
such as oxygen leads to deep pitting.
crimping 1. Forming small corrugations in
order to set down and lock a seam, create an
arc in a metal strip, or reduce the radius of an
existing arc or circle. 2. Causing something to
become wavy, crinkled, or warped. 3. Pinch-
ing or pressing together to seal or unite,
especially the longitudinal seam of a tube or
cylinder.
critical alert An alert object with an assigned
priority value of 8 -15. [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-
2000]
critical angle In fiber optics, the smallest
angle from the fiber axis at which a ray may
be totally reflected. Determines fiber effi-
ciency.
critical cooling rate The minimum cooling
rate that will suppress undesired transforma-
tions during a hardening heat treatment.
critical damping See damping.
critical dimension 1. Generally, any physical
measurement whose value or accuracy is
considered to be vital to the function of the
relevant component or assembly. 2. In a
waveguide, the cross-sectional dimension
that determines the waveguide's critical fre-
quency.
critical flow 1. The rate of flow of a fluid that
is equivalent to the speed of sound in that
fluid. 2. A point at which the characteristics
of flow suffer a finite change. In the case of a
liquid, critical flow could mean the point at
which the flow regime changes from laminar
to transitional. It more often is used to mean
"choked flow." In the case of a gas, critical
flow may mean the point at which the veloc-
ity at the vent contracta attains the velocity
120
of sound, or it may mean the point at which
the flow is fully chocked.
critical frequency The frequency below
which a traveling wave of a given mode can-
not be maintained in a given waveguide.
Critical Path Method In a Manufacturing
Execution System (MES), the use of com-
puters to determine the order operations that
must be executed in order to complete some
effort in minimum time and to determine
which operations have some "float" or
capacity to be reprogrammed without affect-
ing that minimum time.
critical point The temperature and pressure
at which two phases of a substance that are
in equilibrium with each other become iden-
tical, forming one phase.
critical pressure 1. The pressure of the liquid-
vapor critical point. 2. The equilibrium pres-
sure of a fluid that is at its critical tempera-
ture.
critical-pressure ratio The ratio of down-
stream pressure to upstream pressure that
corresponds to the onset of turbulent flow in
a moving stream of fluid.
critical speed 1. The rotational speed that
corresponds to a natural frequency of the
rotor-shaft-bearing system, above which the
rotor is considered flexible. 2. The speed of
angular rotation at which a shaft becomes
dynamically unstable because of lateral reso-
nant vibration.
critical strain The amount of prior plastic
strain that is just sufficient to trigger recrys-
tallization when a deformed metal is heated.
critical temperature 1. The temperature of
the liquid-vapor critical point, which is the
temperature above which the fluid has no
liquid-vapor transition. 2. The temperature
of a fluid above which the fluid cannot be liq-
uefied by pressure alone.
critical velocity For a given fluid, the average
linear velocity that marks the upper limit of
streamline flow and the lower limit of turbu-
lent flow at a given temperature and pres-
sure in a given confined flow path.
crop To cut off some part of an image, as in
manipulating computer graphics.
cross-assembler An assembler program that
is run on a larger host computer and used to
produce machine code to be executed on
another, usually smaller, computer.
cross-axis acceleration See transverse accelera-
tion.
crossbar micrometer An instrument for
determining the differences in right ascen-
sion and declination of celestial objects. It
consists of two bars that are mounted per-

pendicular to each other in the focal plane of
a telescope and inclined at 45° to the east-
west path of the stars.
crossbar switch A switch that has multiple
vertical and horizontal paths and an electro-
magnetically operated means for intercon-
necting various horizontal with vertical
paths.
cross-compiler A computer program that is
run on a larger host computer and used for
translating a high-level language program
into the machine code to be executed on
another computer.
cross-drum boiler A section header or box
boiler in which the axis of the horizontal
drum is at right angles to the center lines of
the tubes in the main bank.
crossed pinning A physical configuration
that allows two data terminating equipment
(DTE) devices or two data communications
equipment (DCE) devices to communicate.
See DCE, DTE.
crosshair An inscribed line or a thin hair,
wire, or thread that is used in the optical path
of a telescope, microscope, or other optical
device to obtain accurate sightings or mea-
surements. Sometimes, a pair of hairs at right
angles is used, which is the original source of
the term.
crosshead 1. A sliding block that moves back
and forth between guides and that contains a
wrist pin for converting reciprocating motion
into rotary motion. 2. A device that is
designed to extrude material at an angle.
Used most extensively at the discharge end
of an extruder in a wire-coating operation.
cross-modulation Carrier and signal har-
monics of one or more channels that appear
in other channels of a system. In the case of a
large number of cross-modulation products,
the resultant cross-talk noise approaches the
characteristics of fluctuation noise (AM).
crossover A conductor that runs through
cable and connects to differently numbered
pins at each end.
crossover frequency 1. The frequency at
which a dividing network delivers equal
power to upper-band and lower-band chan-
nels. 2. The frequency at which the asymp-
totes to the constant-amplitude and
constant-velocity portions of the fre-
quency-response curve of an acoustic record-
ing system intersect. Also known as
transitionfrequencyand turnover frequency.
crossover network A selective network that
divides the audio-frequency output of an
amplifier into two or more bands of frequen-
cies in order to supply two or more loud-
121
crossbar switch / crown glass
speakers. Also known as a "dividing
network" and "loudspeaker dividing net-
work."
cross section 1. For a given confined flow
path or a given elongated structural member,
the dimensions, shape, or area that are deter-
mined by its intersection with a plane per-
pendicular to its longitudinal axis. 2. In
characterizing interactions between moving
atomic particles, the probability per unit flux
and per unit time that a given interaction
will occur.
cross sensitivity, cross-axis sensitivity See
transverse sensitivity.
cross talk 1. The unwanted energy that is
transferred from one circuit, called the "dis-
turbing" circuit, to another circuit, called the
"disturbed" circuit. [ISA-RP55.1-1975
(R1983)] 2. The unwanted signals in a chan-
nel that originate from one or more channels
in the same communication system. 3. Sig-
nals electrically coupled from another circuit,
usually undesirably, but sometimes for use-
ful purposes.
crosstalk Interference caused by cross coupling
between adjacent circuits or by the intermod-
ulation of two or more carrier channels. It
produces unwanted signal(s) in one circuit
when the signal is present in the other.
cross-wire weld A resistance weld that is
made by passing a controlled electric current
through the junction of a pair of crossed
wires or bars. Used extensively to make
mesh or screening.
crowbar An action in a power supply that
effectively creates high overload on the actu-
ating member of a protective device. Crow-
bar action may be initiated by a slight
increase in current or voltage.
crowbar voltage protector A separate circuit
that monitors the output of a power supply
and instantaneously throws a short circuit
(or crowbar) across output terminals of the
power supply whenever a preset voltage
limit is exceeded. Silicon controlled rectifier
(SCR) is often used as the crowbar device.
See SCR.
crown 1. The part of a drill bit that is inset
with diamonds. 2. The vertex of a structural
arch or arched surface. 3. The domed top of a
furnace or kiln. 4. The central portion of
sheet material that is slightly trucker than at
the edges. 5. Any raised central portion of a
nominally flat surface.
crown glass An optical glass of alkali-lime-
silica composition with an index refraction
that is usually 1.5 to 1.6.
crown sheet / cumulative sum chart
crown sheet In a firebox boiler, the plate that
forms the top of the furnace.
CRT display 1. Cathode ray tube (video
screen). 2. The alphanumeric and/or graphic
image shown on a cathode ray tube.
crucible A pot or vessel that is made of a
high-melting-point material, such as a
ceramic or refractory metal. Used for melting
metals and other materials.
crude oil Unrefined petroleum.
crush 1. A casting defect that is caused by the
displacement of sand as the mold is closed. 2.
The buckling or breaking of a section of a
casting mold because of incorrect register as
the mold is closed.
cryogenic Any process that is carried out at
very low temperature, usually considered to
be -60°F (-50°C) or lower.
cryogenic fluid A liquid that boils below -
123°Kelvin (-238°F, -150°C) at one atmosphere
absolute pressure.
cryometer A thermometer for measuring
very low temperatures.
cryoscope A device for determining the
freezing point of a liquid.
cryostat An apparatus for establishing the
very low-temperature environment that is
needed for carrying out a cryogenic opera-
tion.
crystalline fracture A type of fracture surface
appearance that is characterized by numer-
ous brightly reflecting facets caused by
cleavage fracture of a polycrystalline mate-
rial.
crystalloluminescence Light produced by
the crystallization of chemicals.
crystal oscillator A device for generating an
AC signal whose frequency is determined by
the properties of a piezoelectric crystal.
crystal spectrometer An instrument that uses
the diffraction from a crystal to determine
the component wavelengths in a beam of
X-rays or gamma rays.
CSIA Control Systems Integrators Associa-
tion; group formed by NEMA to address
programs for control system engineer regis-
tration, ISO 9000 quality program, strategic
alliances/joint ventures, business manage-
ment, and business practices. Affiliated with
System Integrators Group within Automa-
tion Products and Systems section of Indus-
trial Automation Division.
CSMA/CD Carrier Sense Multiple Access/
with Collision Detection; media access
method (ISO data link layer 2) for local area
networks (LANs); IEEE 802.3-like standard
by Intel, Xerox, and DEC in which contention
between two or more stations is resolved by
122
detecting the simultaneous transmission and
causing each to retry after waiting a prede-
termined time; the time is different for each
station on network and usually several
microseconds.
CSU Channel service unit; (cumulative sum)
algorithm. See compressor.
CSV Comma-separated variable; format
method of saving data to electronic memory
expressly for sharing data between comput-
ers or applications. Often used to transfer
columns of text and numerical data.
CTD Cumulative trauma disorder(s);
physiological problems that can occur in
users of equipment with ergonomically poor
design; often used in reference to, but not
limited to, the broad category of problems
related to repetitive wrist movements linked
to extensive data entry in computers. The
problem occurs among many other occupa-
tions, but the highest rates are among meat
packers (OSHA); accounts for 61 percent of
all private-sector occupational illnesses in
1991 according to the Bureau of Labor Statis-
tics; also called repetitive strain injury (RSI).
CTS Clear to send; modem interface control
signal (typically, EIA RS-232/422) indicating
readiness to accept data from DCE. Also, car-
pal tunnel syndrome; the irritation of tendon
sheath and lining involving the median
nerve at the human wrist; can affect typists,
computer operators, and anyone who uses
hand tools. Also, cubital tunnel syndrome,
irritation of tendon sheath and lining involv-
ing median nerve at the human elbow; can
affect phone operators, drivers, and those
who keep arms in flexed positions or con-
stantly lean on their elbows.
cubicle 1. An enclosed control center with
front, rear, top, and sides but with or without
a bottom. 2. Any small room or enclosure. 3.
An enclosure, usually free standing, that
houses high-voltage electrical equipment.
CUI Character-based user interface; pro-
vides access to any applications that reside
on the server or mainframe, regardless of any
incompatibilities that exist between worksta-
tions or applications.
cumulative dose The total amount of pene-
trating radiation that is absorbed by the
whole body, or by a specific region of the
body, during repeated exposures.
cumulative sum chart (CUSUM chart) A sta-
tistical control chart on which the cumulative
sum of deviations is plotted over a period of
time. It often has a sliding V-shaped mask for
comparing the plot with allowable limits.

cup fracture A mixed-mode fracture in duc-
tile metals, usually observed in round tensile
specimens, in which part of the fracture
occurs under plane-strain conditions and the
remainder under plane-stress conditions. As
a result, in a round tensile bar one of the mat-
ing fracture surfaces looks like a miniature
cup and the other like a truncated cone. Also
known as "cup-and-cone fracture."
cupping 1. The first step in deep drawing. 2.
The fracture of severely worked rod or wire,
where one of the fracture surfaces is roughly
conical and the other cup-shaped.
Curie (Ci) The standard unit of measure for
the radioactivity of a substance. It is defined
as the quantity of a radioactive nuclide that
is disintegrating at the rate of 3.7 x 1010 disin-
tegrations per second.
curing 1. The process of allowing a substance
such as a polymeric adhesive or poured con-
crete to rest under controlled conditions,
which may include clamping, heating, or
providing residual moisture, until it under-
goes a slow chemical reaction to reach final
bond strength or hardness. 2. In thermoplas-
tics molding, stopping all movement for an
interval before releasing the pressure of a
mold so that the molded part has sufficient
time to stabilize.
current The rate of flow of an electrical
charge in an electric circuit, measured in
amperes (A or amps). One Ampere = 1 cou-
lomb per second. Analogous to the rate of
flow of water in a pipe.
current amplification For a given amplifier,
the ratio of current delivered to the output
circuit to the corresponding current supplied
to the input circuit.
current clamp A device for measuring cur-
rent or indicating current waveforms with-
out interrupting the current path of the
circuit in which it is measured or under test.
[ANSI/ISA-82.02.04-1996 (IEC 61010-2-032)
current limit A circuit or device that is
designed to limit current flow to a certain
value. It may also be used to set limits, high
and low, which allows the current to be at a
level between the limits.
current loop (20 mA) A serial transmission
standard that is widely used for video dis-
play units (VDUs) and teletypes. Zero and 1
are represented by the absence or presence of
a current (20 mA).
current meter Any of a wide variety of
devices for measuring AC or DC electric cur-
rent, including moving-coil, moving-iron,
electronic, and electrodynamic instruments.
See velocity-type flowmeter.
123
cup fracture / cutoff
current proportioning The output form of
controller that provides current proportional
to the amount of control required. Normally,
4 to 20 mA current proportioning band.
current-to-pressure transducer (I/P) A device
that receives an analog electrical signal and
converts it into a corresponding air pressure.
Example: 4-20 mA input 3-15 psi output.
current transformer An instrument trans-
former that is designed to have its primary
winding connected in series with a circuit
that carries the current being measured or
controlled.
current word address (CWA) The memory
address of a word that is currently being
operated on.
cursor 1. A symbol that is used in the opera-
tion of keyboard-video displays to indicate on
the display screen the physical location of the
next character to be entered. [ISA-RP55.1-1975
(R1983)] 2. The tracking and selecting "loca-
tor symbol" on a video screen. It is manipu-
lated with keyboard, mouse, trackball, touch
screen, and so on, and used to retrieve or
enter data, command functions, and actions.
curvature of field A defect in an optical lens
or system that causes the focused image of a
plane field to lie along a curved surface
rather than a flat plane.
curve fit The process of determining the coef-
ficients in a curve by mathematically fitting a
given set of data to that curve class. An
example is linear curvefit, or n th order poly-
nomial curvefit.
curve tracer An instrument that characterizes
a wide range of devices by displaying para-
metric responses as a two-dimensional plot
of current versus voltage.
custody transfer The act of transferring own-
ership of a fluid for money or the equivalent.
custom LSI A large-scale integrated (LSI) cir-
cuit that is designed for a specific purpose
and which therefore has a dedicated func-
tion.
CUSUM Cumulative sum; used in statistical
process control (SPC).
CUSUM chart (cumulative sum chart) A sta-
tistical control chart on which the cumulative
sum of deviations is plotted over a period of
time and that often has a sliding V-shaped
mask for comparing the plot with allowable
limits.
cut-and-paste A feature of Windows that lets
you select information from one file and
move or copy it to another file (or another
location in the same file).
cutoff 1. The parting line on a compres-
sion-molded plastics part. Also known as
cutoff tool / cycle
CUSUM Chart
"flash groove" and "pinch-off." 2. The point
in the stroke of an engine at which admission
of the working fluid to the cylinder is shut off.
3. The time required to shut off the flow of
working fluid into a cylinder.
cutoff tool A lathe tool that has a narrow cut-
ting edge that is used to sever a finished
piece from the remaining bar stock. Also
known as a parting tool.
cutoff valve A quick-acting valve that is used
to stop the flow of working fluid into an
engine cylinder.
cutoff wavelength 1. In fiber optics, the wave-
length at which modes other than the funda-
mental mode are not propagated. 2. For
single-mode fiber-optic cable, the wave-
length above which the fiber exhibits single-
mode operation.
cutoff wheel A thin abrasive wheel that is
used to cut stock or to make slots in a part.
cutout alarm An alarm that is designed to not
function during certain states of other oper-
ating condition(s) or parameter(s), often dur-
ing start-up, shutdown, or critical stages of
process, and so on.
cuts-only In video development, an editing
system that is limited to direct edits from one
clip to the next with no transitions between
scenes.
cutter A cutting tool, especially a rotary,
toothed cutting wheel.
cutter bar A supporting member for the cut-
ting tool in a lathe or other machine tool.
cutting angle The angle between the face of a
cutting tool and the uncut stock surface.
cutting edge 1. In a diamond or ceramic tool,
the point or edge of the insert material that
actually cuts the work. 2. Generally, the
sharpened edge of any cutting tool that con-
tacts the work during machining.
cutting fluid In a metal-cutting operation,
any liquid that is introduced into the area
where the tool contacts the work, especially a
124
liquid that is used to provide lubrication at
the cutting edge, to carry away the heat gen-
erated during machining, and to flush out
chips or other machining debris. Some cut-
ting fluids have chemical compounds that
react with the tool and material being cut in
order to enhance cutting action.
cutting speed The relative velocity between
the cutting tool and workpiece along the
main direction of cutting. Also known as
peripheral speed.
cutting tool A sharp-edged, single-point or
toothed tool that comes in contact with the
workpiece and removes stock in a machining
operation. Also known as a cutter.
cutting torch A device for producing a con-
trolled flame that has an additional supply
line for introducing a jet of oxygen into the
flame. It cuts metal and other materials by
first heating a small area, then rapidly oxi-
dizing and melting the material along a thin
line when the jet of oxygen is turned on. Usu-
ally a special plasma torch is needed for
stainless steel because of its oxidation resis-
tance.
Cv rating See valve flow coefficient.
cv Flow efficiency factor. The flow rate (U.S.
gallons per minute) across a restriction (e.g.,
valves, fittings, etc.) at 1 psig pressure drop.
cyan A color hue that transmits only blue and
green light, with no red, from the screen
view. Cyan reflects only green and blue light
and absorbs red light on paper using four-
color process inks.
cyaniding A surface-hardening process simi-
lar to carbonitriding that produces a carbon-
and nitrogen-rich surface layer on steel by
immersing parts in a bath of molten cyanide
salts. Cyaniding can also be done in the gas
phase.
cybernetics The branch of learning that
brings together theories and studies on com-
munication and control in living organisms
and machines.
cycle 1. An interval of space or time in which
one set of events or phenomena is com-
pleted. 2. Any set of operations that is
repeated regularly in the same sequence. The
operations may be subject to variations in
each repetition. 3. In any repetitive variable
process, the variation of a given variable
through one complete range of values. 4. To
run a machine through a complete set of
operating steps. 5. The fundamental time
interval for operations inside the computer.
6. A condition in a sequential circuit. From
an initial, unstable state the circuit passes

through more unstable states before reaching
a stable state.
cycle index The number of times a cycle has
been executed or the difference, or the nega-
tive of the difference, between the number
that has been executed and the number of
repetitions desired.
cycle life The specified minimum number of
cycles over which a device will operate as
specified without changing its performance
beyond the specified tolerance. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000; ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
cycle progress A feature of a timer or counter
that shows the progression point in time or
count cycle. Cycle progress can be shown by
a digital display or a pointer progressing
through the scale on a dial.
cycle stealing 1. A control feature that delays
the execution of a program in order to allow
an I/O device to communicate with main
storage without changing the logical condi-
tion of the CPU. [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)] 2.
Data that is transferred over the data bus
during a direct memory access while little
disruption occurs to the normal operation of
the microprocessor.
cycle time 1. The time a computer needs to
read from or write into the system memory. If
system memory is core, the read cycle time
includes a write-after-read (restore) subcycle.
Cycle time is often used as a measure of com-
puter performance, since cycle time is a mea-
sure of the time required to fetch an instruc-
tion. 2. The time, usually expressed in sec-
onds, for a controller to complete one on/off
cycle.
cyclic A condition of either steady-state or
transient oscillation of a signal around the
nominal value.
cyclic code A form of Gray code that is used
for expressing numbers. When coded values
are arranged in the numeric order of real val-
ues, each digit of the coded value assumes its
entire range of values alternately in ascend-
ing and descending order.
cyclic redundancy check (CRC) An error-
detection scheme, usually implemented by
hardware, in which a check character is gen-
erated by taking the remainder, after divid-
ing all the serialized bits in a block of data by
a predetermined binary number. This
remainder is then appended to the transmit-
ted data, recalculated, and compared at the
receiving point to verify data accuracy.
cyclic redundancy check character (CRC) A
character that is used in a modified cyclic
code to detect and correct errors.
125
cycle index / cylinder liner
cyclic shift A shift in which the data moved
out of one end of the storing register are
re-entered into the other end, as in a closed
loop.
Cycling Periodic, repeated variation in a con-
trolled variable or process action.
cycling life The number of cycles over which
a device will operate without changing its
performance beyond tolerance. [ANSI/ISA-
51.1-1979 (R1993); ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
cyclograph A device for electromagnetically
sorting or testing metal parts by means of the
pattern that is produced on a cathode ray
tube when a sample part is placed in an elec-
tromagnetic sensing coil. The CRT pattern is
different in shape for different values of car-
bon content, case depth, core hardness, or
other metallurgical properties.
cyclotron A device that utilizes an alternating
electric field between electrodes that are
positioned in a constant magnetic field in
order to accelerate ions or charged subatomic
particles to high energies.
cylinder 1. A domed, closed storage tank for
hot water. Also known as a storage calorifier.
2. A strong, thick-walled container for stor-
ing and transporting compressed gases. 3. A
round, straight-walled cavity, closed at one
or both ends, that a piston rides in to convert
the potential energy in pressurized gas or liq-
uid into linear mechanical motion and power
or to utilize mechanical power so as to com-
press a fluid.
cylinder, disk All like-numbered tracks on a
disk pack. A portion of the disk that can be
recorded or reproduced without moving the
heads.
cylinder block A massive piece of metal,
usually made by casting, that contains the
piston chambers of a multicylinder engine or
compressor. Also known as the block or
engine block.
cylinder bore The inside diameter of a piston
chamber.
cylinder head The cap, which usually has a
specially shaped recess, that is used to close
the end of a piston chamber in a reciprocat-
ing engine, pump, or compressor. Usually, it
provides valve openings, spark plug taps,
and other penetrations necessary for
machine operation.
cylinder liner A separate cylindrical sleeve
that is inserted into a piston chamber in
order to provide a cylinder wall that has
properties different from those of the cylin-
der block. Normally used to furnish a better-
wearing material for piston rings than the
cylindrical cam / cylindrical lens

block, that is, a cast-iron liner in an alumi-

num block.
cylindrical cam A mechanism that consists of
a cylinder that rotates on its longitudinal axis
and causes linear motion parallel to that axis
in a cam follower, which rolls in a groove cut
in the cylindrical surface.
cylindrical lens A lens that is cylindrical in
cross section, so it is curved in one direction
but not in the perpendicular direction. Used
to expand a laser beam into a plane of light.

126
 d [Eng] 1. diameter of a
valve inlet in inches. [Sci] 2.
D In math, the abbreviation
"deci-" for 10-1 (= 0.1).
D 1. diameter of pipe 2.
Derivative (rate) action in
modulating process control
in which the rate of change
(speed) of correcting a force is proportional
to the error signal. 3. Thermocouple type for
tungsten 3 percent rhenium versus tungsten
25 percent rhenium.
DAC Digital-to-analog converter, an elec-
tronic device that converts a digital signal,
often from a computer, into a proportional
analog voltage or current.
daemon 1. A computing process that runs in
the background, performing a specified
operation at predefined times or in response
to certain events. A UNIX term now used
with other operating systems, from Greek
mythology in which daemons were guardian
spirits. 2. A program running on a system
providing network services that listens for
requests to use a particular service.
Dahlin's algorithm A digital control algo-
rithm in which the requirement of minimum
response time used in the deadbeat algo-
rithm is relaxed in order to reduce ringing in
the system response. Widely used for paper
machine control.
DAIS Database Access Integration Services;
profile for uniform access to computer data.
daisy chain 1. A serial interconnection of
devices. Signals are passed from one device
to another, generally in the order of high pri-
ority to low priority. 2. A method for propa-
gating signals along a bus, often used in
applications in which devices are connected
in series.
daisywheel printer A printer that provides
slow but good quality print output, using a
rotating wheel to type.
DAL Data access language; in computers, a
database access standard that provides a
transparent connection among a variety of
databases and any applications depending
on them.
Dalton's law A scientific principle stating
that the total pressure exerted by a mixture
of gases equals the sum of the partial pres-
sures that would be exerted if each of the
individual gases present were to occupy the
same volume by itself.
damped frequency See frequency, damped.
damped wave A wave in which the source
amplitude diminishes with each succeeding
cycle.
127
dampener A device for progressively reduc-
ing the amplitude of spring oscillations after
a load is abruptly applied or removed.
damper A device for introducing a variable
resistance for the purpose of regulating the
volumetric flow of gas or air. The major types
are the (a) butterfly-type damper—a single-
blade damper that is pivoted about its center.
(b) curtain-type damper—a damper, com-
posed of flexible material, that moves in a
vertical plane as it is rolled. (c) flat-type
damper—a damper that consists of one or
more blades, each pivoted about one edge.
(d) louver-type damper—a damper that con-
sists of several blades, each pivoted about its
center and linked together for simultaneous
operation. (e) slide-type damper—a damper
that consists of a single blade that moves
substantially normal to the flow.
damper loss The reduction in the static pres-
sure of a gas flowing across a damper.
damping 1. (noun) The progressive reduction
or suppression of oscillation in a device or
system. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
Damping is built into electrical circuits and
mechanical systems to prevent rapid or
excessive corrections, which may lead to
instability or oscillatory conditions, for
example, connecting a resistor on the termi-
nals of a pulse transformer in order to
remove natural oscillations or placing a mov-
ing element in oil or sluggish grease in order
to prevent mechanical overshoot of the mov-
ing parts. 2. (adjective) Pertaining to or pro-
ductive of damping. Note 1: The response to
an abrupt stimulus is commonly said to be
"critically damped" when the time response
is as fast as possible without overshoot,
"underdamped" when overshoot occurs, or
"overdamped" when the response is slower
than critical. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
3. The energy-dissipating characteristic that,
together with natural frequency, determines
the limit of frequency response and the
response-time characteristics of a trans-
ducer. Note 1: In response to a step change of
the measurand, an underdamped (periodic)
system oscillates about its final steady value
before coming to rest at that value. An over-
damped (aperiodic) system comes to rest
without overshoot, and a critically damped
system is at the point of change between the
underdamped and overdamped conditions.
Note 2: Viscous damping uses the viscosity
of fluids (liquids or gases) to effect damping.
Note 3: Magnetic damping uses the current
induced in electrical conductors by changes
in magnetic flux to effect damping. [ISA-
damping, relative / data
37.1-1975 (R1982)] 4. Reducing or eliminating
vibrations, especially reducing noise or
reverberations, by using sound-absorbing
materials.
Overdamped Response
Underdamped Response
damping, relative For an underdamped sys-
tem, a number that expresses the quotient of
the actual damping of a second-order linear
system or element by its critical damping.
[ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
damping factor 1. For the free oscillation of a
second-order linear system, a measure of
damping that is expressed (without sign) as
the quotient of the greater by the lesser of a
pair of consecutive swings of the output (in
opposite directions) about an ultimate
steady-state value. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)] 2. In any damped oscillation, the
ratio of the amplitude of any given half-cycle
to the amplitude of the succeeding half-cycle.
damping fluid A fluid that is used to damp
the single-degree-of-freedom spring/mass
system, which usually surrounds the refer-
ence side (transduction element side) of the
sensing element. [ISA-37.6-1982 (R1995)]
damping integrity The ability of the acceler-
ometer to produce a predicted output, with
no transients, during or after changes in the
attitude of the transducer because of bubbles,
contamination, and so on. [ISA-37.5-1982
(R1995)]
damping magnet A permanent magnet that
is used in conjunction with a moving con-
128
ductor to produce an opposing torque when
there is relative motion between the magnet
and the conductor. A secondary function of
the damping magnet is to dissipate the
kinetic energy resulting from eddy currents
that may be induced in the moving conduc-
tor.
damping ratio 1. The ratio of the actual
damping to the damping that is required for
critical damping. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)] 2.
The ratio of the deviations of the indicator
following an abrupt change in the measur-
and in two consecutive swings from the posi-
tion of equilibrium, the greater deviation
being divided by the lesser. The deviations
are expressed in angular measure.
DAQ Data acquisition; the gathering of dis-
crete and analog parameters from a process.
Sometimes incorrectly called SCADA; see
SCADA.
dark current The current that flows in photo-
sensitive detectors when there is no incident
radiant flux (total darkness).
d'Arsonval galvanometer A galvanometer
that is made by suspending a light coil of
wire on thin gold or copper ribbons in the
field of a permanent magnet. when current is
carried to the coil via the suspending rib-
bons. The coil rotates, and the amount of
rotation is indicated by reflecting a beam of
light from a small mirror carried on the coil
onto a fixed linear scale. Also known as a
light-beam galvanometer.
d'Arsonval movement The mechanism of a
permanent-magnet, moving-coil instrument
such as a d'Arsonval galvanometer.
dashpot 1. A less preferred term for snubber.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000] 2. A fluid-filled
cylinder that contains a loose-fitting piston
that is used to damp vibratory motion or to
change the effect of a sharp change in load
from an instantaneous change in position to a
more gradual change.
dashpot relay A timing device that relies
upon the restrictive action of an orifice upon
a fluid to provide the delay. When the relay
coil is energized, the armature piston moves
against a reservoir of fluid, forcing it through
a restriction. This slows down the action.
Timing is achieved by variations in orifice
size.
DAT Duration adjusting type of process con-
trol output (time proportioning). Also, digital
audio tape.
data 1. Information of any type. 2. A common
term used to indicate the basic elements that
can be processed or produced by a computer.
3. Factual information suitable for communi-

cation, interpretation, or processing. [ISA-
TR50.02, Part 9-2000] 4. In computers and
transmission, information that is represented
in digital form, including voice, text, facsim-
ile, and video.
data, skewed Data that has been biased and
is not representative.
data abstraction In object-oriented program-
ming (OOP), the reduction of an object
description to unique and general character-
istics that define a class.
data access arrangement (DDA) Equipment
that is supplied by a common carrier to per-
mit the attachment of privately owned
equipment to the network.
data acquisition The function of obtaining
data from sources external to a microproces-
sor or computer system, converting it into
binary form, and processing it.
data acquisition system A system that is
used for acquiring data from sensors via
amplifiers and multiplexers and any neces-
sary analog-to-digital converters.
data averaging An optional mode of opera-
tion for an automatic data logger, which
allows readings from two or more data
acquisition channels to be averaged in each
scan. Alternatively, it allows readings from
each of several channels to be averaged over
a preselected number of successive scans.
data bank A comprehensive collection of
data, for example, several automated files, a
library, or a set of loaded disks. Synonymous
with database.
database 1. Any body of information. 2. A
specific set of information that is available to a
computer. In computer systems, those stores
of data that are placed into a system by the
user and in distributed control systems
(DCS) by the process being monitored. Data-
bases usually consolidate many records into
a common pool of data records that serves as
a single central file. 3. A collection of interre-
lated data that are stored together with con-
trolled redundancy to serve one or more
applications. The data are stored so they are
independent of programs that use the data. A
common and controlled approach is used to
add new data and to modify and retrieve
existing data within a database. A system is
said to contain a collection of databases if they
are disjointed in structure.
database management A system that pro-
vides meaningful information derived from
the data included in a database.
data bus The highway that connects the vari-
ous microcomputer components carrying the
data signals.
129
data, skewed / data flow
data capture (logging) The systematic collec-
tion of data to be used in a particular data
processing routine, such as monitoring and
recording temperature changes over a period
of time.
data channel A bidirectional data path
between I/O devices and the main memory
of a digital computer. Data channels permit
one or more I/O operations to proceed con-
currently with computation, thereby enhanc-
ing computer performance.
data code A structured set of characters that
are used to represent the data items of a data
element, for example, the data codes "1,2,...
,7" may be used to represent the data items
"Sunday, Monday,..., Saturday."
data collection The act of bringing data from
one or more points to a central point.
data communication The transmission of
data from one point to another.
data communications equipment (DCE) The
embodiment of the media, modulation, and
coding-dependent portion of a fieldbus-con-
nected device, which comprise the lower
portions of the physical layer within the
device. [ANSI/ISA-50.02, Part 2-1992]
data compression The elimination of redun-
dant data without loss of information. A few
standard telemetry data compression algo-
rithms are ZFN, ZVP, ZVA, FFN, FFP, FFA,
FVP, and FVA.
data converter Any of numerous devices for
transforming analog signals into digital sig-
nals, or vice versa.
data directory A listing of data stored in a
database.
data display module A device that stores
computer output and translates this output
into signals that are distributed to a pro-
gram-determined group of lights, annuncia-
tors, numerical indicators, and cathode ray
tubes in operator consoles and remote sta-
tions.
data distributor A manually or automatically
controlled unit that is used to distribute spe-
cific data channels to quick-look devices.
data element A unit of data that, in a certain
context, is considered indivisible. [ISA-
TR50.02, Part 9-2000]
data error A deviation from correctness in
data, usually an error, that occurred before
the data was processed.
data file The portion of computer memory
that is allocated to a specific set of organized
data, including the codes that identify file
name and sometimes file type.
data flow A view of the system as a set of
independent asynchronous processes, each
data gathering / data set ready (DSR)
communicating with each other via I/O
streams. Coined by Tom DeMarco, Yourdon
Press.
data gathering See data collection.
datagram An interface that has no acknowl-
edge, no ordering, and no retransmission.
data handling See data processing.
data highway A communication link
between separate stations that are tied with a
multidrop cable and/or optical connections.
It eliminates the need for separate, indepen-
dently wired data links. Each station on a
highway can function independently.
data input/output unit (DI/OU) A device
that interfaces to the process for the sole pur-
pose of acquiring or sending data.
data integrity A performance measure that is
based on the rate of undetected errors.
data link (DL) 1. Approximately Layer 2 of
the OSI model (ISO 7498). The network pro-
cessing entity that establishes, maintains,
and releases data link connections between
(adjacent) elements in a network. Controls
access to physical medium (layer 1). 2. Any
serial data communications transmission
path, generally between two adjacent nodes
or devices and without intermediate switch-
ing nodes. The data link includes the physi-
cal transmission medium, the protocol, and
associated devices and programs, so it is
both a physical and logical link. 3. A fiber-
optic signal transmission system that carries
information in digital or analog form. The
term data link usually refers to short-distance
communications, spanning distances of less
than a kilometer.
data link layer (DLL) The data link layer
(DLL) controls the transmission of messages
onto the fieldbus and manages access to the
fieldbus through the Link Active Scheduler
(LAS). The DLL used by FOUNDATION
fieldbus is defined in IEC 61158 and ISA
SP50. It includes Publisher/Subscriber, Cli-
ent/Server, and Source/Sink services.
data logger 1. A system or subsystem that
has the primary function of acquiring and
storing data in a form that is suitable for later
reduction and analysis, such as com-
puter-language tape. 2. A computer system
that is designed to obtain data from process
sensors and to provide a log of the data.
Many data loggers can carry out some filter-
ing and linearizing of the data.
data logging A recording of data about
events that occur in time sequence. See also
data collection.
data management A general term that collec-
tively describes those functions of the control
130
program that provide access to data sets,
enforce data storage conventions, and regu-
late the use of input/output devices.
data mining The process of discovering
meaningful new correlations, patterns, and
trends by sifting through large amounts of
data stored in repositories by using pattern-
recognition technologies and statistical and
mathematical technologies. Typically used in
enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems
to develop an optimum business plan.
dataphone digital service Common carrier
service in which data is transmitted in a digi-
tal rather than analog form.
data plate A less preferred term for nameplate.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
data processing The automatic or semiauto-
matic organization of numerical data in a
desired manner. Any system that can receive,
store, or transmit data as well as perform
operations upon data and then present the
results. The execution of a systematic
sequence of operations performed upon data.
Synonymous with information processing.
data processing system A network of
machine components that is capable of
accepting information, processing it accord-
ing to plan, and producing the desired
results.
data processor A device that is capable of
performing data processing, for example, a
desk calculator, punched-card machine, or
computer.
data protection Any method for preserving
computer data from destruction or misuse.
Backing up computer files is one example of
data protection.
data rate The average number of bits, charac-
ters, or blocks of information per unit of time
being transmitted, such as bits per second. It
may or may not be equal to signal rate or
baud rate.
data reduction The process of transforming
masses of raw test or experimentally
obtained data, usually gathered by automatic
recording equipment, into useful, con-
densed, or simplified intelligence.
data set (DS) 1. A collection of data in one of
several prescribed arrangements to which
the system has access. 2. A device that per-
forms the modulation/demodulation and
control functions that are necessary to pro-
vide compatibility between data processing
equipment and communications facilities.
See also subset.
data set ready (DSR) A modern interface sig-
nal defined in RS-232 that indicates to the

attached terminal equipment that the
modem is attached to the telephone circuit.
data signaling rate In communications, the
data transmission capacity of a set of parallel
channels. The data signaling rate is
expressed in bits per second.
data sink In communications, a device that is
capable of accepting data signals from a
transmission device. It also may check these
signals and originate error control signals.
Contrast with data source.
data source In communications, a device that
is capable of originating data signals for a
transmission device. It also may accept error
control signals. Contrast with data sink.
data storage Data from a computer that are
usually stored on a magnetic medium such
as disk or tape. Newer technology stores
data on optical disks.
data stream The movement of a group of
measurements in one multiplexer.
data streaming The capability of delivering
time-based digital data, as on a audio or
video cassette, as it's requested rather than
requiring that all the data be downloaded
first before it can be used (or played).
data structure An aggregate whose elements
need not be of the same data type and whose
elements may be uniquely referenced by an
identifier. [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-2000]
data structures The storage of related data in
computer memory by using arrays, records,
or data lists.
data table The organized form on which data
is held in computer.
data terminal equipment (DTE) 1. The
embodiment of the media, modulation, and
coding-dependent portion of a fieldbus-con-
nected device. It comprises the lower por-
tions of the physical layer as well as all
higher layers within the device. [ANSI/ISA-
50.02, Part 2-1992] 2. The device that pro-
vides the data source or end point for a trans-
mission link.
data terminal ready (DTR) A modern inter-
face signal defined in RS-232 that indicates to
the modem that the terminal equipment is
ready for transmission.
data transmission The sending of data from
one part of a system to another part.
data type 1. A set of values together with a
set of permitted operations. [ISA-TR50.02,
Part 9-2000] 2. Any one of several different
types of data, such as integer, real, double
precision, complex, logical, and Hollerith.
Each has a different mathematical signifi-
cance and may be represented differently
internally.
131
data signaling rate / dBmV
data unpacking The process of recovering
individual items of data from packed infor-
mation. [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)]
data warehouse A repository of extremely
large amounts of data generated both inside
and outside of an enterprise (corporation),
generally for the purpose of developing
some business plan to make complex opera-
tions more profitable.
datum 1. A point, direction, or level that is
used as a convenient reference for measuring
angles, distances, heights, speeds, or similar
attributes. 2. Any value that serves as a refer-
ence for measuring other values of the same
quantity.
datum plane A permanently established ref-
erence level, usually average sea level, that is
used to determine the value of a specific alti-
tude, depth sounding, ground elevation, or
water-surface elevation. Also known as
"chart datum," "datum level," reference level,
and "reference plane."
daughter A nuclide formed as a result of
nuclear fission or radioactive decay.
day A unit of time whose exact value
depends on the system of time measurement
being used—apparent solar time, mean solar
time, apparent sidereal time, universal time,
ephemeris time, or atomic time. Except for
atomic time, the basis of the definition of day
is the period during which the earth makes
one rotation on its axis. For general pur-
poses, one day equals 24 h or 86,400 s.
dB 1. Decibel, a logarithmic unit of ratio. The
ratio can express the power, voltage, or cur-
rent difference between two signals. In sig-
nal-to-noise measurements, dB usually
signifies the voltage difference between a
desired signal and the root mean square
(rms) value of noise. The higher the ratio, the
less noise that is present in the signal. 2. A
measurement developed to approximate the
response of human senses, which is logarith-
mic. That is, the doubling of signal power,
voltage, or current does not double the vol-
ume of the perceived sound or the brightness
of the perceived light.
dBm The measured signal power compared
with standard signal power of 0.001 watt into
600 ohms.
DBMS Database management system; a col-
lection of hardware and software that orga-
nizes and provides access to a database,
simplifying the management of additions
and rearrangements.
dBmV The measured signal voltage com-
pared with 0.001 volts into 75 ohms.
DC (or dc) / dead band, control valve
DC (or dc) 1. direct current; electric current
flowing in one direction only and generally
constant in value. 2. device control; in data
communications, a category of control char-
acters intended to turn other (usually subor-
dinate) equipment on or off. 3. data
communication
DCC Digital compact cassette; uses digital
audio compression method (PSSC) for qual-
ity similar to a CD but with less "data." Also,
duty cycle control.
DCD Data carrier detect(ed); a modem inter-
face control signal (typically, EIA RS-232/
422) indicating that a device is connected
from DCE; is also called "received line signal
detector" (RLSD). See DCE.
DCOM Distributed Component Object
Model; extends the Common Object Model
(COM) for the network communication of
independent, interoperable software objects.
See COM.
D controller See controller, derivative (D).
DC voltage A voltage that forces electrons to
move through a circuit in the same direction
continuously, thereby producing a direct cur-
rent.
DCX Intel file format for saving multiple
PCX graphics in electronic memory; used for
exchanging data between computers.
DD Device description; in Fieldbus Founda-
tion context, the definition and description of
function blocks and their parameters.
DDD Direct distance dialing; telephone ser-
vice in North America that permits the sub-
scriber to call other subscribers in different
areas without operator assistance and per-
mitting computers to do the same.
DDE Dynamic Data Exchange; Microsoft-
developed interapplication communications
protocol where data from one program auto-
matically updates another; originally to
move data from a spreadsheet to a word pro-
cessor. DDE is the baseline protocol for OLE
1.0 but not for OLE 2.0 (it is supported there,
however, to maintain upward compatibility).
Has become more complex with the advent
of Windows and Windows NT in industrial
applications, causing wags to refer to it as
"Different Dynamics to Everyone."
dd item Id A unique number that identifies
the description of the associated object class,
which is developed as part of its device
description. [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-2000]
DDL Data description language [ISA-
TR50.02, Part 9-2000]; data definition lan-
guage. Also, device description language
from Interoperable Systems Project and
HART, and now called VDS. See VDS.
132
DDP Distributed data processing; network of
geographically dispersed, logically con-
nected processors that share common
resources.
DDR Digital data repeating; scheme on a sin-
gle radio frequency that allows peer-to-peer
communication between RTUs so as to share
workload, compare output to inputs, moni-
tor remote I/O, and relay data back and
forth. Also known as digital disk recorders,
stand- alone devices that connect to host
computer via Ethernet or SCSI interface so as
to share files for video image processing and
animation effects. See RTU, SCSI.
DDS Dataphone Digital Service; AT&T-
developed communication service in which
data is transmitted in digital rather than ana-
log form, thus eliminating the need for
modems.
DE Digitally enhanced; proprietary, digital
multidrop instrument protocol by Honey-
well.
DECnet Digital Equipment Corporation Net-
work; proprietary architecture to communi-
cate between all of that company's
dd member Id A unique number that identi-
fies the function of the associated object
class, which is developed as part of its device
description. [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-2000]
de facto standard A standard that is widely
adopted by the marketplace but has no offi-
cial legal status. Compare de jure standard.
de jure standard A standard whose recogni-
tion has been extended among various orga-
nizations, agreed upon by a consensus
(substantial agreement, although not neces-
sarily unanimous). Usually administered by
official organizations, such as ISO/IEC,
ANSI, ITU, IEEE, and so on. Compare de facto
standard.
dead band In process instrumentation, the
range through which an input signal may be
varied, upon reversal of direction, without
initiating an observable change in output sig-
nal. Note 1: There are separate and distinct
input-output relationships for increasing
and decreasing signals. Note 2: Dead band
produces phase lag between input and out-
put. Note 3: Dead band is usually expressed
in percentage of span. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)]
dead band, control valve The range through
which a control valve's input signal may be
varied, upon reversal of direction, without
initiating an observable change in the posi-
tion of the closure member. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]

dead band test Refer to ISA Standard ISA-
RP55.1-1975 (R1983) for the dead band test
procedure.
deadbeat algorithm A digital control algo-
rithm that attempts to follow set-point
changes in minimum time. It assumes that
the controlled process can be modeled
approximately as a first-order plus dead-
time system.
dead center 1. Either of two positions of a
crank at which the turning force between the
crank and its connecting rod are zero. Dead
center occurs when the centerline of the
crank and the centerline of the connecting
rod lie in the same plane. 2. A nonrotating
center for holding a rotating workpiece.
dead-end shut off A nonstandard term used
to refer to control valve leakage. Refer to
ANSI/FCI 70-2 and ANSI B16.104 for specifi-
cation of leakage classifications. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
dead-end tube A tube that has a closed end—
for example, a tube in a porcupine boiler.
dead-front switchboard A switching panel
that is constructed so that all of the live ter-
minations are made on the rear of the panel.
deadman's brake A safety device that auto-
matically stops a vehicle when the driver
does not have his or her foot on the pedal. It
is also used on other operator-controlled
mechanisms such as cranes and lift trucks.
deadman's handle A hand grip or handle
that an operator must squeeze or press on
continuously to keep a machine running.
dead man timer (DMT) A circuit that moni-
tors the operation of the processor cards and
signals if a failure occurs.
dead reckoning The process of determining a
navigational position by constructing dis-
tance vectors on a map or a similar represen-
tation, starting from a known position and
calculating the distance vectors from a log of
headings and speeds versus time.
dead room See anechoic chamber.
dead time 1. The interval of time between the
initiation of an input change or stimulus and
the start of the resulting response. [ANSI/
ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)] 2. Any definite delay
that is deliberately placed between two
related actions in order to avoid overlap that
might cause confusion or to permit a particu-
lar different event, such as a control decision,
switching event, or similar action to take
place.
dead-time compensation The modification of a
controller to allow for time delays between
the input to a control system and the
response to the signal.
133
dead band test / decalescence
dead-time correction A correction that is
applied to an instrument reading to account
for events or stimuli actually occurring dur-
ing the instrument's dead time.
dead volume The total volume of the pres-
sure port cavity of a transducer at room tem-
perature and ambient barometric pressure.
om barometric pressure applied. [ISA-37.1-
1975 (R1982)]
dead zone Also called dead band. A range of
values around the set point. When the con-
trolled variable is within this range, no con-
trol action takes place. See zone, dead.
deadweight gauge A device that is used to
generate accurate pressures for the purpose
of calibrating pressure gauges. Freely bal-
anced weights (dead weights) are loaded on
a calibrated piston to give a static hydraulic
pressure output.
deaeration Removing a gas—air, oxygen, or
carbon dioxide, for example—from a liquid
or semisolid substance, such as boiler feed-
water or food.
debug 1. To locate and correct any errors in a
computer program. 2. To detect and correct
malfunctions in the computer itself. Related
to diagnostic routine. 3. To submit a newly
designed process, mechanism, or computer
program to simulated or actual operating
conditions for the purpose of detecting and
eliminating flaws or inefficiencies.
debuggers 1. System programs that enable
computer programs to be debugged. 2. Pro-
grammers whose main task is the removal of
bugs.
debugging The process of detecting, diag-
nosing, and then correcting program faults.
debugging aid routine A routine to help pro-
grammers debug their routines. Some typical
aid routines are storage printout, tape print-
out, and drum printout.
debugging on-line See on-line debugging.
deburr To remove burrs, fins, sharp edges,
and the like from corners and edges of parts
or from around holes, by any of several
methods. Often involves the use of abrasives.
decade A group or assembly of 10 units, for
example, a counter that counts to 10 in one
column or a resistor box that inserts resis-
tance quantities in multiples of powers of 10.
decade counter A counter that produces one
output pulse for every 10 input pulses.
decade scaler A scaling device that produces
one output pulse for each 10 input pulses.
decalescence The darkening of a metal sur-
face as it undergoes a phase transformation
when heated. The phenomenon is caused by
decanting / decision instruction
the isothermal absorption of the latent heat
of transformation.
decanting The boiling or pouring off of liq-
uid near the top of a vessel that contains two
immiscible liquids or a liquid-solid mixture
that has separated by sedimentation, without
disturbing the heavier liquid or settled solid.
decarburizing The process of removing car-
bon from the surface layer of a steel or other
ferrous alloy by heating it in an atmosphere
that reacts selectively with carbon. Atmo-
spheres that are relatively rich in water vapor
or carbon dioxide are typical deoxidizing
atmospheres.
decay The spontaneous transformation of a
nuclide into one or more other nuclides
either by emitting one or more subatomic
particles or gamma rays from its nucleus or
by nuclear fission. Radioactive decay of a
specific nuclide is characterized by its half
life—the time it takes for one-half of the orig-
inal mass to spontaneously transform.
decay ratio The ratio of the amplitude change
of successive cycles of a damped oscillatory
system.
DECAY RATIO
decay time The time in which a voltage or
current pulse will decrease to one tenth of its
maximum value. Decay time is proportional
to the time constant of the circuit.
decelerating electrode An intermediate elec-
trode in an electron tube that is maintained at
a potential that induces decelerating forces
on a beam of electrons.
decelerometer An instrument for measuring
the rate at which speed decreases.
decentralized 1. To distribute the functions
among several authorities. 2. Decentralized
maintenance distributes maintenance func-
tions among areas of responsibilities or areas
of the physical plant.
decibel (dB) 1. A unit of level, where Level in
dB = 10 log 10 P1/Pref· p1 = a power, or quan-
tity directly proportional to power and Pref =
134
a reference power, or a corresponding refer-
ence quantity proportional to power. [ANSI/
ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)] 2. A measure of mag-
nitude ratio. Magnitude ratio is dB = 20 log10
(magnitude ratio). [ISA-26-1968] 3. A unit for
measuring the relative strength of a signal
parameter, such as power, voltage, and so on.
The number of decibels is twenty (10 for
power ratio) times the logarithm (base 10) of
the ratio of the measured quantity to the ref-
erence level. The reference level must always
be indicated, such as 1 milliamp for current
ratio. See also power level.
decibel meter An instrument that is cali-
brated in logarithmic steps and used for
measuring power levels, in decibel units, of
audio or communication circuits.
decimal 1. Pertaining to a characteristic or
property that involves a selection, choice, or
condition in which there are 10 possibilities.
2. Pertaining to the numeration system that
has radix of 10.3. See binary code decimal.
decimal balance A type of balance that has
one arm that is 10 times as long as the other,
so that heavy objects can be balanced with
light weights.
decimal coded digit A digit or character that
is defined by a set of decimal digits, such as a
pair of decimal digits that specify a letter or
special character in a system of notation.
decimal digit In decimal notation, one of the
characters 0 through 9.
decimal notation A fixed radix notation,
where the radix is 10. For example, in deci-
mal notation, the numeral 576.2 represents
the number 5 x 10 squared plus 7 x 10 to the
first power, plus 6 x 10 to the zero power,
plus 2 x 10 to the minus 1 power.
decimal number A number, usually consist-
ing of more than one figure, that represents a
sum, in which the quantity represented by
each figure is based on the radix of 10. The
figures used are 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.
decimal numbering system A system of
reckoning by 10 or the powers of 10 by using
the digits 0-9 to express numerical quanti-
ties.
decimal numeral A decimal representation
of a number.
decimal point The radix point in decimal
representation. See radix point.
decimal-to-binary conversion The process of
converting a number written to the base 10,
or decimal, into the equivalent number writ-
ten to the base two, or binary.
decision instruction An instruction that
effects the selection of a branch in a program,
for example, a conditional jump instruction.
 decision table / default

decision table A table of all the contingencies decommutator Equipment for separating or
that are to be considered in the description of demultiplexing commutated signals.
a problem, together with the actions to be decompression Any method for relieving
taken. Decision tables are sometimes used in pressure.
place of flow charts for the purpose of decontamination Removing or neutralizing
describing and documenting problems. an unwanted chemical, biological, or radio-
deck A collection of cards, commonly a com- logical substance.
plete set, that have been punched for a defi- decoupling The technique of reducing pro-
nite service or purpose. cess interaction by coordinating control
deck scale A low-profile weighing device loops.
used for moderate to heavy loads—up to decoupling control A technique in which
20,000 lb. Because the load platform of such interacting control loops are automatically
scales is 2 to 10 in. above floor level, loads compensated when any one control loop
must be lifted onto the scale or ramps must takes a control action.
be provided to enable wheeled vehicles to
move onto the platform and off again. The
frame of a deck scale rests directly on the
existing floor rather than in a pit, and most
models can be moved to different locations
as needed.
declaration As used in many programming
languages, a statement indicating the type of
data to be stored and the name to be used for
that data.
declinometer An instrument that is similar to
a surveyor's compass and is used to deter-
mine the variation of magnetic directions
from true directions. The horizontal circle is 2x2 Decoupler
constructed so that the line of sight can be
aligned with the magnetic needle or with any
other desired setting. decrement 1. The quantity by which a vari-
able is decreased. 2. A specific part of an
decode 1. To apply a code so as to reverse
instruction word in some binary computers,
some previous encoding. 2. To determine the
thus a set of digits.
meaning of individual characters or groups
of characters in a message. 3. To determine decremeter An instrument for measuring the
the meaning of instructions from the status damping of a train of waves by determining
of the bits that describe the instruction, com- its logarithmic decrement.
mand, or operation to be performed. decryption Translating computer data from
an unreadable format into a readable one.
decoder 1. A device that determines the
dedicated In data processing, a device that
meaning of a set of signals and initiates a
performs only one function.
computer operation based on them. 2. A
de-energize to trip Safety instrumented sys-
matrix of switching elements that selects one
tem circuits in which the outputs and devices
or more output channels according to the
are energized under normal operation.
combination of input signals present. Con-
Removing the source of power (e.g., electric-
trast with encoder; clarified by matrix. 3. A
ity, air) causes a trip action. [ANSI/ISA-
device that is used to change computer data
84.01-1996]
from one coded format into another.
default 1. Value(s) or option(s) that are
decollate To separate multipart computer
assumed by a system when they are not par-
forms.
ticularly specified. Usually important in very
decommissioning The permanent removal of
flexible systems that require the user to make
a complete safety instrumented system (SIS)
so many selections that most decisions can
from active service. [ANSI/ISA-84.01-1996]
be extremely confusing, time-consuming, or
decommutation A reversal of the commuta-
just unnecessary. Thus, the user is free to
tion process. The separation of information
concentrate only on those selections appro-
in a commutated data stream into as many
priate for the use at hand. 2. The value of an
independent information channels as were
argument, operand, or field that a program
originally commutated.
assumes if the user does not supply a specific
assignment. 3. The alternative that is assumed

135
defect / degree of protection (IP)
when an identifier has not been declared to
have one of two or more alternative attributes.
defect A departure of any quality characteris-
tic from its specified or intended value that is
severe enough to cause the object or service
to be rejected.
definition 1. The resolution and sharpness of
an image, or the extent to which an image is
brought into sharp relief. 2. The degree with
which a communication system reproduces
sound images or messages.
deflashing Removing fins or protrusions
from the parting line of a die casting or
molded plastics part.
deflecting electrode An intermediate elec-
trode in an electron tube whose surrounding
electric field induces constant or variable
deflecting forces on an electron beam.
deflecting force In a direct-acting recording
instrument, the force produced at the mark-
ing device, for any position of the scale,
when its positioning mechanism acts in
response to the electrical quantity being mea-
sured.
deflecting yoke An assembly of one or more
coils that induces a magnetic field to deflect
an electron beam in a manner that is related
to the oscillating frequency and magnitude
of the current flowing through the coils.
deflection 1. The movement of a pointer
away from its zero or null position. 2. The
elastic movement of a structural member
under load. 3. The shape change or change in
diameter of a tubular member without frac-
turing the material.
deflection factor The reciprocal of the instru-
ment sensitivity.
deflection polarity In an oscilloscope, the
relationship between the direction of elec-
tron-beam displacement and the polarity of
applied signal voltage.
deflectometer An instrument for determin-
ing minute elastic movements that occur
when a structure is loaded.
deflector A device for changing the direction
of a stream of air or of a mixture of pulver-
ized fuel and air.
defocus To cause a beam of electrons, light,
X-rays, or other type of radiation to depart
from accurate focus at a specific point in
space, ordinarily the surface of a workpiece
or test object.
defragmenting Moving the contents of files
around on your hard disk so that each file is
stored as one big chunk, for the purpose of
speeding up the process by which the com-
puter accesses the file.
136
defrost To remove ice from a surface, usually
by melting or sublimation.
defuzzifier A function that calculates the
output of a fuzzy controller.
degas To remove dissolved, entrained, or
adsorbed gas from a solid or liquid.
degasification The process of removing gases
from samples of steam taken for purity tests.
Removing CO 2 from water as in the ion
exchange method of softening.
degasifier 1. An element or compound that is
added to molten metal to remove dissolved
gases. 2. A process or type of vessel that
removes dissolved gases from molten metal.
degenerate waveguide modes A set of
waveguide modes that have the same propa-
gation constant for all frequencies of interest.
degradation failure The gradual shift of an
attribute or operating characteristic to a
point where the device can no longer can ful-
fill its intended purpose.
degreasing An industrial process for remov-
ing grease, oil, or other fatty substances from
the surfaces of metal parts, usually by expos-
ing the parts to the condensing vapors of a
polyhalogenated hydrocarbon solvent.
degree 1. Any one of several units for mea-
suring the hardness of water, such as the
English or Clark degree, the French degree,
and the German degree. 2. One of the units
used to measure specific gravity, such as the
Baumé scale. 3. A unit for measuring plane
angles. 4. One of the units used to measure
temperature or temperature difference in
such scales such as Celsius (°C) or Fahrenheit
(°F). Note: The units in the Kelvin scale are
called kelvins (K). The symbol for degree is °.
degree of freedom 1. A number that is one
less than the number of frequencies being
tested with a chi-square test. 2. Any one of
the variables, including pressure, tempera-
ture, composition, and specific volume, that
must be specified in order to define the state
of a system
degree of protection (IP) A numerical classi-
fication according to IEC 60529 preceded by
the symbol IP applied to the enclosure of
electrical apparatus to provide for 1. Protec-
tion of persons against contact with or
approach to live parts and against contact
with moving parts (other than smooth rotat-
ing shafts and the like) inside the enclosure.
2. Protection of the electrical apparatus
against ingress of solid foreign objects and
where indicated by the classification. 3. Pro-
tection of the electrical apparatus against
harmful ingress of water. Note: The enclo-
sure which provides the degree of protection
 degree of protection of enclosure (IP) / demand meter
IP is not necessarily identical to the appara-
tus enclosure for the types of protection
listed in clause 1. [ISA-12.00.01-1999 (IEC
60079-0 Mod)]
degree of protection of enclosure (IP) A
numerical classification as defined by IEC
standard 60529. It is preceded by the symbol
IP and applied to the enclosure of electrical
apparatus to provide for: (a) protection of
persons against contact with or approach to
live and moving parts (other than smooth
rotating shafts and the like) inside the enclo-
sure, (b) protection of the electrical apparatus
against ingress by solid foreign objects, and
where indicated by the classification (c) pro-
tection of the electrical apparatus against
harmful ingress of water. [ISA-12.00.01-1999
(IEC 60079-0 Mod)]
dehumidification Reducing the moisture
content of air, which increases its cooling
power.
deicing The process of using heat, chemicals,
or mechanical rupture to remove ice depos-
its, especially those that form on motor vehi-
cles and aircraft at low temperatures or high
altitudes.
deionization time The time it takes for the
grid in a gas tube to regain control of tube
output after the anode current has been
interrupted.
DEK Dansk Elektroteknisk Komite (Den-
mark); the Danish member of IEC.
delamination Separation of a material into
layers, especially a material such as a bonded
laminate.
delay The interval of time between a chang-
ing signal and its repetition for some speci-
fied duration at a downstream point of the
signal path. The value L in the transform fac-
tor exp (-Ls). See time, dead. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-
1979 (R1993)]
delay distortion A form of distortion in a
transmitted radio wave that occurs when the
rate of change of phase shift with frequency
is not constant over the transmission-fre-
quency range.
delayed combustion A continuation of com-
bustion beyond the furnace. See also second-
ary combustion.
delayed contacts Output contacts that trans-
fer when the timer times out.
delay-interval timer A timing device that is
electrically reset in order to delay the energi-
zation or deenergization of a circuit for an
interval of time up to 10 minutes after a spe-
cific event such as restoring power after a
power failure or turning a manual switch off.
137
delay line A transmission medium that
delays a signal that passes through it by a
known amount of time. Typically used in
timing events.
delay-line memory A type of circulating
memory that has a delay circuit as the chief
element in the path of circulation.
delay-line register An acoustic or electric
delay line, one or more words long, that is
combined with appropriate input, output,
and circulation circuits.
delay modulation A method of data encod-
ing for the transmission or recording of serial
data. A logic ONE (or ZERO) is represented
by a signal transition at midbit time, and a
logic ZERO (or ONE) followed by a logic
ZERO (or ONE) is represented by a transi-
tion at the end of the first ZERO (or ONE) bit.
delay-on-make timer A timing device that
holds its main contacts open for a preset
period of time after it receives an initiating
signal, then closes the contacts and allows
current to flow in the main circuit. When the
timer receives a stopping signal, the contacts
open, and after a short interval the timer
automatically resets so it can repeat the cycle.
delay on release A mode of operation in
which a delay timing period begins when a
control switch is opened.
deletion punch A record elimination feature
that is used on paper tape I/O devices to
cause all tape channels to be punched. [ISA-
RP55.1-1975 (R1983)]
delimiter A flag that separates and organizes
items of data. Note: This definition is taken
from IEEE standard 100-1984. [ANSI/ISA-
50.02, Part 2-1992]
deliquescence The absorption of atmo-
spheric water vapor by a crystalline solid
until the crystal dissolves into a saturated
solution.
delta network A set of three circuit branches
that are connected in series, end to end, in
order to form a mesh that has three nodes.
DEMKO Danmark Elektriske Materiellkon-
troll (Denmark); Danish certification and
testing laboratory for testing the equipment
of different vendors to some common stan-
dard.
demand A condition or event that requires
the safety instrumented system (SIS) to take
appropriate action so as to prevent a hazard-
ous event from occurring or to mitigate the
consequence of a hazardous event. [ANSI/
ISA-84.01-1996]
demand meter Any of several types of instru-
ments that are used to determine the amount
of electricity used over a fixed period of time,
demodulation / derivative action
usually for the purpose of establishing a cus-
tomer's bill.
demodulation The process of retrieving intel-
ligence (data) from a modulated carrier
wave. The reverse of modulation.
demodulator A device that recovers informa-
tion from a carrier or subcarrier. A telemetry
receiver has a demodulator. An FM discrimi-
nator is a demodulator.
demultiplexer 1. The device that enables the
telemetry operator to observe individual
measurements from within a multiplexer.
The opposite of a multiplexer. 2. A device that
separates two or more signals that have been
multiplexed together for the purpose of
transmitting them through a single optical
fiber. 3. A reverse multiplexer that allows the
transfer of data from one microprocessor
port to a number of output devices such as
actuators.
densimeter An instrument for determining
the density of a substance in absolute units,
or for determining its specific gravity—that
is, its relative density with respect to that of
pure water. Also known as "density gauge,"
"density indicator," and "gravitometer."
densitometer An instrument for determin-
ing the optical density of photographic or
radiographic film by measuring the intensity
of transmitted or reflected light.
density 1. The mass of a unit volume of a liq-
uid at a specified temperature in units such
as kilograms per meter3. The form of expres-
sion for density is "density kg/m 3 at
kelvin." [ISA-RP31.1-1977] 2. A physi-
cal property of materials, measured as mass
per unit volume. 3. The weight of a substance
for a specified volume at a definite tempera-
ture, for example, grams per cubic centimeter
at 20°C. 4. Closeness of texture or consistency.
5. Degree of opacity, often referred to as
"optical density."
density bottle See specific-gravity bottle.
density correction Any correction made to an
instrument reading to compensate for the
deviation of density from a fixed reference
value. The correction may be applied
because the fluid being measured is not at
standard temperature and pressure, because
ambient temperature affects the density of
the fluid in a fluid-filled instrument, or
because of other similar effects.
density transmitter An instrument that is
used to determine liquid density by measur-
ing the buoyant force on an air-filled float
immersed in a flowing liquid stream.
dependent uncertainty Uncertainty compo-
nents are said to be dependent on each other
138
if they possess a significant correlation, for
whatever cause, known or unknown. Typi-
cally, dependencies form when effects share
a common cause. [ISA-RP67.04.02-2000]
depolarizers Optical components that scram-
ble the polarization of light passing through
them, effectively turning a polarized beam
into an unpolarized beam.
deposit 1. Any substance that is intentionally
laid down on a surface by chemical, electri-
cal, electrochemical, mechanical, vacuum, or
vapor transfer methods. 2. A solid or semi-
solid material that is accumulated by corro-
sion or sedimentation on the interior of a
tube or pipe.
deposited metal In a weldment, a filler metal
added to the joint during welding.
deposit gauge Any instrument that is used to
assess atmospheric quality by measuring the
amount of particulate matter that settles out
on a specific area during a defined period of
time.
deposition rate 1. The amount of filler metal
deposited per unit time by a specific welding
procedure, usually expressed in pounds per
hour. 2. The rate at which a coating material
is deposited on a surface, usually expressed
as weight per unit area per unit time, or as
thickness per unit time.
deposition sequence The order in which
increments of a weld deposit are laid down.
depth gauge An instrument or micrometer
device that is capable of measuring distance
below a reference surface to the nearest 0.001
inch. It is most often used to measure the
depth of a blind hole, slot, or recess below
the normal part surface that surrounds it, or
to measure the height of a shoulder or projec-
tion above the adjacent part surface.
depth of engagement The radial contact dis-
tance between mating threads.
depth of thread The radial distance from
crest to root of a screw thread.
derandomizer The circuit that removes the
effect of data randomizing, thereby recover-
ing data that had been randomized for tape
storage.
derivative 1. Mathematically, derivative is
the reciprocal of rate. 2. This control action
will cause the output signal to change
according to the rate at which input signal
variations occur during a certain time inter-
val.
derivative action A type of control system
action in which a predetermined relation
exists between the position of the final con-
trol element and the derivative of the con-
trolled variable with respect to time.
 derivative action gain / destructive testing
derivative action gain See gain, derivative
action (rate gain)". [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)]
derivative action (rate) A process control
response that speeds a correction based upon
the deviation rate of change from set point,
thereby eliminating overshoot in a system.
derivative action time See time derivative
action. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
derivative action time constant See time con-
stant, derivative action. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)]
derivative control Change in the output that
is proportional to the rate of change of the
input. Also called rate control. See control
action, derivative (D).
Derivative Control Response to Step Change
derivative control action (rate
action) Control action in which the output
is proportional to the rate of change of the
input. See control action and control action,
derivative.
derivative controller See controller, derivative.
derivative control mode A controller mode
in which controller output is directly propor-
tional to the rate of change of the controlled
variable error.
derivative time The time interval by which
rate action advances the effect of propor-
tional action on the final control element.
DES Data Encryption Standard; data security
scheme approved by NBS and specified by
FIPS. Also, distribution execution system;
software packages for such functions as mar-
keting and sales.
descaling The process of removing adherent
deposits from a metal surface, such as thick
oxide from hot rolled or forged steel or inor-
ganic compounds from the interior of boiler
tubes. Descaling may be done by chemical
attack, mechanical action, electrolytic disso-
lution, or other means, alone or in combina-
tion.
descender In typography, that part of a lower-
case letter that extends below the main body
of the letter, as in the characters p and g.
139
describing function For a nonlinear element
in sinusoidal steady state, the frequency
response that is obtained by taking only the
fundamental component of the output sig-
nal. The describing function depends on the
frequency and amplitude of the input signal
or only on the amplitude of the input signal.
design capacity The maximum weight load
that a scale is designed to weigh in one hour
within the designated class accuracy. It is
customarily 125 percent of normal capacity.
Also known as "scale capacity." [ISA-
RP74.01-1984]
design control An approach to design that
ensures that the initial simulator design and
any subsequent changes to it are carried out
in a systematic, controlled, and documented
manner. [ANSI/ISA-77.20-1993]
design load The load for which a steam-gen-
erating unit is designed. Design load is con-
sidered to be the maximum load that a unit
should carry.
design pressure The maximum allowable
working pressure that is permitted under the
rules of the ASME Construction Code. See
pressure, design.
design steam temperature The temperature
of the steam for which a boiler is designed.
design stress The maximum permissible load
per unit area that a given structure can with-
stand in service, including all allowances for
such things as unexpected or impact loads,
corrosion, dimensional variations during
fabrication, and possible underestimations of
service loading.
design thickness The sum of the thickness
required to support service loads. This
method of specifying material thickness is
used particularly for designing boilers,
chemical process equipment, and metal
structures that will be exposed to atmo-
spheric environments, soils, or seawater.
desired value See value, desired.
desk top publishing The merging of text and
graphics on a computer in order to produce
manuals and leaflets.
desorption The process of removing
adsorbed material.
destination field In digital communications,
a field in the message header that contains
the address of the station to which the mes-
sage is being directed.
destructive testing Any method for deter-
mining a material property, functional
attribute, or operational characteristic that
renders the test object unsuitable for further
use or severely impairs its intended service
life.
desuperheater / device
desuperheater 1. Equipment that is used to
remove superheat from steam, usually by
injecting water. 2. See attemperator. [ANSI/
ISA-77.44-1995]
delectability The quality of a measured vari-
able in a specific environment. The variable
is determined by its relative freedom from
interfering energy or other characteristics of
the same general nature as the measured
variable.
detector 1. The part of an analyzer that is used
to detect the presence and/or concentration of
a component or components in a sample. Also
see sensor or transducer. 2. A device that
detects light and generates an electrical signal
that can be measured or otherwise processed.
3. The stage in a receiver at which demodula-
tion takes place. 4. An apparatus or system
that is used to detect the presence of an object,
radiation, chemical compound, or such. It
may be quantitative and/or qualitative. 5. An
optoelectronic transducer that is used in fiber
optics to convert optical power into electric
current. In fiber optics, a detector is usually a
photodiode.
detector-amplifier A device in which an opti-
cal detector is packaged together with elec-
tronic amplification circuitry.
detector head The gas-responsive portion of
a gas-detection instrument. The detector
head is located in the area where sensing the
presence of gas is desired. Its location may be
integral to or remote from its control unit.
Note: The detector head may incorporate the
gas-sensing element and additional circuitry
such as signal-processing or amplifying com-
ponents or circuits. [ISA-92.02, 03, 04 and
06.01-1998]
detent A catch or lever that initiates or pre-
vents movement in a mechanism, especially
an escapement.
detergent A natural material or synthetic
substance that has the quality of soap of
being able to emulsify oil and remove soil
from a surface.
deterioration The decline in the quality of a
device, mechanism, or structure over time
because of environmental effects, corrosion,
wear, or gradual changes in material proper-
ties. If allowed to continue unchecked, dete-
rioration often leads to degradation failure.
deterministic model A mathematical model
that, given a set of input data, will produce a
single output or a single set of outputs (i.e.,
will act in only one very predictable way).
deutron detector A type of specialized radia-
tion detector that is used in some nuclear
140
reactors to detect the concentration of deute-
rium nuclei present.
developed boiler horsepower The boiler
horsepower that is generated by a steam-
generating unit.
development system A system that is used to
develop both the hardware and software for
a microcomputer system. The development
system may contain an editor, assembler
and/or a high-level language, a compiler,
and debugging and in-circuit emulation
facilities.
deviation 1. Any departure from a desired
value or expected value or pattern. [ANSI/
ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)] 2. The difference
between the loop set point and the process
variable. [ANSI/ISA-77.44-1995] 3. In quality
control, any departure of a quality character-
istic from its specified value. 4. A statistical
quantity that measures the random error that
can be expected in numerous independent
measurements of the same value under the
same conditions of measurement.
deviation, steady-state The system deviation
after transients have expired. See offset.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
deviation, system In process instrumenta-
tion, the instantaneous value of the directly
controlled variable minus the set point. See
also signal, actuating error. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-
1979 (R1993)]
deviation, transient In process instrumenta-
tion, the instantaneous value of the directly
controlled variable minus its steady-state
value. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
deviation alarm 1. An alarm that is set when-
ever the deviation exceeds the preset limits.
2. An alarm that is caused when a variable
departs from its desired value by a specified
amount.
deviation amplitude Total variation from the
desired set point of a system. Sometimes
called "closeness in control" and expressed
as follows: "closeness of control is ±2°C" or
"system bandwidth of 4°C."
deviation controller A type of automatic con-
trol device that acts in response to any differ-
ence between the value of a process variable
and the instrument set point, independent of
their actual values.
deviation ratio The ratio given by M =f/fmax,
where/is the maximum frequency difference
between the modulated carrier and the
unmodulated carrier and fmax is the maxi-
mum modulation frequency.
device 1. A physical entity connected that is
to the fieldbus, which is composed of at least
one communication element (the network
 device control character / dewatering
element) and may also have a control ele-
ment and/or a final element (transducer,
actuator, etc.). [ANSI/ISA-50.02, Part 2-1992]
2. An apparatus for performing a prescribed
function. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)] 3. A
component or assembly that is designed to
perform a specific function by harnessing
mechanical, electrical, magnetic, thermal, or
chemical energy. 4. An apparatus for per-
forming a prescribed function. See ANSI/
ISA-S51.1-1979 (R1993). [ANSI/ISA-67.14.01-
2000] 5. A component in a control system,
such as a primary element, transmitter, con-
troller, recorder, or final control element. 6. A
physical entity that is capable of performing
one or more specified functions in a particu-
lar context and that is delimited by its inter-
faces. [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-2000]
device control character One of a class of
control characters that is designed to control
the peripheral devices associated with a data
processing or telecommunications system,
usually for switching such devices "on" or
"off."
device controller A hardware unit that elec-
tronically supervises one or more of the same
types of devices. It acts as the link between
the CPU and I/O devices.
Device Description (DD) A device descrip-
tion (DD) provides an extended description
of each object in the Virtual Field Device
(VFD) and includes information that a con-
trol system or host needs to understand the
meaning of data in the VFD.
device driver A program or routine that con-
trols the physical hardware activities on a
peripheral device such as a printer, mouse,
monitor, and the like. A device driver is gen-
erally the device-dependent software inter-
face between a device and the common,
device-independent I/O code in an operating
system.
device flags One-bit registers that record the
current status of a device.
device handler A program or routine that
drives or services an I/O device. A device
handler is similar to a device driver but pro-
vides more control and interfacing functions.
device independence The ability to request
input/output operations without regard to
the characteristics of the input/output
devices.
DeviceNet An "open" network on top of
Controller Area Network. Created by Allen
Bradley now owned and operated by Open
DeviceNet Vendors Association.
dew cell An instrument that consists of two
bare electrical wires wound spirally around
141
an electrical insulator and covered by wick-
ing that has been wetted with an aqueous
solution containing an excess of LiCl. The
dew point of the surrounding atmosphere is
determined by passing an electric current
between the two wires. This raises the tem-
perature of the LiCl solution until its vapor
pressure is the same as that of the ambient
atmosphere.
dew point 1. The temperature, referred to as
"specific pressure," at which water vapors
condense. [ISA-71.02-1991] 2. That tempera-
ture at which moisture from the vapor phase
begins to condense.
dew point
dew point (at line pressure) The dew point
value of the air at line pressure of the com-
pressed air system (usually measured at the
outlet of the dryer system or at any instru-
ment air supply source before pressure is
reduced). When presenting or referencing
dew point, the value should be given in
terms of the line pressure, for example, -40°C
(-40°F) dew point at 100 psig.
dew point recorder An instrument that
determines dew point temperature by alter-
nately heating and cooling a metal plate. It
uses a photocell to automatically detect and
record the temperature as that condensed
moisture appears and disappears on the tar-
get. Also known as "mechanized dew point
meter."
dew point temperature The temperature,
referred to as a "specific pressure," at which
water vapor condenses. [ANSI/ISA-7.0.01-
1996]
dewars Insulated, thermoslike containers for
cryogenic liquids, which can be designed to
house detectors or lasers that require cooling.
dewatering 1. The process of removing water
from solid or semisolid material—for
instance, by centrifuging, filtering, settling,
or evaporation. 2. Removing water from a
riverbed, pond, caisson, or other enclosure
through pumping or evaporation.
dewetting / diamond-pyramid hardness
dewetting Generally, the loss of surface
attraction between a solid and a liquid. Spe-
cifically, the flow of solder away from a sol-
dered joint when it is reheated.
DFA Digital fault analysis; design for assem-
bly; the discipline of synchronizing and opti-
mizing fabrication and assembly techniques.
DFM Design for manufacturing; the disci-
pline of synchronizing and optimizing fabri-
cation and assembly techniques.
Dfs Distributed file system; network version
of UNIX that provides transparent file trans-
fer capability by allowing files and other
resources attached to one system on a net-
work to be used by other systems as though
they were local resources. Also, Design for
service; the design of equipment to economi-
cally allow easy access and repair.
DGIS Direct Graphics Interchange Standard
proposed and created by Graphics Software
Systems, Inc. (GSS).
DHCP Dynamic Host Configuration Proto-
col; network protocol that allows a worksta-
tion to be assigned an IP address
dynamically from a centrally managed con-
figuration server; used in Windows™ NT
Advanced Server.
DHW Data highway for digital communica-
tions; see data highway.
diagnostic 1. Pertaining to the detection and
isolation of a malfunction or mistake. 2. A
program or other system feature that is
designed to help identify malfunctions in the
system. An aid to debugging.
diagnostic alarm An alarm that is set when-
ever the diagnostic program reports a mal-
function.
diagnostic coverage For a safety instru-
mented system (SIS) that has active fault-
detection capabilities, the ratio of detectable
faults to the total number of faults. [ANSI/
ISA-84.01-1996]
diagnostic function test (DFT) A program
for testing overall system reliability.
diagnostic message An error message in a
programming routine to help the program-
mer identify the error.
diagnostic programs 1. A troubleshooting
aid for locating hardware malfunctions in a
system. 2. A program to help users locate
coding errors in newly developed programs.
3. Computer programs that isolate equip-
ment malfunctions or programming errors.
diagnostic routine A routine that is used to
locate a malfunction in a computer or to aid
in locating mistakes in a computer program.
Thus, in general, any routine that is specifi-
cally designed to aid in debugging or trou-
142
bleshooting. Synonymous with malfunction
routine and related to debug.
diagnostics Information concerning known
failure modes and their characteristics. Such
information can be used in troubleshooting
and failure analysis to help pinpoint the
cause of a failure and to help define suitable
corrective measures.
diagnostics, or diagnostic software The pro-
gram by which a computer or other pro-
grammable device or system can literally
"check itself," in order to diagnose any
defects that may be present.
diagnostic test The running of a machine
program or routine for the purpose of dis-
covering a failure or a potential failure of a
machine element and to determine its loca-
tion or its potential location.
diagonal stay A brace that is used in fire-tube
boilers between a flat head or tube sheet and
the shell.
dial 1. Generally, any circular scale. 2. The
graduated scale adjacent to a control knob
that is used to indicate the value or relative
position of the control setting.
dial indicator 1. Any meter or gauge that
includes a graduated circular face and a piv-
oted pointer to indicate the meter or gauge's
reading. 2. A type of measuring gauge that is
used to determine fine linear measurements,
such as the radial or lateral runout of a rotat-
ing member. A feeler is rested against a sur-
face, and the change in position of a pivoted
pointer relative to the calibrated gauge face
is noted as the part is rotated. The gauge can
also be adapted to other setups where precise
relative position is to be determined.
dial network A network shared among many
users that can establish a connection with
another.
dialog box A video screen pop-up window
within a selected view that carries a message
appropriate to the actions that are occurring
and to which a response can usually be
made.
diamagnetic material A substance whose
specific permeability is less than 1.00 and is
therefore weakly repelled by a magnetic
field.
diamond-pyramid hardness A material
hardness that is determined by indenting a
specimen with a diamond-pyramid indenter,
which has a 136 angle between opposite
faces. A hardness number is then calculated
by dividing the indenting load by the pyra-
midal area of the impression. Also known as
"Vickers hardness."
 diamond-turned mirror / dictionary

diamond-turned mirror A mirror in which

the surface has been formed by machining
away material with a diamond tool.
diaphragm 1. A sensing element that consists
of a thin, usually circular, plate that is
deformed by pressure differential applied
across the plate. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)] See
illustration. 2. A thin, flexible disk that is
supported around the edges and whose cen-
ter is allowed to move in a direction perpen-
dicular to the plane of the disk. A diaphragm
is used for a wide variety of purposes, such
as detecting or reproducing sound waves,
keeping two fluids separate while transmit-
ting pressure or motion between them, or
producing a mechanical or electrical signal
that is proportional to the deflection pro-
duced by differential pressure across the dia-
phragm. 3. A partition of metal or other
material placed in a header, duct, or pipe to
separate portions thereof.

Diaphragm Sensor
diaphragm actuator A fluid-powered device
in which the fluid acts upon a flexible com-
ponent, called the diaphragm. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
diaphragm motor A diaphragm mechanism
that is used to position a pneumatically oper-
ated control element in response to the action
of a pneumatic controller or pneumatic posi-
tioning relay.
diaphragm seal A thin flexible sheet of mate-
rial that is clamped between two body halves
to form a physical barrier between the instru-
ment and process fluid.
diaphragm valve See body, weir type. [ANSI/
ISA-75.05.01-2000]
DIAT Direction Impulse Adjusting Type pro-
cess control output (pulsed signal).
DIB Device-independent bitmap format for
saving graphics in electronic memory; used
Diaphragm Valve
for exchanging data between computers.
Also, directory information base, for direc-
tory services.
dibit Group of two bits providing four possi-
ble states: 00, 01, 10, 11.
dibit A grouping of two bits (i.e., 00, 01, 10,
11).
dichroic filter A filter that selectively trans-
mits some wavelengths of light and reflects
others. Typically, such filters are based on
multilayer interference coatings.
dichromate treatment A technique for pro-
ducing a corrosion-resistant conversion coat-
ing on magnesium parts by boiling them in a
sodium dichromate solution.
dictionary A list of code names used in a
computer routine or system together with

143
die / differential pressure
their intended meaning in that routine or
system.
die A tool, usually containing at least one
cavity, that imparts shape to either solid,
molten, or powdered metal or to elastomers
or plastics, primarily because of the shape of
the tool itself. A die is used together with a
punch or a matching die in such operations
as stamping, forging, forming, blanking, die
casting, plastics molding, and coining. In cer-
tain operations—die casting, powder metal-
lurgy, and plastics forming, for instance—
dies are sometimes referred to as "molds."
die casting 1. A casting process in which mol-
ten metal is forced under pressure into the
cavity of a metal mold. 2. A part made
through this process.
dielectric An insulating material, or a mate-
rial that can sustain an electric field with
very little dissipation of power.
dielectric absorption The persistence of elec-
tric polarization in certain dielectrics after
the discharge of a capacitor.
dielectric coating An optical coating that is
made up of one or more layers of dielectric
(nonconductive) materials. The layer struc-
ture determines what fractions of incident
light at various wave lengths are transmitted
and reflected.
dielectric constant A material characteristic
that is expressed as the capacitance between
two plates when the intervening space is
filled with a given insulating material
divided by the capacitance of the same plate
arrangement when the space is filled with air
or is evacuated.
dielectric strength See breakdown voltage rat-
ing and insulation resistance.
DIF Data Interchange Format; method of sav-
ing data to electronic memory expressly for
exchanging data between computers.
difference equation An equation that
expresses a functional relationship among
one or more independent variables, one or
more functions dependent on these vari-
ables, and the successive differences between
these functions.
difference limen The increment in a stimulus
that is barely noticed in a specified fraction of
independent observations where the same
increment is imposed.
differential 1. Any arrangement of epicyclic
gears that allows two driven shafts to revolve
at different speeds. The speed of the main
driving shaft is the algebraic mean of the
speeds of the driven shafts. Also known as
"differential gear." 2. For an on/off controller,
differential refers to the difference between
144
the point where the controller is triggered off
and the point where it is triggered back on.
Also known as control dead band or neutral
zone. If the differential is too narrow, it can
cause "chatter," which will cause high wear
on components. If too wide, it causes poor
control. With proportional control, the differ-
ential effect is usually averaged out and is of
little consequence.
differential amplifier A device that com-
pares two input signals and amplifies the dif-
ference between them.
differential analyzer A computer (usually
analog) that is designed and used primarily
to solve many types of differential equations.
differential delay The difference between the
maximum and the minimum frequency
delays occurring across a band.
differential gain The amplification factor of a
differential amplifier for a signal between its
inputs.
differential gap The smallest increment of
change in a controlled variable that is
required to cause the final control element in
a two-position control system to move from
one position to its alternative position.
differential gap control See control, differen-
tial gap.
differential input 1. The difference between
the instantaneous values of two voltages that
are biased by a common mode voltage. 2. To
a signal conditioner: an input in which both
sides are isolated from the chassis and power
supply ground. The signal is applied as a dif-
ferential voltage across the two sides. 3. Dif-
ferential input allows an analog-to-digital
converter to measure the difference between
two input signals.
differential instrument Any instrument that
has an output signal or indication that is pro-
portional to the algebraic difference between
two input signals.
differential mode interference See interfer-
ence, normal mode.
differential modulation A type of signal
modulation in which the value that is
assigned to any bit or dibit is dependent on
the value of the previous signal element.
differential motion A mechanism in which
the net motion of a single driven element is
the difference between motions that would
be imparted by each of two driving elements
acting alone.
differential pressure 1. The difference in
static pressure between two identical pres-
sure taps at the same elevation, which are
located in two different locations in a device.
2. The difference in pressure between two
 differential pressure gauge / diffuse-field response
points of measurement. 3. The static pressure
difference that is generated by the primary
device when there is no difference in elevation
between the upstream and downstream pres­
sure taps.
differential pressure gauge Any of several
instruments that is designed to measure the
difference in pressure between two enclosed
spaces, independent of their absolute pres­
sures.
differential pressure transmitter Any of sev­
eral transducers designed to measure the
pressure difference between two points in a
process and to transmit a signal proportional
to this difference, without regard to the abso­
lute pressure at either point.
differential pressure-type liquid level
meter Any of several devices designed to
measure the head of liquid in a tank above
some minimum level and to produce an indi­
cation that is proportional to this value.
Alternatively, the meter can measure and
similarly display the head below some maxi­
mum level.
differential producer A measuring element
that is inserted into a process flow path and
used to create a pressure drop that is propor­
tional to the square of the volumetric flow
rate. [ANSI/ISA-77.13.01-1999]
differential quantum efficiency Used to
describe the quantum efficiency in devices
that have nonlinear output/input character­
istics. The slope of the characteristic curve is
the differential quantum efficiency.
differential screw A type of compound
screw that produces a motion that is equal to
the difference in motion between the two
components of the compound screw.
differential windlass A windlass that has a
barrel consisting of two sections of different
diameter. The pulling rope passes around
one section, then through a pulley and
around the other section. The pulley is
attached to the load.
differentiation 1. The act of taking a deriva­
tive. 2. A mathematical process for convert­
ing displacement into velocity and velocity
into acceleration. In a fast Fourier transform
(FFT) spectrum analyzer, a single differentia­
tion is represented by multiplying by jω.
differentiator A device whose output func­
tion is proportional to the derivative, that is,
the rate of change, of its input function with
respect to one or more variables (usually
with respect to time).
diffracted beam In X-ray crystallography, a
beam of radiation that is composed of a large
145
number of scattered rays mutually reinforc­
ing one another.
diffracted wave The wave component that
exists in the primary propagation medium
after an interaction between the wave and a
discontinuity or a second medium. The dif­
fracted wave coexists in the primary medium
with incident waves and with waves that are
reflected from suitable plane boundaries.
diffraction 1. The deviation of light from the
paths and foci that are prescribed by rectilin­
ear propagation. The phenomenon that is
responsible for the bright and dark bands
found within a geometrical shadow. 2. A
phenomenon that is associated with the scat­
tering of waves when they encounter obsta­
cles whose size is about the same order of
magnitude as the wavelength. In effect, each
scattering point produces a secondary wave
that is superimposed on the unscattered por­
tion of the incident wave. The intensity of the
scattered wave varies with the direction from
the scattering point. Diffraction effects form
the basis of X-ray crystallography, and they
also tend to produce aberrations that must be
dealt with in designing and constructing
high-quality acoustical and optical systems.
diffraction grating An array of fine, parallel,
equally spaced reflecting or transmitting
lines that diffract light into a direction that is
characteristic of the spacing of the lines and
the wavelength of the diffracted light.
diffraction-limited beamA beam with a
far-field spot size that is dependent only on
the theoretical diffraction limit. This limit is
the function of output wavelength divided
by the diameter of the output aperture.
diffraction X-ray machine An apparatus that
consists of an X-ray tube, power supply, con­
trols, and auxiliary equipment and used in
the study of crystals, semiconductors, and
polymeric materials.
diffused-semiconductor strain gauge A
component used in manufacturing transduc­
ers (principally, diaphragm-type pressure
transducers) that consists of a slice of silicon
about 2.5 to 22 mm in diameter, into which
an impurity element such as boron has been
diffused. Modern photolithographic-mask­
ing techniques make it possible to simulta­
neously produce hundreds of full four-arm
Wheatstone bridge patterns, complete with
leadwire soldering pads, on a single slice of
silicon about 50 to 75 mm (2 to 3 in.) in diam­
eter.
diffuse-field response A frequency response
of a piezoelectric sound-pressure transducer

diffuser / digitalization
in which the sound emanates from random
directions . [ISA-37.10-1982 (R1995)]
diffuser 1. A duct, chamber, or enclosure in
which a low-pressure, high-velocity flow of a
fluid, usually air, is converted into high-pres-
sure, low-velocity flow. 2. As applied to oil or
gas burners, a metal plate with openings
placed so as to protect the fuel spray from
high-velocity air while admitting sufficient
air to promote the ignition and combustion
of fuel. Sometimes termed impeller.
diffusion 1. A process by which the atmo-
sphere being monitored is transported by
natural random molecular movement to and
from the gas-sensing element. [ANSI/ISA-
92.02.01, Part 1-1998; ANSI/ISA-92.03.01-
1998; ANSI/ISA-92.04.01, Part 1-1996; ISA-
92.06.01-1998] 2. The conversion of gas-flow
velocity into static pressure, as in the diffuser
casing of a centrifugal fan. 3. The movement
of ions from a point of high concentration to a
point of low concentration. 4. The spontane-
ous migration of atoms, molecules, or ions,
under the driving force of compositional dif-
ferences, in which only the energy of thermal
excitation is used to cause atom movements.
diffusion pump A vacuum pump in which a
stream of heavy particles such as oil or mer-
cury vapors carries gas molecules out of the
vacuum chamber
digit 1. A character that is used to represent
one of the nonnegative integers smaller than
the radix. For example, in decimal notation,
one of the characters from 0 to 9. [ISA-
RP55.1-1975 (R1983)] Synonymous with
"numeric character." 2. See binary digit, equiv-
alent binary digits, sign position, and significant
digits.
digital 1. Referring to communications proce-
dures, techniques, and equipment by which
information is encoded as either binary " 1 "
or "0." The representation of information in
discrete binary form, discontinuous in time.
2. A term applied to a signal or device that
uses binary digits to represent continuous val-
ues or discrete states. 3. Pertaining to data that
is in the form of digits. Contrast with analog.
[ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)] 4. A method of
measurement that uses precise quantities to
represent variables. 5. Binary. 6. A reference to
the representation of data by discrete pulses,
as in the presence or absence of a signal level
to indicate the 1s and 0s of binary data. 7. A
type of readout in which the data is displayed
as discrete, fully informed alphanumeric char-
acters.
digital backup An alternate method of digi-
tal process control that is initiated by using
146
Next Page
special-purpose digital logic when the com-
puter system fails.
digital computer 1. A computing device that
uses numerical digits to represent all vari-
ables discretely. 2. A computer in which dis-
crete representation of data is mainly used. 3.
A computer that operates on discrete data by
performing arithmetic and logic processes on
them. Contrast with analog computer.
digital control Automatic process control
loops performed by digital control devices,
such as a computer, microcomputer, or
microprocessor. Compare with analog control.
digital controller A control device that con-
sists of a microprocessor together with asso-
ciated A / D input converters and D/A
output converters. A digital controller
receives one or more analog inputs that are
related to current process variables, uses the
digitized information to compute an output
signal using a predetermined control algo-
rithm, and converts the result into an analog
signal that operates the final control element.
The digital controller device also may be
adapted to furnish additional outputs such
as alarms, totalizer signals, and displays.
digital data Data that is represented in dis-
crete discontinuous form, as contrasted with
analog data, which is represented in continu-
ous form. Digital data is usually represented
by means of coded characters, for example,
numbers, signs, symbols, and so on.
Digital Data Communications Message Proto-
col (DDCMP) A character-oriented com-
munications protocol standard.
digital delay generator An electronic instru-
ment that can be programmed digitally to
delay a signal by a specific interval time-
delay generator.
digital differential analyzer 1. An incremen-
tal computer in which the principal type of
computing unit is a digital integrator, which
operates much like an integrating mecha-
nism. 2. A differential analyzer that repre-
sents analog quantities digitally.
digital filter An algorithm that reduces
undesirable frequencies in the signal.
digital indicator A device that displays the
value of a measured variable in digitized
form. In most instances, the measurement
range is not displayed simultaneously, which
is considered an inherent disadvantage.
digital input A number value input. See
input, digital.
digitalization The process of transforming an
analog (video) signal into digital informa-
tion.
Previous Page
digital logic / dimensional stability
digital logic A signal level is represented as a
number value with a most significant and
least significant bit. Binary digital logic uses
numbers that consist of strings of 1s and 0s.
digital manometer A manometer that is
equipped with a sonar device that measures
column height and produces a digitized dis-
play.
digital motor See stepping motor.
digital multimeter (DMM) An instrument
that measures resistance, AC and DC volt-
age, and current in several selectable ranges
and displays the results in numeric form.
digital multiplexer A data selection device
that permits multiple groups of digital
devices to share a common information path,
such as from a computer CPU to any of sev-
eral groups of digital output devices.
digital output Transducer output that repre-
sents the magnitude of the measurand
through a series of discrete quantities coded
in a system of notation. Note: Digital output
is distinguished from analog output. [ISA-
37.1-1975 (R1982]
digital panel meter (DPM) A panel-mounted
instrument that displays the value of a single
type of measurement in numeric form.
digital readout An electrically powered
device that interprets a continuously variable
signal and displays its amplitude, or another
signal attribute, as a series of numerals or
other characters. These numerals or charac-
ters correspond to the measured value and
can be read directly. The accuracy of mea-
surement is limited by the decimal position
of the rightmost character in the display
rather than by characteristics of the measure-
ment circuit alone.
digital recorder An instrument that records
data in digital form.
digital resolution The value of the least sig-
nificant digit in a digitally coded representa-
tion.
digital scrubbing In video development, the
process of reading back and forth over a
small portion of audio to locate a precise edit
point. Same as "audio scrubbing."
digital service unit The interface between a
user's data terminal equipment and a digital
data service, usually through a channel ser-
vice unit.
digital signal See signal, digital.
digital speed transducer See digital tachome-
ter.
digital storage oscilloscope (DSO) An oscil-
loscope that digitizes an input signal and
stores the data in memory for later display or
analysis.
147
digital subset See data set.
digital tachometer Any of several instru-
ments that are designed to determine rota-
tional speed and display the indication in
digital form.
digital-to-analog converter (D/A or DAC) 1.
A device or subsystem that converts binary
(digital) data into continuous analog data, as,
for example, to drive actuators of various
types, motor-speed controllers, and so on.
2. An electronic device that converts a
binary-coded word into an analog voltage
that is proportional to the binary value of
that word.
digital valve A single valve casing that con-
tains multiple solenoid valves whose flow
capacities vary in binary sequence (1, 2, 4, 8,
16,...). To regulate flow, the control device
sends operating signals to various combina-
tions of the solenoids. Applications of digital
valves are limited to very clean fluids at
moderate temperatures and pressures, but
within these limitations precise flow control
and rapid response are possible. An eight-
element valve, for example, yields flow reso-
lution of 0.39 percent (1 part in 256).
digitize To convert an analog measurement
of a physical variable into a numerical value,
thereby expressing the quantity in digital
form. See analog-to-digital converter.
digitized signal The representation of infor-
mation by a set of discrete values, in accor-
dance with a prescribed law. Every discrete
value represents a definite range of the origi-
nal undigitized signal. See analog-to-digital
converter.
digitized typesetting In typographic imag-
ing, the process of creating typographic char-
acters and symbols by arranging pixels.
digitizer A device that converts an analog
measurement into digital form.
dilatant substance A material that flows
under low shear stress but whose rate of flow
decreases with increasing shear stress.
dilatometer An apparatus for accurately
measuring the thermal expansion of materi-
als.
dilution 1. Adding solvent to a solution to
lower its concentration. 2. Melting low-alloy
base metal or previously deposited weld
metal into high-alloy filler metal so as to pro-
duce a weld deposit of intermediate compo-
sition.
dimensional stability The ability of a mate-
rial to retain its size and shape over an
extended period of time under a defined set
of environmental conditions, especially tem-
perature.
dimetcote / direct current plasma display panel (DCPDP)
dimetcote An inorganic zinc coating that is
composed of two materials--a reactive liquid
and a finely divided powder—which are
mixed together. The mixture reacts in place
with a steel surface to form an insoluble coat-
ing.
diminished radix complement A number
that is obtained by subtracting each digit of
the given number from one less than the
radix. Typical examples are the nines-com-
plement in decimal notation and the
ones-complement in binary notation.
DIN Deutsches Industrie Norms; Deutsches
Institut für Normung e.V. (Germany). Ger-
man industrial standards often used interna-
tionally.
diode Any electronic device that has only
two electrodes and a voltage characteristic
that allows AC current to pass only in the
forward direction (as in a flow check valve).
diode laser A laser in which stimulated emis-
sion is produced at a p-n junction in a semi-
conductor material. Only certain materials
are suited for diode-laser operation, among
them gallium arsenide, indium phosphide,
and certain lead salts.
diode laser array A device in which the out-
put of several diode lasers is brought
together in one beam. The lasers may be inte-
grated into the same substrate, or discrete
devices may be coupled optically and elec-
tronically.
diopter A measurement of the refractive
power of a lens that is equal to the reciprocal
of the focal length in meters. A lens with a
20-centimeter focal length has the power of
five diopters, while one with a 2-meter focal
length has a power of 0.5 diopter.
DIP Dust-ignition-proof; dual in-line pack-
age, standard for or package for integrated
circuits ranging in size from 8 to 48 pins.
dip brazing Producing a brazed joint by
immersing the assembly in a bath of hot mol-
ten chemicals or hot metal. A chemical bath
may provide the brazing flux. Molten metal
may provide the brazing alloy.
dip coating Covering the surface of a part by
immersing it in a bath that contains the coat-
ing material.
dip needle A device for indicating the angle,
in a vertical plane, between a magnetic field
and the horizontal plane.
dipole antenna A center-fed antenna that is
approximately half as long as the wave-
length of the radio waves it is primarily
intended to transmit or receive.
dip soldering A process that is similar to dip
brazing but uses a lower-melting filler metal.
148
DIP switches Miniature circuit switches in a
DIP (dual in-line) configuration that are
mounted on circuit boards.
dip tube See bubble tube.
direct access The retrieval or storage of data
by referring to its location on a volume,
rather than by its location relative to the pre-
viously retrieved or stored data.
direct-access device See random access device.
direct-access storage device (DASD) A data
storage unit on which data can be accessed
directly at random without having to
progress through a serial file such as tape. A
disk unit is a direct-access storage device.
direct-acting controller See controller, direct-
acting.
direct-acting recorder A recorder in which
the pen or other writing device is directly
connected to, or directly operated by, the pri-
mary sensor.
direct acting valve A valve that travels to the
closed position when the signal increases.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
direct action 1. A controller in which the
value of the output signal increases as the
value of the input (measured variable or con-
trolled variable) increases. 2. An actuator that
extends the actuator stem when the power
supply increases.
direct address An address that indicates the
location at which the referenced operand is
to be found or stored with no reference to an
index register. Synonymous with first-level
address.
direct addressing An addressing mode in
which the instruction operand specifies the
location of the data to be used.
direct code A code that specifies the use of
actual computer command and address con-
figurations.
direct-connected An arrangement whereby a
meter or other driving mechanism is con-
nected to a driven mechanism without inter-
vening gears, pulleys, or other
speed-changing devices.
direct coupling The act of associating two
circuits through the capacitance, resistance,
or self-inductance that is common to them.
direct-current amplifier An amplifier that is
designed to amplify signals of infinitesimally
small frequency.
direct current plasma display panel
(DCPDP) A type of liquid crystal display
(LCD) that operates through the emission of
photons from gas that has been ionized by
electric charge when electrodes are exposed
to working gas. DCPDPs have lower driving
voltages than alternating current plasma dis-
 direct digital control (DDC) / direct numerical control (DNC)
plays (ACPDPs), but their luminescence
diminishes over time because of electrode
deterioration. Compare with alternating cur-
rent plasma display panel (ACPDP).
direct digital control (DDC) 1. A computer
control technique in which the final control
element's position is set directly by the com-
puter output. 2. A control system in which
the computer carries out the functions that
are normally performed by conventional
controllers, for example, three-term control.
3. A term that is used to imply that a digital
controller is connected directly to a final con-
trol element or actuator in a manufacturing
process. An example would be a valve in a
process stream or an electric drive motor that
is mechanically operating on a process. The
term direct digital control is used to distin-
guish this control from analog control. 4. A
method of control in which all control out-
puts are generated by the computer directly,
with no other intelligence between the cen-
tral computer and the process being con-
trolled. See analog control.
direct distance dialing (DDD) A telephone
system that allows users to call subscribers
outside their local area without operator
assistance.
direct drive Any powered mechanism whose
driven portion is on the same shaft as the
driving portion or is coupled directly to the
driving portion.
direct entry 1. In computing and data pro-
cessing, inputting data directly to computer
memory and disk. This contrasts with to ear-
lier methods of keying to punched cards,
which were then read into a computer. 2. In
engineering, a method for connecting an
electrical apparatus to the external circuits by
means of the connecting facilities inside the
main enclosure or in a terminal compartment
that has a free opening to the main enclosure.
(IEV 426-04-07) [ANSI/ISA-12.22.01-1998
(IEC 60079-7 Mod)]
direct extensions A device that indicates the
flow rate when the user views the position of
the extension of the metering float within a
glass extension tube.
direction The act of having the person who is
qualified to perform a task physically
present when the task is performed or in con-
tinuous communication with the person who
is performing the task. [ANSI/ISA-67.14.01-
2000]
directional control valve A valve whose
chief function is to control the direction of
flow within a fluid system.
149
directional coupler A device for separately
sampling either the forward or backward
oscillations in a transmission line. A fiber-
optic coupler is directional if it preferentially
transmits light in one direction.
directional gyroscope A navigational instru-
ment for indicating direction. It contains a
free gyroscope that holds its position in azi-
muth, thus allowing the instrument scale to
indicate deviation from the reference direc-
tion.
directional property Any mechanical or
physical property of a material whose value
varies with the orientation of the test axis
within the test specimen.
direction of polarization The direction of the
electric field vector of an electromagnetic
wave.
direction of propagation The direction of
average energy flow with respect to time at
any point in a homogeneous, isotropic
medium.
directive An operator command that is rec-
ognized by computer software.
directivity The solid angle, or the angle in a
specified plane, over which sound or radiant
energy on a transducer is measured within
specified tolerances in a specified band of
measurand frequencies. [ISA-37.1-1975
(R1982)]
directivity characteristic (directional response
pattern) A plot of the sensitivity level of a
piezoelectric sound-pressure transducer ver-
sus the angle of sound incidence on that
transducer's sensing element relative to the
sensitivity level in a specified direction and
at a specified frequency. [ISA-37.10-1982
(R1995)]
directly controlled system See system, directly
controlled.
directly controlled variable See variable,
directly controlled.
direct memory access (DMA) 1. A method of
fast data transfer between the peripherals
and the computer memory. The transfer does
not involve the CPU. 2. Direct memory
access pertains to hardware that enables data
to be entered into computer memory without
involving the CPU. This is the method used
by most telemetry and computer systems.
direct multiplex control See control, direct
multiplex.
direct numerical control (DNC) A distrib-
uted numerical control system in which the
supervisory computer controls several CNC
(computer numerical control) or NC (numer-
ical control) machines.
directory / discrete increment
directory 1. A file that contains the layout for
each field of the record that it describes. 2.
The layout of a record within a file. 3. A table
that contains the names of, and pointers to,
files on a mass-storage device.
directory device A mass-storage retrieval
device such as disk that contains a directory
of the files stored on the device.
directory service The network management
function that provides all the addressing
information required to access an application
process. See PSAP address.
direct power generation Any method for
producing electric power directly from ther-
mal or chemical energy without first convert-
ing it into mechanical energy. Examples of
direct power generation include thermopiles,
primary batteries, and fuel cells.
direct process piping The piping between
the process and the control center that con-
tains process fluid. [ISA-RP60.9-1981]
direct-reading gauge Any instrument that
indicates a measured value directly rather
than by inference. Examples include indicat-
ing liquid level by means of a sight glass
partly filled with liquid from the tank or by
means of a pointer directly connected to a
float in the tank.
direct record In instrumentation tape, the
mode in which tape magnetization is directly
related to data voltage level.
direct storage access (DSA) See access, direct
storage.
direct storage access channel (DSAC) A
channel for providing direct access to stor-
age. See access, direct storage, and channel
[ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)]
direct wave A wave that is propagated
through space without relying on the proper-
ties of any gas or other substance occupying
the space.
direct-writing recorder A pen-and-ink
recorder in which the position of the pen on
the chart is controlled directly by a mechani-
cal link to the coil of a galvanometer or indi-
rectly by a motor controlled by the
galvanometer.
DIS Draft international standard; ISO stan-
dard status that has been registered and
numbered but not yet given final approval.
DCE Independent Sublayer
disable 1. To remove or inhibit a computer
hardware or software feature. 2. To disallow
the processing of an established interrupt
until interrupts are enabled. Contrast with
enable. See also disarm.
150
disarm To cause an interrupt to be com-
pletely ignored. Contrast with arm. See also
disable.
disassemble To reduce an assembly to its
component parts by loosening or removing
threaded fasteners, pins, clips, snap rings, or
other mechanical devices. In most instances,
disassembly is done for such purposes as
cleaning, inspections, maintenance, or repair
and is followed by reassembly.
discharge head The pressure at which a
pump discharges freely to the atmosphere,
usually measured as feet of water above the
intake level.
disconnect 1. To disengage the apparatus
used in a connection and to restore it to its
ready condition when not in use. 2. To disen-
gage the linkage between an interrupt and a
designated interrupt servicing program. See
connect.
disconnect signal A signal transmitted from
one end of a transmission line that indicates
to the device on the other end that the con-
nection should be terminated.
disconnect switch An electrical switch for
interrupting the power supplied to a
machine. It is usually separate from the
machine controls (often mounted nearby on
the wall) and serves mainly to deenergize the
equipment to ensure safety during setup or
maintenance.
discontinuity Any feature within a bulk solid
that acts as a free surface. A discontinuity
may be a crack, lap, seam, pore, or other
physical defect, or it may be a sharp bound-
ary between the normal structure and an
inclusion or other second phase. A disconti-
nuity may or may not impair the usefulness
of a part.
discrete 1. Pertaining to distinct elements or
to representation by means of distinct ele-
ments, such as characters. 2. In data process-
ing, data that are organized into specific
parts. 3. Referring to an individual bit from a
selected word. 4. Discrete manufacturing
refers to the manufacture of distinct products
or parts.
discrete component circuit A circuit that is
implemented by use of individual transis-
tors, resistors, diodes, capacitors, and so on.
Contrast with integrated circuit.
discrete control (control, discrete) On/off
control. One of the two output values is
equal to zero.
discrete increment An increment that pro-
vides an output that represents the magni-
tude of the measurand in the form of discrete
or quantized values. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]

discrete input 1. Inputs that have a separate
and distinct identity. 2. A digital input that is
either on or off.
discrete manufacturing The production of
individual (discrete) items (e.g., automobiles,
electronic devices).
discrete output 1. Outputs that have a sepa-
rate and distinct identity. 2. A digital output
that is either on or off. 3. On/off control.
discrete part manufacturing A manufactur-
ing process that produces discrete parts in
comparatively small lots or batches of one to
perhaps fifty thousand.
discrete programming See integer program-
ming.
discrete value A variable that has only two
states: " 1 " (true, on) or "0" (false, off).
discriminator A circuit that selects signals
with a particular range of amplitude or fre-
quency and rejects all others. Also, a circuit
that converts a frequency-modulated or
phase-modulated signal into an amplitude-
modulated signal.
disdrometer An apparatus that is capable of
measuring and recording the size distribu-
tion of raindrops in the atmosphere.
disengage To intentionally pull apart two
normally meshing or interlocking parts, such
as gears or splines, especially for the purpose
of interrupting the transmission of mechani-
cal power.
disengaging surface The surface of the boiler
water from which steam is released.
dish antenna An antenna in which a parab-
ola-shaped "dish" serves as the reflector to
increase antenna gain.
dishing A metal-forming operation that
forms a shallow concave surface.
disinfectant A chemical agent that destroys
microorganisms, bacteria, and viruses or ren-
ders them inactive.
disk [Eng] 1. In engineering, an essentially
flat, circular-shaped part that modifies the
flow rate through either linear or rotary
motion. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000] [Comp] 2.
In computing, a high-speed rotating mag-
netic platter for storing computer data.
disk brake A mechanical brake in which the
friction elements, normally called "pads,"
press against opposite sides of a spinning
disk, which is attached to the rotating ele-
ment so as to slow or stop its motion.
disk cam A flat cam with a contoured edge
that rotates about an axis perpendicular to
the plane of the cam. It communicates radial
linear motion to a follower that rides on the
edge of the cam.
151
discrete input / DISOSS
disk clutch A device for engaging or disen-
gaging a connection between two shafts. The
chief clutch element is a pair of disks, one
coupled to each shaft, that when engaged
transmit power by means of disk-face linings
made of friction materials.
disk coupling A flexible coupling in which
power and motion is transmitted by means
of a disk that is made of elastomeric or other
flexible material.
disk directory A table for storing the location
of files held on the disk.
disk drive 1. The mechanism that moves the
disk in a disk storage unit, usually including
the spindle, drive motor, read-record heads,
and head-actuating mechanism. The term
disk drive is sometimes used to include the
logic control unit and other electronic circuits
that are part of the drive unit. 2. A device
that reads and writes computer data on
disks.
diskette A round, flat, flexible platter that is
coated with magnetic material and used for
storing software or data.
disk formatting See format.
disk map The organization of information
stored on disks.
disk meter A flow-measurement device that
contains a nutating disk mounted in such a
way that each time the disk nutates, a known
volume of fluid passes through the meter.
disk operating system (DOS) A set of pro-
grams that instruct a disk-based computing
system to operate equipment through appli-
cations programs. The DOS also manages the
computing system's resources, such as track-
ing, saving, and retrieving files; allocating
storage space; and so on.
disk pack A large disk with very high stor-
age capacity.
disk server A mass storage device that can be
accessed by several computers, thus making
possible the sharing of stored data.
disk spring A mechanical spring that con-
sists of a dished circular plate and washer.
The spring is supported in such a way that
one opposing force is distributed uniformly
around the periphery, and the second acts at
the center. Washer-type disk springs are
sometimes known as "Belleville washers."
disk valve A valve that has a closure member
consisting of a disk that moves with a rotary
or linear motion against a stationary disk.
Each disk has flow passages through it.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
DISOSS Distributed office support system;
server portion of client/server facility for
handling e-mail.
dispatching priority / display
dispatching priority A number that is
assigned to tasks to determine the prece-
dence in which the central processing unit
may be used in a multitask situation.
dispersing prism A prism that is designed to
spread out the wavelengths of light so as to
form a spectrum.
dispersion 1. Any process that breaks up an
inhomogeneous, lumpy mixture and con-
verts it into a smooth paste or suspension in
which the particles of the solid component are
more uniform and small in size. 2. Breaking
up globs of oil and mixing them into water to
make an emulsion. 3. Intentionally breaking
up concentrations of objects or substances and
scattering them over a wide area. 4. The pro-
cess by which an electromagnetic signal is dis-
torted because the various frequency
components of that signal have different
propagation characteristics. 5. The relation-
ship between refractive index and frequency
(or wavelength). 6. In wave mechanics, linear
dispersion is the rate of change of distance
along a spectrum with frequency, whereas
reciprocal linear dispersion is the rate of
change of frequency with distance along a
spectrum. 7. Dispersion is a general term for
those phenomena that cause light to broaden
or spread as it propagates through optical
fiber. The three types of dispersion are
modal, material, and waveguide.
dispersion-limited operation An operation
in which the dispersion of the pulse, rather
than its amplitude, limits the distance
between repeaters. In this regime of opera-
tion, waveguide and material dispersion pre-
clude an intelligent decision on the presence
or absence of a pulse.
displacement 1. The change in position of a
body or point with respect to a reference
point. Note: Position is the spatial location of
a body or point with respect to a reference
point. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)] 2. The volume
that is swept out by a piston as it moves
inside a cylinder from one extreme of its
stroke to the other. 3. For a reciprocating
engine, pump, or compressor, the volume
that is swept out by one piston as it moves
from top dead center to bottom dead center,
multiplied by the number of cylinders. 4. The
act of forcing a fluid or granular substance to
move out of a cavity or tube by forcing more
of the substance in or by means of a piston or
inflatable bladder that moves or expands
into the space.
displacement antiresonance A condition of
antiresonance in which the external sinusoi-
dal excitation is a force, and the specified
152
response is displacement at the point where
the force is applied.
displacement meter A meter that measures
the amount of a material flowing through a
system by recording the number of times a
vessel or cavity of known volume is filled
and emptied.
displacement resonance A condition of reso-
nance in which the external sinusoidal exci-
tation is a force, and the specified response is
displacement at the point where the force is
applied.
displacement transducer,
noncontact Usually a probe-type configu-
ration that operates on eddy current princi-
ples. A noncontact displacement transducer
is a small system made up of a probe, exten-
sion cable, and oscillator demodulator. The
oscillator/demodulator excites the probe,
which is a coil of wire, through the extension
cable, at a radio frequency of approximately
1.5 MHz. This produces a magnetic field
radiating from the tip of the probe. When the
probe tip is brought near to a conductive
material, eddy currents are induced at the
surface of the material, which extracts energy
from the probe's excitation and decreases its
amplitude. Thus, as the distance (probe tip to
conductive surface) changes, the probe's
excitation amplitude changes, and a DC volt-
age from the oscillator demodulator changes
proportionally.
displacement-type density meter A device
that measures liquid density by means of a
float and balance beam and is used in con-
junction with a pneumatic sensing system.
The float is confined within a small chamber
through which the test liquid continually
flows, so that density variations with time
can be determined.
displacer-type liquid-level detector A
device for determining liquid level by means
of force measurements on a cylindrical ele-
ment that is partly submerged in the liquid
in a vessel. As the level in the vessel rises and
falls, the displacement (buoyant) force on the
cylinder varies and is measured by the lever
system, torque tube, or other force measure-
ment device.
displacer-type meter An apparatus for
detecting liquid level or determining gas
density by measuring the effect of the fluid
on the buoyancy of a displacer unit
immersed in it.
display 1. A visual presentation of data. 2. In
data processing, the visible representation of
data on a screen.
 display station / distortion analyzer
display station The location of the video
screen, keyboard, and related equipment,
from which the plant or process can be moni-
tored and perhaps operated.
display tube A cathode ray tube that is used
to display information.
display unit A device that provides a tempo-
rary visual representation of data. Compare
hard copy. See also cathode ray tube.
dissector tube A camera tube that produces
an output signal by moving the elec-
tron-optical image, formed by photoelectric
emission on a continuous photocathode sur-
face, past an aperture.
dissipation constant A ratio for a thermistor
that relates change in internal power dissipa-
tion to the resultant change of body tempera-
ture.
dissociation The process by which a chemical
compound breaks down into simpler constit-
uents, as the CO 2 and H 2 O, at high tempera-
ture.
dissolve In video development, any of sev-
eral scene transitions that involve a gradual
decrease or increase in opacity of a film clip
relative to another clip, graphic, or matte.
dissolved gases Gases that are "in solution"
in water.
dissolved solids Those solids in water that
are in solution.
dissymmetrical transducer A transducer in
which interchanging at least one pair of spec-
ified terminals will change the output signal
that is delivered when the input signal
remains the same.
distance through casting compound The
shortest distance through a casting com-
pound (for example, epoxy resin) between
two conductive parts. [ISA-12.02.01-1999(IEC
60079-11 Mod)]
distance through filling material The short-
est distance through a filling material
between two conductive parts. [ANSI/ISA-
12.25.01-1998(IEC 79-05 Mod)]
distance through solid insulation The short-
est distance through solid insulation (for
example, insulation that is extruded or
molded, not poured) between two conduc-
tive parts. Note 1: For the purposes of ISA
standard ISA-12.02.01-1999(IEC 60079-11
Mod), solid insulation is considered to be
prefabricated (for example, sheeting or sleev-
ing). Note 2: Varnish and similar coatings are
not considered to be solid insulation. [ISA-
12.02.01-1999(IEC 60079-11 Mod)]
distance/velocity lag A delay that is attribut-
able to the transportation of material or to the
finite rate of propagation of a signal. [ANSI/
153
ISS-51.1-1979 (R1993)] Also known as "trans-
portation lag" and "transport lag."
distillate 1. The distilled product from a frac-
tionating column. 2. The overhead product
from a distillation column. When a partial
condenser is used, both a liquid and a vapor
distillate stream may be present. 3. In the oil
and gas industry, the term distillate refers to a
specific product withdrawn from the col-
umn, usually near the bottom.
distillate fuel Any of the fuel hydrocarbons
obtained during the distillation of petroleum
that have boiling points higher than that of
gasoline.
distillation 1. A unit operation that is used to
separate a mixture into its individual chemi-
cal components. 2. The vaporization of a sub-
stance in which the vapor is subsequently
recovered by condensation. 3. Distillation is
often used in a less precise sense to refer to
the vaporization of the volatile constituents
of a fuel without subsequent condensation.
Binary Distillation Tower
distilled water Water that is produced by
vaporization and condensation with a result-
ing higher purity.
distortion 1. The deformation of signal shape
by the device or system to which it is applied.
[ISA-26-1968] 2. The extent to which a system
or component fails to reproduce accurately at
its output the characteristics of the input. 3.
An undesired change in the waveform of a
given signal. 4. A lens defect that causes the
images of straight lines to appear deformed or
non-straight. See harmonic content.
distortion analyzer An instrument that
rejects the selected fundamental frequency
and measures the remaining energy of the
spectrum.
distortion meter / diverse
distortion meter An instrument that visually
indicates the harmonic content of an audio
frequency signal.
distributed In a control system, distributed
refers to control that is achieved by intelli-
gence that is distributed about the process to
be controlled, rather than by a centrally
located single unit.
distributed communications network A
communications link among the various
(hardware) components in distributed con-
trol system. See also data highway.
Distributed Computing Environment
(DCE) A software technology licensed by
the Open Software Foundation (OSF). It pro-
vides services for distributed computing and
includes technologies for threads, remote
procedure calls, directory service, security,
time service, distributed file system, personal
computer integration, and management.
distributed control The use of multiple
microprocessors to distribute the functions of
direct digital control (DDC) (central or host
computer) so as to perform process control,
thereby distributing the risk from component
failure. Later techniques to minimize ground
loops permitted the physical distribution of
control around a plant, placing micro-
processors at various points in the process.
distributed control system (DCS) 1. That class
of instrumentation (input/output devices,
control devices, and operator interface
devices) that in addition to executing the
stated control functions also permits the trans-
mission of control, measurement, and operat-
ing information to and from one or many
user-specifiable locations, all connected by a
communication link. [ISA-5.3-1983] 2. A sys-
tem that, while being functionally integrated,
consists of subsystems that may be physically
separate and remotely located from one
another. [ANSI/ISA-5.1-1984 (R1992)] 3. A
system of dividing plant or process control
into several areas of responsibility, each man-
aged by its own controller (processor). The
whole is interconnected to form a single
entity, usually by using communication buses
of various kinds. DCS evolved from central
computer control of the 1960s and was devel-
oped initially for continuous flow processes
that required loop, analog, and limited dis-
crete control.
distributed database Relational computer
data that can be stored in more than one net-
worked computer but can be accessed
entirely by one computer.
Distributed Management Environment
(DME) The part of the Distributed Com-
154
puting Environment (DCE) that unifies the
system and network management of stand-
alone and distributed systems in a het-
erogeneous computing environment. A DME
consists of a graphical user interface (GUI)
and application services for software instal-
lation, distribution, and licensing; printer
services; and user group administration.
distributed processing The interconnection
of two or more computers so they can work
together on the same problem, not necessar-
ily under the direction of a single control pro-
gram. See also computer networking.
distributed system A group of connected
computers that share software, information,
and/or load.
distributor 1. Any device for apportioning
current or flow among various output paths.
2. In an automotive engine, a device for send-
ing an ignition spark to the individual cylin-
der in a fixed order at a rate determined by
engine speed.
disturbance An undesired change in a vari-
able being applied to a system that tends to
affect adversely the value of a controlled
variable. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
disturbance resolution The minimum
change caused by a disturbance in a mea-
sured variable that will induce a net change
of the ultimately controlled variable.
disturbance variable A measured variable
that is uncontrolled and that affects the oper-
ations of the process.
dither A useful oscillation of small magni-
tude, which is introduced to overcome the
effect of friction, hysteresis, or recorder pen
clogging. See also hunting. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-
1979 (R1993)]
dithering 1. An electronic graphics technique
in which the gap between two pixels is filled
with another pixel that has an average value
of the two surrounding pixels so as to mini-
mize the difference between their two values
or to add detail that smoothes the resulting
line. Also, the intermingling of dots of vari-
ous colors to create a color not in the palette
that supports the display being presented. 2.
The application of intermittent or oscillatory
forces that are just sufficient to minimize static
friction within the transducer. [ISA-37.1-1975
(R1982)]
divergence The spreading out of a laser beam
over distance, measured as an angle.
divergence loss The portion of energy in a
radiated beam that is lost due to nonparallel
transmission or spreading.
diverse The use of different technologies,
equipment, or design methods to perform a
 diversion valve / dominant wavelength
common function in order to minimize com-
mon cause. [ANSI/ISA-84.01-1996]
diversion valve A type of fluidic control
device that uses the Coanda effect to either
switch flow from one outlet port to another
or to proportion flow between two divergent
outlet ports.
diversity combiner A device that accepts two
radio signals from a single source, which
have been received with polarization, fre-
quency, or space diversity. It then combines
them to yield an output that is better than
either original signal.
diversity reception The use of two or more
radio receivers, each connected to different
antennas, in order to improve the signal
level. The antennas have diversity in space,
phasing, and polarity.
divider A layout tool that resembles a drafts-
man's compass and is used in toolmaking or
sheet-metal work to draw circles or arcs or to
scribe hole spacings or other linear dimen-
sions.
dividing network See crossover network.
Division 1 The classification that is assigned
to a location that has either a high probability
of a frequently or regularly occurring dust
hazardous atmosphere or a location where
the dust is electrically conductive.
Division 2 The classification assigned to a
location that has where a low probability of a
dust hazardous atmosphere occurring and/
or a high probability that a hazardous dust
layer will be present
DLC Data link control; rules (protocol) used
by two devices on a communication network
to perform the orderly exchange of informa-
tion. Also, distributed line carrier.
DLL 1. Data link layer; - Defined in ISO 7498
2.dynamic link library; unlike static libraries
in DOS, code for all functions of a program is
not copied into an executable file at link time,
but rather linking occurs at run time when
library code is joined with program code.
This allows a single DDL file to be shared by
multiple applications without increasing
memory or hard disk, so there is a standard
interface independent of languages, compil-
ers, and applications software, and so updat-
ing DDL does not require all applications to
be relinked or rebuilt.
DLT Digital linear technology; contains com-
pressed digital data, generally for the cre-
ation of commercial CDs.
DMA Direct memory access; method of mov-
ing data from a storage device to RAM with-
out the need for CPU intervention.
155
DME Distributed Management Environ-
ment; part of the Distributed Computing
Environment (DCE) that unifies the system
and network management of stand-alone
and distributed systems in a heterogeneous
computing environment; consists of graphi-
cal user interface (GUI) and application ser-
vices for software installation, software
distribution, software licensing, printer ser-
vices, and user group administration.
DMT (BvS) Deutsche Montan Technologie);
German certification and testing laboratory
for testing the equipment of different ven-
dors to some common standard.
DNA Digital Network Architecture; Digital
Equipment Corporation's layered data com-
munication protocol.
DNP Distributed Network Protocol; from
Westronics, now Harris Controls Division;
user's group formed in 1993.
document A medium and the data recorded
on it for human use, for example, a report
sheet or a book. By extension, a document
may also be any record that has permanence
and can be read by man or machine.
documentation 1. The creating, collecting,
organizing, storing, citing, and disseminat-
ing of documents or the information
recorded in them. 2. A collection of docu-
ments or information on a given subject. 3. A
term often used in specific references to
explanations of computer programs.
document management system A system
that provides for the storage, retrieval, and
manipulation of (computer) documents in a
compact space.
DOE Department of Energy (United States);
U.S. agency responsible for research and
development of energy technology.
dog Any of several simple devices for fasten-
ing, gripping, or holding.
DO loop A FORTRAN-based iterative tech-
nique that enables any number of instruc-
tions to be executed repeatedly.
domain 1. A part of computer memory that is
associated with the software component of a
resource. It may contain programs or data.
[ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-2000] 2. An organiza-
tional unit that has responsibility for naming
hosts or networks.
domain name A unique name that defines an
Internet site, such as "company.com". A
domain name always has two or more parts
that are separated by periods. The portion of
the name to the left is more specific, the por-
tion to the right more general.
dominant wavelength The wavelength of
monochromatic light that matches a given
dope / double sampling
color when it is combined in suitable propor-
tions with a standard reference light.
dope A cellulose ester lacquer that is used as
an adhesive or coating.
doped germanium A type of detector in
which impurities are added to germanium to
make the detector respond to infrared radia-
tion at wavelengths that are much longer
than those detectable by pure germanium.
doping 1. The act of adding a small amount
of a substance to a material or mixture to
achieve a special effect. 2. The process of
coating a mold or mandrel to prevent a
molded part from sticking to it.
Doppler-effect flowmeter A type of device
that uses ultrasonic techniques to determine
flow rate. A continuous ultrasonic beam is
projected across fluid flowing through the
pipe, and the difference between the inci-
dent-beam and transmitted-beam frequen-
cies provide a measure of the fluid flow rate.
Doppler shift 1. A phenomenon that causes
electromagnetic or compression waves ema-
nating from an object to have a longer wave-
length if the object moves away from an
observer than would be the case if the object
were stationary with respect to the observer.
The Doppler shift also causes electromag-
netic or compression waves to have a shorter
wavelength if the object moves toward the
observer. It is the physical phenomenon that
forms the basis for analyzing certain sonar
data and astronomical observations. 2. A
change in the wavelength of light caused by
the motion of an object emitting (or reflect-
ing) the light. Motion toward the observer
causes a shift toward shorter wavelengths,
while motion away causes a shift toward
longer wavelengths.
dose The amount of radiation received at a
specific location per unit area or unit volume,
or the amount received by the whole body.
dose rate Radiation dose per unit of time.
dose-rate meter Any of several instruments
for directly indicating radiation dose rate.
156
dosimeter (dosemeter) Any of several instru-
ments for directly measuring the total dose
of radiation received in a given period.
dot An individual element of a halftone. It
can be as small as a pixel in screen displays.
dot generator A test generator that is used
with a video receiver to adjust the conver-
gence of a picture tube.
dot matrix Refers to characters that are
formed by varied groupings or matrices of
printed dots.
dot matrix printer A printer that produces
letters, numbers, and symbols from a
two-dimensional group of dot patterns.
double-action forming A metal-forming pro-
cess in which one stroke of the press per-
forms two die operations.
double-acting 1. An actuator in which the
power supply acts both to extend and retract
the actuator stem. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
2. Acting in two directions. Examples include
a reciprocating compressor in which each
piston has a working chamber at both ends
of the cylinder, a pawl that drives in both
directions, or a forging hammer that is raised
and driven down by air or steam pressure.
double-acting actuator A device in which
power is supplied in either direction. [ANSI/
ISA-75.05.01-2000]
double-acting positioner See positioner, dou-
ble-acting.
double amplitude The peak-to-peak value.
double-buffered I/O An input or output
operation that uses two buffers to transfer
data. While one buffer is being used by the
program, the other buffer is being read from
or written to by an I/O device.
double-density A type of computer diskette
that has twice the storage capacity of a sin-
gle-density diskette.
double groove weld A weldment in which
the joint is beveled or grooved from both
sides to prepare the joint for welding.
double insulation Insulation that is com-
prised of both basic insulation and supple-
mentary insulation. [ANSI/ISA-82.02.01-
1999(IEC 1010-1 Mod)]
double pole A device such as a switch, relay,
or circuit breaker that is capable of either
closing or opening two electrical paths.
double precision 1. Pertaining to the use of
two computer words to represent a number.
2. In floating-point arithmetic, the use of
additional bytes or words representing the
number to double the number of bits in the
mantissa.
double sampling A type of sampling inspec-
tion in which the lot can be accepted or

rejected based on results from a single sam-
ple, or the decision can be deferred until the
results from a second sample are known.
double-sided Of a computer diskette that
stores data on both sides.
doublet lens A lens that has two components
of different refractive index. It is generally
designed to be achromatic.
double-welded joint A weldment in which
the joint is welded from both sides.
double window fibers Optical fibers that are
designed to be transmitted at two wave-
length regions, 0.8 to 0.9 micrometer and
around 1.3 micrometers.
dowel 1. A headless, cylindrical pin that is
used to locate parts in an assembly or to hold
them together. 2. A round wood stick or
metal rod that is used to make dowel pins.
dowel screw A dowel that is threaded at both
ends.
down 1. Said of any machinery or equipment
that is not operating. 2. In data processing,
computer hardware that is not running.
downhand welding See flat-position welding.
download 1. The process of data or program
transfer, usually from a larger computer to a
PC. 2. A service that is used to load data from
the client into the server's domain. [ISA-
TR50.02, Part 9-2000]
downloading The process of sending config-
uration parameters, operating software, or
related data to remote stations or devices
from a (usually central) configuration sta-
tion.
downstream The outlet side of an instru-
ment.
downstream seating A seating that is
assisted by the pressure differential across
the closure member in the closed position.
The closure member is moved slightly down-
stream into tighter contact with the seat ring
seal that is supported by the body. [ANSI/
ISA-75.05.01-2000]
downtimeThe time during which a piece of
equipment, system, or the like is unavailable
for various reasons, such as maintenance,
setup, power failure, or equipment malfunc-
tion.
dowtherm A constant boiling mixture of phe-
nyl oxide and diphenyl oxide that is used in
high-temperature heat transfer systems (boil-
ing point 494°F, or 257°C).
dp cell A pressure transducer that responds to
the difference in pressure between two pres-
sure sources, frequently, a diaphragm capsule
and an integral part of a dp (differential-pres-
sure) transmitter. Dp cells are often used to
measure flow by observing the pressure dif-
157
double-sided / draft gauge
ference across a restriction in the flow line.
They are also used to measure level by mea-
suring the pressure difference between the
head pressure produced by the height of a liq-
uid in a vessel or tank and a reference pres-
sure.
DPDT Double pole double throw; electrical
switch action on a pair of wires that can be
used to select one of two paths for the pair or
used to reverse the direction of a single
polarized pair; relay output contact form C.
dpi Dots per inch; measure of screen image
or printed page.
DPMI DOS-protected mode interface;
multitasking DOS extender, replaces VCPI.
See VCPI.
DPS Distributed processor system; term cre-
ated by Sam Herb in 1994 to identify the
newer architectures being developed for dis-
tributed control systems in light of connec-
tivity to MES/ERP systems, emerging
fieldbus capabilities, "smart" transmitters,
"smart" valves, etc., as well as the blurring of
the distinction between process controllers
and programmable logic controllers; see
DCS.
DPSK Differential phase-shift keying; modu-
lation technique used in Bell 201 modem.
DPST Double pole single throw; electrical
switch action used to interrupt flow through
a pair of wires.
D/P transducer A transducer that measures
differential pressure and converts it into
another signal.
DQDB Distributed Queue Dual Bus;
implementation of reservation strategy in a
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) in which
each station on a 150 Mbs twin bus records
and maintains reservations in local queue.
See MAN.
draft Also spelled "draught." 1. The side
taper on molds and dies that makes it easier
to remove finished parts from the cavity. 2.
The depth to which a boat or other vessel is
submerged in a body of water. The value var-
ies with vessel weight and water density. 3.
Drawing a product in a die. 4. The small,
positive pressure that propels exhaust gas
out of a furnace and up the stack. 5. The dif-
ference between atmospheric pressure and
some lower pressure that exists in the fur-
nace or gas passages of a steam-generating
unit. [ISA-77.41-1992] 6. A preliminary docu-
ment.
draft differential The difference in static
pressure between two points in a system.
draft gauge 1. A type of manometer that is
used to measure small gas heads, such as the
Draft International Standard (DIS) / drift, point
draft pressure in a furnace. 2. A hydrostatic
indicator that is used to determine the depth
at which a ship is submerged.
Draft International Standard (DIS) The sec-
ond stage of the ISO standard promulgation
process.
draft loss A decrease in the static pressure in
a boiler or furnace as a result of flow resis-
tance.
draft proposal (DP) The first stage of the ISO
standard promulgation process.
drag 1. The resistance of a vehicle body to
motion through the air as a result of the total
force acting parallel to and opposite to the
direction of motion. 2. Generally, any resis-
tance to the motion of a solid shape through
a body of fluid. 3. In data processing, the
movement of an object on a screen by using a
mouse.
drag-body flowmeter A device that mea-
sures the net force on a submerged solid
body in a direction parallel to the direction of
flow. It converts this value into an indication
of flow or flow rate.
drain 1. A pipe that carries away waste solu-
tions or effluent. 2. To empty a tank or vessel
by means of gravity flow into a waste system
or auxiliary holding vessel. 3. A valved con-
nection at the lowest point for the purpose of
removing all water from the pressure parts.
DRAM [pronounced dee-ram] Dynamic ran-
dom access memory is high speed but must
be refreshed regularly.
draw 1. To pull a load. 2. To form cup-shaped
parts out of sheet metal. 3. To reduce the size
of wire or bar stock by pulling it through a
die. 4. To remove a pattern from a sand-mold
cavity. 5. A fissure or pocket in a casting that
is caused by inadequate feeding of molten
metal during solidification.
draw bead 1. A bead or offset that is used to
control metal flow during sheet-metal form-
ing. 2. A contoured rib or projection on a
draw ring or holddown for the purpose of
controlling metal flow in deep drawing.
drawbench The stand that holds a die and
draw head, which are used for reducing the
size of wire, rod, bar stock, or tubing.
drawdown The curvature of the liquid sur-
face upstream of the weir plate.
drawdown ratio The ratio of a die opening to
the product's thickness in a deep-drawing
operation.
drawhead 1. The die holder on a drawbench.
2. A group of rollers through which strip,
tubing, or solid stock is pulled so as to form
angle stock.
158
drawing back 1. A shop term for tempering.
2. The process of reheating hardened steel
below the critical temperature so as to reduce
its hardness.
drawing compound A lubricating substance
such as soap or oil that is applied to prevent
draw marks, scoring, or other defects caused
by metal-to-metal contact during a stamping,
wiredrawing, or similar metal-forming oper-
ation.
drawings 1. Graphic representations of the
control center, which may also include bills
of material, hard copies of video display tube
(VDT) displays, photographs, and tables
(e.g., wire and cable lists). [ISA-RP60.4-1990]
2. A general term that refers to any drawing
used for the design, construction, or mainte-
nance of instrumentation. Examples include
P&IDs, installation detail drawings, loop
drawings, electrical drawings, emergency
shutdown system logic drawings, PCB sche-
matic drawings, and so on.
dress 1. To shape a tool such as a grinding
wheel. 2. To restore a tool to its original con-
tour and sharpness.
drawing tower A type of equipment for mak-
ing optical fibers, in which optical fibers are
drawn from heated glass preforms.
draw mark Any surface flaw or blemish that
occurs during drawing, including scoring,
galling, pickup, or die lines.
draw radius The curvature at the edge of the
cavity in a deep-drawing die.
draw ring A ring-shaped die part. The punch
pulls the draw blank over the draw ring dur-
ing a drawing operation.
drift 1. An undesired change in output over a
period of time, where the change is unrelated
to the input, environment, or load. See
ANSI/ISA-S51.1-1979 (R1993). [ISA-
RP67.04.01-2000.ISA-RP67.04.02-2000] 2. An
undesired change in the output/input rela-
tionship over time. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-
2000] 3. An undesired change in output over
time that is not a function of the measurand.
[ISA-37.1-1975 (1992)] 4. Drift is usually
expressed as the change in output over a
specified time with fixed input and operation
conditions. It is usually used in the context of
analog transducers, analyzers, and so on.
drift, point The change in output over a spec-
ified period of time for a constant input
under specified reference operating condi-
tions. Note: Point drift is frequently deter-
mined at more than one input, as for
example: at 0%, 50%, and 100% of range.
Thus, any drift of zero or span may be calcu-
lated. Point drift is typically expressed as fol-

lows: "the drift at mid-scale for ambient
temperature (70 ± 2 2°F) for a period of 48
hours was within 0.1% of output span.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
drift pin A round, tapered metal rod that is
driven into matching holes in mating parts in
order to stretch them and bring them into
alignment, such as for riveting or bolting.
drift plug A tapered rod that can be driven
into a pipe to straighten it or flare its end.
drill A cylindrical tool with one or more cut-
ting edges on one end. It makes or enlarges
holes in solid material by being rotating
about its longitudinal axis with the applica-
tion of axial force.
drill drift A flat, tapered piece of steel that is
used to remove taper shank drills and other
tools from their tool holders.
drill gauge A flat, thin steel plate with
numerous holes of accurate sizes that can be
used to check the size of drills.
drill jig A tool that is constructed to guide a
drill during repeated drilling of the same size
holes. The drill jig can be used either at many
locations in a given piece or at the same loca-
tion in many identical pieces, especially
where exceptional straightness or accuracy
of location is desired.
drill press A vertical drilling machine that is
constructed to hold a work piece stationary
and to apply vertical force in order to press a
rotating drill into the work.
drill sleeve A hollow, tapered cylinder that is
used as an adapter in order to fit the shank of
a taper-shank drill or other tool into the spin-
dle of a drill press or similar machine tool.
drip tight A nonstandard term that is used to
refer to control valve leakage. ANSI/FCI FCI
70-2 specifies the leakage classifications.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
drive In data processing, a device that
manipulates a diskette, disk, or magnetic
tape so the computer can read or write data
to it. See disk drive and tape drive.
drive fit A type of interference fit that
requires light to moderate force to assemble.
driven gear The member(s) of a gear train
that receive power and motion from another
gear.
driver 1. A software element that converts
operator instructions into the appropriate lan-
guage to drive a hardware device (unit or
stream drivers, for example). 2. A small pro-
gram or routine that handles the control of an
external peripheral device or executes other
programs. 3. A circuit or device that provides
input for another circuit or controls the oper-
ation of that circuit.
159
drift pin / drum
drive shaft A shaft that transmits power and
motion from a motor or engine to the other
elements of a machine.
driving pinion The gear in a gear train that
receives power and motion by means of a
shaft. The shaft is connected to the source of
power and transmits the power and motion
through its teeth to the next gear in the train.
driving-point impedance The complex ratio
of applied sinusoidal voltage, force, or pres-
sure at the driving point of a transducer to
the current, velocity, or volume velocity,
respectively, that result at the same point
(assuming that all inputs and outputs termi-
nate in some specified manner).
driving-point reactance The imaginary com-
ponent of driving-point impedance. See driv-
ing-point impedance.
driving-point resistance The real compo-
nent of driving-point impedance. See driv-
ing-point impedance.
drone A remotely controlled, self-powered
aircraft or missile.
droop See offset.
droop rate The rate at which the voltage out-
put of a storage device decays. [ISA-RP55.1-
1975]
drop cap In the typographical composition of
screen displays and printing, the enlarged,
initial capital letter set into the first few lines
of that paragraph for stylistic or design rea-
sons.
drop-in A character that appears erroneously
(on a display screen, printer, file, etc.)
because the disk or tape drive misstored or
misread one or more bits.
drop leg The section of measurement piping
that is below the process tap location to the
instrument.
drop-out 1. A character that vanishes (from a
display, printout, or file) because the disk or
tape drive misstored or misread one or more
bits. In data transmission, drop-out refers to a
momentary loss in signal, usually because of
noise or a system malfunction. 2. Any dis-
crete variation in signal level during the
reproduction of recorded data that results in a
data-reduction error.
drop tight A nonstandard term used to refer
to control valve leakage. ANSI/FCI FCI 70-2
specifies leakage classifications. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
drosometer An instrument for measuring the
amount of dew that condenses on a given
surface.
drum 1. Any machine element that consists
essentially of a thin-walled, hollow cylinder.
2. A thin-walled, cylindrical container, espe-
drum baffle / DSP
cially a flat-ended shipping container, that
holds liquids or bulk solids and has a capacity
of 12 to 110 gallons (50 to 400 liters). 3. The
cylindrical member around which a hoisting
rope is wound. 4. A high-capacity computer
storage device. 5. A steam drum is a closed
vessel that is designed to withstand internal
pressure. It collects and separates the steam/
water mixture that is circulated through the
boiler. [ANSI/ISA-77.42.01-1999]
drum baffle A plate or series of plates or
screens that is placed within a drum to divert
or change the direction of the flow of water
or water and steam.
drum brake A mechanical brake in which the
friction elements, normally called "shoes,"
press against the inside surface of a cylindri-
cal member (the drum), which is attached to
the rotating element to slow or stop its
motion.
drum course A cylindrical section of a drum.
drum head A plate that closes the end of a
boiler drum or shell.
drum internals All apparatus within a drum.
drum operating pressure The pressure of the
steam that is maintained in the steam drum
or steam-and-water drum of a boiler in oper-
ation.
dry air Air with which no water vapor is
mixed. This term is used comparatively,
since in nature there is always some water
vapor in air, and such water vapor, being a
gas, is dry.
dry ash Industrial refuse in the solid state,
usually in a granular or dust form.
dry assay The act of determining the amount
of a metal or compound in an alloy, ore, or
metallurgical residue by means that do not
involve using liquid to separate or analyze
the constituents.
dry back The baffle that is provided in a fire-
tube boiler that joins the furnace to the sec-
ond pass in order to direct the products of
combustion. The dry back is constructed of
heat-resistant material (generally refractory
and insulating material) and is designed to
be separate from the pressure vessel.
dry basis A method for expressing moisture
content in which the amount of moisture
present is calculated as a percentage of the
weight of bone-dry material. Dry basis is
used extensively in the textile industry.
dry-blast cleaning The use of a dry abrasive
medium such as grit, sand, or shot to clean
metal surfaces by driving the medium
against the surface with a blast of air or by
centrifugal force.
160
dry-bulb temperature The temperature of
the air that is indicated by a thermometer not
affected by the water vapor content of the air.
dry corrosion The atmospheric corrosion that
takes place at temperatures above the dew
point.
dry gas Gas that contains no water vapor.
dry-gas loss The loss that represents the dif-
ference between the heat content of the dry
exhaust gases and their heat content at the
temperature of ambient air.
drying oven A closed chamber for driving
moisture from surfaces or bulk materials by
heating them at relatively low temperatures.
dry pipe A perforated pipe in the steam
space above the water level in a boiler that
helps keep entrained liquid from entering
steam outlet lines.
dry steam Steam that contains no moisture.
Commercially dry steam that contains not
more than 1/2 of 1 percent of moisture.
dry steam drum A pressure chamber, usually
serving as the steam offtake drum, that is
located above and in communication with
the steam space of a boiler's
steam-and-water drum.
dry test meter A type of meter that is used
extensively to determine gas flow rates for
billing purposes and to calibrate other
flow-measuring instruments. It has two
chambers that are separated by a flexible dia-
phragm, which is connected to a dial by
means of a gear train. In operation, the cham-
bers are filled alternately as a flow control
valve switches from one chamber to the
other as the first becomes completely filled.
The flow rate is indicated indirectly from
movement of the diaphragm.
DS Data structure [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-2000];
Dansk Standardiseringsråd (Denmark); stan-
dards group in Denmark.
DSA Directory Service Agent, for directory
services.
DSL Digital subscriber line; technology that
uses special modems to send digital signals,
rather than analog waveforms, over existing
twisted-pair copper phone lines; see also
ADSL.
DSL (delta slope) algorithm See compressor.
DSM Demand-side management; electric
power industry term.
DSP Digital signal processor (or processing);
a RISC microprocessor optimized to execute
digital signal processing algorithms; an algo-
rithm process by which a sampled and digi-
tized data stream is modified to extract
relevant information. See RISC.

DSR Data set ready; modem interface control
signal (typically EIA RS-232/422) that indi-
cates that the terminal is ready for transmis-
sion from DCE.
DSS Decision support system; a form of com-
puter- based data warehousing and manage-
ment using DBMS techniques to focus the
retrieval of information for specific needs.
DSSS Direct sequence spread spectrum; used
for wireless communication systems.
DSVD Digital simultaneous voice and data;
telephone connections that permit the simul-
taneous transfer of voice and data similar to
ISDN.
DTE Data terminal equipment; end point of
communication link such as a device acting
as data source, data sink, or both (worksta-
tion, repeater, file server, etc.); usually pro-
ducing data in human-readable form, as with
a printer or video screen.
DTMF Dial tone multiple frequency. Also see
dual tone multiple frequency; audio sig-
naling frequency on Touch-tone, pushbutton
telephones.
DTR Data terminal ready; modem interface
control signal (typically, EIA RS-232/422)
that indicates that the terminal is ready for
transmission to DCE.
DTV Desktop video; combines animation,
image metamorphosis, photography, etc.,
within common data manager.
DUA Directory User Agent; for directory ser-
vices.
dual-axis tracking antenna A tracking
antenna that is steered automatically in both
azimuth and elevation.
dual-beam analyzer A type of radia-
tion-absorption analyzer that compares the
intensity of a transmitted beam with the
intensity of a reference beam of the same
wavelength.
dual in-line package (DIP) A standardized
component package that is fabricated from
two parallel rows of leads on 0.1-inch cen-
ters. It is intended to allow the printed-circuit
mounting of integrated circuits, switches,
and components.
dual-mode control A type of control law that
consists of two distinct types of operation. In
linear systems, these modes usually consist
of a linear feedback mode and a bang-bang-
type (two-position) mode. The latter mode is
often used for startup.
dual output Providing two separate and non-
interacting outputs that are functions of the
applied measurand. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
dual-ramp ADC A technique for converting
analog data into digital form. The unknown
161
DSR / Dumet wire
voltage is input into a ramp generator and
integrated for a specified time. When that
time has passed, a counter is started and a
reference voltage applied to cause a con-
trolled ramp-down. The counter is stopped
when the voltage becomes zero. The count
gives the digital number output.
dual-sealing valve A valve that uses a resil-
ient seating material for the primary seal and
a metal-to-metal seat for a secondary seal.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
dual-slope converter 1. An integrating ana-
log-to-digital converter in which the
unknown signals are converted into a pro-
portional time interval. 2. An A / D converter
that integrates the signal for a specific time,
then counts time intervals for a reference
voltage so as to bring the integrated signal
back to zero.
dual system Special configurations that use
two computers to receive identical input and
execute the same routines. The results of
such parallel processing are then compared.
Exceptionally high reliability requirements
usually are involved.
dub In video development, a copy of a mas-
ter tape, usually at lower resolution, for
offline editing.
duct An enclosed fluid-flow passage, which
may be any size up to several feet in cross
section. A duct is usually constructed of gal-
vanized sheet metal and is not intended to
sustain internal pressures of more than a few
psi. The term duct is most often applied to
passages for ventilating air and to intakes
and exhausts for engines, boilers, and fur-
naces.
ductile iron The term preferred in the United
States for cast iron that contains spheroidal
nodules of graphite in the as-cast condition.
Also known as "nodular cast iron," "nodular
iron," and "spherulitic-graphite cast iron."
ductility The property of a metal that indi-
cates its relative ability to deform without
fracturing. It is usually measured as the per-
centage elongation or reduction of an area in
a uniaxial tensile test.
dumb terminal An expression used to
describe most ASCII asynchronous termi-
nals, both hard-copy and VDT-type devices.
Dumb terminals do not use a data transmis-
sion protocol and usually send data one
character at a time.
Dumet wire Wire made of Fe-42Ni covered
with a layer of copper. It is used to replace
expensive platinum as the seal-in wire in
incandescent lamps and vacuum tubes. The
copper coating prevents gassing at the seal.
dummy / dust, combustible
dummy 1. A device that is constructed to
resemble another device physically, but with-
out the original's operating characteristics. 2.
In engineering, a cathode, usually corru-
gated so to provide varying current densi-
ties, that is plated at low-current densities to
preferentially remove impurities from an
electroplating solution. 3. A substitute cath-
ode that is used during the adjustment of the
operating conditions in electroplating. 4. In
computing, an artificial address, instruction,
or record of computer information that is
inserted solely to fulfill prescribed condi-
tions, such as to achieve a fixed word length
or block length, but that does not itself affect
machine operations except to permit the
machine to perform desired operations.
dummy argument A variable such as the one
that appears in the argument list of a func-
tion definition but is replaced by the actual
argument when the function is used.
dummy instruction An artificial instruction
or address that is inserted in a list to serve an
instructional purpose rather than for execu-
tion.
dump 1. A printout of computer memory or a
file in hexadecimal and character form. 2.
The transfer of data without regard for its
significance. Same as "storage dump."
dump valve A large valve in the bottom of a
tank or container that can quickly empty the
tank in an emergency.
dunnage Loose material that is used around
an item to prevent damage during shipment.
[ISA-RP60.11-1991]
duodecimal number A number, of successive
characters, that represents a sum in which
the individual quantity represented by each
character is based on a radix of twelve. The
characters used are 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, T
(for ten) and E (for eleven). Related to number
system.
duplex 1. Pertaining to a twin, pair, or a
two-in-one situation. An example would be a
channel that provides simultaneous trans-
mission in both directions or a second set of
equipment to be used in event of the failure
of the primary device. 2. Referring to any
item or process that consists of two parts
working in conjunction with each other.
duplex, full The method of operation of a
communication circuit in which each end can
simultaneously transmit and receive. [ISA-
RP55.1-1975 (R1983)]
duplex, half Permitting one-directional elec-
trical communication between stations. Tech-
nical arrangements may permit operation in
162
either direction but not simultaneously. [ISA-
RP55.1-1975 (R1983)]
duplex cable 1. In fiber optics, two fiber
cables that are suitable for duplex transmis-
sion. With copper wire, a pair of wires that
are insulated from each other and in which
there is an outer jacket of insulation around
the inner insulated pair. 2. A cable that con-
tains two optical fibers in a single cable struc-
ture. Light is not coupled between the two
fibers. Typically one cable is used to transmit
signals in one direction and the other to trans-
mit in the opposite direction.
duplex connector A connector that simulta-
neously makes two connections, joining one
pair of optical fibers with another.
duplex control A control in which two inde-
pendent control elements share a common
input signal to operate separate final control
elements, both of which influence the value
of the controlled condition.
duplexed system A system that has two dis-
tinct and separate sets of facilities, each of
which is capable of assuming the system
function while the other assumes a standby
status. Usually, both sets are identical in
nature.
duplex mode The communication link that
allows simultaneous the transmission and
receipt of data.
duplex operation The operation of an associ-
ated transmitter and receiver that are
designed for concurrent transmission and
reception.
duplex process Any integrated process in
which a manufacturing operation is carried
out by two procedures in series. An example
is refining steel by the Bessemer process and
then producing ingots or continuously cast
slabs by the basic-oxygen or electric-furnace
process.
duplex pump A reciprocating or diaphragm
pump that has two parallel flow paths
through the same housing, with a common
inlet and a common outlet.
duplex transmission Transmission in both
directions, either one direction at a time (half
duplex) or both directions simultaneously
(full duplex).
dust 1. Any finely divided solid material that
is 420 µm or smaller in diameter (i.e., mate-
rial that passes a U.S. No. 40 Standard Sieve).
[ISA-12.10-1988] 2. Particles of gas-borne
solid matter that are larger than one micron
in diameter.
dust, combustible Any finely divided solid
material that is 420 microns or less in diame-
ter (i.e., material passing a U.S. No. 40 sieve)

Types of Transmission - Duplex
and that presents a fire or explosion hazard
when dispersed. [ISA-12.01.01-1999]
dust counter A photoelectric instrument that
measures the number and size of dust parti-
cles in a known volume of air. Also known as
"Kern counter."
dust-ignition proof Used to describe an
enclosure that will exclude dust and that,
when installed according to original design
intent, will not permit arcs, sparks, or heat
generated or liberated inside the enclosure to
ignite exterior accumulations or atmosphere
suspensions of a specified dust anywhere
near the enclosure. [ISA-12.01.01-1999]
dust ignition-proof enclosure An enclosure
that excludes ignitable amounts of dusts or
amounts that might affect the performance
or rating. Moreover, an enclosure that, when
installation and protection conform with the
NEC, will not permit arcs, sparks, or heat
generated or liberated inside the enclosure to
ignite exterior accumulations or atmo-
spheric suspensions of a specified dust in or
near the enclosure. [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-
1999]
dust layer, combustible Any surface accu-
mulation of combustible dust that is thick
enough to propagate flame or that will
degrade and ignite. me or will degrade and
ignite. [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999]
dust loading The amount of dust in a gas,
usually expressed in grains per cubic feet or
pounds per thousand pounds of gas.
dust-protected enclosure An international
term for an enclosure in which dust is not
totally prevented from entering, but in which
it does not enter in quantities sufficient to
interfere with the safe operation of the equip-
ment or accumulate where it can cause an
ignition hazard.e to cause an ignition hazard.
[ISA-12.01.01-1999]
163
dust counter / DVCAM
dust-tight Of an enclosure constructed so
that dust will not enter the enclosing case
under specified test conditions. [ISA-
12.01.01-1999]
dust-tight enclosure An enclosure of sub-
stantial mechanical construction that is pro-
vided with gaskets or otherwise designed to
exclude dust. It has no open through holes
and no knockouts. The conduit entrance is
by tapped threads that have a minimum of 3
1/2 threads engaged or by a gasket, bonded
conduit hub. The dust-tight enclosure has a
substantial door or cover that is made dust
tight by a securely fastened gasket or by the
width and closeness of fit of the mating
flanges. Its door or cover fasteners are of sub-
stantial construction and are permanently
captive. The door or cover itself is also per-
manently captive to the enclosure.
Threaded-hub conduit connections are made
dust tight by welding or gasketing. Threaded
hub conduit connections are solidly bonded
to the enclosure by welding or bonding
through proper fittings. Such enclosures are
NEMA 3, 3X, 4, 4X, 6, 12 or 13 enclosures.
[ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999]
dutch oven A furnace that extends forward
of the wall of a boiler setting. It usually is
constructed entirely of refractories although
in some cases it is water cooled.
duty 1. The statement of operating conditions
and their durations to which a device or
equipment is subjected, including rest and
deenergized periods. 2. The specification of
service conditions that defines the type, dura-
tion, and constancy of applied load or driving
power.
duty cycle 1. For a device that operates repeat-
edly, but not continuously, the time intervals
that are involved in starting, running, and
stopping plus any idling or warm-up time. 2.
For a device that operates intermittently, the
ratio of working time to total time, usually
expressed as a percentage. Also known as
"duty factor." 3. The ratio of the amount of
time a valve spends performing one particu-
lar function to the valve's total installed time
period. It may be expressed as a percentage of
total time (service time versus installed time).
[ISA-RP75.23-1995] 4. In digital transmission,
the ratio of high levels to low levels. In elec-
trical apparatus, the pulse width times the
frequency.
duty cyclometer A meter for directly indicat-
ing duty cycle.
DVCAM Digital videocassette camera video
format; potential emerging video produc-
tion standard promoted by SONY. DVCPRO
DVD / dynamic dispatching
is a version by Panasonic; Digital-S is a ver-
sion by JVC.
DVD Digital video disk (or digital versatile
disk); a concept to bring the worldwide (con-
sumer) electronics industry into one stan-
dard for both computer and entertainment
industries (large CD- ROM, movie playback
platform, game platform, large computer
data drive and erasable memory). Five-inch
disk fits 3.7 GB of data on a single side using
the size of pits and spacing between pit
tracks and read the data using a red laser
beam rather than the current infrared beam.
A variation provides up to 7.4 GB on a single
side by using two layers, a semireflective
layer above a fully reflective one; another
variation provides 5 GB on each side of a
two-sided disk. A later format for an agreed-
upon standard among audio, video, and
computer industries exceeds 17 GB. See
MMCD, SD, and HDCD.
DVD-ROM Digital video (versatile) disk
read-only memory; provides 4.7 GB of mem-
ory, roughly seven times more than the 650
megabytes held by CD-ROMs.
DVI Digital video interactive; brand name of
Intel for a variety of product families involv-
ing digital video and audio.
DVR Dynamic voltage restorer; turns a dis-
torted waveform, including voltage dips,
into a required waveform by interjecting a
precise amount of voltage using a series-con-
nected transformer into a distribution feeder
between the power supply side and the load
side.
dwell 1. A contour on a cam that causes the
follower to remain at maximum lift for an
extended portion of the cycle. 2. In a hydrau-
lic or pneumatic operating cycle, a pause
during which pressure is neither increased
nor decreased.
dwell period The time a commutator spends
at a given channel position.
dwell time In any variable cycle, the portion
of the cycle when all controlled variables are
held constant. Examples of using dwell time
include allowing a parameter such as tem-
perature or pressure to stabilize or allowing a
chemical reaction to go to completion.
DXF Document Exchange Format; a drawing
file format developed by AutoCAD and
adopted by others.
dye penetrant A low-viscosity liquid that
contains a dye used in nondestructive exami-
nation to detect surface discontinuities such
as cracks and laps in both magnetic and non-
magnetic materials.
164
dynamically relocatable coding Coding for a
computer that has special hardware for per-
forming the derelativization. With an appro-
priately designed computer system, coding
can be loaded into various sections of core,
appropriate addresses changed, and the pro-
gram executed.
dynamic analysis The study of data under
changing internal and/or external condi-
tions. Such analysis can include static analy-
sis, linear, or nonlinear.
dynamic burn-in The application of patterns
so as to exercise devices during burn-in and
to produce higher power dissipation, current
density, and chip temperature than static
burn-in provides.
dynamic calibration 1. Calibration in which
the input varies over a specific length of time
and the output is recorded against time. 2. A
calibration procedure in which the quantity of
liquid is measured while liquid is flowing into
or out of the measuring vessel.
dynamic characteristics Those characteris-
tics of a transducer that relate to its response
to variations of the measurand with time.
[ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
dynamic compensation A technique used in
control to compensate for dynamic response
differences to the different input streams to a
process. A combination of lead and lag algo-
rithms will handle most situations.
Dynamic Compensation
Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) A Microsoft-
developed interapplication communications
protocol in which the data from one program
(application) automatically updates another.
DDE was originally designed to move data
from a spreadsheet to word processor. Is the
baseline protocol for OLE 1.0, but not for
OLE 2.0 (it is supported there, however, to
maintain upward compatibility). DDE has
become more complex with the advent of
Windows and Windows NT in industrial
applications.
dynamic dispatching Dispatching that
occurs in real time (as it occurs). Dynamic
dispatching reports to an MES system all sta-
tus changes, such as work completed, opera-
 dynamic functional board tester / dynamometer
tional problems, and priority changes;
updates the entire plant floor; and auto-
matically reschedules all operations for all
released jobs to reflect those changes.
dynamic functional board tester A device
that accesses a circuit board under test
through a connector that applies predeter-
mined inputs and then examines the outputs
for correct board response.
dynamic gain See gain, dynamic.
dynamic load That portion of a service load
that varies over time and cannot be charac-
terized as a series of different, unvarying
(static) loads successively applied and
removed.
dynamic memory Same as dynamic storage.
dynamic model A model in which the vari-
ables are functions of time. Contrast with
steady-state model.
dynamic optimization A type of control, fre-
quently multivariable and adaptive in
nature, that optimizes some criterion func-
tion in bringing the system to the set points
of the controlled variables. The sum of the
weighted, time-absolute errors is an example
of a typical criterion function to be mini-
mized. Contrast with steady-state optimization.
dynamic pressure The increase in pressure
above the static pressure that results from the
complete transformation of the kinetic
energy of the fluid into potential energy.
dynamic programming In operations
research, a procedure for optimizing a multi-
stage problem wherein a number of deci-
sions are available at each stage of the
process. Contrast with convex programming,
integer programming, linear programming (LP),
mathematical programming, nonlinear program-
ming, and quadratic programming.
dynamic RAM Random access memory that
needs to be refreshed at regular time inter-
vals. It involves the extra complexity of
refresh circuits, but higher densities can be
achieved.
dynamic range 1. The range of signals that is
accepted by a device without manual adjust-
ment. 2. The difference between the highest
voltage level that will overload the instru-
ment and the lowest voltage level that is
detectable. Dynamic range is usually
expressed in decibels, typically 60 to 90 dB
for modern instruments.
dynamic response The behavior of the out-
put of a device as a function of the input,
both with respect to time. See response,
dynamic. [ANSI/ISA-67.04.01-2000] 2. The
behavior of an output in response to a chang-
ing input.
165
dynamic sensitivity In leak testing, the mini-
mum leak rate that a particular device is
capable of detecting.
dynamic stability The property that permits
the response of a positively damped physical
system to asymptotically approach a con-
stant value when the level of excitation is
constant. Compare with static stability.
dynamic stiffness The apparent stiffness of a
spring member under vibration or shock
loading. This apparent stiffness is frequency
dependent.
dynamic stop A loop stop that consists of a
single jump instruction.
dynamic storage The storage of data on a
device or in a manner that permits the data
to move or vary with time. Thus, the data is
not always available instantly for recovery.
Examples of dynamic storage include acous-
tic delay line, magnetic drum, or the circulat-
ing or recirculating of information in a
medium. Synonymous with dynamic memory.
dynamic storage allocation A storage alloca-
tion technique in which the location of pro-
grams and data is determined by criteria that
are applied at the moment of need.
dynamic subroutine A subroutine that
involves parameters, such as decimal point
position or item size, from which a relatively
coded subroutine is derived. The computer
itself is expected to adjust or generate the
subroutine according to the parametric val-
ues chosen. Contrast with static subroutine.
dynamic test A test of a device or mechanism
that is conducted under variable loading or
stimulation.
dynamic unbalance The net force or torque
produced on the valve stem or shaft by fluid
pressure acting on the closure member and
stem or shaft at stated travel and flowing
conditions. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
dynamic variables Process variables that can
change from moment to moment because of
unspecified or unknown sources.
dynamometer 1. An electrical instrument in
which current, voltage, or power is mea-
sured by determining the force between a
fixed coil and a moving coil. 2. A special type
of rotating machine that is used to measure
the output or driving torque of rotating
equipment.
Previous Page
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.
 fabrication 1. A general
F
term for parts manufacture,
especially structural or
mechanical parts. 2. The
assembly of components
into a completed structure.
Fabry-Perot A pair of
highly reflective mirrors,
whose separation can be adjusted to select
light of particular wavelengths. When used
as a laser resonator, this type of cavity can
narrow the range of wavelengths emitted by
the laser.
face 1. An exposed structural surface. 2. In a
weldment, the exposed surface of the fusion
zone.
faceplate 1. A circular plate that is attached to
the spindle of a lathe. The plane of the plate
is perpendicular to the spindle axis. Face-
plates are used to attach and align certain
types of workpieces. 2. A protective cover for
holes in an equipment enclosure. 3. A glass
or plastic window in personal protective
gear such as welding helmets, respirator
masks, or diving masks. 4. A two-dimen-
sional array of separate optical fibers that are
fused together on order to strongly direct
light forward.
facet The plane surface of a crystal or fracture
surface.
face-to-face dimension The dimension from
the face of the inlet opening to the face of the
outlet opening of a valve. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
facing 1. The act of machining a flat, planar
surface in a lathe turning by positioning a
single-point tool against the workpiece at the
axis of rotation. The tool is then moved radi-
ally outward so that it cuts a spiral path in a
plane that is perpendicular to the axis of
rotation. 2. Fine molding sand that is applied
to the surface of the mold cavity.
facing, flange The finish on the end-connec-
tion gasket surfaces of flanged or flangeless
valves. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
facsimile 1. A machine for sending digitized
copies of documents by telephone. 2. A sys-
tem for utilizing telephone transmission
apparatuses to send written or graphical
information to a remote location. A facsimile
or "fax" consists of a transmitter, which
scans the hard copy record and converts its
image into an electrical signal wave, and a
receiver, which converts the electrical wave
into its final pictorial form and registers it on
a record sheet.
factorial designs Designs of experiments in
which multiple input variables are varied
193
simultaneously at two or more discrete levels
in every possible combination.
factory calibration The tuning or altering of a
control circuit or device by a manufacturer to
bring it into specification.
factory sealed A construction in which com-
ponents that are capable of initiating an
internal explosion as a result of arcing, spark-
ing, or thermal effects under normal condi-
tions are isolated from the wiring system by
means of a factory-installed flameproof seal
or joint. [ANSI/ISA-12.22.01-1998 (IEC
60079-1 Mod)]
fading A drop or a slow undulation in signal
intensity that is caused by changes in the
properties of the transmission medium.
Fahrenheit A temperature scale in which the
freezing point of pure water occurs at 32°F
and the span between the freezing point and
boiling point of pure water at standard pres-
sure is defined to be 180 scale divisions (180
degrees).
fail-closed A condition in which the valve
closure member moves to a closed position
when the source of actuating energy fails.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
fail-in-place A condition in which the valve
closure member stays in its last position
when the actuating energy source fails.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
fail-open A condition in which the valve clo-
sure member moves into an open position
when the actuating energy source fails.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
fail-safe 1. A characteristic of a particular
valve and its actuator such that the loss of
actuating energy supply will cause a valve
closure member to be fully closed, fully
open, or remain in the last position. [ANSI/
ISA-75.05.01-2000] 2. Any protection against
the effects of failure of equipment, such as a
fuel shut-off when flame in a furnace is lost. 3.
Referring to the capacity to go into a predeter-
mined safe state when a specific malfunction
occurs. [ANSI/ISA-84.01-1996; ANSI/ISA-
77.13.01-19991
Fail-safe Conditions that Remove Energy
fail-safe device A component, system, or
control device that is designed so that it
failure mode / fastener
places the controlled parameter in a safe con-
dition when there is a power interruption,
controller malfunction, or the failure of a
load-carrying member.
failure mode The position to which the valve
closure member moves when the actuating
energy source fails. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-
2000]
failure rate A measure of component reliabil-
ity that is usually expressed as the probabil-
ity of failure after a specified length of time
in service.
Bathtub Curve" of Unit Failures
FAIS Factory Automation Interconnection
System [pronounced fice]. Initially a Japanese
effort to commercialize a Mini-MAP sub-
system optimized for manufacturing cell net-
work applications. See Mini- MAP.
fall The chain, rope, or wire rope that is used
to lift tackle.
fall block In lifting tackle, a pulley block that
is attached to the load and rises or descends
with it.
fall time The time that is required for the
trailing edge of a pulse to fall from 90 to 10
percent of its amplitude. The time required
for a component to produce such a result.
false add To form a partial sum, that is, to
add without carries.
false Brinelling The fretting between the roll-
ing elements and the races of ball or roller
bearings.
false set The rapid hardening of freshly
mixed cement, mortar, or concrete with a
minimum evolution of heat. Plasticity can be
restored through mixing, without adding
more water.
fan A rotating mechanism that is used to
induce movement (currents) in air or other
gas, such as in a circulation, ventilation, or
exhaust system where large volumes must be
delivered. It usually consists of a paddle
wheel or screw, with or without a casing,
fan-inlet area The inside area of the fan out-
let.
194
fan performance A measure of a fan's opera-
tion in terms of volume, total pressures,
static pressures, speed, power input, and
mechanical and static efficiency, at a stated
air density.
fan-performance curves The graphical pre-
sentation of total pressure, static pressure,
power input, and mechanical and static effi-
ciency as ordinates as well as graphical pre-
sentation of the range of volumes as abscissa,
all at constant speed and air density.
fang bolt A bolt that has a triangular head
with sharp projections at the corners and is
used primarily to attach metal parts to wood.
fan-in The maximum number of electrical
inputs acceptable by a logic circuit.
fan-out Within a family of logic circuits, the
maximum number of electrical inputs to
other circuits that an output or given circuit
can drive.
farad The metric unit of electrical capaci-
tance.
Faraday rotation A rotation of the plane of
polarization of light that is caused by the
application of a magnetic field to the mate-
rial transmitting the light.
Faraday rotator A device that relies on Fara-
day rotation to rotate the plane of polariza-
tion of a beam of light passing through it.
Faraday rotator glass is a type of glass whose
composition is designed to display Faraday
rotation.
far field Distant from the source of light. This
qualification is often used in measuring
beam quality, to indicate that the measure-
ment is made far enough away from the laser
such that local aberrations in the vicinity of
the laser have been averaged out.
far-infrared laser Genetically, this term could
be taken to mean any laser that emits in the
far infrared, a vaguely defined region of
wavelengths from around 10 micrometers to
1 millimeter. This family of lasers depends
on optical pumping by an external laser—
usually a carbon dioxide laser.
fast break In the magnetic particle testing of
ferromagnetic materials, a fast break means
interrupting the current in the magnetizing
coil so as to induce eddy currents and strong
magnetization as the magnetizing field col-
lapses.
fastener 1. Any of several types of devices
that are used to hold parts firmly together in
an assembly. Some fasteners hold parts
firmly in position but allow free or limited
relative rotation. 2. A device for holding a
door, gate, or similar structural member
closed.
 fast-Fourier transform (FFT) / FCS
fast-Fourier transform (FFT) A Fourier trans-
form that employs the Cooley-Tukey algo-
rithm to reduce the number of operations.
fast-Fourier transform (FFT) analyzer An
instrument that converts frequency-domain
information into time-domain information
(or vice versa) by way of a fast Fourier trans-
form algorithm.
fat client In client/server architecture, a cli-
ent that performs the bulk of the data pro-
cessing operations. The data are stored on
the server, however. The term usually refers
to software, but it can also apply to a net-
work computer that has relatively strong
processing abilities. See thin client.
fatigue The progressive fracture of a material
by the formation and growth of minute
cracks under repeated or fluctuating stresses.
The maximum value of such fatigue is less
than the material's tensile strength and is
often wholly within the elastic-stress range.
fatigue life The number of stress cycles that a
material can sustain before fracturing, for a
given set of fatigue conditions.
fatigue notch factor The ratio of the fatigue
strength of an unnotched specimen to the
fatigue strength of a notched specimen of the
same material and condition. The notch that
is used has a specified size and contour, and
the strengths are compared at the same num-
ber of stress cycles.
fatigue notch sensitivity An estimate of the
effect of a notch or hole on the fatigue prop-
erties of a material. It is expressed as q = (Kf-
1)/Kt -1), where q is the fatigue notch sensi-
tivity, Kf is the fatigue notch factor, and Kt is
the stress concentration factor for a specimen
of the material that contains a notch of a spe-
cific size and shape.
fatigue strength The maximum stress that
ordinarily leads to fatigue fracture in a speci-
fied number of stress cycles. If the stress is
not completely reversed during each stress
cycle, the minimum stress also should be
given. See also endurance limit.
fault 1. A physical condition that causes a
device, a component, or an element to fail to
perform in a required way. Examples include
a short circuit, a broken wire, or an intermit-
tent connection. 2. A defect of any compo-
nent upon which the intrinsic safety of a
circuit depends. 3. The failure of any part of a
computer system. 4. A short- or open-circuit
defect in any part (i.e., a component, connec-
tion, separation, or insulation). Note: If a
fault leads to faults in other parts that impact
the type of protection that the circuit pro-
vides, then the primary and subsequent fail-
195
ures are considered to be a single fault. [ISA-
12.02.01-1999 (IEC 60079-11 Mod)] 5. An
abnormal condition that may cause a reduc-
tion in, or loss of, the capability of a func-
tional unit to perform a required function.
[IEC 1508, Part 4]
fault, intrinsically safe system A defect or
the electrical breakdown of any component,
spacing, or insulation that alone or in combi-
nation with other defects or breakdowns
may adversely affect the electrical or thermal
characteristics of the intrinsically safe sys-
tem. If a defect or breakdown leads to defects
or breakdowns in other components, then
the primary and subsequent defects and
breakdowns are considered to be a single
fault. When analyses or tests for intrinsic
safety are made, certain components may be
considered to be exempt from fault. See also
protective component. [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-
1999]
fault isolation test (FIT) A unit of measure-
ment for product reliability that is equal to
10"9 failures per hour.
fault tolerance The built-in capability of a
system to provide the continued, correct exe-
cution of its assigned function in the pres-
ence of a limited number of hardware and
software faults. [ANSI/ISA-84.01-1996]
fault-tolerant Of a system, having the built-
in capability to provide continued, correct
execution of its assigned function in the pres-
ence of a hardware and/or software fault.
[ANSI/ISA-77.13.01-1999]
fax See facsimile.
faying surface Either of two surfaces that are
in contact with each other in a welded, fas-
tened, or bonded joint or in one that is about
to be welded, fastened, or bonded.
FC Fail closed; default mode of the final ele-
ment in a process, typically a valve.
FCC Federal Communications Commission;
U.S. agency involved with any radio-trans-
mitted communications. 2. See "frame code
complement."
F-center laser A solid-state laser in which
optical pumping by light from a visi-
ble-wavelength laser produces tunable,
near-infrared emission from defects—called
"color centers" or "F centers"—in certain
crystals.
FCFS First come, first served; the order of
packet transmissions in multiple access to
linear bus LANs, where stations may place
reservations in a separate logical channel (as
compared with round robin method).
FCS Frame Check Sequence method of
transmission error detection.
FDA / feedforward control
FDA Food and Drug Administration (United
States); U.S. agency involved with the valida-
tion of all systems and facilities manufactur-
ing food, pharmaceutical, and medical-
related products for human or animal use.
FDC Final control device, such as valve,
motor drive unit, SCR, etc.; seefinalelement.
FDDI Fiber distributed data interface; ANSI
standard for fiber-optic links with data rates
to 100 Mbps; two 50 Mbs counter-rotational
token rings, synchronous, prioritized; see
CDDI.
FDM Frequency division multiplexer (or
multiplexing); device that divides available
transmission frequency range into narrower
banks, each of which is used for a separate
channel.
FDX Full duplex; mode of communication in
which data may simultaneously flow in both
directions (4-wire).
FEA Finite element analysis software for
design.
feasibility study Any evaluation of the
worth of a proposed project based on specific
criteria.
Fed. Reg. Federal Register. A daily publication
of the U.S. government that details proposed
and final rules as well as other federal busi-
ness.
feed 1. The act of supplying material to a pro-
cess or to a specific processing unit. 2. The
material supplied. Also known as feedstock. 3.
A forward motion that tends to advance a
tool or cutter into the stock in a machining
operation.
feedback 1. A process signal that is used in
control as a measure of the response to con-
trol action. 2. The part of a closed-loop sys-
tem that automatically brings back
information about the condition under con-
trol, for the sake of comparing that informa-
tion with the desired condition. 3. A signal
produced by a measuring device that is pro-
portional to the magnitude of a controlled
variable or the position of a control element.
[ANSI/ISA-77.44.01-2000]
feedback control An error-driven control
system in which the control signal to the
actuators is proportional to the difference
between a command signal and a feedback
signal from the process variable being con-
trolled. See control, feedback.
feedback control signal The output signal
that is returned to the input in order to
achieve a desired effect, such as fast
response.
feedback elements See elements, feedback.
196
feedback loop The components and pro-
cesses that are involved in correcting or con-
trolling a system by using part of the output
as input. See loop, closed (feedback loop).
feedback oscillator An amplifier circuit in
which an oscillating output signal is coupled
in phase with the input signal. The oscilla-
tion is maintained at a frequency that is
determined by frequency-selective parame-
ters of the amplifier and its feedback circuits.
feedback ratio In a control system, the ratio
of the feedback signal to a corresponding ref-
erence input.
feedback signal A signal that is derived from
some attribute of the controlled variable, or
from a control system output. It is combined
with one or more input or reference signals
to produce a composite actuating signal. See
signal, feedback.
feeder 1. A conveyor that is adapted to con-
trol the rate of delivery of bulk materials,
packages, or objects to a specific point or
operation. 2. A device for the controlled
delivery of materials to a processing unit. 3.
In metal casting, a runner or riser so placed
that it can deliver molten metal to the con-
tracting mass of metal as it cools and solidi-
fies, thus preventing voids, porosity, or
shrinkage cavities.
feedforward A control action that is taken to
compensate for the effect of a sensed input
disturbance. Also called open-loop control or
anticipatory control. See open-loop control.
feedforward control A method of control
that compensates for a disturbance before its
effect is felt in the output. It is based on a
model that relates the output to the input at
the point where the disturbance occurs. In
distillation, the disturbances are usually feed
rate and feed compositions. Steady-state
feedforward models are usually combined
with dynamic compensation functions to set
the manipulative variables. Such models are
combined with feedback adjustment (trim) to
correct for constraints on the accuracy of con-
trol models. See control, feedforward.
 feedforward control action / ferrite
feedforward control action Control action in
which information concerning one or more
external conditions that can disturb the con-
trolled variable is converted into corrective
action in order to minimize deviations of the
controlled variable. Feedforward control is
usually combined with other types of control
to anticipate and minimize deviations of the
controlled variable.
feed pipe A pipe through which water is con-
ducted into a boiler.
feed rate The relative velocity between tool
holder and workpiece along the main direc-
tion of cutting in a machining operation.
feed screw An externally threaded rod that is
used to control the advance of a tool or a tool
slide on a lathe, a diamond-drilling rig, per-
cussion drill, or other equipment.
feedstock Material that is delivered to a pro-
cess or processing unit, especially raw mate-
rial delivered to a chemical process or
reaction vessel.
feedthrough A contact on a printed circuit
board that connects one physical layer of
interconnections with the next, and in doing
so passing through the insulating material
that separates them.
feedthrough error A signal that is caused by
a coupling from reference input to output
when the digital-to-analog converter logic
inputs are all low. Expressed in mV or dB rel-
ative to V REF .
feed trough A trough or pan from which
feedwater overflows in the drum.
feedwater Process water that is supplied to a
vessel such as a boiler or still, as opposed to
circulating water or cooling water.
feedwater flow-control system A control
system that uses input signals derived from
the process to regulate feedwater flow to the
boiler. This is done to maintain adequate
drum level according to the manufacturer's
recommendations. [ANSI/ISA-77.42.01-
1999]
A Three-element Feedwater Regulator
197
feedwater treatment The treatment of boiler
feedwater by the addition of chemicals so as
to prevent the formation of scale or to elimi-
nate other objectionable characteristics.
field-effect transistor (FET) A unipolar
multielectrode semiconductor device in
which current flows through a narrow con-
ducting channel between two electrodes and
is modulated by an electric field applied at
the third electrode.
female branch tee (FBT) In tubing to a pipe
connector, a tee that allows two tubes to be
joined to a pipe. The female pipe thread con-
nection is perpendicular to the axis shared by
the two tubing connections.
female connector (FC) In tubing to a pipe
connector, a connector that has a female pipe
thread connection on one end and a tubing
connection on the other.
female elbow (FE) In tubing to a pipe con-
nector, a 90° change in direction that has a
female pipe thread connection on one end
and a tubing connection on the other.
female fitting An element of a connection in
pipe, tubing, electrical conductors, or
mechanical assemblies that surrounds or
receives the mating (male) element. For
example, the internally threaded end of a
pipe fitting is termed "female."
female run tee (FRT) In tubing to a pipe con-
nector, a tee that allows two tubes to be
joined to a pipe. The female pipe thread con-
nection and one of the tubing connectors
share a common axis.
FEP Front end processor; dedicated processor
to perform communication functions to off-
load other processors within same device; it
is that portion of the system that first
receives process or plant data, usually for
signal conditioning and/or multiplexing.
Fermat principle Also called "the principle of
least time." According to it, a ray of light
traveling from one point to another follows
the path that takes the least amount of time
(including any reflections and refractions
that the ray may suffer). Stated another way,
the optical path is an extreme path, in the ter-
minology of the calculus of variations.
ferric percentage Actual ferric iron in slag. It
is expressed as a percentage of the total iron
calculated as ferric iron.
ferrite A low-density ceramic material whose
composition includes divalent metal, such as
cobalt, nickel, manganese, or zinc. Cores
made from these metals have very low eddy
current loss and are useful in some mechani-
cal-to-current transducers as well as in high-
ferroalloy / fiber optics
frequency circuits and as magnetic dust cores
in computers.
ferroalloy An alloy, usually a binary alloy, of
iron and another chemical element that con-
tains enough of the second element to be
suitable for introduction into molten steel.
The result is alloy steel. In the case of ferrosil-
icon or ferroaluminum, the introduction of
the second chemical element produces con-
trolled deoxidation.
ferrodynamic instrument An electrodynamic
instrument in which the presence of ferro-
magnetic material (such as an iron core for
an electromagnetic coil) enhances the forces
that are ordinarily developed in the instru-
ment.
ferrography Wear analysis that is conducted
by withdrawing lubricating oil from an oil
reservoir and using a ferrograph analyzer to
determine the size distribution of the wear
particles that are picked up as the oil circu-
lates between moving mechanical parts. The
technique may also be used to assess the
deterioration of human joints or joint-
replacement prostheses by analyzing for the
presence of bone, cartilage, and pros-
thetic-material fragments in human synovial
fluid.
ferromagnetic material Any material that
exhibits the phenomena of magnetic hystere-
sis and saturation, and whose permeability
depends on the magnetizing force. All of
these characteristics are exhibited by the
chemical element iron.
ferrometer An instrument for measuring
magnetic permeability and hysteresis in iron,
steel, and other ferromagnetic materials.
ferroresonant power supply A power supply
that uses a ferroresonant regulator consisting
of a ferroresonant transformer AC tuning
capacitor, a rectifier, and a DC filter capacitor.
These make it possible for the power supply
to provide reasonable regulation of line volt-
age. This is the least expensive yet most reli-
able power supply because of the simple
circuit.
ferrous alloy Any alloy that contains at least
50 percent of the element iron by weight.
ferrule 1. A metal ring or cap that is fitted
onto the end of a tool handle, post, or other
similar member to strengthen and protect it.
2. A bushing that is inserted in the end of a
boiler flue to spread and tighten it. 3. A
tapered bushing that is used in compres-
sion-type tubing fittings to provide the
wedging action that creates a mechanical
seal. 4. An element of a fiber-optic connector
that is typically used to house or align fibers.
198
FET Field-effect transistor; unipolar
multielectrode semiconductor device in
which current flows through a narrow con-
ducting channel between two electrodes and
is modulated by an electric field applied at
the third electrode.
fetch 1. To obtain the data from an address
memory location. 2. The process of obtaining
the data.
Fformat In FORTRAN, Fw.d indicates that w
characters are to be converted into a floating-
point mixed number, with d spaces reserved
for digits to the right of the decimal point.
For example, F6.3 yields 24683 as input,
24.683 internally, and 24.683 as output.
FI Fail indeterminate; default mode of a final
element in a process, typically a valve.
fiber channel An emerging optical communi-
cations standard issued by an ANSI working
group. It transmits 100 Megabytes/ second.
fiber loss Attenuation (deterioration) of a
light signal in optical fiber transmission.
fiber metal A material that is composed of
metal fibers that have been pressed or sin-
tered together, and that may also have been
impregnated with resin, molten metal, or
other material, which later hardened.
Fiber-optic gyroscope A device in which
rotation speed is measured studying changes
in the wavelength of light going in different
directions through a long length of optical
fiber wound many times around a ring.
fiber optics 1. A medium that uses light con-
ducted through glass or plastic fibers to trans-
mit data and make optical measurements and
observations. 2. Glass or other dielectric fibers
whose refractive index decreases with the
radial distance from the center of the fiber's
cross section. Thus, a light beam that enters
one end of the fiber is constrained to travel the
length of the fiber and exit the other end with
very little attenuation. 3. A transmission tech-
nology in which modulated light-wave sig-
nals, generated by laser or LED, are propa-
gated along a (typically) glass or plastic
medium, then demodulated into electrical
signals by a light-sensitive receiver.

fiber-optic system 1. A relatively new
method of data transmission in which light-
transmitting fibers are used to connect sen-
sors to the computer. Fiber-optic systems
have very good immunity from noise. 2. Any
system that performs the analytical observa-
tion of measurements by employing the
transmission properties of glass, plastic,
polycrystalline, or crystals materials—fiber
optics.
fiber 1. The characteristic of wrought metal
that indicates directionality and can be
revealed by etching or fractography. 2. The
pattern of preferred orientation in a poly-
crystalline metal after directional plastic
deformation such as is caused by rolling or
wiredrawing. 3. A filament or filamentary
fragment of natural or synthetic materials
that is used to make thread, rope, matting, or
fabric. 4. In stress analysis, a theoretical ele-
ment that represents a filamentary section of
solid material aligned with the direction of
stress. Fiber is usually used to characterize
nonuniform stress distributions, as in a beam
that is subjected to a bending load.
Fiber-optic Inter Repeater Link An early
implementation of a subset of the IEEE 802.3
10BASEFL standard that was designed to con-
nect fiber-optic repeaters at 10 Mbps. Used
by various Ethernet manufacturers to pro-
duce network and port interface cards as
well as media attachment units (MAUs)/
transceivers. See media attachment units
(MAU).
fibers and flyings Materials that are not nor-
mally in suspension in air and are of larger
particle size than dusts. Fibers and flyings
include cotton Enters, sawdust, textile fibers,
and other large particles that are usually
more a fire than an explosion hazard. [ISA-
12.01.01-1999]
fibers and flyings, easily ignitable Fibers
and flyings that can easily be set aflame,
including rayon, cotton (including cotton
linters and cotton waste), sisal or henequen,
istle, jute, hemp, tow, cocoa fiber, oakum,
baled waste kapok, Spanish moss, excelsior,
and other similar materials. [ANSI/ISA-
12.01.01-1999]
fiber sensor A sensing device in which the
active element is an optical fiber or an ele-
ment that is attached directly to an optical
fiber. The quantity being measured changes
the optical properties of the fiber in a way
that can be detected and measured.
fibrous composite A material that consists of
natural, synthetic, or metallic fibers embed-
199
fiber-optic system / fieldbus
ded in a matrix, usually a matrix of molded
plastics material or hardenable resin.
fibrous fracture A type of fracture surface
whose appearance is characterized by a
smooth, dull gray surface.
fibrous structure 1. In fractography, a frac-
ture with a ropy surface appearance, and is
generally synonymous with "silky facture"
or "ductile fracture." 2. In forgings, a charac-
teristic macrostructure that is indicative of
metal flow during the forging process. It is
manifested as a ropy appearance on a frac-
ture surface or as a laminar appearance on a
macroetched section. A ropy appearance on
the fracture surface of a forging does not
carry the same implication as a ropy fracture
in other wrought metals and should not be
considered the same as a silky or ductile frac-
ture. 3. In wrought iron, a microscopic struc-
ture that consists of elongated slag fibers
embedded in a matrix of ferrite.
FIC Fieldbus Implementation Consortium; to
implement SP50 as it evolves.
FICIM Fieldbus Integration into computer
integrated manufacturing CIM; ESPRIT
project group 5206.
fidelity 1. The degree of both physical and
functional realism. 2. The degree to which a
system, subsystem, or component accurately
reproduces the essential characteristics of an
input signal in its output signal.
field The part of a computer record that con-
tains a specific portion of information.
fieldbus A digital, serial, multidrop, two-
way data bus or communication path or link
between low-level industrial field equipment
such as sensors, transducers, actuators, local
controllers, and even control room devices. A
specific ISA SP50 (Fieldbus Foundation)
standard for digital communications that
operates at the lowest level of data commu-
nications (I/Os) in automation systems. It
allows communication and interoperability
among "smart" field devices and measure-
ment/control system devices from multiple
vendors. It also supports information access
for the purpose of monitoring, control, and
alarm tasks during plant start-up, operation,
and maintenance. As this standard is devel-
oping and attracting interest, two versions
are emerging: HI, for linking sensors and
actuators to control devices, and H2, for
functioning more as a full-blown data high-
way on a more sophisticated scale. Fieldbus
serves as a local area network (LAN) for
advanced process control, remote input/out-
put, and high-speed factory automation
Fieldbus Access Sublayer (FAS) / field weld
applications. An eight-part fieldbus standard
is under development by ISA and IEC.
Fieldbus Access Sublayer (FAS) A messag-
ing sublayer that maps the Fieldbus Message
Specification (FMS) onto the data link layer
(DLL).
Fieldbus Messaging Specification (FMS) A
specification that contains definitions of
application layer services in Foundation
Fieldbus. The FMS specifies services and
message formats for accessing function block
(FB) parameters, as well as object dictionary
(OD) descriptions for those parameters that
are defined in the virtual field device (VFD).
field coil A stationary or rotating electromag-
netic coil.
field contact Also known as a trouble or sig-
nal contact, a field contact is the electrical
contact of the device that senses the process
condition. The contact is either open or
closed. Annunciator field contacts are identi-
fied in relation to process conditions and the
annunciator operation, not in relation to the
disconnected position of the devices. [ANSI/
ISA-18.1-1979 (R1992)]
field contact, normally closed (NC) A field
contact that is closed for a normal process
condition and open when the process condi-
tion is abnormal. [ANSI/ISA-18.1-1979
(R1992)]
field contact, normally open (NO) A field
contact that is open for a normal process con-
dition and closed when the process condition
is abnormal. [ANSI/ISA-18.1-1979 (R1992)]
field contact follower See auxiliary output
(auxiliary contact).
field contact voltage Also known as trouble
or signal contact voltage, the voltage that is
applied to field contacts. [ANSI/ISA-18.1-
1979 (R1992)]
field curvature The form of an image that lies
on a curved surface rather than a flat plane.
For single- and double-element lenses, cur-
vature is always inward, but for other types
the curvature can be in either direction.
field devices Equipment that is connected to
the field side of the safety instrumented sys-
tem's I/O terminals. Such equipment
includes field wiring, sensors, final control
elements, and those operator interface
devices that are hardwired to the I/O termi-
nals of safety instrumented systems. [ANSI/
ISA-84.01-1996]
field-effect transistor (FET) A semiconduc-
tor device that has a conducting channel
whose resistance is modified by the electro-
static field that is produced by an adjacent
gate electrode.
200
field emission The electron emission that is
induced from an unheated metal surface
when a strong electric field is applied to it.
field emitter display (FED) A flat-panel dis-
play that works much like a CRT: it shoots
electrons at colored phosphors (pixels) so as
to create an image on screen. But rather than
illuminate the phosphors with a single elec-
tron gun, a "flat cathode" chip is placed
behind each phosphor, which allows a flat
panel to be used in lieu of a bulky picture
tube.
field excitation Controlling the speed of a
series-wound electric motor or a diesel-elec-
tric locomotive engine by changing the rela-
tionship between the armature current and
the field strength. This is done either by
using shunts to reduce field current or by
using field taps.
field/frame In NTSC (National Television
System Committee) video development,
each frame has two fields, one for every even
scan line and the other for every odd scan
line. So NTSC has 60 fields and 30 frames per
second.
field-free emission current The electron cur-
rent that flows from a cathode when the elec-
tric gradient at the cathode surface is zero.
field-installable Nominally, a fiber-optic
splice or cable is field installable if it can be
mounted by technicians working in the field
without a lab full of equipment at hand.
field of view 1. Volume in space that is
defined by an angular cone extending from
the focal plane of an instrument or video
screen. 2. The solid angle, or the angle in a
specified plane, over which radiant energy
incident on a transducer is measured within
specified tolerances. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
field piping That piping that connects the
control center to items external to it. [ISA-
RP60.9-1981]
field-programmable Timers and counters
that have user-programmable parameters
such as time/count ranges and output
sequences. Units are often programmed by
miniature rocker switches located inside the
timer or by jumper wires leading to different
connection points.
field-programmable logic array (FPLA) An
array of logic gates that can be programmed
by the user.
field-replaceable unit Computer hardware
modules that can be easily substituted with
others.
field weld A weld that is made at a construc-
tion or installation site as opposed to a weld
made in a fabrication shop.

filament A very fine single strand of metal
wire, extruded plastic, or other material.
filament winding The process of fabricating
a composite structure by winding a continu-
ous fiber reinforcement on a rotating core
under tension. The reinforcement usually
consists of a glass, boron, or silicon-carbide
thread that was either previously impreg-
nated with resin or was impregnated during
winding.
filament-wound structure A composite
structure that is made by fabricating one or
more structural elements through filament
winding. They are then cured and assem-
bled, or assembled first and then the entire
structure cured. See filament winding.
filar micrometer An attachment for a micro-
scope or telescope that consists of two paral-
lel fine wires or knife edges in an eyepiece.
One of them is in a fixed position and the
other can be moved so it is perpendicular to
its length by means of a very accurate
micrometer screw. Filar micrometers are
used to make accurate measurements of lin-
ear distances in the optical field of view.
Actual distances are determined by dividing
the micrometer reading by the magnification
of a microscope, although in some cases the
micrometer scale is calibrated for direct read-
ing at a specific magnification.
file 1. A collection of related records that is
treated as a unit. 2. An organized structure
that consists of an arbitrary number of
records for storing information on a bulk
storage device, for example, a disk, drum,
core, or tape.
file gap An interval of space or time that is
associated with a file to indicate or signal the
end of the file. Related to gap.
file handling The manipulation of data files
by various methods, generally involving
reading, writing, and comparing.
file name extension An addition to a com-
puter file name that indicates the file type,
such as .bat, .com, and so on.
file server A digital mass storage device that
can be accessed by several computers,
thereby providing for the common sharing of
stored data.
file specification A name that uniquely iden-
tifies a file maintained b y an operating sys-
tem. A file specification generally consists of
at least three components: a device name that
identifies the volume on which the file is
stored, a file name, and a file name extension.
In addition, depending on the system, a file
specification can include a user file directory
name, or UIC, and a version number.
201
filament / fillet weld
file structured device A device on which
data are organized into files. The device usu-
ally contains a directory of the files stored on
it.
file transfer access and management
(FTAM) One of the application protocols
specified by Manufacturing Automation Pro-
tocol (MAP) and Technical and Office Proto-
col (TOP). See Manufacturing Automation
Protocol (MAP) and Technical and Office Proto-
col (TOP).
filled composite A plastics material that is
made of short-strand fibers or a granular
solid that is mixed into thermoplastic or ther-
mosetting resin prior to molding.
filled-system thermometer Any of several
devices that consist of a temperature-sensi-
tive element (bulb), an element that is sensi-
tive to changes in pressure or volume
(Bourdon tube, bellows, or diaphragm), cap-
illary tubing, and an indicating or recording
device. The bulb, capillary tube, and pres-
sure- or volume-sensitive element are partly
or completely filled with a fluid that changes
its volume or pressure in a predictable man-
ner with changes in temperature.
filler 1. An inert material that is added to
paper, resin, elastomers, and other materials
to modify their properties or improve quality
in end products. 2. A material that is used to
fill holes, cracks, pores, and other surface
defects before applying a decorative coating
such as paint. 3. A metal or alloy that is
deposited in a joint during welding, brazing,
or soldering. It is usually referred to as "filler
metal."
fillet 1. A concave transition surface between
two surfaces that meet at an angle. 2. A
molding or corner piece that is placed at the
junction of two perpendicular surfaces to
lessen the likelihood of cracking.
fillet weld A roughly triangular weld that
joins two members along the intersection of
two surfaces that are approximately perpen-
dicular to each other.
filling material / final element
filling material Quartz or glass particles.
[ANSI/ISA-12.25.01-1998 (IEC 60079-05
Mod)]
fill-in-the-blank programming language A
nonprocedural programming language in
which programs are developed by filling out
data sheets for an existing program. Exam-
ples include BICEPS, PROSPRO, and
CODIL.
film 1. A flat, continuous sheet of thermo-
plastic resin or similar material that is
extremely thin in relation to its width and
length. 2. A very thin coating, deposit, or
reaction product that completely covers the
surface of a solid.
filmogen The material or binder in paint that
imparts continuity to the coating.
film resistor A type of resistor that uses a
thin layer of resistive material, which is
deposited on the resistor's insulating core.
For low-power applications film resistors are
more stable than composition resistors and
smaller and less expensive than the more
accurate wire-wound resistors.
film strength 1. Generally, the resistance of a
film to disruption. 2. In lubricants, a measure
of their ability to maintain an unbroken film
over surfaces under varying conditions of
load and speed.
filter [Comm] 1. In electronic, acoustic, and
optical equipment, a device that allows sig-
nals of certain frequencies to pass, while
rejecting signals that have frequencies in
another range. 2. A device that is used in a fre-
quency transmission circuit to exclude
unwanted frequencies and to keep the chan-
nels separate. 3. A device to suppress interfer-
ence, which would appear as noise. 4. An
algorithm or circuit that reduces the noise
and other unwanted elements of a signal.
[Comp] 5. In computing, a machine word that
specifies which parts of another machine
word are to be operated upon. Thus, a filter is
the criterion for an external command. Synon-
ymous with mask. [Sci] 6. In scientific con-
texts, a porous material or structural element
that is designed to allow fluids to pass
through it while collecting and retaining sol-
ids of a certain particle size or larger.
filter, bandpass A circuit that is tuned so as
to pass all frequencies between certain points
in the spectrum.
filter, low-pass A circuit that is tuned so as to
pass all frequencies lower than a specified
cutoff point.
filter aid An inert powdery or granular mate-
rial, such as diatomaceous earth, fly ash, or
sand, that is added to a liquid about to be fil-
202
tered. The result is the formation of a porous
bed on the filter surface, which increases the
rate and effectiveness of the filtering process.
filter cake The solid or semisolid material
that is retained on the surface of a filter after
a liquid containing suspended solids has
passed through.
filter capacitor A capacitor that is used as an
element of an electronic filter circuit.
filter inductor An inductor that is used as an
element of an electronic filter circuit.
filtering Protection from "background noise"
that could alter or destroy data transmission.
filter medium The portion of a filter or filtra-
tion system that actually performs the func-
tion of separating out the solid material. It
may consist of metal or nonmetal screening,
closely woven fabric, paper, matted fibers, a
granular bed, a porous ceramic cup or plate,
or other porous component.
fin 1. A thin, flat, or curved projecting plate
that is typically used to stabilize a structure
surrounded by flowing fluid or to provide an
extended surface for improving convective
or radiative heat transfer. 2. A defect that
consists of a very thin projection of excess
material at a corner, edge, or hole in a cast,
forged, molded, or upset part, which must be
removed before the part can be used.
final control element 1. The device that
directly controls the value of the manipu-
lated variable of a control loop. Often the
final control element is a control valve.
[ANSI/ISA-5.1-1984 (R1992)] 2. The compo-
nent of a control system (such as a control
valve) that directly regulates the flow of
energy or material to or from the process.
[ANSI/ISA-77.44.01-2000] 3. An instrument
that takes action to adjust the manipulated
variable in a process. This action moves the
value of the controlled variable back toward
the set point. 4. The last system element that
responds quantitatively to a control signal
and performs the actual control action.
Examples include valves, solenoids, and ser-
vometers. 5. The device that exerts a direct
influence on the process.
final controlling element The element in a
control system that directly changes the
value of the manipulated variable. See ele-
ment, final controlling.
final element Also, "final device" and "final
control device." In process control, the last
device in a control loop that causes change in
the process, such as a valve, motor drive
unit, silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR), sole-
noid, and the like.
 final set point device / firetube boiler
final set point device A component or
assembly of components that provides input
to the process voting logic for actuated
equipment. (See IEEE Standard 60) Note:
Examples of final actuation devices are bista-
bles, relays, pressure switches, and level
switches. [ISA-RP67.04.02-2000; ANSI/ISA-
67.04.01-2000]
fine grinding 1. The mechanical reduction of
a powdery material to a final size of at least -
100 mesh, usually in a ball mill or similar
grinding apparatus. 2. In metallography or
abrasive finishing, the process of producing a
surface finish of fine scratches by using an
abrasive that has a particle size of 320 grits or
smaller.
fineness The purity of gold or silver
expressed in parts per thousand. For
instance, gold that has a fineness of 999.8 has
only 0.02 percent, or 200 parts per million, of
impurities by weight.
fines 1. In a granular substance that has
mixed particle sizes, fines are those particles
that are smaller in size than the average par-
ticle. 2. Fine granular material that passes
through a standard screen on which the
coarser particles in the mixture are retained.
3. In a powdered metal, the portion that con-
sists of particles that are smaller than a speci-
fied particle size.
finger plate A plate that is used to restrict the
upward motion of the diaphragm and pre-
vent diaphragm extrusion into the bonnet
cavity in the full-open position. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
finish 1. A chemical or other substance that is
applied to the surface of virtually any solid
material to protect it, alter its appearance, or
modify its physical properties. 2. The degree
of reflectivity of a lustrous material, espe-
cially metal. Finish is usually described by
one of the following imprecise terms, listed
in increasing order of luster and freedom
from scratches: machined, ground brushed,
matte, dull lustrous, bright, polished, and
mirror. 3. Generally, the surface quality, con-
dition, or appearance of a metal or plastic
part.
finished goods Final materials on which all
processing and production is completed. Fin-
ished goods may no longer be under the
domain of manufacturing operations and
control. [ANSI/ISA-95.00.01-2000]
finished-good waivers Approvals for devia-
tion from normal product specifications.
[ANSI/ISA-95.00.01-2000]
203
finish grinding The final step in a grinding
operation, which imparts the desired surface
appearance, contour, and dimensions.
finishing temperature In a rolling or forging
operation, the metal temperature during the
last reduction and sizing step, or the temper-
ature at which hot working is completed.
finite element analysis (FEA) A modeling
technique for predicting dynamic behavior
before any hardware is build.
FInt Fieldbus International; formed as the
successor to Norwegian Fieldbus Consor-
tium.
FIP Factory Instrumentation Protocol; a
French national field bus standard (1 Mbs)
for linking sensing actuators and controllers
in automation systems; supported by over
125 European companies.
FIR Finite impulse response filter; in digital
signal processing (DSP), filter that has out-
put determined by its coefficients and previ-
ous inputs and is characterized by having
linear phase response; see IIR.
fire assay Determining the metal content of
an ore or other substance by using tech-
niques involving high temperatures.
firebox The equivalent of a furnace. A term
usually used for the furnaces of locomotive
boilers and similar types of boilers.
fire crack A crack that starts on the heated
side of a tube, shell, or header and is caused
by excessive temperature stresses.
fired-pressure vessel A vessel that contains a
fluid under pressure, which is exposed to
heat from the combustion of fuel.
fire point The lowest temperature at which,
under specified conditions, fuel oil gives off
enough vapor to burn continuously when
ignited.
fireproof Resistant to combustion or to dam-
age by fire under all but the most severe con-
ditions.
fire-resistant Resistant to combustion and to
heat of standard intensity for a specified time
without catching fire or failing structurally.
fire retardant 1. Treated by coating or
impregnation so that a combustible mate-
rial—wood, paper, or textile, for instance—
catches fire less readily and burns more
slowly than untreated material. 2. The sub-
stance that is used to coat or impregnate a
combustible material to reduce its tendency
to burn.
firetube A tube in a boiler that has water on
the outside and carries the products of com-
bustion on the inside.
firetube boiler A boiler that consists of
straight tubes that are surrounded by water
firewall technology / fixed point
and steam and through which the products
of combustion pass.
firewall technology In computer-based net-
works, the methods for protecting databases
and files from being improperly accessed
through open networks such as the Internet.
firewire Computer network technology that
permits several electronic devices to commu-
nicate. It is made up of six individual cables:
one for power, one for ground, two for data,
and two for strobe, which synchronize the
data. Its assembly is shielded.
firing-rate control A pressure, temperature or
flow controller that controls the firing rate of a
burner according to pressure or temperature
deviation from set point. The system may be
arranged so it operates the burner on-off,
high-low, or in proportion to load demand.
firmware Special-purpose memory units that
contain software embedded in protected
memory, which is required for the operation
of programmable electronics. [ANSI/ISA-
84.01-1996]
first alert See first out (first alert).
first in, first out (FIFO) An ordered queue. A
discipline in which the first transaction to
enter a queue is also the first to leave it. Con-
trast with last in, first out (LIFO).
first-level address See direct address.
first-order system A system that is definable
by a first-order differential equation.
first out (first alert) A sequence feature that
indicates which of a group of alarm points
operated first. [ANSI/ISA-18.1-1979 (R1992)]
first out reset See reset.
FIS Financial Information System; a com-
puter database of customer and vendor
accounts used in EIS. See CIS.
Fisher loop test One of several Wheatstone
bridge test arrangements that is commonly
used to determine the distance to a fault
(grounded or crossed wires) in a communi-
cations cable.
fisheye 1. An area on a fracture surface that
has a characteristically white crystalline
appearance, usually because of internal
hydrogen cracking. 2. A small globular mass
in a blended material such as plastic or glass
that is not completely homogeneous with the
surrounding material. Fisheye is particularly
noticeable in transparent or translucent
materials.
fishing tool An elongated or telescoping tool
that has a magnet, hook, or grapple at one
end. It is used to retrieve objects from inac-
cessible places.
fish plate Either of the two plates that are
bolted or riveted to the webs of abutting rails
204
or to beams on opposite sides so as to secure
a mechanical joint.
fishtail Excess metal at the trailing end of an
extrusion or a rolled billet or bar. It is gener-
ally cropped and is either discarded or recy-
cled into a melting operation.
fissure A small, cracklike surface discontinu-
ity, often one whose sides are slightly opened
or displaced with respect to each other.
fit The closeness of mating parts in an assem-
bly as determined by their respective dimen-
sions and tolerances. Fits may be classified as
running (sliding) fits, locational fits, transi-
tion fits, or force (shrink) fits, depending on
the size and direction of the dimensional
allowance (it is positive for running fits or
negative for force fits). Fits may also be
termed "clearance fits" or "interference fits"
if there is always a gap between the mating
parts or always interference, respectively, as
long as the parts are within specified toler-
ances.
fitting An auxiliary part of standard size and
configuration that can be used to facilitate
assembly. In constructing a system of pipe or
tubing, for example, connections are more
easily made if standard elbows, tees, unions,
and couplings are used to connect straight
lengths of pipe, rather than bending the pipe
or making special preparations before weld-
ing lengths of pipe together.
fixed carbon In making the proximate analy-
sis of a solid fuel, fixed carbon is the carbon-
aceous residue, less the ash remaining in the
test container, after the volatile matter has
been driven off.
fixed equipment Equipment that is fastened
to a support or otherwise secured in a spe-
cific location. [ANSI/ISA-82.02.01-1999 (IEC
1010-1 Mod)]
fixed-length record A record in which the
number of characters is constant.
fixed palette In the context of the Internet, an
established color palette on a Web browser
that converts graphic images into its own
colors, rather than converting the colors from
the original image.
fixed pitch A typeface in which all the letters
are the same width.
fixed point 1. A reproducible standard value
that is usually derived from a physical prop-
erty of a pure substance. It can be used to
standardize a measurement or check an
instrument calibration. 2. Pertaining to a
numeration system in which the position of
the radix point is fixed with respect to one
end of the numerals, according to some con-
vention. Seefixed-pointarithmetic.
 fixed-point arithmetic / flameproof enclosure
fixed-point arithmetic 1. A method of calcu-
lation in which operations take place in an
invariant manner, and in which the com-
puter does not consider the location of the
radix point. This is illustrated by desk calcu-
lators or slide rules that require the operator
to keep track of the decimal point, and also
by many automatic computers, in which
determining the location of the radix point is
the programmer's responsibility. Contrast
with floating-point arithmetic. 2. A type of
arithmetic in which the operands and results
of all arithmetic operations must be properly
scaled so they have a magnitude that falls
between certain fixed values.
fixed-point data In data processing, the rep-
resentation of information by means of the
set of positive and negative integers. It is
faster than floating-point data and requires
fewer circuits to implement.
fixed-point notation In data processing,
numbers that are expressed by a set of digits
that have the decimal point in the correct
position.
fixed-point part In a floating-point represen-
tation, the numeral in a pair of numerals that
represents the fixed-point factor by which
the power is multiplied. Synonymous with
"mantissa."
fixed-program computer A computer in
which the sequence of instructions is perma-
nently stored or wired in. The instructions
perform automatically and are not subject to
change either by the computer or the pro-
grammer, except by rewiring or changing the
storage input. Related to wired-program com-
puter.
fixed restrictor A fixed, physical restriction
to fluid flow.
fixed storage A storage device that stores
data that cannot be altered by computer
instructions. An example of fixed storage is
magnetic core storage with a lockout feature,
or a photographic disk.
fixed word length Having the property of a
machine word, which always contains the
same number of characters or bits.
fixture 1. An auxiliary component or opera-
tor aid that is attached to a structure or
machine enclosure—a light or tool shelf, for
instance. 2. A special holder that positions
the work in a machining operation but does
not guide the tool.
FL Fail locked; default mode of the final ele-
ment in process, typically a valve.
flag 1. A bit of information that is attached to
a character or word to indicate the boundary
of a field. 2. An indicator that is frequently
205
used to tell some later part of a program that
some condition occurred earlier. 3. An indi-
cator that is used to identify the members of
several intermixed sets. 4. A storage bit
whose location is usually reserved to indi-
cate the occurrence or nonoccurrence of
some condition. For example, a Halt/Run
flag would be 1 when the processor was
halted and 0 when in the Run condition.
flag register An eight-bit register in which
each bit acts as a flag.
flake 1. A dry, unplasticized, cellulosic, plas-
tics base material. 2. A plastics material in
chip form that is used as feed in a molding
operation. 3. An internal hydrogen crack
such as may be formed in steel during cool-
ing from high temperature. Also known as
fisheye, "shattercrack," or "snowflake." 4.
Metal powder in the form of fish-scale parti-
cles. Also known as "flaked powder."
flame A luminous body of burning gas or
vapor.
flame detector A device that indicates
whether fuel (for example, liquid, gaseous,
or pulverized, is burning, or if ignition has
been lost. The indication may be transmitted
to a signal or to a control system.
flame hardening A form of surface harden-
ing that uses the inherent hardenability of a
steel or other hardenable alloy to produce a
hardened surface layer by spot-heating the
metal with a fuel-gas flame to a shallow
depth and then rapidly cooling the heated
metal.
flame photometer An instrument for deter-
mining compositions of solutions by spectral
analysis of the light emitted when the solu-
tion is sprayed into a flame.
flame plate A baffle of metal or other mate-
rial for directing gases of combustion.
flame propagation rate Speed of travel of igni-
tion through a combustible mixture enclo-
sure's joints or structural openings. This type
of protection is referred to as "d". See also
explosion-proof enclosure. [ANSI/ ISA-12.01.01-
1999]
flameproof enclosure 1. An international term
that describes an enclosure that can withstand
the pressure that develops during an internal
explosion of an explosive mixture. It also pre-
vents the explosion from being transmitted to
the explosive atmosphere surrounding the
enclosure. It operates at such an external tem-
perature that an explosive gas or vapor sur-
rounding it will not be ignited by the internal
explosion. This enclosure is similar to an
explosion-proof enclosure and is referred to by
IEC as "Ex d". [IEC 12.1] 2. A type of protec-
flameproof joint / flangeless control valve
tion for electrical apparatuses in which the
enclosure will withstand the internal explo-
sion of a flammable mixture that has pene-
trated into the interior. It is designed so that
an external explosive atmosphere consisting
of one or more of the gases or vapors for
which it is designed will cause no damage
and ignite no flame through any of the enclo-
sure's joints or structural openings. Note:
This type of protection is indicated by the let-
ter "d". [ANSI/ISA-12.22.01-1998 (IEC
60079-1 Mod)]
flameproof joint The place where corre-
sponding surfaces of the different parts of a
flameproof enclosure (or the conjunction of
enclosures) come together, and where flame
or the products of combustion may be trans-
mitted from the inside to the outside of the
enclosure. [ANSI/ISA-12.22.01-1998 (IEC 79-
1 Mod)]
flame spraying 1. The process of applying a
plastic coating on a surface by projecting
finely powdered plastic material, mixed with
suitable fluxes, through a cone of flame
toward the target surface. 2. Thermal spray-
ing by feeding an alloy or ceramic coating
material into an oxyfuel-gas flame. Com-
pressed gas may or may not be used to atom-
ize the molten material and propel it onto the
target surface.
flame-spray strain gauge A fine-wire strain
gauge element that is attached to a substrate
by flame-spraying a ceramic encapsulation
over the element, which damages neither the
gauge nor the substrate. This attachment
technique produces a bond that is suitable
for operating over the temperature range -
270° to 820°C (-450 to1,500ºF).
flame treating Making inert thermoplastics
parts receptive to inks, lacquers, paints, or
adhesives by bathing them in open flames so
as to promote surface oxidation.
flammability Susceptibility to combustion.
flammable (explosive) limits Of a gas or
vapor, the lower and upper flammable
(explosive) limit (LFL/LEL and UFL/UEL,
respectively) percentages by volume of the
concentration of gas in a gas-air mixture that
will form an ignitable mixture. Note 1: For
additional information, refer to NFPA 325
and IEC 60079-20. Note 2: The term explosive
as it relates to atmospheres and mixtures is in
the process of being replaced with the more
technically correct term flammable through-
out many national and international stan-
dards. This dictionary, however, continues to
use the term explosive in many definitions
because those definitions have been derived
206
from documents yet to be updated. [ANSI/
ISA-12.01.01-1999;ISA-RP12.4-1996]
flammable gas or vapor A gas or vapor that,
when mixed with air in certain proportions,
will form an explosive gas atmosphere.
[ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999]
flammable liquid 1. A liquid, usually a liquid
hydrocarbon, that gives off combustible
vapors. 2. Any liquid that has a flash point
below 37.8 °C (100°F) and a vapor pressure
that does not exceed 275 kPa (40 psia) at 37.8
°C (100 °F). Note: For additional information,
refer to NFPA 325. [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999]
flammable range The range of flammable
vapor concentrations or gas-air mixtures in
which flame will propagate when it contacts
a source of ignition. [ANSI/ISA-12.13.01-
2000]
Flammable Range and Limits
flanged Valve end connections that incorpo-
rate flanges that mate with corresponding
flanges on the piping. There are four basic
types: split camp, threaded, welded, and end-to-
end dimension. (1) Split clamp: valve end con-
nections of various proprietary designs that
use split clamps to apply gasket or mating
surface loading. (2) Threaded: valve end con-
nections that incorporate threads, either male
or female. (3) Welded: valve end connections
that have been prepared for welding to the
line pipe or other fittings. May be further
divided into butt weld (BWE) or socket weld
(SWE). (4) End-to-end dimension: A non-
standard control valve term. See face-to-face
dimension. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
flanged body A valve body with full-flanged
end connections. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
flanged ends Valve end connections that
incorporate flanges, which make possible
pressure seals by mating with corresponding
flanges on the piping. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-
2000]
flange facing The finish on the end connec-
tion that mates with the gasket surfaces.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
flangeless control valve A valve without
integral line flanges. It is installed by bolting
 flange-retained liner / flexible function block
between companion flanges and has a set of
bolts, or studs, that generally extend through
the companion flanges. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-
2000]
flange-retained liner A liner that is retained
in the body of a butterfly valve by the pipe
flanges or by a continuous or segmented
ring. The segmented ring provides a way to
adjust the liner to disk interference so as to
achieve improved sealing. The bore of the
pipe flanges is smaller in diameter than the
body bore. Therefore, the flanges retain the
liner in the body. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
flange taps See orifice flange taps.
flank 1. On a cutting tool, the end surface
that is adjacent to the cutting edge. 2. On a
screw thread, the side of the thread.
flap valve A valve with a hinged flap or disk
that swings in only one direction.
flareback A burst of flame from a furnace in
a direction that is opposed to the normal
flow. It is usually caused by the ignition of an
accumulation of combustible gases.
flared tube end The projecting end of a rolled
tube that is expanded or rolled into a conical
shape.
flaring Increasing the diameter at the end of
a pipe or tube in order to form a conical sec-
tion.
flash 1. In plastics molding, elastomer mold-
ing, or metal die casting, a portion of the
molded material that overflows the cavity at
the mold parting line. 2. A fin of material that
is attached to a molded, cast or die-forged
part along the parting line between die
halves. It may also be attached to a resistance
flash-welded, upset-welded, or friction-
welded part along the weld line.
flash converter A converter in which all bit
choices are made at the same time.
flasher A device that causes visual displays
to turn on and off repeatedly. Common types
of flashing include fast flashing, flashing,
slow flashing, and intermittent flashing.
[ANSI/ISA-18.1-1979 (R1992)]
flashing 1. Steam that is produced by dis-
charging water at saturation temperature
into a region of lower pressure. 2. A flow
condition in which vapor pockets formed
inside a valve persist downstream of the
valve because the valve outlet pressure is at
or below the fluid vapor pressure. [ISA-
RP75.23-1995]
flashlamp A gas-filled lamp that emits a
short, bright flash of light when it is excited
by an electrical pulse passing through it. A
broad range of wavelengths are produced,
207
and their precise nature depends on the gas
or gases used.
flash line A raised line on the surface of a
molded or die cast part that corresponds to
the parting line between mold faces.
flash memory One of the first applications of
PCMCIA cards. A Type I card (see PCMCIA)
that contains up to 20 MB RAM and a small
battery so memory is retained when
unplugged. Flash memory is an alternative
to floppy disks and much faster than either
floppy or hard disks.
flashover A disruptive discharge in the form
of arc or spark between two electrical con-
ductors or between conductor and earth
(ground).
flash plating The electrodeposition of a very
thin film of metal, usually just barely enough
to completely cover the surface.
flash point The minimum temperature at
which a liquid gives off vapor in sufficient
concentration to form an ignitable mixture
with the air near the surface of the liquid, as
specified by a test. Note: For additional infor-
mation, refer to NFPA 325. [ANSI/ISA-
12.01.01-1999]
flatbed scanner A device that scans images
much as photocopy machines do; the origi-
nal art or document is positioned face down
on glass plate.
flattening Straightening a metal sheet by
passing it through a set of staggered and
opposing rollers. These rollers bend the sheet
slightly to flatten it, without reducing its
thickness.
flattening test A test that evaluates the duc-
tility, formability, and weld quality of metal
tubing by flattening it between parallel
plates to a specified height.
flatting agent A chemical additive that pro-
motes a nonglossy, matte finish in paints and
varnishes.
flat tuning Tuning that has substantially
equal response to the range of frequencies.
flaw A discontinuity or other physical
attribute in a material that exceeds accept-
able limits. Since the term flaw is nonspecific,
more specific terms such as defect, disconti-
nuity, or imperfection are often preferred.
flexible coupling A device that connects the
shafts of the driver and driven machines and
is at the same time capable of being bent and
strong enough to transfer the power. Semi-
flexible coupling is a better term.
flexible function block Similar to a standard
function block, except that the function of the
block, the order and definition of the block
parameters, and the time required to execute

flexible lip seal / floating plug
the block are determined by an application-
specific algorithm that is created by a pro-
gramming tool. Flexible function blocks
(FBs) are typically used to control discrete
processes and hybrid (batch) processes. A
programmable logic controller (PLC) can be
modeled as a flexible function block device.
See standard function block and programmable
logic controller (PLC).
flexible lip seal In a butterfly valve, a flexible
lip seal is a seal ring that is retained in the
body bore. It has a raised, flexible lip that
contacts an offset disk in the closed position
yet is clear of the disk in other positions.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
flexible manufacturing system (FMS) A
manufacturing system under computer con-
trol that provides automatic material han-
dling. The system is primarily designed for
batch manufacturing.
flexivity The temperature rate of flexure for a
bimetal strip of given dimensions and mate-
rial composition.
flicker The flashing effect of a video screen as
the electron beam that creates the image fol-
lows its raster pattern. See raster.
flight monitor package A special software
system that enables several operators to
monitor data from an aircraft or other source
in real time.
flinching In quality control inspection, the
failure of an inspector to call a borderline
defect a defect.
flint glass An optical glass that contains lead
or other elements that raise its refractive
index between 1.6 and 1.9, that is, higher
than other types of optical glass.
flip-flop 1. A bistable device, that is, a device
that is capable of assuming two stable states.
2. A bistable device that may assume a given
stable state, depending on the history of
pulses of one or more input points. Flip-flops
also have one or more output points and are
capable of storing one bit of information. 3. A
control device for opening or closing gates,
that is, a toggle.
float 1. Any component that has positive
buoyancy. For example, a hollow watertight
body that rests on the surface of a liquid,
partly or completely supported by buoyant
forces. [Cont] 2. In control, the amount of
time between the completion of a task or
activity and the start of the next.
float chamber A vessel in which a float regu-
lates the liquid level.
float control A type of control apparatus in
which the control signal is regulated by a
208
Next Page
float that rides up and down with liquid
level. Contrast withfloatingcontrol.
float gauge Any of several types of devices
that use pulleys, levers, or other mechanisms
to transmit the position of a float to a scale
that indicates liquid level in a tank or vessel.
Float Gauge
floating 1. In electrical circuitry, floating
denotes a circuit or device that is not con-
nected to any source of potential. 2. A condi-
tion of a line in a logic circuit that is not
grounded or is not tied to any established
potential.
floating action A type of control system
action in which a fixed relationship exists
between a measured deviation and the rate
of motion of the final control element.
floating ball A full ball that is positioned
within the valve. It contacts either of two seat
rings, and to effect tight shutoff it is free to
move toward the seat ring opposite the pres-
sure source when it is in the closed position.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
floating control A control device in which
the output control signal is proportional to
the difference between an indicator signal
and the controller's set point. This difference
is often referred to as an "error signal." In
operation, floating control reduces the ten-
dency to overshoot the set point because it
reduces power input to the system as the
controlled variable approaches the set point
value. Contrast withfloatcontrol.
floating control action See control action,
floating.
floating controller See controller, floating.
floating control mode A controller mode in
which an error in the controlled variable
causes the output of the controller to change
at a constant rate. The error must exceed pre-
set limits before controller change starts.
floating-gate PROM Optically erasable read-
only memory.
floating plug A short-nosed mandrel that is
attached to a rod, which is inserted into pipe
or tubing during reduction by drawing. Also
known as "plug die."
Previous Page
floating point / flow coefficient
floating point 1. An arithmetic notation in
which the decimal point can be manipulated.
The values are sign, magnitude, and exponent
(+.833 x 102). Contrast with fixed point. 2. A
form of number representation in which
quantities are represented by a bounded num-
ber (mantissa) and a scale factor (characteris-
tic or exponent). The scale factor consists of a
power of the number base, for example, 127.6
= 0.1276*10**3, where the bounds are 0 and 1
for the mantissa, and the base is ten.
floating-point arithmetic A method of calcu-
lation that automatically accounts for the
location of the radix point. This usually is
accomplished by handling the number as a
signed mantissa multiplied by the radix,
raised to an integral exponent. For example
the decimal number +88.3 might be written
as +0.883*10**2, the binary number -0.0011 as
-0.11*2**-2. Contrast with fixed-point arithmetic.
See radix point.
floating-point base In floating-point repre-
sentation, the fixed positive integer that is
the understood base of the power. Synony-
mous with floating-point radix.
floating-point routine A set of subroutines
that causes a computer to execute float-
ing-point arithmetic. These routines may be
used to simulate floating-point operations on
a computer that has no built-in floating-point
hardware.
floating rate The rate of motion of the final
control element in a proportional-speed
floating-control system, which corresponds
to a given deviation.
floating speed The rate of motion of the final
control element in a single-speed or multi-
speed floating-control system.
floatless level control Any device for mea-
suring or controlling liquid level in a tank or
vessel without the use of a float. Such
devices include manometers, electrical
probes, capacitance devices, radiation instru-
ments, and sonic or ultrasonic instruments.
float switch An on-off switch that is acti-
vated by the position of a float.
float valve An on-off-type valve whose
action is triggered by the rise or fall of a float.
flooding The consequence of the excessive
loading of distillation column liquid. In
effect, the liquid on trays becomes too deep
for the vapor to pass through, or the vapor
flow rate is too high. This creates an exces-
sive differential pressure or a decrease in the
differential temperature across the column.
floppy disk A flexible plastic disk that is
coated with magnetic oxide and used for
data entry to a computer. A slot in the disk's
209
protective envelope or housing, which
remains stationary while the disk rotates,
exposes the track positions for the magnetic
read/write head of the drive unit. Also
known as a diskette.
flotation A process for separating particulate
matter in which differences in surface chemi-
cal properties are used to make one group of
particles float on water while other particles
do not. Flotation is primarily used to sepa-
rate minerals from gangue, but it is also used
in some chemical and biological processes
flow [Eng] 1. In engineering, the rate of flow
of a liquid is expressed in volume units per
unit of time. Examples include meter 3 /sec-
ond (m 3 /s). [ISA-RP31.1-1977] 2. The move-
ment of material in any direction. [Comp]
3. In computing, the order of events in the
computer's solution to a problem.
flowability A general term that describes the
ability of a slurry, plasticized material, or
semisolid to behave like a fluid.
flow brazing A brazing process in which the
joint is heated by pouring hot molten nonfer-
rous filler metal over the assembled parts
until the brazing temperature is attained.
flow cases Known conditions of flow.
flow characteristic An indefinite term. The
preferred terms are inherent flow characteristic
and installed flow characteristic. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
flowchart 1. A system analysis tool that pro-
vides a graphical presentation of a proce-
dure. It includes block diagrams, routine
sequence diagrams, general flow symbols,
and so forth. 2. A chart to represent, for a
problem, the flow of data, procedures,
growth, equipment, methods, documents,
machine instructions, and the like. 3. A
graphical representation of a sequence of
operations that uses symbols to represent the
operations such as Compute, Substitute,
Compare, Jump, Copy, Read, Write, and so
on. 4. The graphical representation of the
steps performed in a process. 5. The
sequence of logic operations that are imple-
mented in hardware, software, firmware, or
manual procedures.
flow coat To apply a coating by pouring liq-
uid over an object and allowing the excess to
drain off.
flow coefficient ( C v , K v ) A constant that
establishes flow capacity. It is related to the
geometry of a valve for a given valve travel.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
flow coefficient A constant (C v ) that can be
used to predict flow rate for a given valve
opening. It is related to the geometry of a
flow compensation / flow rate range
valve. See ANSI/ISA-75.01-2000, "Control
Valve Sizing Equations," and ANSI/ISA-
75.02-1996, "Control Valve Capacity Test Pro-
cedure." [ANSI/ISA-75.11-1985 (R1997)]
flow compensation Using secondary signals
to correct flow values for changes in density
or viscosity.
flow control [Eng] 1. In engineering, any
method for controlling the flow of a material
through piping, ductwork, or channels.
[Comp] 2. In computing, a procedure for reg-
ulating the flow of data once the buffer of a
specific device has reached capacity.
flow-control orifice The part of the flow pas-
sageway that, along with the closure mem-
ber, modifies the rate of flow through the
valve. The orifice may be provided with a
seating surface to provide tight shutoff or
limited leakage. This seating surface is to be
contacted by or closely fitted to the closure
member. [ISA-75.03-1992]
flow diagram See flowchart.
flow line 1. The connecting line or arrow
between symbols on a flowchart. 2. A mark
on a molded plastic part where two flow
fronts met during molding. Also known as
"weld mark." 3. In mechanical metallurgy, a
path followed by minute volumes of metal
during forming. 4. A texture line, often
revealed by etching a surface or section, that
indicates the direction of metal flow during
hot or cold working.
flow marks Wavy surface marks on a molded
thermoplastic part resulting from the
improper flow of resin during molding.
flowmeter 1. A device that measures the rate
of flow or quantity of a moving fluid in an
open or closed conduit. It usually consists of
both a primary and a secondary device.
Note: It is acceptable in practice to further
identify the flowmeter by its applied theory,
as "differential pressure," "velocity," "area,"
"force," and so on, or by its applied technol-
ogy, as "orifice," "turbine," "vortex," "ultra-
sonic," and the like. Examples of flowmeters
include the turbine flowmeter, magnetic
flowmeter, fluidic pressure flowmeter, and so
on. 2. An instrument that is used to measure
the linear, nonlinear, mass, or volumetric
flow rate or to measure the discharge rate of
a fluid flowing in a pipe. Also known as a
"fluid meter."
flowmeter primary device The device that is
mounted internally or externally to the fluid
conduit. It produces a signal that has a
defined relationship to the fluid flow in
accordance with known physical laws that
relate the interaction of the fluid to the pres-
210
Electromagnetic Flowmeter
ence of the primary device. Note: The pri-
mary device may consist of one or more
elements that are necessary to produce the
primary device signal. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)]
flowmeter secondary device The device that
responds to the signal from the primary
device and converts it into a display or into
an output signal that can be translated rela-
tive to flow rate or quantity. Note: The sec-
ondary device may consist of one or more
elements that are needed to translate the pri-
mary device signal into standardized on
nonstandardized display or transmitted
units. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
flow mixer A device for mixing two solids,
liquids, or gases together, in which the mix-
ing action occurs as the materials pass
through the device. Also known as a "line
mixer."
flow nozzle A type of differential pressure-
producing element that has a contoured
entrance. It is characterized by its ability to
be mounted between flanges and to have a
lower permanent pressure loss than an ori-
fice plate.
flow rate 1. The actual speed or velocity of
flow movement. 2. The time rate of motion of
a fluid (usually contained in a pipe or duct),
expressed as fluid quantity per unit time.
[ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)] 2. The quantity of
fluid that moves through a pipe or channel
within a given period of time.
flow rate instability (bistable flow) An
abrupt change in the control valve flow rate,
which occurs independent of changes in
valve position. It may be caused by variable
wall attachment of the fluid stream at the
valve orifice, by flashing, or by cavitation.
flow rate range The range of flow rates,
bounded by the minimum and maximum
flow rates.

flow separation A flow condition in which
the fluid boundary layer flows away from
the boundary wall instead of flowing along
it. A turbulent wake exists downstream of
the point of flow separation, which is charac-
terized by the presence of vortices. These
vortices contain regions of high local fluid
velocities and hence low, local pressures. The
areas of low pressure are potential sites for
vapor formation. [ISA-RP75.23-1995]
flow soldering See wave soldering.
flow straightener A supplementary length of
straight pipe or tube. It contains straighten-
ing vanes or the equivalent and is installed
directly upstream of the turbine flowmeter
for the purpose of eliminating swirl from the
fluid entering the flowmeter. [ISA-RP31.1-
1977]
flow transmitter A device that senses the
flow of liquids in a pipe and converts the
sensor output into electric signals that are
proportional to the flow rate. These signals
can be transmitted to a remote indicator or
controller.
flue A conduit or duct for conveying com-
bustion products from a furnace chamber or
firebox to the point of discharge into the
atmosphere.
flue dust The particles of gas-borne solid
matter carried in the products of combustion.
flue gas The gaseous products of combustion
in the flue to the stack. [ISA-77.41-1992]
flue-gas analyzer An instrument that moni-
tors the composition of flue gas as it passes
out of a boiler or heating unit. The readout is
used to guide the adjustment of combustion
controls so as to achieve maximum combus-
tion efficiency or heat output.
In Situ Flue Gas Analysis
fluid A gas or liquid that has the property of
undergoing continuous deformation when it
is subjected to any finite shear stress, for as
long as the shear stress is maintained.
211
flow separation / fluorescence
fluid coupling A device for transmitting
rotational motion and power between shafts
by means of the acceleration or deceleration
of oil or another suitable liquid. Also known
as "hydraulic coupling."
fluidics The technology of using fluid
dynamics to perform sensing, control, data
acquisition, information processing, and
device actuation functions, without relying
on moving mechanical parts (see the illustra-
tion of a fluidic flowmeter).
Fluidic Flowmeter (Coanda Effect)
fluidity The degree to which a substance
flows freely.
fluidized bed A dynamic mixture of a gas
and/or vapor and solid particles so minute
that the mixture resembles a fluid in motion.
fluid meter See flowmeter.
fluid motor-type valve A fluid-powered
device that uses a rotary motor to position
the actuator stem. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
flume An adaptation of the venturi concept
of flow constriction applied in this case to
open-channel flow measurement. See venturi.
Flume
fluorescence 1. The emission of electromag-
netic radiation from a surface when it
absorbs energy from other electromagnetic
or particulate radiation. The emission is sus-
fluorescence spectroscopy / FM
tained only so long as the stimulating radia-
tion impinges on the material. 2. The
electromagnetic radiation produced by the
process described in definition 1. 3. Charac-
teristic X-rays that are produced because of
the absorption of higher-energy X-rays.
fluorescence spectroscopy The study of
materials by the light they emit when irradi-
ated by other light. Many materials emit visi-
ble light after they have been illuminated by
ultraviolet light. The intensity and wave-
lengths of the emitted light can be used to
identify the material and its concentration.
fluorometer An instrument for measuring
the fluorescent radiation that is emitted by a
material when excited by monochromatic
incident radiation. That radiation is usually
filtered radiation from a mercury arc lamp or
from a tungsten or molybdenum x-ray tube.
Also spelled "fluorimeter."
fluoroplastics A family of plastics resins that
is based on the fluorine substitution of
hydrogen atoms in certain hydrocarbon mol-
ecules.
fluoroscopy X-ray examination that is similar
to radiography but in which the image is
produced on a fluorescent screen instead of
on radiographic film.
flush 1. The injecting of a fluid into the sam-
ple line where the flow of sample fluid can
be directed to a portable container. It may
sometimes be referred to as "sample point."
2. The injection of a fluid into the line at an
upstream point in order to remove line fluid
from the downstream line. [ANSI/ISA-
67.02.01-1999]
flushing Removing debris, deposits, wear
particles, or used lubricating oil from a pip-
ing system, chamber, or mechanism by circu-
lating a liquid such as a solvent oil or water,
then draining the system to carry off
unwanted substances.
flushing connection A connection on the
instrument, manifold, or piping to permit the
periodic backflow of an external fluid for
clearing purposes.
flush left (right) In the typographical compo-
sition of screen displays and printing, setting
the lines of type so they line up vertically at
the left (or right) margin. In other words, the
alignment of type so that the left start point
(or right-side end point) for each line is the
same. Most books are typeset so the lines are
flush both left and right.
flush paragraph In the typographical compo-
sition of screen displays and printing, a para-
graph with no indentation.
212
fluted-rotor flowmeter A type of flow-mea-
surement device in which fluid is trapped
between two fluted rotors that are dynami-
cally balanced but hydraulically unbalanced.
This causes them to turn at a rate that is pro-
portional to the volume rate of fluid flow.
flutter 1. In tape recorders, the higher-fre-
quency variations in record and/or repro-
duce speed that cause time-base errors in the
record/reproduce process. 2. The irregular
alternating motion of a control surface, often
because of turbulence in a fluid flowing past
it. 3. Repeated speed variations in computer
processing.
flux 1. In metal refining, a substance that is
added to the melt to remove undesirable
substances such as sand, dirt, or ash. It is
sometimes added to absorb undesirable ele-
ments or compounds such as sulfur in steel-
making or iron oxide in copper refining. 2. In
welding, brazing, and soldering, a substance
that is preplaced in the joint or fed into the
molten zone so as to prevent oxides or other
undesirable compounds from forming, or to
dissolve them and make it easy to remove
them. 3. In magnetic or electromagnetic
applications, the integral of magnetic field
strength over the cross-sectional area of the
field.
flux gate A detector that produces an electric
signal whose magnitude and phase are pro-
portional to the magnitude and direction of
an external magnetic field that is aligned
with the detector's axis.
flux guide A shaped piece of metal that is
used in magnetic or electromagnetic applica-
tions to direct magnetic flux along preferred
paths or to prevent it from spreading beyond
specific boundaries.
fluxmeter An instrument for measuring the
intensity of magnetic flux.
fly A fan with two or more blades that is
used in timepieces or light machinery to con-
trol rotational speed by means of air resis-
tance.
flying lead A wire lead that exits in the back of
the connector hood on the outside of the
cable jacket. It is normally attached to the
drain wire or shield and then connected to
the chassis of the switch, modem, and so on.
Also called hardware control lead.
flywheel A balanced rotating element
attached to a shaft which utilizes inertial
forces to maintain uniform rotational speed
and damp out small variations in power gen-
erated by the driving elements.
FM Factory Mutual Research Corporation;
organization that sets industrial safety stan-

dards, generally to protect the process;
focused on fire safety and prevention. They
test and approve products, and FM approval
is recognized by OSHA as indicating a prod-
uct that does not create a fire hazard. Com-
pare with UL. Also frequency modulation; a
method of transmission in which the carrier
frequency varies in accordance with the sig-
nal.
FM See frequency modulation.
FM discriminator A device that converts fre-
quency variations into proportional varia-
tions in voltage or current transmission
frequency range into narrower banks, each of
which is used for a separate channel.
FMEA Failure mode and effects analysis; a
procedure by which every individual com-
ponent is ranked with percentage failure val-
ues for each failure mode (i.e.; transistor
short, open, drift, etc.) so as to determine
their respective failures in time (FIT). Then,
an overall impact is calculated for the device
in which all of these components are used;
used in developing MTTF. See MTTF.
FM/FM The frequency modulation of a car-
rier by subcarriers that are frequency modu-
lated by information.
FM (tape record/reproduce) The tape
record/reproduce process whereby data
modulate an FM oscillator for recording and
are demodulated by an FM discriminator.
F number The ratio of the principal length of
a lens to its diameter.
FO Fail open; default mode of the final ele-
ment in the process, typically a valve.
foaming 1. Any of various methods for intro-
ducing air or gas into a liquid or solid mate-
rial so as to produce a foam. 2. The contin-
uous formation of bubbles that have suffi-
ciently high surface tension to remain bub-
bles beyond the disengaging surface.
foam-in-place A method that is widely used
to apply foamed insulation to homes and
industrial equipment. Two or more reactive
substances are deposited onto a surface
where the foaming reaction takes place.
focal length The distance from the focal point
of a lens or lens system to a reference plane at
the lens's location, measured along the focal
axis of the lens system.
focal point 1. The location on the opposite
side of a lens or lens system where rays of
light from a distant object meet at a point.
Also known as focus. 2. The point in space
where a beam of electromagnetic energy
(such as light, X-rays, or laser energy) or of
particles (such as electrons) has its greatest
concentration of energy. It corresponds to the
213
FM / folding error
point where a converging beam of energy
undergoes a transition to become a diverging
beam.
focal spot The area of the target in an X-ray
tube where the stream of electrons from the
cathode strikes the target.
focus 1. To adjust the position of a lens with
respect to an imaging surface so that sharp
features of the object appear sharp in the
image. 2. A focal point.
focusing coil An assembly that contains one
or more electromagnetic coils to focus an
electron beam.
focusing electrode An electrode that is con-
figured so that its electric field acts to control
the cross-sectional area of an electron beam.
focusing magnet An assembly that contains
one or more permanent magnets or electro-
magnets and is used to focus an electron
beam.
FOF First out fault; system to determine
accurately the sequence of alarms in a pro-
cess or plant.
fog A defect in developed radiographic, pho-
tographic, or spectrographic emulsions that
consists of uniform blackening, caused by
unintentional exposure to low-intensity light
or penetrating radiation.
fogged metal A metal surface whose luster
has been greatly reduced by the creation of a
film of oxide or other reaction products.
fog quenching Rapidly cooling an item by
subjecting it to a fine mist, usually of water.
foil A very thin metal sheet, usually less than
0.006 in. (0.15 mm) thick.
foil strain gauge A type of metallic strain
gauge. It is usually made in the form of a
back-and-forth grid by photoetching a pre-
cise pattern on foil made of a special alloy
that has high resistivity and a low tempera-
ture coefficient of resistivity.
FOIRL Fiber-Optic Inter Repeater Link; early
implementation of subset of IEEE 802.3
10BASE FL standard designed to connect
fiber-optic repeaters at 10Mbps. Used by var-
ious Ethernet manufacturers to produce net-
work and port interface cards as well as
MAUs / transceivers.
foldback In the current-limiting circuit of a
power supply, the ability to reestablish a
flow of current after overload has caused the
interruption of current flow by exceeding the
preset limits.
folding error An error in sampling an elec-
tronic signal that arises from the failure to
sample at a high enough rate (sampling rate
should be at least double the maximum sig-
nal frequency). The result is that the sam-
foldover / fore vacuum
pling device perceives high-frequency
components of the signal as low-frequency
components. Also known as aliasing error.
foldover A device characteristic that is exhib-
ited when a further change in the input pro-
duces an output signal that reverses its
direction from the specified input-output
relationship. [ANSI/ISA-67.04.01-2000]
folio In the typographical composition of
screen displays and printing, another name
for the page number.
font The complete assortment of typesetting
characters (letters, numbers, punctuation
marks, etc.) of a particular style.
foot A fundamental unit of length in the Brit-
ish and U.S. customary systems of measure-
ment that equals 12 inches.
footlamberts The unit of brightness in video
displays.
foot-pound A force of one pound applied to
a lever that is one foot long.
forceback A back-calculation within the algo-
rithm function block to prevent signal
"bump" during multitasking (i.e., switching
between functions). Forceback is particu-
larly important in linking cascaded process
control loops in microprocessor-based con-
trollers.
force factor 1. The complex ratio of the force
that is required to block the mechanical sys-
tem of an electromechanical transducer and
the corresponding current in the electrical
system. 2. The complex ratio of the open-cir-
cuit voltage in the electrical system of an
electromechanical transducer and the corre-
sponding velocity in the mechanical system.
force feedback A method of error detection
in which the force exerted on the end ele-
ment is sensed and fed back to the control.
force fit A class of interference fit that
involves relatively large amounts of negative
allowance, requires large amounts of force to
assemble, and results in the inducement of
relatively large stresses in the assembled
parts.
force-balance transmitter A transmitter
design technique that utilizes feedback of the
output signal to balance the primary input
signal from the measuring element. The bal-
anced output signal is proportional to the
measured variable.
forced circulation Using a pump or fan to
move fluid through a conduit or process ves-
sel. Examples include air or gases through a
furnace or combustion chamber (often
referred to as "forced draft"), ambient or con-
ditioned air through ductwork (often
referred to as forced ventilation), or a mix-
214
ture of water and steam through tubes in a
boiler.
forced draft Air that is under the positive
pressure produced by fans situated at the
point where air or gases enter a unit, such as
a combustion furnace or boiler.
forced-draft fan A fan that supplies air under
pressure to the fuel-burning equipment.
[ISA-77.41-1992]
forced oscillation The oscillation of a system
attribute where the period of oscillation is
determined by an external periodic force.
forced vibration Oscillation that occurs at the
frequency of a driving force input.
forcing 1. The act of applying control signals
greater than those warranted by a given
deviation in the controlled variable in order
to induce a more rapid rate of adjustment in
the controlled variable. 2. A function of the
engineering station of a Programmable Elec-
tronic System (PES), which provides the
capability to override the application pro-
gram and to change the states of inputs and
outputs. [ANSI/ISA-84.01-1996]
Ford cup viscometer A time-to-discharge
apparatus that is used primarily for deter-
mining the viscosity of paints and varnishes.
foreground 1. The information element on a
background field. [ISA-5.5-1985] 2. The area
in memory that is designated for use by
high-priority programs. The program, set of
programs, or functions that gain the use of
machine facilities immediately upon request.
foreground/background A control system
that uses two computers, one to perform the
control functions and the other for data log-
ging, evaluating performance off line, per-
forming financial operations, and so on.
Either computer can perform the control
functions.
foreground/background processing A com-
puter system that is organized so that pri-
mary tasks dominate computer processing
time when required, and secondary tasks fill
the remaining time.
foreground program A time-dependent pro-
gram that is initiated by request. Its urgency
preempts the operation of a background pro-
gram. Contrast with background program.
fore pump A vacuum pump that is operated
in series with another vacuum pump. It pro-
duces vacuums at the discharge of the sec-
ond vacuum pump, which is not capable of
discharging gases at atmospheric pressure.
fore vacuum A space on the exhaust side of a
vapor jet or pump where the ambient static
pressure is below atmospheric.

forging 1. Using compressive force to plasti-
cally deform and shape metal. It is usually
done hot, in dies or between rolls. 2. A
shaped part that is made by impact, com-
pression, or rolling. If made by rolling, the
part is usually referred to as a "roll forging."
Format 1. To prepare a diskette so it can
accept computer data. 2. A specific arrange-
ment of computer data. 3. To arrange a tape
record, buffer, or the like so it is compatible
with processing or storage standards. 4. The
arrangement of the programming elements
that comprise any field, record, file, or vol-
ume. 5. The basic parameters of a telemetry/
data-acquisition sample plan. For example,
the format would include the number of
words per frame and frames per subframe in
a sample plan.
formatted ASCII A mode in which data are
transferred. A file that contains formatted
ASCII data is generally transferred as strings
of seven-bit ASCII characters (bit eight is
zero) and terminated by a line feed, form-
feed, or vertical tab. Special characters, such
as null, Rubout, and tab may be interpreted
specially.
formatted binary A mode in which data are
transferred. Formatted binary is used to
transfer check-summed binary data
(eight-bit characters) in blocks. Formatting
characters are start-of-block indicators, byte
count, and check-sum values.
formatter A hardware or software process for
arranging data on tape or disk or in a buffer.
form factor The physical specifications of a
device, such as rack mounts, and so on. Form
factor evolved from the relay terminology for
contact configurations.
form feed (FF) A control character that is nor-
mally used to command a printer to feed the
paper to the top of the next page.
form grinding The process of producing a
contoured surface on a part by grinding it
with an abrasive wheel whose face has been
shaped to the obverse of the desired contour.
forming Applying pressure to shape a mate-
rial by plastic deformation without inten-
tionally altering its thickness.
formula 1. A set of parameters that distin-
guish the products that are defined by proce-
dures. The formula may include types and
quantities of ingredients, along with infor-
mation such as the magnitude of process
variables. It may effect procedures. 2. A cate-
gory of recipe information that includes pro-
cess inputs, process parameters, and process
outputs. [ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995]
formula translation system See FORTRAN.
215
forging / four-ball tester
FORTH A computer language that should
have been called FOURTH (fourth-genera-
tion), but astronomer/developer Charles
Moore's computer accepted only five-charac-
ter names. This object-oriented language was
created to control telescopes, but its extend-
ability is the key to its ever-growing popular-
ity. Using "reverse Polish" notation, it
contains applications that are useful in pro-
cess control.
FORTRAN 1. "Formula Translation." A pro-
cedure-oriented language for solving arith-
metic and logical programs and the first high-
level computer language. It is a procedure-
oriented language that has good array-han-
dling features. Developed by IBM in 1954,
FORTRAN was known as a scientific lan-
guage because of its facility at "number
crunching" and solving engineering, mathe-
matical, and other scientific problems. 2. The
computing language that is defined as full
FORTRAN ISO R1539-1972, which is the same
as American National Standard FORTRAN
ANSI X3.9-1966.
FORTRAN compiler A processor program
for FORTRAN.
forward channel A data transmission chan-
nel in which the direction of transmission
coincides with that in which the information
is being transferred.
forward compatible Designs that ensure
compatibility with future versions.
forward controlling elements See elements,
forward controlling.
forwarding The act of accepting and retrans-
mitting network traffic.
fossil fuel Coal or petroleum hydrocarbon
fuel, as distinguished from nuclear fuel.
fouling 1. The growth of adherent plant or
animal life on submerged structures. It often
leads to biological corrosion or the degrada-
tion of performance, such as the reduction of
heat transfer or the increase of fluid friction.
2. The accumulation of refuse in gas passages
or on heat-absorbing surfaces, which results
in undesirable restrictions to the flow of gas
or heat.
foundry A commercial enterprise, plant, or
portion of a factory where metal or glass is
melted and cast.
four-ball tester An apparatus for determin-
ing lubrication efficiency by driving one ball
against three stationary balls that are
clamped together in a cup filled with the test
lubricant. The effectiveness of lubrication is
expressed relatively in terms of wear-scar
diameters on the stationary balls.
Fourier optics / frame synchronization pattern
Fourier optics 1. Optical components that are
used to make Fourier transforms and other
types of optical processing operations. 2. A
prism or grating monochromator that essen-
tially performs a Fourier transform on the
light shining on the entrance slit.
Fourier series and transform Mathematical
tools for analyzing functions by decompos-
ing them into sinusoids.
four wire A normal requirement for a full-
duplex circuit. Two wires are used for the
transmission, and two are used for the recep-
tion.
four-wire transmitter An electronic transmit-
ter that has separate wires for signal and
power.
fourth-generation language (4GL), fourth-
generation environment (4GE) A com-
puter language that instructs the computer at
a higher-level language abstraction than tra-
ditional high-level programming languages.
Any computer language that does not
require traditional input process/output
logic will fall into this category.
FOV Field of view (of sensors, especially
optical).
FPM Feet per minute (flow velocity). Also,
Fast Packet Multiplexing, a technology that
integrates synchronous and asynchronous
data with voice and fax signals over a com-
posite channel, eliminating the delays associ-
ated with standard packet multiplexing by
giving priority to voice and fax signals over
data signals.
FPS Feet per second, in flow velocity; frames
per second in video and computer imaging.
FPU Floating point unit; performs numeric
calculations for the processor, specialized
just for numeric calculations. Can boost
screen redraws, image filtering effects,
spreadsheet calculations, and similar opera-
tions by as much as 900 percent.
FQ Flow quantity when used in the first two
alpha character positions of ISA-instrument
function tag. [ANSI/ISA S5.1-1984 (R1992)]
fraction 1. In the classification of powdered
or granular solids, the proportion of the sam-
ple (by weight) that lies between two stated
particle sizes. 2. In chemical distillation, the
proportion of a solution of two liquids that
consists of a specific chemical substance.
fractional distillation A thermal process in
which a mixture of liquids that boil at differ-
ent temperatures is heated at a series of
increasing temperatures, and the distillates
that are boiled off at each temperature are
collected separately.
216
fractional factorial designs A subclass of fac-
torial designs that reduces the number of
experiments to be performed by exploring
systematically only a fraction (such as one
half) of the input variable space.
fractionating column An apparatus for frac-
tional distillation in which rising vapor and
falling liquid are brought into intimate con-
tact.
fraction defective In quality control, the
average number of units of product that con-
tain one or more defects for each 100 units of
product in a given lot.
fractography The study of fracture surfaces,
especially for the purpose of determining the
causes of failure and relating these causes to
the macrostructural and microstructural
characteristics of parts and materials.
fracture test A method for determining com-
position, grain size, case depth, or material
soundness by breaking a test specimen and
examining the fracture surface for certain
characteristic features.
fragmentation [Comp] 1. In computing, the
tendency of files in disk storage to be divided
up into many small areas scattered around
the disk. [Comm] 2. In communications, the
process of breaking network transmission
units into smaller units.
FRAM Ferroelectric random access memory
is high density with the high speeds of
DRAM and SRAM and the nonvolatility of
ROM; also called "Flash RAM;" see flash
memory.
frame 1. A group of digits that is transmitted
as a single unit and over which a coding pro-
cedure is usually applied for the purposes of
synchronization or for error control. Also
called block. 2. A set of consecutive digit time
slots in which the position of each digit time
slot can be identified by referring to a fram-
ing signal. Note: This definition is taken from
IEEE Standard 100-1984. [ANSI/ISA-50.02,
Part 2-1992] 3. The image in a computer dis-
play terminal. 4. In time-division multiplex-
ing, one complete commutator revolution,
which includes a single synchronizing signal
or code.
frame code complement (FCC) The subframe
synchronization method in which the frame
synchronization code is complemented so as
to signal the beginning of each subframe.
frame rate (FRATE) The rate, or the pulses
that clock that rate, of rotation of a data mul-
tiplexer "wheel."
frame synchronization pattern A unique
code, coded pulse, or interval used to mark
the start of a commutation frame period.
 frame synchronizer / frequency, gain crossover
frame synchronizer (FSY) Telemetry hard-
ware that recognizes the unique signal that
indicates the beginning of a frame of data. A
typical frame synchronizer "searches" for the
code, "checks" for the recurrence of the code
in the same position for several frame peri-
ods, and then "locks" on the code.
framework The load-carrying members of an
assembled structure.
framing error An error that results from
transmitting or receiving data at the wrong
speed. A character of data will appear to
have an incorrect number of bits.
free ash Ash that is not included in the fixed
ash.
free-electron laser A laser in which stimu-
lated emission is produced by a beam of free
electrons passing through a magnetic field
that periodically (in space rather than time)
alters its polarity.
free field Ideally, a wave field or potential
energy field in a homogeneous, unbounded
medium. However, practically speaking, a
free field is a field where boundary effects
are negligible over the useful portion of the
medium.
free-field frequency response For a piezo-
electric sound-pressure transducer, the ratio,
as a function of frequency, of the transducer's
output in a sound field to the free-field
sound pressure that exists at the transducer
location in the absence of the transducer.
[ISA-37.10-1982 (R1995)]
free-field grazing incidence response A
free-field frequency response of a piezoelec-
tric sound-pressure transducer in which the
sound incident is parallel to a specified sens-
ing surface of the microphone.
free field (sound) A free sound field is one
that exists in a homogeneous, isotropic
medium that is free of any acoustically
reflecting boundaries. [ISA-37.10-1982
(1995)]
freefit A type of clearance fit that has a rela-
tively large allowance. It is used when the
accuracy of assembly is not essential, when
large temperature variations may occur, or
both. Also known as "free-running fit."
free flow A condition in which the liquid sur-
face downstream of the weir plate is far
enough below the crest so that air has free
access beneath the nappe. See nappe.
free gyroscope A gyro wheel that is mounted
in two or more gimbal rings so that its spin
axis can maintain a fixed position in space.
free impedance A transducer characteristic
that is equal to the input impedance when
the load impedance is zero.
217
free-machining A material description that
indicates some alteration of chemical compo-
sition in order to substantially improve
machinability. Such alteration could be the
addition of sulfur, phosphorus, or lead to
steel or lead to nonferrous metals. Also
called "free-cutting."
free oscillation The periodic variation of
some system variable when the externally
applied forces either do no work or are
derived from an invariant potential.
free running A term used to describe the
data acquisition of an analyzer. In this pro-
cess, the instrument acquires the next time
block when it is finished processing the pre-
vious time block and is ready for more data.
It continuously operates this way, updating
the display.
free-standing A control center or enclosure
that will be stable in its normal position
without external bracing or bolting to other
structures.
free vibration Oscillation that occurs at a nat-
ural frequency, after an initial force input.
free water The amount of water that is
released when a wet solid is dried to its equi-
librium moisture content.
freeze To hold the contents of a register (time,
for example) until they have been transferred
to another device.
freeze-up 1. The abnormal operation of a
refrigeration unit because ice has formed on
the heat-absorbing elements. 2. The stoppage
of rotational motion because of radial expan-
sion or adhesive welding between a bearing
and its journal. Also called "seizure."
freezing point The temperature at which
equilibrium is attained between liquid and
solid phases of a pure substance. The term is
also applied to compounds and alloys that
undergo isothermal liquid-solid phase trans-
formation.
French coupling A coupling that has a right-
hand and a left-hand thread.
frequencies The harmonics of a periodic
variable.
frequency 1. The number of cycles over a
specified time through which an event
occurs. The reciprocal is called the "period."
2. The number of cycles a periodic variable
passes through per unit time. 3. The rate of
signal oscillation in hertz.
frequency, damped The apparent frequency
of a damped oscillatory time response of a
system as a result of a nonoscillatory stimu-
lus. [ANSI/ISA- 51.1-1979 (R1993)]
frequency, gain crossover 1. On a Bode dia-
gram of the transfer function of an element
frequency, natural / frequency modulation
or system, the frequency at which the gain
becomes unity (and its decibel value zero). 2.
Of integral control action, the frequency at
which the gain becomes unity. [ANSI/ISA-
51.1-1979 (R1993)]
frequency, natural 1. The frequency at which
a part, or system, will oscillate if excited with
an impulse. 2. The frequency of free (not
forced) oscillations of the sensing element of
a fully assembled transducer. Note 1: Natural
frequency is also defined as the frequency of
a sinusoidally applied measurand at which
the transducer output lags the measurand by
90°. Note 2: Natural frequency is applicable
at room temperature unless otherwise speci-
fied. Note 3: Also see frequency, resonant and
frequency, ringing. These are considered of
more practical value than natural frequency.
[ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
frequency, phase crossover Of a loop trans-
fer function, the frequency at which the
phase angle reaches ±180 . [ANSI/ISA-51.1-
1979 (R1993)]
frequency, resonant The measurand fre-
quency at which a transducer responds with
maximum output amplitude. Note 1: When
major amplitude peaks occur at more than
one frequency, the lowest of these frequen-
cies is the resonant frequency. Note 2: A peak
is considered major when it has an ampli-
tude that is at least 1.3 times the amplitude of
the frequency to which the specified fre-
quency response is referred. Note 3: For sub-
sidiary resonance peaks, see resonances. [ISA-
37.1-1975 (R1982)]
frequency, ringing The frequency of the
oscillatory transient that occurs in the trans-
ducer output as a result of a step change in
measurand. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
frequency, undamped (frequency, natural) 1.
Of a second-order linear system without
damping, the frequency of free oscillation in
radians or cycles per unit of time. 2. The
value wn of any system whose transfer func-
tion contains the quadratic factor s2 + 2zwns +
wn2, where s=complex variable, z=constant,
and wn=natural frequency in radians per sec-
ond. 3. Of a closed-loop control system or
controlled system, a frequency at which con-
tinuous oscillation (hunting) can occur with-
out periodic stimuli. Note: In linear systems,
the undamped frequency is the phase cross-
over frequency. With proportional control
action only, the undamped frequency of a
linear system may be obtained in most cases
by raising the proportional gain until contin-
uous oscillation occurs. [ANSI/ISA51.1-1979
(R1993)]
218
frequency band The continuum between two
specified limiting frequencies.
frequency departure The amount by which a
carrier frequency or center frequency varies
from its assigned value.
frequency deviation The peak difference
between the instantaneous frequency of a
modulated wave and the frequency of the
unmodulated carrier wave.
frequency distortion A form of distortion in
which the relative magnitudes of the compo-
nents of a complex wave are changed during
transmission.
frequency divider An electronic circuit or
device whose output-signal frequency is a
proper fraction of its input-signal frequency.
frequency-division multiplex (FDM) A sys-
tem for transmitting information about two
or more quantities (measurands) over a com-
mon channel by dividing the available fre-
quency bands. Amplitude, frequency, or
phase modulation of the subcarriers may be
employed.
frequency division multiplexer (FDM) A
device that divides the available transmis-
sion frequency range into narrower banks,
each of which is used for a separate channel.
frequency-divisional multiplexing The com-
bining of two or more signals at different fre-
quencies so they can be transmitted as one
signal. This can be done electronically or it
can be done optically by using two or more
light sources of different wavelengths.
frequency domain 1. Pertaining to a method
of analysis, in which one does not deal with
functions of time explicitly, but with their
Laplace or Fourier transforms, which are
functions of frequency. It is particularly use-
ful for fixed linear systems. 2. Vibration, rep-
resented as a graph of amplitude versus
frequency.
frequency meter An instrument for deter-
mining the frequency of a cyclic signal, such
as an alternating current or radio wave.
frequency-modulated output An output that
takes the form of frequency deviations from
a center frequency, where the deviation is a
function of the applied measurand. [ISA-
37.1-1975 (R1982)]
frequency modulation (FM) 1. The process
(or the result of the process) in which the fre-
quency deviates from the unmodulated car-
rier in proportion to the instantaneous value
of the modulating signal. 2. A type of elec-
tronic circuit that produces an output signal
whose frequency has been modified by one
or more input signals. See also modulated
wave. 3. In telemetry, the modulation of the
 frequency monitor / frequency shift keying
frequency of an oscillator so as to indicate
data magnitude. The sine wave of a carrier
has its frequency modified in accord with the
information that is being transmitted.
frequency monitor An instrument that deter-
mines the amount that a frequency deviates
from its assigned value.
frequency multiplication The process of
generating harmonics of the frequency of a
lightwave through nonlinear interactions of
the lightwave with certain materials. Fre-
quency doubling is equivalent to dividing
the wavelength in half. High-power beams
are needed in order for the nonlinear interac-
tion to occur.
frequency multiplier An electronic circuit or
device whose output-signal frequency is an
exact multiple of its input-signal frequency.
frequency output Output that takes the form
of a frequency that varies as a function of
applied measurand (e.g., angular speed and
flow rate). [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
frequency phase control regulation A regu-
lation technique in power supplies that can
control the phase of either the primary or
secondary, element. It usually employs sili-
con-controlled rectifiers (SCRs).
frequency response 1. The behavior of
device output as a function of input, both
with respect to time. 2. The change with fre-
quency of the sensitivity with respect to the
reference sensitivity, for a sinusoidally vary-
219
ing acceleration applied to a transducer
within a stated range of frequencies, usually
specified as "within ± percent of the ref-
erence sensitivity from to cps." The
applicable total capacitance and load resis-
tance should be stated. 3. The change with
frequency of the output/measurand ampli-
tude ratio (and of the phase difference
between output and measurand) for a sinuso-
idally varying measurand that is applied to a
transducer within a stated range of measur-
and frequencies. Note: 1: Frequency response
is usually specified as "within + [number]
percent (or + [number] dB) from [number] to
[number] hertz." Note 2: Frequency response
should be referred to a frequency that is
within the specified measurand frequency
range as well as to a specific measurand
value. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)] 4. A measure of
the effectiveness with which a circuit or
device transmits signals of different frequen-
cies. It is usually expressed as a graph of mag-
nitude or phase of an output signal as a
function of frequency. Also known as "ampli-
tude-frequency response" and "sine-wave
response." 5. For a linear system in sinusoidal
steady state, the ratio of the Fourier transform
of the output signal to the Fourier transform
of the corresponding input signal. 6. The
response of a component, instrument, or con-
trol system to input signals at varying fre-
quencies.
frequency response, calculated The fre-
quency response of a transducer as calcu-
lated from its transient response, its
mechanical properties, or its geometry, and
so identified. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
frequency-response analyzer An instrument
that measures the gain or loss of signal level
through an electronic circuit as a function of
frequency.
frequency-response characteristic In pro-
cess instrumentation, the frequency-depen-
dent relation, in both gain and phase,
between steady-state sinusoidal inputs and
the resulting fundamental steady-state sinu-
soidal outputs. Note: Frequency response is
commonly plotted on a Bode diagram.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
frequency-response method A method of
tuning a process control loop for optimum
operation by properly selecting the controller
settings. This method is based on a study of
the frequency response of the open process
control loop.
frequency shift keying (FSK) Modulation
that is accomplished by switching from one
frequency stability / frost plug
discrete frequency to another discrete fre-
quency.
frequency stability 1. A measurement of
how well the output frequency (or, equiva-
lently, the emitted wavelength) of a laser
stays constant. In some types, the emitted
wavelength tends to drift because of such
factors as the changing temperature of the
laser itself. 2. A statement of the deviation
with time, temperature, or supply voltages of
an electronic oscillator when compared to a
standard.
frequency swing A characteristic of a fre-
quency-modulation system that is equal to
the difference between the maximum and
minimum design values of instantaneous fre-
quency in the modulated wave.
frequency telemetering A system for trans-
mitting measurements in which the informa-
tion values are represented by frequencies
within a specific band. The specific fre-
quency is determined by the percentage of
full scale equivalent to the current value of
the measured variable.
Fresnel lens A lens whose surface is com-
posed of a number of concentric lens sections
that have the same focal length as is desired
for the larger lens. Typically, for high-quality
optical applications, the smaller lenses are
concentric circles. This technique is used to
compress a short focal-length optical compo-
nent into a thickness that is much less than
that of a plane-convex lens of the same mate-
rial and focal length.
Fresnel reflection A reflection that occurs at
the planar junction of two materials that
have different refractive indices. This is not a
function of angle of incidence.
fretting A form of wear that occurs between
closely fitting surfaces that are subjected to
cyclic relative motion of very small ampli-
tude. It is usually accompanied by corrosion,
especially of the very fine wear debris. Also
known as "chafing fatigue," "fretting corro-
sion," "friction oxidation," "molecular attri-
tion," "wear oxidation," and, in
rolling-element bearings, "false Brinelling."
friable Capable of being easily crumbled,
pulverized, or otherwise reduced to powder.
friction See friction error.
frictional error See error, frictional.
friction error The maximum change in out-
put, at any measurand value within the spec-
ified range, before and after friction within
the transducer has been minimized by dith-
ering. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
friction-feed printer A printer that uses the
pressure of a platen to advance the paper.
220
friction-free error band The error band that
is applicable at room conditions and with the
frictions within the transducer minimized by
dithering. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
friction oxidation See fretting.
friction tape A type of cotton tape that is
impregnated with a sticky, moisture-resistant
compound and used to cover and insulate
exposed electrical connections or termina-
tions. It has been largely replaced by electri-
cal tape made of polyvinyl chloride resin
backed with a sticky adhesive.
friction-tube viscometer A device for mea-
suring viscosity by determining the pressure
drop across a friction tube as the fluid is
pumped through it.
frigorimeter A thermometer for measuring
low temperatures.
frit Fusible ceramic mixture that are used to
make ceramic glazes and porcelain enamels
from unspecified apparatuses. [ISA-12.02.01-
1999 (IEC 60079-11 Mod)]
frit seal A hermetical seal for enclosing inte-
grated circuits and other electronic compo-
nents. It is made by fusing a mixture of
metallic powder and glass binder.
from-to tester A type of electronic test equip-
ment for checking the continuity between
two points in a circuit.
front end An enigmatic term used by some to
mean the operator interface or the applica-
tion-specific aspects of a computer program.
Others define it to mean that part of the con-
trol system that is directly connected to the
process sensors and instruments connected
to the process.
front-end processor 1. A dedicated processor
for performing communication functions so
as to offload other processors within the
same device. It is that portion of the system
that first receives the process or plant data,
usually for signal conditioning and/or mul-
tiplexing. 2. A device that receives computer
data from other input devices, organizes such
data as specified, and then transmits this data
to another computer for processing. 3. The
computer equipment that is used to receive
plant signals, including analog-to-digital con-
verters and the associated controls.
frost plug A device for determining liquid
level when the contents of a tank are at a
temperature below 0°C. It consists of a side
tube that resembles a sight glass but has a
series of closed tubes (plugs) at different lev-
els instead of the glass. The tubes below liq-
uid level are cooled so that moisture from the
atmosphere forms frost on them, while the
tubes above liquid level remain frost free.

frothing Production of a layer of relatively
stable bubbles at an air-liquid interface.
Frothing can be accomplished by any of sev-
eral methods, including aeration, agitation,
or chemical reaction. In many instances, it is
an undesired side effect of an operation, but
sometimes it is an essential element of the
operation, as in froth flotation for separating
a mineral from its ore.
FRP Fiber-reinforced plastic; sometimes used
for instrument enclosures.
FSK Frequency-shift keying; method of data
transmission using frequencies to indicate
the state of the bit being transmitted, see AM
and PM.
FTAM File Transfer Access and Management;
ISO protocol and part of MAP layer 7.
FTP File transfer protocol; upper-level TCP/
IP service that allows files to be copied or
moved across a network.
fuel 1. A substance that contains combustible
material that is used for generating heat.
Coal, oil, and gas are fuels as referenced in
the relevant ISA standard. [ISA-77.41-1992] 2.
Any material that will burn or otherwise
react so as to release heat energy. Common
fuels include coal, charcoal, wood, and petro-
leum products (fossil fuels), which burn, and
uranium, which undergoes nuclear fission.
fuel-air mixture A mixture of fuel and air.
fuel-air ratio The ratio of the weight, or vol-
ume, of fuel to air.
fuel gas A combustible gaseous substance
that is used as a fuel.
fuel oil Any oily hydrocarbon liquid that has
a flash point of at least 100°F (38 C), which
can be burned to generate heat.
fuel trip The automatic shutoff of a specific
fuel as the result of an interlock or operator
action. [ANSI/ISA-77.44.01-2000]
fulchronograph An instrument for recording
lightning strikes electromagnetically.
fulgurator An atomizer that is used in flame
analysis to spray into the flame the salt solu-
tion to be analyzed.
full adder A computer logic device that
accepts two addends and a carry input and
produces a sum and a carry output.
full annealing An imprecise term that
implies heating to a suitable temperature,
followed by controlled cooling for the pur-
pose of producing a condition of minimum
strength and hardness.
full ball A closure member that has a com-
plete spherical surface with a flow passage
through it. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
full bridge In strain gauges, such as in force
or pressure sensors, the condition in which
221
frothing / full-scale value
all four legs of a Wheatstone bridge configu-
ration are active in the development of a sig-
nal.
full duplex 1. Communications that appear
to have information transfer in both direc-
tions (transmit and receive) at the same time.
2. The electronic transmission of data simul-
taneously in two directions. See duplex, full.
full-duplex transmission The simultaneous,
two-way communication between devices.
full-hard temper A level of hardness and
strength for nonferrous alloys and some fer-
rous alloys. It corresponds to a cold worked
state beyond which the material can no
longer be formed by bending.
full range (F.R.) The algebraic difference
between the minimum and maximum values
for which a device is specified. [ISA-RP55.1-
1975 (R1983)]
Fuller's earth A highly absorbent, claylike
material formerly used to remove grease
from woolen cloth, but now used principally
as a filter medium.
full-face gasket A flat gasket that contacts
the entire flat contact surface of two mating
flanges, extending past the bolt holes. This
term applies to flat face flanges only. [ANSI/
ISA-75.05.01-2000]
full-motion imaging A video image that is
completely smooth, without stutter. See ras-
ter imaging.
full-scale (F.S.) The maximum absolute value
for which a device is specified. [ISA-RP55.1-
1975 (R1983)] See range.
full-scale error The difference between the
actual and ideal output from an analog-to-
digital converter (ADC) or digital-to-analog
converter (DAC) for full-scale input.
Expressed in millivolts, percentage of full
range or least-significant bits (LSBs). Also
called "gain error."
full-scale gas concentration One hundred
percent of the actual marked full-scale con-
centration value. [ANSI/ISA-12.13.01-2000]
full-scale output 1. The algebraic difference
between the end points. Note: Sometimes
expressed as "± [half the algebraic differ-
ence]," for example, "±2.5 volts." [ISA-37.1-
1975 (R1982)] 2. The algebraic difference
between minimum output and maximum
output.
full-scale value 1. The largest value of a mea-
sured quantity that can be indicated on an
instrument scale. 2. For an instrument whose
zero is between the ends of the scale, the sum
of the absolute values of the measured quan-
tity corresponding to the two ends in the
scale.
full-wave rectifier / function switch
full-wave rectifier An electronic circuit that
converts an AC input signal into a DC output
signal. Current flows in the output circuit
during both halves of each cycle in the input
signal.
function 1. The purpose of a device, or an
action performed by it. [ANSI/ISA-5.1-1984
(R1992)] 2. A specific purpose of an entity. 3.
One of a group of actions that is performed
by an entity in accomplishing its purposes.
[ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-2000] 4. In communica-
tions, a machine action such as a carriage
return or line feed. 5. A closed subroutine
that returns a value to the calling routine
when it concludes. 6. The operation called
for in a computer software instruction.
functional design The specification of the
working relations between the parts of a sys-
tem in terms of their characteristic actions.
functional earth terminal A terminal by
which electrical connection is made directly
to a point of measuring, a control circuit, or a
screening part. It is intended to be earthed
for any functional purpose other than safety.
Note: For measuring equipment, this termi-
nal is often termed a "measuring earth termi-
nal." [ANSI/ISA-82.02.01-1999 (IEC 1010-1
Mod)]
functional diagram A diagram that repre-
sents the functional relationships among the
parts of a system.
functional fidelity The degree of similarity
between the simulator and the reference
plant relative to the static and dynamic
response of the equipment and controls.
[ANSI/ISA-77.20-1993]
functional program A routine or group of
routines that, when considered as a whole,
completes some task with minimal interac-
tion with other functional programs other
than to obtain data and signal its completion
of its task. For example, a group of routines
that take data from an analog scanner and
store it on a bulk storage device might be
considered a functional program.
functional requirement A requirement that
specifies some function that a particular sys-
tem or system component must be capable of
performing. It is usually formally written,
especially in process validation.
functional specification A document that
tells exactly what the system should do,
what will be supplied to the system, and
what is expected to come out of it.
functional test A test that is performed on a
subsystem or loop to verify whether an
instrument or piece of equipment has
responded properly to simulated inputs and
222
outputs. Individual "loop" drawings, electri-
cal ladders, and wiring diagrams are usually
the basis for this test.
functional testing [Safe] 1. In a safety con-
text, a periodic activity to verify that the
safety instrumented system is operating in
conformity with the safety requirement spec-
ifications testing. [ANSI/ISA-84.01-1996]
[Comp] 2. In computing, inputting normal
and abnormal test cases and then evaluating
the outputs against those expected. Func-
tional testing can apply to computer software
or to a total system. Also known as "black
box testing" because source code is not
needed.
functional unit An entity of hardware or
software, or both, that is capable of accom-
plishing a specified purpose. [ISA-TR50.02,
Part 9-2000]
function block A named block that consists
of one or more input and output parameters.
[ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-2000]
function block diagram 1. A diagram that
indicates the functions of the principal parts
of a total system and also shows the important
relationships and interactions among these
parts. 2. A graphical language of program-
mable controllers that allows program ele-
ments (such as PID and other algorithms) to
appear as blocks that are "wired" together as
shown in a visual presentation similar to a
circuit diagram. One of five languages
accepted under the IEC 1131 standard for
PLCs. See instruction list, ladder logic, struc-
tured text, and sequential function chart.
function block type A software element that
specifies the qualities that are common to all
instances of the type. [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-
2000]
function generator A multi-waveform signal
source that typically offers a complete set of
functions, including sine waves, square
waves, sawtooth waves, ramps, and some-
times arbitrary waveforms.
function keys Special keys on a computer
keyboard that instruct the computer to per-
form a specific operation.
function subprogram An independently
written program (and treated as such by the
compiler), which may consist of any number
of statements that are executed when it is
called. See also subroutine and subprogram.
function switch A circuit that has a fixed
number of inputs and outputs. It is designed
such that the output information is a func-
tion of the input information, and each is
expressed in a certain code, signal configura-
tion, or pattern.

function table 1. The two or more sets of
information that are arranged such that an
entry in one set selects one or more entries in
the remaining sets. 2. A dictionary. 3. A
device that is constructed of hardware or a
subroutine that can either decode multiple
inputs into a single output or encode a single
output into multiple outputs. 4. A tabulation
of the values of a function for a set of values
of the variable.
fundamental frequency The frequency of a
sinusoidal function that has the same period
as a complex periodic quantity.
fundamental mode 1. The mode of a
waveguide that has the lowest critical fre-
quency. 2. A type of sequential circuit in
which there is only one input change at a
time and no further change occurs until all
states are stabilized.
fundamental natural frequency The lowest
frequency in a set of natural frequencies.
furnace 1. An apparatus in which heat is lib-
erated and transferred directly or indirectly
to a solid or fluid mass. It generally operates
at a higher temperature than an oven. 2. An
enclosed space provided for the combustion
of fuel. [ISA-77.41-1992] 3. An apparatus for
liberating heat and using it to produce a
physical or chemical change in a solid or liq-
uid mass. Most often, the heat is produced
by burning a fossil fuel, passing electric cur-
rent through a heavy-duty resistance ele-
ment, generating and sustaining an electric
arc, or electromagnetically inducing large
eddy currents in the charge.
Typical Furnace Pressure Control
Functional Diagram
furnace draft The draft in a furnace as mea-
sured at a point immediately in front of the
highest point at which the combustion cases
leave the furnace.
223
function table / fusion zone
furnace pressure The pressure of gases in the
furnace. See also draft.
furnace volume The cubical contents of the
furnace or combustion chamber.
fuse 1. Any of several devices for detonating
an explosive by, for example, elapsed time,
command, impact, proximity, or thermal
effects. 2. A link in a series, which has a
source of power that will open a circuit if a
fault of predetermined magnitude occurs in
the powered device. The link is a piece of
fusible metal that will melt when excess cur-
rent flows.
fused fiber optics A number of separate
fibers that are melted together to form a
rigid, fused bundle for the purpose of trans-
mitting light. Fused fiber optics may be used
for transmitting images or simply for illumi-
nation; they are not necessarily coherent
bundles of fibers.
fused silica The term that is usually applied
to synthetic fused silica, which are formed by
chemically combining silicon and oxygen so
as to produce a high-purity silica. Optical
glass is made by melting high-purity sands,
while fused quartz is made by crushing and
melting natural quartz. See silica glass.
fuse-protected shunt diode barrier A net-
work that is designed to limit current and
voltage. It consists of a series fuse, voltage-
limiting shunt diodes, and a current-limiting
resistor or other current-limiting compo-
nents. The fuse is intended to protect the
diodes from open circuiting when high-fault
currents flow. [ANSI/ISA-RP12.6-1995]
fuse pullout A removable fuse holder that
can be removed when fuses must be replaces
or an electrical circuit needs to be opened.
fuse rating, In The current rating of a fuse.
[ANSI/ISA-12.25.01-1998 (IEC 79-05 Mod)]
fusible alloy An alloy that has a very low
melting point, in some instances approach-
ing 150 F (65°C). The alloy is usually based
on Bi, Cd, Sn, or Pb. Fusible alloys have var-
ied uses, the most widely known being sol-
ders and fusible links for automatic
sprinklers, fire alarms, and other safety
devices.
fusible plug A hollowed, threaded plug in
which the hollowed portion is filled with a
material with a low melting point. It is usu-
ally placed at the lowest permissible water
level.
fusion welding Any welding process that
involves melting a portion of the base metal.
fusion zone In a weldment, the area of base
metal that was melted, as determined by
examining a cross section through the weld.
future alarm point / fuzzy set

future alarm point See alarm point.

futurebus+ A fast standard for scalable, back-
plane interconnect that was adapted by IEEE
in September 1991. It has a 32- or 64-bit rate,
up to 175 MBps, and no license fees.
fuzzifier A function that assigns a variable to
one or more fuzzy sets.
fuzzy logic A reasoning approach and com-
puting method that is used to model linguis-
tic expressions (such as "somewhat more
than") that have nonbinary truth values. It
has been used with PID algorithms in pro-
cess control, especially for nonlinear pro-
cesses.
fuzzy set A set in which the characteristic
function that determines the membership of
an object in the set is not limited to the two
values 1 (for membership in the set) and 0
(for nonmembership). Instead, the character-
istic function can also take on a partial value
between 0 and 1. This function is called a
"fuzzy value."

224
 G Thermocouple type for
G
tungsten versus tungsten 26
percent rhenium. Also
known as acceleration due to
gravity; equal to 980 cm/sec 2
(32.2 ft/sec2) on the surface
of the earth s. 3. Specific
gravity
G1 In equipment corrosion specifications, the
designation for one measure of mild environ-
mental contamination, as defined in ISA
standard ISA-71.04-1985 G1 represents less
than 300 A per month of copper corrosion
(for electrical terminals).
G2 In equipment corrosion specifications, the
designation for one measure of moderate
environmental contamination, as defined in
ISA standard ISA-71.04-1985. G2 represents
less than 1,000 A per month of copper corro-
sion (for electrical terminals).
G3 In equipment corrosion specifications, the
designation for one measure of harsh envi-
ronmental contamination, as defined in ISA
standard ISA-71.04-1985. G3 represents less
than 2,000 A per month of copper corrosion
(for electrical terminals).
gage Variant spelling of gauge. See gauge.
gain 1. The ratio of output signal magnitude
to input signal magnitude. When gain is less
than one this is usually called "attenuation."
[ISA-26-1968] See attenuation. 2. The relative
degree of amplification in an electronic cir-
cuit. 3. The ratio of the change in output to
the change in the input that caused the
change. 4. In a controller, the reciprocal of
proportional band. For example, if the pro-
portional band is set at 25 percent, the con-
troller gain is 4. Proportional band can be
expressed as a dimensionless number (gain)
or as a percentage.
gain, antenna The difference in signal
strengths between a given antenna and an
isotropic antenna.
gain, closed-loop In process instrumentation,
the gain of a closed-loop system. It is
expressed as the ratio of the output change to
the input change at a specified frequency.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
gain, crossover frequency See frequency, gain
crossover.
gain, derivative action (rate gain) The ratio
of maximum gain that results from propor-
tional
plus-derivative control action To the gain
caused by proportional control action alone.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
gain, dynamic The magnitude ratio of the
steady-state amplitude of the output signal
225
from an element or system to the amplitude
of the input signal to that element or system,
for a sinusoidal signal. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)]
gain, loop In process instrumentation, the
ratio of the absolute magnitude of the change
in the feedback signal to the change in its
corresponding error signal at a specified fre-
quency. Note: The gain of the loop elements
is frequently measured by opening the loop,
with appropriate termination. The gain so
measured is often called the "open-loop
gain." [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
gain, open-loop See gain, loop.
gain, proportional The ratio of the change in
output caused by proportional control action
to the change in input. An example: Y = ±PX,
where P = proportional gain, X = input trans-
form, Y = output transform. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-
1979 (R1993)]
gain (magnitude ratio) For a linear system or
element, the ratio of the magnitude (ampli-
tude) of a steady-state sinusoidal output to
the causal input. The length of a phasor
(rotating vector) from the origin to a point of
the transfer locus in a complex plane. Note:
The quantity may be separated into two fac-
tors: (1) a proportional amplification, often
denoted as K, which is frequency indepen-
dent and associated with a dimensioned
scale factor that relates to the units of input
and output, and (2) a dimensionless factor,
often denoted as G (jù), which is frequency
dependent. Frequency, conditions of opera-
tion, and conditions of measurement must be
specified. A loop-gain characteristic is a plot
of log gain versus log frequency. In nonlinear
systems, gains are often amplitude depen-
dent. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
gain, static (zero-frequency gain) Of the gain
of an element or the loop gain of a system,
static gain is the value that is approached as
a limit as frequency approaches zero. Note:
Its value is the ratio of change of steady-state
output to a step change in input, provided
the output does not saturate. [ANSI/ISA-
51.1-1979 (R1993)]
gain, zero frequency See gain, static (zero fre-
quency gain).
gain margin The reciprocal of the open-loop
gain for a stable feedback system at the fre-
quency at which the phase angle reaches
-180°.
gal A unit of acceleration that is equal to 1
cm/s 2 . The milligal is frequently used
because it is about 0.001 times the earth's
gravity.
galling / gap scanning
galling Localized adhesive welding that sub-
sequently exhibits spalling and roughening
of the metal surfaces that rub together as a
result of excessive friction and
metal-to-metal contact at high spots.
gallon A unit of capacity (volume) that usu-
ally refers to liquid measure in the British or
U.S. customary system of units. The capacity
defined by the British (Imperial) gallon
equals 1.20095 U.S. gallons; one U.S. gallon
equals four quarts or 3.785 x 10-3 m3.
galvanic corrosion Electrochemical corro-
sion associated with current in a galvanic
cell. It is set up when two dissimilar metals
(or the same metal in two different metallur-
gical conditions) are in electrical contact and
are immersed in an electrolytic solution.
galvanic isolation The transfer of electrical
power or signal from one circuit to another
by means that do not include a direct electri-
cal connection, for example, through an iso-
lating transformer or optical coupler. [ANSI/
ISA-RP12.6-1995]
galvanizing The process of coating a metal
with zinc by using any of several processes,
the most common of which are hot dipping
and electroplating.
galvanometer An instrument for measuring
small electric currents by using electromag-
netic or electrodynamic forces to create
mechanical motion, such as changing the
position of a suspended moving coil.
galvanometer recorder A sensitive mov-
ing-coil instrument in which a small mirror is
mounted on the coil. A small signal voltage
applied to the coil causes a light beam
reflected from the mirror to move along the
length of a slit. This produces a trace on a
light-sensitive recording medium that moves
transverse to the slit at constant speed.
game theory A mathematical process for
selecting an optimum strategy in the face of
an opponent who has a strategy of his or her
own.
gamma 1. A measure of the contrast properties
of a photographic or radiographic emulsion. It
equals the slope of the straight-line portion of
its H and D curve. See H and D curve. 2. In dig-
ital graphic video, gamma measures the con-
trast that affects the midtones of an image.
Adjusting gamma makes it possible to
change the brightness values of middle-
range gray tones without altering shadows
and highlights.
gamma counter An instrument for detecting
gamma radiation either by measuring inte-
grated intensity over a period of time or by
detecting each photon separately.
226
gamma ray 1. Electromagnetic radiation that
is emitted by the nucleus of an atom. Each
photon results from the quantum transition
between two energy levels of the nucleus. 2.
A term sometimes used to describe any
high-energy electromagnetic radiation, such
as X-rays that exceeds about 1 MeV or pho-
tons of annihilation radiation.
gamma-ray spectrometer An instrument for
measuring the energy distribution in a beam
of gamma rays.
Gantt chart A style of bar chart that is used in
production planning and control to display
both work planned and work done in rela-
tion to time.
Modified Gantt Chart of Unit Procedures
gap 1. An interval of space or time that is
used as an automatic sentinel to indicate the
end of a word, record, or file of data on a
tape. Examples include a word gap at the
end of a word, a record or item gap at the
end of a group of words, or a file gap at the
end of a group of records or items. 2. The
absence of information for a specified length
of time, or space on a recording medium, as
contrasted with marks and sentinels that
indicate the presence of specific information
for achieving a similar purpose. 3. The space
between the reading or recording head and
the recording medium, such as tape, drum,
or disk. Related to head. 4. In a weldment, the
space between members, prior to welding, at
the point of closest approach for opposing
faces.
gap (diametral clearance) The distance
between the corresponding surfaces of a
flameproof joint. For cylindrical surfaces, the
gap is the diametral clearance (the difference
between the two diameters). [ANSI/ISA-
12.22.01-1998 (IEC 60079-1 Mod)]
gap loss The loss resulting from the end sepa-
ration of two axially aligned optical fibers.
gap scanning In ultrasonic examination, pro-
jecting the sound beam through a short col-
umn of fluid that is produced by pumping

couplant through a nozzle in the ultrasonic
search unit. See couplant.
garbage In data processing, meaningless or
incorrect data.
garter spring A closed ring that is made by
welding the ends of a closely wound helical
spring together.
gas amplification A characteristic of a
counter tube or ionization chamber. It is
equal to the charge collected divided by the
charge produced in the active volume by a
given ionizing event.
gas analysis The determination of the constit-
uents of a gaseous mixture.
gas bearing A journal or thrust bearing that
uses a film of gas to lubricate the running
surfaces. Also known as "gas-lubricated
bearing."
gas burner A burner for use with gaseous
fuel.
gas carburizing A surface-hardening process
in which steel or an alloy of suitable alterna-
tive composition is exposed at elevated tem-
perature to a gaseous atmosphere with a
high carbon potential. The resulting car-
bon-rich surface layers are hardened by
quenching the part from the carburizing tem-
perature or by reheating and quenching.
gas chromatography A separation technique
that involves passing a gaseous moving
phase through a column that contains a fixed
adsorbent phase. Gas chromatography is
used principally as a quantitative technique
for analyzing volatile compounds.
gas counter A type of counter tube in which a
gaseous sample whose radiation is to be
measured is introduced directly into the
counter tube itself.
gas current A current of positive ions that
flows to a negatively biased electrode. The
positive ions are produced when electrons
flowing between two other electrodes collide
with residual gas molecules.
gas-detection instrument 1. An assembly of
electrical, mechanical, and (possibly) chemi-
cal components that senses and responds to
the presence of gas in air mixtures. The
instrument may be a single integrated unit or
a system that is comprises of two or more
physically separate but interconnected com-
ponent parts. The response of the instrument
to the gas is to provide an indication, alarm,
or other output function. Note: For conve-
nience, the term instrument is used as an
abbreviation for "gas-detection instrument"
in the relevant standard: ISA-92.02, 03 and
06.01-1998. 2. An assembly of electrical,
mechanical, and chemical components that
227
garbage / gas plasma display
senses and responds to the presence of gas in
air mixtures.
gas dynamic pumping The production of a
population inversion by a gas dynamic pro-
cess, in which a hot, dense gas is expanded
into a near vacuum, causing the gas to cool
rapidly. If the gas cools faster than energy
can be redistributed, a population inversion
is generated.
gas etching Removing material from a semi-
conductor material by reacting it with a gas
so as to form a volatile compound.
gasification The process of converting solid
or liquid fuel into a gaseous fuel such as the
gasification of coal.
gasket A sealing member, which usually
made by the process of stamping from a
sheet of cork, rubber, metal, or impregnated
synthetic material. It is usually clamped
between two essentially flat surfaces to pre-
vent pressurized fluid from leaking through
the crevice. Typical applications include
flanged joints in piping, head seals in a recip-
rocating engine or compressor, casing seals
in a pump, or virtually anywhere a pres-
sure-tight joint is needed between stationary
members. Also known as "static seal."
gas lift The technique of raising a liquid in a
vertical flow line by injecting a gas below a
portion of the liquid column, thereby causing
upward flow.
gas meter An instrument for measuring and
recording the volume or mass of a gaseous
fluid that flows past a given point in a piping
system.
gas-metal arc welding (GMAW) A form of
electric arc welding in which the electrode is
a continuous filler metal wire and the weld-
ing arc is shielded by supplying a gas such as
argon, helium, or CO 2 through a nozzle in
the torch or welding head. The term GMAW
includes the methods known as "MIG weld-
ing."
gasometer A piece of apparatus that is typi-
cally used in analytical chemistry to hold and
measure the quantity of gas evolved in a
reaction. Similar equipment is used in some
industrial applications.
gas pass An arrangement in which the con-
vection banks of a boiler are separated by
gas-tight baffles into two or more parallel gas
paths. These paths isolate portions of the
super heater and reheater surfaces. The pro-
portion of total gas flow through each gas
pass may be varied by regulating dampers.
[ANSI/ISA-77.44.01-2000]
gas plasma display A data display screen
used on some laptop computers. Characters
gas pliers / gauge
on gas plasma displays are easier to read
than those on liquid crystal display screens,
but gas plasma units are more expensive.
gas pliers A pinchers-type tool for grasping
round objects such as pipes, tubes, and rods.
gas pocket A cavity within a solid or liquid
body that is filled with gas.
gas recirculation A method by which gas
from the boiler, economizer, or air heater out-
let is reintroduced into the furnace by means
one or more fans, ducts, or both. [ANSI/ISA-
77.44.01-2000]
gas seal A type of shaft seal that prevents gas
from leaking axially along a shaft where it
penetrates a machine casing.
gas-sensing element (sensor) 1. The primary
element in the gas-detection system that
responds to the presence of a combustible gas,
including any reference or compensating unit
(where applicable). [ANSI/ISA-12.13.01-2000]
2. The particular subassembly or element in
the gas-detection instrument that produces a
change in its electrical, chemical, or physical
characteristics in the presence of gas. [ISA-
92.02, 03, and 06.01-1998]
gas-shielded arc welding An all-inclusive
term for any arc-welding process that utilizes
a gas stream to prevent direct contact
between the ambient atmosphere and the
welding arc and weld puddle.
gassing 1. Absorption of gas by a material. 2.
The formation of gas pockets in a material. 3.
The evolution of gas during a process, for
example, the evolution of hydrogen at the
cathode during electroplating, gas evolution
from a metal during melting or solidification,
or the desorption of gas from internal sur-
faces during the evacuation of a vacuum sys-
tem. Gas desorption is sometimes referred to
as outgassing.
gas-specific gravity balance A weighing
device that consists of a tall gas column with
a floating bottom. A pointer mechanically
linked to the floating bottom indicates den-
sity or specific gravity directly, depending on
scale calibration.
gas thermometer A temperature transducer
that converts temperature into pressure of
gas in a closed system. The relation between
temperature and pressure is based on the gas
laws at constant volume.
gas tube An electron tube whose operating
characteristics are substantially affected by
the presence of gas or vapor within the tube
envelope.
gas-tungsten arc welding (GTAW) A form of
metal arc welding in which the electrode is a
nonconsumable pointed tungsten rod.
228
Shielding is provided by a stream of inert
gas, usually helium or argon. Filler metal
wire may or may not be fed into the weld
puddle, and pressure may or may not be
applied to the joint. The term GTAW includes
the method known as "heliarc welding" or
"TIG welding."
gate 1. A flat or wedge-shaped sliding ele-
ment that modifies flow rate with linear
motion across the flow path. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000] 2. A movable barrier. 3. A
device such as a valve or door that controls
the rate at which materials are admitted into
a conduit, pipe, or conveyor. 4. A device for
positioning film in a movie camera, printer,
or projector. 5. The passage in a casting mold
that connects the sprue to the mold cavity.
Also known as "in-gate." 6. An electronic
component that allows only signals of prede-
termined amplitudes, frequencies, or phases
to pass.
gate array A circuit that consists of an array
of logic gates aligned on a substrate in a reg-
ular pattern.
gate circuit An electronic circuit that has one
or more inputs and one output. It has the
property that a pulse goes to the output line
only if some specified combination of pulses
occurs on the input lines. Gate circuits consti-
tute much of the hardware by means of
which logical operations are built into a com-
puter.
gate (logic) An electronic device that embod-
ies a logic function (AND, OR, NAND, NOR,
and XOR).
gate valve 1. A valve with a linear-motion
closure member that is a flat or wedge-
shaped gate. The gate may be moved in or
out of the flow stream. It has a straight-
through flow path. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-
2000] 2. A type of valve whose flow-control
element is a disk or plate that undergoes
translational motion in a plane transverse to
the flow passage through the valve body.
gateway A conceptual or logical network sta-
tion that serves to interconnect two other-
wise incompatible networks, network nodes,
subnetworks, or devices. A gateway per-
forms a protocol conversion operation across
numerous communications layers. It is much
more complicated than a bridge. The ISO
defines a gateway as a device that traverses
all seven layers. A current, sloppier defini-
tion describes it as any mechanism that pro-
vides access to another system.
gauge (Also spelled gage) 1. The thickness of
metal sheet or the diameter of rod or wire. 2.
A device for determining dimensions such as

thickness or length. 3. A visual inspection aid
that helps an inspector to reliably determine
whether the size or contour of a formed,
stamped, or machined part meets tolerances.
gauge block A rectangular chromium steel
block with two flat parallel surfaces, that
have a flatness and parallelism guaranteed to
be within a few millionths of an inch. Gauge
blocks are usually manufactured and sold in
sets for use as standards in linear measure-
ment. Also known as "Johanssen block," "Jo
block," "precision block," or "size block."
gauge cock A valve that is attached to a
water column or drum for checking water
level.
gauge factor 1. A measure of the ratio of the
relative change of resistance to the relative
change in length of a resistive strain trans-
ducer (strain gauge). [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
2. The ratio of resistance to relative change in
length of a piezoresistive strain gauge.
gauge glass A glass or plastic tube for mea-
suring the liquid level in a tank or pressure
vessel, usually by direct sight. It is usually
connected directly to the vessel through suit-
able fittings and shutoff valves.
gauge length In materials testing, the origi-
nal length of an elongated specimen over
which measurements of strain, thermal
expansion, or other properties are taken.
gauge point A specific location that is used to
position a part in a jig, fixture, or qualifying
gauge.
gauge pressure 1. Pressure measured relative
to ambient pressure. 2. The difference
between the local absolute pressure of the sys-
tem and the atmospheric pressure at the place
of the measurement. 3. Static pressure as indi-
cated on a gauge. 4. The force per unit area
exerted by fluid using atmospheric pressure
as zero reference. Absolute pressure minus
atmospheric pressure.
gauss The CGS unit of magnetic flux density
or magnetic induction. The SI unit, the tesla,
is preferred.
Gaussian beam A laser beam in which the
intensity has its peak at the center of the
beam, then drops off gradually toward the
edges. The intensity profile measured across
the center of the beam is a classical Gaussian
curve.
Gaussian curve The bell-shaped curve that
corresponds to a population with a normal
distribution. Also known as "normal curve."
gaussmeter A magnetometer for measuring
only the intensity of a magnetic field, but not
usually the direction of the magnetic field. Its
229
gauge block / gear pump
scale is usually graduated in gauss or
kilogauss.
gauze 1. A sheer, loosely woven textile fabric.
One of its most common uses is for surgical
dressings, but it also has some industrial
uses such as for filter media. 2. Plastic or wire
cloth of a fine to medium mesh size.
GAW Guided Acoustical Wave type of touch
screen, which channels acoustical energy
into the full volume of screen material; com-
pare with SAW.
GCR Gray component replacement; color
separation control technique in color screen
displays and printing.
GDDM Graphical data display manager for
the presentation of graphics.
GDT Gas discharge tube; used for overvolt-
age protection and energy transfer switches.
gear 1. A toothed machine element for trans-
mitting power and motion between rotating
shafts whose axes are relatively close to each
other or are intersecting. 2. A collective term
for equipment that performs a specific func-
tions—lifting gear, for example. 3. A collec-
tive term for the portion of a machine that
transmits motion from one mechanism to
another. 4. A specific combination of gears in
a transmission or adjustable gear train that
determines mechanical advantage, speed,
and direction of rotation.
gear down To arrange a gear train so that the
driven shaft rotates at a slower speed than
the driving shaft.
gear drive A mechanism for transmitting
power (torque) and motion from one shaft to
another by means of direct contact between
toothed wheels.
gear level To arrange a gear train so that the
driving and driven shafts rotate at the same
speed.
gear-mesh frequency The speed of rotation
multiplied by the number of teeth of the gear
on that shaft.
gear meter A positive-displacement fluid
meter in which two meshing gearwheels pro-
vide the metering action.
gearmotor A device that consists of an elec-
tric motor and a direct-coupled gear train.
The arrangement allows the motor to run at
optimum speed—usually 1,800 or 3,600
rpm—while delivering rotational motion at a
substantially lower speed.
gear pump 1. A pump in which fluid is fed to
one side of a set of meshing gears, which
entrain the fluid and discharge it on the other
side. 2. A gear pump that is supplied with
pressurized fluid that converts fluid flow
into rotary motion.
gear train / gewel hinge
gear train A combination of two or more
gears that are arranged to transmit power
and motion between two rotating shafts or
between a rotating shaft and a member that
moves linearly.
gear up To arrange a gear train so that the
driven shaft rotates at a higher speed than
the driving shaft.
gear wheel A wheel with integral gear teeth
that mesh with another gear, a rack, or a
worm.
Geiger-Muller counter A radiation-measur-
ing instrument whose active element is a
gas-filled chamber that usually consists of a
hollow cathode with a fine-wire anode along
its axis. In operation, the voltage between
anode and cathode is high enough that the
discharge caused by a primary ionizing
event spreads over the entire anode until it is
stopped when the space charge reduces the
electric-field magnitude. Also known as
"Geiger counter."
Geiger threshold The lowest voltage applied
to a counter tube that results in output pulses
of essentially equal amplitude, regardless of
the magnitude of the ionizing event.
gel coat A resin that is gelled on the internal
surface of a plastics mold prior to filling it
with a molding material. The finished part is
a two-layer laminate, with the gel coat pro-
viding improved surface quality.
GEMS Global Enterprise wide Management
System; beyond enterprise resource plan-
ning, (ERP) this includes connectivity from a
corporation to the companies of suppliers as
well as customers, often over the Internet, so
as to manage the flow of business require-
ments and products among all of them. See
ERP.
general processor In numerical control, a
computer program that carries out computa-
tions on the part program. It also prepares
the cutter location data ("CL data") for a par-
ticular part without reference to the machine
on which it might be made.
general-purpose computer A computer that
is designed to solve a large variety of prob-
lems. An example would be a stored pro-
gram computer that may be adapted to any
of a very large class of applications.
General-Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB) An
IEEE-488 standard bus. Used for interfacing
computers to electronic instruments.
general-purpose simulation system
(GPSS) A generic class of discrete, transac-
tion-oriented simulation languages that are
based on a block (diagramming) approach to
problem statement.
230
general recipe A type of recipe that expresses
equipment- and site-independent process-
ing requirements. [ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995]
generating electric field meter An instru-
ment for measuring electric field strength. A
flat conductor is alternately exposed to the
field and shielded from it. The potential gra-
dient of the field is determined by measuring
the rectified current through the conductor.
generating magnetometer An instrument for
measuring magnetic field strength by means
of the electromotive force that is generated in
a rotating coil immersed in the field being
measured.
generator In EPA (U.S.) regulations, the per-
son, group, or organization whose activities
generate hazardous waste.
genetic algorithm A reiterative computing
method developed by John Holland in the
1970s to solve complex problems more
quickly by using the properties of natural
selection found in biological evolution so as
to adjust to changing environments. Uses
simple encoding and reproduction mecha-
nisms through the simple manipulation of
chromosomes (strings of 1s and 0s). "New
genes" (solutions) are developed through
parent selection, mutation, and crossover so
as to create children different than their par-
ents. By constantly comparing the multiple
solutions with the desired result, a genetic
algorithm will accept and reject various
chunks of code and try new combinations
from the chunks that remain, until it finds
the optimum fit.
Geotechnology The application of science
and engineering to problems involving the
utilization of natural resources.
gesso A mixture of chalk and either gelatine
or casein glue. It is painted on panels to pro-
vide a suitable surface for tempera work or
for polymer-based paints.
getter A material that is exposed to the inte-
rior of a vacuum system in order to reduce
via absorption or adsorption the concentra-
tion of residual gas.
getter-ion pump A type of vacuum pump
that produces and maintains high vacuum
by continuously or intermittently depositing
chemically active metal layers on the wall of
the pump. There, they trap and hold inert
gas atoms that have been ionized by an elec-
tric discharge and drawn to the activated
pump wall. Also known as "sputter-ion
pump."
gewel hinge A hinge that consists of a hook
inserted in a loop.

GFCI Ground fault circuit interrupter, which
protects humans from electrical shock.
G-glass In the construction of glass-bulb type
pH sensors, this glass is used for the mem-
branes of electrodes in processes where the
nominal pH value varies around pH 7. Since
this type of glass has a wide application
range it is also been termed "general- pur-
pose" glass. See E-, L-, and S-glass.
ghost point A term used in boiler-water test-
ing with soap solution. A lather appears to
form but will disappear when more soap
solution is added. This point represents total
calcium hardness and the total hardness of
the final lather.
gib A removable plate that holds other parts
or that acts as a bearing or wear surface.
GIF Graphics Interchange Format [pro-
nounced jiff]; method of saving graphics in
electronic memory; used for exchanging data
between computers.
gigabyte (Gbyte, Gig, GB) 1,073,741,824
bytes or 1,024 megabytes (230 bytes). A basic
unit for the measurement of mass storage.
Also, used to describe data transfer rates
(primarily parallel) as a function of time
(Gbps).
gigaflops One billion (109) floating-point
operations per second.
gilbert The CGS unit for magnetomotive
force. The SI unit, the ampere (or
ampere-turn), is preferred.
gimbal 1. A cage or frame with two mutually
perpendicular, intersecting axes of rotation.
Free angular movement in two directions is
given to any device or mechanism mounted
within the frame. 2. A gyro support that
gives the spin axis a degree of freedom.
gimbal lock A position in a gyro having two
degrees of freedom such that the spin axis
becomes aligned with an axis of freedom.
This alignment deprives it of a degree of free-
dom and therefore deprives it of its useful
properties.
gimbal mount An optical mount that allows
the position of a component to be adjusted
by rotating it independently around two
orthogonal axes.
gimlet A small tool for boring holes in wood,
leather, and similar materials. It consists of a
threaded point, spiral-fluted shank, and
cross handle. A tool without the handle and
adapted for use in a drill is known as a "gim-
let bit."
gin A hoisting machine that consists of a
windlass, pulleys, and ropes in a tripod
frame.
231
GFCI/glaze
GIS Graphic Information System; computer
system for presenting data in graphic form.
GIW Gain in weight; generally measured in
processes that create change in the density of
product or the volume of product in some
vessel during operations on the product.
GKS Graphical Kernel System; standard
interface between application programs and
graphics system; ANSI/ISO 2-D interna-
tional standard.
gland 1. A device for preventing a pressur-
ized fluid from leaking out of a casing at a
machine joint, such as at a shaft penetration.
Also known as "gland seal." 2. A movable
part that compresses the packing in a stuff-
ing box. See packing follower and lantern ring.
glass A hard, brittle, amorphous, inorganic
material. Often transparent or translucent,
glass is made by fusing silicates (and some-
times borates and phosphates) with certain
basic oxides and then cooling rapidly to pre-
vent crystallization.
glass fiber A glass thread that is less than
0.001 in. (0.025 mm) thick. It is used in loose,
matted, or woven form to make thermal,
acoustical, or electrical insulation. In matted,
woven, or filament-wound form it is used to
make fiber-reinforced composites. In loose,
chopped form it is used to make glass-filled
plastics parts.
glassine A thin, dense, transparent,
super-calendered paper that is made from
highly refined sulfite pulp. It is used indus-
trially as insulation between layers of
iron-core transformer windings.
glassmaker's soap A substance such as MnO2
that is added to glass to eliminate the green
color imparted by the presence of iron salts.
glass paper 1. An abrasive material that is
made by bonding a layer of pulverized glass
to a paper backing. 2. Paper made of glass
fibers.
glass sand The raw material for glassmaking.
It normally consists of high-quartz sand that
contains small amounts of the oxides of Al,
Ca, Fe, and Mg.
glassware Laboratory containers, vessels,
graduated cylinders, tubing, and the like that
are made from glass.
glass wool A relatively loose mass of glass
fibers that is used chiefly for insulating,
packing, and filtering applications.
glassy alloy A metallic material having an
amorphous or glassy structure. Also known
as "metallic glass."
glaze A glossy, highly reflective, glasslike,
inorganic, fused coating. See enamel.
glazing / GMR
glazing 1. The process of cutting and fitting
glass panes into frames. 2. Smoothing the
exposed solder of a wiped pipe joint with a
hot iron
glazing compound A caulking compound,
such as putty, that is used to seal the edges of
a pane of glass where it fits into its frame.
glitch An undesirable electronic pulse that
causes processing errors.
glitter A decorative flaked powder that has a
particle size large enough so that the individ-
ual flakes produce a visible reflection or
sparkle. It is used in certain decorative paints
and in some compounded plastics stock.
global 1. Any component that has as its scope
the entire system in which it resides. 2. A
computer instruction that causes the com-
puter to locate all occurrences of specific
data. 3. A value that is defined in one pro-
gram module and used in others. Globals are
often referred to as entry points in the mod-
ule in which they are defined and externals
in the other modules that use them.
global array A set of data listings that can be
referenced by other parts of the software.
global common An unnamed data area that
is accessible by all programs in the system.
Sometimes referred to as a "blank common."
global variable Any variable that is available
to all programs in the system. Contrast with
reserved variable.
globe body A valve body that is distin-
guished by a globular-shaped cavity around
the port region, wherein the closure member
motion is linear and normal to the plane of
the port. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
globe valve plug guides The means by
which the plug is aligned with the seat and
held stable throughout its travel. The guide
is held rigidly in the body or bonnet. [ANSI/
ISA-75.05.01-2000]
globe valve 1. A valve with a linear-motion
closure member, one or more ports, and a
body that is distinguished by a globular-
shaped cavity around the port region. [ANSI/
ISA-75.05.01-2000] 2. A type of flow-regulat-
ing valve that consists of a movable disc and a
stationary-ring seat in a generally spherical
body. In the general design, the fluid enters
below the valve seat and leaves from the cav-
ity above the seat. 3. A valve with a linear-
motion closure member whose seal is per-
pendicular to the stem motion, that has one
or more ports, and that has a body distin-
guished by a globular-shaped cavity around
the port region. (See figure.) [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
232
Globe Valve
globe valve trim The internal parts of a valve
that are in flowing contact with the controlled
fluid. Examples are the plug, seat ring, cage,
stem, and the parts that are used to attach the
stem to the plug. The body, bonnet, bottom
flange, guide means, and gaskets are not con-
sidered to be part of the trim. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
glossimeter An instrument for measuring the
"glossiness" of a surface, that is, the ratio of
light reflected in a specific direction to light
reflected in all directions, usually by means
of a photoelectric device. Also known as
"glossmeter."
glow discharge A discharge of electrical
energy through a gas, in which the space
potential near the cathode is substantially
higher than the ionization potential of the
gas.
GLP Good laboratory practice; regulations by
FDA (U.S.) for non-clinical laboratory stud-
ies.
glue 1. In general contexts, a term often used
(improperly) to describe an adhesive. 2. In a
specific sense, a crude, impure form of com-
mercial gelatine that softens to a gel consis-
tency when wetted with water and dries to
form a strong adhesive layer.
glued A mixed-signal simulation system that
combines existing analog and digital simula-
tion software into a hybrid analog or digital
simulation system.
GMM Graphical multimeter; multiple elec-
trical signal tester that can display wave-
forms.
GMP Good manufacturing practice; regula-
tions by FDA (U.S.) for medical devices.
GMR Giant magnetoresistive; changes in the
electrical resistance in materials composed of
alternating thin layers of metallic elements or
magnetic metals separated by nonmagnetic
"spacers." Used in memory storage devices
for much more capacity in disk drives than
offered by conventional magnetoresistive
methods.

gnd Ground; usually chassis ground but can
be used for earth ground electrical potential.
Golay cell An infrared detector in which the
incident radiation is absorbed in a gas cell,
thereby heating the gas. The temperature-
induced expansion of the gas deflects a dia-
phragm, and a measurement of this deflec-
tion indicates the amount of incident
radiation.
goniometer 1. Generally, any instrument for
measuring angles. 2. Specifically, an instru-
ment that is used in crystallography to deter-
mine the angles between crystal planes,
using X-ray diffraction or other means. 3. An
instrument that is used to measure refractive
index and other optical properties of trans-
parent optical materials. It is also used to
measure optical scattering in materials at UV,
visible, or IR wavelengths.
go/no-go gauge A composite gauging device
that enables an inspector to quickly judge
whether specific dimensions or contours fall
within specified tolerances. In many
instances, the device is so constructed that
the part being inspected will fit one part of
the gauge easily and will not fit another part
if it is within tolerance. The gauge will pass
both parts or pass neither if it is not within
tolerance.
go/no-go test A test in which one or more
parameters are determined, but in which
only acceptance or rejection of the test object
can result, depending on the value(s) mea-
sured.
GOSIP Government Open Systems
Interconnection Profile; U.S. Federal Infor-
mation Processing Standard 146, which
defines a set of open system communication
protocols that allow different makes of com-
puters to communicate and users of different
applications on these systems to exchange
information.
gouging Forming a groove in an object by
electrically, mechanically, thermomechani-
cally, or manually removing material. The
gouging process is typically used to remove
shallow defects prior to repair welding.
governor A device for automatically regulat-
ing the speed or power of a prime mover. In
particular, a device that relies on centrifugal
force in whirling weights that are opposed
by springs or gravity to actuate the control-
ling element.
GPD Gas plasma displays that emit a glow
when excited with small voltage; type of liq-
uid crystal displays (LCD).
gph Gallons per hour (volumetric flow rate).
233
gnd / graded index fiber
GPIB General Purpose Interface Bus; IEEE
488 standard; parallel, multiport, 300 Kbs to
1 Mbs, 15 to 28 stations on up to 50 feet. Orig-
inally developed by Hewlett-Packard as HP-
IB for laboratory instrumentation.
gpm Gallons per minute (volumetric flow
rate).
grab-sample point The point in the sample
line where the flow of sample fluid can be
directed to a portable container. It may be
referred to as "sample point." [ANSI/ISA-
67.02.01-1999]
grab sampling A method of sampling bulk
materials for analysis that consists of taking
one or more small portions (usually only
imprecisely measured) at random from a
pile, tank, hopper, railcar, truck, or other
point of accumulation.
graceful degradation A system attribute such
that when a piece of equipment fails, the sys-
tem falls back to a degraded mode of opera-
tion rather than failing catastrophically and
giving no response to its users.
grade 1. To move earth in order to make a
land surface of uniform slope. 2. A classifica-
tion of materials, alloys, ores, units of prod-
uct, or characteristics according to some
attribute or level of quality. 3. To sort and
classify according to attributes or quality lev-
els. 4. A classification of oil according to
quality.
graded index fiber Optical fiber whose core
has a nonuniform index of refraction. The
core is composed of concentric rings of glass
whose refractive indices decrease from the
center axis to reduce modal dispersion and
thereby increase fiber bandwidth. Such fibers
have lower dispersion and broader band-
width than step-index fibers.
graded refractive index lens / graphic panel
graded refractive index lens A lens in which
the refractive index of the glass is not uni-
form. Typically, the index will differ with the
distance from the center of the lens.
gradient The rate of change of some variable
with respect to another, especially a regular
uniform or stepwise rate of change.
graduation Any of the major or minor index
marks on an instrument scale.
GRAFCET Graphe de Commande Efape-
Transition, "step transition function charts");
created in 1979 by French Association for
Economical and Applied Cybernetics,
GRAFCET is a popular subset of sequential
function chart (SFC), providing a diagram-
matic representation of program sequences
and supporting alternative sequence selec-
tions and parallel sequences. Basic elements
are steps and transitions; originally an
enhancement to PLC ladders.
grain 1. The appearance or texture of wood,
or the woodlike appearance or texture of
another material. 2. In paper or matted
fibers, the predominant direction most fibers
lie in, which corresponds to the directionality
imparted during manufacture. 3. In metals
and other crystalline substances, an individ-
ual crystallite in a polycrystalline mass. 4. In
crumbled or pulverized solids, a single parti-
cle too large to be called powder.
grain boundary The plane of mismatch
between adjacent crystallites in a polycrys-
talline mass, as revealed on a polished and
etched cross section of the material.
grain flow The fibrous appearance on a pol-
ished and etched section of a forging. It is
caused by the orientation of impurities and
inhomogeneities along the direction of the
work during the forging process.
grain growth An increase in the average
grain size in a metal, usually as a result of
exposure to high temperature.
graininess Visible coarseness in a photo-
graphic or radiographic emulsion. It is
caused by the clumping together of countless
small grains of silver into relatively large
masses that are visible to the naked eye or
with slight magnification.
graining Working a translucent stain while it
is still wet in order to simulate the appear-
ance of grain in wood or marble. Tools such
as special brushes, combs, and rags used by
hand create the desired irregular patterns.
grain size 1. For metals, the size of crystallites
in a polycrystalline solid. Grain size may be
expressed as a diameter, as number of grains
per unit area, or as a standard grain-size
number that is determined by comparison
234
with a chart such as those published by
ASTM. In most instances, the grain size is
given as an average, unless there are sub-
stantial proportions that can be given as two
distinct sizes. If two or more phases are
present, the grain size of the matrix is given.
2. For abrasives, the preferred term is "grit
size."
grains per cu ft The term for expressing dust
loading in terms of weight per unit of gas
volume (7,000 grains equals one pound).
grains (water) A unit of measure that is com-
monly used in water analysis to measure
impurities in water (17.1 grains = 1 part per
million (ppm)).
gram The CGS unit of mass. It equals 0.001
kilogram, which has been adopted as the SI
unit of mass.
granular fracture A rough, irregular fracture
surface that can be either transcrystalline or
intercrystalline. Also, it often indicates that
fracture took place in a relatively brittle
mode, even though the material in question
is inherently ductile.
granular structure A nonuniform appearance
of molded or compressed material as a result
of the presence of particles of varying com-
position.
grapheme The smallest unit of written lan-
guage. Generally, a single letter for a vowel
or consonant; sometimes a combination such
as "th" or "ch."
graphic Pertaining to representational or pic-
torial material that is usually legible to
humans and is applied to the printed or writ-
ten form of data such as curves, alphabetic
characters, and radar scope displays.
graphical display unit An electronics device
that can display both text and pictorial repre-
sentations.
graphical user interface (GUI) An operating
system or environment that displays pro-
gram choices and options on the screen as
icons (pictures or symbols) and often as win-
dows. Selections are typically made with a
mouse or trackball ("point and click").
Invented at Xerox in the 1970s, the graphical
user interface was first used on Apple Mac-
intosh and later on Microsoft Windows, Digi-
tal Research GEM, and X-Windows.
graphic character See graphic.
graphic lines Representations of process and
signal lines in a pictorial display.
graphic panel A master control panel that,
pictorially and usually colorfully, traces the
relationship of control equipment and the
process operation. It permits an operator, at a
glance, to check on the operation of a

far-flung control system by noting dials,
valves, scales, and lights.
graphics object A visually oriented screen-
view item, such as a scroll bar, bit map, or
icon, that is used in the presentation of some
application interface.
graphic symbol An easily recognized picto-
rial representation. [ISA-5.5-1985]
graphic symbols Simplified representations
of process components and instruments in a
pictorial display.
graphite flake A form of graphite that is
present in gray cast iron. It appears in the
microstructure as an elongated, curved inclu-
sion.
graphite rosette A form of graphite present
in gray cast iron that appears in the micro-
structure as graphite flakes extending radi-
ally outward from a center of crystallization.
graphitic carbon Free carbon that is present
in the microstructure of steel or cast iron. It is
an essential feature of most cast irons but is
almost always undesirable in steel.
graphitic corrosion Corrosion of gray cast
iron. The iron matrix is slowly leached away,
leaving a porous structure behind which is
largely graphite but that may also be held
together by corrosion products. This form of
corrosion occurs in relatively mild aqueous
solutions and on buried pipe and fittings.
graphitic steel An alloy steel in which some
of the carbon is present in the form of graph-
ite.
graphitization The formation of graphite in
iron or steel. It is termed "primary graphiti-
zation" if it forms during solidification, and
"secondary graphitization" if it forms during
subsequent heat treatment or extended ser-
vice at high temperature.
gravimeter A device for measuring the rela-
tive force of gravity by detecting small differ-
ences in the weight of a constant mass at
different points on the earth's surface. Also
known as gravity meter.
gravimetric A descriptive term that is used to
designate an instrument or procedure that
utilizes gravitational forces. However, the
results or indications of such procedures are
not necessarily influenced by the magnitude
of the acceleration of gravity. [ISA-RP31.1-
1977]
gravitational constant A dimensionless con-
version factor in English units that arises
from Newton's second law (F = ma) when
mass is expressed in pounds-mass (lbm).
gravitometer See densimeter.
gravity A weight index of fuels. Liquid petro-
leum products are expressed either as spe-
235
graphics object / grid
cific, Baumé, or API (American Petroleum
Institute) gravity. Gravity is the weight index
of gaseous fuels expressed as specific gravity
related to air under specified conditions.
Gravity is the weight index of solid fuels
expressed as specific gravity related to water
under specified conditions.
gravity convection oven An oven in which
there is no mechanical means for circulating
air in the oven chamber.
gravity meter 1. A device that uses a U-tube
manometer to determine the specific gravi-
ties of solutions by direct reading. 2. An elec-
trical device for measuring variations in the
gravitational forces through different geolog-
ical formations. 3. A gravimeter.
gray The metric unit for absorbed dose.
gray balance In the composition of screen
displays and printing, the dot values or den-
sities of cyan, magenta, and yellow that pro-
duce neutral gray.
graybody An object that has the same spec-
tral emissivity at every wavelength, or one
whose spectral emissivity equals its total
emissivity.
Gray code A generic name for a family of
binary codes that have the property such that
one number can be changed to the next
sequential number by changing only one bit
in a code for that first number. This type of
code is commonly used in rotary shaft
encoders to avoid ambiguous readings when
moving from one position to the next. See
also cyclic code and shaft encoder.
gray iron Cast iron that contains free graphite
in flake form. So named because a freshly
broken bar of the alloy appears gray.
grease 1. Rendered, inedible animal fat. 2. A
semisolid to solid lubricant that consists of a
thickening agent, such as metallic soap, dis-
persed in a fluid lubricant, such as petroleum
oil.
grease seal ring See lantern ring.
green Unfired, uncured, or unsintered.
green strength The mechanical strength of a
ceramic or powder metallurgy part after
molding or compacting but before firing or
sintering. It represents the quality necessary
to maintain sharpness of contour and physi-
cal integrity during handling and the
mechanical operations to prepare it for firing
or sintering.
greenware Unfired ceramic ware.
grid 1. A network of lines, typically forming
squares, that are used in layout work or in
creating charts and graphs. 2. A crisscross
network of conductors that is used for
shielding or controlling a beam of electrons.
grid circuit / grounding
grid circuit An electronic circuit that includes
the grid-cathode path of an electron tube in
series with other circuit elements.
grid control A method of controlling anode
current in an electron tube by varying the
potential of the grid electrode with respect to
the cathode.
grid emission The emission of electrons or
ions from the grid electrode of an electron
tube.
grid nephoscope A device for determining
the direction of cloud motion. Clouds are
sighted through a grid work of bars, and the
angular position of the grid is adjusted until
some feature of the cloud in the field of view
appears to move along the major axis of the
grid.
grinding 1. Removing material from the sur-
face of a workpiece by using an abrasive
wheel or belt. 2. Reducing the particle size of
a powder or granular solid.
grinding aid A material added to the charge
in a rod or ball mill to accelerate the grinding
process.
grinding burn The localized overheating of a
workpiece surface as a result of excessive
grinding pressures, an inadequate supply of
coolant, or both.
grinding cracks Shallow cracks in the surface
of a ground workpiece. They appear most
often in relatively hard materials as a result
of excessive grinding friction or high sensi-
tivity in the material.
grinding fluid A cutting fluid used in grind-
ing operations, primarily to cool the work
piece but also to lubricate the contacting sur-
faces and carry away grinding debris.
grinding medium Any material—including
balls, rods, and quartz or chert pebbles—that
is used in a grinding mill.
grindstone A stone disk that mounted on a
revolving axle and used for grinding or tool
sharpening.
grit A particulate abrasive that consists of
angular grains.
grit blasting The process of abrasively clean-
ing metal surfaces by blowing steel grit,
sand, or other hard particulate against them
to remove soil, rust, and scale. Also known
as sandblasting.
grommet 1. A metal washer or eyelet, often
used to reinforce a hole in cloth or leather. 2.
A rubber or soft plastic eyelet that is inserted
in a hole through sheet metal, such as an
electronic equipment chassis or enclosure, to
prevent a wire from chafing against the side
of the hole, damaging its insulation, or short-
ing out to the chassis. 3. A circular piece of
236
fibrous packing material used under a bolt
head or nut to seal the bolt-hole.
grommet nut A blind nut with a round head
that is sometimes used with a screw to attach
a hinge to a door.
groove 1. A long narrow channel or furrow in
a solid surface. 2. In a weldment, a
straight-sided, angled, or curved gap
between joint members used prior to weld-
ing to help confine the weld puddle and
ensure full joint penetration so as to produce
a sound weld.
grooved drum A windlass drum whose face
has been grooved, usually in a helical fash-
ion, to support and guide the rope or cable
wound on it.
grooved tube seat A tube seat that has one or
more shallow groves into which the tube
may be forced by the expander.
gross porosity In weld metal or castings,
gross porosity is the presence of large or
numerous gas holes, pores, or voids that are
indicative of substandard quality or poor
technique.
ground 1. A conducting connection, whether
intentional or accidental, between an electrical
circuit or electrical equipment and either the
earth or some other conducting body that
serves in place of the earth. [ANSI/ISA-
82.02.01-1999 (EIC 1010-1 MOD); ISA-
12.01.01-1999] 2. A (neutral) reference level
for electrical potential that is equivalent to the
level of electrical potential of the earth's crust.
3. A secure connection to earth that is used to
reference an entire system. Usually the con-
nection takes the form of a rod driven or bur-
ied in the soil or a series of rods connected
into a grid that is buried in the soil.
grounded Referring to the presence or
absence of an electrical connection between
the "low" side of the transducer element and
the portion of the transducer that is intended
to be in contact with the test structure. The
method for ungrounding should be stated as
"internally ungrounded" or "by means of
separate stud." [ISA-RP37.2-1982 (R1995)]
grounded (earthed) Connected to earth or to
some conducting body that serves in place of
earth. [ISA-12.01.01-1999]
grounded junction A form of thermocouple
construction in which the measuring junc-
tion is electrically connected to its protective
sheath so both have the same potential.
grounding The act of establishing a conduc-
tive connection, whether intentional or acci-
dental, between an electrical circuit or
electrical equipment and the earth or some
other conducting body that serves in place of

the earth. [ANSI/ISA-82.02.01-1999 (EIC
1010-1 MOD)]
ground lead See work lead.
ground loop Circulating current between
two or more connections to electrical ground.
This signal can be detected and displayed by
electronic instruments. These signals are gen-
erally not associated with the variable to be
measured and represent noise in the measur-
ing system.
ground loop noise Noise that results when
equipment is grounded at points that have
different potentials, thereby creating an
unintended current path.
ground resistance test After electrical ground-
ing and bonding systems are installed,
ground resistance is typically tested with a
ground resistance tester to demonstrate
whether resistance to ground, in 120 volt sys-
tems, is 125 ohms or less. This test is as stipu-
lated by National Electrical Code. How
much ground resistance is allowable
depends on the specific system requirements
and the system interruption restrictions. Five
ohms or less is recommended for general
equipment and one ohm for instrument
grounds.
group A classification of combustible materi-
als. [ISA-12.01.01-1999]
group addressing In transmission, the use of
an address that is common to two or more
stations. On a multipoint line, group
addressing means that all stations recognize
addressing characters but only one station
responds.
grouping The process of combining two or
more computer records into one block of
information in order to conserve storage
space or disk or tape. Also known as "block-
ing."
group leader The person who holds the high-
est level of functional supervision but whose
responsibilities are oriented solely toward
instrumentation and control. [ANSI/ISA-
67.14.01-2000]
group velocity The velocity that corresponds
to the rate of change of the average position
of a wave packet as it travels through a
medium.
grouting The placing or injecting of a fluid
mixture of cement and water (or of cement,
sand, and water) into a grout hole, crevice,
seam, or joint for the purpose of forming a
seepage barrier, consolidating surrounding
earth or rock, repairing concrete structures,
or sealing the joint where an equipment base
rests on a concrete floor.
237
ground lead / guide
grub screw A headless screw that is slotted at
one end to receive a screwdriver.
GSM Global System for Mobile communica-
tions; a digital wireless communications
technology.
guard A shield or cowling that surrounds
moving parts so as to prevent workers from
being injured or to prevent incidental equip-
ment damage from foreign objects.
guard bit A bit contained in each word or
groups of words of memory that indicates to
computer hardware or software whether the
content of that memory location may be
altered by a program. See protected location.
guard ring An auxiliary, ring-shaped elec-
trode in a counter tube or ionization chamber
whose chief functions are to control potential
gradients, reduce insulation leakage, or
define the active region of the tube.
guard vacuum An enclosed evacuated space
between a primary vacuum system and the
atmosphere. Its primary purpose is to reduce
leakage from the seal into the primary sys-
tem.
guest (computer) In process control, the use
of a computer that is not the primary or con-
trolling computer and is not used to config-
ure some multiple-part system. A guest
computer provides services that are auxiliary
to the basic control. Such functions can be
collecting historical and archival data, creat-
ing a library of application programs, per-
forming background calculations, and so on.
The term was originally used somewhat
tongue in cheek by Sam Herb and Scotty
Moore in the first edition of Understanding
Distributed Process Control in 1981 to describe
a system that has a computer that is con-
nected but not required for a process control
system's start-up or operation. See host (com-
puter).
GUI Graphical user interface [pronounced:
gooey]; operating system or environment
that displays program choices and options
on the screen as icons (pictures or symbols)
and often windows. Selections are typically
made with a mouse or trackball (point and
click). Invented at Xerox in the 1970s, was
first used on Apple Macintosh and later on
Microsoft Windows, Digital Research GEM,
and X Windows.
guide 1. A pulley, idler roll, or channel mem-
ber that keeps a rope, cable, or belt traveling
in a predetermined path. 2. A runway in
which a conveyor travels. 3. A stationary
machine element—a beam, bushing, rod, or
pin, for instance—whose primary function is
guide bearing / gyro wheel

to keep one or more moving elements con- maintains a stable, angular reference direc-
fined to a specific path of travel. tion by virtue of the application of Newton's
guide bearing A plain bushing that is used to second law of motion to a mechanism whose
prevent the lateral movement of a machine chief component is a rapidly spinning heavy
element while allowing free axial translation, mass.
with or without (usually without) simulta- gyroscopic couple The turning moment that
neous rotation. Also known as a "guide is generated by a gyroscope in order to
bushing." oppose any change in the position of its axis
guide bushing See bushing. of rotation.
Guided Acoustical Wave (GAW) A type of gyroscopic horizon A gyroscopic instrument
touch screen that channels acoustical energy that simulates the position of the natural
into the full volume of screen material. Com- horizon and indicates the attitude of an air-
pare with surface acoustic wave (SAW). craft with respect to this horizon.
guided bend test A bend test in which the gyro wheel The heavy rotating element of a
specimen is bent to a predetermined shape in gyroscope. It consists of a wheel whose
a jig or around a grooved mandrel. rather large mass is distributed uniformly
guided missile An unmanned airborne vehi- around its rim. In precision gyroscopes, the
cle whose flight path or trajectory can be gyro wheel is specially constructed to have
altered by some mechanism within or nearly perfect balance.
attached to the vehicle in response to either a
preprogrammed control sequence or a con-
trol sequence that is transmitted to the vehi-
cle while in flight.
guided wave A wave whose energy is con-
fined by one or more extended boundary
surfaces and whose direction of propagation
is effectively parallel to the boundary.
guides, closure member The means by
which the closure member is aligned with
the seat and held stable throughout its travel.
The guide is held rigidly in the body bonnet,
and/or bottom flange. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-
2000]
gutter 1. A drainage trough or trench, usually
surrounding a raised surface. 2. A groove
around the cavity of a forging or casting die
to receive excess flash.
guy A wire, rope, or rod that is used to secure
a pole, derrick, truss, or temporary structure
in an upright position or to hold it securely
against the wind.
guyed-steel stack A steel stack of insufficient
strength to be self-supporting and is thus lat-
erally stayed by guys.
gyratory screen A sieving machine that has a
series of nested screens whose mesh sizes are
progressively smaller from the top to the bot-
tom of the stack. The mechanism shakes the
stacked screens in a nearly circular fashion,
which causes fines to sift through each screen
until an entire sample or batch has been clas-
sified.
gyro Short for gyroscope. See gyroscope.
gyromagnetic ratio The magnetic moment of
a system divided by its angular momentum.
gyroscope 1. A transducer that makes use of
a self-contained spatial directional reference.
[ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)] 2. An instrument that

238
 H1 A fieldbus network
H
that operates at 31.25 kbit/
second. Generally, it is a
lower-speed and lower-cost
network than H2.
H1 field device A field-
bus device that is connected
directly to an H1 fieldbus.
Typical H1 field devices are valves and trans-
mitters.
H1 repeater An H1 repeater is an active, bus-
powered, or non-bus-powered device that is
used to extend the range over which signals
can be correctly transmitted and received for
a given medium. A maximum of four repeat-
ers and/or active couplers can be used
between any two devices on an H1 fieldbus
network.
H2 A proposed ISA SP50 (fieldbus) standard
for communications at the controller level of
hosts. It has been superseded by the HSE
(High Speed Ethernet) protocol.
hacking In computers, writing programs or
using computer communicating for fun.
Through misuse in the news media it has
come to mean only the indiscriminate and
unauthorized accessing of other computers
over public networks. See cracking.
hair-line cracks Fine, random cracks in a
coating such as paint or in any rigid surface.
hairline register In the composition of screen
displays and printing, alignment within ± 1 /
2 row of dots.
half-adder A logic circuit that accepts two
binary input signals and produces corre-
sponding sum and carry outputs. Two
half-adders and an OR gate can be combined
to realize a full-adder. See also full adder.
half-adjust To round a number so that the
least significant digit or digits determine
whether or not a one (1) is to be added to the
digit that is next higher in significance. After
the adjustment is made, if required, the digit
or digits used as the criterion will be
dropped. For example, in 432.784, using the
terminal 4 as the criterion yields 432.78 as the
half-adjusted value. The number 432.785
half-adjusts to 432.79 since the terminal digit
is "one half, or more."
half-and-half solder A lead-tin alloy (50Pb-
50Sn) that is used primarily to join copper
tubing and fittings.
half bridge In strain gauges, such as in force
or pressure sensors, the state in which only
two of four legs of a Wheatstone bridge con-
figuration are active in the development of a
signal.
239
half cycle In alternating circuits, the time it
takes to complete one-half of a full cycle at
the operating frequency.
half duplex Communications in both direc-
tions (transmit and receive), but in only one
direction at a given instant in time. See
duplex, half and full duplex.
half-duplex transmission "One-way-at-a-
time" communication. Both devices can
transmit and receive data but only one at a
time.
half-height drive A 5-1/4-inch disk drive
that is 1-5/8 inches wide when installed.
half-life The time span necessary for half the
atoms of a nuclide to disintegrate.
half-thickness The thickness of an absorbing
medium that will depreciate the intensity of
a radiation beam by one half.
halftone In electronic publishing and screen
displays, the reproduction of continuous-
tone images through a screening process.
The image is converted into dots of various
sizes and equal spacing between centers (as
with conventional printing). Also called
"amplitude modulated (AM) screening." See
amplitude modulation.
half-wave plate A polarization retarder that
causes the light of one linear polarization to
be retarded by a half wavelength 180° rela-
tive to the phase of the orthogonal polariza-
tion.
half-wave rectifier 1. An electronic circuit
that converts an AC input signal into a DC
output signal. Current flows in the output
circuit during only one half of each cycle of
the input signal. 2. A rectifier that feeds cur-
rent during the half cycle when the alternat-
ing current voltage is in the polarity at which
the rectifier has low resistance. During the
other half cycle the rectifier passes no cur-
rent.
halide A compound that contains fluorine,
bromine, chlorine, or iodine. [ISA-71.04-
1985]
Hall effect An electromotive force (emf) that
is developed as a result of interaction when a
steady-state current flows in a steady-state
magnetic field. The direction of the emf is at
right angles to both the direction of the cur-
rent and the magnetic field vector. The mag-
nitude of the emf is proportional to the
product of current intensity, magnetic force,
and the sine of the angle between the current
direction and the magnetic field vector.
halogen Any one of the four chemical ele-
ments chlorine, fluorine, bromine, or iodine.
[ISA-71.04-1985]
HALT / hard-drawn wire
HALT Highly Accelerated Life Test. Typi-
cally, the rapid ramp-soak cycling of elec-
tronic equipment between the extremes of its
temperature rating over two to three days.
The purpose of the test is to quickly identify
failures that would otherwise take years to
surface.
hammer 1. A hand tool that is used for strik-
ing a workpiece in order to shape it or drive
it into another object. 2. A machine element
that consists of an arm and a striking head,
such as for ringing a bell. Or a machine ele-
ment that consists of a guided striking head,
often carrying one half of a die set, for shap-
ing metals by forging.
Hamming code An error-correcting code,
with or without parity, that allows a data
device to detect and correct single-bit errors
in coded digital data.
Hamming distance A characteristic of any
given data code that indicates the ability to
detect single-bit errors. It equals the number
of bits in any given character that must be
changed in order to produce another legiti-
mate character.
H and D curve The measurement of photo-
graphic emulsion shown as a curve in which
density is expressed as a function of the loga-
rithm of exposure.
hand-held equipment Portable equipment
that is intended to be supported by one hand
during normal use. [ANSI/ISA-82.02.01-1999
(IEC 61010-1 Mod)]
handhole An opening in a pressure part that
provides access, but usually not exceeding 6
inches in the longest dimension.
handhole cover A handhole closure
hand jack A manual hydraulic or mechanical
override device that uses a lever to stroke a
valve or to limit its travel. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
hand lance A manually manipulated length
of pipe that carries air, steam, or water for the
purpose of blowing ash and slag accumula-
tions from heat-absorbing surfaces.
hand set Timers that are set manually after
each operation. The operator turns the set
pointer to the required time interval, and
during timing the timer motor drives the
pointer back to zero.
handshake The recognition between two
computers that they are able to communi-
cate.
handshaking The exchange of predeter-
mined signals between two devices in order
to establish a connection. Handshaking is
usually part of a communications protocol.
240
handwheel A mechanical manual override
device that uses a rotary wheel to stroke a
valve or to limit its travel. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
handwheel, in-yoke mounted In-yoke gear
types are designed with a worm gear drive
that is contained in a lubricated housing. The
gearbox is integral with the yoke, which is
usually elongated in order to provide space
for the worm gear assembly. With this type of
handwheel, stops may be set in either or both
directions to limit the travel of the valve
stem. This type of handwheel is declutch-
able. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
handwheel, shaft-mounted, declutchable A
shaft-mounted worm gear drive that can be
declutched from the power actuator. [ANSI/
ISA-75.05.01-2000]
handwheel, side-mounted Bellcrank lever
types are externally mounted on the control
valve yoke. They can provide a limit to the
extent that a valve stem will travel in either
direction, but not in both directions. [ANSI/
ISA-75.05.01-2000]
handwheel, top-mounted The handwheel is
mounted on top of the valve actuator case.
This type of handwheel does not have a
clutch. It is usually used to restrict the
motion of the valve stem in one direction
only. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
hard card A type of computer hard disk on
which data is placed on a card rather than a
spinning disk.
hard-clad silica fibers Silica optical fibers
that are coated with hard plastic material,
not with the soft materials typically used in
plastic-clad silica.
hard copy Output in permanent (paper)
form, usually through a printer or chart
recorder, as compared with the impermanent
form of output of a disk or a display termi-
nal.
hard disk A computer storage medium that
has a large storage capacity as compared to
floppy disks. Disks that provide gigabytes of
storage space are common.
hard-disk management Since hard-disk life
is limited, there are four basic things that will
enhance disk life and use: (1) using subdirec-
tories rather than having all work files in one
directory; (2) deleting files that are no longer
needed; and (3) periodically running a "scan
disk" utility to check for lost clusters; (4) run-
ning a defragmentation program every three
months.
hard-drawn wire Heavily cold-drawn metal
wire that has relatively high tensile strength
and low ductility.

hardening Producing increased hardness in a
metal by quenching it from high tempera-
ture, such as when hardening steel. Another
method of hardening, for certain aluminum
or other nonferrous alloys, is done by precip-
itation-hardening (aging) a dilute alloy.
hard error A repeatable error that exhibits a
stuck-at-one or stuck-at-zero condition
within a digital device.
hard facing 1. A material that is applied to
valve internals to resist fluid erosion and/or
to reduce the chance of galling between mov-
ing parts, particularly at high temperatures.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000] 2. A material that
is harder than the surface to which it is
applied. It is used to resist fluid erosion and/
or to reduce the chance of galling between
moving parts, particularly at high tempera-
ture. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
hard lead Any of a series of lead-antimony
alloys of low ductility. Typically, hard lead
contains 1 percent to 12 percent Sb.
hardness A measure of the amount of cal-
cium and magnesium salts in a boiler water.
Usually expressed as grains per gallon or
ppm as CaCO3.
hard plating A thin metal deposit, sometimes
electroplated, that is used to provide a sur-
face coating or induce surface hardening.
Hard plating is many orders of magnitude
thinner than hard facing. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
hardware 1. Physical equipment that is
directly involved in performing industrial
process measuring and controlling functions.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)] 2. Physical
equipment (associated with a computer), as
opposed to programs, procedures, rules, and
associated documentation. [ISA-TR50.02,
Part 9-2000]
hardware priority interrupt See priority inter-
rupt and software priority interrupt.
hard water Water that contains calcium or
magnesium in amounts that require an
excessive amount of soap to form a lather.
hard-wired Electrical connections accom-
plished without the use of software or firm-
ware. [ANSI/ISA-84.01-1996]
harmonic Having a frequency that is a multi-
ple of the basic cyclical quantity to which it is
related.
harmonic analyzer 1. An instrument for mea-
suring the magnitude and phase of the har-
monic segments of a cyclical function from a
graph. 2. An electronic instrument that mea-
sures the amplitude and frequency of an AC
signal, including those of its harmonics.
241
hardening / Hastelloy C
harmonic content The distortion in a trans-
ducer's sinusoidal output, which takes the
form of harmonics other than the fundamen-
tal component. Note: It is usually expressed
as a percentage of rms output. [ISA-37.1-1975
(R1982)]
harmonic conversion transducer A trans-
ducer in which the output frequency is a
multiple of the input frequency.
harmonic distortion 1. Distortion that is
characterized by the appearance in the out-
put of harmonics other than the fundamental
component when the input wave is sinusoi-
dal. [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)] 2. Distortion
that is caused by the presence of harmonics
of a desired signal. 3. The generation of
unwanted harmonics by a device as
expressed by the amplitude of the harmonics
as a percentage or ratio (in dB) of the pri-
mary signal.
harmonic generation 1. The multiplication of
the frequency of a lightwave through nonlin-
ear interactions of the lightwave with certain
materials. Generating the second harmonic is
equivalent to dividing the wavelength in
half. 2. An electronic means for multiplying
frequency. It is usually accomplished with
the assistance of nonlinear devices.
harmonics Vibration frequencies that are
integral multiples of the fundamental.
HART "Highway Addressable Remote
Transducer." An open, "smart" field instru-
mentation protocol developed by Rose-
mount that has been adapted by several
other companies, creating a de facto standard
fieldbus. Not considered a true fieldbus, it
imposes a Bell 202 FSK, 1200 bps digital sig-
nal on a twisted pair of wires carrying 4-20
mA input.
Hartley information unit In information the-
ory, a unit for the logarithmic measurement
of the decision content of a set of 10 mutually
exclusive events, expressed as the logarithm
to the base 10. For example, the decision con-
tent of an eight-character set equals log 8, or
0.903 Hartley.
hashing The generation of a meaningless
number from a group of records, which can
be used as a location address.
Hastelloy B An International Nickel Co. alloy
that has a nominal composition of nickel
(Ni), 66.7 percent; iron (Fe), 5 percent; molyb-
denum (Mo), 28 percent; and vanadium (V)
0.3 percent.
Hastelloy C An International Nickel Co.
alloy that has a nominal composition of
nickel (Ni), 59 percent; iron (Fe), 5 percent;
Hay bridge / HCFC
molybdenum (Mo), 16 percent; tungsten (W),
4 percent; and chromium (Cr), 16 percent.
Hay bridge A general-purpose AC bridge
circuit in which two opposing sides of the
bridge are fixed resistances. The unknown
leg is a combination of resistance and induc­
tance, and the remaining side consists of a
variable resistor and a variable capacitor.
hazard A chemical or physical condition that
has the potential for causing injury to people
or the environment. [ANSI/ISA-84.01-1996]
hazardous area An area in which explosive
gas/air mixtures are, or may be expected to
be, present in quantities such that special
precautions are required for the construction
and use of electrical apparatus.
hazardous area classifications There are
three hazardous area classifications: Division
1 (hazardous), Division 2 (normally nonhaz-
ardous), and nonhazardous. 1. Division 1
(hazardous): A location in which concentra­
tions of flammable gases or vapors exist (a)
continuously or periodically during normal
operations; (b) frequently during repair or
maintenance or because of leakage; or (c)
because of equipment breakdown or faulty
operation, which could cause the simulta­
neous failure of electrical equipment. (See
the National Electrical Code-2002, Paragraph
500-4(a), for a detailed definition.) 2. Division
2 (normally nonhazardous): Locations in
which the atmosphere is normally nonhaz­
ardous and may become hazardous only of
the ventilating system fails, pipe lines are
opened, or other unusual situations arise.
(See National Electrical Code, Paragraph
500-4(b), for a detailed definition.) 3. Non-
hazardous. Areas not classified as Division 1
or Division 2 are considered nonhazardous.
Note: It is safe to have open flames or other
continuous sources of ignition in nonhazard­
ous areas. [ISA-RP12.4-1996]
hazardous atmosphere 1. A combustible
mixture of gases and/or vapors. 2. An explo­
sive mixture of dust in air.
hazardous (classified) location A location in
which fire or explosion hazards may exist
because of an explosive atmosphere of flam­
mable gases or vapors, flammable liquids,
combustible dust, or easily ignitable fibers or
flyings. Note: See also explosive atmosphere.
[ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999;ISA-RP12.4-1996;
ANSI/ISA-RP12.6-1995]
hazardous dust layer Any accumulation of
combustible dust that will propagate or
cause a fire.
hazardous live Something that is capable of
rendering an electric shock or electric burn in
242
Divisions 1 - Continuous hazard (>1000 hrs/yr): Zone
0 for gases, Zone Z (10) for dusts; and intermittent
hazard (10-1000 hrs/yr): Zone 1 for gasses, Zone Z
(10) for dusts.
Division 2 - Hazard under abnormal conditions (0.1-10
hrs/yr): Zone 2 for gases, Zone Y (11) for dusts.
Class I - Areas in which flammable gases or vapors
may be present in air in sufficient quantities to be
explosive.
Group A - Atmospheres containing acetylene.
Group B - Atmospheres such as butadiene, ethylene
oxide, propylene oxide, acrolein, or hydrogen (or
gases and vapors equivalent in hazard).
Group C - Atmospheres such as cyclopropane, ethyl
ether, ethylene, or gases and vapors equivalent in
hazard.
Group D - Atmospheres such as acetone, alcohol,
ammonia, benzene, benzol, butane, gasoline, hex-
ane, lacquer-solvent vapors, napfha, natural gas,
propane, or gases and vapors equivalent in hazard­
ous.
Class II - Areas made hazardous by the presence of
combustible dust.
Group E1 - Atmospheres containing combustible metal
dusts, regardless of resistivity.
Group E2 - Atmospheres containing combustible dust
of similarly hazardous characteristics having resis­
tivity of less than 100KΩ -cm.
Group E3 - Atmospheres containing combustible, elec­
trically conductive dusts.
Group F1 - Atmospheres containing combustible, car­
bon black, charcoal, or coke dusts having more than
8 percent total volatile material.
Group F2 - Atmospheres containing combustible dusts
having an explsion hazard with resistivity <100Ω -
cm and≥1X 108Ω -cm.
Group G1 - Atmospheres containing combustible dust
having resistivity ≤100kΩ -cm.
Group G 2 - Atmospheres containing combustible elec­
trically nonconductive dusts.
Hazardous Area Classifications
normal condition or in single-fault condition.
[ANSI/ISA-82.02.01-1999 (IEC 61010-1
Mod)]
hazardous location An area where flamma­
ble gases, vapors, dusts, fibers, or filings cre­
ate the possibility of explosion and fire.
hazardous material Any substance that
requires special handling so as to avoid
endangering human life, health, or well-
being. Such substances include poisons, cor­
rosives, and flammable, explosive, or radio­
active chemicals.
hazardous waste Under the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (U.S.), any
solid, liquid, gas, or combination of wastes
that because of its chemical, physical, or
infectious characteristics may pose a hazard
when managed improperly.
hazemeter See transmissometer.
HCFC Hydrochlorofluorocarbon. A consider­
ation in EPA (U.S.) regulations. Any of sev­
eral substances that are used as alternatives
to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) but that are

also thought to deplete the Earth's protective
ozone layer.
HCS hybrid control system. A control system
that includes both "classic" distributed con-
trol and programmable control components
for processes or operations that need to have
the benefit of connecting each system onto
the same network.
HDLC High-level Data Link Control. A stan-
dard, international bit-oriented communica-
tion protocol defined by CCITT for ISO and
used in
HDTV high-definition television. A televi-
sion that has a pixel resolution of 1,920 x
1,080. Open Systems Interconnection (OSI)
applications. See CCITT and ISO.
HDX half duplex. A mode of communication
in which two-directional data will flow only
one direction at a time (2-wire).
head The portion of a computer disk drive
that reads, writes, or erases any magnetic stor-
age medium.
head crash In data processing, the malfunc-
tion of the read and write head in a disk
drive.
head end A passive component in a broad-
band transmission network that translates
one range of frequencies (transmit) to a dif-
ferent frequency band (receive). Head end
allows devices on a single cable network to
send and receive signals without interfer-
ence.
header [Eng] 1. In digital transmission, con-
trol information that is added to the begin-
ning of a message. [Comp] 2. In engineering,
a conduit or chamber that receives fluid flow
from a series of smaller conduits connected
to it or that distributes fluid flow among a
series of smaller conduits. 3. In data process-
ing, data that is placed at the beginning of a
file for identification purposes. A header typ-
ically contains the destination address, the
source address, and the message number.
4. Information about the purpose, source,
and version of the recipe, such as recipe and
product identification, creator, and issue
date. [ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995]
head gap 1. The space between the reading or
recording head and the recording medium,
such as a tape, drum, or disk. 2. The space or
gap that is intentionally inserted into the
magnetic circuit of the head in order to force
or direct the recording flux into the recording
medium.
headline, "head" In the typographical com-
position of screen displays and printing, the
display type. It usually appears at the top of
the screen or document to identify the topic.
243
HCS / heat content
head loss The pressure loss in flow systems
expressed in terms of a length parameter
such as inches of water or millimeters of
mercury.
head margin In the typographical composi-
tion of screen displays and printing, unused
space above the first line on a page.
head pressure The expression of a pressure
in terms of the height of fluid: P = ypg, where
p is fluid density and y is the fluid column
height.
head pulley The pulley at the discharge end
of the belt conveyor. The power drive for the
belt is generally applied to the end pulley.
[ISA-RP74.01-1984]
health physics The technology that is associ-
ated with the measurement and control of
radiation doses in humans.
heartbeat 1. A signal quality error (SQE) in
the CSMA/CD communication media access
method. 2. A test conducted between the
transceiver/media attachment unit (MAU)
and the data terminal equipment (DTE) to
ensure that the collision-detection circuit in
the transceiver/ MAU is working.
heart cut A chromatography technique that is
frequently used to analyze trace components
that are not readily separated from a large
composition peak. It utilizes two columns
and a diverting valve, and reduces the ratio
of large components to small ones.
heat Thermal energy. It is expressed in units
of calories or Btus. Energy that flows
between bodies because of a difference in
temperature.
heat-absorbing filter A glass filter that trans-
mits most visible light, but strongly absorbs
infrared light.
heat available The thermal energy above a
fixed datum that is capable of being
absorbed for useful work. In boiler practice,
the heat available in a furnace is usually
taken to be the higher heating value of the
fuel. That value is then corrected by subtract-
ing radiation losses, unburned combustibles,
the latent heat of the water in the fuel formed
by the burning of hydrogen. It is further cor-
rected by adding the sensible heat in the air
for combustion, all above ambient tempera-
tures.
heat balance An accounting of the distribu-
tion of the heat input and output. See illus-
tration on next page.
heat content The amount of heat per unit
mass that can be released when a substance
undergoes a drop in temperature, a change
in state, or a chemical reaction.
heated equipment / heavy duty cable
Heat Balance
heated equipment Equipment on which
resistance heat-tracing units are installed.
[ANSI/ISA-12.16.01-1998 (IEC 60079-7
Mod)]
heat exchanger A vessel in which heat is
transferred from one medium to another.
heat flux The quantity of thermal energy that
is transferred to a unit area per unit time.
[ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
heating panel A surface heater whose output
is a defined number of watts per unit area. It
is comprised of a series or parallel, connected
elements that have sufficient flexibility to
conform to the area to be heated. [ANSI/
ISA-12.16.01-1998 (IEC 60079-7 Mod]
heating surface Those surfaces that are
exposed to products of combustion on one
side and water on the other. Heating surface
area is measured on the side receiving the
heat. [ASME Power Test Code]
heat rate The ratio of heat input to work out-
put of a thermal power plant. It is a measure
of power plant efficiency.
heat release The total quantity of thermal
energy above a fixed datum that is intro-
duced into a furnace by the fuel. Heat release
is considered to be the product of the hourly
fuel rate and its high heat value, expressed in
244
Btu per hour per cubic foot of furnace vol-
ume.
Heat Release
heat sink In thermodynamics, a body that
can absorb thermal energy. In mechanical
design, a finned piece of metal that is used to
dissipate heat from the components
mounted on it. Any device (usually a static
device) that is used primarily to absorb heat
and thereby protect another component from
damage caused by excessive heat.
heat tracing The technique of adding heat to
a process or instrument measurement line by
placing a steam line or electric-heating ele-
ment adjacent to the line.
heat-tracing cable Part of a resistance-heat-
ing system, which is comprised of one or
more heating elements, suitably insulated
and protected. They are usually used to heat
pipes and other equipment. [ANSI/ISA-
12.16.01-1998 (IEC 60079-7 Mod)]
heat transfer, coefficient of The heat flow per
unit time across a unit area of a specified sur-
face under the driving force of a unit temper-
ature difference between two specified
points along the direction of heat flow. Also
known as "overall coefficient of heat trans-
fer."
heat treatment Controlled heating and cool-
ing so as to alter the properties or structure of
a metal, alloy, or glasslike material.
heavier-than-heavy key The remaining com-
ponents in the bottoms stream other than the
heavy key. See heavy key.
Heaviside bridge A type of AC bridge for
making mutual inductance measurements
when the inductance of the primary winding
is already known.
heavy duty cable Generally, a type of fiber-
optic or electrical cable that is designed to
withstand unfriendly conditions, such as
 heavy ends / hexagonal-head bolt
those encountered outdoors. Some varieties
are armored to withstand hostile conditions.
heavy ends The fraction of a petroleum mix-
ture that has the highest boiling point.
heavy key The component in multicompo-
nent distillation that is removable in the bot-
toms stream and has the highest vapor
pressure of the components at the bottoms. If
more reboiler heat is added, the heavy-key
component is the first component to be put
in the overhead product.
heavy oil A viscous fraction of petroleum or
coal-tar oil. It has a high boiling point.
heavy spot The imaginary vector sum of the
nonuniform mass distribution within a rotat-
ing body. The corrective procedure of balanc-
ing places a weight that compensates for the
forces caused by the heavy spot.
heavy water (deuterium oxide) A liquid
compound, D2O, whose chemical properties
are similar to H2O (light water). It occurs in a
ratio of 1 part in 6,000 in fresh water.
hectare A metric unit of land measure that is
equal to 10,000 m2, or approximately 2.5
acres.
hectare-meter A metric unit of volume, com-
monly used in irrigation work. It equals
10,000 m 3 and represents the amount of
water needed to cover an area of one hectare
to a depth of one meter.
heel block A block or plate attached to a die
that keeps the punch from deflecting too
much.
height gage A mechanical device, usually
equipped with a vernier or micrometer scale,
that is used for measuring precise distances
above a reference plane.
heliarc welding See gas-tungsten arc welding
(GTAW).
Hellige turbidimeter A variable-depth
instrument for visually determining the
cloudiness of a liquid as a result of the pres-
ence of finely divided suspended matter.
help In data processing, an on-screen infor-
mation resource that a user can activate to
answer questions.
He/Ne Abbreviation for Helium-neon red
laser.
henry The metric unit for inductance.
Henry's law A principle of physical chemis-
try that relates the equilibrium partial pres-
sure of a substance in the atmosphere above
a liquid solution to the concentration of the
same substance in the liquid. The ratio of
concentration to equilibrium partial pressure
equals the Henry's law constant, which is a
temperature-sensitive characteristic. Henry's
245
law generally applies only at low-liquid con-
centrations of a volatile component.
hermetically sealed device A device that is
sealed against the entrance of an external
atmosphere and in which the seal is made by
fusion, for example, soldering, brazing, weld-
ing, or the fusion of glass to metal. [ANSI/
ISA-12.12.01-2000]
hertz (Hz) A unit of measure for the fre-
quency of a periodic phenomenon, measured
in cycles per second.
heterodyne A combination of the AC signals
of two different frequencies. They are cou-
pled so as to produce beats whose frequency
is the sum or difference of the frequencies of
the original signals.
heterodyne conversion transducer A trans-
ducer in which the output frequency is the
sum and difference of the input frequency
and the local oscillator frequency.
heterogeneous radiation A beam of radiation
that contains rays of several different wave-
lengths or particles of different energies or
types.
heterojunction A junction between semicon-
ductors that differ in doping levels and also in
their atomic compositions. An example would
be a junction between layers of GaAs (gallium
arsenide) and GaAlAs (gallium aluminum
arsenide). A double heterojunction laser con-
tains two such junctions; a single heterojunc-
tion laser contains only one.
heuristic Of an approach that is based upon
common-sense rules (rules of thumb) as well
as trial and error. Contrasted with an
approach based on comprehensive theory
that is found in algorithms using mathemati-
cally provable procedures. Heuristic pro-
grams are characterized by being self-
learning. That is, they get better through
experience, and arrive at a good result, if not
always the best result. The heuristic
approach is often used in expert systems.
heuristic program A program that monitors
its performance with the objective of
improved performance.
hex A number representation system of base
16. The hex number system is very useful in
cases where computer words are composed
of multiples of four bits (that is, 4-bit words,
8-bit words, 16-bit words, and so on).
hexadecimal notation A numbering system
that uses 0, 9, A, B, C, D, E, and F with 16 as a
base.
hexagonal-head bolt A standard threaded
fastener that has an integral hexagon-shaped
head.
hexagonal nut / high-level language
hexagonal nut A hexagon-shaped fastener
with internal threads that is used with a mat-
ing, externally threaded bolt, stud, or
machine screw.
hex code A low-level code in which the
machine code is represented by numbers that
use a base of 16.
Heydweiller bridge A type of AC bridge cir-
cuit that is suitable for determining the
mutual inductance between two interacting
windings, both having unknown induc-
tances.
HFC Hart Communication Foundation.
Formed in 1993 as an independent, nonprofit
organization whose specific mission is to
carry on the work of the HART user group:
to coordinate and support the application of
HART technology.
HGED High-gain emissive display. A flat,
LCD-like panel that contains color phos-
phors similar to those of CRTs. However,
HGED displays are modified to operate at
extremely low voltage (under 100) and are
activated by a matrix grid instead of a beam-
steered, high-voltage electron gun. Unlike
LCDs, a matrix needs no transistors to
address pixels. Phosphors are instead excited
by electrons that are guided to the grid by a
patented process developed by Telegren, Inc.
HGED costs less than one-tenth of LCD and
has no viewing angle restrictions. HGED has
the brightness, color palette, resolution, and
refresh rates needed for high-definition
video, without the concern that the user will
be bombarded by X-ray emissions from near-
field viewing.
hierarchical An approach used in many
technologies, where actions, scope of work,
and so on are arranged in hierarchies that
establish priorities and appropriate routings.
Used in process control, machine vision, sys-
tem networks, databases, sequence-of-video
screen views, and planning, among others
hierarchical distributed control A hierarchy
of computer systems in which one computer
acting as supervisor controls several lower-
level computers. See illustration.
hierarchy The specified rank or order of
items. Thus, a series of items classified by
rank or order.
high-alloy steel An iron-carbon alloy that
contains at least 5 percent, by weight, of
additional elements.
high brass A commercial wrought brass that
contains 65 percent copper and 35 percent
zinc.
high-carbon steel A plain carbon steel with a
carbon content of at least 0.6 percent.
246
Hierarchical Distributed Control
high density digital recording (HDDR) The
technique that combines the good features of
non-return-to-zero (NRZ) and biphase codes,
to achieve a packing density of up to 33,000
bits per inch per track in instrumentation
tape recording.
high-frequency bias A sinusoidal signal that
is mixed with the data signal during the
magnetic tape direct-recording process for
the purpose of increasing the linearity and
dynamic range of the recording medium.
Bias frequency is usually three to four times
the highest data frequency to be recorded.
high-frequency heating See electronic heating.
high-gas pressure switch A switch to stop
the burner if the gas pressure is too high.
high-heat value See calorific value.
high integrity Not liable to become defective
in such a way as to cause a risk of hazard
within the sense of the relevant ANSI/ISA
standard. A high-integrity part is considered
one that is not subject to failure when tests
under fault conditions are made. [ANSI/
ISA-82.02.01-1999 (IEC 61010-1 Mod)]
high-level computing device (HLCD) A
microprocessor-based device that is used to
perform computerlike functions.
high-level data link control (HDLC) The
standard for communications protocol devel-
oped by the International Standards Organi-
zation (ISO).
high-level human interference (HLHI) A
device that allows a human to interact with
the total distributed control system over the
shared communications facility.
high-level language A programming lan-
guage whose statements are translated into
more than one machine-language instruc-
tion. Examples of high-level languages are
BASIC, FORTRAN, COBOL, and Televent.
 high-level operator interface (HLOI) / hold
high-level operator interface (HLOI) A type
of high-level human interference (HLHI) that
is designed for use by a process operator.
highlighting A term that encompasses vari-
ous attention-getting techniques, such as
blinking, intensifying, underscoring, and
color coding. [ISA- 5.5-1983]
high limiting control See control, high-limit-
ing.
high-low bias test Same as marginal check.
highly accelerated temperature and humidity
stress test (HAST) A test that subjects
devices to a controlled temperature (25 -
200°C) and humidity (40 - 95%) environ-
ment.
high order Pertaining to the weight or signif-
icance that is assigned to the digits of a num-
ber. For example, in the number 123456, the
highest-order digit is 1, the lowest-order
digit is 6. The three higher-order bits of a
binary word are another example.
highpass filter A filter that passes high fre-
quencies above the cutoff frequency, with lit-
tle attenuation.
high potential (hipot) test A test that consists
in applying a voltage in excess of normal
between a product's circuitry and any
exposed parts. Basic hipot tests include insu-
lation resistance, dielectric absorption, and
step voltage.
high-pressure boiler A boiler that furnishes
steam at pressure in excess of 15 pounds per
square inch. Also, a boiler that furnishes hot
water at temperatures in excess of 250F or at
pressures in excess of 160 pounds per square
inch.
high-resolution graphics A finely defined
graphical display on a computer monitor
screen.
high-strength alloy A metallic material that
has a strength considerably above that of
most other alloys of the same type or classifi-
cation.
high-temperature alloy A metallic material
that is suitable for use at 500°C (930°F) or
above. This classification includes iron-base,
nickel-base and cobalt-base superalloys as
well as the refractory metals and their alloys.
These retain enough strength at elevated
temperature to be structurally useful and
generally endure metallurgical changes
without weakening or embrittling the mate-
rial.
high-temperature device In the context of
electrical instruments in hazardous locations,
a high-temperature device is one in which
the maximum operating temperature
(including ambient temperature effect)
247
exceeds 80 percent of the auto-ignition tem-
perature in degrees Celsius (°C) of the gas or
vapor involved. [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999]
high-temperature hot-water boiler A water-
heating boiler that operates at pressure
exceeding 160 psig or temperatures exceed-
ing 250°F.
high-voltage stress test A semiconductor-
memory test that uses accelerated device
aging by cycling through all addresses for
several seconds at both high- and low-logic
levels using a voltage at 1-2/3 nominal at
125°C.
hinge A mechanical device that connects two
members across a joint yet allows one mem-
ber to pivot about an axis that runs along the
joint.
hi pot test An insulation AC current-limited
wherein a 0-600 volt-rated wire insulation is
tested for 1,000 v + (2 X nominal voltage rat-
ing) for a test time of 60 seconds. Note: This
test is not generally required within a control
center and should not be performed unless
specified.
HIS Human resources information system. A
computer database for manpower schedul-
ing used in enterprise information services
(EIS).
histogram A type of statistical quality control
(SQC) chart. It is a graphical representation
of a distribution function by means of rectan-
gles whose widths represent intervals into
which the range of observed values is
divided and whose heights represent the
number of observations occurring in each
interval.
historical data In process control, operating
data that is saved within a specific device,
equipment, or system. See archival (archive).
hit 1. An Internet term for successfully gain-
ing access to a file on a Web page. 2. In data
processing, the isolation of a matching
record.
hitch pin See cotter pin.
hit rate The number of successful matches in
a computer search.
HMD Head-mounted display. Worn by an
engineer or operator, the HMD fits on a pair
of high-tech glasses. It uses virtual imaging
to present the illusion of a full-size video
screen to the wearer while he or she is tour-
ing a plant to make modify the process.
hold An external input that is used to stop
the A / D process and freeze the input.
Binary-coded decimal (BCD) hold is an
external input that is used to freeze the BCD
output while allowing the A / D process to
continue operation.
holding beam / horn relay contact
holding beam An electron beam for reacti-
vating the charge on the surface of an elec-
tronic device.
holding time The length of time that a com-
munication channel is in use for each trans-
mission.
hold station Usually refers to circuit card(s)
that have capacitive elements for holding
electrical charges that represent values calcu-
lated by controllers. The charges are held
until some multiplexing operation sends the
held value(s) as signals to the field. Output
signal conditioning circuitry is sometimes
still referred to as "hold station."
hold time In any process cycle, an interval
during which no changes are imposed on the
system. Hold time is usually used to allow a
chemical or metallurgical reaction to reach
completion, or to allow a physical or chemi-
cal condition to stabilize before proceeding
to the next step.
Hollerith card A punched card used in digi-
tal computing. It is named for Herman Hol-
lerith, who developed a computing method
using punched cards to compile the 1890 U.S.
census.
Hollerith code A widely used system of
encoding alphanumeric information onto
cards. Hence, Hollerith cards are the same as
punch cards. See Hollerith card.
holographic diffraction grating A diffraction
grating in which the pattern of light-diffract-
ing lines was recorded holographically
rather than mechanically ruled into the sur-
face.
holographic optical elements Holograms
that have been made to diffract light in the
same pattern as other optical components. It
is possible to produce (usually by computer
synthesis) a hologram that mimics the func-
tion of the lens. In some applications, such
holographic optical elements are less costly
than conventional optics.
home In personal computers, a key that
places the cursor at the upper left-hand posi-
tion on the screen or the upper left-hand
position of the entire file.
home page The first HTML page users see
when they open their browsers and gain
access to the Internet.
homogeneous radiation A beam of radiation
that contains rays whose wavelengths all fall
within a narrow band of wavelengths. Or a
beam of radiation that contains particles of a
single type that have about the same energy.
homojunction A junction between semicon-
ductors that differ in doping levels but not in
atomic composition. An example would be a
248
junction between n-type and p-type gallium
arsenide.
homologous pair In optical spectroscopy,
two lines so chosen that the ratio of their
radiant powers changes little with variations
in the input conditions.
hone To remove a small amount of material
by using fine-grit abrasive stones and
thereby obtaining an exceptionally smooth
surface finish or very close dimensional tol-
erances.
Hookean behavior A condition in liquid
expansion when the fractional change in vol-
ume is proportional to the hydrostatic stress.
If a liquid is under such stress it evidences
ideal elastic behavior.
hook gauge An instrument that consists of a
pointed metal hook mounted on a microme-
ter slide. It is used to measure the level of a
liquid in an evaporation pan. The level with
respect to a reference height is determined
when the point of the hook just breaks the
liquid surface.
HOOPS Hierarchical Object-Oriented Picture
System. An emerging standard in 3-D graph-
ics.
hopper, card A device that holds cards and
makes them available to a card-feed mecha-
nism. Synonymous with "input magazine."
[ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)]
hopper scale A weighing device that consists
of a bulk container or hopper suspended on
load cells or a lever system and used to
batch-weigh bulk solids. Hopper scales are
often used in connection with automated
batch processing or with continuous receiv-
ing or shipping operations.
horizontal boiler A water-tube boiler in
which the main bank of tubes is straight and
on a slope of 5 to 15 degrees from the hori-
zontal.
horizontal return-tubular boiler A fire-tube
boiler that consists of a cylindrical shell, in
which tubes inside the shell are attached to
both end closures. The products of combus-
tion pass under the bottom half of the shell
and return through the tubes.
horn A device for directing and intensifying
sound waves that consists of a tube whose
cross section increases from one end to the
other.
horn antenna The flared end of a radar
waveguide. Its dimensions are chosen to pro-
vide the efficient radiation of electromag-
netic energy into the surrounding
environment.
horn relay contact See auxiliary output.

horsepower Unit of measure for the ability to
do work. It is equivalent to 33,000 pounds
moving through one foot in one minute.
host (computer) [Comp] 1. The primary com-
puter in a multielement system. The system
that issues commands, has access to the most
important data, and is the most versatile pro-
cessing element in a system. Compare with
target computer [Cont] 2. The primary or con-
trolling computer in a multiple-part system.
It provides primary services such as compu-
tation, database access, special programs,
command generations, or programming lan-
guages. In some earlier DCSs, the system
was configured by programming the host,
then downloaded over the network to each
controller file. The term host implies that the
computer is required for the system to be
completely functional. Partial functionality
may be achievable without the host. See
guest.
hot dip galvanizing A process for rust-proof-
ing iron and steel products by applying a
coating of metallic zinc.
hot dipping A process for coating parts by
briefly immersing them in a molten metal
bath, then withdrawing them and allowing
the metal to solidify and cool.
hot junction A thermocouple junction that is
used to measure an unknown temperature
(measuring junction).
hot-standby In distributed control systems,
this usually means a duplicate (redundant)
device such as a controller that carries identi-
cal information and can be functionally
switched into replacement service with
essentially no interruption of those func-
tions.
Hot swapping The ability to remove and
replace an electronics board or device with-
out removing power from the equipment in
which it resides. Also, a hardware and soft-
ware protocol that is defined by the PCMCIA
(Personal Computer Memory Card Interna-
tional Association) whereby PC cards can be
removed and inserted into sockets without
powering down or rebooting the PC.
hot-wire instrument A measuring device
that depends on the heating reaction of a
wire carrying a current for its operation.
housekeeping Administrative or overhead
operations or functions that are necessary to
maintain control of a situation. For example,
for a computer program, housekeeping
involves setting up constants and variables
to be used in the program. Synonymous with
"red tape."
housing A protective enclosure or case.
249
horsepower / HTTP
HP-IB Hewlett-Packard Interface Bus. An
IEEE 488 standard bus that is parallel, multi-
port, 300 Kbs to 1 Mbs, 15 to 28 stations on
up to 50 feet. Originally developed by
Hewlett-Packard for laboratory instrumenta-
tion and later called "GPIB" for General Pur-
pose Interface Bus.
HRF Hazard Reduction Factor. The inverse of
PFD (probability of failure on demand),
which is the chance that a control system will
fail when in energized mode.
Hand Station Provides for a direct process
control signal to the final element.
HSE High-speed Ethernet (100Mbits/sec).
An industrial network protocol that is based
on commercial Ethernet physical layer com-
ponents. It uses TCP/IP and UDP Data/Ses-
sion layers for communications at the
controller level of a host, and it supports all
functions of the Fieldbus H1 layer.
HSE field device A high-speed field device is
a fieldbus device that is connected directly to
a high-speed Ethernet (HSE) fieldbus. Typi-
cal HSE field devices are HSE linking
devices, HSE field devices running function
blocks (FBs), and host computers.
HSE linking device An HSE linking device is
a device that is used to interconnect H1 field-
bus segments to high-speed Ethernet (HSE)
in order to create a larger network.
HSE switch An HSE switch is standard
Ethernet equipment. It used to interconnect
multiple high-speed Ethernet (HSE) devices
such as HSE linking devices and HSE field
devices in order to form a larger HSE net-
work.
HSM Hierarchal Storage Management. A
digital memory and data backup system.
HSV Hue-saturation-value (or brilliance or
luminance). The color space that used in
some graphic programs for screen displays.
HSWA Hazardous and Solid Waste Amend-
ments. Amendments passed in 1984 to the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(U.S.), which establish regulations for land
disposal and underground storage tanks for
hazardous materials.
HTML Hypertext markup language. A com-
puter authoring language for publishing
documents through the World Wide Web on
the Internet by using both text and two-
dimensional graphics.
HTML Hypertext Markup Language. A for-
mat used to create World Wide Web docu-
ments.
HTTP Hypertext transport protocol. An
Internet computer communication encoding
hub / hydraulic gauge
standard for exchanging multimedia docu-
ments across the Web.
hub In digital communications, a wiring
concentrator or repeater that brings together
connections from multiple network nodes in
a star topology.
hue The main attribute of a given color that
distinguishes it from other colors.
Huggenberger tensometer A magnifying
extensometer that employs a compound
lever system to intensify the changes taking
place in a 10 to 20 mm gauge length by about
1,200 times.
hum An undesirable by-product in an alter-
nating current (AC) power supply.
human-factors engineering A branch of
engineering in which the capabilities and
limitations of human beings are integrated
into design models in order to enhance the
overall performance of a system that uses
both humans and machines.
humidification Artificially increasing the
moisture content of a gas.
humidistat An instrument for measuring and
controlling relative humidity.
humidity, absolute The mass of water vapor
that is present in a unit volume of air or other
fluid. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
humidity, relative The ratio of the water
vapor pressure actually present to the water
vapor pressure required for saturation at a
given temperature, expressed in percentage
terms. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
humidity element The part of a hygrometer
that senses the amount of water vapor in the
atmosphere.
humidity test A corrosion test for comparing
the relative resistance of specimens to a high-
humidity environment at constant tempera-
ture.
hunting 1. A continuing cyclic motion that is
caused by friction, in which the positioner
attempts to find the set position. 2. An unde-
sirable oscillation of appreciable magnitude
250
that continues long after external stimuli dis-
appear. Note: In a linear system, hunting is
evidence of the system operating at or near
the stability limit. Nonlinearities may cause
hunting of well-defined amplitude and fre-
quency. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)] In
data processing, the system usually contains
a standard, a method for determining devia-
tion from this standard, and a method for
influencing the system, such that the differ-
ence between standard and the state of the
system is brought to zero. In automatic con-
trol, hunting is generally caused by the gain
or reset of the controller being set too high.
See dither.
HVLC high volume, low concentration. Usu-
ally refers to pollutant measurement for EPA
(U.S.) regulations.
hybrid circuit A miniaturized assembly that
combines discrete components and/or
monolithic circuits mounted on an insulating
substrate.
hybrid computer 1. A computer for data pro-
cessing that uses both analog representation
and discrete representation of data. 2. A com-
puting system that uses an analog computer
and a digital computer working together.
hybrid control system A control system that
includes both "classic" distributed control
and programmable control components for
processes or operations that need the bene-
fits of having each system connected onto the
same network.
hybrid T Series T and shunt T junctions that
are located at the same point in a waveguide
and are designed to restrict energy flow to
specified channels.
hydraulic Referring to any device, operation,
or effect that uses the pressure or flow of oil,
water, or any other low-viscosity liquid.
hydraulic actuator A fluid device that con-
verts the energy of an incompressible fluid
into motion. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
hydraulic circuit A fluid-flow circuit that
operates somewhat like an electric circuit.
hydraulic engineering A branch of civil engi-
neering that deals with the design and con-
struction of such structures as dams and
other flood-control devices, sewers and sew-
age-disposal plants, water-driven electric
power stations, and water treatment and dis-
tribution systems.
hydraulic fluid A light oil or other low-vis-
cosity liquid that is used in a hydraulic cir-
cuit.
hydraulic gauge A gauge that is designed for
service at extremely high pressure.

hydraulic valve A fluid-powered device that
converts the energy of an incompressible
fluid into motion. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
See also actuator, hydraulic type.
hydrocarbon A chemical compound of
hydrogen and carbon.
hydrocracker A chemical reactor in which
large hydrocarbon molecules are fractured in
the presence of hydrogen.
hydroelectric plant An electric power-gener-
ating station in which the power is produced
by generators driven by hydraulic turbines.
hydrogen damage Any of several forms of
metal failure that are caused by dissolved
hydrogen. These include blistering, internal
void formation, and hydrogen-induced
delayed cracking.
hydrokineter A device for recirculating or
initiating the flow of water by using a jet of
steam or water at a higher pressure than the
water was initially flowing.
hydrometer An instrument for directly indi-
cating the density or specific gravity of a liq-
uid.
hydrophilic Water receptive.
hydrophobic Water repellent.
hydrophone A transducer that reacts to
water-borne sound waves.
hydropneumatic Of a device that is operated
by both liquid and gas power.
hydrostatic head The pressure that is created
by a height of liquid above a given point.
hydrostatic-head gauge A pressure gauge
that is unique from others in the graduation
of scale; usually expressed in feet.
hydrostatic test Determining the burst resis-
tance or leak tightness of a fluid component
or system by imposing internal pressure.
hygrometer An instrument for directly indi-
cating humidity.
hygrometry Any process for determining the
amount of moisture present in air or another
gas.
hygroscopic 1. Referring to a material that
will readily absorb and retain moisture. [ISA-
RP60.11-1991] 2. Having a tendency to
absorb water. [ISA-71.04-1985] Having the
ability to accelerate the condensation of
water vapor. Dry material that has the ability
to absorb water vapor from the surrounding
atmosphere.
hygrothermograph An instrument that
records both temperature and humidity on
the same chart.
hypercard A programming environment that
organizes information into what appears
functionally to the user to be stacks of index
251
hydraulic valve / hysteresis
cards. These stacks can then be manipulated
and resorted to create new applications.
hypergolic Referring to spontaneous igni-
tion upon contact.
hyperlink In networked computers, a path
between two documents that allows the user
to point and click on specific words in one
document and be moved to some other rele-
vant document, wherever it physically is
located on the network or Internet. Synony-
mous with hypertext.
hypermedia A hypertext function that has
been expanded so that documents contain
links not only to other pieces of text but also
to other forms of media: sounds, images, and
video. Images themselves can be selected to
link to sounds or documents, and vice versa.
hypermodel A behavioral model of the ana-
log-digital interface in a mixed-mode simu-
lator.
hypertext Basically the same as regular digi-
tal communication text—i.e., it can be stored,
read, searched, or edited—but also contain-
ing connections (links) within that text to
other documents. For example, while view-
ing a word or phrase in one document, the
user can access and retrieve another docu-
ment using that word or phrase. Synony-
mous with hyperlink.
hypsometer An instrument that determines
elevation above a reference plane (such as
sea level) by measuring the boiling point of a
liquid and then from that measurement find-
ing atmospheric pressure.
hysteresimeter A device for measuring a lag-
ging effect related to physical change, such
as the relationship between magnetizing
force and magnetic induction.
hysteresis 1. That property of an element such
that the value of the output, for a given excur-
sion of the input, depends upon the history of
prior excursions and the direction of the cur-
rent traverse. Note 1: Hysteresis is usually
determined by subtracting the value of dead
band from the maximum measured separa-
tion between upscale-going and downscale-
going indications of the measured variable
(during a full-range traverse, unless otherwise
specified) after transients have decayed. This
measurement is sometimes called "hysteresis
error" or "hysteretic error." Note 2: Some
reversal of output may be expected for any
small reversal of input. This distinguishes
hysteresis from dead band. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-
1979 (R1993)] 2. The maximum difference in
output value for any single input value dur-
ing a calibration cycle, excluding errors
caused by dead band. This difference is some-
hysteresis / hysteresis plus dead band

times called "hysteretic error." [ANSI/ISA-

75.05.01-2000] 3. The maximum difference in
output, at any measurand value within the
specified range, when the value is appr-
oached first with an increasing and then with
a decreasing measurand. Note: Hysteresis is
expressed in percentage of full-scale output
during any one calibration cycle. Friction
error is included with hysteresis unless dith-
ering is specified. [ANSI/ISA-37.1-1975
(R1982)] 4. A phenomenon demonstrated by
materials that make their behavior a function
of the history of the environment to which
they have been subjected. 5. The tendency of
an instrument to give a different output for a
given input, depending on whether the input
resulted from an increase or decrease from
the previous value.

hysteresis plus dead band The maximum

difference for the same input between the
upscale and downscale output values during
a full-range traverse in each direction. This is
the summation of hysteresis and dead band.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]

252
 I I Current or moment of
inertia; iodine; integral
I (reset) action. In modulat-
ing process control, the
amount of change of a
correcting force that is
proportional to the error
signal.
I&C Technician Instrumentation and control
technician.
ice bath The true freezing point of water; the
temperature at which pure water freezes
(0°C or 32°F). The temperature at which a
mixture of air-saturated pure water and pure
ice may exist in equilibrium at a pressure of 1
standard atmosphere. See ice point.
ice point See ice bath.
ICMP Internet Control Message Protocol. A
TCP/IP process that provides a set of func-
tions for the management and control of the
networking layer.
icon A graphic symbol that represents a func-
tion or the functions to be performed by the
system.
I controller See controller, integral (reset) (I).
ID A unique IDentifier for batches, lots, oper-
ators, technicians, and raw materials.
[ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995]
ideal elastic behavior A material characteris-
tic under given conditions, when the strain is
a unique straight-line function of stress and
is independent of previous stress history.
ideal gas A hypothetical gas that obeys pre-
cisely the equation for a perfect gas,
PV = nRT.
idealized system See system, idealized.
ideal transducer A hypothetical passive
transducer that produces the maximum pos-
sible output for a given input.
ideal value See value, ideal.
identification [Eng] 1. In engineering, the
sequence of letters, digits, or both, that are
used to designate an individual instrument or
loop. [ANSI/ISA 5.1-1984 (R1992)] Some-
times called tag name. [Cont] 2. In control,
procedures for deducing a system's transfer
function, often from its response to a step-
function input or to an impulse.
identification plate A less preferred term for
nameplate. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
identified When applied to equipment, iden-
tified means recognizable as being suitable
for the specific purpose, function, use, envi-
ronment, application, and the like, as
described in a particular requirement (e.g.,
National Electrical Code). Note: The suitabil-
ity of equipment for a specific purpose, envi- 253
ronment, or application may be determined
by a qualified testing laboratory, inspection
agency, or other organization concerned with
product evaluation. Such identification may
include labeling or listing. For additional
information see labeled and listed.
[ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999]
identifier 1. One or more characters that are
used to identify or name a data element and
possibly to indicate certain properties of that
data element. [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-2000] 2. A
symbol used in data processing whose pur-
pose is to identify, indicate, or name a body
of data.
idle characters Control characters that are
interchanged by a synchronized transmitter
and receiver so as to maintain synchroniza-
tion during nondata periods.
idlers Also "idler rollers." Freely turning cyl-
inders that are mounted on a frame to sup-
port a conveyor belt. For a flat belt, the idlers
may consist of one or more horizontal cylin-
ders transverse to the direction of belt travel.
For a troughed belt, the idlers may consist of
one or more horizontal cylinders as well as
one or more additional cylinders placed at an
angle that lifts the sides of the belt to form a
trough. [ISA-RP74.01-1984]
idler spacing The center-to-center distance
between a consecutive idler roller, as mea-
sured parallel to the belt. [ISA-RP74.01-1984]
idle time 1. That part of available time dur-
ing which computer hardware is not being
used. Contrast with operating time. 2. That
part of uptime in which no job can run
because all jobs are halted or are waiting for
some external action such as I/O data trans-
fer.
IDLH Immediately dangerous to life and
health. The maximum concentration from
which one could escape within 30 minutes
after a respirator failure without a respirator
and without experiencing irreversible health
effects or effects that impair your ability to
escape (e.g., severe eye irritation). An exam-
ple of an IDLH condition is 300 ppm for
hydrogen sulfide gas. [ISA-92.03,02-1999;
ISA-92.06.01-1998]
ID synchronization A count that is contained
in one word of a telemetry frame to indicate
which subframe is being sampled at any
given time.
ID synchronizer A method of PCM telemetry
subframe recognition in which a specific
word in the format activates a counter that
identifies the number of the subframe word
being received. See pulse code modulation
(PCM).
ID (Time Code) / illuminance
ID (Time Code) A three-numeral identifica-
tion that can be inserted into a time code
manually in the place of the "day of the
year" information.
IEEE 472 An electrical surge test standard.
IEEE 488 A parallel transmission standard for
connecting instruments to a computer. An
industry-standard byte serial, bit parallel sys-
tem that handles 8-bit words. Originally
developed by Hewlett-Packard for labora-
tory instrumentation.
IEEE 488 bus A parallel instrument commu-
nication bus that conforms to the IEEE 488
standard. Also called General-Purpose Inter-
face Bus (GPIB).
IEEE 754 A mathematical floating-point stan-
dard.
IEEE 802.3 An Ethernet LAN standard
(except for the type field [10 Mbps], physical-
layer standard that uses the CSMA/CD
access method on bus topology. See Carrier
Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection
(CSMA/CD).
IEEE 802.11 A radio and wireless LAN.
IEEE-P1451 A draft standard for a smart
transducer interface for sensors and actua-
tors.
IES integral error squared. A performance
criterion that is based on error during tran-
sient. IES is sometimes used to precisely tune
automatic controllers and/or adaptive con-
trol strategies.
IF amplifier An intermediate-frequency
stage in a typical superheterodyne radio
receiver.
if and only if (IFF) A conditional statement
that implies that an action is to be taken or
that a result is true if, and only if, stated pre-
requisite conditions are satisfied.
IFD Intelligent field device. A sensor, final
element, or transmitter that uses a micropro-
cessor(s).
IGES Initial Graphic Exchange Specification.
A specification that is commonly used to
translate data for other software.
I format Refers to a format in FORTRAN,
such that Iw indicates that w characters are to
be converted as a decimal integer. For exam-
ple, 17 yields -4680 as input, +24680 inter-
nally, and -4680 as output.
if-then See inclusion.
ignitable gas mixture A gas-air mixture that
is capable of being ignited by an open flame,
arc or spark, or high temperature. [ANSI/
ISA 12.01.01-1999]
igniter A device for initiating an explosion or
combustion in a fuel-air mixture.
ignition The initiation of combustion.
254
ignition (auto-ignition) temperature
(AIT) The minimum temperature that is
required to initiate or cause the self-sus-
tained combustion of a solid, liquid, or gas
independently of the heating or heating ele-
ments. Note 1: For additional information,
refer to NFPA 325. Note 2: A distinction is
made between ignition temperature and
flash point. See flash point. [ANSI/ISA-
12.01.01-1999]
ignition capable 1. Equipment or wiring that
in its normal operating condition releases
sufficient electrical or thermal energy to
cause a specific hazardous atmosphere or
hazardous dust layer to ignite. 2. Apparatus
or wiring that under normal conditions or
under specified abnormal conditions can
release sufficient electrical or thermal energy
to cause a specific explosive atmosphere to
ignite. [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999]
ignition-capable equipment and
wiring Equipment or wiring that under
normal conditions may release sufficient
electrical or thermal energy to cause a spe-
cific ignitable atmosphere to ignite.
[ANSI/ISA 12.01.01-1999]
ignition lag The time interval between spark
discharge and fuel ignition in an internal
combustion engine. Also known as "ignition
delay."
ignition period See trial for ignition.
ignition system That portion of the electrical
subsystems of an internal combustion engine
that produces a spark for the purpose of
igniting the fuel.
ignition temperature The lowest temperature
of a fuel at which combustion becomes
self-sustaining. The ignition temperature of
an explosive gas atmosphere is the lowest
temperature of a heated surface that, under
conditions specified in IEC 60079-4, will
ignite a flammable substance such as a gas or
vapor mixture with air. [ISA-12.00.01-1999
(IEC 60079-0 Mod)]
igniter A flame or high-energy spark that is
utilized to ignite the fuel at the main burner.
igniter intermittent An electric-ignited pilot
that is automatically lighted each time there
is a call for heat. It burns during the entire
period that the main burner is firing.
igniter interrupted An electric-ignited pilot
that is automatically lighted each time there
is a call for heat. The pilot fuel is cut off auto-
matically at the end of the trial-for-ignition
period of the main burner.
illuminance Luminous flux per unit area
over a uniformly illuminated surface.
 illuminants / impedance, input
illuminants Light oil or coal compounds that
readily burn with a luminous flame such as
ethylene, propylene, and benzene.
illuminated dial A transparent, semitrans-
parent, or nontransparent circular scale that
is artificially illuminated.
image converter camera A camera that con-
verts images from one wavelength region
into another, typically from the infrared to
the visible.
image digitizer A device that measures light
intensity at each point in an image and gen-
erates a corresponding digital signal, which
indicates that intensity. It converts an analog
image into a digital data set.
image impedances Of a transducer, the
impedances that will simultaneously pro-
duce equal impedances in both directions at
each of its inputs and outputs.
image intensifier A viewing system that
functions as a light amplifier, taking a faint
image and amplifying it so it can be viewed
more easily.
image inverter A fused fiber-optic bundle
that is permanently twisted during manufac-
ture so as to turn the image it transmits
upside down. The same can be done with
conventional optics, but a fiber-optic image
inverter can do it in a distance of less than an
inch.
image maps In the context of the Internet,
portions of images that are hypertext links.
They allow the user to "mouse click" on dif-
ferent parts of a mapped image so as to acti-
vate different hypertext links.
image orthicon A camera tube whose output
is generated using a low-velocity electron
beam. The beam scans the reverse side of a
storage target. That target contains an image
that was produced by focusing the electron
image from a photo-emitting surface on it.
image processing Techniques for filtering,
storing, and retrieving images and for pro-
cessing pictorial information with a com-
puter.
imagesetter In computer imaging, a device
that outputs type, line art, and photos com-
posed on line.
imbalance (or unbalance) Unequal weight
distribution within a body that causes a peri-
odic force (as measured at a stationary point)
when the body is rotated.
IMC Institute of Measurement and Control;
Internal Model-based Control. An alternative
to the PID approach for self-regulating (non-
integral type) processes.
immediate-access storage A device, usually
consisting of an array of storage elements, in
255
which stored information can be read in one
microsecond or less.
immediate address An address portion of a
digital computer instruction in which is
incorporated an operand instead of merely
the address of an operand.
immediately dangerous to life and health
(IDLH) The maximum level from which
one could escape within 30 minutes without
escape-impairing symptoms or any irrevers-
ible effects.
immediate mode In data processing, the abil-
ity to interrupt a program sequence in order
to perform another function.
immersion length Of a thermometer, the dis-
tance along the thermometer body from the
boundary of the medium whose temperature
is being determined to the free end of the
well, bulb, or element (if they are unpro-
tected).
immunity An inherent or induced electro-
chemical condition that enables a metal to
resist attack by a corrosive solution.
impact idler A belt idler that incorporates
resilient roll coverings so as to absorb large
amounts of shock at the loading point. [ISA-
RP74.01-1984]
impact pressure The pressure that a moving
stream of fluid produces against a surface,
which brings part of the moving stream
abruptly to rest. It is approximately equal to
the stagnation pressure for subsonic flow in
the fluid medium.
impact strength The property of a material
such that it resists breaking under extremely
rapid loading. It is usually expressed as the
energy absorbed during fracture.
impact temperature The temperature of a
gas, after impact with a solid body. The
impact converts some of the kinetic energy of
the gas into heat and thus raises the gas tem-
perature above ambient.
impact tube A small-diameter tube that is
immersed in a fluid and oriented so that the
fluid stream impinges normally on its open
end.
impedance The complex ratio of electric volt-
age to current, temperature to heat flow, or
electric field strength to magnetic field
strength, measured in ohms. The real part is
resistance, and the imaginary part is reactance.
impedance, input 1. The impedance (pre-
sented to the excitation source) measured
across the excitation terminals of a trans-
ducer. Note: Unless otherwise specified,
input impedance is measured at room condi-
tions, with no measurand applied, and with
the output terminals open-circuited. [ISA-
impedance, load / inclinometer
37.1-1975 (R1982)] 2. Impedance that is pre­
sented by a device to the source. [ANSI/ISA-
51.1-1979 (R1993)] 3. The impedance pre­
sented by a device or system output element
to the input. [ISA-26-1968]
impedance, load Impedance that is pre­
sented to the output of a device by the load.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
impedance, output 1. The impedance across
the output terminals of a transducer that is
presented by the transducer to the associated
external circuitry. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)] 2.
The impedance presented by a device to the
load. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)] 3. The
internal impedance of an output element,
which limits that element's ability to deliver
power. [ISA-26-1968]
impedance, source Impedance that is pre­
sented to the input of a device by the source.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
impedance bridge A four-arm bridge circuit
in which one or more of the arms have reac­
tive components instead of purely resistive
components. An impedance bridge must be
excited by an AC signal in order to yield a
complete analysis of the unknown bridge
element.
impeller 1. As applied to pulverized coal
burners, a round metal device that is located
at the discharge of the coal nozzle in circular-
type burners. Its purpose is to deflect the fuel
and primary air into the secondary air
stream. As applied to oil burners, an impeller
is the same as a diffuser. 2. The driven por­
tion of a centrifugal pump or blower.
impingement 1. The act of striking moving
matter, such as the flow of steam, water, gas,
or solids, against similar or other matter. 2. A
method of removing entrained liquid drop­
lets from a gas stream by allowing the stream
to collide with a baffle plate.
impingement attack A form of accelerated
corrosion in which a moving corrosive liquid
erodes a protective surface layer, thus expos­
ing the underlying metal to renewed attack.
implementation The development phase in
which the hardware and software of a sys­
tem become operational. [ISA-TR50.02, Part
9-2000]
implication See inclusion.
important to safety Those structures, sys­
tems, and components that provide reason­
able assurance that a facility can be operated
without undue risk to the health and safety
of the public. [ANSI/ISA-67.14.01-2000]
improvement maintenance Efforts that are
aimed at reducing or eliminating the need
for maintenance. Reliability engineering
256
efforts should emphasize eliminating failures
that require maintenance. Improvement
maintenance includes modification, retrofit,
redesign, or change-order.
impulse excitation A method for producing
oscillations in which the duration of a stimu­
lus is relatively short in relation to the dura­
tion of oscillation.
impulse line 1. Piping or tubing that con­
nects the process to the sensor. [ISA 67.06-
1984] 2. The conduit that transfers the pres­
sure signal from the process to the measuring
instrument.
impulse-type telemetering Employing inter­
mittent electrical impulses in order to trans­
mit instrument readings to remote locations.
inaccuracy See error.
incandescence 1. The emission of light by an
object at an elevated temperature. 2. Sponta­
neous radiation of light energy from a hot
object.
inches water gauge (w.g.) The usual term for
expressing a measurement of relatively low
pressures or differentials by means of a
U-tube. "One inch w.g." equals 5.2 lb per sq
ft or 0.036 lb per sq in.
incident wave A wave in a given medium
that impinges on a discontinuity or on a
medium of different propagation characteris­
tics.
incipient cavitation The onset of cavitation,
where only small vapor bubbles are formed
in the flow stream. This level is represented
by the incipient cavitation coefficient σi or
1/xF z . [ISA-RP75.23-1995]
incipient damage A cavitation level that is
sufficient to begin minor, observable indica­
tions of pitting damage. (Not to be confused
with incipient cavitation.) [ISA-RP75.23-1995]
in-circuit emulation (ICE) A development
aid for testing the software in computer
hardware. It involves an umbilical link
between a development system and the tar­
get hardware that is being plugged into the
microprocessor socket.
inclination error See error, inclination.
inclined-tube manometer A glass-tube
manometer in which one leg is inclined from
the vertical so as to give more precise read­
ings.
inclinometer 1. An instrument for determin­
ing the angle from the horizontal of the
earth's magnetic field vector. 2. A device for
finding the direction of the earth's magnetic
field with respect to the horizon. 3. An
instrument on a ship that indicates the angu­
lar deviation of the ship's attitude to the true
vertical.

inclusion A logic operator that has the prop-
erty that if P is a statement and Q is a state-
ment, then "P inclusion Q" is false if P is true
and Q is false, true if P is false, and true if
both statements are true. "P inclusion Q" is
often represented by P>Q. Synonymous with
"if-then" and "implication."
inclusive OR See OR.
incoherent fiber optics A bundle of fibers in
which the fibers are randomly arranged at
each end. The pattern may be truly random
so as to achieve uniform illumination, or the
manufacturer may simply not bother to align
individual fibers. In either case, the fiber
bundle cannot transmit an image along its
length.
incomplete combustion The partial oxida-
tion of the combustible constituents of a fuel.
incompressible Referring to liquids whose
change in volume because of pressure is neg-
ligible.
incompressible flow Fluid flow under condi-
tions of constant density.
Inconel A series of high-nickel, chromium,
and iron alloys manufactured by Interna-
tional Nickel Co. that are characterized by
inertness to certain corrosive fluids.
increased safety A type of protection that is
applied to electrical apparatuses that do not
produce arcs or sparks in normal service and
under specified abnormal conditions. In this
type of protection, additional measures are
applied so as to provide increased security
against the possibility of excessive tempera-
tures and of arcs and sparks. This type of
protection is referred to as "e." [ANSI/ISA-
12.01.01-1999; ANSI/ISA-12.16.01-1998 (IEC
60079-7 Mod)]
increaser A pipe fitting that is identical to a
reducer except that is specifically referred to
for enlargements in the direction of flow.
increment The specific amount in which a
variable is changed.
incremental See incremental representation.
incremental backup A computer routine that
copies only those files that have not yet been
backed up.
incremental compiler Computer software
that compiles programs as they are entered
into a computer rather than when they are
completed.
incremental cost The cost of the next incre-
ment of output from a process.
incremental encoder An electronic or electro-
mechanical device that produces a coded
digital output based on the amount of move-
ment from an arbitrary starting position The
257
inclusion / indexed addressing
output for any given position with respect to
a fixed point of reference is not unique.
incremental feedback In numerical control,
the assignment of a value for any given posi-
tion of a machine slide or actuating member
based on its last previous stationary position.
incremental plotter A discrete X-Y plotter.
See X-Y plotter.
incremental representation A method for
representing a variable in which changes in
the value of the variables are represented
rather than the values themselves.
independent conformity See conformity, inde-
pendent.
independent linearity See linearity, indepen-
dent.
independent uncertainty Uncertainty com-
ponents are independent of each other if
their magnitudes or algebraic signs are not
significantly correlated. [ANSI/ISA-
RP67.04.02-2000]
independent variable 1. A process or control
system parameter that can change only as a
result of external stimulus. 2. A parameter
whose variations, intentional or uninten-
tional, induce changes in other parameters
according to predetermined relationships.
index [Comp] 1. In computing, an ordered
reference list of the contents of a computer
file or document. It also includes the keys or
reference notations for identifying or locat-
ing those contents. 2. To prepare such a list. 3.
A symbol or number that is used to identify a
particular quantity in an array of similar
quantities. An example would be the terms
of an array represented by X(l), X(2),..., 100,
respectively. 4. Pertaining to an index regis-
ter. 5. In engineering, to move a machine part
to a predetermined position, or by a prede-
termined amount, on a quantized scale.
index address modification (indexing) See
address modification.
indexed address 1. An address in a computer
instruction that indicates a location where
the address of the reference operand is to be
found. In some computers, the machine
address indicated can itself be indirect. Such
multiple levels of addressing are terminated
either by prior control or by a termination
symbol. Synonymous with "second-level
address." 2. An address that is to be modified
or has been modified by an index register or
similar device. Synonymous with "variable
address."
indexed addressing A method for address-
ing computer data in which the address is
obtained by adding the instruction operand
to the address in the index register.
indexed sequential files / indirect file
indexed sequential files A collection of
related computer records stored on disks.
The records are arranged in the same
sequence as the key number, and an index or
table is used to define the actual location of
these records on the disk.
index graduations The heaviest or longest
division marks on a graduated scale, oppo-
site the scale numerals.
indexing A technique for modifying
addresses that is often implemented by
means of index registers.
index-matching fluid A liquid with a refrac-
tive index that matches that of the core or
cladding of an optical fiber. Index-matching
fluid is used to couple light into or out of
optical fibers and can help in suppressing
reflections at glass surfaces.
index of refraction The ratio of the velocity
of light in free space to the velocity of light in
a given material.
index register A register that contains a
quantity that may be used to modify
addresses.
index word A computer storage position or
register whose contents may be used to mod-
ify automatically the effective address of any
given instruction.
indicating extensions, direct A device that
indicates flow rate by displaying the position
of the extension of the metering float within
a glass extension tube. [ISA-16.4-1960]
indicating extensions, magnetic A device
that indicates flow rate by means of a mag-
netic coupling between the extension of the
metering float and an external indicator fol-
lower that surrounds the extension tube.
[ISA-16.4-1960]
indicating gauge Any measuring device
whose output can be read visually but is not
automatically transcribed on a chart or other
permanent record.
indicating instrument See instrument, indicat-
ing.
indicating measuring
equipment Equipment that indicates the
value of the measured quantity. [ISA-82.03-
1988]
indicating scale On a recording instrument, a
scale that allows a quantity to be observed as
well as recorded.
indication In nondestructive testing, any vis-
ible sign or instrument reading that must be
interpreted to determine whether or not a
flaw exists.
indicator 1. An instrument that graphically
shows a value of a variable. 2. The pointer on
a dial or scale that provides a visual readout
258
of a measurement. 3. An instrument for dia-
gramming pressure-volume changes during
the working cycle of a positive-displacement
compressor, engine, or pump.
indicator card A chart on which an indicator
diagram is produced by an instrument called
an "engine indicator," which traces the real-
performance cycle diagram as the machine is
running.
indicator diagram A graphic representation
of work done by or on the working fluid in a
positive-displacement device such as a recip-
rocating engine.
indicator travel The length of the path that is
described by the indicating means or by the
tip of the pointer in moving from one end of
the scale to the other. Note 1: The path may
be an arc or a straight line. Note 2: In the case
of knife-edge pointers and other pointers
that extend beyond the scale division marks,
the pointer ends at the outer end of the short-
est scale division marks. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-
1979 (R1993)]
indicator tube An electron-beam tube in
which useful information is conveyed by
variations in beam cross section at a lumines-
cent target.
indirect-acting recording instrument An
instrument in which the output level of the
primary detector is raised through interme-
diate mechanical, electric, electronic, or pho-
toelectric means in order to actuate the
writing or marking device.
indirect address An address that specifies a
computer storage location that contains
either a direct address or another indirect
address. Synonymous with "multilevel
address."
indirect addressing A method of addressing
computer data in which the operand of the
instruction is a location address that contains
the address of the data.
indirect commands In data processing, com-
mands to the system from previously
recorded inputs rather than from the opera-
tor terminal. The operator can call a sequence
of indirect commands by file name.
indirect entry 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. [ANSI/ISA-12.22.01-1998 (IEC
60079-1 Mod)]
indirect file In data processing, a file that
contains commands that are processed
sequentially, yet could have been entered
interactively at a terminal.
 indirect test / industrial hardened
indirect test A test that measures a quantity
other than response time. The actual
response time is determined by using this
quantity and previous measurements of this
quantity that have a known relationship to
the actual response times. [ISA 67.06-1984]
indirectly controlled system See system, indi-
rectly controlled.
indirectly controlled variable See variable,
indirectly controlled.
indirectly heated cathode A cathode in a
thermionic tube that is heated by an inde-
pendent heating element.
induced draft Airflow through a device, such
as a firebox or drying unit, that is produced
by placing a fan or suction jets in the exit
duct.
induced-draft fan 1. A fan that exhausts flue
hot gases from the furnace. [ANSI/ISA
77.41-1993] 2. A fan that exhausts hot gases
from heat-absorbing equipment.
inductance 1. In an electrical circuit, the
property that tends to oppose changes in cur-
rent magnitude or direction. 2. In electro-
magnetic devices, the process of generating
electromotive force in a conductor by means
of relative motion between the conductor
and a magnetic field such that the conductor
cuts magnetic lines of force.
inductance-type pressure transducer Any of
several pressure sensor designs in which
motion of the primary sensor element, such
as a bourdon tube or diaphragm, is detected
and measured by a variable-inductance ele-
ment and measuring circuit.
induction heating Raising the temperature of
an electrically conductive material by elec-
tromagnetically inducing eddy currents in it.
induction instrument A type of meter whose
indicated output is determined by the reac-
tion between the magnetic flux in fixed
windings and the flux in a moving coil. The
two fluxes are induced by electric currents
from different sources.
induction motor meter A type of meter
resembling an induction motor, in which the
rotor moves in direct relation to the reaction
force between a magnetic field and currents
induced in the rotor.
inductive Converting a change of measurand
into a change of the self-inductance of a sin-
gle coill. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
inductive bridge position transducer A
device for measuring linear position by
means of the induction between a fixed
member that is slightly longer than the limits
of motion and a movable member approxi-
mately half as long. This position is deter-
259
mined by selecting appropriate taps from the
longer member, which are connected in a
successive decade with external inductors to
form a bridge circuit. The configuration that
balances the bridge is then related with the
actual position of the movable member. The
chief advantage of this type of transducer is
the relatively high output voltage that is
developed for a relatively small change in
position.
inductive coupling Using common or
mutual inductance to cause signals in one
circuit to vary in accordance with signals in
another.
inductive load Electrical devices that are
made of wound or coiled wire so that the
current passing through the coil creates a
magnetic field that in turn produces mechan-
ical work.
inductive plate position transducer A device
for measuring rotary position by means of
the induction between a stationary and
rotary plate, each of which have an etched
winding that is projected onto a nonconduc-
tive surface. The device may also be used to
measure the linear motion by means of
induction between a stator plate and a slid-
ing member, each also having etched wind-
ings. The advantages of this type of
transducer include eliminating wear and
backlash as well as providing good resolu-
tion, often within 0.001 in. or less.
inductor A wire coil that will store energy in
the form of a magnetic field.
industrial computer A computer that is used
on line in various areas of manufacturing,
including process industries (chemical,
petroleum, etc.), numerical control, produc-
tion lines, and the like. See process computer
and numerical control.
industrial computer language A computer
language for industrial computers. A lan-
guage that is used for programming com-
puter control applications and system
development, for example, assembly lan-
guage, FORTRAN, RTL, PROSPRO, BICEPS,
and AUTRAN.
industrial controls A collective term for
"control instrumentation," used in industry.
industrial engineering A branch of engineer-
ing that deals with the design and operation
of integrated systems of personnel, equip-
ment, materials, and facilities.
industrial hardened Processing equipment
that is installed to withstand the effects of the
manufacturing environment, including dirt,
heat shock, and vibration as well as insulat-
Industrial Technology Institute (ITI) / infrasonic frequency
ing equipment from poor-quality electrical
power.
Industrial Technology Institute (ITI) A
non-profit organization founded by the Uni-
versity of Michigan and dedicated to com-
puter integrated manufacturing. ITI offers
Manufacturing Automation Protocol (MAP)
conformance testing and certification.
inelastic collision A collision between two or
more bodies in which there is a net change in
internal energy of at least one of the partici-
pating bodies and a net change in the sum of
their kinetic energies.
INERIS Institut National de L'Environne-
ment Industrial et des Risques. The French
certification and testing laboratory for test-
ing the equipment of different vendors
against some common standard.
inert gaseous constituents Incombustible
gases such as nitrogen that may be present in
a fuel.
inertia The inherent resistance of a body to
changes in its state of motion.
inertia-type timer Any of several types of
relay devices that incorporate extra weights
or flywheels to provide additional inertia in
order to achieve a brief time delay in normal
relay action. Delays are usually on the order
of 80 to 120 milliseconds.
infallible component or assembly A compo-
nent or assembly that is not likely to become
defective, in service or in storage, in such a
manner as to invalidate the type of protec-
tion of the circuit. Note — Such a component
or assembly is considered as not subject to
fault when assessments or tests for the type
of protection are made. [ISA-12.02.01-1999
(IEC 60079-11 Mod)]
infallible connections Connections, includ-
ing joints and interconnecting wiring, that
are not considered as becoming open-cir-
cuited in service or storage. [ISA-12.02.01-
1999 (IEC 60079-11 Mod)]
infallible separation and
insulation Separation or insulation
between electrically conductive parts that is
not considered as becoming short-circuited
in service or storage. [ISA-12.02.01-1999(IEC
60079-11 Mod)]
infiltration Casing molten metal that is to be
drawn into void spaces in a powder-metal
compact, foamed-metal shape, or fiber-metal
layup.
infinite-capacity scheduling Loading a plant
or work center without regard to its capacity.
This technique is used to locate points of
overload so that they can be corrected.
260
infinite loop In data processing, a routine
that can be ended only by terminating the
program. One of the most common errors
committed by novice programmers.
influence The change in an instrument's indi-
cated value when it is caused solely by a dif-
ference between the value of a specified
variable or condition and its reference value
or condition, when all other variables are
held constant.
influences Factors or effects that change the
damage rate or extent of damage but do not
change the numerical value of cavitation
coefficients. [ISA-RP75.23-1995]
information processing The organization
and manipulation of data usually by a com-
puter. See data processing.
information theory The mathematical the-
ory that is concerned with information rate,
channels, channel width, noise, and other
factors that affect information transmission.
Initially developed for electrical communica-
tions, information theory is now applied to
business systems and other phenomena that
deal with information units and the flow of
information in networks.
infrared Any electromagnetic wave whose
wavelength is 0.78 to 300 ìm.
infrared absorption moisture detector An
instrument for determining the moisture
content of a material such as sheet paper.
Moisture content can be read directly by
determining the ratio of two beam intensi-
ties. One intensity is at a wavelength within
the resonant-absorption band for water and
the other is at a wavelength just outside the
band.
infrared-imaging device Any device that
receives infrared rays from an object and dis-
plays a visible image of the object.
infrared spectroscopy A technique for deter-
mining the molecular species that are present
in a material and then measuring their con-
centrations. It involves detecting the charac-
teristic wavelengths at which the material
absorbs infrared energy and then measuring
the relative drop in intensity associated with
each absorption band.
infrared thermometer A thermometer that
measures emitted infrared radiation (heat) so
as to determine the temperature of an object
that generally is not suitable for contact mea-
surement.
infrasonic frequency A sound-wave fre-
quency that is lower than the audio-fre-
quency range.

inherent damping Using mechanical hystere-
sis of materials such as cork or rubber to
reduce vibrational amplitude.
inherent error The error in quantities that
serve as initial conditions at the beginning of
a step in a step-by-step set of operations.
Thus, the error that is carried over from the
previous operation from whatever source or
cause.
inherent flow characteristic The relationship
between the flow rate through a valve and
the travel of the closure member as the clo-
sure member is moved from the closed posi-
tion to rated travel, with constant pressure
drop across the valve. [ANSI/ISA-75.11-1985
(R1997); ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
inherent rangeability The ratio of the largest
flow coefficient (C v ) to the smallest flow
coefficient (C v ), within which the deviation
from the specified inherent flow characteris-
tic does not exceed the limits stated in Sec-
tion 4 of the following standard: ANSI/ISA-
75.11-1985 (R1997)
inherent regulation See self-regulation (inher-
ent regulation).
inheritance A relationship between classes,
wherein one class shares the structure or
behavior defined in one or more other
classes. [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-2000]
inhibitor A substance that selectively retards
a chemical action. For example, in using acid
to remove scale in boiler work an inhibitor
would be used to prevent the acid from
attacking the boiler metals.
in-house maintenance 1. Maintenance that is
performed by plant maintenance personnel.
2. Not contract maintenance.
initialization [Cont] 1. In control, the begin-
ning of an operation. Within the function
blocks of cascaded PID loops inside a micro-
processor controller, initialization is the auto-
matic balancing of signals so that the transfer
of a loop from manual, automatic, or com-
puter mode to cascade mode will not disturb
the process. [Comm] 2. Within a token-pass-
ing type data highway, initialization is the
restarting of the token. This is usually done
in order to revisit every potential address so
any new station that may have been physi-
cally added is found and included.
initialize In data processing, to send a rest
command so as to clear all previous or extra-
neous information, as when starting a new
operating sequence.
initial set The start of a hardening reaction
after water has been added to a powdery
material such as plaster or portland cement.
261
inherent damping / innage
initial starting current IA The highest rms
(root mean square) value of current that is
absorbed by an AC motor when it is at rest or
by an AC magnet whose armature is
clamped in the position of maximum air gap,
when that current is supplied at rated volt-
age and rated frequency. [ANSI/ISA-
12.16.01-1998 (IEC 60079-7 Mod)]
injection laser diode A semiconductor
device in which lasing takes place within the
P-N junction. Light is emitted from the diode
edge.
injector Any nozzle or nozzle-like device
through which a fluid is forced into a cham-
ber or passage.
ink A liquid or semisolid material that con-
sists of a pigment or dye and a carrier. It used
to produce a design or mark on a material
such as paper or cloth, after which the carrier
evaporates, leaving behind a colored residue
of pigment or dye.
ink-jet printer A printer that forms charac-
ters by heating ink in the print head until
bubbles form, "pop," and deposit dots of ink
on the page or sheet that is being printed.
ink-vapor recording A type of electrome-
chanical recording in which the trace is pro-
duced by depositing vaporized particles of
ink directly on the chart paper.
inlet 1. The body end opening through which
fluid enters the valve. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-
2000] 2. A passage or opening where fluid
enters a conduit or chamber.
inlet box An enclosure at or near the entrance
to a chamber or duct system where a fan is
attached to the system.
inlet valve A valve for admitting the work-
ing fluid into the cylinder of a positive-dis-
placement device such as a reciprocating
pump or engine.
in line 1. Centered on an axis. 2. Having sev-
eral features, components, or units that are
aligned with each other. 3. In a motor-driven
device, having the motor shaft parallel to the
device's driven shaft and each approximately
centered on the other.
inline graphic A digital graphic that can be
displayed directly on an Internet Web page.
See external graphic.
in-line valve A valve that has a closure mem-
ber that moves to seat axially in the direction
of the flow path. In-line valves are normally
operated by a fluid energy source but may be
operated mechanically. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-
2000]
innage Used to indicate the increase of fluid
level in a tank or vessel.
in-plant system / input work queue
in-plant system 1. A system whose parts,
including remote terminals, are all situated
in one building or localized area. 2. The term
is also used for communication systems that
span several buildings and sometimes cover
a large distance but in which no common
carrier facilities are used.
in point In video development, the first
frame of a clip.
in-process waiver requests Requests for
waivers on normal production procedures
because of deviations in materials, equip-
ment, or quality metrics on which normal
product specifications are maintained.
[ANSI/ISA-95.00.01-2000]
input 1. An input into the logic sequence.
[ANSI/ISA-5.2-1976 (R1992)] 2. The data to
be processed. [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)] 3.
The state or sequence of states that occurs on
a specified input channel. [ISA-RP55.1-1975
(R1983)] 4. The device or collective set of
devices that are used to bring data into
another device. [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)] 5.
A channel for impressing a state on a device
or logic element. [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)]
6. The process of transferring data from an
external storage to an internal storage. [ISA-
RP55.1-1975 (R1983)] 7. Signals accepted by
an input interface as indicators of the condi-
tion of the process being controlled. 8. Data
that are keyed into a computer or computer
peripherals. See excitation or measurand.
input, analog Information or data in analog
form that is transferred or to be transferred
from an external device into the computer
system. [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)]
input, contact A digital input that is gener-
ated by operating an external contact. [ISA-
RP55.1-1975 (R1983)]
input, digital Information or data in digital
form that is transferred or to be transferred
from an external device into the computer
system. [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)]
input area An area of computer storage that
is reserved for input. Synonymous with
"input block."
input block See input area.
input channel A channel for impressing a
state on a device or logic element. See chan-
nel, input.
input counter See counter, input.
input device In data processing, the device or
collective set of devices that is used to con-
vey data into another device.
input impedance Impedance that is mea-
sured across the input terminals of a device
as a result of circuitry within that device.
262
input interface Any device that connects
computer hardware or other equipment for
the purpose of inputting data.
input module Electrical, electronic, or pro-
grammable electronic systems (E/E/PES) or
subsystems that act as an interface to exter-
nal devices and convert input signals into
signals that the E/E/PES can utilize. [ANSI/
ISA-84.01-1996]
input/output (I/O) subsystem interface An
input/output (I/O) subsystem interface is a
device that is used to connect other types of
communications protocols to a fieldbus seg-
ment or segments.
input-output (I/O) software That portion of
the operational software that organizes the
efficient flow of data and messages to and
from external equipment.
input-output (I/O) statement A statement
that controls the transmission of information
between the computer and the input/output
units.
input-output (I/O) A general term for the
equipment that is used to communicate with
a computer as well as the data involved in
the communications. Synonymous with I/O.
input-output control system (IOCS) A set of
flexible routines that supervise the input and
output operations of a computer at the
detailed machine-language level.
input-output limited Pertaining to a com-
puter system or condition in which the time
for input and output operation exceeds that
of other operations.
input-output, data processing 1. A general
term for the equipment that is used to com-
municate with a computer. [ISA-RP55.1-1975
(R1983)] 2. The data involved in such com-
munication. [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)] 3.
The media that carries the data for input-out-
put operations on data. [ISA-RP55.1-1975
(R1983)]
input parameter A block parameter that has
a data structure of value and status elements
that may be updated through a link to an
output parameter. [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-2000]
input ports In computer hardware, terminals
for making connections in external devices
that input data into the computer.
input resistance See resistance, input.
input signal A signal that is applied to a
device, element, or system. See signal, input.
input state The state that occurs on a speci-
fied computer input channel.
input strobe (INSTRB) A signal that enters
setup data into registers.
input work queue A list of the summary
information of job-control statements that is
 inquiry / Institute of Measurement and Control (IMC)
maintained by the job scheduler, from which
it selects the jobs and job steps to be pro-
cessed.
inquiry A technique in which the interroga-
tion of the contents of a computer's storage
may be initiated at a keyboard.
insensitive time See dead time.
insert 1. Any design feature of a cast or
molded component that is made separately
and placed in the mold cavity prior to the
casting or molding step. 2. A removable part
of a die, mold, or cutting tool.
insertion gain The ratio of the power that is
delivered to the portion of a transmission
system following a transducer to the power
that is delivered to the same portion when
the transducer is not in place.
insertion loss Loss of power when a compo-
nent such as a connector or splice is con-
nected into some previously continuous
electrical path.
insertion point In computer screens, the
place where text will be inserted when typ-
ing. It is usually identified with a flashing
vertical line (cursor), which appears to the
left of the insertion point and is pushed to
the right as text is entered.
inside caliper A caliper that has outward-
turned feet on each leg for measuring inside
dimensions.
inside diameter The maximum dimension
across a cylindrical or spherical cavity. Ide-
ally, this is a line that passes through the
exact center of the cavity and is perpendicu-
lar to the cavity's inner surface.
inside gauge 1. A fixed-dimension device for
checking inside diameters. 2. The inside
diameter of a bit, measured between oppos-
ing cutting points.
inside micrometer A micrometer caliper that
is designed for measuring inside diameters
and similar inside dimensions between
opposing surfaces.
in situ In the natural or original position. In
process control applications, in situ generally
refers to cleaning, treating, or disposal meth-
ods that do not require the removal of vessels
or contaminated material.
inspection A deliberate critical examination
to determine whether or not an item meets
established standards. Inspection may
involve measuring dimensions, observing
visible characteristics, or determining the
inherent properties of an object. However, it
usually does not involve determining operat-
ing characteristics, which is more properly
termed testing.
263
inspection, in process A periodic check to
verify schedule conformance or quality con-
trol. When an inspection is prearranged, it
may also permit a visual inspection or a spe-
cial test of items that cannot be checked or
inspected when the system is completely
assembled.
inspection, visual (static) A check made
without power or continuity equipment. It is
normally intended to verify: (a) dimensions,
(b) layout arrangement, (c) nameplate
inscriptions, (d) general adherence to specifi-
cations, (e) quality of workmanship, and (f)
accessibility.
inspection door A small door in the outer
enclosure so that certain parts of the interior
of the apparatus may be observed.
instability See stability.
installation Putting equipment or software in
place prior to commencing operation.
installation category For overvoltage catego-
ries, an installation category is the classifica-
tion of parts of installation systems or
circuits by using standardized limits for tran-
sient overvoltages (dependent on the nomi-
nal line voltage to earth). [ANSI/ISA-
82.02.01-1999 (IEC 61010-1 Mod)]
installation qualification In process valida-
tion, documented verification that all key
aspects of hardware installation adhere to
appropriate codes and approved design
intentions and that the recommendations of
the manufacturer have been suitably consid-
ered.
installed flow The true performance of a
valve or flowmeter when it forms part of an
actual processing line.
installed flow characteristic The relationship
between the flow rate and the closure mem-
ber travel as it is moved from the closed posi-
tion to rated travel as the pressure drop
across the valve is influenced by the varying
process conditions. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-
2000]
instance In object-oriented programming
(OOP), the definition of a specific object
according to its class and individual charac-
teristics.
instantaneous contacts Output contacts that
transfer when a timer begins timing.
instantaneous frequency In an angle-modu-
lated wave, the derivative of the angle with
respect to time.
instantaneous sampling Taking a series of
readings of the instantaneous values of one
or more wave parameters.
Institute of Measurement and Control
(IMC) A British professional organization.

instruction / instrumentation
instruction In data processing, a statement
that specifies an operation and the values or
locations of its operands. In this context, the
term instruction is preferable to the terms
command or order, which are sometimes used
synonymously with it. The term command
should be reserved for electronic signals, and
order should be reserved for sequence, inter-
polation, and related usage.
instruction address An instruction's com-
puter memory address. An asterisk is fre-
quently used to designate this address.
instruction area 1. A part of computer stor-
age that is allocated for receiving and storing
the group of instructions to be executed. 2.
The storage locations that are used to store
the program.
instruction buffer An eight-bit byte buffer in
the computer processor that is used to con-
tain bytes of the instruction that is currently
being decoded and to prefetch instructions in
the instruction system.
instruction code See operation code.
instruction counter A counter that indicates
the location of the next computer instruction
to be interpreted.
instruction format The bits or characters of a
computer instruction that are allocated to
specific functions.
instruction list A low-level language of
programmable controllers that is similar to
assembler language in which only one opera-
tion, such as storing a value in a register, is
allowed per line. It is useful for smaller
applications or for optimizing parts of an
application. One of five languages accepted
under the IEC 61131 standard for PLCs. See
function block diagram, ladder logic, structured
text, and sequential function chart (SFC).
instruction register In data processing, a
storage register that contains the address of
the instruction.
instruction repertory 1. The set of instruc-
tions that a computing or data processing
system is capable of performing. 2. The set of
instructions that an automatic coding system
assembles.
instruction set In computer software, the
particular set of instructions that are imple-
mented on a microcomputer.
instruction time 1. The portion of an instruc-
tion cycle during which the computer control
unit is analyzing the instruction and prepar-
ing to perform the indicated operation.
instrument 1. A device that is used directly
or indirectly to measure and/or control a
variable. The term includes primary ele-
ments, final control elements, computing
264
Next Page
devices, and electrical devices such as
annunciators, switches, and pushbuttons.
The term does not apply to parts (e.g., a
receiver bellows or a resistor) that are inter-
nal components of an instrument. [ANSI/
ISA-5.1-1984 (R1992)] 2. A device that per-
forms some analysis of the sample fluid and
for which a sample line is required and con-
nected. Also referred to as analyzer or monitor.
3. A device for measuring the value of an
observable attribute. The device may merely
indicate the observed value, or it may also
record or control the value. 4. A measuring,
recording, controlling, and similar appara-
tus that requires the use of small to moderate
amounts of electrical energy in normal oper-
ation.
instrument, computing A device in which
the output is related to the input or inputs by
a mathematical function such as addition,
averaging, division, integration, lead /lag,
signal limiting, squaring, square root extrac-
tion, subtraction, and so one. [ANSI/ISA-
51.1-1979 (R1993)]
instrument, indicating A measuring instru-
ment in which only the present value of the
measured variable is visually indicated.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
instrument, measuring A device for ascer-
taining the magnitude of a quantity or condi-
tion presented to it. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)]
instrument, recording A measuring instru-
ment in which the values of the measured
variable are recorded. Note: The record may
be either analog or digital and may or may
not be visually indicated. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-
1979 (R1993)]
instrument air (IA) Clean dry air that meets
ANSI/ISA-7.0.01-1996.
instrumental analysis Any analytical proce-
dure that uses an instrument to measure a
value, detect the presence or absence of an
attribute, or signal a change or end point in a
process.
instrumentation 1. A collection of instru-
ments used to observe, measure, or control
(or any combination of these) or the applica-
tion of those instruments. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-
1979 (R1993); ANSI/ISA-5.1-1984 (R1992)] 2.
In a broader usage, the term may also
include the equipment associated with these
instruments as well as such additional pur-
poses as signal transmission, signal conver-
sion, and data storage. [ANSI/ISA-5.1-1984
(R1992)]
Previous Page
instrumentation amplifiers / instrument loop diagram
instrumentation amplifiers High-precision
amplifiers that have high noise-rejection
capabilities.
instrumentation tape Ungapped analog
magnetic tape used for continuous data (as
in PCM or FM telemetry).
instrument channel 1. A collection of instru-
ment loops, including their sensing lines or
sample lines, that may be treated or routed as
a group while they are separated from
instrument loops that are assigned to other
redundant groups. [ANSI/ISA-67.02.01-
1999] 2. An arrangement of components and
modules (as required) whose purpose is to
generate a single protective action signal
when required by a plant condition. A chan-
nel that loses its identity when single protec-
tive action signals are combined. (See IEEE
Standard 60) [ANSI/ISA-67.04.01& .02-2000;
ISA-67.06-1984]
instrument channel, response time The time
interval between the time when the moni-
tored variable exceeds its trip set point and
the time when a protective action is initiated.
[ISA-67.06-1984]
instrument correction A quantity that is
added to, subtracted from, or multiplied into
an instrument reading to compensate for the
inherent inaccuracy or degradation of instru-
ment function.
Instrument Engineer 1. A professional who
applies standard engineering standards and
practices to the specification, sizing, and
functional design of instrumentation hard-
ware or control systems. Involves a clear
understanding of the manufacturing or sci-
entific process to be controlled. Serves as the
key person on the instrumentation design
and operation team, often supervising and
reviewing the team's efforts. 2. Under super-
vision, participates in the design and plan-
ning of control and instrument systems as
required by the project assignment, includ-
ing: (a) collecting background information,
(b) preparing drawings and calculations, (c)
designing or modifying systems, (d) assist-
ing in the selection and procurement of
equipment, (e) ensuring compliance with
applicable standards and codes, (f) complet-
ing assigned tasks on schedule, (g) assisting
technicians and designers as needed, (h) pos-
sibly specializing in a specific engineering
discipline.
Instrument Engineering Technician Helps
engineers design control and instrumenta-
tion systems by providing semiprofessional
technical assistance, including: (a) collecting
background information, (b) performing cal-
265
culations, (c) transmitting information to
project team members, (d) preparing design
specifications, (e) checking design docu-
ments to ensure that they comply with the
applicable standards and codes, (f) preparing
diagrams, (g) preparing requisitions, (h) exe-
cuting the necessary tests, collecting data,
and making analyses, (i) maintaining equip-
ment, (j) performing miscellaneous adminis-
trative work, (k) assisting in testing, field
start-ups, and training.
Instrument Field Engineer Provides field
engineering services at installation and
start-up sites, ensuring specification fulfill-
ment and operating ability. Also defines any
potential problems that may arise, including:
(a) managing installation and initial servic-
ing; (b) maintaining own technical abilities
and awareness of new methodologies; (c)
checking out operation of panels and instru-
ments; (d) providing instruction in the main-
tenance and repair of equipment to company
service personnel; (e) consulting on service
problems in the field.
Instrument Field Service
Representative Fulfills customer service
requirements on company-produced instru-
ments and equipment, including: (a) analyz-
ing and correcting instrument operating
problems, (b) contacting the supervisor or
field engineer for assistance when necessary,
(c) promoting scheduled maintenance agree-
ments and the sales of replacement or spare
parts, (d) training new service personnel, (e)
maintaining tools and equipment in good
operating order, (f) reporting time, activities,
and expenses in accordance with company
requirements, (g) keeping up to date on new
products and product applications.
instrument identification The sequence of
letters, digits or both that are used to desig-
nate an individual instrument or loop.
[ANSI/ISA-5.1-1984 (R1992)]
instrument loop diagram 1. A loop diagram
contains the information that is useful to
engineering, construction, commissioning
and start-up, and maintenance work. Loop
diagrams are an extension of P&IDs. A loop
diagram generally contains only one loop.
The general layout of a loop diagram is
divided into sections for the relative location
of the devices. The symbols used are taken
from ANSI/ISA-5.1-1984 (R1992), Instru-
ment Symbols and Identification. 2. A loop
diagram contains the information that is
needed to understand the operation of the
loop. It also shows all connections to facili-
tate the start-up and maintenance of the
instrument maintenance technician / Instrument Technician
instruments. The loop diagram must show
the components and accessories of the instru-
ment loop, highlighting special safety and
other requirements.
instrument maintenance
technician Assembles, installs, maintains,
troubleshoots, and repairs the components of
measurement and control systems. A high
school diploma or the equivalent is required,
but with today's technology changing so rap-
idly, vocational/technical school or commu-
nity college training is also strongly
recommended. Most employers also provide
on-the-job training.
instrument mechanic Installs, calibrates,
inspects, tests, and repairs instruments and
control system devices. Mechanics must be
able to work well with their hands, be will-
ing to improve their skills through training,
and be interested in learning new technolo-
gies.
instrument oil A special grade of lubricating
oil for instruments and other delicate mecha-
nisms. It is formulated to resist oxidation and
gumming, to be compatible with electric
insulation, and to inhibit metals from tar-
nishing.
instrument-quality air Air, which is the
working media for a number of devices, that
has been treated to minimize liquid and par-
ticulate matter. Note: Some individual
devices may require that the air be further
conditioned (e.g., filtration, dehumidifica-
tion) to ensure reliable operation. [ANSI/
ISA-7.0.01-1996]
instrument range The region that lies
between the limits within which a quantity is
measured, received, or transmitted. It is
expressed by stating the lower- and upper-
range values. (See ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
[R1993].) [ANSI/ISA-67.04.01-2000; ISA-
RP67.04.02-2000]
instrument reading time The time lag
between an actual change in an attribute and
the stable indication of that change on a con-
tinuous-reading instrument.
instruments Measuring, indicating, record-
ing, computing, controlling, and similar
apparatuses that require small to moderate
amounts of electrical energy in their normal
operation.
instrument service specialist Maintains
and/or troubleshoots control and instrumen-
tation equipment and calibrates instrument
hardware. Typical duties include: (a) main-
taining thorough knowledge of equipment,
(b) possibly specializing in specific technol-
ogy or complex equipment, (c) performing
266
analyses to ensure that instruments are func-
tioning properly, (d) surveying available
equipment, and (e) installing and repairing
equipment.
instrument shutoff valve The valve or valve
manifold that is nearest the instrument.
[ANSI/ISA- 67.02.01-1999] Also referred to
as "component isolation valve." [ANSI/ISA-
67.01-1994]
instrument specification A detailed and
exact statement of an instrument's particu-
lars, especially one that prescribes the perfor-
mance, dimensions, construction, tolerances,
bills of material, features, and operating con-
ditions.
instrument supervisor Usually an experi-
enced instrument technician who supervises
the work of a team of instrument specialists.
In addition to mechanical ability, the super-
visor must understand the entire system or
process operations for which the team is
responsible. Leadership ability is also impor-
tant.
instrument system See instrumentation.
Instrument Technician Usually requires cer-
tification or graduation from a technical col-
lege program. The technician works with
theoretical and analytical problems, helping
engineers find ways to improve the perfor-
mance of an instrument or a system, as well
as helping mechanics troubleshoot system
components. An engineering technician is
one who, in support of engineers or scien-
tists, can responsibly carry out either proven
techniques, known to those who are techni-
cally expert in a particular technology of
instrumentation and control systems, or
those techniques especially prescribed by
engineers. Engineering technicians must
apply the principles, methods, and tech-
niques prescribed by engineers and appro-
priate to instrumentation and control
systems technology. They must have a practi-
cal knowledge of the construction, applica-
tion, properties, operation, and limitations of
engineering systems, processes, structures,
machinery, devices, or materials. They must
also have a practical knowledge, as required,
of related manual crafts and instrumental,
mathematical, or graphic skills. Under pro-
fessional direction, an engineering technician
analyzes and solves technological problems;
prepares formal reports on experiments,
tests, and other projects; or performs draft-
ing, surveying, designing, technical sales,
technical writing, teaching, or training. The
education of an instrument technician places
great emphasis on mathematics and applied
 instrument technologist / integral action time constant
physics and involves intensive laboratory
work. Technicians differ from craftsmen in
the extent of their knowledge of engineering
theory and methods as well as in their more
specialized technical background and skills.
instrument technologist The instrument
technologist is qualified to practice engineer-
ing technology because he or she has the
knowledge and ability to apply well-estab-
lished principles and methods of mathemat-
ics, physical science, engineering, and
technological problem-solving. Will usually
have earned a baccalaureate degree in engi-
neering technology or gained considerable
technical experience on the job. Is a member
of the engineering team, which will normally
include technicians and engineers and, for
special projects, may include scientists,
craftsmen, and other specialists. Must have a
thorough knowledge of the equipment,
applications, and established state-of-the-art
design and problem-solving methods in
instrumentation and control systems.
instrument torque The turning moment on
an instrument's moving element. This move-
ment is produced directly or indirectly by the
quantity being measured.
instrument transformer A precision trans-
former that is capable of reproducing a signal
in a secondary circuit suitable for use in mea-
suring, control, or protective devices.
insulating barrier Electrical insulating mate-
rial lying between the groups of cells that
subdivide the battery. [ANSI/ISA-12.16.01-
1998 (IEC 60079-7 Mod)]
insulation 1. A material of low thermal con-
ductivity that is used to reduce heat loss. 2. A
material of specific electrical properties that
is used to cover wire and electrical cable.
insulation resistance The measured resis-
tance between specified insulated portions of
a device when a specified DC voltage is
applied at reference operating conditions.
[ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)] Note: The (test)
objective is to determine whether the leakage
current would be excessive under operating
conditions. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
insulation resistance test An insulation DC
resistance test that is usually performed at a
test voltage of 500 Vdc and a test time of one
minute for a minimum acceptable resistance
of one megaohm. Note 1: All wires to be
tested must be disconnected from all elec-
tronic instruments and ground connections.
Note 2: This test is not recommended unless
the installation of wiring is such that the wire
insulation could be damaged.
267
insulation voltage breakdown The voltage
at which a disruptive discharge takes place
through or over the surface of the insulation.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
insulator 1. A material through which electri-
cal current cannot flow. 2. A material that is a
poor conductor of heat, sound, or electricity.
intake 1. An opening where a fluid enters a
chamber or conduit; an inlet. 2. The amount
of fluid that enters through the opening of a
chamber or conduit.
InTech Journal published by ISA and previ-
ously known as Instrumentation Technology.
integer A negative or positive whole number
and zero.
integer programming 1. In operations
research, a class of procedures for locating
the maximum or minimum of a function,
subject to constraints. Some or all variables
must have integer values. Contrast with con-
vex programming, dynamic programming, linear
programming (LP), mathematical programming.
2. Loosely, "discrete programming."
integral Control action will cause the output
signal to change according to the summation
of the input signal values sampled at regular
intervals up to the present time, or their defi-
nite integral over the same time period.
integral absolute error (IAE) A measure of
controller error that is defined by the integral
of the absolute value of a time-dependent
error function. Used in tuning automatic
controllers to respond properly to process
transients. See also integral time absolute error
(ITAE).
integral action limiter A device that limits
the value of the output signal caused integral
control action to a predetermined value.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
integral action rate (reset rate) 1. For propor-
tional-plus-integral or proportional-plus-
integral-plus-derivative control action
devices, the ratio for a step input of the initial
rate of change of output as a result of integral
control action to the change in steady state
output as a result of proportional control
action. Note: Integral action rate is often
expressed as the number of repeats per
minute because it is equal to the number of
times per minute that the proportional
response to a step input is repeated by the
initial integral response. 2. For integral con-
trol action devices, the ratio for a step input
of the initial rate of change of output to the
input change.
integral action time constant See time con-
stant, integral action.
integral blower / Integrated Systems Digital Network (ISDN)
integral blower A blower that is built as an
integral part of a device to which it supplies
air.
integral-blower burner A burner of which
the blower is an integral part.
integral control A form of control action that
returns the value of the controlled variable to
the set point when, without this action, sus-
tained offset occurs. Also called "reset con-
trol."
integral control action An action in which
the controller's output is proportional to the
time integral of the error input. When used
in combination with proportional action, it
was formerly called "reset action." [ANSI/
ISA-77.44.01 & .02-1995]
Integral Control Response to Step Change
integral control action (reset) Control action
in which the output is proportional to the
time integral of the error input, that is, the
rate of change of output is proportional to
the error input. See control action, integral
(reset) (I).
integral controller See controller, integral (reset) integrated circuit (IC) A complete electronic
(I).
integral control mode A controller mode in
which the controller output increases at a
rate that is proportional to the controlled
variable error. Thus, the controller output is
the integral of the error overtime with a gain
factor that is called the "integral gain."
integral flange A flange on a length of pipe, a
nozzle, or a pressure vessel that is cast or
forged with the item itself or is permanently
attached to it by welding.
integral logic annunciator An annunciator
that integrates visual displays and sequence
logic circuits in one assembly. [ANSI/ISA-
18.1-1979 (R1992)]
integral orifice A differential pressure mea-
suring technique for small flow rates in
which the fluid flows through a miniature
orifice plate that is integral with a special
flow fitting.
integral seat A flow control orifice and seat
that is an integral part of the body. [ANSI/
ISA-75.05.01-2000]
268
integral square error A measure of system
performance that is formed by integrating
the square of the system error over a fixed
interval of time. This performance measure
and its generalizations are frequently used in
linear optimal control and estimation theory.
integral stem A design in which the stem is
either physically a part of the ball or mechan-
ically made part of the ball. Some integral
stems are designed to perform a turning and
then a lifting action. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-
2000]
integral stem/shaft A design in which the
stem/shaft is an integral part of the closure
member. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
integral time absolute error (ITAE) A mea-
sure of controller error that is defined by the
integral of the product of time and the abso-
lute value of a time-dependent error func-
tion. Whereas the absolute value prevents
opposite excursions in the process variable
from canceling each other, the multiplication
by time places a more severe penalty on sus-
tained transients. See also integral absolute
error (IAE).
integral windup The saturation of the inte-
gral controller output in the presence of a
continuous error. This saturation may cause
an unacceptable response when returning
the process to its set point within acceptable
limits of time and overshoot. [ANSI/ISA-
77.13.01-1999; ANSI/ISA-77.44.01, .02-1995]
integrate To bring separate parts together to
make a whole.
circuit. It contains active and passive ele-
ments that are fabricated and assembled as a
single unit. Usually, they are fabricated as a
single piece of semiconducting material. This
results in an assembly that cannot be disas-
sembled without destroying it.
integrated circuit piezoelectric (ICP) A type
of pressure-sensitive sensor that combines a
piezoelectric element with an isolation
amplifier and signal-conditioning microelec-
tronics inside the sensor housing. This makes
it possible to transmit the output signal over
ordinary two-wire cable instead of special
low-noise cable.
integrated software A computer program
that combines several functions for ease of
use.
Integrated Systems Digital Network
(ISDN) A suite of protocols that is being
defined by CCITT to provide voice and data
services over wide area networks (WANs).
See CCITT.
 integrating / intercell connector
integrating Providing an output that is a time-
integral function of the measurand. [ISA-37.1-
1975 (R1982)]
integrating accelerometer A device that mea-
sures the acceleration of an object and con-
verts the measurement into an output signal
that is proportional to speed or distance trav-
eled.
integrating ADC A type of analog-to-digital
converter in which the analog input is inte-
grated over a specific time. Its advantages
are high resolution, noise rejection, and lin-
earity.
integrating extensions An integrator that
derives its input from the motion of the float.
It can be installed within the extension hous-
ing.
integrating frequency meter A master fre-
quency meter for an electric power system. It
measures the actual number of cycles of
alternating voltage so that result can be com-
pared with the theoretical number of cycles
for the same time at the prescribed fre-
quency.
integrating meter 1. A totalizing meter, such
as for measuring electric energy consumed.
2. An instrument whose output is propor-
tional to the single (or higher-order) integral
of the quantity measured.
integrating network A transducer circuit
whose output waveform is a time integral of
its input waveform.
integrating sphere A sphere used in optical
measurements that is intended to integrate
the input light over the output aperture in
order to provide uniform illumination.
integration [Eng] 1. In engineering, the pro-
cess of assembling multiple components or
subsystems to form a system. [ANSI/ISA-
84.01-1996] 2. A mathematical process of
summing a function with respect to some
variable, most commonly time. Integration
converts acceleration into velocity, and veloc-
ity into displacement. It can be considered as
the inverse of differentiation.
integrator 1. A device that continually total-
izes or adds up the value of a quantity for a
given time. 2. A device whose output is pro-
portional to the integral of the input variable
with respect to time.
integrity In data processing, data that has not
been corrupted.
intelligence In data processing, the process-
ing capability of a computer.
intelligent terminal A computer terminal
that has some local processing capability.
intensifying screen A sheet of material that
is placed in contact with radiographic film. It
269
undergoes secondary fluorescence when it is
struck with X-rays or gamma rays, thereby
increasing the image density for a given
exposure.
intensity 1. The lumination level (i.e., bright-
ness) of the pixels of a video display unit
(VDU). [ISA-5.5-1985] 2. The amount of light
per unit area. For human viewing of visible
light, the usual term is "illuminance." For
electromagnetic radiation in general, the
term is "radiant flux."
intensity level The amplitude of a sound
wave, commonly measured in decibels.
interacting control Control action that is pro-
duced by an algorithm whose various terms
are interdependent.
interaction A phenomena that is characteris-
tic of a multivariable process, in which the
effect of a manipulative variable change in
one control loop not only affects its own con-
trolled variable. It also affects the controlled
variable in another loop. In distillation, the
primary consideration is interaction between
the overhead composition control loop and
the bottoms composition control loop.
interaction analysis A technique used to
determine the pairing of manipulative and
controlled variables in a control loop.
interactive In data processing, a technique
for communication between a user and a sys-
tem. The operating system immediately
acknowledges and begins responding to a
request entered by the user at a terminal.
Compare with batch.
interactive computing See conversational
mode.
interactive processing In data processing,
interactive processing refers to time-dependent
(real-time) data handling or communica-
tions. The user enters data and then awaits a
response from the destination before con-
tinuing. Considered "conversational" rather
than batch processing.
interactive video The fusion of video and
computer technology. Running a video pro-
gram and a computer program in tandem
under the control of the user. With interactive
video, the user's actions, choices, and deci-
sions genuinely affect how the program
unfolds.
interblock gap The blank space on a com-
puter storage medium between two adjacent
blocks of data.
intercell connector An electrical conductor
that is used to carry current between cells.
[ANSI/ISA-12.16.01-1998 (IEC 60079-7
Mod)]
intercept method / interferometer
intercept method A method for estimating
the quantity of particles or the number of
grains within a unit area of a microscopic
image by counting the number intercepted
by a series of straight lines through the
image. This is one of the standard methods
of determining the grain size of a polycrys-
talline metal.
interchangeability The ability of two or more
devices, regardless of their manufacturer, to
work together in one or more distributed
applications using the same communications
protocol. The data and functionality of each
device is so defined that should any device
be replaced with a similar one by a different
manufacturer, any distributed applications
involving the replaced device will continue
to operate as before the replacement, includ-
ing identical dynamic responses of the dis-
tributed applications. Note: The parameters
and functionality of interchangeable devices
are sufficiently standardized to support the
substitution of devices with those from other
manufacturers. No redesign or reconfigura-
tion of any associated distributed applica-
tions is needed, nor does substitution cause
changes to the dynamic responses of the dis-
tributed applications.
interchangeability error A measurement
error that can occur if two or more sensors
are used to make the same measurement.
This error is caused by a slight variation in
the characteristics of those sensors.
interconnectability See interchangeability.
intercooler A heat exchanger that is placed in
the path of fluid flow between stages of a
compressor for the purpose of cooling the
fluid and allowing it to be further com-
pressed at lower power demand.
interelectrode capacitance 1. The capacitance
between the electrodes of a vacuum tube. 2.
A capacitance that is determined by measur-
ing the short-circuit transfer admittance
between two electrodes.
interface 1. A common boundary between
automatic data processing systems or parts
of a single system. [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)]
2. A specific electronic circuit that is a bound-
ary between other circuits or devices. 3. A
shared boundary between two functional
units. It is defined by functional characteris-
tics, common physical interconnection char-
acteristics, signal characteristics, and other
characteristics, where relevant. [ISA-TR50.02,
Part 9-2000] 4. The shared boundary through
which information is conveyed. [ANSI/ISA-
84.01-1996]
270
interference 1. The waveform that results
from superimposing one wave train on
another. 2. In signal transmission, spurious
or extraneous signals that prevent the accu-
rate reception of desired signals. 3. A distur-
bance in a useful signal that results from
spurious or extraneous signals in the circuit
or in the transmission system.
interference, common-mode A form of inter-
ference that appears between measuring cir-
cuit terminals and ground. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-
1979 (R1993)]
interference, differential mode See interfer-
ence, normal-mode. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)]
interference, electromagnetic Any spurious
effect that is produced in the circuits or ele-
ments of a device by external electromag-
netic fields. Note: A special case of inter-
ference from radio transmitters is known as
radio frequency interference (RFI). [ANSI/ISA-
51.1-1979 (R1993)]
interference, electrostatic field See interfer-
ence, electromagnetic.
interference, longitudinal See interference,
common-mode.
interference, magnetic field See interference,
electromagnetic.
interference, normal-mode A form of inter-
ference that appears between measuring cir-
cuit terminals. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
interference, transverse See interference, nor-
mal-mode.
interference (electrical) Any spurious volt-
age or current that rises from external
sources and appears in the circuits of a
device. See noise.
interference filter An optical filter that selec-
tively transmits specific wavelengths of light
because of the interference that results from
dielectric coatings on the surface of the mate-
rial. Multilayer interference coatings may
include metallic layers.
interference fit Any combination of a pin or
a shaft diameter and a mating hole diameter
such that the tolerance envelope of the hole
overlaps or is smaller than the tolerance
envelope of the pin.
interference pattern The pattern of some
characteristic of a stationary wave. It is pro-
duced by superimposing one wave train on
another. The pattern may be the distribution
in space of energy density, energy flux, parti-
cle velocity, pressure, or some other charac-
teristic
interferometer 1. An instrument so designed
that the variance of wavelengths and light-
path lengths within it makes possible very
 interferometric pressure transducer / intermittent duty
accurate measurement of distances. 2. A
device that divides a single beam of light into
two (or sometimes more) components. It
then recombines them to produce interfer-
ence. In general, the path lengths that light
travels along the different arms will differ.
The difference in distance is proportional to
the wavelength of the light multiplied by the
number of interference rings.
interferometric pressure transducer A type
of pressure sensor that was developed to
read pressure differentials on the order of 200
Pa (0.030 psi), with a resolution of 1 Pa
(0.00015 psi) by using optical interferometry
to detect very small deflections of a fragile
diaphragm.
interlaced In video development, the alterna-
tion of horizontal scan lines, such as in an
NTSC signal, which delivers 30 frames per
second of 525 lines. The odd set of scan lines
is displayed in the first l/60th second, and
the even set is displayed in the second 1 /
60th second in each frame.
interleave 1. In data communication, to send
blocks of data alternately to two or more sta-
tions on a multipoint system or to put bits or
characters alternately into the time slots of a
time division multiplexer. See time division
multiplexer (TDM) 2. On a video screen, to
alternate raster scan lines so as to transmit
higher-resolution frames per second.
interleaving 1. The act of simultaneously
accessing two or more bytes or streams of
data from distinct computer memory banks.
2. The alternation of two or more operations
or functions through the overlapped use of a
computer facility.
interlock 1. To arrange the control of machines
or devices so their operation is interdepen-
dent in order to assure that they are coordi-
nated properly. [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)] 2.
A physical device, equipment, or software
routine that prevents an operation from
beginning or changing function until some
condition or set of conditions is fulfilled. 3. A
device, such as a switch, that prevents a piece
of equipment from operating when a hazard
exists. 4. To join two parts together in such a
way that they remain rigidly attached to each
other solely by physical interference. 5. A
device used to prove the physical state of a
required condition and to furnish that proof to
the primary safety control circuit. 6. A device
or group of devices (hardware or software)
that are arranged to sense a limit or off-limit
condition or an improper sequence of events.
To avoid an undesirable condition, they then
shut down the offending or related piece of
271
equipment or prevent it from proceeding in
an improper sequence. [ANSI/ISA-77.44.01 &
.02-1995]
interlock, motor start A connection that is
made through contacts on the motor control-
ler. The motor controller is wired in series
with the safety circuit so that the motor must
be energized before the system is allowed to
proceed.
intermediate addressing A method for
addressing the data stored in a computer
memory. The instruction operand is the data
to be used with the instruction.
intermediate band A mode of recording and
playback in which the frequency response at
a given tape speed is "intermediate."
intermediate frequency In a superhetero-
dyne receiver, the stage at which a down-
converted carrier is passed through a band-
pass filter and amplifier.
intermediate means In an instrumentation or
control system, all system elements that lie
between the primary detector and the end
device and that transmit or modify the out-
put of the former to make it compatible with
input requirements of the latter.
intermediate mode A method for operating a
computer using interpretive languages such
as BASIC, whereby an individual instruction
or a small number of instructions that do not
form part of a program are executed.
intermediate phase A distinct compound or
solid solution in an alloy system whose com-
position limits do not extend to any of the
pure constituents.
intermediate (platen) superheater A heating
surface that receives steam from the primary
superheater located between the primary
and secondary superheater. [ANSI/ISA-
77.44.01 & .02-1995]
intermediate position A specified position
that is greater than zero and less than 100
percent open.
intermediate zone See zone, intermediate.
intermittency effect In photography or radi-
ography, a departure from the reciprocity
law, which occurs when the emulsion is
exposed in a series of discrete increments.
This effect contrasts with the response when
the emulsion is exposed continuously to the
same total energy level.
intermittent blowdown The blowing down
of boiler water at intervals.
intermittent duty An operating cycle that
consists of alternating periods of use and idle
time. For example, on and off, load and
no-load, load and rest, or load, no-load, and
rest. In most instances, successive periods of
intermittent firing / International Standard (IS)
use or idle time vary widely in length,
although some intermittent-duty cycles fol-
low well-defined patterns.
intermittent firing A method of firing by
which fuel and air are introduced into and
burned in a furnace for a short time, after
which the flow is stopped. This succession
repeats in a sequence of frequent cycles.
intermittent rating The rating that is applica-
ble to a specified operation over a specified
number of time intervals of specified dura-
tion. The length of time between these time
intervals must also be specified. [ISA-37.1-
1975 (R1982)]
intermodulation The modulation of the com-
ponents of a complex wave by each other.
This produces new waves whose frequencies
are equal to the sums and differences of inte-
gral multiples of the component frequencies
of the original complex wave.
intermodulation distortion (IMD) 1. Distor-
tion that is caused by the interaction of two
or more signals. 2. Defined as follows: 20 log
(rms sum of the sum and difference distor-
tion products)/(rms amplitude of the funda-
mental).
internal In PLC ladder programs, a coil or
contact whose reference is a logical element
in the program and is not directly concerned
with I/O. Internal may also refer to the stor-
age location that is used for the logical status
of such an element.
internal combustion engine A mechanical
prime mover that uses the exhaust gases that
result from the burning of fuel within the
engine as the thermodynamic working fluid.
internal communication Data exchange
between the various devices within a given
safety instrumented system. These include
bus backplane connections, the local or
remote I/O bus, and so on. [ANSI/ISA-
84.01-1996]
internal energy The kinetic and potential
energies of the constituent molecules of a
system. The difference between the heat
absorbed by a system and the work done is
its change in internal energy, measured in
joules.
internal furnace A furnace within a boiler
that consists of a straight or corrugated flue,
surrounded with water.
internal gear Any ring-type or annular gear
whose teeth lie on the inner surface of the
rim.
internally fired boiler A firetube boiler that
has an internal furnace. Examples include a
Scotch, a locomotive firebox, a vertical tubu-
272
lar, and any other type that has a water-
cooled plate-type furnace.
internal-mix oil burner A burner that has a
mixing chamber in which high-velocity
steam or air impinges on jets of incoming liq-
uid fuel, which is then discharged in a com-
pletely atomized form.
internal model-based control An alternative
to the PID approach for self-regulating (non-
integral type) processes.
internal oxidation A form of degradation of
a material that involves the absorption of
oxygen at the surface and the diffusion of
oxygen to the interior, where it forms subsur-
face scale or oxide inclusions.
internal pressure See burst pressure, proof pres-
sure, or reference pressure.
internal standard In chemical analysis, espe-
cially instrumental analysis, a material that is
present in or is added to a sample in known
amounts in order to serve as a reference in
determining the composition of the sample.
internal storage Addressable storage that is
directly controlled by the central processing
unit (CPU) of a digital computer.
internal treatment The treatment of boiler
water by introducing chemicals directly into
it.
internal variable A variable that is used in or
modified by one or more internal operations
of a function block but is not visible to or
modifiable through the communication net-
work. [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-2000]
internal wiring Wiring and electrical connec-
tions that are made within an apparatus by
the manufacturer. Within racks or panels,
interconnections between separate pieces of
apparatus made according to the manufac-
turer's detailed instructions are also consid-
ered to be internal wiring. [ANSI/ISA-
12.01.01-1999; ISA-12.02.01-1999 (IEC 60079-
11 Mod)]
International Electrotechnical Commission
(IEC) An international standards develop-
ment and certification group for electronics
and electrical engineering.
International Federation for Information Pro-
cessing (IFIP) An international group of
technical societies.
International Standard (IS) The third (and
highest) stage of the ISO standard process.
Prospective ISO standards are balloted three
times. The first stage is a Draft Proposal (DP).
After a Draft Proposal has been in use for
typically six months to a year, the standard is
reballoted, frequently with corrections and
changes, as a Draft International Standard
(DIS). After the Draft International Standard

has been in use for typically one to two years
it is reballoted as an International Standard
(IS).
Internet An digital communications network
that interconnects many other networks. Lit-
erally, a "network of networks," the Internet
is a global, wide-area hypermedia informa-
tion retrieval initiative that aims to give uni-
versal access to a large universe of
documents. It uses hypertext as its means for
interacting with commercial users.
interoperability 1. The ability to operate
multiple devices, independent of manufac-
turer, in the same system, without loss of
functionality. [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-2000] 2.
The ability of two or more devices, regard-
less of manufacturer, to work together in one
or more distributed applications using the
same application process for the user layer.
The parameters and functionality of each
device is so defined that, should any device
be replaced with a similar one by a different
manufacturer, then all distributed applica-
tions involving the replaced device will con-
tinue to operate as before the replacement.
However, they may operate with different
dynamic responses. Interoperability is
achieved when both a field device and a sys-
tem support the same combination of man-
datory and optional parts of the same
standard. Manufacturer-specific extensions
may prevent interoperability between field
devices and systems from different manufac-
turers. Note: Interoperable devices support
standard parameter formats and definitions
as well as such functions of distributed user-
layer applications as parameter status, block
modes, the coordination of schedules for
communications and device functions, and
the standardized handling of event flows.
The parameters and functionality of interop-
erable devices are sufficiently standardized
to support the substitution of devices with
those from different manufacturers, without
redesigning or reconfiguring the distributed
applications. However, such substitutions
may involve tuning changes so as to accom-
modate the different dynamic responses of
the distributed application with the substi-
tute device.
interpass temperature The lowest tempera-
ture reached by weld metal before the next
pass is deposited in a multiple-pass weld.
interpreter A system program that converts
each instruction of a high-level language
(user-written) program into machine code,
then executes the machine code, before going
on to the next instruction.
273
Internet / intranet
Inter-Range Instrumentation Group
(IRIG) The telemetry working group of
IRIG is responsible for specifying the indus-
try-wide standards and practices of teleme-
try.
inter-record gap (IRG) On magnetic tape, the
blank gap between records. The tape can
stop and start within this gap.
inter-repeater link In data communications,
an electronically continuous piece of bus that
consists of the same cable in which only two
devices are in point-to-point configuration.
Also called link segment.
interrupt, process Those interrupts that are
available for connecting to the user-supplied
equipment. Synonymous with external inter-
rupt. [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)]
interrupt (INT) [Comp] 1. In computers, the
suspension of the execution of a routine as a
result of a hardware or program-generated
signal. [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)] 2. In data
processing, a signal that, when activated,
causes a transfer of control to a specific loca-
tion in memory. This breaks the normal flow
of control of the routine being executed. An
interrupt is normally caused by an external
event such as a "done" condition in a periph-
eral. It is distinguished from a trap, which is
caused by the execution of a processor
instruction. [Eng] 3. In engineering, to stop a
process in such a way that it can be resumed.
interrupt service routine In data processing,
a unique address that points to two consecu-
tive memory locations, which contain the
start address of the interrupt service routine
and the priority at which the interrupt is to
be serviced.
interrupt vector In data processing, an
address that is generated by an interrupt. It
points to the start of the interrupt service
routine. See interrupt service routine.
interrupt vector register In data processing, a
register for storing the interrupt vector.
interval The number of word times that
occur between successive repetitive samples
of the same channel. See word time. Synony-
mous with supercommutation and "strapping
interval."
interval timer A device that provides an inter-
rupt signal when a predetermined or pro-
grammed time interval completes. See timer.
A timer whose output occurs during the tim-
ing state.
interworkability See interoperability, inter-
changeability, and interconnectability.
intranet A closed, internal network that uses
TCP/IP. See TCP/IP (Transmission Control Pro-
tocol/Internet Protocol).
intrinsically safe apparatus / inventory management
intrinsically safe apparatus An electrical
apparatus in which all the circuits are intrin-
sically safe circuits. [ISA-12.02.01-1999 (IEC
60079-11 Mod); ISA-12.01.01-1999]
intrinsically safe circuit A circuit in which
any spark or thermal effect, whether it is pro-
duced normally or in specified fault condi-
tions, is incapable of igniting a given
explosive atmosphere in the specified test
conditions. [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999; ISA-
12.02.01-1999 (IEC 60079-11 Mod)]
intrinsically safe equipment and
wiring Equipment and wiring that are
incapable of releasing sufficient electrical or
thermal energy, under either normal or
abnormal conditions, to ignite a specific haz-
ardous atmospheric mixture in its most eas-
ily ignited concentration. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-
1979 (R1993)]
intrinsically safe system An assembly of
interconnected intrinsically safe apparatuses,
associated apparatuses, other apparatuses,
and interconnecting cables in which those
parts of the system that may be used in haz-
ardous (classified) locations are intrinsically
safe circuits. [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999]
intrinsic barriers See intrinsic safety barrier.
intrinsic joint loss A loss that is inherent to
the fiber and that is caused by fiber parame-
ter mismatches when two nonidentical fibers
are joined.
intrinsic safety 1. A type of protection in
which a portion of the electrical system con-
tains only intrinsically safe apparatuses, cir-
cuits, and wiring. These are, by definition,
incapable of igniting in the surrounding
atmosphere. No single device or wiring is
intrinsically safe by itself (except for battery-
operated, self-contained apparatuses such as
portable pagers, transceivers, gas detectors,
and the like. These are specifically designed
to be intrinsically safe, self-contained
devices). Devices and wiring can be intrinsi-
cally safe only when they are employed in a
properly designed intrinsically safe system.
This type of protection is referred to as "i."
Note: See also associated apparatus. [ANSI/
ISA-12.01.01-1999;ANSI/ISA-RP12.6-1995]
2. A design methodology for a circuit or an
assembly of circuits in which any spark or
thermal effect produced under normal oper-
ating and specified fault conditions is not
capable of igniting a given explosive atmo-
sphere under prescribed test conditions.
Note: This definition is taken from EN 50 020
:1977 (Intrinsically safe electrical apparatus).
[ANSI/ISA-50.02, Part 2-1992] 3. A method
for providing safe operation of electric pro-
274
cess control instrumentation where hazard-
ous atmospheres exist. The method keeps the
available electrical energy so low that the
hazardous atmosphere cannot ignite. 4. A
protection technique that is based upon
restricting the electrical energy within appa-
ratuses and the interconnecting wiring in a
potentially explosive atmosphere. They are
restricted to a level below that which can
cause ignition by either sparking or heating
effects. Because of the method by which
intrinsic safety is achieved, it is necessary to
ensure that both the electrical apparatus
exposed to the potentially explosive atmo-
sphere and other electrical apparatuses inter-
connected with it are suitably constructed.
intrinsic safety barrier 1. A component that
contains a network that is designed to limit
the energy (voltage and current) available to
the protected circuit in the hazardous (classi-
fied) location, under specified fault condi-
tions. [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999; ANSI/ISA-
RP12.6-1995] 2. A device that is inserted in
the wire between process control instrumen-
tation and the point where the wire passes
into the hazardous area. It limits the voltage
and current on the wire to safe levels.
intrinsic safety ground bus A grounding
system that has a dedicated conductor sepa-
rate from the power system. This prevents
ground currents from flowing normally. This
bus is reliably connected to a ground elec-
trode. Note: For further information, refer to
Article 504 of NEC, Section 10 of CSA C22.1,
or ANSI/ISA-RP 12.6-1995. [ANSI/ISA-
12.01.01-1999]
intrinsic safety ground system A grounding
system that has a dedicated conductor,
which is isolated from the power system,
except at one point. This prevents ground
currents from flowing normally. This system
is reliably connected to a grounding elec-
trode in accordance with Article 250 of the
NEC or Section 10 of CEC Part I, CSA C22.1.
[ANSI/ISA-RP12.6-1995]
inventory management The systematic
determination of items and quantities to be
ordered. The coordination of order release

and order due dates, changes in required
quantities, and the rescheduling of planned
orders.
inventory turnover The number of times that
an inventory cycles during a year.
inverse response The dynamic characteristic
of a process, by which its output responds to
an input change by moving initially in one
direction but finally in the other.
Inverse and Overshoot Response
to a Step Change
inversion temperature In a thermocouple,
the temperature of the "hot" junction when
the circuit's thermoelectric electromotive
force is equal to zero.
inverter A NOT element. The output signal is
the reverse of the input signal.
invocation The process of initiating the exe-
cution of the sequence of operations that are
specified in an algorithm. [ISA-TR50.02, Part
9-2000]
I/O-bound A state of program execution in
which all operations are dependent on the
activity of an I/O device. For example, when
a program is waiting for input from a termi-
nal it is "I/O-bound." See also CPU-bound.
I/O hardware Computer hardware that is
used to carry signals into and out of the pro-
cessing hardware.
I/O isolation Usually refers to the electrical
separation of field circuits from a computer's
internal circuits. I/O isolation is accom-
plished by opto-electronic devices. The term
occasionally refers to the ability to have
input or output field wiring on isolated cir-
cuits, that is, with one return for each.
I/O limited See input-output limited.
I/O module A basic set of I/O interfaces that
share a common computer unit housing. Can
be a set of discrete I/O or a smart control I/
O.
ion A charged atom or radical that may be
positive or negative.
275
inventory turnover / ionizing
ion exchange A chemical process for remov-
ing unwanted dissolved ions from water by
inducing an ion-exchange reaction (either
cation or anion) as the water passes through
a bed of special resin that contains the substi-
tute ion.
ion-exchange resin A synthetic organic com-
pound (resin) that can remove unwanted
ions from a dilute solution by combining
with them or by exchanging them for ions
that produce desirable or neutral effects.
ionic strength The effective strength of all
ions in a solution. It is equal to the sum of
one half of the product of the individual ion
concentration and their ion valence or charge
squared for dilute solutions.
ion implantation A process for enhancing
the surface properties of a solid by bombard-
ing it with a beam of high-energy ions, which
are absorbed into the material's surface layer.
ionization The process of splitting a neutral
molecule into positive and negative ions or
of detaching one or more electrons from a
neutral atom.
ionization chamber A gas-filled enclosure
that is ionized when radiation enters the
chamber. It contains two or more electrodes
that sustain an electric field and collect the
charge resulting from ionization.
ionization constant A measure of the degree
of dissociation of a polar compound in dilute
solution at equilibrium. It equals the product
of the concentrations of the dissociated com-
pound (ions) divided by the concentration of
the undissociated compound.
ionization gauge A pressure transducer that
is based on the conduction of electric current
through the ionized gas of the system whose
pressure is to be measured. It is useful only
for very low pressures (for example, below
10-3 atm).
ionization time In a gas tube, the interval
between the time when conduction condi-
tions are established and when conduction
actually begins at some stated value of tube
potential.
ionization vacuum gauge An instrument for
measuring very low pressures (high vacu-
ums). It functions by using a current of posi-
tive ions, which are produced in the gas by
electrons emitted from a hot cathode and
accelerated across a portion of the evacuated
space toward another electrode.
ionizing When used as a third modifier as
stipulated by ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982), ionizing
involves converting a change of measurand
into a change in ionization current, such as
ionizing event / isolation
through a gas between two electrodes. [ISA-
37.1-1975 (R1982)]
ionizing event Any interaction between an
atom or molecule and an energy beam, parti-
cle, atom, or molecule that causes one or
more ions to be generated.
ionizing radiation Any electromagnetic or
particulate radiation that can produce ions,
either directly or indirectly, when it interacts
with matter.
ion laser A laser in which the active medium
is an ionized gas, typically one of the rare
gases argon or krypton, or a mixture of the
two.
ionosphere That portion of the earth's atmo-
sphere where ionization takes place as a
result of the sun's ultraviolet radiation or
from bombardment by hydrogen bursts from
sunspots. The various layers, identified as B,
C, D, E and F, have characteristics that reflect
and refract radio waves according to their
frequency, time of day, sunspot cycle, and
earth's weather.
I/O page That portion of computer memory
in which specific storage locations are associ-
ated directly with I/O devices.
ion pair The combination of a positive ion
and a negative ion that have the same magni-
tude of charge. An ion pair is formed from a
neutral molecule as a result of absorption of
the energy in radiation.
I/O rack A chassis for mounting computer I/
O modules. It may be local or remote from
the CPU/memory unit.
IP Internet protocol. A protocol that is used
in gateways that connect networks at the OSI
network layer.
I/P converter A device that linearly converts
electric current into gas pressure (for exam-
ple, 4-20 mA into 3-15 psi).
IPDS Intelligent Printer Data Stream. A page
description printer protocol that allows the
complete page of text and graphics to be for-
matted and stored in printer's memory.
IP ratings Ingress Protection codes. IP ratings
refer to IEC enclosure classes that are approxi-
mately equivalent to NEMA ratings. The first
digit (0-6) is protection from solid bodies,
and the second digit (0-7) is protection from
liquids. Higher digits mean greater protec-
tion. For example, IP10=NEMA 1 and
IP67=NEMA 7.
ir Infrared; an area in the electromagnetic
spectrum that extends beyond red light from
760 nanometers to 1,000 microns (106 nm). A
form of radiation that is used to make non-
contact temperature measurements. Infrared
276
is also the signal range for some fiber-optic
communications systems.
irradiance The power per unit area that is
incident upon a surface. Also called "radiant
flux density."
irradiation 1. Exposing an object or person to
penetrating ionizing radiation such as X-rays
or gamma rays. 2. Exposing an object or per-
son to ultraviolet, visible, or infrared energy.
ISA-The Instrumentation, Systems, and
Automation Society A U.S.-based society
of instrument and controls professionals.
Formerly, the Instrument Society of America
(ISA).
isentropic Proceeding at constant entropy.
isentropic exponent A ratio that is defined
by the specific heat at constant pressure
divided by the specific heat at constant vol-
ume.
ISO 9000 International Standards Organiza-
tion standards for quality systems.
isobaric Proceeding at constant pressure.
isochronous Equally timed. In data
communications, timing information is
transmitted on a channel along with data.
Isochronous means sending asynchronous
data by synchronous means. This method
involves synchronously sending asynchro-
nous characters between each pair of start
and stop bits.
isochronous governor A device that main-
tains the rotational speed of an engine con-
stant, regardless of load.
isolated circuit A circuit in which the current
to any other circuit or conductive part does
not exceed the limit for leakage current, with
the equipment at reference-test conditions.
[ANSI/ISA-82.02-01-1999 (IEC 61010-1Mod)]
isolating element A movable membrane,
usually made of metal, that physically sepa-
rates the measured fluid from the sensing
element. Usually, this membrane is consider-
ably more flexible than the sensing element
and is coupled to the sensing element using a
transfer fluid. Its purpose is to provide mate-
rial compatibility with the measured fluid
while maintaining the performance integrity
of the sensing element. [ISA-37.6-1982
(R1995)]
isolation 1. The physical and electrical
arrangement of the parts of a signal trans-
mission system so as to prevent electrical
interference currents within or between the
parts. Note: This definition is taken from
IEEE Standard 100-1984. [ANSI/ISA-50.02,
Part 2-1992] [Eng] 2. In vibration, isolation
means diminishing the transfer of a vibration
amplitude by the judicious selection of bar-
 isolation valve / ITV

rier materials and barrier configuration. One iterative testing A testing method that per-
hundred percent isolation is not possible mits the characterization of the device under
unless there is no physical contact and a per- test by stepping through a series of tests until
fect vacuum surrounds the object to be iso- the device fails.
lated. ITU-TSS International Telegraphic Union-
isolation valve The isolation valve that is Telecommunications Standards Sector. The
nearest the instrument, the grab-sample replacement organization for CCITT. See
point, or the in-line component and is avail- CCITT.
able to personnel during normal plant opera- ITV Interactive television. Beyond video
tion. The root valve may or may not perform reception, ITV allows the viewer to respond
the function of the isolation valve, depend- to multichannel broadcasts. This is made
ing on its location. [ANSI/ISA-67.01-1994] possible by the availability of broadband
isometric view A drawing in which the hori- transmission media such as fiber-optic cable.
zontal lines of an object are drawn at an ITV has industrial implications that are simi-
angle to horizontal, and all verticals are pro- lar to those of videoconferencing.
jected at an angle from the base.
isomorphic representation Representation in
which there is a one-to-one correspondence
between a scene and its representation.
isopotential point The point on the millivolt-
versus-pH plot at which a change in temper-
ature has no effect. It is at 7 pH and zero mil-
livolts unless it is shifted by the standard-
ization and meter zero adjustments or an
electrode asymmetry potential.
isothermal At constant temperature.
isotope Any of two or more nuclides that
have the same number of protons in their
nuclei but different numbers of neutrons.
Such atoms are of the same element, and
thus cannot be separated from each other by
chemical means. However, because they
have different masses they can be separated
by physical means.
isotope effect The effect of nuclear proper-
ties, other than the number of protons, on the
nonnuclear physical and chemical behavior
of the nuclides.
italic In the typographical composition of
screen displays and printing, the style of let-
ters that slant as distinct from upright, or
roman, letters. Generally used for emphasis
within text.
ITB Intermediate block character. A digital
transmission control character that termi-
nates an intermediate block. A block check
character usually follows it. Using ITBs
allows error checking to be done on smaller
transmission blocks.
iterate To repeatedly execute a loop or series
of steps. For example, a loop in a routine iter-
ates.
iterative Describing a procedure or process
that repeatedly executes a series of opera-
tions until some condition is satisfied. An
iterative procedure can be implemented by a
loop in a routine.

277
 abber 1. Continuous
j
transmission on a medium
because of a faulty device.
[ANSI/ISA-50.02,Part 2-
1992] 2. The error condition
that occurs when a network
device transmits packets
that are larger than the max-
imum allowable size or will not relinquish
token (depending on the media access
method being used).
jack A connecting device to which the wire or
wires of a circuit may be attached and that is
so arranged that a plug can be inserted into
it.
jacket 1. A plastic layer that is applied over
the coating of an optical fiber or sometimes
over the bare fiber. Jackets are used for color
coding in optical cables, to make handling
easier, or to protect the fiber against mechan-
ical stress and strain. 2. A stiff plastic protec-
tive material that encases a floppy disk with
slots so a disk drive can access the data. 3.
The layer of plastic, fiber, or metal that sur-
rounds insulated electrical wires, thereby
forming a cable. This outer cover may be for
the mechanical or environmental protection
of the wires within.
jacketed valve A valve body that is cast with
a double wall or provided with a double wall
by welding material around the body. This
forms a passage for a heating or cooling
medium. Jacketed valve also refers to valves
that are enclosed in split-metal jackets that
have internal heat passageways or electric
heaters. These valves are also referred to as
"steam jacketed" or "vacuum jacketed." In a
vacuum-jacketed valve, a vacuum is created
in the space between the body and secondary
outer wall in order to reduce the transfer of
heat by convection from the atmosphere to
the internal process fluid, which is usually
cryogenic. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
jackscrew 1. A portable device for lifting a
heavy load a short distance by means of a
screw mechanism. 2. The screw of such a
device.
jackshaft A countershaft, and especially an
auxiliary shaft that is used between two
other shafts.
jamming The intentional transmission of
radio frequency waves for the purpose of
interfering with transmissions from another
station.
Japanese MAP Users Group See Manufactur- 279
ing Automation Protocol (MAP).
Java A software code that can run on multi-
ple platforms (UNIX, OS/2, NT, Macintosh,
etc.). It was originally developed by Sun
Microsystems Inc. as a platform for program-
ming on smallembedded devices, such as cell
phones, PDAs, and sensors. Sun claims that
it is simpler than C++, and it also has signifi-
cant implications for use on Internet applica-
tions.
Java Beans Reusable chunks of Java software
code that can be assembled as components in
larger applications.
jaw The part or parts of a current clamp that
surround(s) the conductor being tested in
order to pick up the magnetic field.
[ANSI/ISA-82.02.04-1996 (IEC 61010-2-032)]
jaw opening The part or parts of the jaw that
open(s) while clamping around a conductor.
[ANSI/ISA-82.02.04-1996 (IEC 61010-2-032)]
jerk 1. The time rate of change of accelera-
tion. Expressed in feet/s 3 , cm/s 3 , gn/s.
[ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)] 2. A sudden, abrupt
motion.
jet A rapid flow of fluid from a nozzle or ori-
fice.
jetness The darkness of a pigment. It is typi-
cally caused by the size of carbon black
agglomerates (smaller black agglomerates
cause darker films).
jet pump A type of pump that uses a jet of
fluid to induce flow in another fluid.
jewels Recessed bearings of glass, sapphire,
or diamond that support the ends of a pivot
pin in an instrument or in a fine mechanical
watch or clock.
JIT just-in-time manufacturing. A delivery
approach that stresses the benefits of the
"pull" system, wherein material is brought to
the work site only when it is needed. JIT
requires that all related activities be closely
synchronized.
jitter A slight movement of a signal in time or
phase that can introduce errors and cause
loss of synchronization in high-speed syn-
chronous communication.
job A group of computer data and control
statements that do a unit of work. An exam-
ple is a program and all its related subrou-
tines, data, and control statements. Also
called a "batch control file." See batch control.
job control language (JCL) A language for
identifying a job and requesting action from
a computer operating system.
Johansson curved crystal spectrometer A
type of spectrometer that has a reflecting
crystal whose face is concave. As a result,
X-rays that diverge slightly after passing
through the primary slit are refocused at the
detector slit.
joint / justify

joint A separable or inseparable juncture

between two or more materials.
joule A metric unit for energy, quantity of
heat, or work.
journal That part of the shaft that rides in a
plain cylindrical bearing.
joy stick A device by which an individual
can position the cursor on a cathode ray tube.
An alternative to the mouse.
JPEG Joint Photographic Experts Group. A
working committee under the auspices of the
ISO that is attempting to define a universal
standard for digital compressing and decom-
pressing still images for use in and
exchanged between computer systems. The
JPEG algorithm reduces the image size by as
much as 65:1 and maintains image integrity
by eliminating imperceptible color informa-
tion.
JTM Job Transfer and Manipulation.
Jules' Own Version of the International Algo-
rithmic Language (JOVIAL) A compiler
language based on the International Algo-
rithmic Language, ALGOL.
jump An instruction that causes a new
address to be entered into a computer pro-
gram counter. The program continues to exe-
cute from the new program counter address.
jumper A temporary wire that is used to
bypass a portion of an electrical circuit or to
attach an instrument or other device during
testing or troubleshooting.
jumper tube A short tube connection for
by-passing, routing, or directing the flow of
fluid as desired.
junction 1. The point where any two or more
wires are joined. 2. The point in a thermocou-
ple where two dissimilar metals are joined. 3.
The portion of a transistor at which opposite
types of semiconductor material meet.
junction box A protective enclosure around
the connections between electric wires or
cables.
jury rig A makeshift or temporary assembly.
justification 1. The act of adjusting, arrang-
ing, or shifting digits to the left or right in
order to fit a prescribed pattern. 2. Spacing
out the words in printed material so that
each line is the same length.
justify To align computer data around a spec-
ified reference.

280
 1 Kalman filter A recursive
K
technique that provides an
estimate of the "true" value
of a noisy signal. Kalman fil-
ters are often used to ana-
lyze time-series data,
sometimes in real time, for
applications such as missile
tracking.
kanban A Japanese methodology for achiev-
ing just-in-time logistics and warehousing,
which often involves the use of kanbans, or
"cards," to indicate parts' status.
Karl Fischer technique A titration method
for accurately determining the moisture con-
tent of solid, liquid, or gas samples using
Karl Fischer reagent. This reagent is a solu-
tion of iodine, sulfur dioxide, and pyridine in
methanol or methyl Cellusolve. The titration
is highly suitable for automation and has
high sensitivity (5 ppm) and good accuracy
(±1%) over a wide range of moisture content
(10 ppm to 100%).
Kbps kilobits per second. A standard mea-
surement of data rate and transmission
capacity. Interestingly, kbps equals 1,000 bits
per second—a math quantity, not a memory
capacity.
Kelvin The metric unit for thermodynamic
temperature. The Kelvin scale is an absolute
temperature scale in which the zero point is
defined as absolute zero (the point where all
spontaneous molecular motion ceases). The
scale divisions in Kelvin are equal to the
scale divisions in the Celsius system. In the
Kelvin system, the scale divisions are not
referred to as "degrees" as they are on other
temperature measurement systems. Rather,
they are called kelvins. So, 0 C = approxi-
mately 273.16 kelvins (or K).
Kelvin bridge A type of DC bridge circuit
that is similar to a Wheatstone bridge. In con-
trast to the latter, however, it incorporates
two extra resistances in parallel with two of
the known resistances. This minimizes the
inaccuracies that are introduced because of
finite lead and contact resistances in the cir-
cuit.
Kelvin-Varney voltage divider (KVVD) A
resistive-type voltage divider that is used in
some DC bridge circuits to provide greater
sensitivity at low values of the unknown
resistance.
KEMA KEMA Registered Quality Nederland
B.V. A Netherlands-based certification and
testing laboratory for testing the equipment
of different vendors to some common stan-
dard.
281
Kennison nozzle A specially shaped nozzle
that is designed for measuring flow through
partially filled pipes. Because of its self-
scouring, nonclogging design, the Kennison
nozzle is especially useful for measuring the
flow of raw sewage, raw and digested
sludge, final effluent, trade wastes, and other
liquids that contain suspended solids or
debris. It also functions well at low flow rates
or when flow rates vary widely.
Kernaugh map A tubular arrangement that
facilitates the combination and elimination of
logical functions by listing similar logical
expressions. Doing this takes advantage of
the human brain's ability to recognize visual
patterns.
Kern counter See dust counter.
kernel In computer software, the core or cen-
tral part of a program or operation, around
which several other "shells" of programs or
functions are built. Compare with shell.
kerning In the typographical composition of
screen displays and printing, subtracting the
space between two characters so as to bring
them closer together to improve visual bal-
ance.
Kerr cell A device in which the Kerr effect is
used to modulate the light passing through
the material. The modulation depends on the
rotation of beam polarization that is caused
by the application of an electric field to the
material. The degree of rotation determines
how much of the beam can pass through a
polarizing filter.
key 1. A machine part that is inserted into a
groove (or keyway) to lock two parts
together, such as a shaft and a gear or pulley.
2. One of a set of control levers that is used to
operate a machine such as a typewriter or
computer processing unit. 3. A device that
moves or pivots to secure or tighten compo-
nents in an assembly. 4. A component, usu-
ally one with notches or grooves in its
working face, that is inserted into a lock to
engage or disengage the locking mechanism.
5. In data processing, characters that identify
a record.
keyboard An orderly arrangement of keys
for operating a machine such as a typewriter.
keyboard entry 1. An element of information
that is inserted manually, usually by way of a
set of switches or marked punch levers,
called keys, into an automatic data process-
ing system. 2. A medium for achieving access
to or entrance into an automatic data pro-
cessing system.
keyboard lockout An interlock feature that
prevents sending from the keyboard while
keyboard monitor / Kynar
the tape transmitter of another station is
sending on the same circuit.
keyboard monitor A computer program that
provides and supervises communication
between the user at the system console and
an operating system.
keyboard perforator A machine that oper-
ates somewhat like a typewriter and pro-
duces punched paper tape for automatically
operating computers or communications
equipment.
keyboard send/receive (KSR) A combination
of a printer, transmitter/receiver, and a key-
board.
key disk A disk that is required in order to
start certain programs.
Keyphasor A sensing device, or signal, that
detects the passage of a point on the rotor.
The sensing device may be a magnetic,
capacitive, eddy current, or photoelectric
probe. The signal is used as a trigger for the
external trigger input of other electronic
instruments, such as a fast-Fouriertransform
(FFT) spectrum analyzer. Keyphasor is a
trade name of Bently Nevada Corp.
keypunch 1. A special device for recording
information on cards or tape by punching
holes in the cards or tape that represent let-
ters, digits, and special characters. 2. To oper-
ate a device for punching holes in cards or
tape.
key-to-disk device Input equipment that is
designed to accept keyboard entry directly
on magnetic disks.
keyword One of the significant and informa-
tive words in a title or document that
describes the content of that document.
kiln An oven or similar heated chamber for
drying, curing, or firing materials or parts.
kilo A decimal prefix denoting 1,000.
kilobyte (Kbyte) Equals 1,024 bytes (8-bit
characters) of memory. A standard measure-
ment for disk, diskette, and other methods of
memory storage.
kilogram A metric unit of mass.
kinematics A branch of applied mathematics
that studies the way in which the velocities
and accelerations of various parts of a mov-
ing system are related.
kinematic viscosity Absolute viscosity of a
fluid divided by its density.
kinetic energy 1. The energy of a working
fluid as a result of its motion. 2. Energy that
is related to the fluid of dynamic pressure, 12
pV2.
kinetic vacuum system A vacuum system
that is capable of attaining and sustaining
limiting pressures of 5 x 10"5 to 10"7 torr
282
despite a relatively high outgassing load or
the presence of small leaks.
kink A tight loop in wire or wire rope that
results in permanent damage because of
deformation.
Kirchoff's law The sum of the voltage across
a device in a circuit series is equal to the total
voltage applied to the circuit.
knockout pin See ejector pin.
knot A unit of speed that is commonly used
to measure the speed of ships or aircraft. It
equals one nautical mile (6,080 ft) per hour,
or 1.151 statute miles per hour.
knowledge A familiarity with theory and
concepts and a detailed understanding of
job-related topics. [ANSI/ISA-67.14.01-2000]
knowledge-based system Software that uses
artificial intelligence techniques and a base of
information about a specialized activity to
control systems or operations.
Knudsen flow The gas flow in a long tube at
pressures such that the mean free path of a
gas molecule is significantly greater than the
tube radius.
kohm 1000 ohms.
konimeter A device for determining dust
concentration by drawing in a measured vol-
ume of air and directing the air jet against a
coated glass surface. This deposits dust parti-
cles that can then be counted under a micro-
scope.
koniscope An indicating instrument for
detecting dust in the air.
Kurtosis number A figure of merit, K, that is
used to monitor impulsive-type vibrations of
ball bearings.
Kynar Pennwalt Corp.'s trade name for poly-
vinylidene fluoride.
 label In data processing, a
L
set of symbols that is used to
identify or describe an item,
record, message, or file.
Occasionally, it may be the
same as the address in stor-
age.
labeled Equipment or
materials to which have been attached the
label, symbol, or other identifying mark of an
approved organization. The approval to label
the equipment or materials is given by a gov-
ernment authority that has jurisdiction and is
concerned with product evaluation. It peri-
odically inspects the production of labeled
equipment or materials, and this organiza-
tion's label indicates that the manufacturer
complies with the appropriate, specified
standards or performance levels. Note: Some
agencies use the terms approved, listed, or certi-
fied equipment to indicate compliance with
the applicable standard. [ANSI/ISA-RP12.6-
1995; ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-2000]
labeled common Named data areas that are
accessible to all computer programs that
declare them.
labeled molecule A molecule of a specific
chemical substance in which one or more of
its component atoms is an abnormal nuclide.
That is, a nuclide that is radioactive when the
molecules are normally composed of stable
isotopes, or vice versa.
lactometer A hydrometer that is designed to
measure the specific gravity of milk.
ladder diagram A diagram used to program
a programmable controller. Power flows
through a network of relay contacts that are
arranged in horizontal rows called "rungs"
between two vertical rails on the side of the
diagram that contains the symbolic power.
The basic program elements are contacts and
coils as in electromechanical logic systems.
A Relay Ladder Diagram
283
ladder logic Traditional language of
programmable controllers that originated
with electricians and the electrical mainte-
nance of electromechanical relay panels. It is
a form of symbolic representation that sche-
matically illustrates the functions of a control
circuit. The power lines form the sides of a
ladderlike structure, with the program ele-
ments arranged to form rungs. One of five
languages accepted under the IEC 61131
standard for PLCs. See function block diagram,
instruction list, structured text, and SFC. See
also state logic.
Structured Text Compared to Ladder Logic
lag 1. A relative measure of the time delay
between two events, states, or mechanisms.
2. In control theory, a transfer function term
in the form, 1/(TS + 1).A process for which a
lag is the dominant dynamic characteristic
approaches equilibrium exponentially.
lagging 1. In an AC circuit, a condition in
which peak current occurs at a later time in
each cycle than does peak voltage. 2. A ther-
mal insulation, usually made of rock wood
and magnesia plaster, that is used to prevent
heat transfer through the walls of process
equipment, pressure vessels, or piping sys-
tems.
lag time An interval of time between the ini-
tiation of a discrete sample (particle, mole-
cule, atom) at the sample tap to its
termination at a specific volumetric flow rate
through the sample line.
lambert A unit of luminance. It equals the
uniform luminance of a perfectly diffusing
surface that is emitting or reflecting light at
one lumen per square centimeter.
Lambert's cosine law The radiance of certain
surfaces, known as Lambertian reflectors,
Lambertian radiators, or Lambertian sources,
is independent of the angle from which the
surface is viewed.
laminar boundary layer A layer of a moving
turbulent stream adjacent to the wall of a
laminar flow / laser Doppler flowmeter
pipe or other conduit in which the motion
approximates streamline flow.
laminar flow 1. A type of streamline flow that
is most often observed in viscous fluids near
solid boundaries. It is characterized by the
tendency for fluid to remain in thin, parallel
layers to maintain uniform velocity. 2. A non-
turbulent flow regime in which the stream fil­
aments glide along the pipe axially, with
essentially no transverse mixing. Also known
as viscous flow or streamline flow. 3. Flow under
conditions in which forces resulting from vis­
cosity are more significant than forces result­
ing from inertia, generally below Reynolds
number of 2000.
lamp Any device for producing light, usually
one that converts electric energy into light.
lamp cabinet A cabinet that contains visual
displays only. [ANSI/ISA-18.1-1979 (R1992)]
lamp follower See auxiliary output.
lamp test See test.
lance door A door through which a hand
lance may be inserted in order to clean heat­
ing surfaces.
land ban Under the Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act (U.S.), a land ban prohibits
disposal on land of certain hazardous wastes
unless they meet applicable treatment stan­
dards.
language In data processing, a set of repre­
sentations, conventions, and rules that are
used to convey information. See algorithmic
language, artificial language, machine language,
natural language, object language, problem-ori­
ented language (POL), procedure-oriented lan­
guage, programming language, source language,
and target language.
language extendability The ability to change
a programming language through source
statements written in that language.
language translator A general term for any
assembler, compiler, or other routine that
accepts statements in one language and pro­
duces equivalent statements in another lan­
guage.
lantern ring A rigid spacer that is assembled
in the packing box, normally with packing
above and below it. It is designed to allow
the packing to be lubricated or a leak-off con­
nection to be accessed. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-
2000]
LAP Line Access Procedure. A CCITT-speci-
fied data link protocol.
lap joint A connection between two parts
that is made by overlapping members at the
junction and then welding, riveting, or bolt­
ing them together.
284
Laplace transform For a function/(x), its
Laplace transform is the function F(y), which
is defined as the integral over x from 0 to∞of
the function e-yxf(x).
Laplace transform, nilateral Of a function
/(f), the quantity that is obtained by perform­
ing the operation:
where: F(s) = function of s; s = complex vari­
able, _ + jω; f(t) = function of t; t = time, sec­
onds; = real part of the complex variable
s; j= ?; ω = angular frequency radians
per second. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
lapped-in Mating contact surfaces that have
been refined by grinding and/or polishing
them together or separately in appropriate
fixtures. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
lapping 1. A process of mating contact surfaces
by grinding and/or polishing. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000] 2. Smoothing or polishing a
surface by rubbing it with a tool made of
cloth, leather, plastic, wood, or metal in the
presence of a fine abrasive.
laptop A small, portable computer that usu­
ally has a flip-up screen.
lap weld A lap joint that is made by welding.
large core fiber An optical fiber that has a
comparatively large core, usually of a step
index type. There is no standard definition of
"large," but for the purposes of this defini­
tion, diameters of 400 micrometers or more
are designated as "large."
large-scale integration (LSI) 1. The process
of fabricating integrated circuits with over
1,000 transistors per chip. 2. A computer chip
that contains a large number of digital cir­
cuits in a small area.
Laser "Light Amplification by Stimulated
Emission of Radiation." A laser is a source of
electromagnetic (EM) radiation generally in
the infrared (IR), visible, or ultraviolet (UV)
bands. It is characterized by small diver­
gence, coherence, and monochromaticity.
laser diode array A device in which the out­
put of several diode lasers is brought
together in one beam. The lasers may be inte­
grated on the same substrate, or consist of
discrete devices that are coupled optically
and electronically.
laser disk An optical medium that is capable
of holding thirty minutes of moving video
footage or up to 54,000 individual frames of
still video per side. Individual segments of
these frames can be accessed by computer.
laser Doppler flowmeter An apparatus for
determining flow velocity and velocity pro-

file by measuring the Doppler shift in the
laser radiation scattered from particles in the
moving fluid stream. Contaminants such as
smoke may have to be introduced into a gas
stream to provide scattering centers. This
technique can be used to measure velocities
of 0.01 to 5,000 in./s (0.25 m m / s to 125 m/s).
laser glass An optical glass that is doped
with a small concentration of a laser mate-
rial. When the impurity atoms are excited by
light, they are stimulated to emit laser light.
laser interferometer A type of optical inter-
ferometer that uses a laser as the source of
monochromatic light. Accuracies of better
than 20 microinch (1.25 µm) are achieved
when measuring lengths up to 200 in. (5.08
m).
laser ionization mass spectrometer
(LIMS) An instrument that analyzes sam-
ple surfaces in a region 1 to 2 microns across.
The surface is locally heated with a laser
pulse to desorb or ionize atoms and then the
liberated atoms or ions are mass analyzed.
laser line filter A filter that transmits light in
a narrow range of wavelengths, centered on
the wavelength of a laser. Light at other
wavelengths is reflected. Such filters are
used to remove light from nonlaser sources,
which could interfere with the operation of a
laser system.
laser printer A print-quality printer that uses
a laser beam to electrostatically transfer an
image to paper.
laser simulator A light source that simulates
the output of a laser. In practice, the light
source is a 1.06 micrometer LED that simu-
lates the output of a neodymium laser at
much lower power levels.
last in, first out (LIFO) In an ordered push-
down stack, a discipline wherein the last
transaction to enter a stack is also the first to
leave it. Contrast with first in, first out (FIFO).
latching digital output A contact closure out-
put that holds its condition (set or reset) until
the execution of a computer program
changes it. See momentary digital output.
latching relay A device or program element
that retains a changed state when power is
removed.
latch switch A control for preventing a fuel
valve from opening if the burner is not
secured in the firing position.
latency In data processing, the time between
the completion of the interpretation of an
address and the start of the actual transfer
from the addressed location. Latency
includes the delay that is associated with
285
laser glass / LCP
accessing storage devices such as drums and
delay lines.
latent heat The amount of heat absorbed or
evolved by 1 mole, or a unit mass, of a sub-
stance during a change of state (e.g., fusion,
sublimation, or vaporization) at constant
temperature and pressure. Latent heat does
not cause a temperature change.
lateral displacement loss The loss of power
that results from a lateral displacement of the
optimum alignment between two optical
fibers or between a fiber and an active
device.
latest actuation (ACTN) point The value fur-
thest from the normal operating point of the
process variable at which a bistable or chan-
nel could be expected to actuate. [ANSI/ISA-
TR67.04.08-1996]
latitude Of a photographic emulsion, the
ratio of the exposure limits between which
the film density curve (known as the "Hurter
and Driffield curve," or H & D curve) is
essentially linear.
lattice network An electronic network that is
composed of four branches connected end to
end to form a mesh. Two nonadjacent junc-
tions are the input terminals, and the two
remaining nonadjacent junctions are the out-
put terminals.
lattice parameter In crystallography, the
length of any side of the unit cell in a given
space lattice. If the sides are unequal, all
unequal lengths must be specified.
Lauritsen electroscope An electroscope in
which the sensitive element is a metallized
quartz fiber.
layer An element of a digital communication
stack. One level of a hierarchy of functions or
segments of a protocol that performs special-
ized roles (physical, data link, application,
user). In the OSI (Open System Interconnec-
tion) reference model, a layer is one of seven
basic layers, consisting of a collection of
related network processing functions. See
Open System Interconnection (OSI).
L-band In telemetry, the radio spectrum that
is available for manned vehicles: 1,435-1,540
MHz.
LCCA Life cycle cost analysis. An orderly
selection/elimination method that includes
all of the cost factors (fixed and variable) of a
project, product, or endeavor.
LCH Luminance, chroma, hue. A model for
color-correction software for use in digital
scanning, output devices, and displays.
LCP Liquid crystal polymer. A material that
is frequently used to make electronic connec-
tors.
LDAP / leakage
LDAP Lightweight Directory Access Proto-
col. A standard Internet access protocol that
has been embraced by many software ven-
dors.
LDAR Leak detection and repair. Refers to
programs maintained by the EPA (U.S) to
ensure valve-stem leakage is extremely low.
LDR Land Disposal Restrictions. EPA-pro-
mulgated rules that implement the land ban.
See land ban.
L/D (reflux-to-distillate ratio) A quantity
that is used to analyze column operations.
See reflux ratio.
Lead [Cont] 1. In control theory, a transfer
function term in the form, (Ts + 1). [Eng] 2.
The distance a screw mechanism will
advance along its axis in a single rotation.
lead angle 1. In welding, the angle between
the axis of the electrode and the axis of the
weld. 2. The angle between the tangent to a
helix and a plane perpendicular to the axis of
the helix.
lead equivalent The radiation-absorption
rating of a specific material. It is expressed in
terms of the thickness of lead that reduces
the radiation dose by an equal amount under
given conditions.
leader 1. A blank section of tape at the begin-
ning of a reel of magnetic tape or at the
beginning of a paper tape. 2. A system pro-
gram that enables other programs to be
loaded into the computer.
leaders In the typographical composition of
screen displays and printing, leaders are
rows of dashes or dots to guide the reader's
eye across the screen or page. Leaders are
typically used in tabular work, programs,
tables of contents, and the like.
leading 1. In an AC circuit, a condition in
which peak current occurs earlier in each
cycle than does peak voltage. 2. In printing,
the insertion of additional horizontal space
between lines.
leading edge The first transition of a pulse,
going in either a positive (high) or a negative
(low) direction.
lead-lag network A compensating network
that combines the characteristics of the lag
and lead networks. In it, the phase of a sinu-
soidal response lags a sinusoidal input at low
frequencies and leads it at high frequencies.
Also known as a "lag-lead network."
lead time In industrial engineering, the
amount of time that is required to design and
develop a piece of equipment before it is
ready for use.
lead wire Any wire that connects two points
in an electrical circuit. In particular, a wire
286
Lead-lag Compensator
that connects an electric device to a source of
power or that connects an indicating or con-
trolling instrument to a sensor.
leak An opening, however minute, that
allows the undesirable passage of a fluid
from its containing boundaries. [ISA-67.03-
1982]
leakage class Classifications established by
ANSI/FCI70-2 to categorize the seat leakage
allowances for different needs of seat tight-
ness. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
leakage classification Categories for the seat
leakage of control valve trim as defined in
ANSI B16.104.
leakage rate 1. The maximum rate at which a
fluid is permitted or determined to leak
through a seal. Note: To determine this rate,
the type of fluid, the differential pressure
across the seal, the direction of leakage, and
the location of the seal must be specified.
[ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)] 2. In detecting cool-
ant pressure boundary leaks in light water
reactors, leakage is expressed in volumetric
units per unit of time at 20°C and one atmo-
sphere pressure. [ISA-67.03-1982] 3. The
amount of leakage across a boundary per
unit of time. See also bubble tight.
leakage [Proc] 1. The quantity of fluid that
passes through a valve when the valve is in
the full closed position under stated closure
forces, with the pressure differential and
temperature as specified. Leakage is usually
expressed as a percentage of the valve capac-
ity at full rated travel. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-
2000] 2. Undesirable loss or entry across the
boundary of a system. The term is usually
applied to the slow passage of a fluid
through a crack or fissure, but may also be
used to describe the passage of small quanti-
ties of particles, radiation, electricity, or mag-
netic lines of force beyond desired

boundaries. [Comp] 3. An error introduced
into the fast-Fourier transform (FFT) process
when finite-length time blocks are used that
do not match at the ends. Its effects include
smearing of the frequency lines at lower
amplitudes. This error is minimized by using
window functions.
leakage, packing The quantity of process
fluid that escapes through the valve packing.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
leakage, seat The quantity of fluid that
passes through a valve when the valve is in
the fully closed position, with pressure dif-
ferential and temperature as specified.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05-.01-2000]
leak detector An instrument, such as a
helium mass spectrometer, that is used to
detect small cracks or fissures in a vessel
wall.
leak-off gland A packing box in which pack-
ing is used above and below the lantern ring
to provide a collection point for fluid leaking
past the primary seal (lower packing).
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
leak pressure See pressure, leak.
leased line A telephone line reserved for the
exclusive use of a single customer that does
not go through the central office. Also called a
"private line," it is used to connect two or
more locations (such as company plants) on
a private WAN (wide area network).
least significant bit (LSB) The smallest bit in
a string of bits, usually at the extreme right.
least significant digit (LSD) The right-most
digit of a number.
least-squares line The straight line for which
the sum of the squares of the residuals (devi-
ations) is minimized. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
LEC Local exchange carrier. The carrier
responsible for extending telephone service
to the final user.
Ledoux bell meter A type of manometer
whose reading is directly proportional to the
flow rate sensed by a head-producing mea-
suring device such as a pitot tube.
left justified A field of numbers (decimal,
binary, etc.) in a memory cell, location, or
register, that has no zeroes to its left.
leg 1. One of the members of a branched
object or system. 2. The distance between the
root of a fillet weld and the toe. See fillet weld.
3. Any structural member that supports an
object above the horizontal.
legacy systems Software and/or hardware
systems that have existed for some time and
yet are still viable. They are often proprietary
in nature and cannot practically be removed
from an operation, perhaps because of the
287
leakage, packing / liberation
magnitude of use or their popularity. Legacy
systems usually need some interface in order
to operate with more current systems.
length A fundamental measurement of the
distance between two points, measured
along a straight or curved path.
length of flame path (width of a joint) The
shortest path through a joint from the inside
to the outside of a flameproof enclosure.
Note: This definition does not apply to
threaded joints. [ANSI/ISA-12.22.01-1998
(IEC 60079-1 Mod)]
lens joint ends Valves whose ends have been
prepared for lens ring gaskets. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
letterspacing In the typographical composi-
tion of screen displays and printing, the
insertion of extra space between each letter
of a word.
level 1. A measure of the logarithm of the
ratio of some quantity to a similar reference
quantity. The reference quantity must be
identified. [ISA-37.10-1975 (R1982)] 2. Any
bubble-tube device that is used to establish a
horizontal line or plane. 3. To make the
earth's surface even and roughly horizontal.
level indicator 1. An indicating instrument
for determining the position of a liquid sur-
face within a vessel. 2. An instrument that
shows audio voltage level in an operating
sound-recording system via a meter, neon
lamp, or cathode ray tube.
leveling saddle A pipe clamp that anchors a
swivel-joint 2-in. threaded socket so a 2-in.
pipestand can be properly positioned.
levels (logic) The two voltages whose values
have been arbitrarily chosen to represent the
binary numbers 1 and 0 in a particular data-
processing system.
lexical analysis In data processing, a stage in
the compilation of a program in which state-
ments, such as IF, AND, END, and so on, are
replaced by codes.
L/F (reflux-to-feed ratio) A quantity used to
analyze column operations.
L-glass In the construction of glass bulb-type
pH sensors, L-glass is used for the mem-
branes of electrodes for processes in which
measurements are to be made in alkaline
media with high process temperatures. See
E-glass, G-glass, and S-glass.
Liapunov's second method A method for
determining the stability or instability of a
process control system. It is analogous to the
rate-of-change-of-energy method for
mechanical systems. Also referred to as the
"indirect method."
liberation See heat release.
library / light key
library 1. A collection of information and
standard programs that is available to a com-
puter, usually on auxiliary storage. 2. A file
that contains one or more relocatable binary
modules, which are routines that can be
incorporated into other programs.
Lichtenberg figure camera A device for indi-
cating the polarity and approximate crest
value of a voltage surge. It consists of a pho-
tographic film or plate that is backed by an
extended-plane electrode. The film or plate's
emulsion contacts a small electrode that is
connected to the circuit in which a surge
occurs.
life, cycling The specified minimum number
of full-range excursions or specified partial
range excursions over which a transducer
will operate as specified without changing its
performance beyond the specified toler-
ances. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
life, operating The specified minimum
length of time over which the specified con-
tinuous and intermittent rating of a trans-
ducer applies without a change in the
transducer's performance beyond specified
tolerances. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
life, storage The specified minimum length
of time over which a transducer can be
exposed to specified storage conditions with-
out changing its performance beyond speci-
fied tolerances. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
life-cycle cost analysis An orderly selection
or elimination method that includes all the
cost factors (fixed and variable) of a project,
product, or endeavor.
LIFE C Y C L E C O S T ANALYSIS
life test A destructive test in which a device
is operated under conditions that simulate a
lifetime of use.
lift A nonstandard term for "travel." See
travel. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
ligament The minimum cross section of solid
metal in a header, shell, or tube sheet
between two adjacent holes.
288
light 1. An electromagnetic radiation whose
wavelength is between approximately 10-
and 10-6 cm. Note: Strictly defined, only visi-
ble radiation (4 x 10-5 to 7 x 10-5 cm) can be
considered as light. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
2. Electromagnetic radiation with a wave-
length that lies in the range over which it can
be detected with the unaided human eye.
light-beam galvanometer A type of sensitive
galvanometer whose null-balance point is
indicated by the position of a beam of light
that is reflected from a mirror carried in the
moving coil of the instrument. Also known
as d'Arsonval galvanometer.
light-beam instrument A measurement
device that indicates measured values by
means of the position of a beam of light on a
scale.
light-coupled switch A switch in which the
switching signal is transmitted to the activat-
ing device by means of a light beam.
light curtain An arrangement whereby a
wide, thin beam of invisible modulated light
is used to detect the passage of objects
through a plane up to about 8 by 78 in. (200
mm by 2 m).
light-duty cable Generally, a type of fiber-
optic cable that is designed to withstand the
conditions encountered in a building—not
outdoor conditions.
lighted dial A dial or indicating scale and
pointer in which a small lamp within the
assembly illuminates the scale and pointer so
they can be viewed in darkness. Compare
with luminous dial.
light-emitting diode (LED) A semiconductor
diode that emits visible or infrared light. Light
from an LED is incoherent spontaneous emis-
sion, as distinct from the coherent stimulated
emission that is produced by diode lasers and
other types of lasers. The indicator lights on
most I/O modules are LEDs. An LED is often
a light source for fiber-optic transmission
and is also used as annunciator lamps in red,
amber, green, and blue.
light ends The fraction of a petroleum mix-
ture that has the lowest boiling point.
lighting-off torch A torch that is used to
ignite fuel from a burner. The torch may con-
sist of asbestos that has been wrapped
around an iron rod and saturated with oil or
it may be a small oil or gas burner.
lighter-than-light key The remaining compo-
nents in the overhead stream other than the
light key. See light key.
light key The component in multicompo-
nent distillation that is removed in the over-
head stream and has the lowest vapor

pressure of the components in the overhead.
If the reboiler head is decreased or the reflux
flow increased, the light key component is
the first component to fall into the bottoms
product.
light meter A small, handheld instrument for
measuring the intensity of illumination.
light modulator An apparatus that produces
a sound track by means of a source of light,
an appropriate optical system, and a device
for inducing controlled variations in
light-beam characteristics.
light oil Any oil whose boiling point is in the
temperature range 110 to 210 C, especially a
coal tar fraction that is obtained by distilla-
tion.
light pen A device by which an individual
can communicate with an information sys-
tem through a cathode ray tube.
light valve A device whose ability to trans-
mit light can be made to vary by applying an
external electrical quantity such as a current,
voltage, electric field, electron beam, or mag-
netic field.
limit check The comparison of data from a
specific source with preestablished allowable
limits for that source.
limit checking Internal program checks used
to detect signals that indicate the undesirable
or unsafe operation of a plant. Signals are
checked against limits on high value, low
value, rate of change, and deviation from a
reference.
limit control A sensing device that shuts
down an operation or terminates a process
step when a prescribed limiting condition is
reached.
limit cycle A sustained oscillation of finite
amplitude.
limited-distance modem A signal converter
that conditions and boosts a digital signal
and allows it to be transmitted over much
longer distances than a standard RS-232 sig-
nal.
limiter A device that applies limits to a sig-
nal.
limiting The action that causes a transducer
output to become constant even though its
input continues to rise above a certain value.
limiting safety system setting (LSSS) For
nuclear reactors, these are settings for auto-
matic protective devices that are linked to the
variables that have significant safety func-
tions. (See CFR, 50.36[c][1][i][A].) [ANSI/
ISA-67.04.01-2000;ISA-RP67.04.02-2000]
limiting temperature The maximum permis-
sible temperature for apparatuses or parts of
apparatuses. It is equal to the lower of the
289
light meter / line driver
two temperatures determined by (a) the dan-
ger of ignition of the explosive gas atmo-
sphere and (b) the thermal stability of the
materials used. Note: This temperature may
be the maximum surface temperature or a
lower value. [ANSI/ISA-12.16.01-1998 (IEC
60079-7 Mod)]
limit of detection In any instrument or mea-
surement system, the smallest value of the
measured quantity that causes the indicator
to move discernibly.
limit of error In an instrument or control
device, the maximum error over the entire
scale or range of use under specific condi-
tions.
limit of measurement In any instrument or
measurement system, the smallest value of
the measured quantity that can be accurately
indicated or recorded.
limit priority A priority specification that is
associated with every task in a multitask
operation. It represents the highest dispatch-
ing priority that the task may assign to itself
or to any of its subtasks.
limits The prescribed maximum and mini-
mum values of a dimension or other
attribute.
limits of error The tolerance band for the
thermoelectric response of thermocouple
wire. It is expressed in degrees or percentage,
as defined by ISA-MC96.1-1982.
limit switch 1. An electromechanical device
that is positioned to be actuated when a cer-
tain motion limit is reached. 2. A nonstand-
ard term for "position switch." See position
switch. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
Lindemann electrometer An electrometer in
which a metallized quartz fiber is mounted
on a quartz torsion fiber perpendicular to its
axis. The metallized quartz fiber is posi-
tioned within a system of electrodes to pro-
duce a visual indication of electric potential.
line [Comp] 1. In word processing, a string of
characters that terminates with a vertical tab,
form feed, line feed, or carriage return.
[Comm] 2. A data transmission link. [Mfg] 3.
In process plants, a collection of one or more
associated units and equipment modules,
arranged in serial and/or parallel paths, that
are used to make a complete batch of mate-
rial or finished product. See also production
line or train.
lineal-scale length The distance from one
end of an instrument scale to the other, mea-
sured along the arc if the scale is curved or
circular.
line driver A signal converter that conditions
the digital signal transmitted by the RS-232
line feed / linearity, independent
interface in order to ensure reliable transmis-
sion beyond the 50-100-ft. limit recom-
mended for RS-232.
line feed A control character that is normally
used to command a printer to skip to the
next line.
line mixer See flow mixer.
line power The main power source supplied
by a power company or the central generator
of a self-sufficient site. It is the U.S. equiva-
lent of what is called "mains" in the United
Kingdom. See mains.
line pressure See reference pressure.
line printer A computer printer that operates
on a line-by-line (rather than character-by-
character) basis for high-speed systems.
line regulation In power supplies, a change
in the value of DC output voltage resulting
from a change in AC input over a specified
range, from low line to high line. Line regula-
tion is normally specified as a plus or minus
change of nominal AC input voltage.
line replaceable unit (LRU) An avionics
equipment module that is packaged in such
a way as to be rapidly replaceable on the
flight line.
line spacing, line depth, line feed In the
typographical composition of screen dis-
plays and printing, the distance from the
baselines of two lines of typed text.
line spectrum The spectrum of a complex
wave that consists of several components
with discrete frequencies.
line, train See train. [ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995]
line turnaround In digital communication,
the reversing of the transmission direction
from the sender to the receiver or vice versa
when a half-duplex circuit is used.
linear The type of relationship that exists
between two variables when the ratio of the
value of one variable to the corresponding
value of the other is constant over the entire
range of possible values.
linear actuator A device for converting
power into linear motion.
linear characteristic An inherent flow charac-
teristic that can be represented by a straight
line on a rectangular plot of flow coefficient
(Cv or Kv) versus rated travel. Therefore,
equal increments of travel provide equal
increments of flow coefficient (Cv or Kv).
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
linear circuit A circuit that handles signals
that vary in proportion to their value and/or
where the input and output have a propor-
tional relationship.
linear control system A control system in
which the transfer function between the con-
290
trolled condition and the command signal is
independent of the amplitude of the com-
mand signal.
linear editing In video development, a pro-
cess central to the old paradigm of using
tape: editing from data stored on media that
is not instantly accessible because of the con-
tinuous and linear layout of the data. This
lack of instant accessibility means linear edit-
ing is slower than nonlinear editing.
linearity 1. The closeness of a calibration
curve to a specified straight line. Note: Lin-
earity is expressed as the maximum devia-
tion of any calibration point on a specified
straight line, during any one calibration
cycle. It is expressed as "within ± percent
of full scale output." [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
2. The closeness to which a curve approxi-
mates a straight line. Note 1: Linearity is usu-
ally measured as a nonlinearity and
expressed as linearity, for example, a maxi-
mum deviation between an average curve
and a straight line. The average curve is
determined after making two or more full-
range traverses in each direction. The value
of linearity is referred to the output unless
otherwise stated. Note 2: As a performance
specification, linearity should be expressed
as "independent linearity," "terminal-based
linearity," or "zero-based linearity." When
expressed simply as linearity it is assumed to
be independent linearity. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-
1979 (R1993)] 3. A characteristic of a device
or system that can be described by a linear
differential equation with constant coeffi-
cients. [ISA-26-1968] 4. The closeness to
which a curve relating to two variables
approximates a straight line. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000] 5. The nearness with which
the plot of a signal or other variable plotted
against a prescribed linear scale approxi-
mates a straight line. [ANSI/ISA 77.44.01-
2000; ANSI/ISA 77.44.02-2001]
linearity, differential Any two adjacent digi-
tal codes should result in measured output
values that are exactly 1 LSB (least significant
bit) apart. Any deviation of the measured
"step" from the ideal difference is called "dif-
ferential nonlinearity" and expressed in mul-
tiples of 1 LSB.
linearity, end-point Linearity that is referred
to the end-point line. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
linearity, independent 1. The maximum
deviation of the calibration curve (i.e., the
average of upscale and downscale readings)
from a straight line that is positioned so as to
minimize the maximum deviation. [ANSI/
ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)] 2. Linearity that is
 linearity, least-squares / linear variable differential transformer
referred to the best straight line. [ISA-37.1-
1975 (R1982)]
linearity, least-squares Linearity that is
referred to the least-squares line. [ISA-37.1-
1975 (R1982)]
linearity, terminal Linearity that is referred
to the terminal line. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
linearity, terminal-based The maximum
deviation of the calibration curve (i.e., the
average of the upscale and downscale read-
ings) from a straight line that coincides with
a calibration curve at upper- and lower-
range values. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
linearity, theoretical slope Linearity that is
referred to the theoretical slope. [ISA-37.1-
1975 (R1982)]
linearity, zero-based The maximum devia-
tion of the calibration curve (i.e., the average
of the upscale and downscale readings) from
a straight line that is positioned so as to coin-
cide with the calibration curve at the lower
range-value and to minimize the maximum
deviation. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
linearity of a turbine flowmeter The maxi-
mum percentage deviation from the average
sensitivity (K) across the linear range. [ISA-
RP31.1-1977]
linearity range of a turbine flowmeter The
flow range over which the output frequency
is proportional to flow (constant K factor)
within the limits of the specified linearity.
[ISA-RP31.1-1977]
linearization The process of converting a
nonlinear (nonstraight line) response into a
linear response.
linear meter An instrument whose indicated
output is proportional to the quantity being
measured.
291
linear optimization See linear programming
(LP).
linear polarization The polarization of an
electromagnetic wave in which the electric
field vector points in only a single direction.
linear position sensing detector An optical
detector that can measure the position of a
light spot along its length.
linear potentiometer A variable resistance
device whose effective resistance is a linear
function of the position of a control arm or
other adjustment. Most often, the device is
constructed so that a single length of straight
or coiled wire whose resistance varies uni-
formly along its length is in contact with a
shoe or similar sliding member. Effective
resistance is varied by connecting the circuit
to one end of the wire and to the shoe and
then varying the position of the shoe. The
use of a wire-wound resistor, thin film, or
printed circuit element allows greater volt-
age drop per unit length along the potenti-
ometer, and therefore stronger and more
useful output signals.
linear power supply Also known as "series
pass power supply." The most commonly
used power supply design. It consists of a
transformer, rectifiers, and filter capacitors,
followed by a pass element that varies the
voltage drop so as to maintain constant out-
put voltage. Linear power supply provides
the best performance in regulation, ripple,
transient response, output impedance, and
cost, but is larger, heavier, and has lower effi-
ciency than other power supplies.
linear programming (LP) The analysis or
solution of problems in which the linear
function of a number of variables is to be
maximized or minimized and when those
variables are subject to several constants in
the form of linear inequalities.
linear-quadratic-Gaussian problem An opti-
mal-state regulator problem that contains
Gaussian noise in both the state and mea-
surement equations and in which the
expected value of the quadratic performance
index is to be minimized. Abbreviated as
"LQG problem." It is the workhorse of opti-
mal control theory.
linear system See system, linear.
linear transducer A type of transducer for
which a plot of input signal level versus out-
put signal level is a straight line.
linear variable differential transformer
(LVDT) A type of position sensor that con-
sists of a central primary coil and two sec-
ondary coils wound on the same core. A
moving-iron element that is linked to a
linear variable reluctance transducer / Link Master
mechanical member induces changes in self-
induction that are directly proportional to
the movement of the member. See linear vari-
able reluctance transformer (LVDT).
linear variable reluctance transducer
(LVRT) A type of position sensor that con-
sists of a center-tapped coil and an opposing
moving coil attached to a linear probe. The
winding is continuous over the length of the
core, instead of being segmented as in an lin-
ear variable differential transformer (LVDT).
The chief disadvantage of an LVRT is that the
overall length must be at least double the
stroke, whereas its chief advantage is its
excellent linearity over an effective stroke up
to 24 in. (610 mm). See linear variable differen-
tial transformer (LVDT).
linear velocity A vector quantity whose mag-
nitude is expressed in units of length per unit
time and whose direction is invariant. If the
direction varies in circular fashion with time,
the quantity is known as "angular" or "rota-
tional velocity." If it varies along a fluctuat-
ing or noncircular path the quantity is
known as "curvilinear velocity."
line-class valve A valve that is qualified by
its design characteristics to be used as the
first valve off the process line.
lined body A body that has a lining that
makes an interference fit with the disk in the
closed position, thus establishing a seal.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
lined valve body A valve body in which a coat-
ing or liner has been applied to internal sur-
faces to provide protection against
corrosion/erosion or for flow shutoff.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
liner, slip-in An annular-shaped liner that
makes a slight interference fit with the body
bore and may be readily forced into position
through the body end. Slip-in liners may be
plain or reinforced. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-
2000]
lining The material used on the furnace side
of a furnace wall. It is usually of high-grade
292
refractory tile or brick or plastic refractory
material.
link 1. Any specified relationship between
two nodes in some network. A communica-
tions path between two nodes. 2. A link is the
logical medium by which H1 Fieldbus
devices are interconnected. It is composed of
one or more physical segments that are inter-
connected by bus repeaters or couplers. All
of the devices on a link share a common
schedule, which is administered by that
link's current Link Active Scheduler (LAS).
Link Active Scheduler (LAS) A determinis-
tic, centralized bus scheduler that maintains
a list of transmission times for all the data
buffers in all the devices that need to be cycli-
cally transmitted. Only one Link Master
(LM) device on an H1 Fieldbus link can be
functioning as that link's LAS.
linkage [Comp] 1. A technique for providing
interconnections between routines. [Eng] 2.
A mechanism consisting of bars, slides, piv-
ots, and rotating members that transfers
motion from one part of a machine to
another.
linkage editor A computer program that pro-
duces a load module by transforming object
modules into a format that is acceptable to
fetch. It also combines separately produced
object modules and previously processed
load modules into a single load module and
resolves symbolic cross references among
them. A linkage editor also replaces, deletes,
and adds control sections automatically on
request, and provides overlay facilities for
modules that request them.
linked list In data processing, a method for
organizing data so they are retrievable in an
order that is not always the same as the order
in which the data are stored.
linker A computer program that binds
together independently assembled pro-
grams. The program is developed in mod-
ules, which are then linked together to form
the whole.
link layer Layer 2 of an OSI reference model.
See data link layer (DLL).
link library A generally accessible parti-
tioned computer data set. Unless otherwise
specified, it is used in fetching load modules
that are referred to in execute (EXEC) state-
ments and in attach, link, load, and transfer
control (XCTL) macro instructions.
Link Master (LM) A Link Master (LM) is any
device that contains Link Active Scheduler
(LAS) functionality and can control commu-
nications on an H1 Fieldbus link. An H1 link
 link objects / liquid-pressure recovery factor
must have at least one LM. One of those LM
devices will be elected to serve as LAS.
link objects Contains information to link
function block (FB) input/output (I/O)
parameters in the same device and between
different devices. The link object links
directly to a virtual communication relation-
ship (VCR). See virtual communication rela-
tionship (VCR).
link(s) In the context of the Internet, links are
highlighted (with underlines, color, etc.)
words in a hypertext document that act as
pointers to more information on that specific
subject. A mouse click on them can transport
the user to another Web site.
link segment In data communications, an
electronically continuous piece of bus that
consists of the same cable with only two
devices in point-to-point configuration. Also
called inter-repeater link.
Linux A UNIX-based operating system for
PCs. Linux was devised by Linus Torvalds. It
is a relatively compact, highly reliable open
system.
liquid, combustible A liquid that has a flash
point at or above 100°F (37.8°C). Combustible
liquids are subdivided as follows: (a) Class II
liquids include those with flash points at or
above 37.8°C (100°F) and below 60°C (140°F);
(b) Class MA liquids include those with flash
points at or above 60°C (140°F) and below
93°C (200°F), and (c) Class IIIB liquids
include those with flash points at or above
93°C (200°F). Note: For additional informa-
tion, refer to NFPA 325. Note that these
classes have no relation to the hazardous
location classes. [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999]
liquid barometer A simple device for mea-
suring atmospheric pressure. It can be con-
structed by filling a glass tube having one
closed end with a liquid such as mercury,
then temporarily plugging the open end. The
tube is then inverted into a container that is
partly filled with the liquid and the open end
unplugged. If the liquid is mercury the tube
must be at least 30 in. (76.2 mm) long. Liq-
uids of different densities require tubes of
different lengths.
liquid combustible, Class II A liquid that
has a flash point at or above 100°F (37.8°C)
and below 140°F (60°C). See NFPA 321.
[ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999]
liquid combustible, Class IIIA A liquid that
has a flash point at or above 140°F (60°C) and
below 200°F (93°C). See NFPA 321. [ANSI/
ISA-12.01.01-1999]
293
liquid combustible, Class IIIB A liquid that
has a flash point at or above 200°F (93°C). See
NFPA 321. [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999]
liquid-cooled dissipator See cold plate.
liquid crystal display (LCD) A type of digi-
tal display device. Specifically, a reflective
visual readout of alphanumeric characters
that can generally be divided into two types:
passive-matrix displays (PMLCDs) and
active-matrix displays (AMLCDs). The
names of these two types refer to how the
pixels in the display are controlled. See pas-
sive-matrix liquid crystal displays (PMLCDs)
and active-matrix liquid crystal displays (AML-
CDs).
liquid crystal light valve A device that is
used in optical processing to convert an inco-
herent light image into a coherent light
image.
liquid-filled thermometer Any of several
designs of temperature-measurement
devices that depend for their operation on
the predictable change in volume with tem-
perature of a liquid medium confined in a
closed system.
liquid knockout See impingement.
liquid-level control A device for sensing and
regulating the position of a liquid surface
within a vessel.
liquid-level manometer A differential-pres-
sure gauge in which the reading is obtained
by viewing the change in level of one or both
of the free surfaces of a liquid column that
spans both gauge legs.
liquid-metal embrittlement A decrease in
the strength or ductility of a solid metal
caused by contact with a liquid metal.
liquid pressure recovery factor (FL) The
square root of the ratio of the actual pressure
differential across a valve to the pressure dif-
ferential to the vena contracta under nonva-
porizing conditions and without attached
fittings. It is used to predict choked flow of
liquids. See ISA-75.01-1985 (R1995), "Flow
Equations for Sizing Control Valves," and
ANSI/ISA-75.02-1996, "Control Valve
Capacity Test Procedures." [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
liquid-pressure recovery factor The ratio (F1)
of the valve flow coefficient (Cv), which is
based on the pressure drop at the vena con-
tracta, to the usual valve flow coefficient (Cv),
which is based on the overall pressure drop
across the valve in nonvaporizing liquid ser-
vice. These coefficients compare with the ori-
fice-metering coefficients of discharge for
vena contracta taps and pipe taps, respec-
tively. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
LISP / load
LISP List processing language. A computer
language created by John McCarthy that uses
a data type list as its basic element. Many
artificial intelligence applications are written
in LISP.
LISP (From "LISt Processing language.") An
interpretive language that was developed to
manipulate symbolic strings of recursive
data. LIPS can also be used to manipulate
mathematical and arithmetic logic.
Lissajous figure A pattern on an oscilloscope
screen that indicates the relative phase and
magnitude of sinusoidal signals. [ISA-26-
1968]
list An ordered set of items that is contained
within an electronic memory in such a way
that only two items are readily addressable
by a program. These items are the earliest
appended (beginning item) and the most
recently appended (ending item). Items
stored into the list are "appended" to it fol-
lowing the ending item. Items read from the
list are "removed." A list is the same as
push-up list.
listed Equipment or materials that are
included in a list published by an organiza-
tion such as Universal Laboratories that eval-
uates products. Such organizations
periodically inspect the production of listed
equipment or materials and publish lists that
state either that the equipment or materials
meet appropriate standards or have been
tested and found suitable for use in the spec-
ified manner. See labeled. [ANSI/ISA-
12.01.01-1999; ANSI/ISA-RP12.6-1995]
listing The hard copy that is generated by a
line printer. The term may also refer to a
visual display on a CRT that is generated in
lieu of hard copy.
list processing A method for processing data
in the form of lists. Usually, chained lists are
used so that the logical order of items can be
changed without altering their physical loca-
tion.
liter Also spelled "litre." Abbreviated l. The
SI unit of volume. It equals 0.001 m 3 or 1.057
quarts.
literal An element of a programming lan-
guage that permits character strings in
expressions and command and function ele-
ments to be represented explicitly. In most
languages, a literal element is enclosed in
either single or double quotation marks to
denote that the enclosed string is to be taken
"literally" and not evaluated.
litmus A blue, water-soluble powder derived
from lichens and used as an acid-base indica-
294
tor. It is blue at pH 8.3 and above and red at
pH 4.5 and below.
live front An assembly arrangement in
which all moving or energized parts are
exposed on the front of the panel, frame-
work, or cabinet.
live loading A type of sealing system that
incorporates a spring element that is capable
of providing a sufficient load over a range of
motion. Its purpose is to compensate for
thermal expansion, wear, or the consolida-
tion of packing or gaskets. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
live object In the context of the Internet, a
term coined by Netscape to describe "plug-
ins," that is, applications that enable the
browser to play image files, videos, and
sound files as an inline part of a Web page.
live part A part that is considered capable of
rendering an electric shock.
live room An enclosed space that is charac-
terized by an unusually small capacity for
absorbing sound.
live steam Steam that has not performed any
of the work for which it was generated.
live zone See zone, live.
LIW Loss in weight. A loss that is generally
measured in processes that create change in
the density of a product or the volume of a
product in some vessel during operations on
the product.
LLC Link Layer Control. Also called Logical
Link Control and Link Level Control. A pro-
tocol developed by the IEEE 802 committee
for data-link level transmission control. LLC
addresses distinguish between different
applications within the same station. This
protocol includes end-system addressing
and error checking.
LLSAP Link Layer Service Access Point.
Refers to an ISO model for digital communi-
cation. The access point is different for par-
ticular applications in specific stations.
L network An electronic network that is com-
posed of two branches in series. The junction
and the free end of one branch is connected
to one pair of terminals, and the free ends of
both branches are connected to another pair
of terminals.
load 1. An electrical device that is connected
to the output terminals. [ISA-RP55.1-1975
(R1983)] 2. To connect a signal-receiving
device to the output terminals of a signal
source. [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)] 3. The rate
of output. [ISA-77.41-1992] 4. To store a com-
puter program or data into memory. 5. To
mount a magnetic tape onto a device so the
read point is at the beginning of the tape. 6.
 load-and-go / local area network (LAN)
To place a removable disk in a disk drive and
start the drive. 7. The amount of force that is
applied to a structural member in service. 8.
The quantity of parts placed in a furnace,
oven, or other piece of process equipment. 9.
The quantity or mass of bulk material placed
in a hopper, railcar, or truck. 10. The power
demand on an electrical distribution system.
11. The amount of power that is needed to
start or maintain motion in a power-driven
machine. 12. The term process load denotes
the nominal values of all variables in a pro-
cess that affect the controlled variable. 13. In
an electric power circuit, the resistive and
reactive components that comprise the
device that is being powered by the circuit.
14. In a physical structure, the externally
applied force, or the sum of the external
forces and the weight of the structure borne
by a single member or by the entire structure.
15. A device that receives power or the
power that is delivered to such a device, as in
the rate of output, lb/hr (kg/s) of steam, or
megawatts (kilowatts) of electrical genera-
tions. [ANSI/ISA-77.13.01-1999]
load-and-go In data processing, an automatic
coding procedure that not only compiles the
program, creating machine language, but
also proceeds to execute the created pro-
gram. Load- and-go procedures are usually
part of a monitor.
load cell A transducer for measuring force or
weight. Its action is based on strain gauges
mounted within the cell on a force beam.
Load Cell Strain Gage Circuit
load circuit A circuit or a branch of a network
that carries the main portion of current flow.
loaded line A telephone line that is equipped
with loading coils that minimizes amplitude
distortion by adding inductance.
load factor The ratio of the average load in a
given period to the maximum load carried
during that period.
295
load impedance The impedance that is pre-
sented to the output terminals of a trans-
ducer by the associated external circuitry.
[ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)] See also impedance,
load.
loading 1. The system that is connected to the
output of a device, including the transmis-
sion network. [ISA-26-1968] 2. A buildup of
material along the cutting edge of a bit or
other tool. Similarly, the buildup of grinding
debris on the working face of a grinding
wheel or abrasive disk.
loading error An error that is caused by the
effect of the load impedance on the trans-
ducer output. Note: In the case of force trans-
ducers, the term loading has been applied to
the application of force. [ISA-37.1-1975
(R1982)]
loading point The location at which material
to be conveyed is applied to the conveyor.
[ISA-RP74.01-1984]
load module A program that has been pre-
pared in a format and is ready for loading
and executing.
load point The point near the beginning of
magnetic tape, at which the computer can
start to record data.
load reactor A device that generates a signal
that is proportional to the force imposed
upon it by the load sensor. [ISA-RP74.01-
1984]
load regulation The change in output (usu-
ally speed or voltage) from no load to full
load (or other specified load limits). Note:
Load regulation may be expressed as the per-
centage ratio of the change from no load to
full load divided by the no-load value.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)] See offset.
load resistance The load resistance is the sum
of the resistances of all connected receivers
and the connection lines. [ANSI/ISA-50.1-
19982 (R1992)]
load sensor See weigh carriage. Also called a
"load-receiving element."
load sharing In communication systems, the
distribution of a given load among several
computers on a network.
LOC Lines of code. Lines of executable com-
puter programming.
local The location of an instrument that is
neither in or on a panel or console nor
mounted in a control room. Local instru-
ments are commonly in the vicinity of a pri-
mary element or a final control element. The
term field is often used synonymously with
local. [ANSI/ISA-5.1-1984 (R1992)]
local area network (LAN) 1. A communica-
tions mechanism by which computers and
local control unit (LCU) / logarithm
peripherals in a limited geographical area
can be connected. LANs provide a physical
channel of a moderate to high data rate (1 to
20 Mbit) that has a consistently low error rate
(typically 10-9). 2. The connecting of several
data processing machines that can share pro-
grams, data files, and printers.
Typical Industrial Plant LAN
local control unit (LCU) A control device
that performs closed-loop control and inter-
faces directly with the process.
local line, local loop A channel that connects
the subscriber's equipment to the central
office line-terminating equipment.
local oscillator An oscillator whose output is
combined with another frequency in order to
generate a sum or difference frequency.
Either the sum or difference frequency may
be easier to amplify and use, as in a superhet-
erodyne receiver.
local panel A panel that is not a central or
main panel. Local panels are commonly in
the vicinity of plant subsystems or subareas.
The term local panel instrument should not be
confused with local instrument. [ ANSI/ISA-
5.1-1984 (R1992)]
local processing unit A field station that con-
sists of input/output circuitry and the main
processor. These devices measure analog and
discrete inputs, convert these inputs into
engineering units, perform analog and logi-
cal calculations (including control calcula-
tions) on these inputs, and provide both
analog and discrete (digital) outputs.
local reference A copper bar, mounted on the
cabinets of a subsystem, that becomes the
signal reference point for the entire sub-
system. All power commons and signal com-
mons of a subsystem are tied to the local
reference. Each local reference is tied to the
master reference, by a separate wire.
location An address in computer storage or
memory where a unit of data or an instruc-
tion can be stored.
296
location, hazardous (classified) That portion
of a plant where flammable or combustible
liquids, vapors, gases, or dusts may be
present in the air in large enough quantities
to produce explosive or ignitible mixtures.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
location counter 1. In data processing, the
control-section register that contains the
address of the instruction currently being
executed. 2. A register in which the address
of the current instruction is recorded. Synon-
ymous with "instruction counter" and "pro-
gram address counter."
lock 1. In a forging, lock means having the
flash line in more than one plane. 2. A device
for securing a door, drawer, or hatch that fea-
tures a movable bolt, which is operated by a
key. 3. To prevent a movable part from mov-
ing; to seize.
locked-in liner In a butterfly valve body, a
liner that is retained in the body bore by a
key ring or other means.
lock-in A sequence feature that retains the
alarm state until acknowledged, when the
abnormal process condition is momentary.
[ANSI/ISA-18.1-1979 (R1992)]
lock-in amplifier An amplifier that selects
signals at one prespecified frequency and
amplifies them, while discriminating against
signals at other frequencies.
locking Pertaining to code extension charac-
ters that change the interpretation of an
unspecified number of the characters that
follow. Contrast with non-locking.
lockout Any condition that prevents any or
all senders or receivers from communicating.
lock-step A method for synchronizing a
mixed-signal simulation system in which
each simulator progresses one time step and
passes all interacting signals to the other sim-
ulator.
locomotive boiler A horizontal fire-tube
boiler that has an internal furnace. The rear
of this furnace is a tube sheet that is directly
attached to a shell that contains tubes
through which the products of combustion
leave the furnace.
log 1. A record of everything that is pertinent
to a machine run. These include the identifi-
cation of the machine run, a record of alter-
ation switch settings, the identification of
input and output tapes, a copy of manual
key-ins, the identification of all stops, and a
record of the action taken on all stops. 2. To
record occurrences in a chronological
sequence.
logarithm The real-valued function log u,
which is defined by log u = v, if ev = u, with e v
 logarithmic amplifier / logical product
denoting the exponential function. Also
known as "hyperbolic logarithm," "Nape-
rian logarithm," and "natural logarithm."
logarithmic amplifier An amplifier whose
output is a logarithmic function of its input.
logarithmic decrement In an exponentially
damped oscillation, the natural logarithm of
the ratio of one peak value to the next succes-
sive peak value in the same direction.
logger A device that automatically records
physical processes and events, usually chro-
nologically.
logic 1. A means for solving complex prob-
lems through the repeated use of simple
functions, which define basic concepts. Basic
logic functions include "AND," "OR,"
"NOT," and the like. 2. The science that deals
with the criteria or formal principles of rea-
soning and thought. 3. The systematic
scheme that defines the interactions of sig-
nals in the design of an automatic data pro-
cessing system. 4. The basic principles and
application of truth tables as well as the
interconnection between logical elements
that are required for arithmetic computation
in an automatic data processing system.
Related to symbolic logic.
logical block An arbitrarily defined, fixed
number of contiguous bytes. A logical block
is used as the standard I/O transfer unit
throughout a computer operating system.
For example, the commonly used logical
block in PDP-11 systems is 512 bytes long.
An I/O device is treated as if its block length
is 512 bytes, although a device's actual (phys-
ical) block length may be different. Logical
blocks on a device are numbered from block
0 consecutively up to the last block on the
volume.
logical circuit See virtual circuit.
logical connectives The computer operators
or words, such as and, or, or else, if then, nei-
ther, nor, and except, that make new expres-
sions from given expressions. These
connectives have the property that the truth
or falsity of the new expressions can be cal-
culated both from the truth or falsity of the
given expressions and from the logical mean-
ing of the operator.
logical decision 1. The choice or the ability to
choose between alternatives. Basically, a logi-
cal decision amounts to an ability to answer
yes or no with respect to certain fundamental
questions involving equality and relative
magnitude. 2. The utilization of a logic
instruction.
logical device name An alphanumeric name
that is assigned by a user to represent a phys-
297
ical device. The name can be used synony-
mously with the physical device name in all
references to the device. Logical device
names are used in device-independent sys-
tems to enable a program to refer to a logical
device name that can be assigned to a physi-
cal device at run time.
logical difference All elements that belong to
Class A but not to Class B, when two classes
of elements, Class A and Class B, are given.
logical element The smallest building block
in a computer or data processing system that
can be represented by logical operators in an
appropriate system of symbolic logic. Typical
logical elements are the AND gate and the
OR gate, which can be represented as opera-
tors in a suitable symbolic logic.
logical expression A logical expression con-
sists of logical constants, variables, array ele-
ments, function references, and
combinations of those operands separated by
logical operators and parentheses.
logical link control (LLC) The upper sub-
layer of the data link layer (Layer 2), which is
used by all types of IEEE 802 local area net-
works (LANs). LLC provides a common set
of services and interfaces to higher-layer pro-
tocols. There are three types of services: Type
1, Connectionless; Type 2, Connection Ori-
ented; and Type 3, Acknowledged Connec-
tionless. Type 1, Connectionless, is a set of
services that permit peer entities to transmit
data to each other without establishing con-
nections. Type 1 service is used by both Man-
ufacturing Automation Protocol (MAP) and
Technical Office Protocol (TOP). Type 2, Con-
nection Oriented, is a set of services that per-
mit peer entities to establish, use, and
terminate connections with each other so as
to transmit data. Type 3, Acknowledged
Connectionless, is a set of services that per-
mit a peer entity to send messages that
require immediate response to another peer
entity. This class of service can also be used
for polled (master-slave) operation.
logical operation 1. An operation in which
logical (yes or no) quantities form the ele-
ments being operated on, for example, AND,
OR. 2. The operations of logical shifting,
masking, and other nonarithmetic operations
of a computer. Contrast with arithmetic opera-
tion.
logical operator See logical connectives.
logical port A port that is specifically defined
by a name (such as COM1, COM2, etc.) with-
out a strictly defined physical port.
logical product Same as "AND." See AND.
logical record / loop
logical record A logical unit of data within a
file whose length is defined by the user and
whose contents have significance to the user.
A group of related fields that is treated as a
unit.
logical sum A result, similar to an arithmetic
sum, that is obtained through the process of
ordinary addition. However, the rules are
such that a result of one (1) is obtained when
either one or both input variables is a one (1),
and an output of zero (0) is obtained when
the input variables are both zero (0). The log-
ical sum is the name given the result that is
produced by the inclusive OR operator.
logical unit number A number that is associ-
ated with a physical device unit during a
task's I/O operations. Each task in the sys-
tem can establish its own correspondence
between logical unit numbers and physical
device units.
logical variable A variable that may have
only the value "true" or "false." Also called a
"Boolean variable."
logic analyzer 1. An instrument that stimu-
lates digital circuits with input signals and
displays the timing of the circuit's response.
2. A device that is used to analyze the logical
operation of a microcomputer. 3. A test
device that is used to debug digital systems.
logic cabinet A cabinet that contains logic
circuits and no visual displays. [ANSI/ISA-
18.1-1979 (R1992)]
logic circuit An electronic circuit that exclu-
sively handles discrete-level (on/off) signals.
The term is usually applied to circuits that
perform combination logic functions.
logic design The specification of the working
relations between the parts of a computer
system in terms of symbolic logic and with-
out primary regard for hardware implemen-
tation.
logic diagram 1. In data processing, a dia-
gram that represents a logic design and
sometimes the hardware implementation. 2.
A method for graphically representing a
logic operation or set of operations.
logic gate A device that takes binary bits as
input and produces an output bit to some
specification.
log in See log on.
logic instruction A computer instruction that
executes an operation that is defined in sym-
bolic logic, such as AND, OR, and NOR.
logic integrity test (LIT) A specified set of
test vectors that consists of a logic stimulus
and the expected response over an interval of
time.
298
logic levels An electrical convention for rep-
resenting logic states. For transistor/transis-
tor logic (Title) systems, the logic levels are
nominally 5 V for logic 1 and 0 V for logic 0.
logic network In data processing, an arrange-
ment of logic gates designed to achieve spe-
cific outputs.
logic probe An instrument that is used to
probe logic circuitry in order to evaluate dig-
ital signal patterns.
logic solver E/E/PES components or sub-
systems that execute the application logic.
Electronic and programmable electronics
include input/output modules. See electrical/
electronic/programmable electronic systems (E/
E/PES). [ANSI/ISA-84.01-1996]
logic system Decision-making logic equip-
ment, including its associated power sup-
plies, I/O hardware, and sensing devices.
[ANSI/ISA-77.13.01-1999]
log on In data processing, to enter into or
sign onto a system or network.
log out, log off In data processing, to exit
from a computer system or network.
long flame burner A burner in which the fuel
emerges with an extended flame, or one in
which the air for combustion is admitted in
such a way that the two do not readily mix,
which produces a comparatively long flame.
longitudinal drum boiler A sectional header
or box header boiler in which the axis on the
horizontal drum or drums is parallel to the
tubes in a vertical plane.
longitudinal interference See common mode
interference.
longitudinal redundancy check (LRC) 1. A
system of error control that is based on the
formulation of a block check that follows
preset rules. The check formation rule is
applied in the same manner to each charac-
ter. 2. An error-detection scheme that consists
of a byte wherein each bit is calculated on the
basis of the parity of all the bits in the block
that have the same power of two (i.e., the
same position in each byte of the block).
longitudinal wave A wave in which the
medium is displaced in a direction that is
perpendicular to the wave front at all points
along the wave.
look-up table The same as "table." See table.
Not to be confused with the verb form, "table
look up." See table look up.
loop [Cont] 1. A combination of one or more
interconnected instruments that are arranged
to measure and/or control a process vari-
able. [ISA-67.02.01-1999; ANSI/ISA-5.1-1984
(R1992)] 2. All the parts of a control system:
the process, sensor(s), transmitter(s), the con-
 loop, closed (feedback loop) / loudness level
trailer, and the final control element. 3. Syn-
onymous with control loop. See closed loop and
open loop. 4. The doubled part of a cord, wire,
rope, or cable. A bight or noose. 5. A com-
plete hydraulic, electric, magnetic, or pneu-
matic circuit. 6. A length of magnetic tape or
motion picture film that has been spliced
together, end to end, so it can be played
repeatedly without interruption. [Comp 7. In
data processing, a closed sequence of instruc-
tions that are repeated. 8. A sequence of
instructions that is executed repeatedly until
a terminal condition prevails. 9. In a comput-
ing program, a sequence of instructions that
is written only once but executes many times
(iterates) until some predefined condition is
met. 10. In computing, instructions that actu-
ally perform the primary function of a loop,
as distinguished from loop initialization,
modification, and testing.
loop, closed (feedback loop) A signal path
that includes a forward path, a feedback
path, and a summing point and that forms a
closed circuit. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
loop, feedback See loop, closed (feedback loop).
loop, open A signal path without feedback.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
loopback A type of diagnostic test in which
the transmitted signal is returned to the
sending device after it passes through all or
part of the data communications link or net-
work. This enables the returned signal to be
compared with the transmitted signal.
loop diagram A schematic representation of a
complete hydraulic, electric, magnetic, or
pneumatic circuit.
loop gain The product of the gains of all the
elements in a loop. See also gain, loop.
loop-gain characteristics In process instru-
mentation, of a closed loop, the characteristic
curve of the ratio of the change in the return
signal to the change in the corresponding
error signal for all real frequencies. [ANSI/
ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
loop identification 1. A first letter and a num-
ber that identifies an instrument loop. Each
instrument within a loop has assigned to it the
same loop number and, in the case of parallel
numbering, the same first letter. 2. Each
instrument loop has a unique loop identifica-
tion.
loop (initialization) The instructions that
immediately precede the loop proper. They
set addresses, counters, or data to initial val-
ues.
loop modification The instructions of a loop
that alter instruction addresses, counters, or
data.
299
loop testing The instructions of a loop that
determine whether the loop is complete.
loop transfer function Of a closed loop, the
transfer function that is obtained by taking
the ratio of the Laplace transform of the
return signal to the Laplace transform of its
corresponding error signal. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-
1979 (R1993)]
loose stem A design in which the stem is not
physically or mechanically attached to the
ball, but drives the ball through intimate con-
tact of surfaces. Typical loose stem drives
include tang, pin, and splined. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
loran A navigation aid that consists of
long-range pulsed radio waves. The posi-
tions are determined by measuring the time
of arrival of synchronized pulses and then
finding the intersection of position lines as
determined from signals transmitted by two
or more fixed transmitters.
LOSC Londonderry Occupational Safety
Centre (United Kingdom). A British certifica-
tion and testing laboratory for testing the
equipment of different vendors to some com-
mon standard.
loss 1. The reduction of signal level as the sig-
nal passes along a signal channel. 2. The dis-
sipation of power, which reduces the
efficiency of a machine or system. 3. The dis-
sipation of material or energy because of
leakage.
lossless A digital data technique that reduces
the size of the file without sacrificing any of
the original data. This tool allows the
expanded or restored file to be the exact rep-
lica of the original file before compression.
lossy compression A digital data compres-
sion technique in which some data is deliber-
ately discarded so as to achieve massive
reductions in the size of the compressed file.
lost cluster A group of one or more disk sec-
tors that are not available for storing data.
lot A unique amount of material sharing a set
of common traits. Note: Examples of com-
mon traits include the source of the material,
the master recipe that was used to produce
the material, and distinct physical properties.
[ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995]
loudness The relative auditory intensity of a
sound wave.
loudness level A measurement of sound
intensity. It is numerically equal to the sound
pressure, in decibels, relative to 0.0002
microbar, of a simple tone whose frequency
is 1,000 Hz and is judged by the listeners to
be equivalent in loudness. The units of mea-
loudspeaker / LS-TTL-compatible
sure determined in this way are called
"phons."
loudspeaker An electroacoustic transducer
that is usually constructed so as to effectively
radiate sound of varying frequencies into the
air.
low-alloy steel An iron-carbon alloy that
contains up to about 1 percent C and less
than 5 percent, by weight, of additional ele-
ments.
low brass A binary copper-zinc alloy that
contains about 20 percent zinc.
low-carbon steel An iron-carbon alloy that
contains about 0.05 to 0.25 percent C and up
to about 0.7 percent Mn.
low-draft switch A control for preventing the
operation of a burner if the draft is too low.
Used primarily with mechanical draft.
lowercase In the typographical composition
of screen displays and printing, the small let-
ters of a type face, as distinguished from the
capital letters.
lower explosive limit (LEL) See flammable
(explosive) limits. [ISA-12.01.01-1999]
lower flammable limit (LFL) See flammable
(explosive) limits. [ISA-12.01.01-1999]
lower limit 1. The lower limit of the signal
current is the current that corresponds to the
minimum value of the DC current signal.
[ANSI/ISA-50.1-1982 (R1992)] 2. The pneu-
matic signal that corresponds to the mini-
mum value of the transmitted input. 3. The
lowest value of the measured variable that a
device can be adjusted to measure.
lower range limit See range limit, lower.
lower range value See range value, lower.
low-fire start The firing of a burner with con-
trols in a low-fire position in order to provide
a safe operating condition during light-off.
low gas pressure switch A control for stop-
ping the burner if gas pressure is too low.
low head boiler A bent tube boiler that has
three drums with relatively short tubes in a
vertical plane.
low-heat value The high heating value minus
the latent heat of vaporization of the water
that is formed by burning the hydrogen in
the fuel.
low-level language A computer language
that consists of instructions that directly cor-
respond to machine-language instructions.
low limiting control See control, low limiting.
low oil temperature switch (cold oil
switch) A control for preventing the opera-
tion of a burner if the temperature of the oil
is too low.
low-order Pertaining to the weight or signifi-
cance that is assigned to the digits of a num-
300
ber. For example, in the number, 123456, the
low-order digit is six. One may refer to the
three low-order bits of a binary word, as
another example. See order.
low-pass filter A filter that passes frequen-
cies that are below its cut-off frequency with
little attenuation.
low-pass output filter (LPOF) In a subcarrier
discriminator, the filter that rejects subcarrier
components and all extraneous noise while
passing the frequencies that are known to
contain data.
low-pressure hot water and low-pressure
steam boiler A boiler that furnishes hot
water at pressures that do not exceed 160
pounds per square inch or at temperatures
not more than 250°F or furnishes steam at
pressures of not more than 15 pounds per
square inch.
low-resolution graphics In data processing,
the ability of a dot matrix printer to repro-
duce simple forms or pictures.
low-temperature hygrometry The measure-
ment of water vapor at low temperatures.
This form of hygrometry requires special
techniques because of the small amounts of
moisture that are typically present and
because of the unusual operating characteris-
tics of instruments at such temperatures.
Low Voltage Directive (LVD) Part of regula-
tions established in January 1997 for compa-
nies that sell electronic systems within the
European Economic Area, which is com-
prised of the European Union and the Euro-
pean Free Trade Association. Establishes
safety guidelines for electronic products that
operate at 50 volts or above so as to ensure
that customers can handle such products
safely (no exposed voltages or other hazards
that can cause injury).
low water cutoff A device for stopping the
burner when water conditions in the boiler
are unsafe.
LRC Longitudinal redundancy check. An
error-detecting scheme that consists of bits
calculated from odd and even parity for all
characters in a block.
LRDCT Linear rotary differential capacitive
transducer. A device that measures rotational
movement more precisely than do linear dif-
ferential transformers.
LSP Local set point. Of a process control
loop, a set point that is typically entered by
the control room operator.
LS-TTL-compatible Low-power Schottky-
transistor/transistor logic. For digital input
circuits, a logic 1 is obtained for inputs of 2.0
to 5.5 V which can source 20 mA and a logic

0 is obtained for inputs of 0 to 0.8 V which
can sink 400 mA. For digital output signals, a
logic 1 is represented by 2.4 to 5.5 V with a
current source capability of at least 400 mA;
and a logic 0 is represented by 0 to 0.6 V with
a current sink capability of at least 16 mA.
"LS" stands for low-power Schottky.
LU Logical unit. In systems network architec-
ture, a set of protocols that provide peer-to-
peer communication between applications.
LU 6.2 In systems network architecture, a set
of protocols that provide peer-to-peer com-
munication between applications.
lubricant ring A nonstandard valve term for
"lantern ring." See lantern ring.
lubricator A device for automatically apply-
ing lubricant.
lubricator isolating valve A manually oper-
ated valve that is used to isolate the packing
lubricator assembly from the packing box.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
lubricator packing box A packing arrange-
ment that consists of a lantern ring that has
packing rings above and below and that
makes provision for lubricating the packing.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
lug Any projection, like an ear, that is used
for supporting or grasping.
lugged body A thin annular section body that
has lug protrusions on the outside diameter
of the body. Its end surfaces mount between
the pipeline flanges or may be attached to the
end of a pipeline without any additional
flange or retaining parts, by using through-
bolting, tapped holes, or both. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
lumen A unit of measure for the flux or
power of light that is visible to the human
eye. The photometric equivalent of the watt.
luminance The luminous intensity of any sur-
face in a given direction per unit of projected
area in a plane perpendicular to that direction.
Formerly known as brightness.
luminosity Emissive power with respect to
visible radiation.
luminosity coefficients The constant multi-
pliers for the respective tristimulus values of
any color such that the sum of the three
products is the luminance of the color. See
tristimulus values.
luminous Emitting radiation in the form of
visible light.
luminous dial A dial or indicating scale and
pointer whose scale divisions, numerals, and
pointer are made of or coated with a
light-emitting substance such as luminous
paint so they can be seen in the dark. Com-
pare with lighted dial.
301
LU / LZW
luminous efficiency Luminous flux divided
by radiant flux.
luminous flux The amount of light that
passes a given point per unit time.
luminous intensity Luminous flux per unit
solid angle.
lumped-constant wavemeter A device for
determining frequency by using a tunable
resonant lumped-constant (LC) circuit cou-
pled to a crystal detector. The circuit gener-
ally utilizes plug-in coils of various
inductances and a continuously variable
capacitor that has a dial calibrated in fre-
quency.
lux A metric unit of illuminance.
LVDT Linear variable differential transformer;
linear velocity differential transformer. A
sensor for measuring rotational movement
as linear displacement.
LVHC Low volume, high concentration. Usu-
ally used in reference to a pollutant measure-
ment for EPA (U.S.) regulations.
LVIT Linear variable inductance transducer.
A linear measurement sensor that is based on
chemically etched planar coil technology.
LV-ROM "Laser video read-only memory."
Also, "LaserVision ROM," a product name
from Pioneer.
L-Z algorithm A loss less data compression
technique developed by two researchers
named Lempel and Ziv.
LZH Lempel-Ziv-Huffman. A method for
compressing data that can reconstruct data to
exactly its original form with no loss.
LZW Lempel-Ziv and Welch. Patented by
Unisys, another refinement of the L-Z algo-
rithm for data compression, which can recon-
struct data exactly into its original form with
no loss.
 I MAC Media Access Con-
M
trol. A media-specific
access-control protocol
within IEEE 802 specifica-
tions (lower sublayer of
layer 2 of ISO model),
which includes variations
for token ring, token bus,
and CSMA/CD.
mach See machine.
Mach angle The angle between the path of a
body that is moving with supersonic velocity
and a corresponding path that the body
would take when moving at sonic velocity
(the Mach line). The speed of sound divided
by the body's velocity equals the sine of the
Mach angle.
machine Any device that is capable of per-
forming useful work, especially a device for
producing controlled motion or for regulat-
ing the effect of a given force.
machine address An absolute, direct, unin-
dexed address that is expressed as such or
that is the result when indexing and other
processing have been completed.
machine code The lowest level of computer
language; digital code that can be directly
executed by the computer.
machine code instruct A code that defines a
particular computer operation and that can
be used without further translation.
machine-dependent program A program
that operates on only one type of computer.
Contrast with machine-independent program.
machine element Any standard mechanical
part that is used in constructing a machine,
such as a bearing, fastener, cam, gear, lever,
link, pin, or spring.
machine error A deviation from correctness
in computer data as a result of equipment
failure.
machine-independent Pertaining to proce-
dures or programs that are created without
regard for the actual devices that will be used
to express them.
machine-independent program A program
that operates on a variety of different com-
puters. Contrast with machine-dependent pro-
gram.
machine instruction An instruction that a
machine can recognize and execute.
machine language Instructions that are writ-
ten in binary form that a computer can exe-
cute directly. Also called machine code, object
code, and object language.
machine-language code Same as computer
code and contrasted with symbolic code.
303
machine-language programming Program-
ming that uses machine language. See
machine-language code and computer code.
machine operator The person who manipu-
lates the computer controls, places informa-
tion media into the input devices, removes
the output, and performs other related func-
tions.
machine-oriented language 1. A language
that is designed to be interpreted and used
by a machine without translation. 2. A sys-
tem for expressing information that is intelli-
gible to a specific machine, for example, a
computer or class of computers. Such a lan-
guage may include instructions that define
and direct machine operations as well as
information to be recorded by or acted upon
by these machine operations. 3. The set of
instructions that are expressed in the number
system basic to a computer together with the
symbolic operation codes that have absolute
addresses, relative addresses, or symbolic
addresses. Synonymous with machine lan-
guage. Clarified by language. Related to object
language and contrasted with problem-oriented
language (POL).
machine program 1. A program that is to be
loaded in a computer and executed by it. 2.
In numerical control, an ordered set of
instructions that are in automatic control lan-
guage and format and are based on the part
program. These instructions are also
recorded on appropriate input media and are
sufficiently complete to effect the direct oper-
ation of an automatic control.
machine readable Data that will be accepted
by a computer through an input device.
machine-readable medium A medium that
can convey data to a given sensing device.
machinery One or a group of machines. An
apparatus or system that is constructed of
machines.
machine vision Computer perception of
visually based sensory output, which is used
to produce a concise description of an image.
machine vision system A system that, with-
out human intervention, inspects devices by
capturing images and making decisions
based on comparisons of the images' features
to expected features.
machine word A unit of information that has
a standard number of bits or characters that a
machine regularly handles in each transfer.
For example, a machine may regularly han-
dle numbers or instructions in units of 36
binary digits.
machining center A versatile machine tool
used in computer numerical control (CNC)
Mach number / magnetic core
that has multi-axis control and, usually, auto-
matic tool loading. These machining centers
are designed to carry out a range of opera-
tions
Mach number The ratio of the fluid velocity
to the velocity of sound in the fluid, at the
same temperature and pressure.
macro In software, directions for expanding
abbreviated text. A macro is a piece of boiler-
plate that generates a known set of instruc-
tions, data, or symbols. A macro is used to
eliminate the need to write a set of instruc-
tions that are used repeatedly. For example,
an assembly-language macro instruction
enables the programmer to request that the
assembler generate a predefined set of
machine instructions.
macro-assembler An assembler that allows
the use of macros and converts them into
machine code.
macro instruction The more powerful
instructions that allow a programmer to refer
to several instructions as though they were a
single instruction. When a programmer uses
the name of a macro instruction, all of the
instructions are inserted at that point in his
or her coding by the macroprocessor.
macroloss Excess loss in fiber-optic links as a
result of fiber bends.
macro modeling The representation of a
component or device in terms of a net-list
description of an equivalent circuit. Standard
components, such as resistors or capacitors,
are typically employed in such modeling.
macroprocessor 1. A program that translates
a single symbolic statement into one or more
assembly language statements. 2. A phase of
an assembler that has the ability to translate
selected mnemonic or symbolic instructions
into multiple machine-language instructions.
macro-program A program that contains
macros.
macroprogramming Programming that has
macro instructions.
macroscopic stress Load per unit area dis-
tributed over an entire structure or over a
visible region of the structure.
macrostructure The features of a polycrystal-
line metal, which are revealed by etching and
are visible at magnifications of 10 diameters
or less.
MACT Maximum Achievable Control
Technology. Usually used to refer to a
response to EPA (U.S.) regulations.
magenta A color hue that transmits only blue
and red light, with no green, from the video
screen view. Magenta reflects only red and
304
blue light and absorbs green light on paper
that uses four-color process inks.
magnetically actuated extensions A device
attached to a meter body that contains an
electrical switch and is magnetically actuated
by the metering float extension in order to
signal a high or low flow. The switch is
adjustable with respect to the float position
over a range that is equal to the travel of the
metering float. Standard switch ratings are
usually 0.3 amperes for a 110 volt, 60 cycle
AC supply (five amperes or more if relays
are used).
magnetic amplifier An electronic amplifica-
tion or control device that functions by using
saturable reactors, either alone or in combi-
nation with other circuit elements.
magnetic bearing The angle between the line
of sight to an object and the direction from
the observer to magnetic north, as measured
in a plane parallel to the earth's surface.
magnetic biasing The conditioning of a mag-
netic recording medium by simultaneously
superimposing a second magnetic field on
the magnetic signal being recorded.
magnetic blowout switch A special type of
switch that is designed to switch high DC
loads. A small permanent magnet that is con-
tained in the switch housing deflects the arc
to quench it when the contacts open.
magnetic bubble memory A high-density
information storage device that is composed
of a magnetic film only a few micrometers
thick. The film is deposited on a garnet sub-
strate. Information is stored in small, magne-
tized regions (bubbles) whose magnetic
polarity is opposite that of the surrounding
region.
magnetic card A card that has a magnetic
surface on which data can be stored by selec-
tively magnetizing portions of the flat sur-
face.
magnetic compass Any of several devices for
indicating the direction of the horizontal
component of a magnetic field, but especially
for indicating magnetic north in the earth's
magnetic field.
magnetic contactor A device for opening and
closing one or more sets of electrical contacts.
It is actuated by either energizing or deener-
gizing an electromagnet within the device.
magnetic core 1. A configuration of magnetic
material that is, or is intended to be, placed
in a spatial relationship to current-carrying
conductors and whose magnetic properties
are essential to its use. The magnetic core
may be used to concentrate an induced mag-
netic field, as in transformer, induction coil,
 magnetic damping / magnetic printing
or armature, so as to retain a magnetic polar-
ization for the purpose of storing data. Or it
may be used for its nonlinear properties as in
a logic element. It may be made of such
material as iron, iron oxide, or ferrite and in
such shapes as wires, tapes, toroids, or thin
film. 2. A storage device in which binary data
is represented by the direction of magnetiza-
tion in each unit of an array of magnetic
material. The material is usually in the shape
of toroidal rings, but may also take forms
such as the wraps on bobbins. Synonymous
with core.
magnetic damping The progressive reduc-
tion of oscillation amplitude brought about
by the current induced in electrical conduc-
tors as a result of changes in magnetic flux.
magnetic disk A flat, circular plate with a
magnetic surface on which data can be
stored by selectively magnetizing portions of
the flat surface.
magnetic drum A right circular cylinder with
a magnetic surface on which computer data
can be stored by selectively magnetizing por-
tions of the curved surface.
magnetic extensions A device that provides
an indication of flow rate by means of a mag-
netic coupling lying between the extension of
the metering float and an external indicator
follower that surrounds the extension tube.
magnetic field interference A form of inter-
ference that is induced in the circuits of a
device as a result of the presence of a mag-
netic field. It may appear as common-mode
or normal-mode interference in the measur-
ing circuits. See also interference, electromag-
netic.
magnetic float gauge Any of several designs
of liquid-level indicator that use a magnetic
float to position a pointer or change the ori-
entation of bicolor wafers.
magnetic float switch A device for operating
a mercury switch by repositioning a mag-
netic piston with respect to a small perma-
nent magnet that is attached to the pivoting
mercury switch capsule. In the usual config-
uration, a float attached to the piston posi-
tions the piston near the small magnet when
liquid level is high. The float drops the pis-
ton out of proximity when the level is low,
which allows a light spring to retract the
magnet and pivot the mercury capsule.
magnetic flowmeter A device for measuring
volumetric flow rate across a fluid stream by
setting up a magnetic field perpendicular to
the direction of flow. A flowing conductive
fluid then generates a voltage proportional to
fluid speed.
305
Magnetic Flowmeter
magnetic focusing Causing an electron beam
to diverge or converge so as to position an
image or beam on an object—usually a CRT
screen—by interacting with a magnetic or
electromagnetic field.
magnetic hardness comparator A device for
determining the hardness of a steel part by
comparing its response to electromagnetic
induction with the response of a similar part
of known hardness.
magnetic head A transducer for converting
electrical signals into magnetic signals that
are suitable for storing on magnetic record-
ing media, for converting stored magnetic
signals into electrical output signals, or for
erasing stored magnetic signals.
magnetic ink An ink that contains magnetic
particles. Characters that are printed in mag-
netic ink can be read both by humans and by
machines that are designed to read the mag-
netic pattern.
magnetic lens Electric coils electromagnets
or permanent magnets that are assembled
into a configuration that can accomplish
magnetic focusing.
magnetic medium Any data storage medium
and related technology, such as core, drum,
film, tape, and disk, in which different pat-
terns of magnetization represent bit values.
magnetic printing Permanently transferring
a recorded signal from one magnetic record-
ing medium to another magnetic recording
medium (or to another portion of the same
medium) by bringing the two sections into
close proximity.
magnetic proximity sensor / mainframe
magnetic proximity sensor Any of several
devices that are activated when a magne-
tized or ferromagnetic object passes within a
defined distance of the active element. There
are four types: variable-reluctance sensors,
hermetically sealed dry-reed switches,
Hall-effect switches, and Weigand-effect sen-
sors.
magnetic recorder A device for producing a
stored record of a variable electrical signal as
a variable magnetic field in a ferromagnetic
recording medium.
magnetic separator A machine that uses
strong magnetic fields to remove pieces of
magnetic material from a mixture of mag-
netic material and nonmagnetic or less
strongly magnetic material.
magnetic shield A metal shield that insulates
the contents from external magnetic fields.
Such shields are often used with photomulti-
plier tubes.
magnetic storage A device or devices that
utilize the magnetic properties of materials
so as to store information.
magnetic tape 1. A tape that has a magnetic
surface on which computer data can be
stored by selectively polarizing portions of
the surface. 2. A tape of a magnetic material
that is used as the constituent in some forms
of magnetic cores.
magnetic tape encoder An electronic device
that will accept data from a keyboard and
write it to magnetic tape.
magnetic test coil A coil that is used in con-
junction with a suitable indicating or record-
ing instrument to measure variations in
magnetic flux when the coil is linked with a
magnetic field.
magnetic variometer An instrument for mea-
suring variations in magnetic field strength
with respect to space or time.
magnet meter An instrument for measuring
the magnetic flux of a permanent magnet
under specified conditions. It usually incor-
porates a torque coil or a moving-magnet
magnetometer that has a unique arrange-
ment of pole pieces.
magnetometer An instrument for measuring
the magnitude of a magnetic field and some-
times also for determining its direction.
magnetoresistive (MR) Involving changes in
the electrical resistance in materials that are
composed of metallic elements or in mag-
netic metals used in memory storage devices.
magnetostriction A characteristic of some
ferromagnetic materials whereby their physi-
cal dimensions vary with the intensity of an
applied magnetic or electromagnetic field.
306
Magnetic Flowmeter
magnetostrictive effect An inherent property
of some ferromagnetic materials to deform
elastically. This deformation generates
mechanical force, when the materials are
subjected to a magnetic field.
magnetostrictive resonato A ferromagnetic
rod that is constructed so that an alternating
magnetic field can excite it into resonance at
one or more frequencies.
magnification 1. The ratio of output to input
signal magnitudes. 2. Attaining a change in
magnitude without a change in power. 3.
Producing an enlarged visual image. 4. The
ratio of a specific dimension on a virtual
image to the corresponding dimension on
the physical object being viewed.
magnitude In digital signal processing (DSP),
the square root of the sum of the squares of
the real and imaginary parts of a complex
signal.
magnitude ratio The ratio of output signal
magnitude to input signal magnitude. [ISA-
26-1968] See also gain.
magnitude signal The peak-to-peak value of
a signal. [ISA-26-1968]
mag tape In computer systems, the nine-track
(in some cases, seven-track), 1/2-inch
medium on which data can be stored and
transferred to other computers.
maillist In e-mail systems, a (usually auto-
mated) method that allows a message to be
sent to only one address, where it is then
routed to specific other addresses.
mainframe A large-scale computer system
that is provided with a large number of
peripherals and comprehensive software.
 main-line class / maintenance engineer
main-line class A term that is used to specify
the pressure and temperature ratings (of a
pipe), the material from which it is con-
structed, and the appropriate code, such as
ANSI B31.1. [ANSI/ISA-67.02.01-1999]
main memory The set of storage locations
that are connected directly to the central pro-
cessing unit. Also called (genetically) core
memory.
main program The module of a computer
program that contains the instructions by
which the program begins to execute. Nor-
mally, the main program exercises primary
control over the operations that are per-
formed and calls subroutines or subpro-
grams to perform specific functions.
mains The electricity supply that is available
to the consumer from the distribution system
or systems for which the equipment in ques-
tion is designed. [ANSI/ISA-82.02.02-1996
(IEC 61010-2-031)]. The British equivalent of
what in United States is called "line power."
See line power.
main storage 1. Usually, the fastest storage
device on a computer and the one from
which instructions are executed. Contrast
with auxiliary storage. [ISA-RP55.1-1975
(R1983)] 2. The fastest general-purpose stor-
age of a computer.
maintain 1. To keep in continuance or in a
certain state, as of repair. 2. To preserve or
keep in a given existing condition, as of effi-
ciency or repair.
maintainability 1. The relative ability of a
device or system to remain in operation such
that it requires only routine scheduled main-
tenance and occasional unscheduled mainte-
nance, without extensive periods of
downtime for major repairs. 2. The probabil-
ity that a device will be restored to operating
condition within a specified period when
maintenance is done with prescribed
resources and procedures. 3. The inherent
characteristic of a design or installation that
determines the ease, economy, safety, and
accuracy with which maintenance actions
can be performed on it. 4. The ability to
restore a product to service or to perform
preventive maintenance within required lim-
its.
maintained 1. An alarm that returns to nor-
mal after it is acknowledged. 2. Term used to
describe a device that remains maintained
after pressure or signal are removed.
maintained alarm See alarm.
maintenance 1. Any act that either prevents
the failure or malfunction of equipment or
restores its operating capability after a failure
307
or malfunction. 2. Any activity that is
intended to eliminate faults or to keep com-
puter hardware or programs in satisfactory
working condition. These include tests, mea-
surements, replacements, adjustments, and
repairs.
maintenance, corrective Any maintenance
activity that is not normal to the operation of
equipment and requires gaining access to the
equipment's interior. Such activities must be
performed by a qualified person and typi-
cally include locating the causes of faulty
performance, replacing defective compo-
nents, adjusting internal controls, and the
like. [ISA-12.01.01-1999]
maintenance, operational Any maintenance
activity, excluding corrective maintenance,
that the operator is intended to perform and
that is required if the equipment is to serve
its intended purpose. Such activities typi-
cally include correcting zero on a panel
instrument, changing charts, record keeping,
adding ink, and the like. [ISA-12.01.01-1999]
maintenance conditions The conditions
under which maintenance is performed.
maintenance engineer A trained profes-
sional who assists maintenance supervisors,
technicians, and mechanics in maintaining
the facilities or systems by providing
in-depth engineering assistance on high-
maintenance equipment. Maintenance engi-
neers help design and project engineers dur-
ing plant start-ups, retrofits, and modifica-
tions to ensure that the design is engineered
for maintenance. They ensure standardiza-
tion of equipment and systems and helps
determine the frequency of preventive main-
tenance. Such engineers determine the ser-
vice life of equipment by evaluating the cost
of repair and the frequency of repair. They
ensure that the equipment continues to con-
form to the technical specifications and that
equipment is kept in calibration. Mainte-
nance engineers work with management to
ensure that customers, production personnel,
and maintenance staff are cooperating by
providing systems and equipment so the end
item meets all specifications and production
schedules. They ensure that new systems are
designed to be maintainable and that the
proper documentation is provided. They
suggest and provide training when required
to ensure that maintenance personnel have
the knowledge to maintain the equipment or
system. They also help determine if in-house
maintenance or contract maintenance is
more feasible and ensure that operational
maintenance is being performed. Mainte-
maintenance engineering / Management Information System
nance engineers ensure that maintenance
mechanics, technicians, technologists, and
engineers are involved in a project from the
very beginning and that instruments, wiring,
and equipment is standardized, staff is
trained in new equipment, equipment is
tested, and equipment is calibrated.
maintenance engineering The process of
developing concepts, criteria, and technical
requirements for maintenance during the
conceptual and acquisition phases of a
project. Involves providing policy guidance
for maintenance activities and exercising
technical and management direction and
review of maintenance programs.
Maintenance Management System A part of
the Management Information System (MIS)
that is useful for maintaining a company's
equipment. It accesses equipment informa-
tion, the availability and location of spare
parts, order systems for maintenance work,
preventive maintenance systems, the qualifi-
cations of maintenance personnel, the history
of equipment maintenance, and any other
information that will help the maintenance
engineer, supervisor, technician, or mechanic
be more proficient. See Management Informa-
tion System (MIS).
maintenance time The time that is used for
equipment maintenance. It includes preven-
tive maintenance time and corrective mainte-
nance time.
major diameter The largest diameter of a
screw thread. It is measured at the crest of an
external thread and at the root of an internal
thread.
major frame With reference to telemetry for-
mats, the time period during which all data
of a multiplex are sampled at least once. It
includes one or more minor frames. Major
frame length is determined as (N)(Z) words,
where N = the number of words per minor
(prime) frame and Z = the number of words
in the longest submultiple frame.
major graduations The intermediate gradua-
tion marks on a scale. They are heavier or
longer than other graduation marks but are
not index graduations.
majority A logic operator that is true if more
than half its inputs are true, false if half or
less than half of its inputs are true.
major time In telemetry computer systems,
two sixteen-bit words: minutes/seconds and
hours/days.
make/break component Components that
have contacts that can interrupt a circuit
(even if the interruption is transient in
nature). Examples of make/break compo-
308
nents are relays, circuit breakers, servo
potentiometers, adjustable resistors,
switches, connectors, and motor brushes.
[ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999; ANSI/ISA-
12.12.01-2000]
make-to-order Products that are manufac-
tured to a specific customer's order configu-
ration and delivery time specifications.
make-to-stock Products that are manufac-
tured to be stored in finished-goods storage
before the customer's order arrives.
makeup The water that is added to boiler
feed to compensate for the water lost
through exhaust, blowdown, leakage, and
the like.
male branch tee (MBT) In the tubing to a
pipe connector, the tee that allows two tubes
to be joined to a pipe. The male pipe thread
connection is perpendicular to the axis that is
shared by the two tubing connections.
male connector (MC) A type of tubing to
pipe connector. The male pipe threaded con-
nection is on one end, and the tubing connec-
tion is on the other.
male elbow (ME) In the tubing to pipe con-
nector, a 90° change in direction in which
there is a male pipe thread connection on one
end and a tubing connection on the other.
male fitting An element of a connection in
pipe, tubing, electrical conductors or
mechanical assemblies that fits into the mat-
ing (female) element. For example, the exter-
nally threaded end of a pipe fitting is termed
"male."
male run tee (MRT) In tubing to a pipe con-
nector, the tee that allows two tubes to be
joined to a pipe. The male pipe thread con-
nection and one of the tubing connectors
share a common axis.
malfunction The effect of a fault.
malfunction routine Same as diagnostic rou-
tine.
malleable iron A somewhat ductile form of
cast iron that is made by heat-treating white
cast iron in order to convert the carbon-con-
taining phase from iron carbide into nodular
graphite.
MAN Metropolitan Area Network. A
"stretched" LAN that provides digital data
communications over a distance of about 50
km. Generally associated with the IEEE 802.6
MAN standard.
Management Information System (MIS) A
computerized system that uses a large data-
base that contains information on customers,
equipment, supplies, spare parts, personnel,
processes, sales forecasts, history, costs, prof-
its, and the like. Selected information is
 manager, control systems and ... / manual loading station
available to decision-makers in the organiza-
tion.
manager, control systems and
instrumentation This manager is responsi-
ble for all departmental or sectional activi-
ties, including: (a) defining and reporting
activities and needs to management; (b)
maintaining liaisons with other departments
or sections so as to coordinate work assign-
ments; (c) providing administrative and
technical support to other departments or
sections; (d) assigning projects to personnel
and handling manpower scheduling, recruit-
ment, evaluation, and salary reviews; (e)
managing the development of training pro-
grams; (f) making decisions on crucial or
complex project activities; (g) supervising all
departmental or sectional personnel; (h) pre-
paring departmental or sectional budgets,
forecasts, and goals; and (i) promoting safety.
Manchester encoding 1. The means by which
separate data and clock signals can be com-
bined into a single self-synchronizing data
stream that is suitable for transmission on a
serial channel. [ANSI/ISA-50.02, Part 2-1992]
2. A digital-encoding technique (specified for
IEEE 802.3, Ethernet) in which each bit is
divided into two complementary halves. A
negative-to-positive (voltage) transition in
the middle of the bit period designates
binary " 1 , " while a positive-to-negative tran-
sition represents "0." The Manchester encod-
ing technique also allows the receiving
device to recover the transmitted clock from
the incoming data stream (self-clocking).
manhead A boiler drum or other pressure
vessel head that has a manhole.
manhole The opening in a pressure vessel
that is sufficiently large in size to permit a
man to enter.
manifold 1. A pipe or header from which a
fluid can be collected or to which a fluid can
be distributed to a number of pipes or tubes.
2. A branch pipe that distributes intake or
exhaust fluids to a series of valve ports, as in
a multicylinder engine such as an automo-
bile engine.
manifold equalizing line The conduit within
a manifold that connects the high and low
differential-pressure impulse lines.
manifold (instrumentation) Any configura-
tion of valves that can be manipulated to cre-
ate zero differential pressure at the
measuring instrument.
manifold pressure The fluid pressure in the
intake manifold of an internal combustion
engine.
309
manifold variable A quantity or condition
that is varied in order to change the value of
the controlled variable.
manipulated variable (MV) 1. In a process
that is intended to regulate some condition, a
quantity or a condition that the control alters
in order to initiate a change in the value of
the regulated condition. 2. The part of the
process that is adjusted in order to close the
gap between the set point and the controlled
variable. See also variable, manipulated.
manipulative variable In a control loop, the
variable that is used by the controller to reg-
ulate the controlled variable.
manipulators Mechanical devices for
remotely handling hazardous materials.
They are usually hand operated, often from
behind a shield, and may or may not be
power assisted.
manometer A gauge for measuring pressure
or a pressure difference between two fluid
chambers. A U-tube manometer consists of
two legs, each of which contains a liquid of
known specific gravity.
manometric equivalent The length of a verti-
cal column of a given liquid at standard
room temperature. It indicates a pressure dif-
ferential that is equal to the differential that
is indicated by a 1-mm-long column of mer-
cury at 0°C.
mantissa See floating point.
manual backup An alternate method of pro-
cess control in which control is effectuated by
manually adjusting final control elements
when the computer system fails.
manual control The operation of a process by
adjusting final control elements manually.
manual controller A control device whose
output signals, power, or motions are all var-
ied by hand.
manual data-entry module A device that
monitors a number of manual input devices
from one or more operator consoles and/or
remote data-entry devices and transmits
information from them to the computer.
manual input 1. The entry of data by hand
into a device at the time the data is pro-
cessed. 2. The data that is entered as
described in definition 1.
manual loading station A device or function
whose output is manually adjustable that is
used to actuate one or more remote devices.
The station does not provide for switching
between the manual and automatic control
modes of a control loop (See controller and
control station). The station may have integral
indicators, lights, or other features and is
also known as a "manual station" or a "man-
manual operation / margin
ual loader." See manual station. [ANSI/ISA-
5.1-1984 (R1992)]
manual operation The processing of data in a
system by using direct manual techniques.
manual override See hand jack and/or hand-
wheel. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
manual reset See reset.
manual reset switch A switch in a limit con-
troller that manually resets the controller
after the limit has been exceeded.
manuals A compilation of electrical and
mechanical specifications, parts lists, operat-
ing or service instructions, calibration proce-
dures, test logs, performance requirements,
and pertinent technical data that is required
for the specific project at hand. [ISA-RP60.4-
1990]
manual station 1. Synonymous with manual
loading station. 2. A single-loop, hard manual
control for operating the final control devices
in case the control system fails. 3. Makes it
possible for normal controller operation to be
bypassed so an analog output signal in a con-
troller can be varied manually. A manual sta-
tion is used primarily in emergencies or
possibly during a maintenance shutdown of
the controller.
manufactured gas Fuel gas that is manufac-
tured from coal, oil, and the like, as differen-
tiated from natural gas.
manufacturer software A complex program
package that develops the user's application
and organizes computer procedures so as to
obtain efficient response from the application
program. Often this software is referred to as
an operating system. See operating system.
manufacturer's recommended cavitation
limit An operational limit that is expressed
as a cavitation coefficient smr. This smr is
supplied by the valve manufacturer for a
given valve type, size, opening, and refer-
ence upstream pressure. Applying the limit
may require scale effect and influence factors
if the service conditions and valve size are
different than for the reference pressure and
size. [ISA-RP75.23-1995]
Manufacturing Automation Protocol
(MAP) A specification for a suite of com-
munication standards to be used in manufac-
turing automation. Developed under the
auspices of General Motors Corporation, the
further development of this specification is
being taken over by the MAP/TOP Users
Group under the auspices of Computer and
Automated Systems Association of the Soci-
ety of Manufacturing Engineers. (CASA/
SME).
310
manufacturing defects analyzer (MDA) A
device that checks loaded printed-circuit
boards for assembly faults.
Manufacturing Message Specification
(MMS) An ISO standard 9506, OSI applica-
tion-layer protocol for messaging within and
between industrial automation systems.
Manufacturing Messaging Format Standard
(MMFS) One of the application protocols
specified by MAP. See Manufacturing Auto-
mation Protocol (MAP).
manufacturing operations and control
domain (MO&C domain) This domain
includes all the activities in level 3 as well as
information flows to and from levels 0, 1,
and 2 across the boundary to level 4. (These
levels are defined in ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995.)
[ANSI/ISA-95.00.01-2000]
MAP Manufacturing Automation Protocol.
Based on the IEEE 802.4, a networking proto-
col originated at General Motors that follows
the seven-layer OSI model. Note: A device
described as MAP-compliant conforms to
specifications and will talk with other
devices over the system; MAP-compatible
means only that it will not interfere (physical
and data link layers only) with "foreign"
devices, but will only talk with like devices
while sharing the timing with those foreign
devices).
map 1. To establish a correspondence or rela-
tionship between the members of two sets
and to perform a transformation from one set
to another. An example of creating such a
map is to form a set of truth tables from a set
of Boolean expressions. Information should
not be lost or added when transforming the
map from one to another. 2. See memory map.
mapped system A system that uses the mem-
ory management unit of computer hardware
to relocate virtual memory addresses.
mapping 1. A set of objects that have a
defined correspondence with the quantities
or objects of another set. [ISA-TR50.02, Part
9-2000] 2. The logical association of one set of
values, such as the addresses on one net-
work, with the quantities or values of
another set, such as the devices on another
network (that is, a name-address internet
work route or protocol-to-protocol map-
ping).
margin In the process of determining a set
point, an allowance that is added to the
uncertainty of the instrument channel. Mar-
gin moves the set point farther away from
the analytical limit. [ANSI/ISA 67.04.02-
2000]
 marginal check / mass flow rate
marginal check A preventive-maintenance
procedure in which certain operating condi-
tions are varied about their normal values in
order to detect and locate incipient defective
units. For example, varying supply voltage
or frequency would be marginal checks. Syn-
onymous with "marginal test" and
"high-low bias test." Related to check.
marginal test Same as marginal check.
margin of safety The ratio between maxi-
mum service load (allowable design load) for
a structure and the load that would cause the
structure to deform, collapse, or break.
margins In the typographical composition of
video screen displays and printing, the white
space that surrounds the text area on a page.
marine engineering A branch of engineering
that deals with the design, construction, and
operation of shipboard propulsion systems
and associated auxiliary machinery.
mark A sign or symbol that is used to signify
or indicate an event in time or space. Exam-
ples include an end-of-word or -message
mark, a file mark, a drum mark, or an end-of-
tape mark.
mark-hold The normal no-traffic line condi-
tion when a steady mark is transmitted. See
mark.
marking pointer An adjustable stationary
pointer, usually one whose color is different
from that of the indicating pointer, that can
be positioned opposite any location on the
scale that is of interest to the user.
markings Information shown on the trans-
ducer itself. It will normally include the man-
ufacturer, model number, and serial number.
[ISA-RP37.2-1982 (R1995)]
Markov chain A probabilistic model of
events in which the probability of an event is
dependent only on the event that precedes it.
mark-sense To mark a position on a punch
card with an electrically conductive pencil so
it can later be converted to machine punch-
ing. See sensing, mark.
mark-sense device An electronic machine
that will read mark-sensed forms. See mark-
sense and sensing, mark.
mark sensing See sensing, mark.
marshaling cabinet A cabinet, sometimes
located outside the control or rack rooms,
that houses terminal boards for plant or pro-
cess field wiring. In it, the wiring coming
from or going to divergent locations is rear-
ranged appropriately to control system I/O
requirements, often with signal-condition-
ing equipment, such as is needed for various
transmitters and sensors. The term comes
311
from the British term for railroad switch
yards: marshaling yards.
Marx generators A high-voltage electrical
pulse generator in which capacitors are
charged in parallel and then discharged in
series so as to generate a voltage that is much
higher than the charging voltage.
mask 1. A protective face covering that usu-
ally provides for the filtration of breathing
air or can be attached to an external supply
of breathing air. 2. A frame or similar device
that is used to prevent certain areas of a
workpiece surface from being coated, as with
paint. 3. A frame that conceals the edges of a
cathode-ray tube, such as a television screen.
4. A machine word or register that specifies
which parts of another machine word or reg-
ister are to be operated on.
masking 1. The process of extracting a non-
word group or a field of characters from a
word or a string of words. 2. The process of
setting internal program controls in order to
prevent transfers that otherwise would occur
when internal machine latches are set.
mask-programmed memory Computer
memory that is dedicated to the storage of a
particular set of data. A mask that contains a
particular pattern of bits is used in the manu-
facture of the memory.
mass The amount of matter an object con-
tains.
mass feedwater flow rate The mass flow rate
of all water delivered to the boiler. It is
derived either from direct process measure-
ments and/or from calculations from other
parameters. When measurement techniques
for volumetric feedwater flow rate are
employed and the feedwater temperature at
the flow-measuring element varies 100°F
(37.8°C), the measured (indicated) flow must
be compensated for flowing feedwater den-
sity in order to determine the true mass feed-
water flow rate. [ANSI/ISA-77.42.01-1999]
mass flow The amount of fluid, measured in
mass units, that passes a given location or
reference plane per unit time.
mass-flow bin A bin with steep, smooth
sides, which allow its contents to flow, with-
out stagnant regions, whenever some of the
contents are withdrawn.
mass flowmeter An instrument for measur-
ing the rate of flow in a pipe, duct, or channel
in terms of mass per unit time.
mass flow rate The mass of fluid that moves
through a pipe or channel within a given
period of time.
mass number / material lot
Mass Flowmeter
mass number The sum of the number of pro-
tons and neutrons in the nucleus of a specific
nuclide.
mass spectrograph A mass spectroscope that
records intensity distributions on a photo-
graphic plate.
mass spectrometer A mass spectroscope that
uses an electronic instrument to indicate the
distribution of intensity in the separated ion
beam.
mass spectroscope An instrument for deter-
mining the masses of atoms or molecules or
the mass distribution of an ion mixture. The
atoms, molecules, or ion mixture are
deflected with a combination of electric and
magnetic fields, which act on the particles
according to their relative masses.
mass spectrum In a mixture of ions, the sta-
tistical distribution by mass or by
mass-to-charge ratio.
mass steam flow rate The mass flow rate of
steam from the boiler, which is derived either
from direct process measurements and/or
calculations from other parameters. If volu-
metric steam flow-rate measuring techniques
are employed, the measured (indicated) flow
must be compensated for flowing steam den-
sity in order to determine the true mass
steam flow rate. [ANSI/ISA-77.42.01-1999]
mass storage A digital device like a disk or
magnetic tape that can store large amounts of
data, which are readily accessible to the cen-
tral processing unit.
mass velocity Mass flow per unit of
cross-sectional area.
master 1. A device that controls other devices
in a system. 2. A precise pattern for making
replicate workpieces, as in certain types of
casting processes.
master clock A device that functions as the
primary source of timing signals.
master file directory The system-maintained
file on a volume that contains the names and
addresses of all the files stored on the vol-
ume.
312
master flowmeter A flowmeter that is used
as an interlaboratory standard in correlation
checks of calibration systems. [ISA-RP31.1-
1997]
master fuel trip (MFT) See fuel trip. An event
that results in the rapid shutoff of all fuel.
[ANSI/ISA-77.44.01-2000; ANSI/ISA-
77.44.02-2001]
master gauge A device that has fixed loca-
tions for positioning parts or holes in three
dimensions.
master recipe A type of process recipe that
takes into account equipment capabilities
and may include information that is process
cell-specific. [ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995]
master reference A signal point that is the
signal reference point for an entire system.
Usually, a ground rod or grid. All local refer-
ences are tied back to the master reference
point.
master station A unit that has control of all
other stations on a line.
master-slave A mode of operation in which
one data station (the master) controls the net-
work access of one or more data stations (the
slaves).
master/slave manipulator A remote manipu-
lator that mechanically, hydromechanically,
or electromechanically reproduces the hand
or arm motions of an operator.
material balance 1. The procedure of
accounting for the mass of material that goes
into a process versus the mass that leaves the
process. 2. The balance that relates the mate-
rial in and material out of a distillation col-
umn. Material-balance manipulative
variables are "overhead flow," "bottoms
flow," "sidestreams flow," and "feed flow."
material balance control (control, material
balance) A calculation for inventorying
material inputs versus outputs in a process
system.
material class A means for describing a
grouping of materials with similar character-
istics for the purposes of scheduling and
planning. [ANSI/ISA-95.00.01-2000]
material definition A definition of the prop-
erties and characteristics of a substance.
[ANSI/ISA-95.00.01-2000]
material dispersion The broadening of light
pulse as a result of the differential delay of
various wavelengths of light in a waveguide
material. This group delay is aggravated by
broad bandwidth light sources.
material lot A uniquely identifiable amount
of a material. Lot describes the actual total
quantity or amount of material that is avail-
 materials handling / maximum external capacitance
able, its current state, and its specific prop-
erty values. [ANSI/ISA-95.00.01-2000]
materials handling Transporting or convey-
ing materials, parts, or assemblies. This
includes all aspects of loading, unloading,
moving, storing, and shipping them, both
within a facility and between facilities.
materials science The study of materials that
are used in research, construction, and man-
ufacturing. Includes the fields of metallurgy,
ceramics, plastics, rubber, and composites.
material sublot A uniquely identifiable sub-
set of a material lot, containing quantity and
location. It may be a single item. [ANSI/ISA-
95.00.01-2000]
mathematical check A check that uses math-
ematical identities or other properties, occa-
sionally with some degree of discrepancy
considered acceptable. An example would be
checking multiplication by verifying that A x
B = B×A. Synonymous with "arithmetic
check."
mathematical logic Same as symbolic logic.
mathematical model The general character-
ization of a process, object, or concept in
terms of mathematics. The mathematical
model enables the relatively simple manipu-
lation of variables to be accomplished in
order to determine how the process, object,
or concept would behave in different situa-
tions.
mathematical programming In operations
research, a procedure for locating the maxi-
mum or minimum of a function, subject to
constraints. Contrast with convex program-
ming, dynamic programming, integer program-
ming, linear programming, nonlinear
programming, and quadratic programming.
matrix 1. In mathematics, an n-dimensional
rectangular array of quantities. Matrices are
manipulated in accordance with the rules of
matrix algebra. 2. In computers, a matrix is a
logic network that takes the form of an array
of input leads and output leads, in which
logic elements are connected at some of their
intersections. 3. The principal microstruc-
tural constituent of an alloy. 4. The binding
agent in a composite or agglomerated mass.
matrix control strategies (MCS) In process
control, strategies that regulate the process
from several inputs and usually involve unit
severities and product compositions. Also
called "multivariable predictive control strat-
egies." See multivariable control.
matrix printer A type of computer device
that forms letters and symbols by printing a
pattern of dots.
313
matte 1. A smooth but relatively nonreflec-
tive surface finish. 2. An intermediate prod-
uct in the refining of sulfide ores by smelting.
devices).
MAU Multistation access unit; media attach-
ment unit. A multistation access unit is a wir-
ing concentrator used in local area networks.
A media attachment unit is also known as a
transceiver and should not to be confused
with a token ring MAU (media access unit).
It is an Ethernet device for transmitting and
receiving data that often provides data-
packet collision detection as well. It can
either be an internal or a external feature of a
network device such as a network interface
card, repeater, hub, or concentrator. A multi-
port MAU, or transceiver, allows a number
of computers or workstations to be attached
to a single connection on Ethernet bus, and
each port performs standard transceiver
functions.
maximum allowable working pressure The
highest gauge pressure that can safely be
applied to an internally pressurized system
under normal operating conditions. It is usu-
ally well below the system's design-bursting
pressure and hydrostatic test pressure, and is
the pressure at which relief valves are set to
lift.
maximum continuous load The maximum
load that can be maintained for a specified
period.
maximum elongation In strain gauges for
making force or pressure measurements, a
strain value in which a deviation of more
than ±5 percent occurs with respect to mean
characteristic (resistance change versus
strain).
maximum, error See error, maximum (data pro-
cessing).
maximum excitation The maximum value of
excitation voltage or current that can be
applied to some device at ambient conditions
without causing damage or degrading per-
formance beyond specified tolerances.
maximum experimental safe gap
(MESG) The maximum clearance between
two parallel metal surfaces that under speci-
fied test conditions has been found to pre-
vent an explosion in a test chamber from
propagating to a secondary chamber that
contains the same gas or vapor at the same
concentration. [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999;
ANSI/ISA-12.22.01-1998 (IEC 60079-1 Mod)]
maximum external capacitance (Co or
Ca) The maximum capacitance in an intrin-
sically safe circuit that can be connected to
maximum external inductance / maximum pointer
the connection facilities of the apparatus.
[ISA 12.02.01-1999 (IEC 60079-11 Mod)]
maximum external inductance (Lo or
La) The maximum value of inductance in
an intrinsically safe circuit that can be con-
nected to the connection facilities of the
apparatus. [ISA 12.02.01-1999 (IEC 60079-11
Mod)]
maximum external inductance to resistance
ratio (Lo /R o ) The ratio of inductance (L o )
to resistance (R o ) of any external circuit that
can be connected to the connection facilities
of the electrical apparatus without invalidat-
ing intrinsic safety. [ISA 12.02.01-1999 (IEC
60079-11 Mod)]
maximum input current (Ii or I max ) The
maximum current (peak AC or DC) that can
be applied to the connection facilities of the
intrinsically safe apparatus. [ISA 12.02.01-
1999 (IEC 60079-11 Mod)]
maximum input power (Pi) The maximum
power in an external, intrinsically safe circuit
that can be applied to the connection facili-
ties of the apparatus. [ISA 12.02.01-1999 (IEC
60079-11 Mod)]
maximum input voltage (Ui or V max ) The
maximum voltage (peak AC or DC) that can
be applied to the connection facilities of the
intrinsically safe apparatus without invali-
dating the type of protection. [ISA 12.02.01-
1999 (IEC 60079-11 Mod)]
maximum instantaneous demand The sud-
den load demand on a boiler beyond which
an unbalanced condition may be established
in the boiler's internal flow pattern and/or
surface release conditions.
maximum internal capacitance ( C i ) The
total equivalent internal capacitance of the
apparatus that appears across the connection
facilities of the apparatus. [ISA 12.02.01-1999
(IEC 60079-11 Mod)]
maximum internal inductance ( L i ) The
total equivalent internal inductance of the
apparatus that appears at the connection
facilities of the apparatus. [ISA 12.02.01-1999
(IEC 60079-11 Mod)]
maximum-internal-inductance-to-resistance
ratio (Li /Ri) The ratio of inductance (Li)
to resistance (Ri) that appears at the external
connection facilities of the electrical appara-
tus. [ISA 12.02.01-1999 (IEC 60079-11 Mod)]
maximum (minimum) ambient
temperature The value of the highest (or
lowest) ambient temperature that a trans-
ducer can be exposed to, regardless of excita-
tion applied, without being damaged or later
showing performance degradation beyond
specified tolerances. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
314
maximum (minimum) fluid
temperature The value of the highest (or
lowest) measured-fluid temperature that a
transducer can be exposed to, regardless of
excitation applied, without being damaged
or later showing performance degradation
beyond specified tolerances. Note: When a
maximum or minimum fluid temperature is
not separately specified it should be the same
as any specified maximum or minimum
ambient temperature. [ISA-37.1-1975
(R1982)]
maximum operating conditions The maxi-
mum environmental conditions in which a
device or system can operate safely. These
conditions may, however, still limit the life
span of that device or system compared to
operating in specified normal conditions.
maximum operating pressure The maximum
internal pressure that is permitted for an
enclosure. [ISA-RP12.4-1996]
maximum output current (Io or I sc ) The
maximum current (peak AC or DC) in an
intrinsically safe circuit that can be taken
from the connection facilities of the appara-
tus. [ISA-12.02.01-1999 (IEC 60079-11 Mod)]
maximum output current - multiple channel
apparatus (I,) The maximum DC or peak
AC current that can be extracted from any
combination of terminals of a multiple-chan-
nel associated apparatus. [ISA-12.02.01-1999
(IEC 60079-11 Mod)]
maximum output voltage (Uo or V oc ) The
maximum output voltage (peak AC or DC)
in an intrinsically safe circuit that can appear
under open-circuit conditions at the connec-
tion facilities of the apparatus at any applied
voltage up to the maximum voltage, includ-
ing U m and Ui. Note: Where there is more
than one applied voltage, the maximum out-
put voltage is the one that occurs under the
most onerous combination of applied volt-
ages. [ISA-12.02.01-1999 (IEC 60079-11 Mod)]
maximum permissible protective liquid
level The maximum level that the protec-
tive liquid can attain in normal service. This
level takes into account the effects of expan-
sion from the worst-case filling condition
specified by the manufacturer to the condi-
tion of full load at maximum ambient tem-
perature for which the apparatus is
designed. [ANSI/ISA-12.26.01-1998]
maximum pointer A movable pointer that is
repositioned as the indicating pointer of an
instrument moves upscale. However, it
remains stationary at the highest point
reached when the indicating pointer moves
downscale.
 maximum service temperature / mean-time-between-failures
maximum service temperature 1. The high-
est value of the service temperatures. Note:
Each apparatus may reach different service
temperatures in different parts. [ISA-
12.00.01-1999 (IEC 60079-0 Mod)] 2. When
referring to electrical instruments in hazard-
ous locations, maximum surface temperature
is the highest temperature attained by a sur-
face that is accessible to flammable gases,
vapors, or combustible dusts under operat-
ing conditions within the ratings of the appa-
ratus (including recognized overloads and
abnormal and defined fault conditions).
[ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999] 3. The highest
temperature capable of igniting the explosive
atmosphere that surrounds any part or sur-
face of an electrical apparatus in service
under the most adverse conditions (but
within the recognized tolerances). Note 1:
The manufacturer will prescribe the product
standard. Also, in the manufacturer's partic-
ular design it should take into account the
following other conditions: fault conditions
specified in the standard for the type of pro-
tection involved; all operating conditions
that are specified in any other standard spec-
ified by the manufacturer, including recog-
nized overloads; any other operating
condition specified by the manufacturer.
Note 2: The relevant surface temperature
may be internal or external, depending upon
the type of protection involved. [ISA-
12.00.01-1999 (IEC 60079-0 Mod)]
maximum thermometer A thermometer that
indicates the maximum temperature that is
reached during a given time interval. A clini-
cal thermometer used to determine a
patient's body temperature is one type of
maximum thermometer.
maximum vibration cavitation The level of
cavitation that is associated with peak vibra-
tion measurements. It is determined from a
cavitation level plot at the peak that sepa-
rates Regime III and Regime IV. The test con-
ditions at this point define the conditions for
calculating the valve cavitation coefficient
s m v . [ISA-RP75.23-1995]
maximum working pressure See pressure,
maximum working (MWP).
Maxwell The CGS unit of magnetic flux.
Maxwell bridge A type of AC bridge circuit
in which the impedance of an unknown
inductor is measured in terms of an adjust-
able resistor and an adjustable inductor.
Since the latter may be difficult to obtain, an
alternative bridge arrangement uses an
adjustable resistor and capacitor in parallel
with the unknown inductor.
315
Maxwellian distribution The velocity distri-
bution of the moving molecules of a gas in
thermal equilibrium. It is determined by
applying the kinetic theory of gases.
MCAA Measurement and Control Automa-
tion Association. Develops standards for
industrial process instrumentation and con-
trol. Formerly, the Scientific Apparatus Mak-
ers Association (SAMA).
McLeod vacuum gauge A common type of
mercury-filled pressure gauge whose design
is a special case of a liquid manometer used
as a pressure amplifier. The design enables a
manometer-type instrument to be used for
measuring vacuum on the order of 10-6 torr
instead of the 10-2 torr that is usually
achieved with precision manometers.
MCS Matrix control strategies. In process
control, strategies that regulate the process
from several inputs, usually involving unit
severities and product compositions. Also
called multivaridble predictive control strategies.
mean Arithmetic average value.
mean accuracy See accuracy, mean (data pro-
cessing).
mean effective pressure The average net
pressure difference across a piston in a posi-
tive displacement machine such as a com-
pressor, engine, or pump. It is commonly
used to evaluate the performance of such a
machine.
mean error (E) In data processing, the mean
error is defined as the deviation between the
mean value of a statistically significant num-
ber of output readings and the true value of
the input signal. The mean error is expressed
as a percentage of the full range (F.R.). [ISA-
RP55.1-1975]
mean free path In a gas, liquid, or colloid, the
average distance that is traveled by an indi-
vidual atom, molecule, or particle between
successive collisions with other particles.
mean output curve The curve through the
mean values of output during any one cali-
bration cycle or a different specified number
of calibration cycles. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
mean-square-error criterion The evaluation
of the performance of a control system by
calculating the square root of the average,
over time, of the square of the difference
between the actual output and the desired
output. This is the most commonly used
measure of control performance.
mean-time-between-failures (MTBF) The
limit of the ratio of the equipment's operat-
ing time to the number of observed failures
as that number approaches infinity. The total
operating time divided by the quantity (n +

mean-time-to-failure / mechanical atomizing oil burner
1), where n is the number of failures during
the time considered.
mean-time-to-failure (MTTF) The average or
mean time between the initial operation of a
device and the first occurrence of a failure or
malfunction, as the number of measurements
of such time on many pieces of identical
equipment approaches infinity.
measurand A physical quantify, property, or
condition that is measured. Note: The term
measurand is preferred to "input," "parame-
ter to be measured," "physical phenome-
non," "stimulus," and "variable." [ISA-37.1-
1975 (R1982)] See also variable, measured.
measure In the typographical composition of
screen displays and printing, the width of
type, usually expressed in picas.
measured accuracy See accuracy, measured.
measured fluid The fluid that comes into
contact with the sensing element. Note: The
chemical and/or physical properties of this
fluid may be specified to ensure that the
transducer operates properly. [ISA-37.1-1975
(R1982)]
measured signal See signal, measured.
measured value The numerical quantity that
results from the information that is obtained
by a measuring device, at the instant under
consideration.
measured value of an analog DC current
signal The measured value of an analog
DC current signal is its specified mean value
during the stated duration.
measured value of a pneumatic transmission
signal The indicated value during a stated
duration.
measured variable See variable, measured and
measurand.
measurement 1. The determination of the
existence or of the magnitude of a variable.
[ANSI/ISA-5.1-1984 (R1992] 2. A data point
that is or can be converted into a suitable sig-
nal for telemetry transmission.
measurement component A general term
that indicates the components or subassem-
blies in a specific device that together deter-
mine the value of a quantity and produce the
indicated or recorded output.
measurement device A self-contained assem-
bly that is comprised of all the components
needed to perform one or more measuring
operations.
measurement energy The energy that is
required to operate a measurement device or
system. It is usually obtained from the mea-
surand or the primary detector.
measurement equipment A general term
that is used to describe the components,
316
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devices, assemblies, or systems that are capa-
ble of performing measuring operations.
measurement mechanism A mechanical
device that performs one or more operations
in a measuring sequence.
measurement range The portion of the total
response range of an instrument over which
specific standards of accuracy are met.
measurement system Any set of intercon-
nected components, including one or more
measurement devices, that perform a com-
plete measuring function, from initial detec-
tion to final indication, recording, or
control-signal output.
measuring-circuit voltage The voltage
between two terminals of a measuring circuit
or between one of these terminals and
ground. [ANSI/ISA-82.02.01-1999 (IEC
61010-1 Mod)]
measuring instrument See instrument, mea-
suring.
measuring junction The electrical connection
between the two legs of a thermocouple that
is attached to the body or immersed in the
medium whose temperature is to be mea-
sured. Also referred to as the hot junction.
measuring means The components of an
automatic controller that determine the value
of a controlled variable and communicate
that value to the controlling means.
measuring modulator A component in a
measuring system that modulates a DC or
low-frequency AC input signal so as to pro-
duce an AC output signal whose amplitude
is related to the measured value. Such a mod-
ulator is usually used as a preliminary step
to producing an amplified output signal.
measuring range The extreme values of the
measured variable within which measure-
ments can be made within the specified accu-
racy. The difference between these extreme
values is called "span." See span.
measuring vessel The container in which the
liquid that is metered by the turbine flowme-
ter during the calibration interval is collected
and measured. In a direct-gravimetric cali-
bration system, this is a tank on a weigh
scale, and the exact dimensions are not sig-
nificant. In indirect-gravimetric systems and
in volumetric systems the cross-sectional
area or actual volume, respectively, must be
known to a precision that is compatible with
the desired accuracy of calibration. [ISA-
RP31.1-1977]
mechanical Referring to tools or machinery.
mechanical atomizing oil burner A burner
that uses the pressure of the oil for atomiza-
tion.
Previous Page
mechanical chart drive / media attachment unit
mechanical chart drive A spring-driven
clock mechanism that feeds continuous chart
paper past a recorder head at a predeter-
mined speed.
mechanical classification Any of several
methods for separating mixtures of particles
or aggregates according to size or density.
These methods usually involve the action of
a stream of water.
mechanical compliance The displacement of
a mechanical element per unit of force.
Mechanical compliance is the mechanical
equivalent of capacitance in an electrical cir-
cuit.
mechanical damping Attenuating a vibra-
tional amplitude by absorbing mechanical
energy.
mechanical draft The negative pressure that
is created by mechanical means.
mechanical efficiency The ratio of power
output to power input.
mechanical engineering A branch of engi-
neering that deals with the generation and
use of thermal and mechanical energy as
well as with the design, manufacture, and
use of tools and machinery.
mechanical hygrometer A hygrometer that
uses an organic material, such as a bundle of
human hair, to sense changes in humidity. In
operation, the organic material expands and
contracts with changes in moisture content in
the air. The change in length alters the posi-
tion of a pointer through a spring-loaded
mechanical linkage.
mechanical impedance 1. An apparent oppo-
sition to the transfer of vibration amplitude
that is frequency dependent. 2. The complex
quotient of alternating force applied to a sys-
tem divided by the resulting alternating lin-
ear velocity in the direction of the force at its
point of application.
mechanical isolation of transduction
element The internal construction of a
transducer that allows forces (particularly
bending forces and external pressures) to be
applied to the transducer case with negligi-
ble resulting forces on the transducer ele-
ment. [ISA-RP37.2-1982 (R1995)]
mechanical limit stop A mechanical device
for limiting the travel of the valve stem.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
mechanical linkage A set of rigid bars or
links that are joined together at pivot points
and used to transmit motion. Frequently,
they are used in a mechanism along with a
crank and slide to convert rotary motion into
linear motion.
317
mechanical properties The properties of a
material that can be determined through the
application of a force and by measuring the
material's response.
mechanical reactance The imaginary compo-
nent of mechanical impedance.
mechanical register A mechanical or electro-
mechanical recording or indicating counter.
mechanical resistance The real component of
mechanical impedance.
mechanical scale A weighing device in
which objects are balanced through a system
of levers against a counterweight or counter-
poise.
mechanical shock The momentary applica-
tion of an acceleration force to a device. Note:
Mechanical shock is usually expressed in
units of acceleration of gravity (g). [ANSI/
ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
mechanical transmission An assembly of
mechanical components that is suitable for
transmitting mechanical power and motion.
mechanism 1. Generally, an arrangement of
two or more mechanical parts in which the
motion of one part compels the motion of the
others. 2. Specifically, in an indicating instru-
ment the arrangement of parts that control
the motion of the pointer or other indicating
means. Excluded are those parts that form
the enclosure, scale, or support structure or
that adapt the instrument to the quantity
being measured. 3. In a recording instru-
ment, the arrangement of parts that control
the motion of the marking device, the mark-
ing device itself, the device for driving the
chart, and the parts that carry the chart.
mechanized dew point meter See dew point
recorder.
media 1. The physical interconnection
between devices attached to the local area
network (LAN). Typical LAN media are
twisted pair, baseband coax, broadband
coax, and fiber optics. 2. The plural of
medium. 3. A name for the various materials
that are used to hold or store electronic data,
such as printer paper, disks, magnetic tape,
or punched cards.
media access control (MAC) The lower sub-
layer of the data link layer (Layer 2) that is
unique to each type of IEEE 802 local area
network. MAC provides a mechanism that
enables users access to share the network.
media attachment unit (MAU) Also known
as a transceiver and not to be confused with
a token ring MAU (multistation access unit).
A media attachment unit is an Ethernet
device for transmitting and receiving data
that often provides data-packet collision
median / memory protect
detection as well. A media attachment can
either be an internal or external feature of a
network device such as a network interface
card, repeater, hub, or concentrator. A multi-
port MAU, or transceiver, allows a number
of computers or workstations to be attached
to a single connection on the Ethernet bus.
Each port performs standard transceiver
functions.
median The middle value in a sample of
rank-ordered data or measurements. There
are as many values in this sample that are
larger than a median as there are values that
are smaller.
medium [Comm] 1. Cable, optical fiber, or
other means by which communication sig-
nals are transmitted between two or more
points. Note: In this part of ANSI/ISA-
S50.02, Part 2-1992, the term media is used
only as the plural of medium. [ANSI/ISA-
50.02, Part 2-1992] 2. Any material substance
that is used to propagate or transmit signals,
usually in the form of electrons, light, modu-
lated radio, or acoustic waves such as optical
fiber, metal wire, dielectric slab, air, water,
free space, and so on. [Cont] 3. In data pro-
cessing, the material on which data is
recorded and stored.
medium-carbon steel An alloy of iron and
carbon that contains about 0.25 percent to 0.6
percent C, and up to about 0.7 percent Mn.
medium-dependent interface (MDI) In data
communications, a mechanical and electrical
interface between a network segment and a
media attachment unit (MAU).
medium-scale integration (MSI) The fabrica-
tion of integrated circuits that contain 100 to
1,000 transistors.
mega- A prefix denoting 1,000,000.
megabit One million bits.
megabyte (Mbyte) A unit of computer mem-
ory size. One million bytes.
megaflops One million floating-point opera-
tions per second.
megahertz One million hertz or cycles per
second.
melting point The temperature at which a
solid substance becomes liquid. For pure
substances and some mixtures, melting point
is a single unique temperature. For impure
substances, solutions, and most mixtures it is
a temperature range.
membrane 1. A thin tissue that covers
organs, lines cavities, and forms canal walls
in the body of an animal. 2. A thin sheet of
metal, rubber, or treated fabric that is used to
line cavities or ducts or to act as a semirigid
separator between two fluid chambers.
318
memory Any form of computer data storage,
including main memory and mass storage, in
which data can be read and written. In its
strictest sense, memory refers to "main mem-
ory."
memory, logic (flip-flop) If S represents set
memory and R represents reset memory,
logic output C exists as soon as logic input A
exists. C continues to exist, regardless of the
subsequent state of A, until the memory is
reset, that is, terminated by logic input B
existing. C remains terminated regardless of
the subsequent state of B until A causes the
memory to be set. Logic output D, if used,
exists when C does not exist, and D does not
exist when C exists. [ANSI/ISA-5.2-1976
(R1992)]
memory access time See access time.
memory address The address in computer
memory of the location that contains an
instruction or operand.
memory addressability A measure of capa-
bility and ease of programming that is used
in evaluating computers. The maximum
number of locations that is specifiable by a
nonindexed instruction using the instruc-
tion's minimum execution time.
memory bus The computer bus (or buses)
that interconnects the processor, memory,
and peripherals on a high-speed data pro-
cessing highway.
memory capacity Same as storage capacity.
memory chip An electronic device that
accepts data for computer use or for storage.
memory cycle time The minimum time
between two successive data accesses from a
memory.
memory dump A listing of the contents of a
storage device or selected parts of it.
memory image A replication of the contents
of a portion of memory.
memory latency time See latency.
memory management A feature that allows a
computer to operate as if its maim memory
were larger. See virtual memory.
memory map The graphic representation of
the general functional assignments of vari-
ous areas in memory. These areas are defined
by ranges of addresses.
memory mapping 1. A map that shows the
usable and unusable (or protected) areas of
memory. 2. The duplication of all or part of
the data in one memory location to the mem-
ory in another location or device.
memory protect A technique for protecting
the contents of sections of memory from
being altered. The execution of any memory
modification instruction is inhibited as soon
 memory protection / message switching
as the presence of a guard bit associated with
the accessed memory location is detected.
Memory modification instructions that
access protected memory are usually exe-
cuted as a no-operation, and a memory pro-
tect violation program interrupt is generated.
memory protection A scheme for preventing
read and/or write access to certain areas of
memory.
memory resident A program that remains in
RAM memory even when other programs
are operating. It is called up by interrupting
the currently running program.
MEMS Microelectro mechanical systems.
Micromachined integrated systems, usually
on silicon chips, that perform some intelli-
gent sensing function as well as containing
micromoving sensing diaphragms and
beams and actuating devices such as valves,
motors, linear motors, cantilevers, switches,
and gear trains.
meniscus The concave or convex surface,
caused by surface tension, at the top of a liq-
uid column, as in a manometer tube.
meniscus lens A lens that has one concave
surface and one convex surface.
menu A list of alternative functions from
which the use makes a selection through a
mouse, key or sequence of keys, touch-screen
hot spots, and so on, rather than through the
command language of the computer pro-
gram.
mercury meter A differential-pressure mea-
suring device that utilizes mercury as the
seal between the high and low chambers.
mercury switch A type of switch that consists
of two wires that are sealed into the end of a
glass capsule containing a bead of mercury. If
the capsule is tipped one way, the mercury
covers the exposed ends of the wires and
completes the circuit. If it is tipped the other
way, the mercury exposes the wires and
breaks the circuit.
mercury vapor lamp A type of ion-discharge
lamp that is widely used in ultraviolet ana-
lyzers because it emits several strong mono-
chromatic lines with characteristic wave-
lengths such as 254, 313, 360, 405, and the
like. Lamp emission can be made almost
completely monochromatic by using special
filters.
mercury-vapor tube A gas tube in which the
active gas is mercury vapor.
mercury-wetted relap A device that uses
mercury as the relay contact closure sub-
stance.
merge In data processing, to combine two or
more groups of records into a single file.
319
merge sort In data processing, an operation
in which data is combined and then sorted in
some prescribed manner.
meridian plane Any plane that contains the
optical axis.
MES Manufacturing Execution System. Soft-
ware packages for such functions as plant
management, supervisory control and moni-
toring, plant engineering, and quality man-
agement. The model concept was developed
by Advanced Manufacturing Research
(AMR), Boston, in the late 1980s with the
intention of describing a system that, rather
than focusing on measurements of material
usage or process control, "centers on product
itself as it moves through plant on way to
customer." MES is intended to bridge the
real-time information gap between planning
(MIS) and controls (PCS) so as to link opera-
tors and managers with the current views of
all processing resources.
MESFET Metalized semiconductor field
effect transistor. An FET in which a Schottky
barrier is used for the gate.
mesh 1. A measure of screen size that is equal
to the number of openings per inch along the
principal direction of the weave. 2. The size
classification of particles that pass through a
sieve of the stated screen size. 3. The engage-
ment of a gear with its mating pinion or rack.
4. A closed path through ductwork in a ven-
tilation survey.
message An arbitrary amount of information
whose beginning and end are defined or
implied.
message box In workstation screen views, a
special dialog box within the application
window that displays the information
needed at some appropriate point of activity
within that application. For example, a mes-
sage box may alert the user when informa-
tion is needed or display diagnostics when
some error has occurred.
message exchange A device that is placed
between a communication line and a com-
puter in order to take care of certain commu-
nication functions and thereby free the
computer for other work.
message routing The function, usually per-
formed at a central message processor, of
selecting the route, or alternate route if
required, by which a message will proceed to
the next point toward its destination.
message switching A method for handling
messages over communications networks.
The entire message is transmitted to an inter-
mediate point (such as a switching com-
puter), stored for a (perhaps very short) time,
messaging / mhol
then transmitted toward its destination (indi-
cated by an address integral to the message).
See also circuit switching and packet switching.
messaging In object-oriented programming
(OOP), objects that communicate according
to defined rules.
messaging application programming inter-
face (MAPI) A system built into Microsoft
Windows that enables different e-mail appli-
cations to work together for mail distribu-
tion. As long as both applications are MAPI-
enabled, they can share mail messages with
each other. Confusion over MAPI occurs
because there are two very different kinds.
First, there is the MAPI of Microsoft Mail
(MS Mail), which was a C-language API
(application program interface) that allowed
programmable access to those features. It is
now called "Simple MAPI." Second, there is
the "new MAPI," a COM/OLE-based set of
complex interfaces, sometimes called
"Extended MAPI" or XMAPI. It includes
Simple MAPI for compatibility with older
software as well as including OLE Messag-
ing, which is a set of OLE automation inter-
faces for messaging for use in Visual Basic,
and the like.
metal A chemical element that is crystalline
in the solid state, exhibits relatively high
thermal and electrical conductivity, and has a
generally lustrous or reflective surface
appearance.
metallic Exhibiting the characteristics of a
metal. See metal.
metallic coating A thin layer of metal applied
that is to an optical surface to enhance reflec-
tivity.
metallic glass See glassy alloy.
metallography The study of the structure of
metals. The most common techniques are
optical microscopy, electron microscopy, and
X-ray diffraction analysis.
metal-nitride-oxide semiconductor One
type of computer semiconductor memory
that is used in EAROMs (electrically alter-
able read-only memory).
metal piston type seal In a butterfly valve, a
self-expandable metal seal ring is installed in
a groove on the disk circumference in order
to block the clearance between the disk's
outer diameter and the liner bore with the
disk in closed position. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-
2000]
metal units Concentration units that are
defined as the number of gm-moles per 1,000
gm of solvent.
320
meteorograph A recording instrument for
measuring meteorological data, such as tem-
perature, barometric pressure, and humidity.
meteorological instrumentation Equipment
for measuring weather data.
meter 1. A device for measuring and indicat-
ing the value of an observed quantity. 2. An
international metric standard for measuring
length. It is equivalent to approximately
39.37 in. in the U.S. customary system of
units. Spelled "metre" in the International
Standard of Units (SI).
meter factor 1. A constant that is used to mul-
tiply the actual reading on a scale or chart in
order to produce the measured value in
actual units. 2. A correction factor that is
applied to a meter's indicated value in order
to compensate for variations in ambient con-
ditions, such as a temperature correction
applied to a pressure indication.
metering 1. Regulating the flow of a fluid so
that only a measured amount is permitted to
flow past a given point in the system. 2. Mea-
suring any variable (flow rate, electrical
power, etc.).
metering pump A plunger-type pump that is
designed to control small-scale fluid-flow
rates accurately. It is used to inject small
quantities of materials into continuous-flow
liquid streams. Also known as a proportioning
pump.
meter prover A device for checking the accu-
racy of a gas meter.
meter proving tank See calibrating tank.
meter run A flowmeter that is installed and
calibrated in a section of pipe that has ade-
quate upstream and downstream length so
as to satisfy standards of flowmeter installa-
tion. See also orifice run.
meter sensitivity The accuracy with which a
meter can measure a value. It is usually
expressed as a percentage of the meter's full-
scale reading.
MeV Mega-electron-volts. A unit of energy
that is equivalent to the kinetic energy of a
single electron accelerated through an elec-
tric potential of 1 million volts.
MFD Mode field diameter. The diameter of
optical energy in single-mode optical fiber.
Because it is greater than core diameter, MFD
replaces core diameter as a practical parame-
ter.
MFP Multifunction printer. A printer that
will also scan, fax, and copy.
mhol A customary unit of conductance and
admittance that is generally defined as the
reciprocal of one ohm or the conductance of

an element whose resistance is one ohm. The
equivalent SI unit, a Siemen, is preferred.
micro- A common prefix meaning "very
small."
microbalance A small analytical balance for
weighing masses of 0.1 g or less to the near-
est ìg.
microbar A unit of pressure that is equal to
one dyne per square centimeter.
microchannel plate A glass device that has
many tiny, parallel holes passing through it.
With suitable biasing, it is used as an electron
amplifier, primarily in imaging detectors.
micro code 1. Software that exercises bit-level
control of hardware. 2. A system of coding
that makes use of suboperations that are not
ordinarily accessible in programming, for
example, coding that makes use of parts of
multiplication or division operations. 3. A
list of small program steps. Combinations of
these steps, performed automatically in a
prescribed sequence from a macro-operation
like multiply, divide, and square root. See
multiprocessor.
microcomputer 1. A computer that is based
on the use of a microprocessor-integrated cir-
cuit. The entire computer often fits on a small
printed circuit board and works with a data
word of 4, 8, or 16 bits. 2. A complete com-
puter in which the CPU is a microprocessor.
microcontroller, µC A microprocessor in
which timers, counters, RAM, and ROM are
included.
microcurie A unit of radioactivity that is
equal to one millionth (10-6) curie.
microdensitometer A device for measuring
the density of photographic films or plates
on a microscopic scale. The small scale ver-
sion of a densitometer.
microfaradmeter A capacitance meter that is
calibrated in microfarads.
micro-floppy disks Three-and-a-half-inch
disks that have greater storage capacity than
a 5-1/4-inch floppy disk.
microinstruction Controls the operations of
the various primitive resources of a com-
puter: the main and local store registers (both
general and special-purpose), the arithmetic
and logic units (ALUs), data paths, and so
on. Microinstructions are stored as words in
a control store that is traditionally (but not
necessarily) separate from the main storage.
micromanipulator A positioning device for
making small adjustments to the position of
an optical component or other device.
micron One millionth of a meter, or 0.000039
in. The diameter of dust particles is often
expressed in microns.
321
micro- / microscopic stress
micrometer (m) 1. A metric measure that has
a value of 10-6 meters or 0.000001 meter (pre-
viously referred to as "micron"). [ANSI/ISA-
7.0.01-1996] 2. Any device that incorporates a
screw thread for precisely measuring dis-
tances or angles, such as is sometimes
attached to a telescope or microscope. 3. A
type of calipers that incorporates a precision
screw thread and is capable of measuring the
distance between two opposing surfaces to
the nearest 0.001 or 0.0001 in.
microphone An electro-acoustic transducer
that transmits an electrical output signal that
is directly related to the loudness and fre-
quency distribution of sound waves that
strike the active element.
microphonis 1. In an electron tube, a modu-
lation of one or more electrode currents as a
direct result of mechanical vibrations of a
tube element. 2. An undesirable electrical
output signal in response to mechanical or
acoustic vibration of an electronic or electri-
cal device.
microprocessor (µP) 1. A usually monolithic,
large-scale-integrated (LSI) central process-
ing unit (CPU) on a single chip of semicon-
ductor material. Memory, input/output
circuits, power supply, and the like are
needed to turn a microprocessor into a
microcomputer. 2. A large-scale integrated
circuit that has all the functions of a com-
puter, except memory and input/output sys-
tems. The microprocessor thus includes the
instruction set, arithmetic logic unit (ALU),
registers, and control functions.
microprogramming A method of operating
the control unit of a computer, wherein each
instruction initiates or calls for the execution
of a sequence of more elementary instruc-
tions. The microprogram is generally a per-
manently stored section of nonvolatile
storage. The instruction repertory of the
microprogrammed system can thus be
changed by replacing the microprogrammed
section of storage without otherwise affect-
ing the construction of the computer.
microradiography The production of a mag-
nified radiographic image.
microradiometer A device for detecting radi-
ant power. It consists of a thermopile that is
supported on and directly connected to the
moving coil of a galvanometer.
microscopic stress Load per unit area over a
very short distance, on the order of the diam-
eter of a metal grain or smaller. The term is
usually reserved for characterizing residual
stress patterns.
microwave / minimum explosion concentration
microwave Electromagnetic radiation that
has a wavelength of 1 to 300 mm.
microwave amplification by the stimulated
emission of radiation (MASER) The
microwave equivalent and the predecessor
of the laser. It produces coherent micro-
waves. See laser.
microwave spectrum The portion of the elec-
tromagnetic spectrum of frequencies that lies
between infrared waves and radio waves.
middleware Loosely defined as software for
interconnecting application software manu-
factured by separate vendors and that
involve different plant functions.
MIDI Musical Instrument Digital Interface.
An industry standard connection for the
computer control of musical instruments and
devices.
migration The movement of ions from an
area of the same charge to an area of opposite
charge.
mil 1. A unit of linear measurement that is
equal to 0.001 in. 2. A unit of angular mea-
surement that is commonly used in the mili-
tary for setting artillery elevations.
mile A British and U.S. unit of length that is
commonly used to specify distances between
widely separated points on the earth's sur-
face. A statute mile, used for distances over
land, is defined as 5,280 ft. A nautical mile,
used for distances over ocean surfaces, is
defined as one minute of arc measured along
the equator, which equals 6,080.27 ft or
1.1516 statute miles.
milestones Identified events for indicating
the progression of a project.
millimeter Also spelled "millimetre." 1. A
unit of length that is equal to 0.001 meter. 2.
A millimeter of mercury (abbreviated mm
Hg) is a unit of pressure that is equivalent to
the pressure that is exerted by a column of
pure liquid mercury one mm high at 0°C
under a standard gravity of 980.665 cm/s 2 . It
is roughly equivalent to 1/760th of standard
atmospheric pressure.
MIL-STD-1533 The military standard that
defines the serial data communications pro-
tocol on modern military vehicles, especially
aircraft.
MIMD Multiple instruction multiple data
stream (pronounced "mimdee"). A type of
computing, in which at every instant each
processor applies its own unique set of
instructions on the data in its own local
memory.
miniature boiled Fired pressure vessels that
do not exceed the following limits: 16 in.
inside the diameter of the shell; 42 in. for the
322
overall length to the outside of the heads at
center; 20 sq ft for the water heating surface;
or 100 psi for the maximum allowable work-
ing pressure.
miniaturization The design and production
of a scaled-down version of a device or
mechanism that is capable of performing all
of the same functions as the larger-sized
original.
minicomputer A medium-size computer that
is designed for more dedicated applications
than mainframe computers. It generally has
a larger instruction set, a wider range of lan-
guages, and better support than microcom-
puters.
MINI-MAP A subset of the Manufacturing
Automation Protocol (MAP) protocols that
has been extended to provide higher perfor-
mance for applications whose communica-
tions are limited to a single local area
network (LAN). A MINI-MAP node contains
only the lower two layers (physical and link)
of the MAP protocols. It can only communi-
cate directly with the MAP/EPA or
MINI-MAP nodes on the same segment.
Using MINI-MAP, a device that has a token
can request a response from an address
device. Unlike the standard MAP protocol,
the addressed device need not wait for the
token to respond. See Manufacturing Automa-
tion Protocol (MAP).
mini-micro In data processing, a very small
microcomputer that contains a CPU, mem-
ory, and I/O interfaces. It is used for data
exchange and for timing circuits to control
the flow of data.
minimum bend radius The smallest radius
around which a piece of sheet metal, wire,
bar stock, or tubing can be bent without frac-
ture or, in the case of tubing, without col-
lapse.
minimum cloud ignition temperature The
minimum temperature at which a combusti-
ble dust atmosphere will autoignite and
propagate an explosion. [ANSI/ISA-
12.01.01-1999]
minimum dust-layer ignition temperature
The minimum temperature of a surface that
will ignite a dust on that surface after a long
time (theoretically, until infinity). In most
dusts, free moisture has been vaporized
before ignition. [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999]
minimum explosion concentration The min-
imum concentration of a dust cloud that,
when ignited, will propagate flame away
from the source of ignition. Note: The mea-
surable combustible properties of dusts
depend not only on the chemical structure of
 minimum explosive (dust) concentration / mixer
the dust, but on test conditions, the size of
the dust particles, weight, density, and other
particle characteristics.
minimum explosive (dust) concentration
The minimum concentration of a dust cloud
that, when ignited, will propagate a flame
away from the source of ignition. [ANSI/
ISA-12.01.01-1999]
minimum igniting current (MIC) The mini-
mum current in resistive or inductive circuits
that causes the explosive test mixture in the
spark-test apparatus to ignite. [ISA-12.02.01-
1999 (IEC 60079-11 Mod)]
minimum igniting current ratio (MIC
Ratio) The ratio that is derived by dividing
(a) the minimum current required from an
inductive spark discharge to ignite the most
easily ignitable mixture of a gas or vapor by
(b) the minimum current required from an
inductive spark discharge to ignite methane
under the same test conditions. Note: For
additional information, refer to IEC 60079.
[ISA-12.01.01-1999]
minimum igniting voltage The minimum
voltage of capacitive circuits that causes the
explosive test mixture in the spark-test appa-
ratus to ignite. [ISA-12.02.01-1999 (IEC
60079-11 Mod)]
minimum ignition energy (MIE) The small-
est amount of energy that can ignite the most
easily ignitable mixture of a specific gas or
vapor-in-air or dust-in-air mixture. [ANSI/
ISA-12.01.01-1999]
minimum permissible protective liquid
level The minimum level that the protec-
tive liquid can attain in normal service. This
take into account the effects of contraction
from the worst-case filling condition to the
condition of de-energization at minimum
ambient temperature. [ANSI/ISA-12.26.01-
1998 (IEC 60079-6 Mod)]
minimum reflux The quantity of reflux that
is required in order to perform a specified
separation in a column that has an unlimited
number of trays. At minimum reflux, no
products are withdrawn.
minimum thermometer A thermometer that
indicates the lowest temperature reached
during a given interval of time.
mining engineering A branch of engineering
that deals with the discovery, extraction, and
initial processing of minerals, usually metals
such as ores or coal found in the earth's crust.
minor frame The period between frame syn-
chronization words that includes one com-
plete cycle of a commutator that has the
highest rate. Minor frame normally does not
323
exceed 8,192 bit internals. Synonymous with
"prime frame."
minor graduations The shortest or lightest
division marks on a graduated scale. These
marks indicate subdivisions that lie between
successive major graduations or between an
index graduation and an adjacent major
graduation.
minus leading In the typographical composi-
tion of screen displays and printing, leading
in which the baseline space is less than the
point size (or less than solid leading). See
leading.
minute 1. A measure of angle that is equal to
l/60th of one degree. 2. A measure of time
that is equal to 60 s.
mirroring In workstation screen displays, a
display or the creation of some graphic that
portrays an image in the exact reverse orien-
tation it originally had. This is done by flip-
ping that graphic on its x-axis or y-axis.
mirror scale An instrument scale and a mir-
ror that are so arranged that the indicating
pointer and its reflection are aligned when
the observer's eye is in the correct position to
read the instrument without parallax error.
misalignment loss In fiber optics, a loss of
power resulting from angular misalignment,
lateral displacement, and end separation.
mismatch Lateral offset between two halves
of a casting mold or forging die. This pro-
duces distortion in shape across the parting
line.
MISO Multiple input single output. Systems
that require advanced control methods, such
as fuzzy logic and neural networks. See
SISO, MIMO, TITO.
miter valve A valve in which the disk is at an
angle of approximately 45° to the axis of the
valve body.
mixed level A simulation system that com-
bines both low-level transistor and gate cir-
cuit descriptions with high-level, behavioral
circuit representations.
mixed mode See mixed signal.
mixed radix Pertaining to a numeration sys-
tem that uses more than one radix, such as
the biquinary system.
mixed signal A simulation system that com-
bines both analog and digital circuit repre-
sentations.
mixer In sound recording or reproduction
equipment, a device that is capable of com-
bining two or more input signals into a sin-
gle linearly proportioned output signal.
Usually, this includes the additional capabil-
ity of adjusting the levels of any of the
inputs.
mixing valve / model basin
mixing valve A valve that has more than one
inlet but only one outlet port. It is used to
blend two or more fluids in order to yield a
mixture that has a predetermined composi-
tion.
MKS Meter-kilogram-second. A system of
absolute units for length, mass, and time.
Now the basis of SI units.
MMCD MultiMedia Compact Disk. Made by
Sony/ Phillips. Now called DVD (see DVD).
MMS (Manufacturing Message Specification)
ISO/IEC 69506 A set of international stan-
dards that were developed to facilitate the
interconnection of information processing
systems. The first part of these standards is
to define the service provided by the MMS.
The second part specifies the protocol that
supports the MMS.
mnemonic Assisting, or intending to assist,
human memory. Thus, in language, a mne-
monic term, usually an abbreviation, is one
that is easy to remember, for example, MPY
for "multiply" and ACC for "accumulator."
mnemonic operation code An operation
code in which the names of operations are
abbreviated and expressed mnemonically in
order to help people remember the opera-
tions they represent. A mnemonic code nor-
mally needs to be converted into an actual
operation code by an assembler before the
computer executes it. Examples of mnemonic
codes are ADD for "addition," CLR for "clear
storage," and SQR for "square root."
mnemonics An assembly language instruc-
tion, defined by a symbol, that has some
resemblance to the operations being carried
out. Mnemonics are easier to remember and
use than the equivalent Hex code or machine
code.
MNOS Metal-nitride-oxide semiconductor.
One type of computer semiconductor mem-
ory that is used in EAROMs.
mobile See mobile instrument.
mobile instrument A continuous-monitoring
instrument that is mounted on a vehicle,
such as a mining machine or industrial truck,
among others. See ANSI/ISA and ISA 92
series standards and recommended practices
(RP's). [ANSI/ISA 12.13.01 2000]
mobile telemetering Any arrangement for
transmitting instrument readings from a
movable data acquisition station to a remote
stationary or movable indicating or record-
ing station without using interconnecting
wire.
mobility 1. The average drift velocity of a
charged particle that is induced by a unit
electrical potential gradient. 2. In gases, liq-
324
uids, solids, or colloids, the relative ease with
which atoms, molecules, or particles can
move from one location to another without
external stimulus.
mockup A model (frequently full size) of a
piece of equipment or a system that is used
for experiments, performance testing, or
training.
modal analysis The study of mode shapes in
order to find the locations of maximum
deflection where stiffeners can be applied.
modal dispersion Dispersion that results
from different transit lengths of different
propagating modes in multimode optical
fiber.
mode [Comp] 1. A computer system of data
representation, for example, the binary
mode. [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)] 2. A
selected method of computer operation.
[ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)] 3. A single com-
ponent in a computer network. 4. In science,
a real or complex (number system). 5. A sta-
ble condition of oscillation in a laser. A laser
can operate in one mode (single-mode) or in
many modes (multimode). 6. The most fre-
quently occurring value in a sample. [Cont]
7. An output form or a type of action. For
example, PID algorithms can operate in sev-
eral modes: AUTO, CASCADE, MANUAL,
and so on. 8. The manner in which sequential
functions are transitioned to within a proce-
dural element or the readiness with which
the states of equipment entities can be
manipulated manually or by other types of
control. [ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995]
mode changer A device for changing the
characteristics of a guided wave from one
mode of propagation to another.
mode filter In a waveguide circuit, an
arrangement of waveguide elements that
pass waves that are being propagated in cer-
tain mode(s) and exclude waves being prop-
agated in others.
model A representation of an entity. [ISA-
TR50.02, Part 9-2000]
model-based predictive control A method of
process control that goes beyond the abilities
of the traditional PID type. Similar to the
way humans learn, model-based predictive
control correlates training (or operating
image [internal model]), target (or reference
trajectory), action (computation of the struc-
tured manipulated variable), and compari-
son of the actual versus the expected
(modeling error compensator).
model basin A large tank of water for design
experiments and performance studies of ship
 model dispersion / modulation
hulls using scale models. Also known as a
"model tank" and a "towing tank."
model dispersion That component of pulse
spreading that is caused by differential opti-
cal path lengths in a multimode fiber.
modeling The re-creation of an event or
object in a controlled environment so as to
predict results from that event or object.
Mathematically characterizing a process so
that variables may be manipulated to deter-
mine their behavior in different situations.
model reference adaptive control A method
of self-adaptive control that compares real
process parameters with a reference model.
model reference system An ideal system
whose response is agreed to be optimum. A
computer simulation in which both the
model system and the actual system are sub-
jected to the same stimulus, and the parame-
ters of the actual system are adjusted to
minimize the difference between the outputs
of the model and the actual system.
modem A contraction of the term "modula-
tor-demodulator." 1. A device used in data
transmission. The term may be used in two
different contexts: (a) the modulator and the
demodulator of a modem are associated at
the same end of a circuit, or (b) the modula-
tor and the demodulator of a modem are
associated at the opposite ends to form a
channel. [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)] 2. A
device that performs both the combining
(modulation) and separation (demodulation)
of data. Modems are typically used to con-
nect a node to a broadband network. See also
transceiver. 3. An electronic device for the
serial transmission of digital data in the
audio frequency spectrum over a
voice-grade telephone line. 4. A device that
converts signals in one form to another form
that is compatible with another kind of
equipment. In particular, a circuit board that
changes digital data being transmitted
within a particular device into a form that is
suitable for transmission over a data high-
way and vice versa.
modem eliminator A usually passive device
that serves as a modem between a local ter-
minal that requires a modem and a computer
system.
moderation Reducing the kinetic energy of
neutrons, usually by means of successive col-
lisions with hydrogen, carbon, or other light
atoms.
mode shape The shape that a part takes in
oscillating at a specific frequency.
mode (submode) A particular operating con-
dition of a control system, such as manual,
325
automatic, remote, or coordinated. [ANSI/
ISA-77.13.01-1999]
modified frequency modulation (MFM) A
technique for storing and encoding data on
media.
modified parabolic characteristic An inher-
ent flow characteristic that provides an
equal-percentage characteristic at the travel
of a low-closure member and approximately
a linear characteristic for upper portions of
closure member travel. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-
2000]
Modula-2 "Modular language-2." A com-
puter language designed by Niklaus Wirth to
enhance Pascal. A multiprocessing language
with co-routines that may be executed simul-
taneously.
modular automatic test equipment
(MATE) Automatic test equipment for mil-
itary users that consists of compatible mod-
ules and is configured to test a particular
weapon system.
modularity The degree to which a system of
programs is developed in relatively indepen-
dent components. A design that will allow
some modules to be eliminated if a reduced
version of the program is acceptable.
modularization Designing a series of compo-
nents, subassemblies, or devices for inter-
changeability of their physical location. This
makes it possible for different assemblies to
be easily constructed on a standard frame or
mounted in standard enclosures.
modular programming Programming in
which tasks are programmed in distinct sec-
tions or subsections. This makes it possible to
modify one section without reference to
other sections.
modulated wave A radio-frequency wave in
which amplitude, phase, or frequency are
varied in accordance with the waveform of a
modulating signal.
modulating The actions to keep a quantity or
quality in proper measure or proportion.
Also known as "throttling." [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
modulating control To vary an output signal
based upon some variation of input (as
opposed to on/off control).
modulation 1. The process or the result of the
process by which some characteristic of one
wave is varied in accordance with some
characteristic of another wave. [ANSI/ISA-
51.1-1979 (R1993)] 2. The process of impress-
ing information on a carrier for the purpose
of transmission (AM--amplitude modula-
tion; PM--phase modulation; FM~frequency
modulation). 3. The regulation of the fuel-air
modulation analyzer / Moll thermopile
mixture to a burner in response to fluctua-
tions of load on a boiler. 4. The action of a
control valve in regulating fluid flow by
varying the position of the closure member.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000] 5. The mixing of
two signals, which causes variation in ampli-
tude or frequency. The higher frequency is
usually called the "carrier," and its ampli-
tude or frequency is changed by another
periodic event. In vibration, this means that
two vibrations arrive at the transducer loca-
tion. When separated into discrete frequen-
cies by the fast-Fourier transform (FFT)
process, the result is a component at the car-
rier frequency and adjacent components, or
sidebands, that is spaced at the frequency of
the modulating signal. Modulation implies
that the two vibrations are related physically.
modulation analyzer A receiver that is tuned
to a desired frequency and designed to pass
the entire modulation envelope in order to
measure carrier frequency, power, and phase
modulation characteristics.
modulation factor The ratio of the peak vari-
ation actually used in a given type of modu-
lation to the maximum design variation
possible.
modulation index In frequency modulation
with a sinusoidal waveform, the modulation
index is the ratio of the peak (not
peak-to-peak) frequency deviation to the fre-
quency of the modulating wave.
modulation meter An instrument for mea-
suring the modulation factor of a wave train,
usually expressed as a percentage.
modulation noise The noise in an electronic
or acoustic circuit that is caused by the pres-
ence of a signal, but not including the wave-
form of the signal itself.
module 1. In engineering, an assembly of
interconnected components that constitutes
an identifiable device, instrument, or piece of
equipment. A module can be disconnected,
removed as a unit, and replaced with a spare.
It has definable performance characteristics
that permit it to be tested as a unit. A module
could be a card or other subassembly of a
larger device, provided it meets the require-
ments of the definition in IEEE Standard 60.
[ISA-RP 67.04.02-2000; ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)] 2. In computing, a program unit that
is discrete and identifiable with respect to
compiling. It can be combined with other
units and, for example, can load the input to
or the output from an assembler, compiler,
linkage editor, or executive routine.
326
modulo A mathematical operation that
yields the remainder function of division.
Thus, 39 modulo 6 equals 3.
modulo N check 1. A check that makes use of
a check number that is equal to the remain-
der of the desired number when divided by
n. For example, in a modulo 4 check, the
check number will be 0, 1, 2, or 3. Moreover,
the remainder of the desired number when
divided by 4 must equal the reported check
number, otherwise an equipment malfunc-
tion has occurred. 2. A method of verification
by congruences, for example, casting out
nines.
modulus of elasticity In any solid, the slope
of the stress-strain curve within the elastic
region. For most materials, the value is
nearly constant up to some limiting value of
stress, which is known as the elastic limit.
The modulus of elasticity can be measured in
tension, compression, torsion, or shear. The
tension modulus is often referred to as
"Young's modulus."
moisture Water in the liquid or vapor phase.
moisture barrier A material or coating that
retards the passage of moisture through a
wall that is made of more permeable materi-
als.
moisture-free See bone dry.
moisture in steam Particles of water that are
carried in steam. Usually expressed as the
percentage of particles by weight.
moisture loss The loss that represents the dif-
ference in the heat content of the moisture in
the exit gases versus the heat content at the
temperature of the ambient air.
mol See mole.
molar units Concentration units that are
defined as the number of gm-moles of the
component per liter of solution.
molecular attrition See fretting.
molecular beam A unidirectional beam of
neutral-charge molecules that passes
through a vacuum.
molecular flow The gas flow in a tube at a
pressure that is low enough that the mean
free path of the molecules is greater than the
inside diameter of the tube.
molecule The smallest division of a unique
chemical substance that maintains its unique
chemical identity.
moles Number of molecular weights. This is
the weight of the component divided by its
molecular weight.
Moll thermopile A type of thermopile that is
used in some radiation-measuring instru-
ments. It consists of multiple mangan-con-
stantan thermocouples connected in series.

Alternate junctions are embedded in a
shielded nonconductive plate of large heat
capacity. The remaining junctions are black-
ened and exposed directly to the radiation.
The voltage across the thermopile is directly
proportional to the intensity of radiation.
moment 1. Of force, its effectiveness in pro-
ducing rotation about an axis. Moment
equals the product of (a) the radius perpen-
dicular to the axis of rotation that passes
through the point at which force is applied
and (b) the tangential component of force
that is perpendicular to the plane defined by
the radius and axis of rotation. 2. Of inertia,
the resistance of a body at rest or in motion to
changes in its angular velocity.
momentary An alarm that returns to normal
before being acknowledged. It returns to nor-
mal state when pressure or signal is
removed.
momentary alarm See alarm.
momentary digital output A contact closure,
operated by a computer, that holds its condi-
tion (set or reset) for only a short time. See
latching digital output.
momentary switch A spring-loaded switch
whose contacts complete a circuit only while
an actuating force is applied. For a typical
momentary push button, electric current
flows through the switch only while the
operator has a finger on the button.
momentum The product of a body's mass
and its linear velocity.
Monel A series of high-nickel, high-copper
alloys manufactured by International Nickel
Co. that are used for their corrosion-resistant
properties in certain conditions.
monitor [Cont] 1. A general term for an
instrument or instrument system that is used
to measure or sense the status or magnitude
of one or more variables for the purpose of
deriving useful information. The term "moni-
tor" is very unspecific. In different contexts it
can mean analyzer, indicator, or alarm. Moni-
tor can also be used as a verb. [ANSI/ISA-
5.1-1984 (R1992)] 2. To measure a quantity
continuously or at regular intervals so that
corrections to a process or condition may be
made without delay if the quantity varies
outside of prescribed limits. [Comp] 3. Soft-
ware or hardware that observes, supervises,
controls, or verifies the operations of a sys-
tem. 4. In data processing, a high-resolution
viewing screen.
monitor command An instruction that a user
issues directly to a monitor.
monitor console The system control termi-
nal.
327
moment / most significant bit
monitored burn-in The use of high-voltage
stress tests and functional pattern tests dur-
ing dynamic burn-in. See burn-in.
monitor light See pilot light.
monitor routine See executive program.
monitor software That portion of the opera-
tional software that controls on-line and
off-line events, develops new on-line appli-
cations, and helps to debug them. This soft-
ware is also known as a "batch monitor."
monitor system Same as operating system.
monochromatic A single wavelength or fre-
quency. In reality, light cannot be purely
monochromatic and actually extends over a
range of wavelengths. The breadth of this
range determines how monochromatic the
light is.
monochromatic radiation Any electromag-
netic radiation that has an essentially single
wavelength or in which the photons all have
essentially the same energy.
monochromator An optical device that uses a
prism or diffraction grating to spread out the
spectrum and then passes a narrow portion
of that spectrum through a slit. A monochro-
mator generates monochromatic light from a
non-monochromatic source.
monolithic An integrated circuit all of whose
components have been formed on a single
piece of semiconductor material.
monostable Pertaining to a device that has
one stable state.
monotonic A quantity is monotonic if it
increases (or never decreases) as a function of
some other quantity.
Monte Carlo method A technique that uses
statistical sampling techniques to obtain a
probabilistic approximation to the solution
of a problem. Often used when a great num-
ber of variables are present and their interre-
lationships are so extremely complex as to
forestall straightforward analytical handling.
MOSFET Metal oxide semiconductor field-
effect transistor. A field-effect transistor that
has a gate which is insulated from the semi-
conductor substrate by a thin layer of silicon
dioxide. Formerly known as "insulated-gate
field-effect transistor."
Mosaic In computer networks, user interface
software for navigating, browsing, and
accessing files across a network such as the
Internet). Developed at the National Center
for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) at
the University of Illinois.
most significant bit (MSB) The bit in a digi-
tal sequence that defines the largest value. It
is usually at the extreme left.
most significant digit / moving-iron instrument
most significant digit (MSD) The leftmost
nonzero digit.
motherboard The printed circuit board of a
computer, which contains bus lines and edge
connectors so as to accommodate other
boards in the system. In a microcomputer, a
motherboard often contains the microproces-
sor and expansion boards.
motion balance instrument An instrument
design technique that utilizes the motion of
the measuring element against a spring in
order to reach a balance of forces that repre-
sents the magnitude of the measured vari-
able.
motion control The application of moving
parts in industrial settings, including
sequencing, speed control, point-to-point
control, and incremental motion.
motion conversion mechanism 1. A device
needed on some, but not all, assemblies to
convert linear action into rotary-valve opera-
tion. 2. A mechanism between the valve and
the power unit of the actuator to convert
between linear and rotary motion. The con-
version can be from linear-actuator action to
rotary-valve operation or from rotary-actua-
tor action to linear-valve operation. [ANSI/
ISA-75.05.01-2000]
motion JPEG In video development, any of
several proprietary implementations of
motion video compression based on the
JPEG standard. This standard produces out-
standing quality video when the degree or
amount of compression is not overdone.
motor meter A type of integrating meter. It
consists of a rotor, one or more stators, a
retarding device that makes the speed of the
rotor directly proportional to the integral of
the quantity measured (usually power or
electric current), and a counter or set of dials
that indicates the number of rotor revolu-
tions.
motor operator The electric or hydraulic
power mechanism that receives a control sig-
nal and repositions a valve or other final con-
trol element.
mounting effects The effects (errors) that are
introduced into transducer performance dur-
ing installation. They are caused during the
fastening of the unit or its mounting hard-
ware or by irregularities in the surface on
which the transducer is mounted. [ISA-37.12-
1982 (R1995); ISA-37.6-1982 (R1995)]
mounting error The error that results from
mechanical deformation of the transducer. It
is caused by the process of mounting the
transducer and making all the measurand
328
and electrical connections. [ISA-37.1-1975
(R1982)]
mounting position 1. The position of a
device relative to its physical surroundings.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)] 2. The loca-
tion and orientation of an actuator or auxil-
iary component relative to the control valve.
This term can apply to the control valve itself
relative to the piping. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-
2000]
mounting strain error See error, mounting
strain.
mouse A hand-operated device developed
by Doug Englebart of the Stanford Research
Institute in 1964. Moving it along a flat sur-
face drives and positions a cursor on a work-
station screen so the user can direct the views
or inputs.
MOV Metal oxide varistor; motor-operated
valve. A device whose impedance changes
appreciably in response to applied voltage.
MOVs are used to limit the maximum volt-
age across an output device and to protect
vulnerable circuit components against tran-
sients by clamping the circuit to safe levels.
moving-coil instrument An instrument
whose output is related to the reaction
between the magnetic field that is set up by
current flow in one or more movable coils
and the magnetic field of a fixed-position
permanent magnet. Also known as a "per-
manent magnet moving-coil instrument."
moving-dial indicator A type of indicator in
which a flat, circular scale (dial) is attached
to the moving element. The instrument scale
is continually repositioned with respect to a
fixed pointer so as to indicate the changing
values of a measured variable. Compare with
moving-drum indicator and moving-scale indi-
cator.
moving-drum indicator A type of indicator
in which a circular member (drum) with a
scale along its periphery revolves in relation
to a fixed pointer so as to indicate the chang-
ing values of a measured variable. Compare
with moving-dial indicator and moving-scale
indicator.
moving element Of an instrument, the parts
that move as a direct result of a variation in
the quantity being measured.
moving-iron instrument An instrument
whose output indication or signal is pro-
duced by the reaction between (a) one or
more pieces of magnetically soft material, at
least one of which moves, and (b) the mag-
netic field that is set up by electric current
flowing in one or more fixed coils.
 moving-magnet instrument / multi-element control system
moving-magnet instrument An instrument
whose output indication or signal is pro-
duced by the reaction between (a) a movable
permanent magnet that aligns itself with the
field produced by (b) another permanent
magnet that interacts with one or more cur-
rent-carrying coils or by two or more coils
interacting with each other.
moving-scale indicator Any of several
designs of instrument indicator in which the
scale moves in relation to a fixed pointer to
indicate the changing values of a measured
variable. See moving-dial indicator and mov-
ing-drum indicator.
MPC Multivariable predictive control. In
process control, strategies that regulate a pro-
cess from several inputs, usually by using
unit severities and product compositions.
Also called "matrix control strategies."
MPEG Motion Picture Experts Group. A
standards committee under the auspices of
the ISO that is working on algorithm stan-
dards that will allow the digital compression,
storage, and transmission of moving image
information such as motion video, CD-qual-
ity audio, and control data at CD-ROM band-
width. The MPEG algorithm makes possible
the interframe compression of video images
and can have an effective compression rate of
100:1 to 200:1.
MPP Massively parallel processing. A type of
computer architecture that uses a matrix of
separate CPUs. Each CPU controls its own
block of main memory and is linked in some
way so as they can communicate very
quickly with each other.
MPR Maximum power rating. The maximum
power in watts at which a device can safely
operate.
MRAC Model Reference Adaptive Control.
A method of self-adaptive control that com-
pares real process parameters with a refer-
ence model.
MRP (MRP II) Material Requirements Plan-
ning (Manufacturing Resource Planning II).
A computerized method for planning a
plant's use of resources, including raw
materials, financial, vendors, production
equipment, and processes.
MS Manual station. Sends the process control
signal directly to the final element.
MS-DOS Microsoft disk operating system.
Developed for the IBM PC, MS-DOS became
a de facto standard. Sometimes called "PC-
DOS," it was designed to control and man-
age I/O devices and memory for personal
computers (PCs).
329
MS/TP Master-slave/token-passing. A data
link protocol of BACnet that provides the
same services to the network layer as ISO
8802-2 (IEEE 802.2) LLC.
MTBF Mean time between failures (since
1962); mean time before failure (until 1962).
In the definition of U.S. military specifica-
tions, MTBF is calculated to be MTTF +
MTTR. The stated or published period of
time for which the user may expect a device
or system to operate before failure occurs (a
computed arithmetic mean of the time, not a
tested value).
M synchronization A type of link between a
camera shutter and a flash unit that gives a
15- millisecond delay so the metal-foil flash
lamp reaches peak brightness before the
shutter actually trips.
muffle The insulated enclosure of a furnace.
multi-access A multiprogramming system
that permits a number of users to simulta-
neously make online program changes.
multi-address Same as multiple address.
multi-bus Intel's proprietary link between
single-board systems used for industrial sys-
tems.
multicast A message that is addressed to a
group of stations connected to a local area
network (LAN).
multichannel spectral analyzer A measure-
ment system that sorts signals into a number
of different channels, then counts and ana-
lyzes the signals channel by channel.
multicoupler A device for coupling several
receivers or transmitters to one antenna. It
also enables the proper impedance match to
be made between them.
multicraft 1. Maintenance personnel who are
proficient in more than one craft, such as
instrument technicians, electricians, and
instrument mechanics. 2. Pertaining to a pro-
fessional who is responsible for maintaining
a variety of equipment used in control sys-
tems.
MULTICS The time-sharing system devel-
oped at Project MAC ("Man and Computer")
at M.I.T. See task, definition 3.
multidrop In fieldbus, the connection of mul-
tiple field devices to one pair of wires. They
are usually "tee-connected."
multi-element control system A control sys-
tem that utilizes input signals derived from
two or more process variables for the pur-
pose of jointly affecting the action of the con-
trol system. Examples include input signals
from pressure and temperature or from
speed and flow and the like. See also multi-
multifiber cable / multiplexing
variable control and control system, multiele-
ment (multivariable).
multifiber cable A fiber-optic cable that con-
tains many fibers that transmit signals inde-
pendently and are housed in separate
substructures within the cable.
multifuel burner A burner by means of
which more than one fuel (such as pulver-
ized fuel, oil, or gas) can be burned, either
separately or simultaneously.
multifunction multiloop controller A type
of microprocessor-based controller that com-
bines the process control functions of a dedi-
cated loop controller with many of the logic
functions of a programmable logic controller
in order to provide the control strategy of an
entire unit operation.
multilayer A type of printed circuit board
that has several layers of circuit etch or pat-
tern, one over the other and each intercon-
nected by electroplated holes. Since these
holes can also receive component leads, a
given component lead can connect to several
circuit points. This reduces the required
dimensions of a printed circuit board.
multilayer coating Optical coatings in which
several layers of varying materials of differ-
ent thicknesses are applied to an optical sur-
face. Interference affects the light passing
through the layers. Reflection and transmis-
sion are influenced differently at different
angles of incidence and at different wave-
lengths.
multilevel address See indirect address.
multimeter See volt-ohm-milliammeter.
multimode fiber An optical fiber that is
capable of carrying more than one mode of
light in its core.
multiple action A control system action that
is a composite of the actions of two or more
individual controllers.
multiple address A type of instruction that
specifies the addresses of two or more items.
These addresses may be the addresses of the
locations of the calculating unit's inputs or
outputs or the addresses of the locations for
the control unit's instructions. The term mul-
tiple-address is also used in characterizing
computers, for example, two-, three-, or
four-address machines. Synonymous with
"multi-address."
multiple input See reflash (multiple input).
multiple linear regression A technique for
determining the linear relationship between
one dependent variable and two or more
independent variables.
multiple orifice A style of valve trim in
which the flow passes through a multiple of
330
orifices that are in parallel or in series.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
multiple-output system A system that
manipulates a plurality of variables so as to
achieve control of a single variable.
multiple-purpose meter See volt-ohm-mil-
liammeter.
multiple sampling A type of statistical qual-
ity control (SQC) in which several samples,
each of which consists of a specified number
of items, are withdrawn from a lot and
inspected. The lot is accepted, rejected, or
resampled depending on how many unac-
ceptable items are found.
multiplex To interleave or simultaneously
transmit two or more messages on a single
channel.
multiplexer 1. A device that interleaves or
simultaneously transmits two or more mes-
sages or signals on a single channel. [ISA-
RP55.1-1975 (R1983)] Optical multiplexers
combine signals at different wavelengths.
Electronic multiplexers combine signals elec-
tronically before they are converted into opti-
cal form. 2. A device for combining two or
more signals (as for multiplex) or for creating
the composite color video signal from its
components in color television. 3. A device
that samples input and/or output channels
and interleaves the signals in frequency or
time. 4. A device that allows one of many
input channels of analog data to be selected
under computer control. The device is often
an integral part of a data acquisition system
(DAS). 5. A device that mixes several mea-
surements for transmission and/or tape
recording: time-division (pulse amplitude
modulation [PAM] or pulse code modulation
[PCM]) or frequency-division (FM). 6. A
device or circuit that samples many data
lines in a time- ordered sequence one at a
time, and puts all sampled data onto a single
bus. (A demultiplexer does the reverse job.)
multiplexer channel 1. An input/output
channel that serves several input/output
units. 2. A single path that is capable of
transferring data from multiple sources or to
multiple destinations by using time multi-
plexing.
multiplexing 1. The simultaneous transmis-
sion of a number of different messages over a
single circuit. 2. Utilizing a single device for
several similar purposes or using several
devices for the same purpose, for example, a
duplexed communications channel that car-
ries two messages simultaneously. 3. A tech-
nique for selecting from many inputs in
order to provide a specified output. Multi-
 multiplier tube / MV

plexing allows a single ADC to serve several raises the pressure above the outlet pressure
voltage sources by selecting them one at a of the previous stage.
time. multitasking The facility that allows the pro-
multiplier tube A phototube in which the grammer to make use of the multiprogram-
secondary emission from auxiliary electrodes ming capability of a computer system.
produces an internally amplified output sig- multivariable control A control system that
nal. Also known as "multiplier phototube" involves several measured and controlled
and "photomultiplier tube." variables and in which the interdependences
multipoint (multidrop) line A single are considered when calculating the output
communications line or circuit that intercon- variables.
nects several stations. It usually requires multivariable control system See control sys-
some kind of polling mechanism so each tem, multi-element (multivariable).
connected terminal can be addressed with a MUMS Multiuser Management Systems. The
unique address code. modern term for the role of SCADA systems,
multiport burner A burner that has a num- which give key decision makers the ability to
ber of nozzles from which fuel and air are analyze system operation so they can make it
discharged. more efficient by providing access to spread-
multiposition action A type of controller sheets, RDBMS, and the like.
action in which the final control element is MUX Multiplexer. An I/O device that routes
positioned in one of three or more preset data from several sources to a common desti-
configurations. Each configuration corre- nation.
sponds to a definite range of values for the MV Measured variable; manipulated vari-
controlled variable. able. In process control, that variable of a
multiposition controller See controller, multi- process that is monitored by a sensor so as to
position. provide a signal to the controller. In process
multiprocessing 1. Pertaining to the simulta- control, the quality or condition that is
neous execution of two or more programs or altered by a control action so as to change the
sequences of instructions by a computer or value of the regulated condition.
computer network. 2. Loosely, parallel pro-
cessing.
multiprocessor A machine that has multiple
arithmetic and logic units to be used simulta-
neously.
multiprocessors A group of a number of
independent central processing units that
each has access to a common memory. One
unit is usually an information interchange
controller while the others carry out distinct,
defined parts of a task.
multiprogramming A computer processing
method in which more than one task is in an
executable state at any one time.
multirange Having two or more specific
ranges of values over which an instrument or
control device can be used. Changing from
one range to another usually involves simply
repositioning a switch. No internal parts
need to be removed or replaced.
multiskilled Maintenance personnel who are
skilled in more than one craft.
multispeed floating controlled See control-
ler, multiple-speed floating.
multistage Occurring in a sequence of sepa-
rate steps. In a multistage pump or compres-
sor, for instance, pressure is raised by
passing the working fluid through a series of
impellers or pistons. Each impeller or piston

331
 NA Numerical aperture.
N
The light-gathering ability
of a fiber. It defines the max-
imum angle to the fiber axis
at which light will be
accepted and propagated
through that fiber. Also,
numerical aperture
describes the angular spread of light from a
central axis, as in light exiting fiber, being
emitted from a source, or entering a detector.
nailing and blocking clip A special fastener
for joining fiberboard sheet material to wood
framing. [ISA-RP60.11-1991]
NAK Negative acknowledgment. This code
indicates that the last block transmitted was
in error and that the receiver is expecting a
retransmission.
nameplate A plate attached to a control valve
that bears the name of the manufacturer and
a listing of the valve's specifications. [ANSI/
ISA-75.05.01-2000]
NA mismatch loss In fiber optics, the loss of
power at a joint. It occurs when the transmit-
ting half has a numerical aperture (NA) that
is greater than that of the receiving half, as
when coupling light from source to fiber,
from fiber to fiber, or from fiber to detector.
NAMUR Normenarbeitsgemeinschaft für
Me\?\ und Regelungstechnik in der Chemis-
chen Industrie. A committee founded in 1949
by several large chemical companies from
Germany, The Netherlands, and Switzerland
to standardize industrial practices in process
measurement and control. A subcommittee
published a set of guidelines for structured
batch control in 1986, which were accepted
throughout the European chemical industry
with strong support worldwide. NAMUR
looks at batch automation from the process
activity viewpoint and views activities such
as charge, mix, heat/ cool, and the like, as
repeatable across many processes and indus-
tries. It therefore presents a hierarchy of
structures, terminology, and definitions for
classifying production facilities, processing
equipment, recipe structure, as well as batch
operational sequences and phases.
NAND 1. A logical operator that has the fol-
lowing property: if P is a statement, Q is a
statement, R is a statement, and so on, then
the NAND of P, Q, R, and so on is true if at
least one statement is false. Likewise, it is
false if all statements are true. NAND is syn-
onymous with "NOT-AND." 2. A logical
negation of AND. NAND supplies a logic 0
when all inputs are at logic 1.
nano A prefix that means "one billionth."
333
nanometer The unit in which wavelengths of
light are expressed. One nanometer is one-
billionth of one meter.
nanosecond One billionth of one second.
nappe A sheet of liquid that passes through
the notch and falls over the weir crest.
narrowband A signal whose bandwidth is
small with respect to the bandwidth of an
instrument or receiver.
narrowband channels Subvoice-grade
communication channels that are character-
ized by a speed range of 100 to 200 bps.
narrowband radiation thermometer A type
of temperature-measuring instrument that
responds accurately only over a given, rela-
tively narrow band of wavelengths. Often, a
band is chosen to meet a special requirement
of the intended application.
National Electrical Code (NEC)/NFPA-70 A
set of regulations that governs the construc-
tion and installation of electrical wiring and
apparatus, established by the National Fire
Protection Association. It is widely used by
state and local authorities within the United
States.
National Institute for Certification in Engi-
neering Technologies (NICET) Provides
certification for qualification as an "Indus-
trial Instrumentation Engineering Technol-
ogy Technician."
natural circulation The circulation of water
in a boiler. It is caused by differences in water
density.
natural draft The convective flow of a gas, as
in a boiler, stack, or cooling tower, as a result
of differences in density. The warm gas in the
chamber rises toward the outlet, drawing in
colder, more dense gas through inlets near
the bottom of the chamber.
natural frequency Seefrequency,undamped
(frequency, natural). See also, frequency, natu-
ral and frequency, resonant.
natural gas A mixture of gaseous hydrocar-
bons trapped in rock formations below the
earth's surface. The mixture consists chiefly
of methane and ethane, with smaller
amounts of other low-molecular-weight
combustible gases. The mixture sometimes
also includes noncombustible gases such as
nitrogen, carbon dioxide, helium, and H2S
(called "sour gas").
natural language Any naturally evolved
human language. The term is usually used in
comparison to a programming language.
natural radioactivity The spontaneous radio-
active decay of a naturally occurring nuclide.
NC Normally closed; numeric control; net-
work computer. Usually refers to a switch or
NCAP / nephelometer
relay condition that allows flow until the
switch or relay is energized. A technique in
the operation of machine tools or similar
equipment in which motion is generated in
response to numerically ordered commands.
A very inexpensive PC-like device that links
to networks, contains a minimum of resident
software, and has no hard drives, but instead
downloads whatever applications it needs
for the task at hand and only for as long it
needs them. Contrasted with a PC, in which
the applications it needs reside on it inter-
nally.
NCAP Network-capable applications proces-
sor. NCAP "translates" smart-transmitter
data to/from the network by STIM and
TEDS, as defined by IEEE-P1451. See STIM,
TEDS, IEEE-P1451.
nD t The refractive index of a substance using
sodium light as measured at a specific tem-
perature.
near letter-quality With computer printers, a
dot-matrix character formation that resem-
bles the print of earlier cloth-ribbon type-
writers.
NEC National Electrical Code. Regulations
for constructing and installing electrical wir-
ing and apparatuses. Established by the
NFPA, NEC codes are suitable for manda-
tory application by a wide range of state and
local authorities. See hazardous area classifica-
tions.
neck A reduced section of pipe or tubing that
lies between larger-diameter sections or
between a pipe and a chamber.
needle valve A type of metering valve with a
needle-style plug that is used chiefly for pre-
cisely controlling flow. Its essential design
feature is a slender, tapered, rodlike control
element that fits into a circular or conoidal
seat. Operating the valve causes the rod to
move into or out of the seat. This gradually
changes the effective cross-sectional area of
the gap between the rod and its seat. [ANSI/
ISA-75.05.01-2000]
negative feedback Returning part of an out-
put signal and using it to reduce the value of
an input signal.
negative-going edge The edge of a pulse,
going from a high to a low level.
negative letter spacing In the typographical
composition of screen displays and printing,
the subtraction of space between characters
individually or en masse. See kerning.
negative temperature coefficient A decrease
in resistance with an increase in temperature.
negatron A negatively charged beta particle.
334
NEMA National Electrical Manufacturers
Association. A trade association of electrical
equipment manufacturers that develops
many manufacturing specifications.
NEMA-7 A standard from the National Elec-
trical Manufacturers Association that defines
explosion-proof enclosures for use in loca-
tions classified as Class I, Groups A, B, C, or
D, as specified in the National Electrical
Code.
NEMA-12 A standard from the National
Electrical Manufacturers Association that
defines enclosures that provide protection
against dirt, dust, splashes by noncorrosive
liquids and salt spray.
NEMA enclosure ratings A system of enclo-
sure classes that specify the degree of protec-
tion offered from the environment. Similar to
IP ratings.
NEMA 1 - Dust-resistant general purpose
NEMA 2 - Drip-tight
NEMA 3 - Splash-proof (weather-resistant)
NEMA 4 - High-pressure hose-proof
NEMA 5 - Dust-tight
NEMA 6 - Submersible
NEMA 7 - Hazardous indoor (NEC Class I Groups
A, B, C, D)
NEMA 8 - Hazardous indoor/outdoor (NEC Class I
Groups A, B, C, D)
NEMA 9 - Hazardous indoor/outdoor (NEC Class
II Groups E, F, G)
NEMA 10 - MSHA 30 CFR part 18
NEMA 11 - General purpose drip and corrosion-
resistant from liquids and gases
NEMA 12 - General purpose indoor use drip-dust-
rust-resistant
NEMA 13 - General purpose resistant to dust/rust
and spraying of water/oil/non-corrosive liq-
uids.
IEC enclosure classes equivalent to NEMA ratings:
IP10 = NEMA 1, IP11 = NEMA 2, IP14/54 =
NEMA 3/13, IP52 = NEMA 5/12, IP56 + NEMA
4, IP67 = NEMA 7
NEMA standard Consensus standards for
electrical equipment and approved by the
majority of the members of the National
Electrical Manufacturers Association.
neopheloscope An apparatus for making
clouds in the laboratory by expanding moist
air or by condensing water vapor.
neoprene A synthetic rubber that is made by
polymerizing chloroprene (2-chlorobutadi-
ene-1,3). Its color varies from amber to silver
to cream. It exhibits excellent resistance to
weathering, ozone, flames, various chemi-
cals, and oils.
neper A unit of measure that is determined
by taking the natural logarithm of the scalar
ratio of two voltages or two currents.
nephelometer A general terms for instru-
ments that measure the degree of cloudiness
or turbidity.
 nephelometry / neural computing
nephelometry The application of photometry
to the measurement of the concentration of
very dilute suspensions.
nephoscope An instrument for determining
the direction in which clouds move.
NEPSI National Supervision and Inspection
Center for Explosion Protection and Safety of
Instrumentation. A Chinese certification and
testing laboratory for testing the equipment
of different vendors to some common stan-
dard.
nest 1. To embed a subroutine or block of
data into a larger routine or block of data. 2.
To evaluate an nth degree polynomial by a
particular algorithm that uses (n -1) multiply
operations and (n - 1) addition operations in
succession.
nested DO loop A DO loop in FORTRAN
that is included within the range of another
DO loop.
nesting To embed a programming subroutine
or data block in a larger routine or data
block. The organization of data in hierarchi-
cal structures so repetitive elements can be
stored and processed for greater efficiency.
As a result, identical elements need to be rep-
resented only once in the database.
NetBEUI NetBIOS Enhanced User Interface.
The primary network protocol used by Win-
dows for Workgroups; supported in all of
Microsoft's network products.
NetBIOS Network Bask Input/Output Sys-
tem. A high-level session-layer interface that
is used by applications as a communications
interface to PC-DOS applications.
net fan requirements The calculated operat-
ing conditions for a fan, excluding toler-
ances.
NetPC Network PC. More like a compact PC
than a network computer (NC), the network
PC contains minimum resident software and
no hard drive and can download whatever
applications it needs for the task at hand
only for as long as it needs it.
net positive suction head The minimum dif-
ference between the static pressure at the
inlet to a pump and the vapor pressure of the
liquid being pumped. Below that pressure,
fluid is not forced far enough into the pump
inlet to be acted upon by the impeller.
network 1. All of the media, connectors, and
associated communication elements by
which a given set of communicating devices
are interconnected. [ANSI/ISA-50.02, Part 2-
1992] 2. In data processing, any system that
consists of an interconnection of computers
and peripherals. Information is transferred
between the devices in the network. 3. A
335
local area network or LAN is a system,
linked by cables, that occupies one location.
A wide area network (WAN) is a widely dis-
persed system that is usually connected by
telephone lines. 4. In an electric or hydraulic
circuit, any combination of circuit elements.
5. An arrangement of nodes and intercon-
necting branches. [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-2000]
network analyzer 1. An instrument that com-
bines the functions of a signal generator and
spectrum analyzer. Network analyzers are
used to characterize radio frequency, micro-
wave components, and equipment in terms
of power level, transmission characteristics,
and impedance as a function of frequency. 2.
An apparatus that contains numerous elec-
tric-circuit elements, which can be readily
combined to form models of electric net-
works.
network architecture A set of design princi-
ples that is used as a basis for designing and
implementing a network. Such principles
include the organization of functions and the
description of data formats and procedures.
network layer Layer 3 in the OSI model. The
logical network entity that services the trans-
port layer. The network is responsible for
ensuring that the data passed to it from the
transport layer is routed and delivered
through the network.
network management (nm) 1. Network man-
agement (NM) permits network manager
(NMgr) entities in Fieldbus Foundation to
conduct management operations over the
network by using network management
agents (NMAs). Each NMA is responsible for
managing the communications within a
device. The NMgr and NMA communicate
by using the Fieldbus messaging specifica-
tion (FMS) and virtual communications rela-
tionship (VCR). 2. The facility by which
network communication and devices are
monitored and controlled.
network structure A type of alloy micro-
structure in which one phase occurs predom-
inantly at grain boundaries, enveloping the
grains of a second phase.
network topology The physical and logical
relationship of nodes in a network. The sche-
matic arrangement of links and nodes of a
network. Networks typically follow the star,
ring, tree, or bus topology, or some combina-
tion of them.
neural computing Computing that adapts to
repeated examples in order to recognize pat-
terns. Neural computing is not based on
algorithms. It learns mathematical mapping
between repeatable cause-and-effect through
neural network / NIST
pattern recognition. It cannot handle con-
straints and cannot optimize.
neural network An information-processing
device that utilizes a very large number of
simple modules and in which information is
stored by components that at the same time
effect connections between these modules.
Neural networks have been widely used for
pattern-recognition problems. To apply a
neural network to a particular problem the
user must be trained to adjust the weights of
the network.
Feedforward Neural Network Architecture
neural network computer (NNC) A com-
puter that has no CPU and no memory. It has
a learning algorithm and is not necessarily a
state machine. Each element (a neuron) is a
system that has a transfer function in which a
filter is used that assigns a weight for each
input.
neutral atmosphere An atmosphere that
tends neither to oxidize nor to reduce
immersed materials.
neutral density filter A filter that has uni-
form transmission throughout the part of the
spectrum where it is used.
neutral filter A light-beam filter that exhibits
constant transmittance at all wavelengths
within a specified range.
neutralize To make a solution neutral (nei-
ther acidic nor basic, pH of 7) by adding a
base to an acidic solution or an acid to a basic
solution.
336
neutral point A point on the titration curve
where the hydrogen ion concentration equals
the hydroxyl ion concentration.
neutral zone See zone, neutral.
neutronA nuclear particle that has a mass
number of one and exhibits zero (neutral)
charge.
newton A metric unit for force.
Newtonian flow Fluid characteristics that
adhere to the linear relation between shear
stress, viscosity, and velocity distribution.
Newtonian and Non-Newtonian Fluids
nexus The point in a computer system at
which interconnections occur.
NFS Network file server. TCP/IP extension
that allows files on remote nodes of a net-
work to appear to be locally connected.
nibble A word with four bits, or one half a
byte.
NiCad Nickel cadmium. Usually used as
plating on brass screws.
nicrosil/nisil A nickel chrome/nickel silicon
thermal alloy that is used to measure high
temperatures.
nine-light indicator A remote indicator that
is used in conjunction with a contact ane-
mometer and a wind vane. It consists of a
center lamp that is surrounded by eight
lamps, equally spaced apart and labeled to
indicate compass points. Wind speed is indi-
cated by the number of flashes that the center
lamp makes in a certain time interval. Wind
direction is indicated by the position of an
illuminated lamp in the outer ring.
NIOSH National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health. An independent U.S. fed-
eral agency that is charged with performing
research on occupational disease and injury.
nipple A short piece of pipe or tube, usually
one that has an external thread at each end.
NIST National Institute of Science and
Technology. Formerly the NBS, the NIST is a

U.S. government agency that provides stan-
dard reference materials and calibration ser-
vices. NIST-certified instruments are
calibrated at NIST, whereas NIST-traceable
instruments are factory calibrated against
NIST-certified standards.
NO Normally open. Usually refers to a
switch or relay condition that does not allow
flow unless energized.
noble metal thermocouple A thermocouple
whose elements are made of platinum (Pt) or
platinum-rhodium (Pt-Rh alloys) and that
resist oxidation and corrosion at tempera-
tures up to about 1,550°C (2,800°F). Three
standard alloy pairs are in common use: Pt
vs. Pt-10%Rh, Pt vs. Pt-13%Rh, and Pt-
6%Rh vs. Pt-30%Rh.
node 1. The end point of a branch in a network
or a point at which one or more branches
meet. Note: This definition is taken from the
IEC Multilingual Dictionary of Electricity.
[ANSI/ISA-50.02, Part 2-1992] 2. In data pro-
cessing, one component of a computer net-
work where interconnections occur. 3. Points
or lines where very little motion takes place
during a condition of resonance.
nodular iron See ductile iron.
noise 1. In process instrumentation, an
unwanted component of a signal or variable.
Note: It may be expressed in units of the out-
put or in percentage of output span. See
interference, electromagnetic. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-
1979 (R1993)] 2. Any spurious variation in
the electrical output that is not present in the
input. Noise is defined quantitatively in
terms of an equivalent parasitic transient
resistance that appears between the wiper
and the resistance element while the input
shaft is being moved. The equivalent noise
resistance is established independently of the
functional characteristics, in the noise test
circuit. The wiper must be excited by a speci-
fied DC constant current source. The measur-
ing system of the noise test circuit output is
an oscilloscope that has a defined frequency
bandwidth or time constant. The magnitude
of the equivalent noise resistance is mea-
sured as ohms variation, while the input
shaft is moved at a specified speed and
observed as peak-to-peak deflection on the
oscilloscope. Note: Noise may be character-
ized as generally reproducible, exhibited as a
local nonlinearity, or may be the classical
sporadic type. Manufacturing cleanliness
and improved quality control on processing
may significantly reduce noise problems.
[ISA-37.12-1982 (R1995)] 3. An unwanted
component of a signal or variable that
337
NO / NOM
obscures the information content. 4. Random
variations of one or more characteristics of
any entity, such as voltage, current, or data.
5. A random signal of known statistical prop-
erties of amplitude, distribution, and spectral
density. 6. Loosely, any disturbance that
tends to interfere with the normal operation
of a device or system. [ISA-RP55.1-1975
(R1983)] 7. Meaningless stray signals in a
control system, similar to radio static. Some
types of noise interfere with the correctness
of an output signal.
noise equivalent power The amount of opti-
cal power that must be incident on a detector
in order to produce an electrical signal that is
equal to the rms level of noise inherent in the
detector. Noise equivalent power is the mea-
sure of the sensitivity of the sensor.
noise factor In an electronic circuit, the ratio
of total noise in the output signal to the por-
tion of noise in the input signal under the fol-
lowing conditions: a selected input
frequency and its corresponding output fre-
quency, an input termination whose noise
temperature is a standard 290 K at all fre-
quencies, a linear system, and noise that is
expressed as power per unit bandwidth.
noise figure A calculated or measured math-
ematical figure that denotes the inherent
noise in a unit, system, or link.
noise floor The lower sensitivity limit of an
electronic measuring instrument, expressed
in microvolts (10~6 V).
noise generator An instrument that gener-
ates noise within a frequency band for the
purpose of testing signal-to-noise ratios.
noise immunity 1. The maximum amount of
electrical noise that a digital circuit can with-
stand at its input without disturbing its per-
formance. 2. A device's ability to discern
valid data in the presence of noise.
noise quantization Inherent noise that
results from the quantization process.
noise sources, control valve Control valve
noise can be caused by the (a) turbulent flow
of liquid, (b) aerodynamic flow, (c) liquid
cavitation flow, or (d) mechanical vibration.
noise temperature At a pair of terminals and
at a specified frequency, noise temperature is
the temperature of a passive system that
exhibits the same noise power per unit band-
width as the actual terminals.
NOM Natural organic materials. NOM are
monitored in water supplies, especially for
their reaction to disinfectant, which can
cause damaging by-products.
nominal bandwidth / nonhazardous (unclassified) location
nominal bandwidth The difference between
the upper and lower nominal cutoff frequen-
cies of an acoustic, electric, or optical filter.
nominal pressure A numerical designation
relating to pressure that is a convenient
round number for reference purposes. The
International Standards Organization (ISO)
uses the term nominal pressure in the same
way that ANSI uses the term class to identify
the pressure rating of a piping component.
ISO uses the initials PN as an abbreviation
for the term followed by a numerical value
that designates the pressure rating. All
equipment that has the same nominal diame-
ter and nominal pressure rating must have
the same mating dimensions, as appropriate
for the relevant type of end connections.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
nominal size 1. A numerical designation of
size that is common to all the components in
a piping system other than the components
that are designated by outside diameters or
by thread size. Nominal size is a convenient
round number for reference purposes and is
only loosely related to manufacturing
dimensions. ISO uses the initials DN as an
abbreviation for the term followed by a
numerical value designating size. All equip-
ment that has the same nominal size and
nominal pressure rating must have the same
mating dimensions as appropriate for the rel-
evant type of end connections. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000] 2. The standard dimension
that is closest to the central value of a toler-
anced dimension. 3. A size that is used for
general identification.
nominal stress The stress that is calculated
by dividing the nominal load by the nominal
cross-sectional area. The effect of stress rais-
ers is ignored but localized variations caused
by general part design are taken into
account.
nominal voltage The voltage that manufac-
turers give as the recommended operating
voltage of their gas-detection equipment. If a
range (versus a specific voltage) is given, the
nominal voltage must be considered as the
midpoint of the range, unless otherwise
specified. [ISA-92.02, 03, 04 and 06.01-1998]
nonautomatic Non-self-acting, that is, requir-
ing personal intervention for control. As
applied to an electric controller, nonauto-
matic control does not necessarily imply a
manual controller, but only that personal
intervention is necessary. [ANSI/ISA-
12.01.01-1999]
nonblackbody A term that is used to
describe the thermal emittance of real
338
objects. Real objects emit less radiation than
blackbodies at the same temperature. Black-
bodies may reflect radiant energy from other
sources and may have their emitted radia-
tion modified by passing through the
medium between the body and a tempera-
ture-measuring instrument.
noncondensable gas The portion of a gas
mixture (such as vapor from a chemical-pro-
cessing unit or exhaust steam from a turbine)
that is not easily condensed by cooling. It
normally consists of elements or compounds
that have very low, often subzero, boiling
points and vapor pressures.
noncontact gauging A method for determin-
ing physical dimensions without any actual
contact occurring between the measuring
device and the object.
noncontacting tachometer Any of several
devices for measuring rotational speed with-
out any physical contact occurring between a
sensor and the rotating element. Examples
include stroboscopes or eddy-current
tachometers.
non-countable fault A fault that occurs in
parts of electrical apparatuses and in systems
that do not comply with the constructional
requirements of the relevant part of IEC
60079. [ANSI/ISA-12.02.01-1999 (IEC 60079-
11 Mod)
noncritical dimension Any dimension that
can be altered without affecting the basic
function of a device.
nondestructive read out (NDRO) A method
of reading from memory in which the stored
value is left intact by the reading process.
Plated wire and modern semiconductor ran-
dom access memory (RAM) are examples of
NDRO memory.
nondestructive testing Any testing method
that does not damage or destroy the sample.
Usually, nondestructive testing consists of
stimulating the sample with electricity, mag-
netism, electromagnetic radiation, or ultra-
sound and then measuring the sample's
response.
nonhazardous area An area in which explo-
sive gas/air mixtures are not expected to be
present. As a result, special precautions for
the construction and use of electrical appara-
tus are not required.
nonhazardous location A location that is not
designated as hazardous (classified). The
term "unclassified location" is also used in
the National Electric Code. [ANSI/ISA-
RP12.6-1995]
nonhazardous (unclassified) location 1. A
location in which fire or explosion hazards
 nonimpact printer / nonlocking
are not expected to exist specifically as a
result of the presence of flammable gases or
vapors, flammable liquids, combustible
dusts, or ignitable fibers or flyings. Such a
location may also be referred to as a safe area.
[ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999] 2. A location that
is not designated as hazardous (classified).
[ANSI/ISA-RP12.6-1995] 3. A location in
which neither a hazardous atmosphere nor a
hazardous dust layer is to be expected.
nonimpact printer An electronic device like a
copier or laser or inkjet printer that creates
images on a (usually paper) surface without
contacting it.
nonincendive Equipment and wiring that in
its normal operating condition is incapable
of igniting a specific hazardous atmosphere
or hazardous dust layer. Equipment and wir-
ing that have exposed blanketed surface tem-
peratures above 80 percent of the ignition
temperature in degrees centigrade of the spe-
cific hazardous dust layer should not be
classed as nonincendive. The blanketed sur-
face temperature must be determined at the
outside surface of the enclosure and beneath
the surface of a dust accumulation of 0.2 inch
or more.
nonincendive circuit A circuit, other than
field wiring, in which any arc or thermal
effect produced is incapable of igniting the
flammable gas-, vapor-, or dust-air mixture
under the equipment's intended operating
conditions and specified test conditions.
[ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999]
nonincendive component A component that
has contacts for making or breaking an igni-
tion-capable circuit. The component's con-
tacting mechanism is also constructed so that
it is incapable of igniting the specified explo-
sive atmosphere. The housing of a nonincen-
dive component is neither intended to (1)
exclude the flammable atmosphere nor (2)
contain an explosion. This type of protection
is referred to as "nC." [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-
1999]
nonincendive equipment 1. Equipment that
in its normal operating condition would not
ignite a specific hazardous atmosphere in that
atmosphere's most easily ignited concentra-
tion. The electrical circuits may include slid-
ing or make-and-break contacts that release
insufficient energy to cause ignition. [ANSI/
ISA-51.11979 (R1993); ISA-RP12.4-1996] Non-
incendive equipment also includes wiring
that under normal conditions cannot release
sufficient energy to ignite a specific hazardous
atmospheric mixture by opening, shorting, or
grounding. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
339
Note: Equipment that has exposed surface
temperatures above 80 percent of the ignition
temperature (in °C) of the specified hazardous
atmosphere is not classified as nonincendive.
[ISA-RP12.4-1996] 2. Equipment that has elec-
trical/electronic circuitry and components
that are incapable, under normal conditions,
of igniting the flammable gas-, vapor-, or
dust-air mixture as a result of arcing or ther-
mal effect. This type of protection is referred
to as "nA," "nC," or "nR." [ANSI/ISA-
12.01.01-1999]
nonincendive field wiring Wiring that
enters or leaves the equipment enclosure
and, under the equipment's normal operat-
ing conditions, is incapable, because of arc-
ing or thermal effects, of igniting a specified
flammable gas, vapor-in-air mixture, or com-
bustible dust-in-air mixture. Normal opera-
tion includes opening, shorting, or
grounding the field wiring. [ANSI/ISA-
12.12.01-2000; ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999]
noninteracting control system A multi-ele-
ment control system that is designed to
avoid the disturbances to other controlled
variables that are caused by the process
input adjustments that are made when con-
trolling a particular process variable. See con-
trol system, noninteracting.
nonlinear distortion A departure from a
desired linear relationship between the cor-
responding input and output signals of a sys-
tem.
nonlinear effects Optical interactions that are
proportional to the square or higher powers
of electromagnetic field intensities. Nonlin-
ear effects generate harmonics of optical fre-
quencies and sum-and-difference
frequencies when two lightwaves are mixed.
nonlinearity A type of error in an FM system,
in which the input to a device does not relate
to the output in a linear way. See linearity.
nonlinear optimization See nonlinear pro-
gramming.
nonlinear programming 1. In operations
research, a procedure for locating the maxi-
mum or minimum of a function of variables
that are subject to constraints. Either the
function, the constraints, or both, are nonlin-
ear. Contrast with convex programming and
dynamic programming. 2. Synonymous with
"nonlinear optimization."
nonlinear system Any system whose opera-
tion cannot be represented by a finite set of
linear differential equations.
nonlocking Pertaining to code extension
characters that change the interpretation of
nonnuclear safety (NNS) / normally closed (NO
one or a specified number of characters. Con-
trast with locking.
nonnuclear safety (NNS) Instrumentation
that is not included in nuclear-safety-related
(equipment). [ISA-67.03-1982; ANSI/ISA-
67.02.01-1999]
nonoperating conditions See environmental
conditions
nonprocedural programming language A
computer programming language that is
used to express the parameters of a problem
rather than the steps in its solution. An
example would be report writer or sort
specification languages.
nonprocessor request The system for accom-
plishing data transfers between two devices
without involving the CPU.
nonreclosing pressure-relief device A
device for relieving internal pressure that
remains open when it is actuated and must
be replaced or reset before it can actuate
again.
nonrepeatability See repeatability.
nonreturn-to-zero (NRZ) In the coding of
digital data for serial transmission or storage,
a method in which logic ONE is represented
by one signal level and a logic ZERO is repre-
sented by a different signal level.
nonscheduled maintenance 1. Unscheduled
maintenance that is specifically intended to
eliminate an existing fault. 2. An urgent need
for repair or upkeep that was unpredicted or
not previously planned and that must there-
fore be added to or substituted for previ-
ously planned work.
non-sealed apparatus An apparatus that is
designed and constructed so as to allow an
external atmosphere to enter and exit during
the expansion and contraction of the inter-
nally contained fluid, during normal opera-
tion. [ANSI/ISA-12.26.01-1998 (IEC 60079-6
Mod)]
nonswitched line A communications link
that is permanently installed between two
points. It is also called "leased line" or "pri-
vate line." See leased line.
nontransferred arc In arc welding and cut-
ting, an arc that is sustained between the
electrode and a constricting nozzle rather
than between the electrode and the work.
nontransparent mode The transmission of
characters in a defined character format,
such as ASCII or EBCDIC, in which all
defined control characters and control char-
acter sequences are recognized and treated as
such.
nonvolatile memory Computer memory that
retains data when power is removed.
340
NOR 1. A logic operator that has the following
property: if P is a statement, Q is a statement,
R is a statement, and so on, then the NOR of P,
Q, R, etc. is true if all statements are false and
false if at least one statement is true. "P NOR
Q" is often represented by a combination of
OR and NOT symbols. "P NOR Q" is also
called "NEITHER P NOR Q." NOR is synony-
mous with "NOT-OR"; it an inverted OR
gate. 2. The logical negation of OR. Supplies
a logic 0 (zero) when any input is at logic 1
(one).
normal atmosphere The pressure that is
exerted by a vertical column of 76 cm of mer-
cury of density 13.5951 g/cm 3 at a place
where the gravitational acceleration, g, is
980.665 cm/sec 2 . One Atmosphere = 1.01325
x 106 dyne/cm 2 (exactly) or = 101.325 kPa
(kilopascals exactly) = 760.00 mm of Hg =
14.696 psia = 29.921 in. of Hg at 0°C (32°F).
All of the preceding units are referenced at
0°C (32°F). [ANSI/ISA-92.04.01-1996]
normal capacity Normal capacity is 80 per-
cent of design capacity. [ISA-RP74.01-1984]
normal condition A condition in which all
means for protection against hazards are
intact. [ANSI/ISA-82.02.01-1999 (IEC 61010-
1 Mod)]
normal conditions Said of equipment that is
under normal conditions when it conforms
electrically and mechanically with its design
specifications and is used within the limits
specified by the manufacturer. [ANSI/ISA-
12.01.01-1999]
normal (gaussian) distribution The standard
expression of the frequency distribution for
most common error data. This distribution is
the one usually assumed in the absence of
conflicting data.
normality A concentration of units that is
defined as the number of gram-ions of
replaceable hydrogen or hydroxyl groups
per liter of solution. A shorter notation of
gram equivalents per liter is frequently used.
normalize 1. In programming, to adjust the
exponent and fraction of a floating-point
quantity such that the fraction lies in a pre-
scribed normal standard range. 2. In mathe-
matical operations, to reduce a set of symbols
or numbers to a normal or standard form.
Normalize is synonymous with "standard-
ize." 3. In the heat treating of ferrous alloys,
to heat them 50 to 100°F above the upper
transformation temperature, then cool them
in still air.
normally closed (NC) 1. Describes a magnet-
ically operated switching device such as a
contactor or relay that takes the closed (cur-
 normally open (NO) / not-open position
rent-carrying) position when the operating
magnet is deenergized. 2. Describes a control
logic element that is true when its controlling
element is false. The element may exist either
as hardware or software. 3. A valve that has
the means to move to and/or hold in its
closed position without energy supply from
an actuator. See fail-closed. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
normally open (NO) 1. Describes a magneti-
cally operated switching device such as a
contactor or relay that takes the open posi-
tion when the operating magnet is deener-
gized. In this position the device will not
carry current. 2. Describes a control logic ele-
ment that is true when its controlling ele-
ment is true. The element may exist either as
hardware or software. 3. A valve that can
move to and/or hold wide-open position
without energy supply from the actuator. See
fail-open. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
normal-mode interference See interference,
normal-mode. It may be expressed as a dimen-
sionless ratio, a scalar ratio, or in decibels as
20 times the log10 of that ratio. [ANSI/ISA-
51.1-1979 (R1993)]
normal-mode rejection The ability of a cir-
cuit to discriminate against a normal mode
voltage. Note: normal-mode rejection may be
expressed as a dimensionless ratio, a scalar
ratio, or in decibels as 20 times the log10 of
that ratio. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
normal-mode rejection ratio The ability of an
instrument to reject interference, usually of
the line frequency (50-60 Hz), across its input
terminals (versus common mode). See com-
mon mode rejection ratio.
normal-mode voltage An extraneous volt-
age that is induced across the circuit path
(transverse mode voltage). See also voltage,
normal mode.
normal operating conditions See operating
conditions, normal.
normal operation An intrinsically safe appa-
ratus or associated apparatus is in normal
operation when it conforms electrically and
mechanically to the design specification pro-
duced by its manufacturer. Note: Normal
operation includes the application U m from
unspecified apparatus. [ISA-12.02.01-1999
(IEC 60079-11 Mod)]
normal operational conditions Equipment is
in normal operational conditions when it
conforms electrically and mechanically to its
design specifications and is used within the
limits specified by the manufacturer. These
conditions involve (1) supply voltage, cur-
rent, and frequency; (2) environmental con-
341
ditions (including process interface); (3) all
tool-removable parts in place (e.g., covers);
(4) all operator-accessible adjustments at
their most unfavorable settings; and (5)
opening, shorting, or grounding of nonincen-
dive field wiring. [ANSI/ISA-12.12.01-2000]
normal service, motors Normal service for
motors includes continuously operating at
nameplate ratings, including starting condi-
tions. [ANSI/ISA-12.16.01-1998 (IEC 60079-7
Mod)]
Normal Thermometric Scale The first inter-
national standard temperature scale,
adopted in 1887. It was based on the funda-
mental interval of 100° between the ice point
of pure water and the condensing point of
pure water vapor.
normal use Equipment operation, including
stand-by, that conforms to the manufac-
turer's instructions or is performed for the
obvious intended purpose. Note: In most
cases, "normal use" also implies normal con-
dition because the instructions for use will
warn against using the equipment when it is
not in normal condition. [ANSI/ISA-
82.02.01-1999 (IEC 61010-1 Mod)]
NOT Logic output B exists if, and only if,
logic input A does not exist. [ANSI/ISA-5.2-
1976 (R1992)]
NOT-AND Same as NAND.
not at intermediate position A position that
is either above or below the specified inter-
mediate position. [ANSI/ISA-5.2-1976
(R1992)]
notation 1. The act, process, or method of
representing facts or quantities by a system
or set of marks, signs, figures, or characters.
2. A system of such symbols or abbreviations
that is used to express technical facts or
quantities, as in mathematical notation. 3. An
annotation.
notch 1. A V-shaped indentation in an edge
or surface. 2. An indentation of any shape
that acts as a severe stress raiser.
notch filter In digital signal processing
(DSP), a filter that attenuates signals in a cer-
tain frequency band and passes all others.
notching Cutting out various shapes from
the edge of a metal strip, blank, or part.
notch width The horizontal distance between
the opposite sides of a weir notch.
not-closed position A position that is more
than 0 percent open. A device that is not
closed may or may not be open. [ANSI/ISA-
5.2-1976 (R1992)]
NOT-IF-THEN Same as exclusive OR.
not-open position A position that is less than
100 percent open. A device that is not open
NOT-OR / nucleus
may or may not be closed. [ANSI/ISA-5.2-
1976 (R1992)]
NOT-OR Same as NOR.
NOVRAM Nonvolatile random access mem-
ory. A type of nonvolatile semiconductor
computer memory.
NOx Nitrogen oxides, which are a consider-
ation in EPA (U.S.) regulations. Compounds
that are formed by the oxidation of atmo-
spheric nitrogen under high-energy condi-
tions. Nitrogen oxides are released primarily
from burning fossil fuels.
nozzle 1. A short flanged or welded-neck
connection on a drum or shell that allows
fluids to enter or exit. 2. A projecting spout
through which a fluid flows. 3. A stream-
lined device for accelerating and directing
fluid flow into a region of lower fluid pres-
sure. 4. A particular type of restriction that is
used in a flow system to facilitate the mea-
surement of flow by pressure drop across a
restriction.
nozzle efficiency The efficiency of a nozzle
in converting potential energy to kinetic. It is
commonly expressed as the ratio of actual to
ideal change in kinetic energy at a specific
pressure ratio.
nozzle/flapper A fundamental part of pneu-
matic signal processing and pneumatic con-
trol operations. Basically, the device converts
a displacement of the flapper into a pressure
signal.
NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimi-
nation System. A U.S. federal permissions-
granting program for discharging effluent to
surface waters, mandated under the Clean
Water Act. Over fifteen thousand municipal
and forty-eight thousand industrial facilities
report monthly on the amount and content of
discharge.
NRZ Non-return-to-zero code. High level =
logic 1, Low level = logic 0. See also nonre-
turn-to-zero (NRZ).
NT New technology. This term is used to
describe the Microsoft computing platform
Windows NT.
NTC Negative Temperature Coefficient. An
"NTC resistor (thermistor)" will make a
large, abrupt change in resistance when an
undercurrent or low temperature cools it
below some specific point. It effectively
"switches off," or in reality acts like a solid-
state fuse.
n-type semiconductor A semiconductor
material that has been doped with an ele-
ment that has excess electrons. See p-type
semiconductor.
342
nuclear emulsion A photographic emulsion
that is specially designed to record the tracks
of ionizing particles.
nuclear fluorescence thickness gauge A
device for determining the weight of an
applied coating by exciting the coated mate-
rial with gamma rays and measuring the
low-energy fluorescent radiation that results.
nuclear radiation The emission of charged
and uncharged particles as well as of electro-
magnetic radiation from atomic nuclei. [ISA-
37.1-1975 (R1982)]
nuclear safety-related (NSR) 1. The activation
or control of systems or components that are
essential to the emergency shutdown of a
reactor shutdown, to isolating containment, to
cooling the reactor core, and to removing con-
tainment and reactor heat. Also included are
any actions that are otherwise essential in pre-
venting or mitigating a significant release of
radioactive material into the environment or
that provide reasonable assurance that a
nuclear power plant can operate without pos-
ing health or safety risks. [ISA-67.03-1982] 2.
That which is essential to the following: (I)
providing emergency shutdown of a reactor,
(2) providing isolation of containment, (3)
providing cooling of the reactor core, (4) pro-
viding for the removal of containment or reac-
tor heat, (5) preventing or mitigating a
significant release of radioactive material into
the environment or providing reasonable
assurance that a nuclear power plant can
operate without undue risk to public health
and safety, (6) providing for the maintenance
of safe shutdown conditions. Nuclear safety-
related is used in the relevant standard to
meet the requirements of Title 10, Part 50,
Code of Federal Regulations (10CFR50), Appen-
dix A. [ANSI/ISA-67.02.01-1999; ISA-
RP67.04.02-2000]
nucleonics Technology that focuses on
atomic nuclei, such as nuclear reactors, parti-
cle accelerators, radiation detectors, and
radioisotope applications.
nucleus 1. The positively charged core of an
atom. It contains almost all of the mass of the
atom but occupies only a small fraction of its
volume. 2. A number of atoms or molecules
that are bound together with interatomic
forces. These forces are sufficiently strong to
make a small particle of a new phase stable
in a mass that otherwise consists of another
phase. Creating a stable nucleus is the first
step in phase transformation through a
nucleation-and-growth process. 3. That por-
tion of the control program that must always
be present in main storage. Also, the main
 nucleus counter / Nyquist diagram
storage area that is used by the nucleus and
other transient routines of a control program.
nucleus counter An instrument that mea-
sures the number of condensation or ice
nuclei in a sample volume of air.
nuclide A species of atom that is character-
ized by a unique combination of the charge,
the mass number, and the quantum state of
its nucleus.
nude vacuum gauge A hot-filament ioniza-
tion gauge that is mounted entirely within
the vacuum system whose pressure is being
measured.
null A condition, such as of balance, that
results in a minimum absolute value of out-
put. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
null-balance recorder An instrument that
records a measured value by means of a pen
or printer that is attached to a motor-driven
slide. The position of the slide is determined
by continuously balancing the current or
voltage in the measuring circuit against the
current or voltage from a sensing element.
null indicator An indicating device such as a
galvanometer that is used to determine when
voltage or current in a circuit is zero. A null
indicator is used chiefly to balance bridge
circuits. Also known as null detector.
null modem A communication device that
interfaces between some local peripheral that
normally requires that a modem and a com-
puter be nearby. This peripheral drives a
modem to interface to that communication
device. An imitation modem in both direc-
tions.
number 1. A mathematical entity that may
indicate the quantity or amount of units. 2.
Loosely, a numeral. 3. See binary number and
random numbers.
number system 1. A systematic method for
representing numerical quantities. Any
quantity is represented as the sequence of
coefficients of the successive powers of a par-
ticular base with an appropriate point. Each
succeeding coefficient from right to left is
associated with and usually multiplies the
next higher power of the base. 2. The follow-
ing are the names of the number systems
with bases 2 through 20:
2, binary 8, octal or 14, quaterdenary
octonary
3, ternary 9, novenary 15, quindenary
4, quaternary 10, decimal 16, sexadecimal—or
hexadecimal
5, quinary 11, undecimal 17, septendecimal
6, senary 12, duodecimal 18, octodenary
7, septenary 19, novemdenary
13, terdenary 20, vicenary.
343
Also, 32, duosexadecimal (or duotricinary)
and 60, sexagenary. The binary, octal, deci-
mal, and sexadecimal systems are widely
used in computers. See decimal number and
binary number. Related to positional notation
and clarified by octal digit and binary digit.
numerical analysis The study of methods for
obtaining useful quantitative solutions to
mathematical problems, regardless of
whether an analytic solution exists or not.
The study of the errors and bounds on errors
in obtaining such solutions.
numerical aperture The sine of the half-angle
over which an optical fiber or optical system
can accept light rays, multiplied by the index
of refraction of the medium that contains the
rays.
numerical control A control system for
machine tools and some industrial processes.
Numerical values that correspond to the
desired positions of tools or controls are used
to control the operation automatically.
numerical keypad Typical of a computer
keyboard, a set of 0 through 9 keys, separate
from the main alphabetical keyboard, that
are arranged like numerical keys on a 10-key
adding machine.
numeric word A word that consists of digits
and possibly space characters and special
characters.
NURBS Nonuniform rational b-splines. B-
splines that are used to ensure continuity
among objects. A mathematical description
of geometry that makes it possible to easily
manipulate entities and surfaces.
nutating-disk flowmeter A type of posi-
tive-displacement flowmeter in which the
advancing volume of fluid causes a measur-
ing disk to wobble (nutate). This passes a
precise volume of fluid through the meter
with each revolution of the disk.
nutation Rocking back and forth or periodi-
cally repeating a circular, elliptical, conical,
or spiral path. Usually involves relatively
small degrees of motion.
N-value The exponent in the following
power function: V(T) = KTN This is the cali-
bration function for a ratio thermometer. The
N-value and mean effective wavelength can
be used to express the operating characteris-
tics of a given ratio thermometer.
nylon A plastics material that is used to make
filaments, fibers, fabric, sheet, and extru-
sions. A generic name for a type of
long-chain polymer in which there are recur-
ring amide groups within the main chain.
Nyquist diagram A plot in the complex
plane of the open-loop transfer function as
Nyquist frequency / Nyquist rate

the complex frequency is varied along the

Nyquist contour. It is used to determine the
stability of a control system.

Nyquist Diagram

Nyquist frequency One-half of the sampling

frequency in a sampled data system.
Nyquist rate In digital signal processing
(DSP), the lowest sampling rate that is
needed in order to completely reconstruct a
signal without distorting caused by aliasing.
The rate is equal to twice the highest fre-
quency component of the signal.

344
 I object 1. An entity that has
state, behavior, and identity.
[ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-2000] 2.
In object-oriented program-
ming (OOP), a single struc-
ture that comprises a data
structure definition and its
defined procedures.
object code 1. The machine code that can be
directly executed by the computer. It is pro-
duced as a result of the translation of the
source code. 2. A relocatable machine-lan-
guage code.
object dictionary An object dictionary (OD)
contains all the function block (FB), resource
block (RB), and transducer block (TB) param-
eters used in a device. Through these param-
eters, the blocks may be accessed over the
fieldbus network.
objective variable A quantity or condition
that is not measured directly for the purpose
of controlling it but is rather controlled
through its relation to another, controlled
variable.
object language A language that is the out-
put of an automatic coding routine. Usually,
object language and machine language are
the same. However, a series of steps in an
automatic coding system may involve the
object language of one step serving as a
source language for the next step and so
forth.
object linking and embedding (OLE) In
computers, a database feature of the
Microsoft Windows and Windows NT envi-
ronments that treats data as a collection of
objects to be shared by applications that sup-
port the OLE specification. OLE enables sev-
eral applications to be linked to accomplish a
given task. It also allows the user to keep
information current across several software
applications simply by changing the infor-
mation in one of them.
object machine The computer on which the
object program is to be executed. Same as tar-
get computer.
object module The primary output of an
assembler or compiler. It can be linked with
other object modules and loaded into mem-
ory as a program. The object module is com-
posed of the relocatable machine-language
code, the relocation information, and the cor-
responding symbol table that defines how
symbols are used within the module.
object-oriented drawing An approach in
drawing and layout programs that treats dig-
ital graphics as line-and-arc segments (boxes,
ellipses, etc.) rather than as individual dots.
345
Also called "vector-oriented drawing." See
vector-oriented drawing.
object-oriented programming (OOP) A pro-
gramming technique whose central feature is
the object. The concepts of "procedures" and
"data" are replaced by "objects" and "mes-
sages." See object.
object-oriented system A system in which
both data and procedures combine in soft-
ware objects, message passing is used to
communicate digitally with and between
objects, similar objects are grouped into class
structures, and both data and procedures are
inherited through the class structure to spe-
cific instances (copies) of objects.
object program A fully compiled or assem-
bled program that is ready to be loaded into
the computer. See also target program.
object time system The collection of modules
that is called by the compiled code to per-
form various utility or supervisory opera-
tions. For example, an object time system
usually includes I/O and trap-handling rou-
tines.
object type A software element that specifies
the common attributes that are shared by all
instances of an object. [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-
2000]
observer A linear system that estimates a
plant's state from the plant inputs and mea-
surements.
obsolescent Off something that is lower in
physical or functional value as a result of
changes in technology rather than of deterio-
ration.
obsolete No longer suitable for its intended
use because of changes in technology or
requirements.
octal Pertaining to eight. Usually describes a
number system of base or radix eight. For
example, in octal notation, octal 214 is 2
times 64, plus 1 times 8, plus 4 times 1, and
equals decimal 140.
octal digit The symbols 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7
when used as a digit in the system of nota-
tion for which 8 is the base or radix. Clarified
by definition for number system.
octal number A number that consists of one or
more figures and that represents a sum in
which the quantity represented by each fig-
ure is based on a radix of eight. The figures
used as octal numbers are 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
and 7. Clarified by octal.
octave 1. Any group or series of eight. [ISA-
26-1968]. 2. The interval between two fre-
quencies that have a ratio of 2:1.
octave-band analyzer A portable sound ana-
lyzer that amplifies a microphone signal,
octave-band filter / offset voltage drift
feeds it into one of several band-pass filters
that are selected by a switch, and indicates
the signal amplitude on a logarithmic scale.
With the exception of the highest and lowest
band, each band spans an octave in fre-
quency.
octave-band filter A band-pass filter in
which the upper and lower cutoff frequen-
cies are in a fixed ratio of 2:1.
octet A group of eight bits that are treated as
a unit. See byte.
OCX OLE custom controls (extension).
Object-oriented software building blocks that
considerably reduce programming time in
the creation of applications. Theoretically,
they can readily be plugged into Visual
Basic, Visual C++, databases, spreadsheets,
and word processors.
odd-even check Same as parity check.
odograph An instrument that is mounted in a
vehicle in order to automatically plot the
vehicle's course and distance traveled on a
map.
odometer An instrument for measuring and
indicating distance traveled.
OEM Original equipment manufacturer. An
organization that provides the final systems
made from the assemblies and subassemblies
of other manufacturers.
Oersted The CGS unit for magnetic field
strength. The SI unit, ampere-turn per meter,
is preferred.
off Referring to the nonoperating state of a
device or circuit.
off-axis mirrors Mirrors whose mechanical
center does not correspond to the axis of the
mirror's optical figure.
Off delay A timer that begins when the
power is removed completely from the unit.
off hook The condition in which a receiver or
handset is removed from the hook.
off-line [Comp] 1. Not being in continuous,
direct communication with the computer. 2.
Something that is done independently of the
computer (as in off-line storage). 3. Describ-
ing the state of a subsystem or piece of com-
puter equipment that though operable is
currently bypassed or disconnected from the
main system. 4. Pertaining to a computer that
is not actively monitoring or controlling a
process or operation, or to a computer opera-
tion that is performed while the computer is
not monitoring or controlling a process or
operation. [Eng] 5. Describing any lateral or
angular deviation from the intended axis of a
drilled or bored hole. [Safe] 6. A process, to
which a safety instrumented system is con-
346
nected, that is shut down. [ANSI/ISA-84.01-
1996]
off-line diagnostics 1. Describing the state of
a control system, subsystem, or piece of com-
puter equipment that is operable but is cur-
rently not actively monitoring or controlling
the process. 2. A program for checking out
systems and subsystems and providing error
codes if an error is detected. This diagnostic
program is run while the system is off line.
off-line equipment The peripheral equip-
ment or devices that are not in direct com-
munication with the central processing unit
of a computer.
off-line memory Any media capable of being
stored remotely from the computer that the
computer can read when the media is placed
into a suitable reading device. Also see exter-
nal storage.
off-line system A kind of system that
requires human operations between the orig-
inal recording functions and the ultimate
data processing function. These operations
include conversion as well as the necessary
loading and unloading that are required in
order to use point-to-point or data-gathering
systems.
off load or offloading To relieve the data pro-
cessing load on a CPU by performing an
intensive application's calculations in a dedi-
cated or specialized processor.
offset [Cont] 1. A sustained deviation of the
controlled variable from set point. This char-
acteristic is inherent in proportional control-
lers that do not incorporate reset action. 2.
The steady-state deviation when the set
point is fixed. Note: The offset that results
from a no-load to a full-load change (or other
specified limits) is often called "droop" of
load regulation. See also deviation, steady-
state. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]. 3. The
count value output from an A / D converter
that results from a zero input analog voltage.
Offset is used to convert subsequent nonzero
measurements. 4. A short distance that is
measured perpendicular to a principal line of
measurement in order to locate a point with
respect to that line. 5. A printing process in
which ink is transferred from the printing
plate or master to a rubber-covered roller,
which in turn transfers the ink to the paper.
[Comp] 6.The difference between a base loca-
tion and the location of an element that is
related to the base location. The number of
locations relative to the base of an array,
string, or block.
offset voltage drift Change in offset voltage
with time or temperature.

Proportional Offset
OFHC Oxygen-free high-conductivity cop-
per. An industry designation for pure copper
used in a type T thermocouple.
ohm The metric unit for electrical resistance.
An ohm is the resistance (or impedance) of a
conductor such that an electrical potential of
one volt exists across the ends of the conduc-
tor when it carries a current of one ampere.
ohmmeter A device for measuring electrical
resistance.
ohms per volt A standard rating of instru-
ment sensitivity. It is determined by dividing
the instrument's electrical resistance by its
full-scale voltage.
oil Any of various viscous organic liquids
that are soluble in certain organic solvents,
such as naphtha or ether, but are not soluble
in water. An oil may be of animal, vegetable,
mineral, or synthetic origin.
oil bath 1. Oil in a container or chamber in
which a part or mechanism is submerged or
dips during operation or manufacture. 2. Oil
that is poured on a cutting tool or in which it
is submerged during a machining operation.
oil burner A burner for firing oil.
oil cone The cone of finely atomized oil that
is discharged from an oil atomizer.
oil gas A heating gas that is made by reacting
petroleum oil vapors and steam.
oil heating and pumping set A group of
apparatuses that consist of a heater for rais-
ing the temperature of the oil in order to pro-
duce the desired viscosity and a pump for
delivering the oil at the desired pressure.
oil-immersed equipment Equipment that is
immersed in electrical insulating oil for the
purpose of preventing an ignitable gas or
vapor from physically contacting the source
of ignition. This type of protection is referred
to by the International Electrotechnical Com-
mission (IEC) as "Ex o." Note: This type of
equipment may also serve the purpose of
preventing a particular corrosive gas or
vapor from contacting the electrical compo-
nents, provided that consideration is given to
347
OFHC / on delay
the solubility of the corrosive atmosphere in
the oil. [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999]
oil-immersion A type of protection in which
the electrical apparatus, or parts of it, are
immersed in a protective liquid in such a
way that any explosive atmosphere above
the liquid or outside the enclosure cannot be
ignited. This type of protection is referred to
as "o." [ISA-12.01.01-1999; ANSI/ISA-
12.26.01-1998 (IEC 60079-6 Mod)]
OLE Object linking and embedding. In
computers, an application integration feature
of the Microsoft Windows and WindowsNT
environments that treats data as a collection
of objects to be shared by applications that
support the OLE specification. OLE enables
several different applications to be linked so
as to accomplish a given task. It allows the
user to keep information current across sev-
eral different software applications simply
by changing information in one of them.
With the arrival of the Internet, Microsoft
now prefers to use the term "ActiveX."
olemeter 1. A device for measuring the spe-
cific gravity of oil. 2. A device for measuring
the proportion of oil in a mixture.
oleophillic Oil receptive.
oleophobic Oil repellent.
Olsen ductility test A method for determin-
ing the relative formability of metal sheet. A
sheet metal sample is deformed at the center
by a steel ball until it fractures. The heighth
of the cup at the moment of fracture indicates
the relative ease with which deep-drawn or
stamped parts can be formed.
ombroscope An instrument for indicating
when precipitation occurs. A heated
water-sensitive surface is exposed to the
weather. When it rains or snows, an electrical
or mechanical output trips an alarm or
records the occurrence on a time chart.
omnidirectional (antenna) An antenna that
has equal gains in all directions.
omnigraph An automatic acetylene
flame-cutting device that cuts several blanks
simultaneously, duplicating the pattern
traced by a mechanical pointer.
on Referring to the operating state of a device
or circuit.
on-condition maintenance Maintenance
done when equipment needs it. Critical com-
ponents are inspected, safety is regarded as
paramount, defects are repaired, but if the
equipment works, don't fix it.
on delay A timer that starts when power is
applied and output contacts transfer at the
end of the timing period. This type of timer
resets during power failure.
one-piece element clamp / open loop
one-piece element clamp Also known as a
"pinch valve." A valve that consists of a
one-piece flexible element or liner that is
installed in a body such that the element or
liner extends over the flange faces and act as
gaskets between the valve and connecting
piping. [ANSI/ISA-75.08-1999] The dimen-
sions of "long style" one-piece element
clamps are the same as those for flanged-end
control valves in ANSI B16.10 and ANSI/
ISA-S75.03-1985, except for the 6-inch size.
"Short-style" dimensions are the same as
those for flanged-end gate valves in ANSI
B16.10 and MSS SP-72, except for the 6-inch
and the 8-inch sizes. [ANSI/ISA-75.08-1999]
ones complement The radix-minus-one com-
plement in binary notation. The ones com-
plement of an octal 3516 is 4261. See also
complement.
online [Comp] 1. The state of a subsystem or
piece of computer equipment that is operable
and currently connected to the main system.
The opposite of off-line. 2. Pertaining to a
computer that is actively monitoring or con-
trolling a process or operation or a computer
operation that is performed while the com-
puter is monitoring or controlling a process
or operation. 3. Directly controlled by, or in
continuous communication with, the com-
puter (e.g., on-line storage). 4. Done in real
time. [Eng] 5. Describing the coincidence of
the axis of a drilled or bored hole with its
intended axis, without measurable lateral or
angular deviation. [Safe] 6. A process, to
which a safety instrumented system is con-
nected, that is operating. [ANSI/ISA-84.01-
1996]
online computer system A computer system
that is characterized by real-time response to
a user's inquiries and commands.
online data reduction Of a computing sys-
tem, the processing of information as rapidly
as information is received or as rapidly as it
is generated by the source.
online debugging The act of debugging a
program while-time sharing its execution
with an online process program.
online diagnostics 1. Referring to a state of a
control system, subsystem, or piece of com-
puter equipment that is operable and
actively monitoring or controlling the pro-
cess. 2. A program to checking systems and
subsystems and then providing error codes
and alarms if errors are detected. This diag-
nostic program runs in the background while
the control system is in the operating mode.
online equipment Of a computer system, the
peripheral equipment or devices whose
348
operation is controlled by the central pro-
cessing unit and in which information that
reflects current activity is introduced into the
data processing system as soon as it occurs.
Thus, online equipment is directly in line
with the main flow of transaction processing.
Clarified by online.
online memory Any media that the com-
puter system can directly access. Also see
internal storage.
online processing Same as online.
online system 1. Synonymous with online. 2.
A system in which the input data enters the
computer directly from the point of origin
and/or in which output data is transmitted
directly to the location where it is used. Com-
pare offline.
on-off control A simple form of control
whereby the control variable is switched
fully ON or fully OFF in response when the
process variable rises above or falls below
the set point, respectively. Cycling always
occurs with this form of control.
on-off controller See controller, on-off.
OOP Object-oriented programming.
Programming that is based on objects that
talk by passing messages. An "object" is a
package of information and descriptions of
procedures that make it possible to manipu-
late that information.
opacity The reciprocal of optical transmissiv-
ity.
Opacity Monitor
opcode The partem of bits in an instruction
that indicates the addressing mode.
open circuit 1. An interruption in an electri-
cal or hydraulic circuit, usually because of a
failure or disconnection, that renders the cir-
cuit inoperable. 2. A nonrecircularing
(once-through) system or process.
open loop Pertaining to a control system in
which there is no self-correcting action for
misses of the desired operational condition,
as there is in a closed-loop system. See feed-
forward control action.
 open position / operating influence
open position A position that is 100 percent
open. [ANSI/ISA-5.2-1976(R1992)]
open seal An impulse line that is filled with a
seal fluid that is open to the process.
open system 1. A system that complies with
the requirements of the Open System Inter-
connection (OSI) reference model in its com-
munication with other open systems. 2. A
hardware/software design in which a degree
of interchangeability and connectivity pro-
vides the user with choices, that is, the ability
to select multiple products from multiple
vendors and to integrate them seamlessly on
powerful networks. Open systems make
every resource on a network available to any
authorized user who needs it. See Open Sys-
tem Interconnection (OSI).
Open System Interconnection (OSI) A con-
nection between one communication system
and another using a standard protocol.
open-end protecting tube A tube that
extends from a physical boundary into the
body of a medium in order to surround and
protect a thermocouple yet that allows direct
contact between the thermocouple's measur-
ing junction and the medium.
open-flow nozzle See Kennison nozzle.
opening pressure The static inlet pressure
that initiates a discharge.
open-loop control 1. A control system that
does not take any account of the error
between the desired and actual values of the
controlled variables. 2. An operation in
which computer-evaluated control action is
applied by an operator. See open loop and
closed loop. 3. A system in which no compari-
son is made between the actual value and the
desired value of a process variable.
open-loop numerical control A type of
numerical control system in which the drive
motor provides both actuation and measure-
ment with no feedback to the control console.
openness of scale With respect to measuring
instruments, the amount of change in a mea-
sured quantity that causes the pointer to
move 1 mm (or in some instances, 1 in.) on
the instrument scale.
operand The address of an instruction that is
to be executed by the processor.
operating basis earthquake (OBE) That
earthquake which, according to ISA standard
ISA-67.03-1982 "could reasonably be
expected to affect the plant site during the
operating life of the plant; it is that earth-
quake which produces the vibratory ground
motion for which those features of the
nuclear power plant necessary for continued
operation without undue risk to the health
349
and safety of the public are designed to
remain functional." [ISA-67.03-1982]
operating conditions The conditions to
which a device is subjected, not including the
variable it measures. Examples of operating
conditions include ambient pressure, ambi-
ent temperature, electromagnetic fields,
gravitational force, inclination, power-sup-
ply variation (voltage, frequency, harmon-
ics), radiation, shock, and vibration. Both
static and dynamic variations in these condi-
tions should be considered. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-
1979 (R1993)] See also environmental condi-
tions.
operating conditions, normal The range of
operating conditions within which a device
is designed to operate and for which operat-
ing influences are stated. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-
1979 (R1993); ANSI/ISA-71.03-1985]
operating conditions, reference 1. The range
of operating conditions of a device within
which operating influences are negligible.
Note 1: The range is usually narrow. Note 2:
Reference operating conditions are the con-
ditions under which reference performance
is stated and the base from which the values
of operating influences is determined.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)] 2. The condi-
tions to which a device is subjected, not
including the variable it measures. See also
environmental conditions.
operating control A control to start and stop
a burner. It must be in addition to the high
limit control.
operating influence The change in a perfor-
mance characteristic that is caused by a
change in a specified operating condition
from reference operating condition. It is
assumed that all other conditions are held
within the limits of reference operating con-
ditions. Note 1: The specified operating con-
ditions are usually the limits of the normal
operating conditions. Operating influence
may be stated in either of two ways: (a) as
the total change in performance characteris-
tics from the reference operating condition to
another specified operating condition and (b)
as a coefficient that expresses the change in a
performance characteristics that correspond
to a unit change of the operating condition,
from the reference operating condition to
another specified operating condition. Note
2: If the relation between operating influence
and change in operating condition is linear,
one coefficient will suffice. If it is nonlinear, it
may be desirable to state more than one coef-
ficient, such as 0.05% per volt from 120 to 125
operating level / operator
V to and 0.15% from 125 to 130 V. [ANSI/
ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
operating level The nominal position or out-
put at which a system or process operates.
Typical examples are the water level in a
boiler, the production rate of a manufactur-
ing process, or the acoustical output (vol-
ume) of a loudspeaker system.
operating pressure 1. The nominal pressure
or pressure limits at which a system or pro-
cess operates. 2. In a pneumatic or hydraulic
system, the high and low values (range) of
pressure that will produce the full-range
operation of an output device such as a
motor operator, positioning relay, or data
transmission device. See pressure, operating.
operating rod (spindle) A component of cir-
cular cross-section that is used for transmit-
ting control movements that may be rotary
or linear or a combination of both. [ANSI/
ISA-12.22.01-1998 (IEC 79-1 Mod)]
operating specifications The operating-
range environmental conditions over which
equipment or a system will operate and
maintain its specified performance without
any degradation. See extreme (operating) con-
ditions, storage, and specifications.
operating system 1. An integrated collection
of service routines for supervising the
sequencing of programs by a computer. Syn-
onymous with monitor system and executive
system. An operating system may perform the
functions of input/output control, resource
scheduling, and data management. It pro-
vides application programs with the funda-
mental commands for controlling the
computer. 2. A group of programming sys-
tems that operate under the control of a data
processing monitor program.
operating temperature range The range in
extremes of ambient temperature within
which the transducer must perform to the
requirements of the temperature error or
temperature error band. [ISA-37.12-1982
(R1995); ISA-37.6-1982 (R1995)]
operating time That part of available time
during which the hardware is operating and
assumed to be yielding correct results. It
includes development time, production time,
and makeup time. Contrast with idle time.
operation 1. A procedural element that
defines an independent processing activity
that consists of the algorithm necessary for
the initiation, organization, and control of
phases. [ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995] 2. A well-
defined action that, when applied to any per-
missible combination of known entities, pro-
duces a new entity. [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-
350
2000] 3. A set of tasks or processes, usually
performed at one location.
operational Referring to a state of readiness
for immediate use, as of equipment or vehi-
cles.
operational maintenance Any maintenance
activity, other than corrective maintenance,
that the operator is intended to perform and
that is required if the equipment is to serve
its intended purpose. Such activities typi-
cally include the correcting of "zero" on a
panel instrument, changing charts, making
records, adding ink, or the like. [ANSI/ISA-
12.12.01-2000]. Operational maintenance
activities are expected to be performed by
staff unfamiliar with the risks of electrical
shock, likelihood of fire, or personal injury.
operational qualification In process valida-
tion, documented verification that an equip-
ment-related system or subsystem performs
as intended throughout its represented or
anticipated operating ranges.
operational test See test.
operation analysis An evaluation process in
industrial engineering that assesses design,
materials, equipment, tools, working condi-
tions, methods, and inspection standards.
The purpose of operation analysis is usually
to improve production output or decreasing
cost.
operation code The part of a computer
instruction word that specifies, in coded
form, the operation to be performed.
operations analysis See operations research.
operations research The use of analytic
methods adopted from mathematics to solve
operational problems. The objective of such
research is to provide management with a
more logical basis for making sound predic-
tions and decisions. Among the common sci-
entific techniques used in operations
research are linear programming, probability
theory, information theory, game theory, the
Monte Carlo method, and queuing theory.
operative limits The range of operating con-
ditions to which a device may be subjected
without permanently impairing its operating
characteristics. Notes: 1. In general, perfor-
mance characteristics are not stated for the
region between the limits of normal operat-
ing conditions and the operative limits. 2.
When a device returns within the limits of
normal operating conditions, adjustments
may need to be made restore normal perfor-
mance. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
operator [Mfg] 1. The person who operates
equipment for its intended purpose. Note:
The operator should have received training
 operator command / optical flat
appropriate for this purpose. [ANSI/ISA-
82.02.01-1999 (IEC 1010-1 Mod); ISA-
12.02.01-1999] 2. The person who initiates
and monitors the operation of a process.
[Comp] 3. The person who initiates and
monitors the operation of a computer. 4. The
portion of an instruction that tells the
machine what to do. [Sci] 5. A mathematical
symbol that represents a mathematical pro-
cess to be performed on an associated oper-
and.
operator command A statement to the con-
trol program, issued via a console device,
that causes the control program to provide
requested information, alter normal opera-
tions, initiate new operations, or terminate
existing operations.
operator control An operator-accessible con-
trol, usually a knob, push button, lever, or
the like, that is provided so the operator can
cause the equipment to perform its intended
function and serve its intended purpose.
operator interface The shared boundary
between a computer system and its human
operator. It typically consists of a graphical
representation (on CRT or LCD) and an input
device (keyboard, touch screen, mouse,
trackball, or light pen).
operator's console A device that enables the
operator to communicate with the computer.
It can be used to enter information into the
computer, to request and display stored data,
to actuate various preprogrammed com-
mand routines, and so on. See also process
engineer's console and programmer's console.
operator station The operator interface from
which a process or plant is run.
opisometer An instrument that incorporates
a tracing wheel for measuring the length of
curved lines, such as those on a map.
optical ammeter An electrothermic instru-
ment that typically employs a photoelectric
cell and indicating device for the purpose of
determining the magnitude of electric cur-
rent. It does this by measuring the light that
is emitted by a lamp filament carrying the
current. The instrument is calibrated by
determining the amount of light that is emit-
ted when known currents are carried by the
same filament.
optical amplifier A type of amplifier in
which an electric input signal is converted
into light, amplified as light, and then con-
verted back into an electric output signal.
optical attenuation meter A device that mea-
sures the loss or attenuation of an optical
fiber, fiber-optic cable, or fiber-optic system.
Measurements are usually made in decibels.
351
optical bench A rigid horizontal bar or track
for holding and supporting optical devices in
fixed positions while allowing these posi-
tions to be changed or adjusted quickly and
easily.
optical character reader A scanning device
that can recognize some typewritten charac-
ters.
optical comparator 1. Any comparator in
which the movement of a measuring plunger
tilts a small mirror, which in turn reflects
light in an optical system. 2. A type of com-
parator in which the silhouette of a part is
projected onto a graduated screen, and the
dimensions or contour are evaluated from
that projected image.
optical density A measurement of transmis-
sion that is equal to the base 10 logarithm of
the reciprocal of transmittance. An object
that has optical density of zero is transpar-
ent; an optical density of one corresponds to
10 percent transmission.
optical disk A large electronic storage device
that uses laser beam patterns to read and
write digital information (it comes in read-
only and write-once types). Unlike magnetic
media, an optical disk is not inadvertently
changed or erased by EMI/RFI fields.
optical emission spectrometry The measure-
ment of the wavelength(s) and intensities of
the visible light that is emitted by a sub-
stance after it is stimulated.
optical encoder tachometer A type of instru-
ment that combines a sensor (optical
encoder) with a microprocessor for the pur-
pose of converting sensor impulses into a
measurement of rotational velocity.
optical fiber Any filament or fiber that is
made of dielectric materials and consists of
both a core for carrying a light signal and
surrounding cladding that reflects the signal
back into the core. A thin glass thread is most
commonly used, but plastic fiber can also be
chosen.
optical filter A semitransparent device that
selectively passes rays of light that have pre-
determined wavelengths.
optical flat A transparent disk, usually made
of fused quartz, that has precisely parallel
faces. One face is polished for clear vision
and the other face is ground optically flat.
When the optical flat is placed on a surface
and illuminated under proper conditions,
interference bands can be observed. These
bands can be used to either assess surface
contour (relative flatness) or determine dif-
ferences between a reference gauge or gauge
optical fluid flow measurement / optimization
block and a highly accurate part or inspec-
tion gauge.
optical fluid flow measurement Any
method for measuring the density of a fluid
in motion that involves measuring the refrac-
tion and phase shift among different rays of
light as they pass through a flow field of
varying density.
optical gauge A gauge that measures the
image of an object without touching the
object itself.
optical glass Glass that is free of such imper-
fections as bubbles, chemical inhomogene-
ity, or unmelted particles, which degrade its
ability to transmit light.
optical grating 1. A diffraction grating that is
usually employed with other appropriate
optics to fabricate a monochromator. These
gratings consist of a series of parallel grooves
that are carefully and uniformly shaped in an
optical surface that is either flat or concave,
depending upon the application. The num-
ber of grooves formed and their shape (the
grating's profile) determine in what region of
the spectrum the optical grating is applica-
ble. 2. Commonly referred to as a "Ronchi
grating." 3. A highly accurate device that is
used in precision dimensional measurement.
It consists of a polished surface, commonly
an aluminum coating on a glass substrate,
onto which close, equidistant, and parallel
grooves have been ruled. The distribution of
grooves range from several hundred to many
thousands of grooves per inch. Gratings are
used in conjunction with monochromatic
light to produce interference patterns that are
sometimes referred to as moire patterns.
Optical gratings are used in optical testing as
well as in generating the dot matrix for
reproducing pictures from a photographic
negative.
optical indicator An instrument that plots
pressure variations as a function of time by
using magnification in an optical system cou-
pled with photographic recording.
optical isolation Two networks that are con-
nected only through an LED transmitter and
photoelectric receiver, with no electrical con-
tinuity between them.
optical mark reader A device that uses light
sensing to read marks made on special
forms.
optical material Any material that is trans-
parent to visible light or to X-ray, ultraviolet,
or infrared radiation.
optical plastic Any plastics material that is
transparent to light and can be used in opti-
cal devices and instruments to take advan-
352
tage of the lower cost of the plastics material
or of such physical or mechanical properties
as the plastics material's superiority to glass.
optical pressure transducer Any of several
devices that use optical methods to accu-
rately measure the position of the sensitive
element of the pressure transducer.
optical pyrometer An instrument that deter-
mines the temperature of an object by com-
paring its incandescent brightness with that
of an electrically heated wire. The current
through the wire is adjusted until the visual
image of the wire blends into the image of
the hot surface. The temperature is read
directly from a calibrated dial attached to the
current adjustment.
optical rangefinder An optical instrument
for measuring distance, usually from the
instrument's location to a target some dis-
tance away, by measuring the angle between
rays of light from the target to separate win-
dows on the rangefinder body.
optical recording Making a record of an
instrument reading by focusing a tiny beam
of light on photosensitive paper. The position
of the light along one axis of the resulting
orthogonal plot is directly related to the
value of the quantity being measured.
optical rotation Rotating the plane of polar-
ization about the axis of a beam of polarized
light.
optical storage disk A computer storage
medium that uses lasers to form surface pat-
terns that represent data. CD-ROM (compact
disk read-only memory) is an optical storage
disk that stores data in digital form.
optical time domain reflectometer A device
that sends a very short pulse of light down a
fiber-optic communication system and mea-
sures the time history of the pulse reflection.
The reflection indicates any fiber dispersion
and discontinuities in the fiber path, such as
breaks and connectors. The time it takes for
the light pulse to travel to and from the dis-
continuity indicates how far it is from the test
set.
optimization 1. The process of making a
design, process, or system as nearly perfect
in function or effectiveness as possible. 2.
Using a structured decision-making tech-

nique to select the best way of achieving a
defined goal from a set of alternatives.
optimize 1. To establish control parameters
so as to make control as effective as possible.
2. To rearrange the instructions or data in
storage so that the program can be run in
minimum time.
optimizing control See control, optimize,
steady-state optimization, and dynamic optimi-
zation.
option module Any additional device that
expands a computer's capability.
optoelectronic amplifier An amplifier whose
input and output signals and method of
amplification may be either optical or elec-
tronic.
optoelectronics A technology that combines
optics with solid-state electronics.
OR 1. A logic condition such that logic out-
put D exists if, and only if, one or more of
logic inputs A, B, and C exist. [ANSI/ISA-
5.2-1976 (R1992)] 2. A logic operator that has
the property that if P is an expression, Q is an
expression, R is an expression ..., then the OR
of P, Q, R ... is true if at least one expression is
true, false if all expressions are false. P OR Q
is often represented by P + Q, PVQ. OR is
synonymous with "inclusive OR." Contrast
with exclusive OR.
orders A unit of frequency that is unique to
rotating machinery in which the first order is
equal to rotational speed.
organic matter Compounds that contain car-
bon, often derived from living organisms.
orient To place an instrument, particularly
one for making optical measurements, so
that its physical axis is aligned with a specific
direction or reference line.
orientation The state of being aligned with a
specific direction or reference line.
orifice 1. The opening from the whirling
chamber of a mechanical atomizer or the
mixing chamber of a steam atomizer through
which the liquid fuel is discharged. 2. A cali-
brated opening in a plate that is inserted in a
gas stream to measure the velocity of flow.
orifice fitting A specially designed device for
holding orifice plates.
orifice flange taps The 1/2 in. or 3/4 in. pipe
taps in the edge of an orifice flange union.
orifice flange union Two unique flanges that
are used to hold the primary element of an
orifice plate, with specific design dimensions
that are established by the American Gas
Association.
orifice meter A general term for any record-
ing differential-pressure measuring instru-
ment.
353
optimize / orphan
Installed Orifice Meter
orifice mixer A piece of equipment for mix-
ing two or more liquids by simultaneously
directing them, under pressure, through a
constriction in which the resulting turbu-
lence blends them together.
orifice plate A disk or plate like member
with a sharp-edged hole in it that is used in a
pipe to measure flow or reduce static pres-
sure.
orifice run The differential pressure-produc-
ing arrangement that consists of a selected
pipe, orifice flange union, and orifice plate.
An orifice run has rigid specifications that
are defined by the American Gas Associa-
tion.
orifice-type variable-area flowmeter A
flow-measurement device that consists of a
tube section containing an orifice and a
guided conically tapered float that rides
within the orifice. The flow of a fluid through
the meter positions the float in relation to the
flow rate. The float's position is determined
magnetically or by other indirect means.
O ring A toroidal sealing ring made of syn-
thetic rubber or similar material. The cross
section through the torus is usually round or
oval, but it may be rectangular or some other
shape.
orometer A barometer for measuring eleva-
tion above sea level.
ORP "Oxidation-reduction potential." Often
called redox in the process industries, ORP is
directly related to the oxidative strength of a
biocidal agent such as chlorine. ORP is the
ratio of activities of the oxidized (loss-of-
electron) and reduced (gain-of-electron)
forms of various substances in solution. Such
activities generate millivolt potential similar
to pH, depending on the substance.
orphan In the typographical composition of
screen displays and printing, a word or short
line that ends a paragraph and is carried over
to the top of the next column. Frowned upon
in good typography. See widow.
orsat / out of round
orsat A gas-analysis apparatus in which cer-
tain gaseous constituents are measured by
absorbing the gas in separate chemical solu-
tions.
orthicon A camera tube that utilizes a
low-velocity electron beam to scan an image
that is stored electrically on a photoactive
mosaic panel.
orthometric correction A systematic correc-
tion that must be applied to a measured dif-
ference in elevation to compensate for the
fact that level surfaces at different elevations
are not exactly parallel.
oscillating piston flowmeter A flow mea-
surement device that is similar to a nutating
disk flowmeter. In contrast to the latter, the
motion of the piston takes place in one plane
only. The rotational speed of the piston is
directly related to the volume of fluid pass-
ing through the meter.
oscillation Fluctuation around the set point.
oscillator A nonrotating device for produc-
ing alternating current. The output fre-
quency is determined by the characteristics
of the device. In some cases, the frequency is
fixed, but in others it can be varied.
oscillator crystal A piezoelectric crystal
device that is used chiefly to determine the
frequency of an oscillator.
oscillatory circuit A circuit that produces a
periodically reversing current when ener-
gized by a direct current voltage. The circuit
contains R, L and C elements, which may be
varied to change the characteristics of the
resultant AC output.
oscillogram The permanent record created
by an oscillograph. Alternatively, a perma-
nent record of the trace on an oscilloscope,
such as might be recorded photographically.
oscillograph A device for determining wave-
form by plotting instantaneous values of a
quantity such as voltage as a function of
time.
oscilloscope A CRT device that can display
instantaneous values of AC voltages or cur-
rents with respect to time or with respect to
other AC voltages or currents. An oscillo-
scope can also be used to display the instan-
taneous values of other quantities that vary
rapidly with time (not necessarily oscillatory
values) and that can be converted into suit-
able electrical signals by means of a trans-
ducer. The display is a graphical
representation of the electrical signals that
are produced by varying the position of the
focused spot where an electron beam strikes
the fluorescent coating on the inside surface
of the CRT face.
354
OSF Open Software Foundation. A not-for-
profit coalition of DEC, IBM, Hewlett-Pack-
ard, Apollo Computers, Groupe Bull, Nix-
dorf Computer AG, and Siemens AG located
in Cambridge Massachusetts. The OSF was
founded in 1988 to develop and license core
software technologies for the purpose of
developing an alternative to UNIX after
AT&T decided not to open UNIX for devel-
opment.
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health
Administration. In 1970 the U.S. Congress
passed the Occupational Safety and Health
Act, which specified the requirements that
employers must follow to guard against
employee illness and injury. OSHA adminis-
ters and enforces these requirements.
OSI reference model "Open System Inter-
connection." A seven-layered model of com-
munications networks defined by ISO
(International Organization for Standardiza-
tion). The seven layers are: Layer 7 (Applica-
tion)--provides the interface for the
application to access the OSI environment;
Layer 6 (Presentation)--provides for data
conversion to preserve the meaning of the
data; Layer 5 (Session)—provides
user-to-user connections; Layer 4 (Trans-
port)— provides end-to-end reliability; Layer
3 (Network)—provides routing of data
through the network; Layer 2 (Data Link)—
provides link access control and reliability;
Layer 1 (Physical)-- provides an interface to
the physical medium.
ounce A U.S. unit of weight. One ounce
(avoirdupois) equals 1/16 pound, and is the
metric used for most commercial products.
One ounce (troy) equals 1/12 pound, and is
the metric used for precious metals.
outage The decrease of fluid level in a tank or
vessel.
outdoor area See area, outdoor.
outdoor location A location where neither air
temperature nor humidity are controlled,
and the equipment is exposed to outdoor
atmospheric conditions such as direct sun-
shine, wind, rain, hail, sleet, snow, and icing.
[ISA-82.03-1988]
outgassing The release of adsorbed or
occluded gases and water vapor, usually
during the evacuation or subsequent heating
of an evacuated chamber.
out of round A dimensional condition in
which diameters taken in different directions
across a nominally circular object are
unequal. The difference between them is the
amount of "out of roundness."

output 1. An output from the logic sequence.
[ANSI/ISA-5.2-1976 (R1992)] 2. The electrical
quantity produced by a transducer that is a
function of the applied measurand. [ISA-
37.1-1975 (R1982)] 3. The information that is
transferred from the internal storage of a
computer to secondary or external storage or
to any device outside of the computer.
output, analog Nominally pertains to the
output of data that takes the form of continu-
ously variable physical quantities as con-
trasted with digital output. Most analog
output subsystems utilize digital-to-analog
converters (DAC), which provide a finite
number of output levels and only approxi-
mate a continuous variable. [ISA-RP55.1-
1975 (R1983)]
output, contact A digital output that is gener-
ated by operating a contact. [ISA-RP55.1-
1975 (R1983)]
output, digital Pertaining to the output of
data that takes the form of digits. Contrast
with analog output. [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)]
output area An area of storage that is
reserved for output.
output block 1. A block of computer words
that are considered as a unit and are
intended or destined to be transferred from
an internal storage medium to an external
destination. 2. A section of internal storage
that is reserved for storing data that are to be
transferred out of the computer. Synony-
mous with output area. 3. A block that is used
as an output buffer. See buffer.
output device The part of a machine that
translates the electrical impulses represent-
ing data processed by the machine into per-
manent results such as printed forms,
punched cards, and magnetic writing on
tape or into control signals for a process.
output impedance Impedance that is mea-
sured across the output terminals of a device
as a result of circuitry within that device. In
power supplies, the output of the equivalent
dynamic series impedance of power supply.
Output impedance is normally derived from
the ratio of output voltage change to output
current change as measured at output termi-
nals. Load line effect and termination must
be considered to ascertain total impedance.
output indicator A device that is connected
to a radio receiver in order to indicate varia-
tions in output signal without indicating a
specific signal value. Output indicators are
usually used for aligning or tuning.
output module An electrical/electronic/pro-
grammable electronic system (E/E/PES) or
subsystem that acts as an interface to exter-
355
output / overflow
nal devices and converts output signals into
signals that can actuate external devices.
[ANSI/ISA-84.01-1996]
output noise The rms, peak, or peak-to-peak
(as specified) AC component of a trans-
ducer's DC output in the absence of measur-
and variations. Note: Unless otherwise
specified, output impedance is measured at
room conditions and with the excitation ter-
minals open/circuited. However, nominal
excitation and a measurand between 80 and
100 percent of span are applied when the
transducer contains integral active out-
put-conditioning circuitry. [ISA-37.1-1975
(R1982)]
output parameter A block parameter that has
a data structure of value and status elements
that are updated by the block algorithm.
[ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-2000]
output rating The voltage and current-carry-
ing capability of equipment's electrical out-
put.
output regulation The change in output as a
result of a change in excitation. Note: Unless
otherwise specified, output regulation is
measured at room conditions and with the
measurand applied at its upper-range limit.
[ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
output signal A signal that is delivered by a
device, element, or system. See also signal,
output.
output variable A variable that is delivered
by a control algorithm, for example, the sig-
nal going to a steam valve in a temperature
control loop. See controlled variable.
outside caliper A caliper that is used to mea-
sure distances across two external opposing
surfaces.
outside diameter The outer dimension of a
circular member such as a rod, pipe, or tube.
oval-shaped gear flowmeter A type of posi-
tive displacement flowmeter. It operates by
trapping a precise volume of fluid between
an oval, toothed rotor and the meter housing
as the rotor revolves in mesh with a second
rotor. The volume flow of an incompressible
fluid is indicated directly by determining
rotor speed.
oven A heated enclosure for baking, heating,
or drying, generally at temperatures consid-
erably lower than that a furnace.
oven dry In paper making, paper from which
all moisture has been removed by artificial
evaporation using heat. See bone dry.
overdamped See damping.
overflow The condition that arises when the
result of an arithmetic operation exceeds the
capacity of the storage space allotted for it in
overflow pipe / overvoltage protection
Oval-shaped Gear Flowmeter
a digital computer. Also, the digit arising
from this condition if a mechanical or pro-
grammed indicator is included. If it is not,
the digit may be lost.
overflow pipe A pipe that has its open end
protruding above the liquid level in a tank. It
limits the height of liquid in the tank by car-
rying away any liquid that enters the open
end, usually to a drain or sewage system.
overfractionation The operation by which a
distillation column produces a purer product
than is required.
overhead In communications, all informa-
tion, such as control, routing, and error-
checking characters, that are used in addition
to transmitted data. Overhead includes rout-
ing information, operational instructions,
and retransmissions of data that are received
in error.
overheat To raise the temperature above a
desired or safe limit. In metal heat treating,
to reach a temperature that results in
degraded mechanical or physical properties.
overlay The technique of repeatedly using
the same blocks of internal storage during
different stages of a problem. When one rou-
tine is no longer needed in storage, another
routine can replace all or part of it.
overload The maximum magnitude of a mea-
surand that can be applied to a transducer
without causing a change in performance
beyond the specified tolerance. [ISA-37.1-
1975 (R1982)]
overload capacity The force weight, power,
pressure, or other capacity factor beyond
which permanent damage occurs to a device
or structure. Overload capacity is usually
higher than the rated capacity.
overload protection The provision of protec-
tion for equipment against excessive current,
including short-circuit current. In power
supplies, the protection circuitry is electronic
with automatic recovery. The current charac-
teristic is normally a foldback type.
overload recovery An effect caused by an
analog signal input that is greater than the
356
input for which the feedback capacity of an
amplifier can compensate. The result is a loss
of feedback control by the amplifier. This
necessitates some recovery time after the
overload is removed. [ISA-RP55.1-1975
(R1983)]
overrange In process instrumentation, any
excess value of the input signal of a system
or element above its upper-range value or
below its lower-range value. [ANSI/ISA-
51.1-1979 (R1993)] See also overload.
overrange limit The maximum input that can
be applied to a device without causing dam-
age or a permanent change in performance.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)] See also over-
load.
override control 1. Generally, two control
loops that are connected to a common final
control element. One control loop is nor-
mally in control, with the second loop being
switched in by some logic element when an
abnormal condition occurs so that constant
control is maintained. 2. A technique in
which more than one controller manipulates
a final control element. The technique is used
when constraint control is important.
OVERRIDE CONTROL
overshoot 1. The amount of output that is
measured beyond the final steady output
value in response to a step change in the
measurand. Note: Overshoot is expressed in
terms of percentage of the equivalent step
change in output. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)] 2.
A transient response to a step change in an
input signal that exceeds the normal or
expected steady-state response. 3. The maxi-
mum difference between the transient
response and the steady-state response. See
also transient overshoot.
overt faults Faults that are classified as
announced, detected, revealed, and so on.
[ANSI/ISA-84.01-1996]
overvoltage protection A protective device
that interrupts power or reduces the voltage
 overwriting / oxygen-sensing element

supplied to an operating device when the

incoming voltage exceeds a preset value.
overwriting In data processing, the elimina-
tion of data by writing new data over it.
Owen bridge A type of AC bridge circuit in
which one leg contains a fixed capacitor, the
opposite leg contains an unknown induc-
tance and resistance, the third leg contains a
fixed resistor, and the fourth leg contains a
variable resistor and a variable capacitor.
This type of bridge is especially useful for
measuring wide ranges of inductances using
reasonable ranges of standard capacitances.
It can also be used to measure permeability
or core loss.
oxidation 1. The loss of electrons by a constit-
uent of a chemical reaction. [ISA-71.04-1985]
2. Chemical combination with oxygen.
oxide A chemical compound of an element,
usually metal, with oxygen. [ISA-71.04-1985]
oxidizing atmosphere An atmosphere that
tends to promote the oxidation of immersed
materials.
oxygen attack Corrosion or pitting in a boiler
that is caused by oxygen.
oxygen deficiency A significant reduction in
the oxygen content of an atmosphere from
that of the surrounding ambient air. [ANSI/
ISA-92.04.01-1996]
oxygen enrichment An increase in the oxy-
gen content of an atmosphere from that of
the surrounding ambient air. [ANSI/ISA-
92.04.01-1996]
oxygen-monitoring instrument An assem-
bly of electrical, mechanical, and chemical
components that senses and reports the con-
tent of oxygen in air. Note: For convenience,
in the relevant ANSI/ISA standard, the term
instrument is used as an abbreviation for
"oxygen-monitoring instrument." [ANSI/
ISA-92.04.01-1996]
oxygen-sensing element The particular sub-
assembly in the oxygen-monitoring instru-
ment that, in the presence of oxygen,
produces a corresponding electrical, chemi-
cal, or physical characteristic. [ANSI/ISA-
92.04.01-1996]

357
 P pachymeter An instru-
ment for measuring the
thickness of material such as
paper.
pack 1. In data process-
ing, a method for condens-
ing data in order to increase
storage capacity. 2. A remov-
able disk.
packaged boiler A packaged steam or hot-
water firetube boiler is a modified Scotch
unit that is engineered, built, and fire-tested
before shipment. Its material, workmanship,
and performance are guaranteed by manu-
facturer as stated in its standard conditions
of sale. The components of a packaged boiler
include, but are not limited to, the burner,
boiler, and controls.
packaged steam generator See packaged boiler.
packed column A distillation column that is
filled with packing (commonly Raschig
rings) on order to mix the descending liquid
with the ascending vapors. Packing is often
used instead of trays in the columns used for
certain applications (such as gas adsorption)
or for very low pressure-drop systems.
packed decimal A method of representing a
decimal number by storing a pair of decimal
digits in one eight-bit byte. This method
takes advantage of the fact that the numbers
zero through nine can be represented by four
bits.
packet 1. A group of bits, which includes the
data and control elements, that are switched
and transmitted as a whole. See block. 2. The
unit of data that is transmitted across a
packet- switched network.
packet access device (PAD) An interface
between a terminal or computer and a
packet-switching network.
packet switching A data transmission tech-
nique whereby the physical resources on a
path are switched on a per-packet basis,
using control information in the header of
each packet (the channel is occupied only
while the packet is being transmitted). In
some data communication networks, the
data may be formatted into a packet or it
may be divided and then formatted into a
number of packets so the transmission can be
multiplexed. See also circuit switching and
message switching.
packet-switching network A system in
which messages are broken down into
smaller units called "packets," each of which
is individually addressed and are routed
through the network.
359
packet-switching system (PSS) In a wide
area network (WAN), a method for sending
data between computers.
packing [Eng] 1.A sealing system that con-
sists of deformable material, which is con-
tained in a packing box that usually uses a
means of adjustable compression to create an
effective seal. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000] 2. A
method for sealing a mechanical joint in a
fluid system. A threaded seal ring com-
presses a material such as oakum or treated
asbestos into the sealing area (known as a
"packing box" or "stuffing box"). [ Comp] 3.
In data processing, the compression of data
to save storage space.
packing box The chamber in the bonnet that
surrounds the stem and contains packing
and other stem-sealing and guiding parts.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
packing box, purged A packing arrangement
that consists of a lantern ring positioned
inside the packing rings so purge fluid may
be introduced. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
packing density The number of units of use-
ful information that are contained within a
given linear dimension, usually expressed in
units per inch. Examples of packing density
include the number of binary-digit magnetic
pulses or the number of characters stored on
a tape or drum per linear inch on a single
track by a single head.
packing flange A device that transfers the
deforming mechanical load to the packing
follower. A packing flange is fastened by
studs. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
packing follower A part that transfers the
deforming mechanical load to the packing
from the packing flange or nut. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
packing gland A nonstandard term for See
packing follower. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
packing leakage The quantity of process
fluid that escapes through the valve packing.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
packing lubricator assembly A device for
injecting a lubricant/sealer into a lubricator
packing box. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
packing nut A nut that is threaded into the
packing box that transmits the deforming
mechanical load to the packing. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
PAD Packet access device. An interface
between the terminal or computer and the
packet switching network.
pad 1. A pad is a projection, larger than a
boss, that is attached to a pressure vessel to
reinforce an opening. See toss. 2. A
fixed-value attenuator.
paddle-wheel level detector / parallel output
paddle-wheel level detector A device for
detecting the presence or absence of bulk sol-
ids. It consists of a motor that slowly rotates
a paddle when no material is present and
that rotates itself against a momentary
switch when material is at or above the pad-
dle location.
page A block of information that can be
stored as a complete unit in the computer
memory.
PAL programmable array logic. A trade name
of AMD.
palette In data processing, the range of dis-
play colors that will show on a video screen.
panel 1. A structure chosen to have a unique
designation that has a group of instruments
mounted on it and houses the operator-pro-
cess interface. The panel may consist of one
or more sections, cubicles, consoles, or desks.
A synonym for board. [ANSI/ISA-5.1-1984
(R1992)] 2. A sheet of material that is held in
a frame. 3. A section of an equipment cabinet
or enclosure or of a metallic or nonmetallic
sheet on which are mounted the operating
controls, dials, instruments, or subassemblies
of an electronic device or other equipment. 4.
Any of the flat mounting surfaces of a control
center.
panel-mounted A term applied to an instru-
ment that is mounted on a panel or console
and is accessible to an operator during nor-
mal use. A function that is normally accessi-
ble to an operator in a shared-display system
is the equivalent of a discrete panel-mounted
device. [ANSI/ISA-5.1-1984 (R1992)]
paper Felted or matted sheets of cellulose
fibers that are bonded together and used for
various purposes, but especially for printing
language, artwork, or diagrams.
paper machine A synchronized series of
mechanical devices such as screens and
heated rolls that transform a dilute suspen-
sion of cellulose fibers (digested pulp) into a
dry sheet of paper.
paper tape punch A hardware device that
punches digital data into a paper tape.
paper tape reader (PTR) A hardware device
for accepting punched-hole paper tapes and
transmitting their information content to the
computer in digital form.
paradigm A set of rules and regulations,
written or unwritten, that establish or define
boundaries and govern what behavior
within those boundaries will lead to success.
parallax The apparent differences in spatial
relations when objects in different planes are
viewed from different directions. In making
instrument readings, for instance, parallax
360
will cause an error in the observed value
unless the observer's eye is directly in line
with the pointer. Parallax is most often
noticed when a glass separates the eye from
the target, such as when reading a meter or
using a touch screen.
parallel 1. Pertaining to the simultaneity of
two or more processes. [ISA-RP55.1-1975
(R1983)] 2. Pertaining to the simultaneity of
two or more similar or identical processes.
[ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)] 3. Pertaining to
the simultaneous processing of the individ-
ual parts of a whole (such as the bits of a
character and the characters of a word) by
using separate facilities for the various parts.
[ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)] 4. In data transfer
operations, a procedure that handles a multi-
ple-bit code and works with all bits simulta-
neously, usually one word at a time.
parallel computer 1. A computer that has
multiple arithmetic or logic units, which are
used to accomplish parallel operations or
parallel processing. Contrast with serial com-
puter. 2. Historically, a computer that is paral-
lel in some specified characteristic, for
example, a computer that manipulates all the
bits of a word in parallel.
parallel elements In an electric circuit, two or
more two-terminal elements that are con-
nected between the same pair of nodes.
parallel heating cable Heating elements that
are electrically connected in parallel, either
continuously or in zones, so that the watt
density per unit length is essentially main-
tained irrespective of any change in length
for the continuous type or for any number of
discrete zones. [ANSI/ISA-12.16.01-1998
(IEC 79-7 Mod)]
parallel I/O The simultaneous input/output
of all the bits. Eight lines are required to
transmit eight bits simultaneously.
parallel linkage A linkage mechanism that
amplifies reciprocating motion. Depending
on the geometry of the drive crank, driven
crank, and connecting link a parallel linkage
can amplify, attenuate as well as characterize
the relationship of the output-driven crank to
the input-driven crank.
parallel operation The simultaneous perfor-
mance of several actions, usually of a similar
nature such as flow or information process-
ing, by providing individual similar or iden-
tical devices for each such action. Parallel
operation is performed to save time. Con-
trast with serial operation.
parallel output To send data simultaneously
between interconnecting devices.
 parallel processing / parametric variation
Sequencing Two Parallel Valves
parallel processing Pertaining to the concur-
rent or simultaneous execution of two or
more processes in multiple devices such as
channels or processing units. Contrast with
serial operation.
parallels Spacers or pressure pods that are
used in molding equipment to regulate
height and prevent mold parts from being
crushed.
parallel search storage A storage device in
which one or more parts of all the storage
locations are queried simultaneously. Con-
trast with associative storage.
parallel task execution The concurrent exe-
cution of two or more programs. Also, the
simultaneous execution of one program and
I/O.
parallel testing The connection of two or
more devices under test for the purpose of
simultaneous testing.
parallel transfer A method of data transfer in
which the characters of an element of infor-
mation are transferred simultaneously over a
set of paths.
parallel transmission 1. A method for trans-
mitting digitally coded data in which a sepa-
rate channel is used to transmit each bit that
361
comprises a coded word, such as 16 bits over
16 lines. Such transmission is usually unidi-
rectional. 2. The transmission of the charac-
ters of a word over different lines, usually
simultaneously. The opposite of serial trans-
mission.
parameter 1. A quantity or property that is
treated as a constant but may sometimes
vary or be adjusted. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)] 2. A quantity in a subroutine whose
value specifies or partly specifies the process
to be performed. The parameter may be
given different values when the subroutine is
used in different main routines or in different
parts of one main routine. However, it usu-
ally remains unchanged throughout any one
such use. 3. A quantity that is used in a gen-
erator to specify machine configuration, des-
ignate subroutines to be included, or
otherwise describe the desired routine to be
generated. 4. A constant or a variable in
mathematics that remains constant during
some calculation. 5. A definable characteris-
tic of an item, device, or system. See also mea-
surand. 6. A variable that is given a constant
value for a specified application and may
also denote it. [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-2000]
parameterize To set some procedure up for
variable execution depending on what the
value of a run-time parameter is.
parametric analysis The analysis of the
impact on circuit performance of changes in
the individual parameters, such as compo-
nent values, process parameters, tempera-
ture, and the like.
parametric oscillator A nonlinear device
that, when pumped by light from a laser, can
generate tunable output. The beam produced
by the parametric oscillator relies on oscilla-
tion within the nonlinear material.
parametrics Geometry that is dynamically
linked to a list of specific parameters, such
that changes to the parameters result in
changes to the overall system (such as a
drawing in a CAD system).
parametric test When referring to analog
measurements, the measurement and/or
verification of a component's terminal volt-
age and current characteristics. When refer-
ring to digital measurements, the
measurement and verification of the timing
characteristics of a component.
parametric variation A change in system
properties—magnification, resistance, or
area, for example—that may affect the per-
formance of a control system that incorpo-
rates a feedback loop.
parasitic oscillations / part-task simulator
parasitic oscillations Unintended self-sus-
taining oscillations or transient pulsations.
Pareto analysis The use of a Pareto chart to
identify which problems to focus upon,
which makes a cause-and-effect analysis pos-
sible.
Pareto diagram (or chart) A statistical quality
control (SQC) diagram for correlating data,
which is used to help uncover the causes of
variations in quality. A Pareto diagram is a
bar chart that shows how often various prob-
lems occur in descending order of failure rate
or number of failures observed. Data may
also be shown that takes into account the
total cost of each failure.
Pareto's analysis A technique for arranging
data according to priority or importance and
tying it to a problem-solving framework.
Pareto's Law The 80/20 rule: 80 percent of
problems arise from 20 percent of sources.
parity A code that is used to uncover data
errors by making the sum of the " 1 " bits in a
data unit either an odd or an even number.
parity bit A binary digit that is appended to a
group of bits so that the sum of all the bits is
always odd (odd parity) or always even
(even parity). The parity bit is used to verify
data storage and transmission.
parity check Testing whether the number of
ones or zeroes in an array of binary digits is
odd or even. Synonymous with "odd-even
check." See also check, parity.
park A computer routine that will disengage
a hard disk to protect it from possible dam-
age.
Parr turbidimeter A device for determining
the cloudiness of a liquid by measuring the
depth of the turbid suspension that is needed
362
to extinguish the image of a lamp filament of
fixed intensity.
parse To break a command string into its ele-
mental components for the purpose of inter-
preting the command.
Parshall flume A venturi-type device for
measuring flow in an open channel at flow
rates up to 1.5-billion gal/day (5.7-million
m 3 /day). It consists of a converging
upstream section, a downward-sloping
throat, and an upward-sloping discharge sec-
tion. It may be made of any suitable struc-
tural material, usually concrete.
part An element of an assembly or subassem-
bly that normally is of little use by itself and
cannot be further disassembled for repair or
maintenance.
partial node A point, line, or plane in a
standing wave field at which some attribute
of the wave has a nonzero minimum value.
partial pressure The portion of total pressure
in a closed system containing a gas mixture
that is due to a single element or compound.
particle accelerator Any of several different
types of devices for imparting motion to
charged atomic particles.
particle size A measure of dust size
expressed in microns or as percentage pass-
ing through a standard mesh screen.
parting tool See cutoff tool.
partition A contiguous area of computer
memory within which tasks are loaded and
executed.
partition wall An integral part of a battery
container that divides it into individual sec-
tions and increases its mechanical strength.
[ANSI/ISA-12.16.01-1998 (IEC 79-7 Mod)]
part program In numerical control, an
ordered set of instructions given in a lan-
guage and format that will cause operations
to be effected under automatic control. The
instructions are then either written in the
form of a machine program on an input
medium or stored as input data for process-
ing in a computer so as to obtain a machine
program.
parts per million (ppm) A unit of measure
given on a weight basis and abbreviated
"ppm (w/w)." If it is inconvenient to present
data on a weight basis (w/w), it may be
given in a volume basis, "ppm (v/v)."
[ANSI/ISA-7.0.01-1996]
part-task simulator A simulator that incorpo-
rates detailed modeling of the components
or subsystems of a single or very limited
number of specific reference plants to dem-
onstrate the expected response of those com-

portents or subsystems. [ANSI/ISA-77.20-
1993]
Pascal A programming language developed
by Niklaus Wirth and named for the mathe-
matician Blaise Pascal.
pascal A metric unit for pressure or stress.
pass 1. A single circuit through a process,
such as gases through a boiler, metal
between forging rolls, or a welding electrode
along a joint. 2. In data processing, the single
execution of a loop. 3. The shaped open
space between rolls in a metal-rolling stand.
4. A confined passageway, containing a heat-
ing surface, through which a fluid flows in
essentially one direction. 5. A single circuit of
an orbiting satellite around the earth. 6. One
transit of a metal-cutting tool across the sur-
face of a workpiece using a single tool set-
ting.
pass band In digital signal processing (DSP),
the frequency band in filters that is attenu-
ated less than some certain amount (usually
3 dB in analog filters). See stop band.
passivating A process for treating stainless
steel in which the material is subjected to the
action of an oxidizing solution. This solution
augments and strengthens the normal pro-
tective oxide film, thus providing added
resistance to corrosive attack.
passive AND gate An electronic or fluidic
device that generates an output signal only
when both of two control signals appear
simultaneously.
passive device Any device, component, or
circuit that does not introduce gain or does
not have directional function. In practice,
only pure resistance, capacitance, induc-
tance, or a combination of these three is pas-
sive. In current loop applications, a device
that is incapable of supplying current for the
loop but must instead draw its current from
connected equipment.
passive-matrix liquid crystal displays
(PMLCDs) A liquid crystal display (LCD)
technique in which the pixels on the screen
are controlled by voltage signals that are
applied in rows and columns. The crystals
respond by reorienting along field lines so as
to transmit or block light and thus create an
image. They return to their original orienta-
tion when the voltage drains away. Compare
with active-matrix liquid crystal displays (AML-
CDs).
passive metal A metal that has as a natural or
artificially produced surface film, which
makes it resistant to electrochemical corro-
sion.
363
Pascal / pattern generator
passive transducer A transducer that pro-
duces output waves without any direct inter-
action with the source of power that
produces the actuating waves.
pass through The ability to gain access to one
network element through another.
password In data processing, a series of char-
acters that are needed to access a computer.
The password is known only to those autho-
rized to access the data stored in the com-
puter or diskettes.
paste solder Finely divided solder alloy com-
bined with a semisolid flux.
pasteurizing column A column that purges
either a lighter-than-light key impurity
through a purge stream at the top of the col-
umn or a heavier-than-heavy key impurity
through a purge stream at the bottom of the
column.
PAT Position adjusting type. Control output.
PAT uses direct feedback to the controller
algorithm from the actual physical position
of the end element (not from the positioner
or from simple feedback control from the
process sensor).
patch 1. A section of coding that is inserted
into a routine to correct a mistake or alter the
routine. Often, it is not inserted into the
actual sequence of the routine being cor-
rected. Rather it is placed somewhere else,
and an exit to the patch and a return to the
routine is provided. 2. The act of inserting
corrected coding.
path In computer programs, the hierarchy of
files through which control passes in order to
find a particular file. A path designates one
or more disk drives and/or directory paths
that are to be searched sequentially for a spe-
cific program or batch file.
path loss (radio) The signal loss between
transmitting and receiving antennas.
pathname In computer programs, the
description of the location of a directory or
file within some system. The pathname usu-
ally includes the drive letter and a colon (:),
followed by the directory and subdirectory
names, then the file name, with each name
separated from the previous by a backslash
(\).
path, stream The order of equipment within
a process cell that is used, or is expected to be
used, in the production of a specific batch.
[ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995]
pattern generator An instrument that pro-
duces digital input patterns for the purpose
of testing a device that requires an outside
stimulus to verify its operation.
pattern recognition / peak value
pattern recognition 1. An image analysis
method in which a specimen is represented
by a set of numbers that quantify particular
parameters of the specimen's features. 2. The
recognition of shapes or other patterns by a
machine system.
P band In telemetry, the portion of the radio
frequency spectrum from 215 to 260 MHz.
Generally, a narrow section of that band near
225 MHz is available for telemetry applica-
tion.
PBX Private branch exchange. A user-owned
telephone exchange.
PC/AT Personal Computer/Advanced
Technology. An IBM-manufactured PC with
an Intel 80286 processor and a 16-bit data bus
that supports multiple displays.
PCB Printed circuit board; Polychlorinated
biphenyl. An electronic subassembly that
consists of an insulating board or of card and
circuit components such as diodes and inte-
grated circuits. A colorless liquid used as
insulating fluid in electrical equipment and a
consideration in EPA (U.S.) regulations; a
pathogenic and teratogenic.
p chart A type of data display in quality con-
trol that charts the defective fraction of a
sample or over a production period against
time or number of units of production.
PCM Pulse code modulation. A technique in
which an analog signal, such as a process
sensor signal or a voice, is converted into a
digital signal by sampling the signal's ampli-
tude (slicing) and then expressing the differ-
ent amplitudes as binary numbers. The
sampling rate must be twice the highest fre-
quency in the signal.
PCMCIA A nonprofit trade association of
more than three hundred companies estab-
lished in 1989 and chartered with establish-
ing, marketing, and maintaining a series of
hardware and software standards for credit-
card-sized integrated-circuit PC cards. PCM-
CIA's standard for memory cards was not
always consistent and is sometimes called
"Personal Computer Memory Card Interface
Access" or "PC card." Subsequent uses of
PCMCIA went beyond memory to include
communication capabilities and I/O ports.
PCMCIAs are available in three versions-
Type I, Type II, and Type III—all of which
have the same 68-pin edge connector. Type I
is 3.3 mm thick and is typically used for
memory enhancements such as RAM,
EEPROM, and flash memory. The most com-
mon, Type II, is 5.0 mm thick and is also used
for memory, as modems, sound cards, net-
working, I/O ports, and as a SCSI interface.
364
Type III is 10.5 mm thick, is used for addi-
tional memory and for I/O features that
need a larger size, such as hard disk drives,
radio communication devices, and so on.
PCM serial recording The technique of
recording a train of bits on a single track of
magnetic tape.
P controller See controller, proportional (P).
PC/RT Personal Computer/RISC Technol-
ogy. Using RISC with UNIX System V as its
native operating system.
PCS Plastic-clad silica. Optical fiber that has
a glass core and plastic cladding.
PC/XT Personal Computer/Extended
Architecture. An IBM manufactured PC with
an Intel 8088 processor, a 16-bit internal, 8-bit
data bus, no memory protection, a hard disk,
and no cassette support.
PDA Personal digital assistant. A small hand-
sized computer that acts as an appointment
diary, to-do list, phone list, and serves other
functions.
PD control "Proportional-plus-derivative
control." Used in processes where the con-
trolled variable is affected by several differ-
ent lag times. See both proportional control
and derivative control.
PD controller See controller, proportional-plus-
derivative (rate) (PD).
PDES Product Definition Exchange Stan-
dard. An ANSI standard for representing
engineering data. Formally changed in [year]
to mean "Product Definition Exchange using
STEP" rather than "Product Definition
Exchange Standard."
PDF Portable Document Format. A file for-
mat for saving literature layout including
graphics in electronic memory. Used for
exchanging data between computers.
PDU Protocol data unit. An ISO term that
refers to a packet of information exchanged
between two network layer entities.
peak-to-peak Pertains to the maximum
amplitude excursion of a signal. For exam-
ple, in the case of a pure sine wave, the maxi-
mum value is between the 90° and 270°
excursion points. Also called "double ampli-
tude."
peak-to-peak amplitude In an oscillating or
alternating function, the difference between
the maximum and minimum instantaneous
values of the function.
peak value The maximum value of the
impulse voltage, current, or any alternating
signal. The peak value can be the positive or
negative value of any alternating quantity
during a given time interval. The positive

and negative components are not necessarily
equal in value.
pedestal In pulse amplitude modulation
(PAM), an arbitrary minimum signal value
that is assigned to make possible channel
synchronization and decommutation.
pedometer A device for determining the dis-
tance traveled by walking.
peep door A small door usually provided
with a shielded glass opening through which
combustion may be observed.
peep hole A small hole in a door that is cov-
ered by a movable cover.
peer entities Entities that reside within the
same layer.
peer-to-peer Digital communication that
occurs directly between two autonomous
devices on the same network without any
intervening devices to "store and forward"
messages.
peer-to-peer protocol A communication pro-
tocol between peer entities.
peg count meter A meter that counts the
number of trunks tested, the number of cir-
cuits passed busy, the number of tests failed,
or the number of repeat tests completed.
PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) A time-
weighted average (TWA) concentration of
exposure that must not be exceeded during
any 8-hour work shift of a 40-hour work
week, as defined by the Occupational Safety
and Health Administration (OSHA). [ANSI/
ISA-92.02.01-Part 1-1998), ISA-92.03.01-1998,
and ISA-92.06.01-1998]
pellicle An extremely thin, tough membrane
that is stretched over a frame. Because of its
thinness, it transmits some light and reflects
other light, and hence it can serve as a beam
splitter. A pellicle's thinness avoids the prob-
lem of the ghost reflections that are some-
times produced by other beam splitters.
Pellicles are usually found as beam splitters
in interferometers.
Peltier effect The principle in solid-state
physics that forms the basis of thermocou-
ples: if two dissimilar metals are brought into
electrical contact at one point, the difference
in electrical potential at some other point
depends on the temperature difference
between the two points.
pen 1. A device for writing with ink. 2. An
ink-filled device for drawing a graphical
record of an instrument's reading.
pencil An implement for making marks with
graphite, carbon, or a colored solid sub-
stance.
pendulum scale A type of weighing device
in which the weight of the load is counterbal-
365
pedestal / performance data
anced by the rotation of a bent lever that has
a fixed weight at the free end.
penetrameter A stepped piece of metal that is
used to assess the density of exposed and
developed radiographic film. It is also used
to determine the relative ability of the radio-
graphic technique to detect flaws in a work-
piece.
penetration number A measure of the consis-
tency of materials such as waxes and greases.
It is expressed as the depth to which a stan-
dard needle penetrates a sample under speci-
fied ASTM test conditions.
penetrometer An instrument for determining
penetration number.
pen-motor recorder A data-versus-time strip
chart recorder in which each trace is written
by a motor-driven pen.
pen recorder See pen.
pentode An electron tube that contains five
electrodes—an anode, a cathode, a control
electrode, and two others that are usually
grids.
pen travel The length of the path described
by the pen when it moved from one end of
the chart scale to the other. The path may be
an arc or a straight line. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-
1979 (R1993)]
percentage timer A timer whose time cycle is
fixed, with the percentage on time being
adjustable. The cycle repeats
percent defective The number of defective
pieces in a lot or sample, expressed as a per-
centage.
percent of actual The ratio of the error to the
output, expressed in percentage terms.
percent of span The ratio of the error to the
full-scale output, expressed in percentage
terms.
perfect combustion The complete oxidation
of all the combustible constituents of a fuel,
utilizing all the oxygen supplied.
perfect vacuum A reference datum that is
analogous to a temperature of absolute zero.
It is used to establish scales for expressing
absolute pressures.
performance characteristic A qualitative or
quantitative measurement that is unique to a
piece of equipment or a system and is evi-
dent only when it is tested or operated.
performance chart A graphic representation
of some aspect of the operation of a piece of
equipment or a system.
performance curves Plots of the abilities of
rotating equipment under various operating
conditions.
performance data Information on the way a
material or device behaves during actual use.
performance evaluation / personal computer (PC)
performance evaluation A comparison of
performance data that is usually taken by an
automatic data-logging system. It has prede-
termined standards or estimates for assess-
ing operating experience or for identifying
any need for corrective action.
performance functional board
tester Automatic test equipment that veri-
fies that completed circuit boards have oper-
ated correctly at their normal operating
speeds.
performance index In industrial engineering,
the ratio of standard hours to the hours of
work actually used to produce a given out-
put. A ratio of greater than 1.00 (100%) indi-
cates that the standard output is being
exceeded.
performance number (PN) Any of a series of
numbers that are used to rate aviation gaso-
lines that have octane values greater than
100. The performance number compares fuel
antiknock values with those of a standard
reference fuel in terms of an index that indi-
cates relative engine performance.
performance qualification In process valida-
tion, a performance qualification is docu-
mented verification that the process and/or
the total process-related system performs as
intended throughout every anticipated oper-
ating range.
period 1. The time required for one complete
cycle of oscillation. 2. Of a periodic function,
the smallest increment of the independent
variable that can be repeated so as to gener-
ate the function. 3. Of an undamped instru-
ment, the time between two successive
transits of the pointer through the rest posi-
tion in the same direction, after a step change
in the measured quantity.
periodic duty A type of intermittent duty
that involves regularly repeating load condi-
tions.
periodic function An oscillating quantity
whose values repeatedly recur for equal
increments of the independent variable.
peripheral 1. A supplementary piece of
equipment that puts data into, or accepts
data from, the computer (printers, floppy
disk memory devices, video copiers). 2. Any
device, distinct from the central processor,
that can provide input or accept output from
the computer.
peripheral speed See cutting speed.
permanently connected
equipment Equipment that is electrically
connected to a supply by means of a perma-
nent connection, which can be detached only
366
by the use of a tool. [ANSI/ISA-82.02.01-1999
(IEC 1010-1 Mod)]
permanent magnet A shaped piece of ferro-
magnetic material that retains its magnetic
field strength for a prolonged time after it is
removed from the initial magnetizing force.
permanent-magnet moving-coil
instrument See moving-coil instrument.
permanent memory Memory that retains
data when power is removed. It is usually
called nonvolatile memory.
permanent pressure drop The unrecover-
able reduction in pressure that occurs when a
fluid passes through a nozzle, orifice, or
other throttling device.
permanent split capacitor motor A low-cost
AC motor that is designed for low starting
torque. Start-up and running windings stay
on during operation.
permeameter 1. A device for determining the
average size or surface area of small parti-
cles. It consists of a powder bed of known
dimensions and degree of packing through
which the particles are forced under pres-
sure. Particle size is determined from flow
rate and pressure drop across the bed. Sur-
face area is determined from pressure drop.
2. A device for determining the coefficient of
permeability by measuring the gravitational
flow of fluid across a sample whose perme-
ability is to be determined. 3. An instrument
for determining the magnetic permeability of
a ferromagnetic material by measuring the
magnetic flux or flux density in a specimen
that is exposed to a magnetic field of a given
intensity.
permissible dose The amount of ionizing
radiation that a human being can absorb
over a given period of time without harmful
result.
permissive A condition within a logic
sequence that must be satisfied before the
sequence is allowed to proceed to the next
phase. [ANSI/ISA-84.01-1996]
persistence The ability to continue to exist.
The term often refers to the use of nonvola-
tile memory to retain information through a
power outage or maintenance shutdown.
Persistence also refers to the retention of
screen images on a CRT because of phospho-
rus as well as to images on the retina in the
human eyeball. Such persistence permits a
sense of the smooth motion of rapidly chang-
ing views.
personal computer (PC) 1. An electronic
device generally used at an office desk for
word processing, database, and spreadsheet
applications. It may also be used to help con-

personnel and environmental protection / phase margin
figure programmable logic controllers and
distributed control systems or for data acqui-
sition and controlling small processes. PCs
that have been made more rugged are used
on the process floor for control and data
acquisition. 2. The letters PC are sometimes
used to signify a programmable (logic) con-
troller.
personnel and environmental
protection The control activity that pre-
vents events from occurring that would
cause the process to react in a way that
would jeopardize personnel safety and/or
harm the environment. Such control activity
may also take additional measures, such as
starting standby equipment, to prevent an
abnormal condition from proceeding to a
more undesirable state that would jeopardize
personnel safety and/or harm the environ-
ment. [ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995]
personnel class A means for describing a
group of persons who have similar charac-
teristics for the purpose of scheduling and
planning. [ISA-95.00.01-2000]
perturbation generator An instrument that
simulates typical data link perturbations
such as blanking, noise, bit rate jitter, base-
line offset, and wow.
PES Programmable electronic system. A sys-
tem in which one or more computers are con-
nected to sensors and/or actuators in a
process plant for the purposes of control,
protection, or monitoring.
petroleum A naturally occurring mineral oil
that consists predominately of hydrocarbons.
petroleum engineering A branch of engi-
neering that deals with drilling for and pro-
ducing oil, natural gas, and liquefiable
hydrocarbons.
PFU Programmable function unit. A stan-
dard building block of field-programmable
gate arrays (FPGA).
PGA Professional Graphics Adapter (Array);
pin grid array. For PC/AT and PC/XT high-
resolution graphics. See Pin Grid Array (pack-
aging for Ics).
Ph (Physical) Approximately Layer 1 of the
OSI model (ISO 7498).
pH An indication of the acidity or alkalinity
of a solution. Units of pH range from 0 (most
acidic) to 14 (most alkaline), with 7 as neu-
tral. The term describes the hydrogen ion
activity (aH+) of a system and is equal to -log
(H+), which is the negative log of hydrogen
concentration in moles per liter.
phase [Eng] 1.The relationship between volt-
age and current waveforms in AC electrical
circuits. [Sci] 2.A microstructural constituent
367
Next Page
of an alloy that is physically distinct and
homogeneous. 3. For a particular value of the
dependent variable in a periodic function,
the fractional part of a period that the inde-
pendent variable differs from some arbitrary
origin. [Cont] 4. In batch processing, an inde-
pendent, process-oriented action within the
procedural part of a recipe. The phase is
defined by boundaries that constitute safe
and logical points where processing can be
interrupted. 5. The lowest level of procedural
element in the procedural control model.
[ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995]
phase angle 1. The difference between the
phase of current and the phase of voltage in
an alternating current signal. This angle is
usually determined as the angle between the
current and voltage vectors plotted on polar
coordinates. 2. A measure of the propagation
of a sinusoidal wave in time or space from
some reference instant or position on the
wave. 3. The difference between the phase of a
sinusoidally varying quantity and the phase
of a second quantity that varies sinusoidally
at the same frequency. Also known as "phase
difference."
phase angle firing A method of operation for
a silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) stepless
controller. Power is turned on for the propor-
tion of each half cycle in the AC power sup-
ply that is necessary to maintain the desired
heating level.
phase angle meter See phase meter.
phase coherent A single-channel communi-
cation signaling method that uses the fre-
quency shifts of a signal to encode data.
Frequencies are directly related to the data
represented and are proportional to the data
rate. Changes between frequencies occur at 0
crossings.
phase crossover frequency See frequency,
phase crossover.
phase difference See phase angle.
phase discriminator A device that detects the
phase relationship of a signal to that of a ref-
erence.
phase lag Phase shift when the output lags
the input. [ISA-26-1968]
phase-locked loop (PLL) A feedback mecha-
nism that is commonly used in receivers and
signal generators. It uses a phase detector to
compare the output phase of a voltage-con-
trolled oscillator to that of a reference signal.
phase margin The difference between 180°
and the absolute value of the open-loop
phase angle for a stable feedback system at
the frequency at which the gain is unity.
Previous Page

phase matching / pH meter

phase matching Aligning a nonlinear crystal phase velocity The velocity of an equiphase
with respect to the incident laser beam in surface along the normal of a traveling sin-
such a way as to generate a harmonic of the gle-frequency plane wave.
laser frequency in the material. phasor A rotating vector.
phase meter An instrument for measuring pH electrodes A pair of electrodes, namely, a
electrical phase angles. Also known as a glass electrode and a reference electrode, that
"phase angle meter." is used to measure pH by ascertaining the
phase modulation The modulation of a sinu- difference in potential between the two elec-
soidal carrier wave such that the angle of the trodes.
modulated wave differs from the angle of the pH electrodes pH is measured as the differ-
carrier wave by an amount that is propor- ence in potential between a pair of eletrodes,
tional to the instantaneous amplitude of the a glass electrode and a reference electrode
modulating wave. One of three ways of
modifying a sine wave signal to make it
"carry" information. The sine wave or "car-
rier" has its phase changed in accordance
with the information to be transmitted.
phase proportioning A form of control, usu-
ally for electric heating, in which the power
supplied to a process is controlled by limit-
ing the phase angle of the line voltage.
phase sequence indicator A device that indi-
cates the sequence by which the fundamental
components of a polyphase set of voltages or
currents reach some particular value—for
example, their maximum positive value.
phase shift 1. Of a transfer function, a change
of phase angle with test frequency, as
between the points on a loop phase charac-
teristic. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)] 2. Of a
signal, a change of phase angle with trans-
mission. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)] 3.
The difference between corresponding points
on input and output signal wave shapes, dis-
regarding any difference in magnitude. [ISA-
26-1968] 4. The time difference between the
input and output signal or between any two
synchronized signals of a control unit, sys-
tem, or circuit. It is usually expressed in
degrees or radians. 5. A change in phase
angle between the sinusoidal input to an ele-
ment and its resulting output.
phase shift circuit An electronic network Glass Electrode and Reference Electrode
whose output voltage is shifted in phase
when compared to a specified reference volt-
age. Phelps vacuum gauge A modified hot-fila-
ment ionization gauge that is useful for mea-
phase shifter An electronic device whose suring pressures in the range of 10-5 to 1 torr.
output voltage (or current) differs from its
input voltage (or current) by some desired Philips gauge An instrument that measures
phase relationship. In some devices, the very low gas pressure (vacuum) indirectly by
phase is shifted a fixed amount because of an determining the current flow from a glow
inherent design feature, but in others the discharge device.
phase relationship can be adjusted. pH meter An instrument for electronically
measuring the electrode potential of an aque-
phase shift keying (PSK) A form of pulse ous chemical solution and directly convert-
code modulation (PCM) that is achieved by ing the reading into pH (a measure of
shifting the phase of the carrier. An example hydrogen ion concentration or degree of
would be shifting the phase ± 90 degrees to acidity).
represent "ones" and "zeros."

368
 phon / photoelectric pyrometer
phon A unit of loudness level that is equiva-
lent to a unit pressure level in decibels of a
1000-Hz tone.
phoneme The basic phonological element of
speech. It consists of a simple sound that, by
itself, cannot be used to differentiate one
word from another. The American English
language, for example, contains 38 to 40 pho-
nemes (14 to 16 vowel sounds and 24 conso-
nant sounds), which are used in conjunction
with inflection, volume, and emphasis to
produce synthetic speech.
phonotelemeter A sophisticated stopwatch
for estimating the distance from artillery by
measuring the elapsed time from gun flash
to the arrival of the detonation sound.
phosphatizing The forming of an adherent
phosphate coating on metal by dipping or
spraying it with a solution. This solution pro-
duces an insoluble, crystalline coating of iron
phosphate that resists corrosion and serves
as a base for paint.
phosphor A phosphorescent material.
phosphor bronze A hard copper-tin alloy
that is deoxidized with phosphorus and
sometimes contains lead in order to enhance
its machinability.
phosphorescence The emission of radiant
energy—often in the visible-light range—fol-
lowing excitation. Phosphorescence is
caused by the absorption of shorter wave-
length radiation. Phosphorescent emission
may persist for a long time after the exciting
radiation stops. Contrast with fluorescence
and incandescence.
phot The CGS unit of illuminance, which
equals one lumen power cm2. The SI unit,
lux, is preferred.
photocell A device that alters its electrical
resistance in proportion to the amount of
light that impinges on it.
photoconductive When used as a third modi-
fier as per ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982), a photocon-
ductive converts a change of measurand into
a change in resistance or conductivity of a
semiconductor material by changing the
amount of illumination that is incident upon
the material. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
photoconductive cell A transducer that con-
verts the intensity of electromagnetic (EM)
radiation, usually in the infrared (IR) or visi-
ble bands, into a change of cell resistance.
photoconductor A type of conductor that
changes its resistivity when illuminated by
light. The changes in resistance can be mea-
sured in order to determine the amount of
incident light.
369
photocurrent The current that flows through
a photosensitive device such as a photodiode
when it is exposed to optical power.
photodarlington A detector in which a pho-
totransistor is fabricated on a chip that also
has a second transistor which amplifies the
signal from the phototransistor. The circuit
formed is a Darlington circuit—a simple and
inexpensive type of detector of limited per-
formance range.
photodetector An optoelectric transducer,
such as a pin photodiode or avalanche pho-
todiode.
photodiode 1. A diode that detects light. 2. A
diode whose junction either generates a volt-
age (photovoltaic) or changes resistance
(photoconductive) when it is illuminated. 3.
Vacuum photodiodes are tubes in which
detection relies on the photoelectric effect
producing free electrons, which are collected
by a positively charged electrode.
photodraft A photographic reproduction of a
master layout or design on an emul-
sion-coated sheet of metal. It is used chiefly
as a master in tool and die making.
photoelectric cell A device whose electrical
properties—electron emittance or conduc-
tance, for example—change when a sensitive
element within the device is exposed to light.
photoelectric control Modifying a controlled
variable in accordance with a control signal
whose value is related to the intensity of a
light-beam input signal.
photoelectric counter A counting device that
is actuated when a physical object passes
through an incident beam of light.
photoelectric effect A physical phenomenon
whereby a so-called photoelectric material
emits electrons when struck by light. One
bound electron is emitted for each photon of
light absorbed.
photoelectric hydrometer A device for mea-
suring the specific gravity of a continuously
glowing liquid. A weighted float, similar to a
hand hydrometer, rises or falls with changes
in liquid density. This changes the amount of
light that is permitted to fall on a sensitive
phototube whose output is calibrated in spe-
cific gravity units.
photoelectric photometer A device that uses
a photocell, phototransistor, or phototube to
measure the intensity of light. Also known as
an "electronic photometer."
photoelectric pyrometer An instrument that
measures temperature by measuring the
photoelectric emission that occurs when a
phototube is struck by light radiating from
an incandescent object.
photoelectric threshold / physical layer
photoelectric threshold The amount of
energy in a photon of light that is just suffi-
cient to cause the photoelectric emission of
one bound electron from a given substance-
photoemissive tube photometer A device
that uses a tube made of photoemissive
material to measure the intensity of light. It is
very accurate, but requires that the output
current from the tube be electronically ampli-
fied. It is considered to be chiefly a labora-
tory instrument.
photogrammetry 1. The science of making
maps or accurately measuring features from
aerial photographs. 2. Making surveys by
means of aerial photography.
photographic emulsion A light-sensitive
coating—usually a silver halide compound
in gelatine—that is used to capture and store
the visual image in photography or radiogra-
phy
photographic recording Using a signal-con-
trolled light beam or spot to record informa-
tion—either by recording the position of the
spot, its intensity, or both.
photoluminescence The nonthermal emis-
sion of electromagnetic radiation that occurs
when certain materials are excited by the
absorption of visible light.
photometer An instrument for measuring the
intensity of visible light.
photometry Any of several techniques for
determining the properties of a material or
for measuring a variable quantity by analyz-
ing the spectrum or intensity, or both, of visi-
ble light.
photomultiplier A type of electron tube in
which photons incident on a photocathode
produce electrons by photoemission. These
electrons are then amplified by passing them
through an electron multiplier, which
increases their numbers. Electrons passing
through the multiplier are accelerated by
high voltages and hit metal screens, from
which they free more electrons.
Photomultiplier
370
photomultiplier tube See multiplier tube.
photon A quantum of electromagnetic radia-
tion.
photon counting A measurement technique
that is used for measuring low levels of radi-
ation, in which individual photons generate
signals that can be counted.
phototransistor A transistor in which one of
the two junctions is illuminated by light, and
electrons are thereby released. The transistor
treats this current as an input, which it
amplifies, making it a simple detector-
amplifier.
phototube An electron tube that contains at
least two electrodes, one that functions as a
photoelectric emitter.
photovoltaic 1. Capable of generating a volt-
age as a result of exposure to visible or other
radiation. 2. When used as a third modifier
as per ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982), photovoltaic
refers to the conversion of a change of mea-
surand into a change in the voltage, which is
generated when a junction between certain
dissimilar materials is illuminated. [ISA-37.1-
1975 (R1982)]
photovoltaic cell A transducer that converts
the intensity of electromagnetic (EM) radia-
tion, usually in the infrared (IR) or visible
bands into a voltage.
physical address space The set of computer
memory locations at which information can
actually be stored for program execution.
Virtual memory addresses can be mapped,
relocated, or translated so as to produce a
final memory address that is sent to hard-
ware memory units. The final memory
address is the physical address.
physical block A physical record on a mass
storage device.
physical fidelity The degree of similarity
between the simulator and the reference
plant in the physical design and location of
panels, equipment, instruments, and con-
trols. [ANSI/ISA-77.20-1993]
physical input See measurand.
physical layer 1. Within the OSI model, the
lowest layer (Layer 1) of network processing,
below the link layer. The physical layer is
concerned with electrical, mechanical, and
handshaking procedures over the interface
that connects a device to transmission
medium. Referring to an electrical interface,
such as RS-232C. 2. The physical layer
receives messages from the communications
stack and converts the messages into physi-
cal signals on the fieldbus transmission
medium, and vice versa.

physical properties The inherent characteris-
tics of a substance—such as electrical con-
ductivity, magnetic permeability, density, or
melting point—that can be determined with-
out applying mechanical force.
physical record The largest unit of data that
the read/write hardware of an I/O device
can transmit or receive in a single I/O opera-
tion. The length of a physical record is device
dependent. For example, a punched card can
be considered the physical record for a card
reader; it is 80 bytes long.
phytometer A device for determining the
transpiration rate of plants. It consists of a
soil-filled container in which one or more
plants are rooted and sealed so that water
can escape only through transpiration.
P/I Pressure-to-current converter. Linearly
converts a signal pressure range into a signal
current range (for example, 3-15 psi into 4-20
mA).
piano wire Carbon-steel wire (0.75% to 0.85%
C) that is cold-drawn to high-tensile strength
and uniform diameter.
pica A unit of measure used in printing;
one-sixth of an inch. See point.
pi characters In the typographical composi-
tion of screen displays and printing, charac-
ters that are not usually found in a typical
font, such as reference marks, mathematical
signs, accents, and symbols.
pickle liquor Spent pickling solution.
pickling The preferential removal of oxide
scale from the surface of metal by immersing
it in a strong alkaline or inhibited acid solu-
tion.
pickup 1. A transducer or other device that
converts optical, acoustical, mechanical, or
thermal images or signals into electrical out-
put signals. 2. Electrical noise or interference
from a nearby device, system or circuit. 3.
The minimum value of an input signal—
voltage, current, or power, for instance—that
is needed to make a relay function as
intended. See also transducer.
PI control "Proportional-plus-integral con-
trol." Two types of control that are used in
combination to eliminate offset. See both pro-
portional control and integral control. Also
called proportional-plus-reset control.
PI controller See controller, proportional-plus-
integral (reset) (PI).
pi network A network that consists of three
branches connected in series to form a closed
mesh. One of the three junctions is an input
terminal, one is an output terminal, and the
third is a common terminal that is connected
to both input and output circuits.
371
physical properties / piezoid
PID action A mode of controller action in
which proportional integral and derivative
action are combined.
PID control "Proportional-plus-integral-
plus-derivative control." Used in processes
where the controlled variable is affected by
long lag times. See proportional control, inte-
gral control, and derivative control.
PID controller See controller, proportional-
plus-integral (reset)-plus-derivative (rate) (PID).
piercing An operation in which a tool is
forced through a metal part in order to cut a
hole of a specific shape and size.
piezoelectric 1. The property of certain crys-
tals that generate an electric charge when
they are mechanically strained. 2. Referring
to a transducer (when used as a third modi-
fier as per ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982). Converting
a change in the measurand into a change in
the electrostatic charge or voltage that is gen-
erated by certain materials when they are
mechanically stressed. [ISA-37.1-1975
(R1982)]
piezoelectric accelerometer A device for
measuring the variable forces associated
with acceleration, such as from an earth-
quake or from vibration. This is done by
measuring the response of a piezoelectric
crystal that is in physical contact with a mass
that reacts to the accelerating forces.
piezoelectric detector A sensing element for
detecting seismic disturbances. It consists of
a stack of piezoelectric crystals with an iner-
tial mass on top of the stack. A metal foil
between the crystals collects the charges that
develop when the crystals are strained.
piezoelectric effect The generation of an elec-
tric potential when pressure is applied to cer-
tain materials or, conversely, a change in
shape when a voltage is applied to such
materials. The changes are small, but piezo-
electric devices can be used to precisely con-
trol the small motions of optical components.
piezoelectric gauge A pressure-measuring
device that is used to detect and measure
blast pressures from explosives and internal
pressure transients in guns. It uses a piezo-
electric crystal to sense a pressure transient
and develop an output voltage pulse in
response.
piezoelectric pressure transducer Any of
several sensor designs in which a force acting
on the sensing element is converted into an
electrical output by a piezoelectric crystal.
[ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
piezoid A piezoelectric crystal that is
adapted for use by attaching electrodes to its
surface or by other suitable processing.
piezometer / pinch or clamp valve
piezometer 1. An instrument for measuring
fluid pressure. 2. An instrument for measur-
ing the compressibility of materials.
piezoresistance Resistance that changes with
(physical) stress, such as the pressure in a
sensor.
piezoresistive accelerometer A device for
measuring the variable forces associated
with acceleration, such as from an earth-
quake or from vibration. It measures changes
in the resistance of two or four semiconduc-
tor strain gauges connected in a Wheatstone
bridge circuit.
pigtail A 270° or 360° loop in pipe or tubing
that forms a trap for vapor condensate. A
pigtail is used to prevent high-temperature
vapors from reaching the instrument. Used
almost exclusively in the measurement of
static pressure.
Pigtail
pile 1. An assemblage of thermoelectric ele-
ments, dissimilar-metal plates, or fis-
sile-material components that are arranged
so as to produce electrical or thermal
power—as in a thermopile, storage battery,
or atomic reactor. 2. A heap of aggregate or
other bulk material that is stored on a floor or
on a flat area outdoors. 3. A long, heavy col-
umn made of timber, steel, or reinforced con-
crete that has been driven or cast in place
below grade in order to support another
structure or to hold earth in place.
pilot 1. A mechanical control system, such as
may be used to guide an aircraft in flight. 2.
A bar that extends in front of a reamer in
order to guide the reamer and force it to cut
concentrically with the original borehole. 3.
A flame that is utilized to ignite the fuel at
the main burner or burners. See also igniter.
pilot, constant A pilot that burns without
turndown throughout the entire time the
boiler is in service.
pilot, continuous See pilot, constant.
pilot, expanding A pilot that normally burns
at a low turndown throughout the entire
372
time the burner is in service whether the
main burner is firing or not. Upon a call for
heat, the pilot is automatically expanded so
as to reliably ignite the main burner. This
pilot may be turned down at the end of the
main burner's trial-for-ignition period.
pilot, proved A pilot flame that has been
proved by flame failure controls.
pilot circuit That portion of a control circuit
or system that carries the control signal from
the signal-generating device to the control
device.
pilot flame establishing period The length
of time that fuel is permitted to be delivered
to a proved pilot before the flame-sensing
device is required to detect the pilot flame.
pilot light A light that indicates which of a
number of normal conditions of a system or
device exists. It is unlike an alarm light,
which indicates an abnormal condition. The
pilot light is also known as a "monitor light."
[ANSI/ISA-5.1-1984 (R1992)]
pilot plant A test facility that is built to dupli-
cate or simulate a planned process or a
full-scale manufacturing plant so as to gain
operating experience or evaluate design
alternatives before the full-scale plant is
built.
pilot stabilization period A timed interval
that is synonymous on most systems today
with a timed trial for pilot ignition. Today's
programmers prevent the main valve from
operating for a specified number of seconds
after the trial for pilot ignition begins even
though the pilot is immediately proved.
pin 1. A cylindrical or slightly tapered fas-
tener made of wood, metal, or other material
that joins two or more members yet allows
free angular movement at the joint. 2. In a
dot-matrix printer, the tiny cylinders that as
a group form a character. Typical computer
printers are 9-pin and 24-pin.
pinboard A type of control panel that uses
pins rather than wires to control the opera-
tion of a computer. On certain small comput-
ers that use pinboards, the operator can
change a program by removing one pinboard
and inserting another. Related to control
panel. See also plugboard.
pinch body A body that contains a flexible
elastomeric tubular member that can be
mechanically squeezed. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-
2000]
pinch or clamp valve A valve that consists of
a flexible elastomeric tubular member where
flow control and shutoff is accomplished by
mechanically squeezing the flexible member.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]

Pinch or Clamp Valve
pinhole A fault in a casting or coating caused
by small blisters that have burst or by small
voids that formed during plating.
pinhole detector A photoelectric device that
can detect small holes or other defects in
moving sheets of material.
pinion The smaller of two gear wheels or the
smallest gear in a gear train.
pinout A list or diagram that shows the loca-
tion or definition of the individual wires in a
cable or connector.
PIN photodiode A semiconductor diode
light detector in which a region of intrinsic
silicon separates the p and n types of materi-
als. A PIN photodiode offers particularly fast
response and is often used in fiber-optic sys-
tems.
pipe elbow meter A variable-head meter that
is used to measure the flow around the bend
in a pipe.
pipe fitting A piece that contains an internal
cavity for connecting lengths of pipe
together or for connecting them to tanks or
other process equipment. Types of pipe fit-
ting include couplings, elbows, nipples, tees,
and unions.
pipelining The process of increasing data
processing speed by simultaneously execut-
ing a number of basic instructions.
pipe saddle See leveling saddle.
pipe tap A small hole in the wall of a pipe
that makes it possible to sample its contents
or connect a control device or pressure-mea-
suring instrument.
373
pinhole / piston ring seal
pipe tee A pipe fitting in the shape of the let-
ter T. It is used to connect a branch line at 90°
to the main run of pipe.
pipe thread A type of screw thread that is
used chiefly to connect pipe and fittings. In
the usual configuration, it is a 60° thread with
flat roots and crests and with a longitudinal
taper of about 3/4 in. per foot (about 6.3%).
piping 1. Metal or plastic tube, pipe fittings,
valves, and similar components as well as
the practice of assembling these items into a
system. [ISA-RP60.9-1981] 2. A system of
pipes for carrying a fluid stream or gaseous
material.
piping and instrumentation drawing
(P&ID) 1. Diagrams that show the inter-
connection of process equipment and the
instrumentation used to control the process.
In the process industry, a standard set of
symbols is used to prepare the drawings of
processes. The instrument symbols used in
these drawings are generally based on ISA
standard ANSI/ISA-5.1-1984 (R1992). 2. The
primary schematic drawing that is used for
laying out a process control installation.
piping pressure 1. The pressure at which a
safety valve opens. 2. The pressure that the
pipe cannot withstand without exceeding its
design characteristics. [ISA-RP60.9-1981]
Pirani gauge A pressure transducer that is
used to measure very low gas pressure based
on a measurement of the resistance of a
heated wire filament. Resistance varies in
accordance with the thermal conduction of
the gas, which in turn is related to gas pres-
sure. Pirani gauges are used primarily for
pressures of less than one atmosphere.
piston A metal cylinder that reciprocates in a
tubular housing, either moving against or
being moved by fluid pressure.
piston actuator A fluid-powered device in
which the fluid acts upon a movable piston
so as to provide motion to the actuator stem.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
piston displacement The volume that is tra-
versed by a piston in a single cycle, or stroke.
piston meter A type of fluid flowmeter. It is a
variable-area, constant-head device in which
the flow rate is indicated by a pointer
attached to a piston, which in turn is posi-
tioned by the buoyant force of the fluid.
pistonphone A device that consists of a small
chamber and reciprocating piston of measur-
able displacement. It is used to establish a
known sound pressure in the chamber.
piston ring seal A seal ring that is installed in
a groove on a piston or circumference of a
closure member so as to minimize the clear-
piston-type variable-area flowmeter / plasma display panel
ance flow between the piston's outer diame-
ter and the cylinder bore. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
piston-type variable-area flowmeter Any of
several flowmeter designs in which fluid
passing through the meter exerts force on a
piston such that the piston moves against a
counterbalancing force. This in turn exposes
a portion of an exit orifice, such that the
amount exposed is directly related to volume
flow.
pit A small surface cavity in a metal part or
coating that is usually caused by corrosion or
formed during electroplating.
pitch 1. An auditory sensation of tone that is
directly related to sound wave frequency. 2.
A heavy, black, or dark brown liquid or solid
residue from the distillation of tar or oil. It
occurs naturally as asphalt. 3. The distance
between similar mechanical elements in an
array, such as gear teeth, screw threads, or
screen wires. 4. The distance between the
centerlines of tubes, rivets, stay bolts, or
braces. 5. In computer printers, a measure of
the number of characters printed per inch,
typically 10, 12, or 17.
pitot-static tube A combination of a pitot
tube and a static tube. The two tubes may be
either parallel or concentric.
pitot tube 1. An instrument for measuring
the stagnation pressure of a flowing liquid. It
consists of an open tube that points upstream
into the flow of fluid and is connected to a
pressure indicator or recorder. 2. An instru-
ment that will register total pressure and
static pressure in a gas stream. It is used to
determine the gas stream's velocity.
pitot-venturi tube A combination of a ven-
turi device and a pitot tube.
pitting A concentrated attack by oxygen or
other corrosive chemicals in a boiler that pro-
duces a localized depression in the metal sur-
face.
pixel 1. The smallest controllable display ele-
ment on a video display unit. Also referred to
as a "picture element (PEL)." [ISA-5.5-1985] 2.
In data processing, a portion of a CRT display
screen. A pixel is the smallest unit on a video
display screen that can be stored, displayed,
or addressed. A computed picture is typi-
374
cally composed of an array of 450 x 300, 720
x 560, and so on. In color video, a pixel con-
tains red, green, and blue values, and the
color depth refers to the number of bits of
data that are used to define the pixels' color
(8 bits = 256 colors, 16 bits = 65,535 colors, 24
bits = 16.7 million colors).
PL/1 "Programming language 1." A
high-level programming language for gen-
eral-purpose scientific and commercial appli-
cations.
planar network An electronic network that
can be drawn or sketched on a plane surface
without any of the branches crossing each
other.
plane of polarization In a plane-polarized
electromagnetic wave, the plane that con-
tains both the direction of propagation and
the electric field vector.
plan equation An equation for determining
horsepower (HP). HP = plan/33,000, where p
is the mean effective pressure in psi, l is the
piston stroke in feet, a is the net piston area in
in. , and n is the number of strokes per
minute.
plane polarized wave An electromagnetic
wave in a homogeneous isotropic medium
that has been generated, or modified by the
use of filters, so that the electric field vector
lies in a fixed plane, which also contains the
direction of propagation.
plane wave A wave whose equiphase sur-
faces form an array of parallel planes.
planimeter A device for measuring the area
of a plane surface, usually of irregular shape,
by tracing its perimeter.
plant The components that comprise the con-
trolled part of a control system.
plant decomposition The partitioning of a
large-scale control system into subsystems
along lines of weak interaction.
plasma arc welding (PAW) A type of weld-
ing in which metals are heated with a con-
stricted arc between an electrode and the
workpiece (transferred arc) or between the
electrode and the constricting nozzle (non-
transferred arc). Shielding is obtained from
the hot, ionized gas that is sues from the ori-
fice, which may be supplemented by an aux-
iliary source of shielding gas.
plasma display panel (PDP) A type of liquid
crystal display (LCD) whose operation relies
on the emission of photons from a gas that
has been ionized by an electric charge. PDPs
are offered in two versions: direct current
(DCPDPs) and alternating current (ACP-
DPs).

plastic An imprecise term that generally
refers to any polymeric material, natural or
synthetic. Its plural, plastics, is the preferred
term for referring to the industry and its
products.
plastic-clad silica A step index optical fiber
in which a silica core is covered by a trans-
parent plastic cladding that has a lower
refractive index. The plastic cladding is usu-
ally a soft material, although hard-clad ver-
sions have been introduced.
plastic fibers Optical fibers in which both
core and cladding are made of plastic mate-
rial. Typically, their transmission is much
poorer than that of glass fibers.
plasticorder A laboratory device for measur-
ing temperature, viscosity, and shear rate in a
plastics material. It can be used to predict the
material's performance.
plastometer An instrument for determining
the flow properties of a thermoplastic resin
by forcing molten resin through a fixed ori-
fice at specified temperature and pressure.
plate A rolled flat piece of metal. Depending
on the type of metal used in the plate, there is
a minimum thickness for the product to earn
the designation plate instead of sheet or strip.
For instance, plate steel is any hot-finished
flat-rolled carbon or alloy steel product that
is more than 8 in. wide and more than 0.230
in. thick, or more than 48 in. wide and 0.180
in. thick. See electroplating.
plateau 1. Generally, any portion of a func-
tion where the value of the dependent vari-
able is essentially constant over a range of
values for the independent variable. 2. Spe-
cifically, a portion of the output versus input
characteristic of an instrument, electronic
component, or control device where the out-
put signal level is essentially independent of
the input signal level.
plate baffle A metal baffle.
platen A plane surface that receives heat
from both sides and is constructed with a
width of one tube and a depth of two or
more tubes that are either bare or have
extended surfaces.
plate pack The assembly of the positive and
negative plate groups with separators.
[ANSI/ISA-12.16.01-1998 (IEC 79-7 Mod);
IEC 486-02-15]
plate-polarized light Light that is polarized
by means of optical plates that are set at
Brewster's angle to the optic axis. The more
plates there are, the greater will be the purity
of the plane-polarized exit beam.
platform In computers, a processor and oper-
ating system.
375
plastic / plugboard
Platinel A nonstandard, high-temperature
platinum thermocouple alloy whose thermo-
electric voltage nearly matches that of a type
K thermocouple. The term is a trademark of
Engelhard Industries.
plenum 1. A condition where the air pressure
within an enclosure is greater than the baro-
metric pressure outside the enclosure. 2. An
enclosure through which gas or air passes at
relatively low velocities.
plenum-rated cable A cable that has
flammability and smoke characteristics (and
NEC rating) that allow it to be routed
between walls, under structural floors (ple-
nums), and above drop ceilings without
needing to be enclosed in a conduit. Plenum-
rated cable does not give off toxic fumes
when it burns. Usually, such cable is only
fiber-optic since metallic wire is used for
electrical energy, which has additional safety
code restrictions.
PL/I Programming Language 1. A computer
language introduced in 1964 by IBM to
replace COBOL and FORTRAN, without
much success.
plotter 1. A device for automatically graph-
ing a dependent variable on a visual display
or flat board. In its operation, a movable pen
or pencil is positioned by one or more instru-
ment control signals. 2. A hardware device
that plots on paper the magnitudes of
selected data channels, as related to each
other or to time.
plotter/printer A plotter that can also print
alphanumeric data from the computer.
plug 1. A term that is frequently used to refer
to the closure member or component.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000] 2. A rod or man-
drel over which a pierced billet is drawn so
as to form a tube or pipe, or that is inserted
into a tube or pipe during cold reduction. 3.
A punch or mandrel over which a cup is
drawn. 4. A fluid-tight seal that is made so as
to prevent flow through a leaking pipe or
tube. 5. A projecting portion of a die that is
intended to form a recess in a forged part.
plug, tubing (PL) A fitting that resembles a
tubing fitting nut and connects to tubing fit-
ting so as to plug a fitting connection.
plugboard A perforated board that accepts
manually inserted plugs in order to control
the operation of equipment, such as a remov-
able panel that contains an ordered array of
terminals. A plugboard may be intercon-
nected by short electrical leads (plugged in
by hand) according to a prescribed pattern,
which thereby designates a specific program
plug configurations / pneumatic exhaust capability
or sequence of specified program steps. See
pinboard.
plug configurations See closure member con-
figurations. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
plug die See floating plug.
plug fuseholder A receptacle with female
threads to accommodate a plug-type fuse.
plug gauge A metal member that is used to
check the dimension of a hole. The gauging
element may be straight or tapered, plain or
threaded, and of any shape in its cross sec-
tion.
plugging The action of physically stopping
the flow of fluid, either intentionally or unin-
tentionally, especially by the buildup of
material.
plug meter A device for measuring flow rate
in which a tapered rod extends through an
orifice. When the rod is positioned so that the
effective area of the annulus is just sufficient
to handle the fluid flow, the rate of flow is
read directly from a scale.
plug valve 1. A rotary motion valve that has
a closure member, which may be cylindrical
or conical in shape. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-
2000] 2. A type of shutoff valve that consists
of a tapered rod with a lateral hole through
it. As the rod is rotated 90° about its longitu-
dinal axis, the hole is first aligned with the
direction of flow through the valve and then
aligned crosswise, interrupting the flow.
plug valve, characterized plug
configuration A plug with a contoured
face so as to provide various flow character-
istics. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
plug valve, cylindrical configuration plug A
plug that is cylindrical, with a flow passage
through it, or that is a partial cylinder.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
plug valve, eccentric configuration plug A
plug face that is not concentric with the plug
stem centerline and moves into seat when it
is closed. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
plug valve, eccentric spherical disk configura-
tion plug A plug whose disk is a spherical
segment that is not concentric with the disk
stem. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
plug valve, tapered configuration plug A
plug that is tapered and may be lifted from
the seating surface before rotating the plug to
close or open [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
plumb Indicating a true vertical position
with respect to the earth's surface. This con-
dition is usually determined by using a
plumb bob, which consists of a weight
(plummet) that is suspended on a string and
positioned entirely by gravity.
376
plumb-bob gauge 1. A device for determin-
ing liquid level in which a weighted plum-
met is lowered on a calibrated tape or cable
until it just touches the liquid surface. 2. A
device for detecting the level of solids in a
storage bin or hopper by lowering a plum-
met until the lowering cable slackens, which
is usually detected by an electrical or
mechanical triggering device.
plummet gauge See plumb-bob gauge.
pneumatic 1. A device that converts the
energy of a compressible fluid, usually air,
into motion. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000] 2.
Pertaining to or operated by a gas, especially
air. 3. Systems that employ gas, usually air, as
the carrier of information and the medium
for processing and evaluating information.
pneumatic actuator A device that converts the
energy of a compressible fluid, usually air,
into motion. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
pneumatic controller 1. A device that com-
pares the value of a variable quantity or con-
dition to a selected reference and, operating
by pneumatic means, corrects or limits the
deviation. [ANSI/ISA-7.0.01-1996] 2. A
device that is activated by air pressure to
mechanically position another device, such
as a valve stem. Also known as a "pneumatic
positioner."
pneumatic control system 1. A control sys-
tem that uses air or gas as the energy source.
2. A system that makes use of air to operate
control valves and actuators.
pneumatic control valve A spring-loaded
valve that regulates the area of a fluid flow
opening by changing position in response to
variable pneumatic pressure that opposes
the spring force.
pneumatic delivery capability The rate at
which a pneumatic device can deliver air (or
gas) relative to a specified output pressure
change. Note: This rate is usually deter-
mined, at a specified level of input signal, by
measuring the output flow rate for a speci-
fied change in output pressure. The results
are expressed in cubic feet per minute (ft3/
min) or cubic meters per hour (m 3 /h), cor-
rected to standard (normal) conditions of
pressure and temperature. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-
1979 (R1993)]
pneumatic exhaust capability The rate at
which a pneumatic device can exhaust air (or
gas) relative to a specified output pressure
change. Note: This rate is usually deter-
mined, at a specified level of input signal, by
measuring the output flow rate for a speci-
fied change in output pressure. The results
are expressed in cubic feet per minute (ft3/
 pneumatic extensions / point drift
min) or cubic meters per hour (m 3 /h), cor-
rected to standard (normal) conditions of
pressure and temperature. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-
1979 (R1993)]
pneumatic extensions A system that con-
verts float position into a proportional stan-
dard pneumatic signal. A magnetic coupling
connects the internal float extension with an
external mechanical system that is linked to a
pneumatic transmitter.
pneumatic information transmission
system A pneumatic information system is
a system for conveying information that
comprises (a) a transmitting mechanism that
converts input information into a corre-
sponding air pressure, (b) interconnecting
tubing, and (c) a receiving element that is
responsive to air pressure, which develops
an output that corresponds directly to the
input information.
pneumatic power source The primary source
from which system power is derived. The
source is usually compressed air, which is
supplied from a compressor through a pip-
ing system. Other gases under pressure may
also be used. [ISA-71.02-1991]
pneumatic power supply The pneumatic
energy that is supplied to a system or the ele-
ments of a system for the measurement and
control of industrial processes. [ISA-71.02-
1991]
pneumatic power supply device An exter-
nal unit that regulates or otherwise modifies
the pneumatic supply from the primary
source so as to provide energy that is suitable
for a system or the elements of a system for
the purposes of measuring and controlling
industrial processes. [ISA-71.02-1991]
pneumatic relay A pneumatic computing
device or transducer.
pneumatic signal line 1. An air (pneumatic)
signal, usually 3-15 psig, that is used as the
energy medium. 2. A term that applies to a
signal that uses any gas as the signal
medium. If a gas other than air is used, that
377
gas may be identified by a note on the signal
symbol or in some other way.
pneumatic supply Air that is kept at a nomi-
nally constant pressure so as to operate
pneumatic devices. [ISA-RP60.9-1981]
pneumatic system A system that makes use
of air to operate control valves, actuators
(cylinders, motors), and other devices.
pneumatic telemetering The remote trans-
mission of a signal from a primary sensing
element to an indicator or recorder by means
of a pneumatic pressure impulse that is sent
through small-bore tubing. Pneumatic tele-
metering may be used to monitor tempera-
ture, pressure, flow rate, or other variables in
a process unit or system. Also known as
"pneumatic intelligence transmission."
pneumatic-to-current converter (P/I) A
device that linearly converts a signal pres-
sure range into a signal current range, for
example, 3-15 psi into 4-20 mA.
pneumatic transmission system A system
that develops an output that corresponds to
the input information for the purpose of con-
veying information. This system comprises a
transmitting mechanism that converts input
information into a corresponding air pres-
sure, interconnecting tubing, and a receiving
element that is responsive to air pressure.
[ANSI/ISA-7.0.01-1996;ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-
2000]
Pockel's cell A device in which the Pockel's
effect is used to modulate the light passing
through the material. The modulation relies
on the rotation of beam polarization that is
caused by the application of an electric field
to a crystal. The beam then has to pass
through a polarizer, which transmits a frac-
tion of the light dependent on its polariza-
tion.
pocket chamber A small ionization chamber
that can be charged, then carried in a per-
son's pocket and periodically read so as to
determine the cumulative radiation dose
received since the instrument was last
charged. Also known as "pocket dosimeter."
pocket meter A pocket-sized direct-reading
instrument for measuring radiation dose
rate.
poidometer An automatic weighing device
that is used in conjunction with a belt con-
veyer.
point 1. A process variable that is derived
from an input signal or calculated in a pro-
cess calculation. 2. A unit of measure used in
printing; one-seventy-second of an inch.
Twelve points equal one pica.
point drift See drift, point.
pointer / pole face
pointer 1. A needle- or arrowhead-shaped
element whose position over a scale indicates
the value of a measured variable. 2. In data
processing, either a data string that tells the
computer where to find a specific item or a
term similar to or the same as cursor, for indi-
cating position on a computer screen.
pointing 1. The process of reducing the diam-
eter and tapering a short length at one end of
a wire, rod, or tube. Usually done so the
pointed end may be inserted through a
reducing die and clamped in the moving ele-
ment of a drawbench. 2. Finishing a mortar
joint or pressing mortar into a raked joint.
point module See alarm module (point or
sequence module).
points Synonymous with channel. [ISA-
RP55.1-1975 (R1983)]
point-to-point (link) A connection between
two, and only two, pieces of equipment.
point-to-point numerical control A simple
form of numerical control in which machine
elements are moved between programmed
positions without particular regard to path
or speed control. Also known as "positioning
control."
point-to-point test A continuity test (i.e.,
with bell ringer ohmmeter or equivalent) for
the purpose of verifying electrical continuity
from "Point A" to "Point B" as indicated on
an "assembly" drawing.
poise The CGS unit of dynamic viscosity,
which equals one dyne-second per cm2. The
centipoise (cP) is more commonly used.
Poiseuille flow The laminar flow of gases in
long tubes at pressures and velocities such
that the flow can be described by Poiseuille's
equation.
poke In computer programming, an instruc-
tion that is used to place a value (poke) into a
specific location in the computer's storage.
polar diagram 1. A diagram that shows the
relative effectiveness of an antenna system
for either transmitting or receiving. Princi-
pally shows directional characteristics. 2. A
schematic representation that relates events
in the cycle of a piston engine to the position
of the crankshaft.
polarimeter An optical device for measuring
the degrees and type of polarization of a
light source.
polarimetry A form of chemical analysis in
which the amount of substance present in a
solution is estimated from the amount of
optical rotation (polarization) that occurs
when a beam of light passes through the
sample.
378
polarity 1. The direction of current flow in a
DC circuit. 2. The relationship between the
transducer output and the direction of the
applied acceleration. Polarity is assumed to be
"standard" when a positive charge or voltage
appears on the "high" side of the transducer
for an acceleration that is directed from the
mounting surface into the body of the acceler-
ometer. [ISA-RP37.2-1982 (R1995)] 3. Any
condition in which there are two opposing
magnetic fields, voltage levels, or charges
such as positive and negative.
polarization maintaining fiber A sin-
gle-mode optical fiber that maintains the
polarization of the light that entered it. It
normally does this by including some birefri-
gence within the fiber itself. Normal sin-
gle-mode fibers, and all other types, allow
polarization to be scrambled in the light
transmitted through them.
polarized meter A meter that has its zero
point at the center of the scale so the direc-
tion that the pointer deflects indicates electri-
cal polarity and the distance it deflects
indicates the value of a measured voltage or
current.
polarizer A filter that transmits the light of
only a single polarization.
polarizing coating Coatings that influence
the polarization of light passing through
them. They typically do this by blocking or
reflecting the light of one polarization and
passing light that is orthogonally polarized.
polarizing filter A semitransparent material
that transmits light polarized in one plane
and blocks light polarized orthogonally to
that plane.
polarographic analysis A method for deter-
mining the amount of oxygen present in a
gas by measuring the current in an oxy-
gen-depolarized primary cell.
polarography A method of chemical analysis
that involves automatically plotting the volt-
age-current characteristic between a large,
nonpolarizable electrode and a small polariz-
able electrode, which is immersed in a dilute
test solution. This produces a curve that con-
tains a series of steps as well as the potential
that identifies the particular cation involved
and the step height indicating the cation con-
centration. Actual values are determined by
comparing each potential and step height
with plots generated from test solutions of
known concentrations.
pole face On a magnetized part, the surface
through which magnetic lines of flux enter or
leave the part.

pole piece A shaped piece of ferromagnetic
material that is integral with or attached to
one end of a magnet. Its function is to control
the distribution of magnetic lines of flux.
pole-dipole array An electrode array for
making resistivity or induced-polarization
surveys. One current electrode is placed far
away from the area being surveyed while an
assembly that contains one current electrode
and two potential electrodes is moved later-
ally across the area in a search pattern.
pole-pole array An electrode array for mak-
ing resistivity or induced-polarization sur-
veys. One current electrode and one
potential electrode, in close proximity, are
moved laterally across the area being sur-
veyed.
polestar recorder An instrument that is used
to determine the amount of cloudiness dur-
ing the night. It consists of a fixed, long-focus
camera that is positioned so that the star
Polaris is permanently within its field of
view. The apparent motion of Polaris is
recorded as a circular pattern on the film,
and the approximate span of cloudiness is
indicated by interruptions in the arc caused
by clouds passing between the star and the
camera.
Polish notation A logical programming nota-
tion for series arithmetic operations in which
no grouping symbol is used. For example,
a,(b + c) is * a + bc. Developed by the Polish
logician Jan Lukasiewicz in 1929. See RPN
and postfix.
polled access A media access method by
which the node that has the right to use the
network medium delegates that right to
other stations on a per-message basis. See
master-slave.
polling 1. The act of requesting a station in
order to send data in switching networks.
[ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)] 2. A method for
sequentially observing each channel so as to
determine if it is ready to receive data or for
requesting computer action. 3. The repetitive
search of a LAN system to determine
whether a workstation is holding data for the
main computer.
pollution Any addition of foreign matter,
whether solid, liquid, or gaseous (ionized
gases), that may produce a reduction of
dielectric strength or surface resistivity.
[ANSI/ISA-82.02.01-1999 (IEC 1010-1 Mod)]
pollution degree 1 No pollution occurs or
only dry, nonconductive pollution. The pol-
lution has no influence. [ANSI/ISA-82.02.01-
1999 (IEC 1010-1 Mod)]
379
pole piece / port
pollution degree 2 Normally, only noncon-
ductive pollution occurs. Occasionally, how-
ever, a temporary conductivity caused by
condensation must be expected. [ANSI/ISA-
82.02.01-1999 (IEC 1010-1 Mod)]
polymeric material A compound that is
formed by the molecular bonding (polymer-
izing) of two or more simple molecules
(monomers). This material is commonly
referred to as plastic.
polymerization 1. The bonding of two or
more monomers so as to produce a polymer.
2. Any reaction that produces such bonding.
polymorphism Having many forms. In
object-oriented programming, the concept
that a name may denote objects of different
classes that are related by some common
superclass. For instance, BATCH_REACTOR
and CONTINUOUS_REACTOR both inherit
from REACTOR and contain the service
STARTUP, but the two services perform dif-
ferent actions.
polyphase meter An instrument for measur-
ing a quantity such as power factor or elec-
tric power in a polyphase electric circuit.
PONA analysis The process of determining
the amounts of paraffins (P), olefins (O),
naphthalenes (N), and aromatics (A) in gaso-
line using ASTM standard tests.
Pope cell A type of relative humidity sensor
that employs a bifilar conductive grid on an
insulating substrate whose resistance varies
with relative humidity over a range of about
15 to 99% RH.
poppet A spring-loaded ball that engages a
notch.
poppet valve A mushroom-shaped valve that
controls the intake or exhaust of working
fluid in a reciprocating engine. It may be cam
operated or spring loaded, and its direction
of movement is at right angles to the plane of
its seat.
popping pressure In compressible fluid sys-
tems, the inlet pressure at which a safety
relief valve opens.
porcelain enamel See enamel and vitreous
enamel.
porcupine boiler A boiler that consists of a
vertical shell from which project a number of
dead-end tubes.
porosimeter A laboratory device for measur-
ing the porosity of reservoir rock using com-
pressed gas. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
port [Eng] 1. The flow control orifice of a con-
trol valve. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000] 2. The
opening of a valve's inlet or outlet passage-
ways. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000] 3. An aper-
ture for the passage of steam or other fluids.

portability / positioner, characterized
[Comp] 4. The entry or exit point from a
computer for connecting communications or
peripheral devices.
portability In computing, the ability of soft-
ware to run on different platforms.
portable 1. Refers to a self-contained, bat-
tery-operated instrument that can be carried.
2. Capable of being carried, especially by
hand, to any desired location
portable, continuous-duty A battery-oper-
ated portable or transportable instrument of
a type that is intended to operate continu-
ously for 8 hours or more. [ANSI/ISA-
12.13.01-2000]
portable, intermittent-duty A battery-oper-
ated portable or transportable instrument of
a type that is intended to operate for periods
of only a few minutes at irregular intervals.
[ANSI/ISA-12.13.01-2000]
portable, personal continuous-duty A bat-
tery-operated, alarm-only portable instru-
ment that is intended to be worn by the
operator and to operate continuously for 8
hours or more. [ANSI/ISA-12.13.01-2000]
portable electrical apparatus An apparatus
that is moved while in operation or that can
be easily moved from one place to another
while connected to the electrical supply.
Note 1: Where there is no possibility of con-
fusion with the term portable equipment or
instrument, this may be referred to as simply
"portable apparatus." Note 2: For the pur-
poses of the relevant section of IEC 60079,
ISA-12.02.01-1999 (IEC 60079-11 Mod), this
general definition (which is technically
equivalent to IEV 826-07-04) is restricted to
apparatuses that have at least one handle
and a mass of no more than not 20 kg. It is
also restricted to apparatuses that have no
handle but whose mass does not exceed 5 kg.
[ISA-12.02.01-1999 (IEC 60079-11 Mod)]
portable equipment Equipment that is
intended to be carried by hand. [ANSI/ISA-
82.02.01-1999 (IEC 1010-1 Mod)]
portable instrument An instrument that is
self-contained, battery-operated, transport-
able, and can be carried by an individual.
Note: This type of instrument is intended to
operate continuously for 8 hours or more.
[ISA-92.02, 03, 04 and 06.01-1998]
portable standard meter A portable instru-
ment that is used primarily as a reference
standard for testing or calibrating other
instruments. [ANSI/ISA-12.13.01-2000]
port guiding A valve closure member that
has wings, or a skirt, that fit into the seat ring
bore. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
380
Next Page
position Of a multiposition controller, a dis-
crete value of the output signal. [ANSI/ISA-
51.1-1979 (R1993)]
position algorithm One of two widely used
algorithms for digitally executing PID con-
trol. The continuous controller is discretized
by replacing the integral term with a summa-
tion and the derivative term with a differ-
ence. See proportional-integral-derivative (PID)
control and velocity algorithm.
positional notation A numeration system in
which a number is represented by means of
an ordered set of digits such that the value
that is contributed by each digit depends on
its position as well as its value.
positioner A position controller that is
mechanically connected to a moving part of a
final control element or its actuator. It auto-
matically adjusts its output to the actuator in
order to maintain a desired position for the
closure member in proportion to the input
signal. Double-acting positioner: a posi-
tioner with two outputs, suited to a double-
acting actuator. Single- acting positioner: a
positioner with one output, suited to a
spring-opposed actuator. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
Using a Valve Positioner
positioner, amplifying A pneumatic posi-
tioner in which the input control signal is
amplified to a proportionately higher pres-
sure. Such a positioner is needed to drive the
actuator, for example, 3-15 psig input/6-30
psig output.
positioner, characterized A positioner that
includes means for modifying the linear rela-
tionship between the control output signal
and the valve stem position, thereby chang-
ing the flow characteristics of the control
valve.
Previous Page

positioner, electro-pneumatic / positive-displacement flowmeter

positioner, electro-pneumatic A positioner position telemeter A remote-reading instru-

that converts an electronic control signal ment for indicating the linear or angular
input into a pneumatic output. position of an object or machine component.
positioner, reversing A positioner that con- position transmitter 1. A device that is
verts the input control signal into an output mechanically connected to the valve stem or
that is directionally opposite to the input. shaft and generates and transmits a pneu-
positioner, split range A positioner that matic or electrical signal that represents the
drives an actuator full stroke in proportion to valve position. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000] 2.
only a part of the input signal range. A device that transmits an analog or digital
position error See error, position. signal that is representative of its position
positioner types Positioners that are charac- compared to a reference point. [ANSI/ISA-
terized by their input and output are avail- 51.1-1979 (R1993), ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
able as follows: pneumatic/pneumatic, positive displacement Referring to any
electric/pneumatic, electric/hydraulic, elec- device that captures or confines definite vol-
tric/electric. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000] umes of fluid for the purposes of measure-
position independent code (PIC) A code that ment, compression, or transmission.
can execute properly wherever it is loaded in positive-displacement flowmeter Any of
memory, without needing modification or several flowmeter designs in which volumet-
relinking. Generally, this code uses address- ric flow through the meter is broken up into
ing modes that form an effective memory discrete elements, and the flow rate is deter-
address relative to the central processor's mined from the number of discrete elements
program counter. that pass through the meter per unit of time.
position indicator See travel indicator. [ANSI/ Two types are illustrated.
ISA-75.05.01-2000]
positioning Manipulating a workpiece in
relation to working tools.
positioning action A controller action in
which the final position of the control ele-
ment has a predetermined relation to the
value of the controlled variable.
positioning control system A system of con-
trol in which each controlled motion oper-
ates in accordance with instructions that only
specify the next required position. The move-
ments in the different axes of motion are not
coordinated with each other, and they are Rotary Positive Displacement Meter
executed, simultaneously or consecutively, at
velocities that are not controlled by instruc-
tions on the input data medium.
positioning control See point-to-point numeri-
cal control.
position instability (of valve) A condition
that is evidenced by uncontrolled fluctuating
valve travel. It is caused by the fluid forces
interacting with the actuator forces. Position
instability is a persistent cyclic motion that is
inconsistent with the control signal to the
valve. It is not a static deviation caused by
dead band or hysteresis.
position sensor Any device for measuring
position and converting that measurement
into an electrical, electromechanical, or other
signal for the purpose of remote indication or
recording.
position switch A pneumatic, hydraulic, or
electrical device that relates to the valve stem
so as to detect a single, preset valve stem
position. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
Reciprocating Piston Flowmeter
381
positive draft / pound
positive draft Pressure in a furnace, gas
chamber, or duct that is greater than the
ambient atmospheric pressure.
positive feedback 1. A closed loop in which
any change is reinforced until a limit is even-
tually reached. 2. The action of returning part
of an output signal and using it to increase
the value of an input signal.
positive-going edge The edge of a pulse that
is going from a low to a high level.
positive meter Any of several devices that
measure fluid flow by alternately filling and
emptying a container or chamber of known
capacity. In such a device, fluid passes
through it in a series of discrete amounts by
weight or volume.
positive motion Motion that is transmitted
from one machine part to another without
slippage.
positive temperature coefficient An increase
in resistance that is caused by an increase in
temperature.
positron A positively charged beta particle.
POSIX Portable Operating System interface
for UNIX. Created for computer environ-
ments as a way to standardize the critical
interfaces for the many divergent variations
of the UNIX operating system. Under the
auspices of both IEEE and ISO, it has evolved
into an entire family of standard interface
definitions, no longer limited to UNIX.
POSIX specifies how software applications
and operating system software should be
implemented so that applications can be
ported to other POSIX-compliant environ-
ments.
post A vertical support member that resem-
bles a pillar or column.
postconversion bandwidth The bandwidth
that is presented to a detector.
postfix A programming notation system in
which the operator follows operands. For
example, the addition of x and y is xy+. See
reverse Polish notation (RPN).
post guide Guide bushing or bushings fitted
to posts or extensions that are larger than the
valve stem and are aligned with the seat.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
post guiding A design in which the guide
bushing or bushings are fitted into the body,
the bonnet, and/or the bottom flange so as to
guide the plug's post. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-
2000]
postprocessing A program that formats
graphical or other data after it is processed
on a system, so that data can be used else-
where.
382
post processor In numerical control, a com-
puter program that adapts the output of a
processor that is applicable to a piece part
into a machine program for the purpose of
producing that part on a particular combina-
tion of machine tool and controller.
PostScript An output protocol and sophisti-
cated page description language by Adobe
Systems Inc. that is used for printing high-
quality text and graphics on laser printers
and other high-resolution printing devices. It
was originally to be used by DEC with X
Windows.
potential energy Energy DERIVED from
position rather than motion. For example,
the potential energy of a solid is proportional
to its height above a specified datum.
potentially explosive atmosphere An atmo-
sphere that could become explosive (the dan-
ger is a potential one). [ISA-12.00.01-1999
(IEC 60079-0 Mod)]
potential transformer An instrument trans-
former that is connected in the circuit such
that its primary winding is in parallel with a
voltage that is to be measured or controlled.
potentiometer A device for measuring an
electromotive force by comparing it with a
known potential difference.
potentiometric When used as a third modi-
fier as per ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982), potentio-
metric refers to the conversion of a change of
measurand into a voltage-ratio change by
changing the position of a movable contact
on a resistance element across which excita-
tion is applied. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
potentiometric element The resistive part of
the transduction element upon which the
wiper (movable contact) slides and across
which excitation is applied. It may be con-
structed out of a continuous resistance or out
of small-diameter wire that is wound on a
form (mandrel). [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
potentiometric titration A technique of auto-
matic titration in which the end point is
determined by measuring a change in the
electrochemical potential of the sample solu-
tion.
potometer A device for measuring the tran-
spiration from a leaf, twig, or small plant. It
consists of a small water-filled container that
is sealed so moisture can escape only
through the plant.
potting An embedding process in which the
mold remains attached to the encased electri-
cal device(s). [ANSI/ISA-12.23.01-1998 (IEC
79-18 Mod)]
pound The British or U.S. unit of mass or
weight. Equal to 0.45 kilograms.

poundal A unit of force in the English system
of measurement. It is defined as the force
that is needed to impart an acceleration of
one f t / s / s / to a body that has a mass of one
pound.
pour point 1. The temperature at which mol­
ten metal is cast. 2. The temperature at which
a petroleum-based lubricating oil becomes
too viscous to flow, as determined by a stan­
dard ASTM test.
pour test Chilling a liquid under specified
conditions so as to determine its ASTM pour
point. See pour point.
powder coating A painting process in which
electrostatic and compressed air transfer
mechanisms are used to apply finely ground
dry plastic to a part. The applied powder is
heated to its melting point and flows out,
forming a smooth film. It cures by means of a
chemical reaction.
powder filling A type of protection in which
the parts that are capable of igniting an
explosive atmosphere are fixed in position
and completely surrounded by filling mate­
rial in order to prevent an external explosive
atmosphere from igniting. This type of pro­
tection is referred to as "q." Note: This type
of protection may not prevent the surround­
ing explosive atmosphere from penetrating
into the apparatus and into Ex components
and being ignited by the circuits. However,
an external explosion is prevented by the
small free volumes in the filling material and
the quenching of a flame that may propagate
through the paths in the filling material.
[ISA-12.01.01-1999;ANSI/ISA-12.25.01-1998
(IEC 79-05 Mod)]
powder pattern The X-ray diffraction pat­
tern that consists of a series of rings on a flat
film or a series of lines on a circular strip
film. The pattern results when a monochro­
matic beam of X-rays is reflected from a ran­
domly oriented polycrystalline metal or from
powdered crystalline material.
power The electrical energy that is supplied
to a system, or the elements of a system, for
the purpose of process measurement and
control. [ISA-71.02-1991]
power common 1. The reference point for
power supplies and return currents from
powering equipment. 2. Sometimes referred
to simply as common. Power common or com­
mon are not to be confused with signal com­
mon.
power consumption The maximum amount
of power used by a device during normal
steady-state operation.
383
poundal / power loss
power consumption, electrical The maxi­
mum power used by a device within its
operating range during steady-state signal
condition. Notes: 1. For a power factor other
than unity, power consumption must be
stated as the maximum volt-amperes used
under the stated condition. 2. For a device
that is operating outside of its operating
range, the maximum power might exceed
that which is experienced within the operat­
ing range. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
power/energy meter An instrument that
measures the amount of optical power
(watts) or energy (joules). It can operate in
the visible, infrared, or ultraviolet region,
and it can detect pulsed or continuous
beams.
power factor The ratio of total watts to the
total root -mean square (rms) volt-amperes.
FP = Σ watts per phase / Σ rms volt-amperes
per phase = active power / apparent power.
Note: If the voltages have the same wave­
form as the corresponding currents, the
power factor becomes the same as the phasor
power factor. If the voltages and currents are
sinusoidal and for polyphase circuits form
symmetrical sets, then FP = cos(α ? b).
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
power-factor meter An instrument for
directly indicating the power factor in a cir­
cuit.
power failure The removal of all power acci­
dentally or intentionally.
power input The energy that is required to
drive a fan, expressed in brake horsepower
delivered to the fan shaft. See also excitation.
power level At any given point in a system,
the amount of power being delivered or
used.
power level (dBm) The ratio of the power at
a point to some arbitrary amount of power
chosen as a reference. This ratio is usually
expressed either in decibels based on 1 milli­
watt (abbreviated dBm) or in decibels based
on 1 watt (abbreviated dBW). See also decibel
(dB).
power line protector A device that is used
between a computer and a power outlet to
absorb power surges or other interference
that could damage the computer. See surge
protector.
power loss 1. In a power transmission system
or circuit, the difference between input
power and output power. Power loss is often
expressed as a percentage of input power. 2.
In a current- or voltage-measuring instru­
ment, the active power at its terminals when
the pointer is at the upper end of the scale. 3.
power output / preform
In any other electrical circuit, the difference
between active power and electrical load at a
stated value of current or voltage.
power output The energy that is delivered by
the fan. It is expressed in horsepower based
on air or gas pressure and volume.
power source The primary source from
which the system's power is derived. [ISA-
71.02-1991]
power spectral density (PSD) A type of fre-
quency analysis that can be performed on
data by a computer using special software,
by an array processor, or by a special-pur-
pose hardware device.
power splitter At the output of a telemetry
radio transmitter, the device that splits the
transmitter power between two or more
antennas.
power supply A circuit that changes electri-
cal power from one form to another. An
example would be 120 V AC converted into
24 V DC.
power supply cord A flexible cord with an
attachment plug that is provided so equip-
ment can be connected to a supply circuit
receptacle.
power supply device An external electrical
device that converts, regulates, rectifies, or
otherwise modifies the supply from the pri-
mary power source. Its purpose is to provide
electrical energy that is suitable for operating
an electrical system, or elements of an electri-
cal system, for measurement and control.
[ISA-71.02-1991]
power unit The portion of the actuator that
converts fluid, electrical, or mechanical
energy into stem motion for the purpose of
developing thrust or torque. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
PPP Point-to-point protocol. Enables TCP/IP
over asynchronous (regular telephone) lines
(and modem). Important to the UNIX and
Internet communities, PPP is gradually
replacing SLIP for this purpose. See SLIP.
precedence In computer programming, rules
that state which program operators should
be executed first within an expression.
precession The change in orientation of a
rapidly spinning body, such as a gyrowheel.
Precession occurs when the body's axis of
spin rotates about a line that is perpendicular
to a plane defined by the original position of
the axis of spin and the axis of torque for the
moment that produces the change in orienta-
tion.
precipitate To separate materials from a solu-
tion by forming insoluble matter through
384
chemical reaction. The term can also refer to
the material that is removed.
precipitation The removal of solid or liquid
particles from a fluid.
precipitator A fly ash separator and collector
of the electrostatic type.
precision 1. The degree of reproducibility
among several independent measurements
of the same true value. 2. The quality of
being exactly defined or stated. 3. The value
of the smallest incremental difference that
can be measured by a given instrument or
measurement system. 4. In an approximate
number, the decimal position of the right-
most significant digit. See also repeatability
and stability.
precision depth recorder A machine that
plots sonar depth soundings on electrosensi-
tive paper.
predetection In instrumentation tape record-
ers, the process of recording a "low" interme-
diate frequency from the telemetry radio
receiver (typically, 900 kHz center frequency)
rather than from the demodulated output of
the receiver.
predetermined counter A counter that
accumulates pulses and compares the total to
a preset value in order to determine when to
initiate control action.
predictive control A type of automatic con-
trol in which the current state of a process is
evaluated in terms of a model of the process
and controller actions are modified to antici-
pate and avoid undesired excursions.
predictive maintenance (PDM) To operate a
process or system until a predetermined con-
dition indicates that controlled shutdown is
appropriate and then make necessary
repairs. Usually, predictive maintenance is
the least expensive method in the long run
because shutdown occurs only when needed
but before damage is done. It does require
planning, thought, and proper monitoring.
Compare corrective maintenance and pre-
ventive maintenance (PM).
preemptive multitasking The ability to
assign higher priority to certain tasks that are
running on a computer. For instance, priori-
ties can be set so that safety conditions are
covered first, control actions second,
advanced control third, reporting later, and
"bells and whistles" last.
preface, mag tape The first few words of each
tape record. They identify the record and
document the status of the equipment.
preform 1. A cylinder of glass that is made to
have a refractive index profile that would be
desirable for an optical fiber. The cylinder is
 preheater air / pressure, operating
then heated and drawn out to produce a
fiber. 2. A brazing metal foil that is cut to the
exact outline of the mating parts and inserted
between the parts before being placed in a
brazing furnace.
preheater air Air at a temperature that
exceeds that of the ambient air.
preignition The spontaneous ignition of the
explosive mixture in a cylinder of an internal
combustion engine before the spark flashes.
premodulator filter A low-pass filter at the
input to a telemetry transmitter. Its purpose
is to limit modulation frequencies and
thereby limit radiated frequencies outside
the desired operating spectrum.
preprocessor 1. A hardware device in front of
a computer that is capable of making certain
decisions or calculations more rapidly than
the computer can make them. 2. The first of
the two compiler stages. At this stage, the
source program is examined for the prepro-
cessor statements, which are then executed,
thus altering the source program text. 3.
More generally, a program that performs
some operation before a main program
begins processing.
prescaler An instrument that converts an
upper-range out-of-scale frequency into a
lower frequency.
presentation layer Layer 6 of the ISO refer-
ence model. It provides standards for
restructuring data into the required format,
character set, or language.
pressed density The density of a powder-
metal compact after pressing and before sin-
tering.
pressure A measure of applied force com-
pared with the area over which the force is
exerted, expressed in psia.
pressure, absolute 1. The pressure that is
measured relative to zero pressure (vacuum).
[ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)] 2. The pressure
above the absolute zero value of pressure
that is theoretically obtained in empty space
or at the absolute zero for temperature, as
distinguished from gauge pressure.
pressure, ambient The pressure of the
medium surrounding a device. [ANSI/ISA-
51.1-1979 (R1993)]
pressure, design The pressure that is used in
the design of a vessel or device to determine
the minimum permissible thickness or the
physical characteristics of the parts for a
given maximum working pressure (MWP) at
a given temperature. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)]
pressure altimeter A precision aneroid
barometer that measures the air pressure at
385
the altitude at which a plane is flying and
converts the reading into indicated height
above sea level.
pressure connection (pressure port) The
opening and surrounding surface of a trans-
ducer, which is used to gain measured fluid
access to the transducer sensing element (or
isolating element). This connection can be a
standard industrial or military fitting config-
uration, a tube hose fitting, or a hole (orifice)
in a base plate. For differential-pressure
transducers there are two pressure connec-
tions: the measurand port and the reference.
[ISA-37.6-1982 (R1995)]
pressure control A device or system that can
raise, lower, or maintain the internal pressure
in a vessel or process equipment.
pressure dew point The dew point value at
line pressure of the compressed air system.
(This is usually measured at the outlet of the
dryer system or at any instrument air supply
source before pressure is reduced.) When
presenting or referencing dew point, the
value must be given in terms of the line pres-
sure. For example, -40°C (-40°F) dew point at
690 kPa (approximate) (100 psig). [ANSI/
ISA-7.0.01-1996]
pressure, differential 1. The difference in
pressure between two points of measure-
ment. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)] 2. The differ-
ence in pressure between two points of a
system.
pressure, gauge 1. Pressure measured rela-
tive to ambient pressure. [ISA-37.1-1975
(R1982)] 2. The amount by which the total
absolute pressure exceeds the ambient atmo-
spheric pressure.
pressure, leak The pressure at which some
discernible leakage first occurs in a device.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
pressure, maximum working (MWP) The
maximum total pressure that is permissible
in a device under any circumstances during
operation, at a specified temperature. It is the
highest pressure to which it will be subjected
in the process. Maximum working pressure
is a designed safe limit for regular use. Note:
MWP can be arrived at by two methods: (a)
designed—by adequate design analysis, with
a safety factor; or (b) tested—by rupture test-
ing of typical samples. See pressure, design.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
pressure, operating The actual pressure at
which a device operates under normal condi-
tions. This pressure may be positive or nega-
tive with respect to atmospher(ic) pressure.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
pressure, process / pressure-regulating valve
pressure, process The pressure at a specified
point in the process medium. [ANSI/ISA-
51.1-1979 (R1993)]
pressure, rupture The pressure, determined
by test, at which a device will burst. Note:
This is an alternative to the design procedure
for establishing maximum working pressure
(MWP). The rupture pressure test consists of
causing the device to burst. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-
1979 (R1993)]
pressure, static The steady-state pressure
that is applied to a device. In the case of a dif-
ferential-pressure device, the process pres-
sure is applied equally to both connections.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
pressure, supply The pressure at the supply
port of a device. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)]
pressure, surge The operating pressure plus
the increment above operating pressure to
which a device may be subjected for a very
short time during pump starts, valve clos-
ings, and the like. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)]
pressure drop 1. The differential pressure in
pascals at a maximum linear flow, which is
measured between two points, four pipe
diameters upstream and four pipe diameters
downstream, from its ends. A specified liq-
uid is used, and pipe sizes match the fittings
provided. [ISA-RP-31.1-1977] 2. The differ-
ence in pressure between two points in a sys-
tem as a result of resistance to flow.
pressure elements The portions of a pres-
sure-measuring gauge that move or are tem-
porarily deformed by the system pressure.
The amount of movement or deformation is
proportional to the pressure.
pressure-energized liner A pressure source—
either internal flue pressure or an external
fluid pressure source—energizes the liner,
which forces it into tighter contact with the
disk. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
pressure-energized seal In a butterfly valve,
a seal that is energized by interference fit
between the disk groove and valve liner and
also by differential pressure acting across the
seal. The seal may be a solid section or have
internal pressure ports. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-
2000]
pressure-energized stem seal A part and/or
packing material that is deformable by fluid
pressure, which bears against the stem to
make a tight seal. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
pressure-expanded joint A tube joint in a
drum, header, or tube sheet that is expanded
by a tool, which forces the tube wall outward
386
by driving a tapered pin into the center of a
sectional die.
pressure (frequency) response For a piezo-
electric sound pressure transducer, the pres-
sure frequency response (pressure response)
is the ratio, as a function of frequency, of the
transducer output to a sound pressure input.
This input in turn is equal in phase and
amplitude over the entire sensing surface of
the transducer. The pressure frequency
response is generally equal to the free-field
frequency response at wavelengths long
compared to the maximum dimension of the
piezoelectric sound-pressure transducer.
[ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
pressure gauge An instrument for measuring
pressure by means of a metallic sensing ele-
ment or piezoelectric crystal.
pressure level In acoustic measurement, P =
1 log (Ps/Pr), where P is the pressure level in
bels, Ps is the sound pressure, and Pr is a ref-
erence pressure, usually taken as 0.002
dyne/cm 2 .
pressure measurement Any method for
determining the internal force per unit area
in a process vessel, tank, or piping system as
a result of fluid or compressed gas. This
includes the measurement of static or
dynamic pressure, absolute (total) or gauge
(total minus atmospheric), in any system of
units.
pressure microphone An acoustic transducer
that converts the instantaneous sound pres-
sure of impinging sound waves into an elec-
trical signal that directly corresponds in both
frequency and amplitude.
pressure piling A condition that results from
the ignition of precompressed gases in com-
partments or subdivisions other than those
in which ignition was initiated. [ANSI/ISA-
12.22.01-1998 (IEC 79-1 Mod)]
pressure rating The maximum allowable
internal force per unit area of a pressure ves-
sel, tank, or piping system during normal
operation.
pressure recovery The increase in fluid static
pressure that occurs as fluid moves through
a valve from the vena contracta to the valve's
outlet and downstream piping. The recovery,
which may be expressed as the difference P 2
- P vc, is caused by the velocity-reducing, dif-
fusing action of the downstream geometry.
[ISA-RP75.23-1995]
pressure-regulating valve A valve that can
assume any position between fully open and
fully closed or that opens or remains closed
against fluid pressure on a spring-loaded
valve element. Which position is chosen
 pressure regulator / pressurized enclosure
depends on whether the desired outcome is
to release internal pressure or hold it and
allow it to build up.
pressure regulator An in-line device that pro-
vides controlled venting from a high-pres-
sure region to a lower-pressure region of a
closed compressed gas system. Its purpose is
to maintain a preset pressure value in the
lower-pressure region.
pressure-relief device A mechanism that
vents fluid from an internally pressurized
system so as to counteract system overpres-
sure. The mechanism may release all pres-
sure and shut the system down (as does a
rupture disk) or it may merely reduce the
pressure in a controlled manner so as to
return the system to a safe operating pres-
sure (as does a spring-loaded safety valve).
Pressure-relief Device
pressure switch A device that activates or
deactivates an electrical circuit when a prese-
lected pressure is exceeded in a process ves-
sel or piping system.
pressure tap A small hole in the wall of an
internally pressurized vessel or pipe pro-
vided so that the pressure element of an
instrument can be attached to measure static
pressure.
pressure transducer An instrument compo-
nent that senses fluid pressure and produces
an electrical output signal that is related to the
magnitude of the pressure. Transducers can
measure absolute pressure (total pressure at
a point, including atmospheric), gauge pres-
sure (difference between actual and atmo-
spheric), and differential pressure (difference
between two points). About 60 percent of dif-
ferential types are used to measure flow, 30
percent to measure level.
387
Pressure Switch
pressure vessel A metal container that is
designed to withstand a specified bursting
pressure. Usually fabricated by welding, a
pressure vessel is usually cylindrical with
hemispherical end closures (but it may be
some other shape, such as spherical).
pressure-vacuum gauge An instrument for
measuring pressure both above and below
atmospheric.
pressurization The technique of guarding
against the ingress of the external atmo-
sphere into an enclosure by maintaining a
protective gas therein at a pressure above that
of the external atmosphere. This type of pro-
tection is referred to as "p." NOTE: In the
United States, pressurization is the process of
supplying an enclosure in a Class II applica-
tion with clean air or an inert gas, with or
without continuous flow, at sufficient pres-
sure to prevent the entrance of combustible
dusts. [ISA-12.01.01-1999]
pressurization, Type X A method for reduc-
ing the classification within an enclosure
from Division 1/Zone 1 to nonhazardous
(unclassified). [ISA-12.01.01-1999]
pressurization, Type Y A method for reduc-
ing the classification within an enclosure
from Division 1/Zone 1 to Division 2/Zone
2. [ISA-12.01.01-1999]
pressurization, Type Z A method for reduc-
ing the classification within an enclosure
from Division 2/Zone 2 to nonhazardous
(unclassified). [ISA-12.01.01-1999]
pressurized enclosure An enclosure that is
maintained at a pressure higher than the sur-
rounding area and the areas communicated
that are with by conduit runs. The pressuriz-
ing medium shall be clean, dry air, or an inert
gas. In Division 1 locations, the pressure
pressurized water reactor / primary measuring element
should be supervised by a suitable pressure
switch in order to de-energize supply con-
ductors in case of pressure failure.
pressurized water reactor (PWR) A nuclear
steam supply system in which the pressur-
ized primary coolant fluid is heated by the
reactor core, and the process steam is gener-
ated in a steam generator by heat transfer
from the primary coolant. [ISA-67.03-1982]
Pre-Startup Acceptance Test (PSAT) The
process of confirming the performance of the
total integrated safety instrumented system
to assure that it conforms to the safety
requirement specifications and design.
[ANSI/ISA-84.01-1996]
preventive maintenance (PM) 1. To operate a
process or system using a time-based shut-
down schedule, and then make the necessary
repairs. Preventive maintenance usually pre-
vents loss and is therefore less expensive
than corrective maintenance. Compare cor-
rective maintenance and predictive maintenance
(PDM). 2. Maintenance that is specifically
intended to prevent faults from occurring
during subsequent operation. Corrective and
preventive maintenance are both performed
during maintenance time. 3. A maintenance
practice in which equipment is maintained
on the basis of a fixed schedule, which is dic-
tated by the manufacturer's recommenda-
tion or by accumulated data from operating
experience. [ANSI/ISA-84.01-1996]
primary air 1. The air or flue gas that is intro-
duced into the pulverizer to dry the fuel and
convey the pulverized fuel to the burners.
[ISA-77.41-1992] Also called "transport air" or
"pulverized air." 2. Combustion air that
enters the fuel-burning zone and directly
supports initial combustion. In pulverized
coal-fired units, the primary air is used to
transport the coal from the pulverizers to the
burners. [ANSI/ISA-77.44-1995]
primary-air fan A fan for supplying primary
air for the combustion of fuel.
primary circuit The wiring and components
of the equipment supply circuit which are at
the same voltage as or carry the same current
as the branch circuit.
primary colors Colors of constant hue and
variable brilliance that can be mixed in vary-
ing proportions to produce or specify other
colors. Also known as the "primaries."
primary containment The structure that
encloses the reactor coolant pressure bound-
ary. [ISA-67.03-1982]
primary (convection or initial)
superheater A heating surface that receives
steam from the drum. [ANSI/ISA-77.44-
388
Primary Superheater
primary detector The system element or
device that first responds quantitatively to
the attribute or characteristic being measured
and then performs the initial conversion or
control of measurement energy. Contrast pri-
mary element (detector).
primary device The part of a flowmeter that
generates a signal that responds to the flow,
from which the flow rate may be inferred.
primary element The system element that
quantitatively converts the measured vari-
able energy into a form suitable for measure-
ment (See ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)
[ANSI/ISA-67.04.01-2000;ISA-RP67.04.02-
2000] See also element, primary; sensing element;
and sensor.
primary element (detector) The first system
element that responds quantitatively to the
measured variable and performs the initial
measurement operation. A primary element
performs the initial conversion of measure-
ment energy. For transmitters not used with
external primary elements, the sensing por-
tion is the primary element. Contrast primary
detector. ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)
primary feedback A signal that is a function
of the controlled variable and is used to mod-
ify an input signal so as to produce an actuat-
ing signal.
primary input An input parameter that is
critical to the operation of a control or calcu-
lation function block. The primary input
value may be reflected in the process vari-
able parameter. [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-2000]
primary instrument An instrument that can
be calibrated without reference to another
instrument.
primary location The main control room or
central location where operations interact
with process instrumentation.
primary loop The outer loop in a cascade sys-
tem. See primary/secondary control loop control-
ler.
primary measuring element A component of
a measuring or sensing device that is in
 primary output / probe-type consistency sensor
direct contact with the substance whose
attributes are being measured.
primary output An output parameter that
reflects either the results of the block algo-
rithm execution or the operator input value,
depending on the mode parameter. [ISA-
TR50.02, Part 9-2000]
primary standard Standard reference units
and physical constants maintained by the
National Institute of Science and Technology
(NIST). All measurement units in the United
States are based on these standards.
primary station In a communications system,
the station that at any given instant has the
right to select and transmit information to a
secondary station and the responsibility to
ensure that the information is transferred. It
is the station that has control of the data link
at any given instant. The assignment of pri-
mary status may be temporary and governed
by standardized control procedures.
primary/secondary control loop
controller The controller that adjusts the
set point for the secondary control loop con-
troller in the cascade control action scheme.
[ANSI/ISA-77.42.01-1999]
prime mover The initial force that engages of
moves a machine.
priming The discharge of steam that contains
excessive quantities of water in suspension
from a boiler, as a result of violent ebullition.
primitives Basic units of machine instruction.
Primitives can also be fundamental graphic
entities called "entities," which can be design
elements at the lowest stage of complexity,
such as lines or arcs. Primitives are joined to
make symbols or groups.
printed circuit A system of conductors that
are formed or deposited on a nonconducting
substrate in a predetermined pattern so as to
allow the quick and repetitive construction
of electronic devices.
printer In data processing, the device that
produces printed paper copy of computer
data.
print server An intelligent device that is used
to transfer information to a series of printers.
print spooler A computer program that
directs the computer to store certain data to
be printed so that computer processing is not
limited by the printer's speed.
priority 1. The relative importance attached
to different phenomena. 2. The level of
importance of a program or device.
priority interrupt The temporary suspension
of a program currently being executed in
order to execute a program of higher priority.
Priority interrupt functions usually include
389
distinguishing the highest active priority
interrupt, remembering the lower-priority
interrupts that are active, selectively
enabling or disabling priority interrupts, exe-
cuting a jump instruction to a specific mem-
ory location, and storing the program
counter register in a specific location. Also
known as "hardware priority interrupt." See
also software priority interrupt.
private network A broadband service that is
usually needed for video signals such as in
conferencing. It uses leased, dedicated phone
lines to avoid the switching performed in
normal phone service.
privilege A characteristic of a user or pro-
gram that determines what kind of opera-
tions a user or program can perform. In
general, a privileged user or program is
allowed to perform operations that are nor-
mally considered the domain of the monitor
or executive, or that can affect system opera-
tion as a whole.
probability The quantitative expression of
the chance that an event will occur, with a
range of 0 to 1.
probability of failure on demand (PFD) A
value that indicates the probability of a sys-
tem failing to respond to a demand. The
average probability of a system failing to
respond to a demand in a specified time
interval is referred to as "PFDavg." PFD
equals 1 minus Safety Availability. [ANSI/
ISA-84.01-1996]
probe 1. A small, movable capsule or holder
that allows the sensing element of a (usually
electronic) remote-reading instrument to be
inserted into a system or environment and
then withdrawn several instrument readings
have been taken. 2. A small tube, movable or
fixed, that is inserted into a process fluid to
take physical samples or pressure readings.
probe assembly A device for making tempo-
rary contact between measuring or test
equipment and a point on an electrical circuit
that is being measured or tested. It includes
the cables and the means for making a con-
nection with the measuring or test equip-
ment. [ANSI/ISA-82.02.02-1996 (IEC 1010-2-
031)]
probe tip The part of the probe assembly that
makes the connection to the point being mea-
sured or tested. [ANSI/ISA-82.02.02-1996
(IEC 1010-2-031)]
probe-type consistency sensor A device in
which forces exerted on a cylindrical body in
the direction of flow are detected by a
strain-gauge bridge circuit. If the fluid is
water, the circuit output is a measure of flow
problem definition / process and instrumentation diagram
Examples of Type B Probe Assemblies
rate. However, if a solution or suspension is
flowing at a steady flow rate, the output var-
ies with changes in viscosity (or consistency).
problem definition The art of compiling
logic in the form of general flow charts and
logic diagrams that clearly explain and
present the problem to the programmer in
such a way that all requirements involved in
the program are presented.
problem description In information process-
ing, a statement of a problem. The statement
also may include a description of the method
of solution, the procedures, and algorithms.
problem-oriented language (POL) 1. A pro-
gramming language that is designed to facili-
tate the definition and solution of specific
classes and problems. An example would be
a language that is specifically convenient for
expressing a specific problem in mathemati-
cal form, such as the ordinary algebraic lan-
guages or the symbolic notation of the
Boolean algebra applied to a special prob-
lem. 2. A special language for machine tool
control.
procedural control Control that directs
equipment-oriented actions to take place in
an ordered sequence so as to carry out some
process-oriented task. [ANSI/ISA-88.01-
1995]
procedural element A building block for pro-
cedural control that is defined by the proce-
dural control model. [ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995]
See procedural control.
procedural language See procedure-oriented
language.
procedure [Mfg] 1. The strategy for carrying
out a process. Note: In general, procedure
refers to the strategy for making a batch
within a process cell. It may also refer to a
process that does not result in the production
of product, such as a clean-in-place proce-
dure. [ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995] 2. A precise
step-by-step method for effecting a solution to
a problem. [Comp] 3. In data processing, a
390
smaller program that is part of a large pro-
gram.
procedure-oriented language A program-
ming language that is designed to maximize
convenience in expressing the technique or
sequence of steps that are required to carry
out a process or flow. Usually, it is a source
language and not machine-oriented. Since
the solution of many classes of problems
involve similar procedures, the proce-
dure-oriented language lends itself more
readily to describing how a problem is to be
solved. Flow diagrams, process control lan-
guages, and many of the common program-
ming languages, such as C, FORTRAN, and
ALGOL are considered procedure-oriented
languages.
process [Mfg] 1. In manufacturing, the physi-
cal or chemical change of matter or the con-
version of energy, for example, change in
pressure, temperature, speed, electrical
potential, and so on. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)] 2. The collective functions that are
performed in and by industrial equipment,
exclusive of computer and/or analog control
and monitoring equipment. 3. A series of
continuous or regularly recurring steps or
actions that are intended to achieve a prede-
termined result, as in refining oil, heat-treat-
ing metal, or manufacturing paper. 4. The
functions and operations that are utilized in
the treatment of material. 5. A progressive
course or series of actions. 6. Any operation
or sequence of operations that involves a
change of energy, state, composition, dimen-
sion, or other properties that may be defined
with respect to a datum. [ANSI/ISA-5.1-1984
(R1992)] 7. An assembly of equipment and
material that relates to some manufacturing
sequence. 8. A sequence of chemical, physi-
cal, or biological activities for the conversion,
transport, or storage of material or energy.
[ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995] [Comp] 9. In com-
puting, a general term encompassing such
terms as assemble, compile, generate, inter-
pret, and compute. 10. A set of entities that
are used to perform one or more functions.
[ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-2000]
process action Minor processing activities
that are combined to comprise a process
operation. Note: Process actions are the low-
est level of processing activity within the
process model. [ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995]
process alarm An alarm that occurs as a
result of a process parameter exceeding some
preset limit.
process and instrumentation diagram
(P&ID) A drawing that shows the intercon-
 process block valve / process I/O
nection of process equipment and the instru-
mentation used to control the process. In the
process industry, a standard set of symbols is
used to prepare drawings of processes.
[ANSI/ISA- ANSI/ISA-5.1-1984 (R1992)]
process block valve The first valve off the
process line or vessel that is used to isolate
the measurement piping. See line class valve.
process calculations Installation-dependent
calculations that provide derived data to
supplement the input signals, for example,
efficiencies, flows by material balance, and
the like.
process cell A logical grouping of equipment
that includes the equipment required to pro-
duce one or more batches. It defines the span
of logical control of one set of process equip-
ment within an area. Note: This term applies
to both the physical equipment and the
equipment entity. [ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995]
process chart A graphical representation of
the events in a process.
process colors In four-color process printing,
the subtractive primaries--yellow, magenta,
and cyan--plus black.
process computer A computer that directly
controls or monitors the operation of ele-
ments in a process by means of inputs from
and outputs to that process. See control com-
puter and industrial computer. See also online.
process condition The condition of the moni-
tored variable. The process condition is
either normal or abnormal (alarm, alert, or
off-normal). [ANSI/ISA-18.01-1979 (R1992)]
process control 1. The regulation or manipu-
lation of the variables that influence the con-
duct of a process in such a way as to obtain a
product of desired quality and quantity in an
efficient manner. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)] 2. Descriptive of systems in which
computers or controllers are used to auto-
matically regulate operations or processes.
Typical process control operations are those
in which the operation control is applied
continuously and the computer directs
adjustments to regulate the operation in
order to keep the value of a controlled vari-
able constant. Contrasted with numerical con-
trol. 3. An operation that regulates
parameters by observing the parameter,
comparing it with some desired value, and
taking some action to bring the parameter as
close as possible to the desired value. 4. The
process of adapting automatic regulatory
procedures to the more efficient manufacture
of products or processing of material. 5. The
control activity that includes the control
functions that are needed to provide sequen-
391
tial, regulatory, and discrete control and to
gather and display data. [ANSI/ISA-88.01-
1995]
process control chart A table or graph of test
results or inspection data for each unit of
production, arranged in chronological
sequence for the entire assembly or produc-
tion lot.
process control computer See process com-
puter.
process control engineering A branch of
engineering that deals with the ways and
means of keeping process variables as close
as possible to desired values or within speci-
fied ranges.
process control loop A system of control
devices that are linked together to control
one phase of a process.
process database An organized collection of
data relating to the operation of a process.
process dynamics A set of dynamic interac-
tions among process variables in a complex
system, as in a petroleum refinery or chemi-
cal process plant.
process engineering An element of produc-
tion engineering that involves selecting the
processes and equipment to be used, estab-
lishing the sequence and method for control-
ling all operations, and acquiring the tools
needed to make a product.
process engineer's console A man-machine
interface that consists of various information
entry/retrieval devices arranged as a pack-
aged unit. It is used to adjust the external
behavior of the process controller by the per-
son who is responsible for the performance
of a manufacturing process. See also opera-
tor's console and programmer's console.
process industry sector Those processes that
are involved in (but not limited to) the pro-
duction, generation, manufacture, and/or
treatment of oil, gas, wood, metals, food,
plastics, petrochemicals, chemicals, steam,
electric power, pharmaceuticals, and waste
materials. [ANSI/ISA-84.01-1996]
process input The type and quantity of a raw
material or other resource that is required in
their production of a product. [ANSI/ISA-
88.01-1995]
process interrupt See interrupt, process.
process I/O Input and output operations that
are directly associated with a process as con-
trasted with I/O operations that are not asso-
ciated with the process. For example, in a
process control system, analog and digital
inputs and outputs would be considered
process I/O whereas inputs and outputs to
process I/O bus / production capability
bulk storage would not be process I/O. See
process.
process I/O bus 1. A circuit over which data
or power is transmitted, and often one that
acts as a common connection among a num-
ber of locations. Synonymous with trunk. 2.
A communications path between two
switching parts.
process I/O device An apparatus for per-
forming a prescribed function.
process I/O network A communication sys-
tem. Specifically, a set of OSI subnetworks
that are interconnected by OSI intermediate
systems and share a common network proto-
col.
process management The control activity
that includes the control functions that are
needed to manage batch production within a
process cell. [ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995]
process measurement The acquisition of
information that establishes the magnitude
of process quantities. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)]
process measurement instrumentation An
instrument, or group of instruments, that
converts a physical process parameter such
as temperature, pressure, and the like, into a
usable, measurable parameter such as cur-
rent, voltage, and so on. [ISA-RP67.04.02-
2000]
process operation A major processing activ-
ity that usually results in a chemical or phys-
ical change in the material being processed.
It that is defined without consideration of the
configuration of the actual target equipment.
[ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995]
processor Abbreviated form for "central pro-
cessing unit."
process output A type and quantity of mate-
rial or energy that is expected to result from
one execution of a control recipe. [ANSI/
ISA-88.01-1995]
process parameter 1. Information that is
needed to manufacture a material but that
does not fall into the classification of process
input or process output. Note: Examples of
process parameter information are tempera-
ture, pressure, and time. [ANSI/ISA-88.01-
1995] 2. A characteristic of a process that can
be monitored and measured so as to provide
information on the process.
process pressure See pressure, process.
process reaction method A method for deter-
mining optimum controller settings when
tuning a process control loop. The method is
based on the reaction of the open loop to an
imposed disturbance.
392
process reaction rate The rate at which a pro-
cess reacts to a step change.
process simulation test An advanced system
test wherein the test equipment includes a
device that is designed to respond as the
actual process would to an upset or change.
This test provides a check on the system
design itself and is an advanced method of
operator training. Note 1: Some malfunctions
found during this test may be attributed to
documentation errors. Note 2: This test may
be precluded by a higher-level or a sub-
system test.
process stage A part of a process that usually
operates independently from other process
stages and that usually results in a planned
sequence of chemical or physical changes in
the material being processed. [ANSI/ISA-
88.01-1995]
process steam Steam that is used for indus-
trial purposes other than for producing
power.
process temperature See temperature, process.
process time 1. The elapsed time for the por-
tion of the work cycle that is controlled by
machines. 2. The elapsed time for an entire
process.
process variable (PV) 1. Any variable prop-
erty of a process. The term process variable is
used in the relevant standard to apply to all
variables other than instrument signals.
[ANSI/ISA-5.1-1984 (R1992)] 2. In the treat-
ment of material, any characteristic or mea-
surable attribute whose value changes with
changes in prevailing conditions. Common
variables are flow, level, pressure, and tem-
perature.
process variable alarm An alarm that is set
whenever a process variable exceeds the lim-
its set for a given input.
process visual display A dynamic display
that is intended for operators and others
engaged in process monitoring and control.
[ISA-5.5-1985]
producer gas A gaseous fuel that is obtained
by burning solid fuel in a chamber where a
mixture of air and steam is passed through
the incandescent fuel bed. The process
results in a gas that is almost oxygen free and
that contains a large percentage of the origi-
nal heating value of the solid fuel in the form
of CO and H2.
production The output of a process or manu-
facturing facility.
production capability 1. The highest sustain-
able output rate that could be achieved for a
given product mix, raw materials, worker
effort, plant, and equipment. 2. The collec-
 production capacity planning / programmable controller
tion of personnel, equipment, material, and
process segment capabilities. 3. The total of
the current committed, available, and unat-
tainable capability of the production facility.
The capability includes the capacity of the
resource. [ISA-95.00.01-2000]
production capacity planning Determining
the levels of activity that need to be sus-
tained in the future with respect to sales fore-
casts and the availability of personnel,
equipment, materials, and money.
production control 1. The collection of func-
tions that manage all production within a site
or area. [ISA-95.00.01-2000] 2. The systematic
planning, coordination, and direction of all
production activities so as to ensure that
products are made on time, with the appro-
priate quality, and at reasonable cost.
production engineering An element of
industrial engineering that deals with plan-
ning and the control of manufacturing pro-
cesses, especially for the purpose of
improving efficiency and reducing costs
associated with mechanical equipment.
production line A series of pieces of equip-
ment that are dedicated to the manufacture
of a specific number of products or families.
[ISA-95.00.01-2000]
production rules The information that is
used to instruct a manufacturing operation
how to produce a product. [ISA-95.00.01-
2000]
production unit A set of production equip-
ment that converts, separates, or reacts one
or more feedstocks so as to produce interme-
diate or final products. [ISA-95.00.01-2000]
productivity 1. Production output per unit of
input, such as number of items per labor
man-hour. 2. Generically, the effectiveness
with which labor, materials, and equipment
are used in a production operation.
product segments The shared information
between a plan of resources and a produc-
tion rule for a specific product. Product seg-
ments are a logical grouping of the personnel
resources, equipment resources, and material
specifications that are required to carry out
the production step. [ISA-95.00.01-2000] See
production rules.
products of combustion The gases, vapors,
and solids that result from the combustion of
fuel.
Profibus "Process field bus." A German
national field bus standard (DIN 19245),
operational since 1989, for linking sensors,
actuators, and controllers in an automation
system. It is supported by many companies,
393
half outside Germany. Profibus is based on
OSI 7497.
program 1. A repeatable sequence of actions
that defines the status of outputs as a fixed
relationship to a set of inputs. [ANSI/ISA-
5.1-1984 (R1992)] 2. In data processing, a
series of instructions that tell the computer
how to operate. 3. Any series of actions that
are proposed to achieve a certain result. 4. To
design, write, and test a program. 5. A unit of
work for the central processing unit from the
standpoint of the executive program. See
task.
program address counter Same as location
counter.
program control Descriptive of a system in
which a computer is used to direct an opera-
tion or process and to automatically to hold
or make changes in the operation or process
on the basis of a prescribed sequence of
events.
program controller See controller, program.
program counter A register that contains the
address of the next instruction to be exe-
cuted. After each instruction is executed the
program counter is incremented by 1, unless
a jump is to be carried out in which case the
address of the jump label is entered. See
jump.
program documentation The complete list-
ing of a program's use, content, and installa-
tion.
Program Evaluation and Review Technique
(PERT) A management control tool for
managing complex projects. Project mile-
stones are defined and interrelated, then
progress toward them is measured using a
flowchart or computer. Deviations from the
integrated plan are used to trigger decisions
or preplanned alternative actions so as to
minimize adverse effects on the overall goal.
program generator Computer software that
translates simple statements into program
codes.
program invocation An object in which
domains that have code and data are com-
bined into an executable program. The Pro-
gram Invocation model provides services for
linking domains to a program, to start the
program, and to stop and delete it. [ISA-
TR50.02, Part 9-2000]
program library A collection of available
computer programs and routines.
programmable controller A control device,
normally used in industrial control applica-
tions, that employs the hardware architec-
ture of a computer and a relay ladder
programmable logic controller / proof pressure
diagram language. Also known as program-
mable logic controller (PLC).
programmable logic controller (PLC) 1. A
controller, usually with multiple inputs and
outputs, that contains an alterable program.
[ANSI/ISA-5.1-1984 (R1992)] 2. A microcom-
puter-based control device that is used to
replace relay logic. 3. A solid-state control
system that has a user-programmable mem-
ory for storing instructions for the purpose of
implementing specific functions such as I/O
control, logic, timing, counting, three mode
(PID) control, communication, arithmetic,
and data and file manipulation.
PLC Block Diagram
programmable logic device (PLD) A gen-
eral-purpose integrated circuit that is
designed so that an external device can
change its function.
programmable read-only memory
(PROM) A hardware device that stores
digital words. The computer can read the
contents but cannot modify them.
programmer's console A man-machine inter-
face that consists of various information
entry/retrieval devices arranged as a pack-
aged unit. It is used by the programmer of a
computer control system for a manufactur-
ing process to monitor, modify, and control
the internal behavior of the digital controller.
See also operator's console and process engi-
neer's console.
programming The design, writing, and test-
ing of a program. See convex programming,
dynamic programming, linear programming
(LP), mathematical programming, nonlinear pro-
gramming, quadratic programming, macropro-
gramming, microprogramming, and
multiprogramming.
programming language A language that is
used to prepare computer programs.
programming module A discrete identifi-
able set of instructions that is usually han-
dled as a unit.
programming system A system that consists
of a programming language and a computer
program (the processor) for the purpose of
converting the language into absolute coding
program parameter A parameter that is
incorporated into a subroutine during com-
putation. A program parameter frequently
comprises a word that is stored relative to
either the subroutine or the entry point and
is dealt with by the subroutine during each
reference. The program parameter may be
altered by the routine and/or may vary from
one point of entry to another. Related to
parameter.
program statement A source code instruction
that translates into machine code instruc-
tions.
program storage A portion of the internal
storage that is reserved for storing programs,
routines, and subroutines. In many systems,
protection devices are used to prevent
against the inadvertent alteration of the con-
tents of the program storage. Contrast with
working storage.
program timer A timing device that actuates
a series of switches in a programmed
sequence. [ANSI/ISA-5.1-1984 (R1992)]
project engineering 1. Engineering activities
that are associated with designing and con-
structing a manufacturing or processing
facility. 2. Engineering activities that are
related to a specific objective such as solving
a problem or developing a product.
Prolog "programming in logic." A computer
language created at the University of
Marseilles, France, Prolog is used largely for
artificial intelligence applications as a logic-
oriented language. It arrives at problem solu-
tions by the "reasoning" to the answer. It is
declarative rather than procedural, and solu-
tions are based upon rules put in by the
programmer.
PROM programmer A device that allows
PROMs to be programmed. See programmable
read-only memory (PROM).
prompt In data processing, an instruction
that appears on the CRT screen and then
requests a response from the user.
proof pressure The maximum pressure that
may be applied to the sensing element of a
transducer without changing the trans-
ducer's performance beyond the specified
tolerances. Note 1: In the case of transducers
that are intended to measure a property of
pressurized fluid, proof pressure is applied
394

proof transverse acceleration (static) / proportional pitch
to the portion that is subject to the fluid. 2.
Specifications for differential-pressure trans-
ducers should indicate whether the specified
differential proof pressure is applicable at
ambient or maximum specified reference
pressure, or both. They should also indicate
whether a reverse-differential proof pressure,
at ambient or maximum specified reference
pressure, or both, is additionally applicable.
[ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
proof transverse acceleration (static) The
maximum transverse static acceleration that
can be applied without permanently degrad-
ing performance beyond the specified toler-
ance. [ISA-37.5-1982 (R1995)]
proof transverse acceleration
(vibrational) The maximum transverse
dynamic acceleration(s) over a specified fre-
quency range(s) that can be applied without
permanently degrading performance beyond
the specified tolerances. [ISA-37.5-1982
(R1995)]
propagation delay The time period between
the input of a logic signal to a device and the
moment when a valid output from that sig-
nal occurs at the output of the device.
propagation loss 1. A reduction in amplitude
of the radio telemetry signal as a result of
natural laws of attenuation. 2. The reduction
in amplitude of optical signal in a fiber-optic
cable because of losses associated with scat-
tering, absorption, and reflection.
propeller meter An instrument for measur-
ing the quantity of fluid that flows past a
given point. The flowing stream turns a pro-
peller-like device, and the number of revolu-
tions are directly related to the volume of
fluid passed.
proportional, integral, and derivative 1.
Three-mode controller. 2. A control method
in which the controller output is propor-
tional to the error, its time history, and the
rate at which it is changing. The error is the
difference between the observed and desired
values of the variable that is under control
action. 3. Proportional-plus-integral-plus-
derivative control, which is used in processes
where the controlled variable is affected by
long lag times.
proportional band 1. The change in input
that is required to produce a full-range
change in output as a result of proportional
control action. Note 1: Proportional band is
reciprocally related to proportional gain.
Note 2: It may be stated in input units or as a
percentage of the input span (usually the
indicated or recorded input span). The pre-
ferred term is "proportional gain." See gain,
395
Next Page
proportional. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)] 2.
The amount of deviation of the controlled
variable from the set point that is required to
move the final control element through the
full range (expressed in percentage of span).
3. An expression of the gain of an instrument
(the wider the band, the lower the gain).
Effect of Proportional Band on Valve Opening
proportional control A control mode in
which there is a continual linear relationship
between the deviation computer in the con-
troller, the signal of the controller, and the
position of the final control element.
proportional control action A corrective
action that is proportional to the error. That
is, the change of the manipulated variable is
equal to the gain of the proportional control-
ler multiplied by the error (the activating sig-
nal). See also control action, proportional (P).
proportional controller See controller, propor-
tional (P).
proportional control mode 1. A controller
mode in which the controller output is
directly proportional to the controlled vari-
able error. 2. Proportional control mode pro-
duces an output signal that is proportional to
the magnitude of the input signal. 3. In a con-
trol system, proportional action produces a
value correction that is proportional to the
deviation of the controlled variable from the
set point.
proportional counter An instrument whose
primary element is a radiation counter tube
or chamber that is operated in the range
where the amplitude of each current pulse in
its output is proportional to the energy of the
quantum of radiation that is absorbed.
proportional gain See gain, proportional.
proportional pitch In computer printers, a
typeface in which each character has a differ-
ent width, such as a W versus an I.
Previous Page
proportional-integral-derivative control / protecting tube
proportional-integral-derivative (PID)
control A combination of proportional,
integral and derivative control actions. A
control method in which the controller out-
put is proportional to the error, its time his-
tory, and the rate at which it is changing. The
error is the difference between the observed
and desired values of the variable that is
under control action. Also called
"three-mode control."
Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) Control
proportional-plus-derivative control
action See control action, proportional-plus-
integral (reset) (PI).
proportional-plus-derivative controller See
controller, proportional-plus-derivative (rate)
(PD).
proportional-plus-integral control
action See control action, proportional-plus-
integral (reset) (PI).
proportional-plus-integral controller See
controller, proportional-plus-integral (reset)(PI).
proportional-plus-integral plus derivative
control action See control action, propor-
tional-plus-integral (rate)-plus derivative (reset)
(PID).
proportional-plus-integral-plus derivative
controller See controller, proportional-plus-
integral (reset)-plus-derivative (rate) (PID).
proportional-plus-rate control action See
control action, proportional-plus-derivative
(rate)(PD).
proportional-plus-rate controller See control-
ler, proportional-plus-derivative (rate) (PD).
proportional-plus-reset control action See
control action, proportional-plus-integral (reset)
(PI).
proportional-plus-reset control A mode of
control in which there is a continuous linear
("proportional") relation between the value
of the controlled variable and the position of
the final control element. There is also an
additional change ("reset") in the position of
the final control element based on both the
amount and duration of the change in the
controlled variable. Same as PI control.
396
proportional-plus-reset controller See con-
troller, proportional-plus-integral (reset)(PI).
proportional-plus-reset-plus-rate control
action See control action, proportional-plus-
integral (reset)-plus-derivative (rate) (PID).
proportional-plus-reset-plus-rate
control Same as PID control.
proportional-plus-reset-plus-rate
controller See controller, proportional-plus-
integral (reset)-plus-derivative (rate) (PID).
proportional-position action A type of con-
trol-system response where the position of
the final control element has a continuous
linear relation to the value of the controlled
variable.
proportional region The range of operating
voltage of a radiation counter tube. The gas
amplification factor is greater than 1 (usually
about 103 to 105), and the output current
pulse is proportional to the number of ions
produced by the primary ionizing event,
which in turn is proportional to the energy of
the radiation quantum absorbed.
proportional speed floating controller See
controller, integral (reset) (I).
proportioning probe A probe used in leak
testing in which the ratio of air to tracer gas
can be changed without changing the
amount of flow transmitted to the detector.
proprietary system A system that operates
only according to the methods, standards,
and protocols of the manufacturer. It cannot
be interchanged with or communicate
devices or systems made by other manufac-
turers.
PROSPRO A process-oriented language
from IBM.
protected location A computer storage loca-
tion that is reserved for special purposes.
Data cannot be stored here without undergo-
ing a screening procedure to establish its
suitability for storage therein. A protected
location may be indicated by a set guard bit.
protecting tube 1. A tube designed to enclose
a temperature-sensing device and protect it
from the deleterious effects of the environ-
ment. Though it may provide for attachment
to a connection head it is not primarily
designed for pressure-tight attachment to a
vessel. A bushing or flange may be provided
so a protecting tube can be attached to a ves-
sel. [ANSI-MC96.1] 2. A closed-end tube that
surrounds the measuring junction of a ther-
mocouple and protects it from physical dam-
age, corrosion, or thermochemical
interaction with the medium whose temper-
ature is being measured. Also known as a
thermowell.
 protection layer / proximity detector
protection layer Engineered safety features
or protective systems or layers that typically
involve special process designs, process
equipment, administrative procedures, the
Basic Process Control System (BPCS), and/or
planned responses to protect against an
imminent hazard. These responses may be
either automated or initiated by human
actions. [ANSI/ISA-84.01-1996]
protection, type of The specific measures
that are applied to electrical apparatuses to
avoid igniting a surrounding explosive
atmosphere. Examples of such types are
those labeled "e" and "n.". [ISA-12.01.01-
1999]
protective bonding An electrical connection
made of accessible conductive parts and/or
of protective screening to provide electrical
continuity to the connecting component of
an external protective conductor. [ANSI/
ISA-82.02.01-1999 (IEC 1010-1 Mod)]
protective component As applied to intrin-
sic safety, a protective component is one that
is so unlikely to become defective in a way
that will lower the intrinsic safety of the cir-
cuit that it is considered not subject to fault
when analyses or tests for intrinsic safety are
made. [ISA-12.01.01-1999]
protective conductor terminal A terminal
that is bonded to the conductive parts of an
equipment for safety purposes and that is
intended to be connected to an external pro-
tective earthing system. [ANSI/ISA-82.02.01-
1999 (IEC 1010-1 Mod)]
protective gas 1. The gas that is used for pres-
surization or for the dilution of flammable
gases to a level well below their lower explo-
sive limit, usually below 25 percent LFL/
LEL. The protective gas may be air, nitrogen,
other nonflammable gas, or a mixture of such
gases. [ISA-12.01.01-1999] 2. The gas that is
used to maintain pressurization or to dilute a
flammable gas or vapor. [ISA-RP12.4-1996]
protective gas supply The compressor,
blower, or compressed gas container that
provides the protective gas at a positive pres-
sure. The supply includes inlet (suction)
pipes or ducts, pressure regulators, outlet
pipes or ducts, and any supply valves that
are not adjacent to the pressurized enclosure.
[ISA-RP12.4-1996]
protective impedance A component, assem-
bly of components, or a current- or voltage-
limiting device combined with basic insula-
tion. The impedance, construction, and reli-
ability of these are such that when they are
connected between parts that are hazardous
live and to accessible conductive parts, the
397
protective impedance provides protection to
the extent required by this standard in nor-
mal and single-fault condition. [ANSI/ISA-
82.02.01-1999 (IEC 1010-1 Mod)]
protective liquid A mineral oil that conforms
to IEC 296 and ASTM D3487, or an alterna-
tive liquid that meets the requirements speci-
fied in ANSI/ISA-12.16.01-1998 (IEC 60079-6
MOD). [ANSI/ISA-12.16.01-1998 (IEC 60079-
6 MOD)]
protective logic circuits Logic circuits that
are designed to prevent damage to equip-
ment by related system equipment malfunc-
tions, failure, or operator errors. [ANSI/ISA-
77.42.01-1999]
protocol A set of rules and formats that
determine the communications behavior of
an entity.
protocol analyzer A device or software appli-
cation that enables the user to analyze the
performance of network data so as to ensure
that the network and its associated hard-
ware/software are operating within network
specifications.
protocol converter A device that converts
from one protocol to another.
protocol data analyzer An instrument that
decodes and monitors data traffic and emu-
lates data transmission/communication
equipment on a communications line.
protocol data unit (PDU) Each of the seven
OSI layers accepts data (SDUs) from the
layer above, adds its own header (PCI), and
passes the data to the layer below as a PDU.
Conversely, each of the layers also accepts
data from the layer below, strips off its
header, and passes it up to the layer above.
proton An elementary atomic particle of
mass number 1 and a positive charge that is
equal in magnitude but opposite in sign to
the charge on an electron.
prototype A preproduction model that is
suitable for evaluating a product's design,
functionality, operability, and form, but not
necessarily its durability and reliability.
proving Determining flowmeter perfor-
mance by establishing the relationship
between the volume actually passed through
the meter and the volume indicated by the
meter.
PROWAY-LAN A standard for a process con-
trol highway. ANSI/ISA-72.01-1985 specifies
the elements that are required to interconnect
stations by way of a LAN using the token
bus access method in industrial environ-
ments.
proximity detector A sensor that produces an
electric signal when the distance from the
proximity switch / pulsating flow
sensor to another object is less than a prede-
termined value.
proximity switch A device that senses the
presence or absence of an object without
physical contact and activates or deactivates
an electrical circuit as a result.
PRP Potentially responsible party. Under the
Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act, an individ-
ual, group, or organization who is legally lia-
ble in the United States for cleaning up
National Priorities List sites.
PSAP address The fully qualified network
address that is used to access application
entities.
pseudo code A code that must be translated
before it is executed.
pseudo instruction 1. A symbolic representa-
tion in a compiler or interpreter. 2. A group
of characters that have the same general
form as a computer instruction, but are never
executed by the computer as an actual
instruction. Synonymous with "quasi
instruction."
pseudo operations A group of instructions
that perform no application-related function
though they are part of a program. They gen-
erally provide information to the assembler.
pseudoplastic A material that exhibits flow
(permanent deformation) at all values of
shear stress. In most cases, however, the flow
that occurs below some specific value (an
apparent yield stress) is low and increases
negligibly as stress increases.
pseudo random The property of satisfying
one or more of the standard criteria for statis-
tical randomness though produced by a defi-
nite calculation process.
pseudo random number sequence A
sequence of numbers determined by some
defined arithmetic process. They are that is
satisfactorily random for a given purpose,
such as by satisfying one or more of the stan-
dard statistical tests for randomness. Such a
sequence may approximate any one of sev-
eral statistical distributions, such as uniform
distribution or normal (Gaussian) distribu-
tion.
pseudo variable A variable that must be
manipulated before calculation or processing
occurs.
PSM Process Safety and Management. An
OSHA standard that covers more than 130
specific toxic, reactive, and hazardous chemi-
cals in various threshold quantities.
psophometer An instrument for measuring
noise in electric circuits. Its output is exactly
one-half of the psophometric emf in a circuit
398
when it is connected across a 600-ohm resis-
tance in the circuit.
psychrometer A device, used for determin-
ing relative humidity, that consists of two
thermometers, one of which is covered with
a water-saturated wick. For a given set of
wet-bulb and dry-bulb temperature read-
ings, relative humidity is read from a chart.
Also known as a "wet-and-dry-bulb ther-
mometer."
Recording Psychrometer
PTC Positive Temperature Coefficient. A
"PTC resistor (thermistor)" will make a large,
abrupt change in resistance when an over-
current or high temperature heats it above a
specific point. It will thereby effectively
"switch off" or, in reality, act like a solid-state
fuse.
PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon). Used
in the packing of valves to keep emissions
below the EPA standard level.
PTO PROFIBUS Trade Organization. The
North American sister group of PNO, PTO is
dedicated to promoting the German stan-
dard (DIN 19245) as the worldwide protocol
for industrial automation.
p-type semiconductor A semiconductor
material that has been doped with an ele-
ment that has a deficiency of electrons. See n-
type semiconductor.
public network A network that is operated
by common carriers or telecommunications
administrations so as to provide circuit-
switched, packet-switched, and leased-line
circuits to the public.
public switched network Any system that
provides circuit switching to many custom-
ers.
puff A minor combustion explosion within
the boiler furnace or setting.
pulsating current A unidirectional current
whose magnitude alternately rises and falls
in a regularly recurring pattern.
pulsating flow 1. Irregular or repeating vari-
ations in fluid flow. They are often due to
pressure variations in reciprocating pumps
or compressors in the system. 2. A flow rate
 pulsating pressure / pulse-interval modulation
that varies with time, but for which the mean
flow rate is constant when it is obtained over
a sufficiently long period of time.
pulsating pressure A pressure whose magni-
tude alternately rises and falls in a regularly
recurring pattern, and whose variation
exceeds 1 percent per second, or 5 percent
per minute, of the scale on the measuring
instrument.
pulsation Rapid fluctuations in furnace pres-
sure.
pulsation d a m p e n e r A device that is
installed in a gas or liquid piping system to
smooth out fluctuations caused by pulsating
flow a n d / o r pressure.
Pulsation Dampeners
pulse 1. A variation of a signal whose magni-
tude is normally constant. This variation is
characterized by a rise and a decay and has a
finite duration. [ISA-26-1968] 2. A significant
and sudden change of short duration in the
level of an electrical variable, usually volt-
age. 3. A regular or intermittent variation in a
normally constant quantity that is character-
ized by a relatively rapid rise and subse-
quent decay within a finite time period.
pulse a m p l i t u d e modulation (PAM) The
process (or the results of the process) in
which a series of pulses is generated whose
amplitudes are proportional to the measured
signal samples.
pulse-averaging discriminator In an FM sys-
tem, a subcarrier demodulator that uses the
width of each cycle of the subcarrier to
derive a data output.
pulse code 1. A code in which sets of pulses
have been assigned particular meanings. 2.
The binary representations of characters. 3. A
series of energy pulses, or a pulse train, that
is modulated in accordance with a data sig-
nal. 4. Generally, any data transmission
scheme that utilizes pulsed energy to encode
the transmitted values.
pulse code modulation (PCM) 1. The process
of sampling a signal and encoding the height
399
or amplitude of each sample into a series of
uniform pulses. 2. In telemetry, serial data
transmission (generally, a series of
binary-coded words).
pulse-counting m o d u l e A device that counts
and stores a number of high- or low-speed
pulse channels and transmits their status to
the computer upon command.
pulse count telemetering A method of trans-
milting information that involves an "off-
o n " switching signal whose number of signal
pulses per unit time represents the transmit-
ted value.
pulse decay time The time between the
instant when the amplitude of a pulse begins
to drop from a specified upper limit and the
instant when it reaches a specified lower
limit.
pulse dialing An older form of phone dialing
that utilizes breaks in DC current to indicate
the number being dialed.
pulse discriminator A device that detects
pulses that have defined characteristics.
pulse duration The time between the instant
when the amplitude of a pulse reaches some
specified fraction of its peak value as it rises
and the instant it passes through the same
fraction as it falls.
pulse duration modulation (PDM) The pro-
cess of sampling a signal and encoding each
sample into a series of pulses whose duration
or widths are proportional to the amplitude
of the sample.
pulse duty factor The ratio of average pulse
duration to average pulse spacing.
pulse-forming network Electrical circuitry
that is used to generate high-voltage pulses
of particular shapes and to modify the
shapes of the pulses generated by other
sources.
pulse generator An instrument that produces
pulses either at baseband or as bursts of RF
energy.
pulse-height discriminator An electronic cir-
cuit that selects and passes only those volt-
age pulses that exceed a given minimum
amplitude.
pulse-height selector An electronic circuit
that selects and passes only those voltage
pulses whose peak amplitudes are within a
specific range of values.
pulse input In process control systems, a
type of input that is used to measure pulse or
tachometer-type signals (speed, rpm, fre-
quency, etc.).
pulse-interval modulation A modulation of
a pulsed carrier wave in which the time
pulse mode / purge interlock
interval between pulses is varied in accor-
dance with the modulating signal.
pulse mode A type of sequential circuit in
which inputs are nonperiodic pulses, as
opposed to the logic levels that are used in
conjunction with clock pulses (clock mode).
pulse modulation 1. The modulation of a car-
rier wave by a pulsed modulating wave. 2.
The modulation of one or more attributes of
a pulsed carrier wave.
pulse motor See stepping motor.
pulse-position modulation A form of
pulse-time modulation in which the position
in time of a pulse varies in accordance with
some attribute of the modulating wave.
pulse repeater An electronic device that
receives pulses from one circuit and trans-
mits them into another circuit. It may or may
not alter the frequency and waveform of the
pulses.
pulse repetition frequency The rate at which
pulses are repeated in a periodic pulse train.
pulse repetition period The reciprocal of
pulse repetition frequency. See pulse repetition
frequency.
pulse repetition rate 1. The average rate at
which pulses are repeated, whether or not
the pulse train is periodic. 2. The number of
electric pulses per unit of time that is experi-
enced by a point in a computer. The pulse
repetition rate is usually the maximum, nor-
mal, or standard pulse rate.
pulse rise time The time between the instant
when the amplitude of a pulse reaches some
specified fraction of its peak value and the
instant when it reaches some specified
higher fraction. Unless otherwise stated, the
two fractions are taken to be 10 percent and
90 percent.
pulse spacing The average time interval
between corresponding locations on the
waveforms of consecutive pulses.
pulse spectrum The frequency distribution of
a series of sine waves that can be combined
to yield a given periodic pulse train.
pulse spreading The dispersion of an optical
signal over time as it propagates through an
optical fiber.
pulse switch A switch that provides one
pulse of electric current for each cycle of
operation.
pulse telemetering Any system for transmit-
ting information in terms of electric pulses
that are independent of electrical variations
in the transmission channel. They can be
classified as "pulse duration," "pulse count,"
or "pulse code systems."
400
pulse-time modulation The modulation of a
pulsed carrier wave in which the time of
occurrence of some specific point on each
pulse waveform is varied from the unmodu-
lated value in accordance with a modulating
signal.
pulse transformer A type of transformer that
is designed to convert an AC input signal
into a pulsed output signal.
pulse width modulation Output that takes
the form of a duty cycle that varies as a func-
tion of an applied measurand. [ISA-26-1968]
pump A machine that draws fluid into itself
through an inlet and forces the fluid out
through an exit port, often at higher pressure
than at the inlet.
pump drive control A control component of
the final device that translates a control sys-
tem demand signal into an electronic,
hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical signal
that affects pump speed. [ANSI/ISA-
77.42.01-1999]
punched card A durable paper-board card in
which patterned punched holes can be read
by a computer.
pure code A computer code that is never
modified during execution. It is possible to
allow many users to share the same copy of
programs that are written as pure code.
purge 1. The action of increasing the sample
flow above normal for the purpose of replac-
ing current sample-line fluid or removing
deposited or trapped materials. [ISA-
67.02.01-1999] 2. To cause a liquid or gas to
flow from an independent source into the
impulse line(s). 3. To introduce air into the
furnace and the boiler's flue passages in such
a volume and manner as to completely
replace the air or gas-air mixture contained
therein.
purge, pre-ignition An acceptable method of
scavenging the furnace and boiler passes so
as to remove all combustible gases before the
ignition system can be energized.
purged packing box A packing arrangement
that consists of a lantern ring inside the pack-
ing rings. This permits a purge fluid to be
introduced in order to continually flush the
space between the stem and body. A purged
packing box is usually used to purge, admit
cooling fluid, or detect stem seal leakage.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
purge interlock A device that is arranged so
that an air flow to a furnace must be above a
minimum value for a definite time interval
before the interlocking system will permit
the automatic ignition torch to be placed in
operation.

purge meter A device that is designed to
measure small flow rates of liquids and gases
that are used for purging measurement pip-
ing.
purge post An acceptable method of scav-
enging the furnace and boiler passes to
remove all combustible gases after flame fail-
ure controls have sensed the shutdown of the
pilot and main burner and after safety shut-
off valves are closed.
purging 1. In a pressurized enclosure, the oper-
ation of passing a quantity of protective gas
through the enclosure and ducts so that the
concentration of the explosive gas atmo-
sphere is brought to a safe level. [ISA-
12.01.01-1999; ISA-RP12.4-1996] 2. The elimi-
nation of an undesirable gas or material from
an enclosure by displacing the undesirable
material with an acceptable gas or material.
purging Type X In the United States and
Canada, a method for reducing the classifica-
tion within an enclosure from Division 1 to
nonhazardous (unclassified). [ANSI/ISA-
12.01.01-1999]
purging Type Y In the United States and
Canada, a method for reducing the classifica-
tion within an enclosure from Division 1 to
Division 2. [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999]
purging Type Z In the United States and
Canada, a method for reducing the classifica-
tion within an enclosure from Division to
nonhazardous. [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999]
purity The degree to which a substance is
free of foreign materials.
push button A momentary manual switch
that causes a change from one sequence state
to another. Push-button actions include
silence, acknowledge, reset, first out reset,
and test. [ANSI/ISA-18.1-1979 (R1992)]
pushbutton timer A timer that has a momen-
tary start switch to begin timing action.
push-down list A list that is constructed and
maintained so that the next item to be
retrieved is the most recently stored item in
the list. In other words, that is last-in,
first-out.
push-up list A list that is constructed and
maintained so the next item to be retrieved
and removed is the oldest item still in the list.
In other words, that is first-in, first-out. See
list.
PVC Polyvinyl chloride. Frequently used for
cable covering and instrument enclosures,
PVC offers good high-temperature resistance
with high-impact strength as well as good
overall chemical resistance. It can be
adversely affected by ultraviolet and cold
temperature impact. PVC is appropriate for
401
purge meter / pyrometer
indoor, light-duty applications. However, it
produces toxic fumes when it burns. Com-
pare with plenum-rated cable.
PV tracking A control arrangement in which
the set point automatically tracks the process
variable when the controller is in manual.
pycnometer A container of precisely known
volume that is used to determine the density
of a liquid by weighing the filled container
and dividing the weight by the known vol-
ume. Also spelled "pyknometer."
pyranometer An instrument that is used to
measure the combined intensity of direct
solar radiation and diffuse sky radiation.
Also known as "solarimeter."
pyrgeometer An instrument for measuring
the radiation from the earth's surface into
space.
pyrheliometer An instrument for measuring
the intensity of direct solar radiation only.
pyroelectric detectors Detectors of visible,
infrared, and ultraviolet radiation that rely
on the absorption of radiation by pyroelectric
materials. Heating such materials by the
absorbed radiation produces electric charges
on opposite sides of the crystal. These
charges can be measured to determine
changes in the amount of radiation incident
on the detector. These detectors usually also
exhibit piezoelectric properties and may
need to be isolated from acoustic or accelera-
tion phenomena.
pyrometer Any of a broad class of tempera-
ture-measuring instruments or devices. The
term originally applied only to devices for
measuring temperatures well above room
temperature, but now it applies to devices
for measuring temperatures in almost any
range. Some typical pyrometers include ther-
mocouples, radiation pyrometers, resistance
pyrometers, and thermistors, but usually not
thermometers. A pyrometer is a temperature
transducer that measures temperatures by
the electromagnetic radiation emitted by an
object, which is a function of the tempera-
ture.
 QAD Quarter amplitude
Q
damping. A method
espoused by Ziegler and
Nichols for tuning PID loop
response to a step change.
QC teams "Quality Con-
trol teams." A management
technique of Statistical
Quality Control (SQC) in which employees
implement SQC.
QED Quod erat demonstrandum. A Latin
expression meaning "that is what has been
demonstrated."
Q factor 1. The ratio of the energy stored in a
resonant circuit to the energy dissipated per
radian. 2. A rating factor for electronic com-
ponents such as coils, capacitors, and reso-
nant circuits that equals reactance divided by
resistance. 3. In a periodically repeating
mechanical, electrical, or electromagnetic
process, the ratio of energy stored to energy
dissipated per cycle.
QFD "Quality function deployment." A dis-
cipline for synchronizing and optimizing
fabrication and assembly techniques.
Q meter A direct-reading instrument that
measures the "Q" (quality factor) of an elec-
tric circuit at radio frequencies by determin-
ing the ratio of inductance to resistance. Also
known as "quality-factor meter."
Q-switch An optical device that changes the
"Q" (quality factor) of a laser cavity. This is
typically done by raising it from a value
below the laser's threshold to one well above
that threshold. This technique produces a
short, intense pulse, known as a "Q-switched
pulse." Q-switches can be based on
acousto-optic or electro-optic devices, rotat-
ing mirrors, frustrated internal reflection, or
saturation of absorption in a dye.
quadrant detectors Detectors that are
divided up into four angularly symmetric
sectors or quadrants. The amounts of radia-
tion that are incident on each quadrant can
be compared to one another for such applica-
tions as ensuring that a beam is centered on
the detector.
quadrant-edged orifice An orifice that has a
rounded contour at the inlet edge in order to
yield a more constant and predictable dis-
charge coefficient at low-flow velocity (Rey-
nolds number less than 10,000).
quadratic programming In operations
research, a particular case of nonlinear pro-
gramming in which the function to be maxi- 403
mized or minimized as well as the
constraints are quadratic functions of the
controllable variables. Contrast with convex
programming, dynamic programming, linear
programming, and mathematical programming.
quadrupole mass spectrometer A type of
mass spectrometer that employs a filter con-
sisting of four conductive rods. The rods are
electrically connected in such a way that, by
varying the absolute potential applied to the
rods, all ions except those possessing a spe-
cific mass-to-charge ratio are prevented from
entering the detector.
quad-slope converter An integrating ana-
log-to-digital converter (ADC) that goes
through two cycles of dual slope conversion,
once with zero input and once with the ana-
log input being measured.
qualification protocol In process validation,
a prospective experimental plan that, when
executed, is intended to produce docu-
mented evidence that a system or subsystem
has been properly qualified.
qualified 1. Competent, suited, or meeting
the requirements for a specific position or
task. 2. To declare competent or capable.
qualified person An individual who is famil-
iar with the construction and operation of the
equipment and the hazards in question.
[ISA-12.01.01-1999;ANSI/ISA-RP12.6-1995]
qualitative methods Methods of design and
evaluation that are developed through expe-
rience and/or the application of good engi-
neering judgment. [ANSI/ISA-84.01-1996]
quality From the ISO 9000 standard, the total
features and characteristics of a product or
service that bear upon its ability to satisfy
stated or implied needs.
quality assurance A set of systematic actions
that are intended to provide confidence that
a product or service will continually fulfill a
defined need.
quality control (QC) A set of systematic
actions that make it possible to measure sig-
nificant characteristics of a product or service
and to control those characteristics within
established limits.
quality loop From the ISO 9000 standard, a
conceptual model of the interacting activities
that influence the quality of a product or ser-
vice in various stages. These range from the
identification of needs to the assessment of
whether these needs have been satisfied.
quality plan From the ISO 9000 standard, a
document that sets out the specific quality
practices, resources, and sequence of activi-
ties that are relevant to a particular product,
service contract, or project.
quality policy From the ISO 9000 standard,
the overall quality intentions and direction of
quality surveillance / queuing theory
an organization with respect to quality as
formally expressed by top management.
quality surveillance From the ISO 9000 stan-
dard, the continued monitoring and verifica-
tion of the status of procedures, methods,
conditions, processes, products, and services.
Quality surveillance also includes the analy-
sis of records in relation to stated references
so as to ensure that specified requirements
for quality are being met.
quality system From the ISO 9000 standard,
the organizational structure, responsibilities,
procedures, processes, and resources for
implementing quality management.
quality system review From the ISO 9000
standard, the formal evaluation by top man-
agement of the status and adequacy of a
quality system in relation to the organiza-
tion's quality policy and any new objectives
resulting from changing circumstances.
quantitative methods Methods of design and
evaluation that are based on numerical data
and mathematical analysis. [ANSI/ISA-
84.01-1996]
quantity meter A flowmeter in which the
flow is separated into known isolated quanti-
ties. These quantities are separately counted
in order to determine the total volume
passed through the meter.
quantization The subdivision of the range of
values of a variable into a finite number of
nonoverlapping, and not necessarily equal,
subranges or intervals. These subranges or
intervals are each represented by an assigned
value within the subrange. For example, a
person's age is quantized for most purposes
with the quantum of one year.
quantization distortion The inherent distor-
tion that is introduced when a range of val-
ues for a wave attribute is divided into a
series of smaller subranges.
quantization level A particular subrange for
a quantized wave, or its corresponding sym-
bol.
quantize To convert information from an
analog pulse (as from a multiplexer) into a
digital representation of that pulse. See
encoder.
quantized pulse modulation A pulse modu-
lation in which either the carrier wave or the
modulating wave is quantized. See quantize.
quantizing interval The smallest change in
the input signal to a quantizing device that
causes a change in the quantized representa-
tion of the input signal. [ISA-RP55.1-1975
(R1983)]
quantum efficiency In a photodiode, the
ratio of primary carriers (electron hole pairs)
404
created to incident photons. A quantum effi-
ciency of 70 percent means seven out of ten
incident photons create a carrier.
quantum noise Noise caused by the discrete
nature of light, that is, its quantization into
photons.
quarter amplitude A process-control tuning
criterion in which the amplitude of the devi-
ation (error) of the controlled variable, fol-
lowing a disturbance, is cyclic. The result is
that the amplitude of each peak is one quar-
ter of the previous peak. Also known as
"quarter-decay ratio." This is the criterion for
Ziegler-Nichols tuning. See Ziegler-Nichols
method.
quarter-wave plate A polarization retarder
that causes the light of one linear polariza-
tion to be retarded by one quarter wave-
length (90°) relative to the orthogonal
polarization.
quartz A natural transparent form of silica
that may be marketed in its natural crystal-
line state or crushed and remelted to form
fused quartz.
quasi instruction Same as pseudo instruction.
query A request for data that is initiated
while a computer program is running.
query language A means of getting informa-
tion from a database without having to write
a program.
queue 1. A waiting line that is caused by tem-
porary delays in providing service. 2. In data
processing, a waiting list of programs to be
run next. 3. Any list of items. For example,
items waiting to be scheduled or processed
according to system- or user-assigned priori-
ties are said to be "in queue."
queue control block (QCB) A control block
that is used to regulate the sequential use of a
programmer-defined facility among tasks
requesting such use.
queued access method Any access method
that automatically synchronizes the transfer
of data between the program using the
access method and the input/output devices.
By synchronizing, this method eliminates
delays for input/output operations.
queuing An ordered progression of items
into and through a system or process, espe-
cially when there is waiting time at the point
of entry.
queuing discipline The rules or priorities for
forming queues within a system of "custom-
ers" and "servers" as well as the rules for
arrival time and service time.
queuing theory A form of probability theory
that is useful when studying delays or line-
ups at servicing points.
 Quevenne scale / QWERTY

Quevenne scale A specific-gravity scale that

is used to determine the density of milk. A
difference of 1° Quevenne is equivalent to a
difference of 0.001 in specific gravity, and
therefore 20° Quevenne expresses a specific
gravity of 1.020.
quick-look Essentially, an "instant replay" of
data, generally at the same rate at which it
was recorded.
quick-opening characteristic An inherent
flow characteristic in which a maximum flow
coefficient is achieved with minimal travel of
the closure member travel. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
quick-opening valve A control valve with a
trim characteristic that is designed to pro-
duce large flow capacity with a small
amount of valve opening.
quick return A device that makes the return
stroke of a reciprocating machine element
faster than the power stroke.
QWERTY The first alphabetic characters (the
second row of keys) of a standard typewriter
keyboard. Identifies a more or less univer-
sally accepted de facto computer keyboard
layout for the alphabetic portion of the key
positions. Contrasted with keyboard layouts
in which the keys are positioned alphabetical
order or, more commonly, in an arrangement
that facilitates the fastest typing speed.

405
Previous Page
relative flow rate error / relocatable
relative flow rate error The margin of the
variation between design flow rate and
actual flow rate for a given valve opening.
relative gain An open-loop gain that is deter-
mined with all other manipulated variables
constant, divided by the same gain as deter-
mined with all other controlled variables
constant. The relative gain array (RGA) of a
process provides a quantitative measure of
loop interactions. The illustration shows an
array for a process with four manipulated
and four controlled variables.
Relative Gain Matrix
relative humidity 1. The ratio (expressed as a
percentage) of the partial pressure of water
vapor contained in the air at a given temper-
ature and pressure to the maximum partial
pressure of water vapor that could be present
at the same temperature under saturated
conditions. [ANSI/ISA-7.0.01-1996] 2. The
ratio of the weight of the water vapor present
in a unit volume of gas to the maximum pos-
sible weight of the water vapor in unit vol-
ume of the same gas at the same temperature
and pressure.
relative luminosity The ratio of measured
luminosity at a particular wavelength to
measured luminosity at the wavelength of
maximum luminosity.
relative response The ratio of the response of
a device or system under some specific con-
dition to its response under stated reference
conditions.
relative travel (h) The ratio of the travel at a
given opening to the rated travel. [ISA-75.11-
1985(R1997);ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
relative wind The velocity of airflow with
respect to a specific stationary or moving
body, neglecting any localized disturbances
caused by the presence of the body in the air-
stream.
relaxation A decrease in stress over time at
constant strain.
relaxation oscillator A device that generates
a periodic nonsinusoidal electrical signal by
gradually storing electrical energy and then
rapidly releasing it.
420
relay 1. A device whose function is to pass on
information in an unchanged form or in
some modified form. Relay is often misused
to mean "computing device." The term relay
refers specifically to an electric, pneumatic,
or hydraulic switch that is actuated by a sig-
nal as well as to functions performed by a
relay. [ANSI/ISA-5.1-1984 (R1992)] 2. An
electromechanical device that completes or
interrupts an electrical circuit by physically
moving conductive contacts, or a solid-state
switching device that performs the same
function with no moving parts.
Relays
relay-operated controlled A control system
or device in which the signal that operates
the final control element or device is pro-
duced by supplementing the energy from the
primary control element with energy from
another source.
relay rack See rack.
reliability 1. The probability that a device
will perform its objective adequately, for the
period of time specified, under the operating
conditions specified. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)] 2. The probability that a system can
perform a defined function under stated con-
ditions for a given period of time. [ANSI/
ISA-84.01-1996]
relief Clearance around the cutting edge of a
tool, provided by tapering or contouring the
adjacent surfaces.
relief valve (safety) An automatic pressure-
relieving device that is actuated by the pres-
sure upstream of the valve. It is characterized
by an opening pop action accompanied by a
further increase in lift as pressure increases
over popping pressure.
relief valve A device that is used to protect
piping and components from overpressure.
relocatable A program that can be moved
about and located in any part of a system
memory without affecting its execution.
 relocatable coding / repeatability
relocatable coding Absolute coding that con-
tains relative addresses. When this coding is
derelativized it may be loaded into any por-
tion of a computer's programmable memory
and will execute the given action properly.
The loader program normally performs the
derelativization.
relocate In programming, to move a routine
from one portion of storage to another and to
adjust the necessary address references so
that that routine, in its new location, can be
executed.
relocation dictionary The part of an object or
load module that identifies all relocatable
address constants in the module.
reluctance The resistance of a substance to
the passage of magnetic lines of force. Reluc-
tance is the reciprocal of magnetic permeabil-
ity. Also known as "magnetic resistance."
reluctive When used as a third modifier as
per ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982), reluctive refers to
converting a change of measurand into an
AC voltage change by changing the reluc-
tance path between two or more coils or sep-
arated portions of one coil when AC
excitation is applied to the coil(s). Note:
Included among reluctive transducers are
those that employ differential-transformer,
inductance-bridge, and synchro elements.
[ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
reluctive pressure transducer A type of pres-
sure sensor in which a moving armature
attached to a pressure-sensitive element var-
ies the reluctance of a magnetic circuit—
either a permanent magnet or an electromag-
net—thus producing an output current in a
measuring coil.
remedial maintenance The maintenance that
is performed following equipment failure, as
required, on an unscheduled basis. Contrast
with preventive maintenance (PM).
remote In data processing, descriptive of any
devices not located near the main computer.
remote access Pertaining to the communica-
tion with a data processing facility by one or
more stations that are distant from that facil-
ity.
remote control The operation of a mecha-
nism from a point some distance away by
means of electronic or electrical signals that
are transmitted by a radio, cable, or other
means to servo units mounted on the mecha-
nism.
remote logic annunciator An annunciator
that locates visual displays and sequence
logic circuits in separate assemblies. [ANSI/
ISA-18.1-1979 (R1992)]
421
remote manipulation The use of electrome-
chanical or hydromechanical equipment to
enable a person to perform manual opera-
tions while remaining some distance from
the work location. It is usually used for han-
dling radioactive or otherwise hazardous
materials.
remote processing unit (RPU) A field station
consisting of input/output circuitry and the
main processor. These devices measure ana-
log and discrete inputs, convert these inputs
into engineering units, perform analog and
logical calculations (including control calcu-
lations) on the inputs, and provide both ana-
log and discrete (digital) outputs.
remote sensing The action of detecting, mea-
suring, indicating, or recording information
without actual contact between the instru-
ment and the point of observation—as in
optical pyrometry.
repair 1. The act of restoring an item to ser-
viceable condition following a failure or mal-
function. 2. Narrowly, the act of restoring an
item to serviceable condition but not exactly
to original design specifications.
repeatability 1. The ability of a transducer to
reproduce output readings when the same
measurand value is applied to it consecu-
tively under the same conditions and in the
same direction. Note: Repeatability is
expressed as the maximum difference
between output readings. It is expressed as
"within [number] percent of full-scale out-
put." Two calibration cycles are used to
determine repeatability unless otherwise
specified. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)] 2. The
closeness of agreement among a number of
consecutive measurements of the output for
the same value of the input under the same
operating conditions and approaching from
the same direction, for full-range traverses.
[ANSI/ISA-67.04.01-2000;ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000] Repeatability is usually mea-
sured as a nonrepeatability and expressed as
repeatability in percentage of span. It does
not include hysteresis. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)] 3. In data processing, repeatabilityis
normally considered to be a measurement of
performance made over a very short period
of time, short enough so that the gain and
offset instabilities of system components are
of no significance. In terms of the distribu-
tion of readings, repeatability is a measure of
the maximum deviation of the readings from
the mean value of the distribution. [ISA-
RP55.1-1975 (R1983); ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-
2000]
repeater / reset deadband (DB)
repeater 1. A device that is used to extend the
range over which signals can be correctly
transmitted and received for a given
medium. [ANSI/ISA-50.02, Part 2-1992] 2. In
digital transmission, equipment that receives
a pulse train, amplifies it, retimes it, and then
reconstructs the signal for retransmission so
as to extend the distance between stations. 3.
In fiber optics, a device that decodes a low-
power light signal, converts it into electrical
energy, and then retransmits it via LED or
laser light source.
replacement in kind A replacement that sat-
isfies the design specification. [ANSI/ISA-
84.01-1996]
replicate To imitate the reference plant in
such a way as to copy hardware, processes,
and data but not to the point of making sub-
stitution possible. [ANSI/ISA-77.20-1993]
replicated optics Optical components that
are formed by transferring a master pattern
to a roughly machined substrate, using an
epoxy layer to form a final optical surface.
The epoxy layer is then coated with a reflec-
tive layer to form the final component. The
process makes it possible to mass produce
complex surfaces much less expensively than
through conventional polishing techniques.
report by exception A method for rapidly
reporting information in large process con-
trol communication systems by only commu-
nicating data that change or indicating
anomalies rather than reporting everything.
report generator A computer program that
gives a less experienced user the ability to
create reports from various files.
reproducibility 1. In process instrumenta-
tion, the closeness of agreement among
repeated measurements of the output for the
same value of input made under the same
operating conditions over a period of time,
approaching from both directions. [ANSI/
ISA-75.05.01-2000] Note 1: Reproducibility is
usually measured as a nonreproducibility
and expressed as reproducibility in percent-
age of span for a specified time period. Nor-
mally, this implies a long period of time, but
under certain conditions the period may be a
short time during which drift may not be
included. Note 2: Reproducibility includes
hysteresis, dead band, drift, and repeatabil-
ity. See repeatability. Note 3: Between
repeated measurements, the input may vary
over the range, and operating conditions
may vary within normal operating condi-
tions. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)] 2. The
ability of an instrument to duplicate, with
exactness, measurements of a given value.
422
Reproducibility is usually expressed as a per-
centage of span of the instrument. [ANSI/
ISA-75.05.01-2000]
request to send A modem interface signal
defined in RS-232 that indicates to the
modem that the attached terminal equip-
ment is ready to transmit data.
rerun In data processing, to execute a pro-
gram again.
resealing pressure The inlet pressure at
which fluid no longer leaks past a relief valve
after it is closed.
reserved variable Any variable that is avail-
able only to specific programs in the system.
Contrast with global variable.
reserved word A word that has a defined
function in a language and cannot be used as
a variable name.
reservoir A holding tank, cistern, or pond for
storing reserves of a liquid, usually potable
or makeup water.
reset 1. The sequence action that returns the
sequence to the normal state. [ANSI/ISA-
18.1-1979 (R1992)] 2. Action that restores the
equipment under control to a predetermined
normal enabled or operating state. [ANSI/
ISA-84.01-1996] 3. To restore a storage device
to a prescribed initial state, not necessarily
the state denoting zero. 4. To place a binary
cell into the state denoting zero.5. See integral
control action (reset).
reset, automatic Reset occurs after acknowl-
edge when the process condition returns to
normal. [ANSI/ISA-18.1-1979 (R1992)]
reset, first-out Reset of the first-out indica-
tion occurs when the acknowledge or first-
out reset push button is operated, whether
the process condition has returned to normal
or not, depending on the sequence. [ANSI/
ISA-18.1-1979 (R1992)]
reset, manual Reset occurs after acknowl-
edge when the process condition has
returned to normal and the reset push button
is operated. [ANSI/ISA-18.1-1979 (R1992)]
reset action 1. A control action that produces
a corrective signal that is proportional to the
length of time the controlled variable has
been away from the set point. 2. Another
name for the integral control mode.
reset control See integral control.
reset control action See control action, integral
(reset) (I).
reset cycle To return a cycle index to its initial
value.
reset deadband (DB) The range through
which an input can be varied, upon reversal
of direction, without initiating an observable
 reset rate / resistance thermometer

change in output. [ANSI/ISA-TR67.04.08- resistance heat tracing system Equipment

1996] that comprises an assembly of one or more
reset rate See integral action rate (reset rate). resistance heat-tracing cables, units, and/or
reset wind up The saturation of the integral panels, combined with any devices for fas-
mode of a controller. It develops during tening, electrical connection, power distribu-
times when control cannot be achieved, tion, thermal insulation, weather protection,
which causes the controlled variable to over- or control and monitoring. [ANSI/ISA-
shoot its set point when the obstacle to con- 12.16.01-1998 (IEC 79-7 Mod)]
trol is removed. resistance magnetometer A device for mea-
resident In data processing, a program that is suring magnetic field strength by means of a
permanently stored in the memory of the change in the electrical resistance of a mate-
computer. rial immersed in the magnetic field.
residual error The error that remains after resistance meter Any instrument for measur-
attempts at correction. ing electrical resistance. Also called an "ohm-
residual fuels The products that remain from meter" or "megger."
crude petroleum after the removal of some of resistance strain gauge A fine wire or similar
the water and an appreciable percentage of device whose electrical resistance changes in
the more volatile hydrocarbons. direct proportion to the amount of elastic
residue check 1. Any modulo N check. See strain it is subjected to.
modulo N check. 2. A check of numerical data resistance temperature detector (RTD) 1. A
or arithmetic operations in which the num- component of a resistance thermometer that
ber A is divided by n and the remainder B consists of a material whose electrical resis-
accompanies A as a check digit. tance is a known function of temperature. 2.
resistance 1. An impediment to gas flow, A temperature transducer that provides tem-
such as the pressure drop or draft loss perature information in the following form:
through a dust collector. Usually measured as the change in resistance of a metal wire
in inches water gauge (wg). 2. The opposi- element, often platinum, as a function of
tion that a device or material offers to the temperature.
flow of direct current. It is equal to the volt-
age drop across the element divided by the
current through the element. Measured in
ohms. 3. In an alternating-current circuit, the
real part of the complex impedance.
resistance, input The resistance that appears
at the input terminal of a device. [ISA-
RP55.1-1975 (R1983)]
resistance drop The voltage drop in phase
with the current.
resistance heating device The part of a resis-
tance heating unit that comprises one or
more heating resistors, which are typically
composed of metallic conductors or an elec-
trically conductive compound that is suit- Typical Sheathed RTD
ably insulated and protected. [ANSI/ISA-
12.16.01-1998 (IEC 79-7 Mod)] See resistance resistance thermometer A temperature-mea-
heating unit. suring device in which the sensing element is
resistance heating unit An apparatus that a resistor of a known variation in electrical
comprises an assembly of one or more resis- resistance with temperature. See resistance
tance heating devices, which in turn are asso- temperature detector (RTD).
ciated with any devices that are needed to
ensure that the limiting temperature is not
exceeded. Note: It is not intended that the
devices necessary to ensure that the limiting
temperature is not exceeded should have
type of protection "e", or any type of protec-
tion when they are located outside the haz-
ardous area. [ANSI/ISA-12.16.01-1998 (IEC
79-7 Mod) See resistance heating device.

423
resistance thermometer bulb / resonance
resistance thermometer bulb A temperature-
measuring device in which the expansion
and contraction of a fill, such as mercury and
certain other gases and liquids, is calibrated
so as to reflect the change in temperature.
resistance-thermometer element The tem-
perature-sensitive unit in a resistance ther-
mometer. It consists of the resistance
temperature detector, its supporting struc-
ture, and terminations or other means for
attaching it to the detection circuit of the
instrument.
resistive When used as a third modifier as
per ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982), resistive refers to
the conversion of a change of measurand
into a change of resistance. [ISA-37.1-1975
(R1982)]
resistive flowmeter A device for measuring
liquid flow rates in which an electrical out-
put signal that is proportional to flow rate is
determined from the rise and fall of a con-
ductive differential-pressure manometer
fluid placed in contact with a resistance-rod
assembly.
resistivity Electrical resistance per unit
length and unit cross section.
resistor An electrically conductive material
that is shaped and constructed so that it
offers a known resistance to the flow of elec-
tricity.
resistor-capacitor-transistor logic (RCTL) A
type of computer circuit that is used to per-
form the "NOT-OR" logic function at speeds
higher than can be achieved with resistor-
transistor logic (RTL) circuits. Similar to
resistor-transistor logic except that capaci-
tors reduce switching time.
resistor-protected shunt diode barrier A net-
work that is identical to a fuse-protected
shunt diode barrier, except that the fuse is
replaced by a resistor. [ANSI/ISA-RP12.6-
1995]
resistor-transistor logic (RTL) A form of
logic circuit that uses resistors and transis-
tors and that performs NOT or NOR logic.
resolution 1. The smallest interval between
two adjacent discrete details that can be dis-
tinguished one from the other. [ANSI/ISA-
51.1-1979 (R1993); ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
2. The magnitude of output step changes as
the measurand is continuously varied over
the range. Note 1: The term resolution relates
primarily to potentiometric transducers.
Note 2: Resolution is best specified as aver-
age and maximum resolution. It is usually
expressed in percentage of full- scale output.
Note 3: Resolution can also have the sense of
the smallest detectable change in measurand
424
use threshold. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)] 3. A
measure of the smallest input change that
can be detected (not necessarily measured) at
the output of the system. 4. The ability of a
telescope or microscope to separate detailed
features of the subject in the resulting image.
5. The minimum distance by which two
objects or features must be separated in order
to be observed as two images in the output of
a telescope, microscope, radar set, television
camera, or similar imaging device. 6. The
error that is associated with the ability to
resolve a flowmeter output signal to the
smallest measurable unit. For example, only
±1 pulse is measurable in any pulse output
device. 7. The maximum capability of a sys-
tem that is used to convert an analog signal
into a proportional digital value. Generally,
resolution is expressed in bits, from which
the actual resolution may be determined (bits
per word). 8. The minimum detectable
change of some variable in a measurement
system.
resolution, average The reciprocal of the total
number of output steps over the range, mul-
tiplied by 100 and expressed in percentage of
the voltage ratio (for a potentiometric trans-
ducer) or in percentage of the full-scale out-
put. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
resolution, maximum The magnitude of the
largest of all output steps over the range,
expressed as percentage of the voltage ratio
(for a potentiometric transducer) or in per-
centage of the full-scale output. [ISA-37.1-
1975 (R1982)]
resolution sensitivity The smallest change in
an input that produces a discernible
response.
resolver Any means for determining the
mutually perpendicular components of a
vector quantity.
resolving power 1. A measure of the ability
to respond to small changes in input. 2. The
ability of an optical device to separate the
images of two objects that are very close
together. 3. The ability of a monochromator
to separate two lines in a multiline spectrum.
resolving time The minimum separation
time between two events that will enable a
counting device to detect and respond to
both events.
resonance 1. Of a system or element, a condi-
tion characterized by large oscillatory ampli-
tude that results when the frequency of a
small amplitude of periodic input
approaches one of the natural frequencies of
the driven system. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)] 2. A condition of amplification of
 resonance bridge / response time
vibratory motion when the driving force
input oscillates at the natural frequency of a
physical part. 3. A condition that exists
between an externally excited system and the
external sinusoidal excitation when any
small increase or decrease in the frequency of
the excitation signal causes the peak-to-peak
amplitude of a specified response to
decrease.
resonance bridge An electrical network that
is used to measure inductance, capacitance,
or frequency. It normally consists of four
arms—one containing both inductance and
capacitance and the other three containing
only nonreactive resistances—as well as an
adjustment device that balances the network
by establishing resonance.
resonance Amplified vibrations of trans-
ducer components, within narrow frequency
bands, that are observable in the output as
vibration is applied along specified trans-
ducer axes. [ISA-37.10-1982 (R1995)]
resonant frequency The wave frequency at
which mechanical or electronic resonance is
achieved. See alsofrequency,resonant.
resonant frequency amplification factor The
ratio of the maximum sensitivity of a trans-
ducer at its lowest resonant frequency to its
nominal sensitivity. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
resonator Generally, a pair of mirrors located
at either end of a laser medium that cause
light to bounce back and forth between them
while passing through the laser medium.
resource 1. A named functional unit con-
tained within a device that has independent
control of its operation and that provides the
functional capabilities necessary for schedul-
ing and executing application algorithms.
Note: A device contains one or more
resources. [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-2000] 2. Any
facility of a computing or operating system
that is required by a job or task, including
main storage, input/output devices, the cen-
tral processing unit, data sets, and control
processing programs. 3. A collection of per-
sonnel, equipment, and/or material. [ISA-
95.00.01-2000]
resource block A named block consisting of
contained parameters that provides an inter-
face to common resource capabilities or
information. [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-2000]
resource manager A general term for any
control program function that is responsible
for allocating a resource.
response, dynamic The behavior of the out-
put of a device as a function of the input,
both with respect to time. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-
1979 (R1993)]
425
response, ramp The total (transient plus
steady-state) time response that results from
a sudden increase in the rate of change (from
zero to some finite value) of the input stimu-
lus. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
response, step The total (transient plus
steady-state) time response that results from
a sudden change from one constant level of
input to another. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)]
Second-order System Response to Step Input
response, time An output, expressed as a
function of time, that results from the appli-
cation of a specified input under specified
operating conditions. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)]
response critical In the control of a process,
the need to react to random disturbances in
time so to prevent impairment of yield or
dangerous conditions. Often synonymous
with real time.
response surface methodology A statistical
method in which data from suitably
designed experiments is used to construct
polynomial response models. The coeffi-
cients of these models are determined by
regression techniques.
response time [Cont] 1. The length of time
required for the output of a transducer to rise
to a specified percentage of its final value as
a result of a step change of the measurand.
Note 1. This percentage can be indicated so it
precedes the main term, for example: "98%
response time: [number] milliseconds, max."
Note 2: See also time constant and rise time.
[ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)] 2. The time period
between when the process condition
becomes abnormal and when the alarm state
initiates. The minimum duration of a
momentary alarm that is required to operate
an annunciator. [ANSI/ISA-18.1-1979
(R1992)] 3. The time required for the absolute
value of the difference between the output
and its final value to become and remain less
than a specified amount, after a step input or
response time, fluid transport / retrofit
disturbance has been applied. 4. In power
lines, the speed with which the surge protec-
tor responds to a block power surge. Also
known as "clamp time." See clamptime.5.
The time that is required for the output to
initially reach a definite value after the appli-
cation of a step input or disturbance. 6. The
time it takes for a controlled variable to react
to a change in input. [Comp] 7. The time
between the initiation of an operation at a
computer terminal and the receipt of the
results at the terminal. During response time
the data is transmitted to the computer, pro-
cessed, filed, and accessed, and the results
are transmitted to the terminal.
response time, fluid transport The time
required to move fluid from the location at
which a property is to be measured to the
sensor location. Contributing to this delay
may be both the transport time associated
with fluid velocity and the mixing times that
are determined by the mass flow rate and
system configuration.
response time characteristics Those proper-
ties (e.g., transfer function, time constant,
delay time, power spectral density) of the
equipment from which its response time can
be determined.
responsible body The individual or group
that is responsible using and maintaining
equipment as well as for ensuring that opera-
tors are adequately trained. [ANSI/ISA-
82.02.01-1999 (IEC 1010-1 Mod)]
responsiveness The ability of an instrument
or control device to follow wide or rapid
changes in the value of a dynamic measured
variable.
restart In electronic computing, the process of
recommencing a computing function from a
known point in a program after the com-
puter system has failed or some other
unusual event has interrupted the execution
of a task.
restart address The address at which a pro-
gram can be restarted. Normally, the address
of the code that is required to initialize vari-
ables, counters, and the like.
restoring torque gradient The rate of change
with respect to deflection of the resultant of
electric and mechanical torques that tend to
restore an instrument's moving element to
any position of equilibrium.
restricted breathing A protection technique
in which the tightness of an enclosure is
assured. Breathing or diffusion prevent the
short-term presence of a flammable gas or
vapor cloud around the enclosure from caus-
ing the concentration inside to reach the
426
lower explosive or flammable limits (LEL/
LFL). This type of protection is referred to as
"nR." [ISA-12.01.01-1999] See flammable
(explosive) limits.
retarded elastic-chamber gauge A pressure
gauge whose sensitive element is an elastic
chamber that moves freely only through the
lower portion of its indicating range.
retarder A straight or helical strip that is
inserted into a fire tube primarily to increase
the turbulence.
retarding magnet A magnet that is used in a
motor-type meter to limit rotor speed to a
value that is proportional to the quantity
being measured.
reticle A glass window on which is etched or
printed a pattern, typically for measurement
or alignment purposes. The simplest type of
reticle is the crosshairs of an alignment tele-
scope.
retinex algorithms Image-defining algo-
rithms for video input that automatically
compare images that combine dynamic-
range compression and color consistency
with the correct lightness and color ren-
dition. These algorithms overcome the dis-
crepancy between what the natural eye sees
and what the image camera acquires when
lighting or illumination conditions change
(as happens with the retina of eyeball).
retransmissive star A star coupler. In fiber-
optic transmission, a passive component that
permits the light signal on the input fiber to
be retransmitted on multiple output fibers. A
retransmissive star is formed by heating
together one end of a bundle of fibers to near
melting point; the other end is distributed to
other locations in fiber-optic LANs.
retreat idler The first idler that is reached
after the material on the belt leaves the
weigh carriage. Also called "departure
idler." [ISA-RP74.01-1984]
retrieve In data processing, to search for and
extract the data that are contained in a com-
puter file.
retrofit 1. A word derived from "retroactive
retrofit," which means modifying a piece of
equipment in order to incorporate design
changes made in later models of the same
equipment. 2. The modification and upgrad-
ing of older control systems. Retrofits are
generally performed on a machine so as to
correct a deficiency or to improve perfor-
mance.3. Parts, an assembly, or a kit that will
replace similar components originally
installed on equipment.

retroreflector An optical device that reflects
an incident beam of light back to the source.
The corner-cube prism is an example.
return alert See ring back (return alert).
return-flow oil burner A mechanical atomiz-
ing oil burner in which part of the oil sup-
plied to the atomizer is withdrawn and
returned to storage or to the oil line supply-
ing the atomizer.
return key In data processing, a frequently
used key on a keyboard that activates a vari-
ety of instructions. Derived from the key on
the typewriter that returned the typewriter
carriage to the beginning of the next line.
return signal See signal, return.
reusability In object-oriented programming
(OOP), referring to an object that can be
reused.
reverberation The persistence of sound at a
particular location after sound waves from
the source are no longer being received.
reverberation time The time it takes for aver-
age sound-energy density to decrease to
one-millionth of its original steady-state
value after sound from the source has
stopped.
reverberation time meter An instrument for
determining the reverberation time of an
acoustic enclosure.
reverse action 1. A controller in which the
value of the output signal decreases as the
value of the input (measured variable or con-
trolled variable) increases. 2. An actuator that
retracts the actuator stem when the signal
increases.
reverse-acting valve A valve that travels to
the open position when the signal increases.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
reverse channel A channel used to transmit
supervisory or error control signals. The
direction of flow of these signals is opposite
to that in which the information is being
transferred.
reverse compatible Of designs that provide
compatibility with earlier versions.
reverse polarity 1. An electrical circuit in
which the positive and negative electrodes
have been interchanged. 2. An arc-welding
circuit in which the electrode is electrically
positive and the workpiece electrically nega-
tive.
reverse start timer A timer that begins timing
when the power is removed from the start
circuit but does not reset during power loss.
Instead, it retains the cycle progress and con-
tinues the cycle when the power is restored.
In electromechanical versions of the reverse
start timer, the clutch action is reversed so it
427
retroreflector / rheostat
is normally closed in the absence of input
control power, and the clutch resets the timer
when power is applied.
reverse type In the typographical composi-
tion of screen displays and printing, a light
typeface on a dark background.
reverse video 1. The interchange of fore-
ground and background attributes, such as
intensity, color, and the like. [ISA-5.5-1985] 2.
A CRT screen display of dark characters on a
light background—the opposite of the usual
CRT screen display.
reversible seat Refers to the seat ring that has
seating surfaces on both sides such that
when one surface has worn, the ring may be
reversed to present a new surface to contact
the closure member. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-
2000]
reversible transducer A transducer in which
the transducer loss is independent of the
direction of energy transmission through the
transducer.
reversing switch An electrical switch whose
function is to reverse connections, on
demand, of one part of the circuit.
revolutions per minute (rpm) A standard
unit of measure for rotational speed.
rework To restore an item to a condition that
conforms exactly to original design specifica-
tions. The term is usually applied to correc-
tive action that is taken when an item has
failed an inspection but requires only a rela-
tively simple action such as replacing a part
to pass an identical inspection.
Reynolds number A dimensionless criterion
of the nature of flow in pipes. It is propor-
tional to the ratio of dynamic forces to vis-
cous forces: the product of diameter, velocity,
and density, divided by absolute viscosity.
RFC Request for comments. An official desig-
nation for Internet standards documents.
RFC1006 A specification for sending OSI
application layer messages (such as MMS)
via TCP/IP.
RFI (radio frequency interference)
protector A device that protects a com-
puter from strong radio or television trans-
missions.
RH Right-hand thread; relative humidity. The
amount of water vapor present. It is mea-
sured in terms of percentage of absolute
humidity divided by the absolute humidity
in saturation at the same temperature.
rheopectic substance A fluid whose apparent
viscosity increases over time at any constant
shear rate.
rheostat An adjustable variable resistor.
rifled tube / rod-out
rifled tube A tube that is helically grooved
on the inner wall.
rigidity The resistance of a body to instanta-
neous change of shape.
ring A sequential network topology in which
each node is connected to exactly two nodes
and serves as a repeater when it is not sourc-
ing data onto the network.
ring back (return alert) A sequence feature
that provides a distinct visual or audible
indication or both when the process condi-
tion returns to normal. [ANSI/ISA-18.1-1979
(R1992)]
Ringelmann chart A series of four rectangu-
lar grids of black lines of varying widths
printed on a white background and used as a
criterion of blackness for determining smoke
density.
ring expansion In digital communication, a
media access protocol method. A station in
the network monitors the message stream of
all messages passing through it until it
detects a lull in traffic. At that point, it inserts
its own message while buffering and later
retransmitting any additional incoming mes-
sages. So named because the method
"expands" the ring of data by one message
until the original message or acknowledg-
ment by the receiving station returns to the
sender. Also called "carrier insertion." See
carrier insertion.
ring indicator A modem interface signal,
defined in RS-232, that indicates to the data
terminal equipment that an incoming call is
present.
ringing An oscillating transient in an output
signal that occurs after the input signal sud-
denly rises or falls.
ringing period 1. The period of time during
which the amplitude of the measurand's
step-function-excited oscillations exceeds 10
percent of the step amplitude. [ISA-37.6-1982
(R1995)] 2. The period of time during which
the amplitude of output oscillations, excited
by a step change in the measurand, exceeds
the value of the steady-state output. Note:
Unless otherwise specified, the ringing
period is considered terminated when the
output oscillations no longer exceed 10 per-
cent of the value of the subsequent
steady-state output. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
ringing time In ultrasonic testing, the length
of time that a piezoelectric crystal continues
to vibrate after the ultrasonic pulse has been
generated.
ring network A network topology in which
each node is connected to two adjacent
nodes, such that the entire network forms a
428
closed ring. Communication between any
two points must include the intermediate
points.
ripple A small alternating-current (AC) sig-
nal that is superimposed on a larger
direct-current (DC) signal. A ripple usually
results from the imperfect rectification of an
original alternating current signal.
ripple content The ratio between the peak-to-
peak value of the alternating-current (AC)
part and the range of the direct-current (DC)
current signal. [ANSI/ISA-50.1-1982 (R1992)]
rise time 1. The length of time required for
the output of a transducer to rise from a
small specified percentage of its final value
to a large specified percentage of its final
value as a result of a step-change of the mea-
surand. Note 1: Unless otherwise specified,
these percentages are assumed to be 10 and
90 percent, respectively, of the final value.
Note 2: Also see time constant. [ISA-37.1-1975
(R1982)] 2. The time required for the leading
edge of a pulse to rise from one tenth of its
final value to nine-tenths of its final value.
Rise time is proportional to the principal
time constant of the circuit. 3. The time
required for the output voltage of a digital
circuit to change from a logical low level (0)
to a logical high level (1). See also time, rise.
risk A quantity that is derived both from the
probability that a particular event will occur
and from the costs associated with that
event. An event has no risk if either the prob-
ability of its occurrence is zero or there are no
costs associated with its occurrence.
risk assessment The process of making risk
estimates and using the results to make deci-
sions. [ANSI/ISA-84.01-1996]
rms value See root mean square value (rms) and
value, rms (root mean square value).
robot An intelligent, usually programmable
multipurpose device that carries out pick-
and-place, assembly, or other manipulative
operations.
robotics The study of the design and use of
robots, particularly for use in manufacturing
and related processes. Robots generally react
to sensory input for the purpose of perform-
ing high-precision or dangerous jobs.
robustness A measure of the ability of a sys-
tem to recover from error conditions. A sys-
tem may be reliable without being robust if it
is very rarely required to recover from an
error condition.
rod-out The act of pushing a specially
designed rod through a valve or opening so
as to loosen deposits.
 Roentgen / rotating meter

Roentgen A quantity of X-ray or gamma-ray rotameter A variable-area, constant-head,

radiation that produces, in air, ions that carry indicating-type rate-of-flow volume meter in
one electrostatic unit of electrical charge of which fluid flows upward through a tapered
either sign per 0.001293 gram of air. tube, which lifts a shaped plummet to a posi-
roentgen equivalent man (rem) The unit of tion such that upward fluid force just bal-
dose in radiation dosimetry. It equals the ances the weight of the plummet.
amount of radiation of any type that pro-
duces the same amount of biological damage
in human beings as a dose of 1 roentgen of
200-kV X-rays.
roentgen equivalent physical (rep) A unit of
radiation that is equal to the amount of radi-
ation of any type that results in energy
absorption of 93 ergs/g in soft tissue.
Roentgen rays An alternate term for X-rays.
See X-rays.
rolled joint A joint that is made by expand-
ing a tube into a hole with a roller expander.
roll-over error For an analog-to-digital con-
verter (ADC) with bipolar input range, the
output difference for inputs of equal magni-
tude but opposite polarity. Roll-over error is
specified in counts or least significant bits
(LSBs).
room conditions Ambient environmental
conditions, under which transducers must
commonly operate, which have been estab-
lished as follows: a) temperature: 25 + 10°C
(77 ± 18°F); b) relative humidity: 90 percent
or less; c) barometric pressure: 26 to 32 inches
Hg. NOTE: Tolerances closer than shown
above are frequently specified for transducer
calibration and test environments. [ISA-37.1-
1975 (R1982)]
root directory In MS-DOS, the primary direc- Rotameter
tory of a floppy or hard disk that contains
subdirectories. rotary An arrangement of a group of tele-
root locus plot A plot in the complex plane of phone lines that indicates that a single tele-
values at which the loop transfer function of phone number is listed in the directory and
a feedback control system is a negative num- anyone calling that number will be con-
ber. nected to one of the open lines.
root mean square value (rms) 1. A statistical rotary actuator A device that converts electric
averaging technique where all data are indi- energy into controlled rotary force. It usually
vidually squared, the average of those consists of an electric motor, a gear box, a
squares taken and the square root of that control relay, and one or more limit switches.
average is taken. 2. Equal to 0.707 times the rotary oil burner A burner in which atomiza-
peak. tion is accomplished by feeding oil to the
root valve The first valve located on the inside of a rapidly rotating cup.
instrument-sensing or sample line after it rotary valve A valve for the admission or
taps off the main process. [ISA-67.02.01-1999] exhaust of working fluid, where the valve is
rosette strain gauge See strain rosette. a ported piston or disk that turns on its axis.
rosette-type strain gauge A type of resistance rotating-cup viscometer A laboratory device
strain gauge that has three individual gauge for measuring viscosity in terms of the drag
elements, which are arranged to measure torque on a stationary element, such as a
strain in three different directions simulta- paddle or cylinder. The stationary element is
neously. A typical arrangement has two ele- immersed in a liquid that is contained in a
ments oriented 90° to each other and the cup that rotates at constant speed.
third oriented at 45° to the first two. rotating meter See velocity-type flowmeter.

429
rotational transition / RS-232C
rotational transition A change in the rota-
tional state of a molecule. Rotational transi-
tions involve less energy than either
electronic or vibrational transitions, and they
typically correspond to wavelengths in the
far infrared, longer than about 20 microme-
ters.
rotational viscometer A device for measur-
ing the apparent viscosity of non-Newtonian
fluids by determining the torque required to
rotate a spindle in a container filled with the
substance. In some instruments, the con-
tainer may rotate while the spindle remains
stationary.
rotor 1. The rotating member of a turbine,
electric motor, compressor, pump, or similar
machine. 2. Any rotating assembly of vanes
or airfoils.
rotor-type vacuum gauge A device for mea-
suring low pressures, down to 10-7 torr. It
operates by sensing the deceleration of a
rotor (usually a steel ball) that is levitated in
a rotating magnetic field and is exposed
directly to the evacuated space.
round-chart instrument A recording instru-
ment whose output trace is written on a cir-
cular paper chart.
rounded orifice An orifice whose inlet side is
rounded rather than sharp edged.
rounding error The error that results from
rounding off a quantity by deleting the less
significant digits and applying some rule of
correction to the part retained. For example,
0.2751 can be rounded to 0.275 with a round-
ing error of 0.0001. Synonymous with
"round-off error." Contrast with truncation
error.
round off Synonymous with "round." See
rounding error and half-adjust.
round-off error Same as rounding error.
router A network device that interconnects
two computer networks that have the same
network architecture. A router requires OSI
Level 1, 2, and 3 protocols. See bridge and
gateway.
routine 1. In data processing, a set of instruc-
tions arranged in the proper sequence so as
to cause a computer to perform a desired
task. [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)] 2. A subdivi-
sion of a program that consists of two or
more instructions, which are functionally
related. Therefore, a program. Clarified by
subroutine and related to program.
routine, executive A routine that controls the
execution of other routines. Synonymous
with "supervisory routine." [ISA-RP55.1-
1975 (R1983)]
430
routine test 1. A test that is performed on
each piece of equipment during the produc-
tion process for that equipment. [ISA-RP12.4-
1996] 2. A test to which each individual
device (equipment) is subjected during or
after its manufacture to ascertain whether it
complies with certain criteria. [IEV 151-04-
16; ANSI/ISA-82.02.01-1999 (IEC 1010-1
Mod)]
routing [Comm] 1. A process (performed by
router) of selecting the correct circuit path for
a message; employs the bottom three OSI
layers to interconnect dissimilar networks.
Routers are smarter than bridges and are
unaffected by differences in access protocol
or topology among subnetworks. A bridge
will "know" the specific destination
(address) of a data packet, a router can only
"know" the next router. [Mfg] 2. A form that
lists the sequence of operations required for
the fabrication of a product. A list of instruc-
tions of the sequential operations needed.
RPC Remote procedure calls. In computing
equipment, to access other networked appli-
cations and view its files from an interactive
window without "closing out" of the docu-
mentation system. RPC is used to pass pro-
cessing work from busy systems to less busy
(often "remote") systems or from systems
that lack specific functionality to systems
that have that functionality.
RPG Report program generator. A computer
language created by IBM that is generally
considered nonprocedural for producing
business reports.
RPN Reverse Polish notation. A program-
ming form of postfix notation in which oper-
ands are entered before operators. For
example, a * (b + c) in reverse Polish notation
is abc + * . See Polish notation and postfix.
RS Recommended standards. A series of
specifications published by the Electronics
Industry Association that defines various
electrical and mechanical interfaces to be
used with data communications equipment.
Now identified as "EIA series."
RS-232 A logic level and connector specifica-
tion (RS stands for "recommended stan-
dard") for serial ASCII data transmission.
Sometimes called the "EIA interface."
RS-232C 1. An EIA standard, originally intro-
duced by the Bell System, for transmitting
data over a cable less than 50 feet in length. It
defines pin assignments, signal levels, and so
on, for receiving and transmitting devices. 2.
A communications interface between a
modem and other computer devices that
complies with EIA standard RS-232C.

RS-422 A standard (RS stands for "recom-
mended standard") for serial data transmis-
sion. It specifies the electrical characteristics
of balanced voltage digital interface circuits.
RS-423 Specifies the electrical characteristics
of unbalanced voltage digital interface cir-
cuits. (RS stands for "recommended stan-
dard.")
RS-449 Specifies a general-purpose 37-pin
and 9-pin interface for data terminal equip-
ment and data circuit-terminating equip-
ment that employ serial binary data
interchange. (RS stands for "recommended
standard.")
RS-485 Specifies the electrical characteristics
of generators and receivers for use in bal-
anced digital multipoint systems. (RS stands
for "recommended standard.")
RS-511 A messaging standard (RS stands for
"recommended standard") under develop-
ment by EIA for communication between
factory floor devices. It uses ASN.1 for data
encoding. RS511 is being considered for
inclusion in MAP/EPA and MINI-MAP. See
MAP/EPA and MINI-MAP.
RTF Rich text format. A format or method for
saving data to electronic memory designed
expressly for exchanging data between com-
puters.
RTOS Real-time operating system. A piece of
computer software that controls the execu-
tion of application programs that make it
possible to interact with data as soon as it is
created, as in process control systems.
RTS Request to send. A modem interface
control signal (typically, EIA RS-232/422)
that indicates the readiness to send data to
data communications equipment (DCE).
RTU Remote termination unit. A cabinet for
making field connections to transmitted data
and to do remote discrete switching even at
some (often extreme) distance from the
actual processing of control and operations.
Usually associated with SCADA systems for
power transmission and distribution in
water, oil, and gas pipelines. The term also
appears in such contexts as "smart" RTUs,
which are RTUs with microprocessors used
for local computing in the field, in which
communications back to the plant is
achieved via control system I/O channels or
digital techniques.
rule-based system A functional system in
which knowledge is stored as simple IF-
THEN or conditional action rules.
ruled diffraction grating Diffraction grat-
ings in which the lines are mechanically
ruled by an etching machine. These gratings
431
RS-422 / run-time error
are normally replicated, and the replicas are
sold for most applications.
run In data processing, to start a program on
the computer.
run around In the typographical composition
of screen displays and printing, type that is
set to fit around a picture or other element of
the design.
runback An action by the boiler control sys-
tem that is initiated by the loss of any auxil-
iary equipment, which limits the capability
of the unit to sustain the existing load. When
runback is initiated, the boiler.demand signal
is reduced at a preset rate to the capability of
the remaining auxiliaries. [ANSI/ISA-
77.42.01-1999]
run chart A graphic showing the progress of
a monitored characteristic or attribute (y-
axis) as a function of time (x-axis). In statisti-
cal process control (SPC), a run chart is some-
times called the "individual measurements
chart."
rundown An action by the boiler control sys-
tem that is initiated by an unsafe operating
condition, that is, exceeding fuel air limit
(cross-limiting), temperature limits, and the
like. When rundown is initiated, the boiler
demand signal is reduced in a controlled
manner to the load point, where the unsafe
operating condition is eliminated. [ANSI/
ISA-77.42.01-1999]
rung A group of program elements in a lad-
der diagram. The group controls a single out-
put element (coil or function).
running fit Any of a class of clearance fits
that allow assembled parts to run freely,
especially shafts within their bearings or
pinned joints in linkages. See also sliding fit.
running head In the typographical composi-
tion of screen displays and printing, a head-
line or title that is repeated at the top edge of
each page.
running speed The speed of rotation of a
machine, expressed in revolutions per
minute (RPM) or hertz (Hz).
run time The length of time between the
beginning and the end of a program execu-
tion.
run-time controller In process control, an
implementation tool that includes a neural
network model executor for prediction and a
neural network model inversion engine for
control or optimization. A run-time control-
ler can be used to implement a prediction
model.
run-time error In data processing, an error
that occurs during a program's operation
rupture disk / Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy

that may or may not cause the program to

stop.
rupture disk A diaphragm that is designed to
burst at a predetermined pressure differen-
tial.

rupture disk device A nonreclosing pres-

sure-relief device that relieves excessive
static inlet pressure via a rupture disk.
rupture pressure See pressure, rupture.
Rutherford 1.10-6 radioactive disintegration
per second. 2. A quantity of a nuclide that
has an activity equal to one Rutherford.
Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy
(RBS) A technique for probing surfaces or
thin films for elemental composition with
high spatial resolution by detecting helium
ions that undergo backscattering as a high-
energy beam of helium ions strikes the sur-
face.

432
 S100 bus A standard
S
board and bus system used
by hobbyists and small busi-
ness users that has become a
de facto standard for micro-
computers. The S100 bus
| uses 100 pins.
SA Standards Australia
(Australia). A certification laboratory for
testing the equipment of different vendors to
some common standard.
SAA System Application Architecture; Stan-
dards Association of Australia (IEC). A set of
standards developed by IBM that provides
identical user interfaces for applications that
are running on PCs, minicomputers, and
mainframes.
sabin A unit of measure for sound absorption
that is equivalent to one square foot of a per-
fectly absorptive surface.
saddle A casting, fabricated chair, or member
that is used to provide support.
safe area 1. See nonhazardous (unclassified)
location. [ISA-12.01.01-1999] 2. An area in
which an explosive gas/air mixture is not
expected to be present so that special precau-
tions for the construction and use of electri-
cal apparatuses are not required.
safe state A state that a process or equipment
under attain when they comply with the
safety requirements of a Process Hazards
Analysis (PHA). [ANSI/ISA-84.01-1996]
safety availability The fraction of time in
which a safety system is able to perform its
designated safety service when a process is
operating. In the ANSI/ISA-84.01-1996 stan-
dard, the average probability of failure on
demand (PFDavg) is the preferred term.
(PFD equals 1 minus Safety Availability).
[ANSI/ISA-84.01-1996] See probability of fail-
ure on demand (PFD).
safety can A metal can with a special closure
that is used for storing, handling, and trans-
porting flammable liquids.
safety control See control, safety.
safety-critical control A control whose fail-
ure to operate properly will result directly in
a catastrophic release of toxic, reactive, flam-
mable, or explosive chemical. [ANSI/ISA-
91.01-1995]
safety ground 1. A connection between metal
structures, cabinets, cases, and the like that is
required in order to prevent an electrical
shock hazard to personnel. 2. Safety ground
is not a signal reference point.
safety hoist A hoisting device that stops
automatically when tension is released.
433
safety hook A lifting hook with a
spring-loaded latch that prevents the lifting
sling from accidentally slipping off.
safety instrumented system (SIS) A system
that is composed of sensors, logic solvers,
and final control elements whose purpose is
to take the process to a safe state when pre-
determined conditions are violated. Other
terms commonly used include "emergency
shutdown system" (ESS), "safety shutdown
system" (SSD), and "safety interlock sys-
tem." [ANSI/ISA-84.01-1996] See emergency
shutdown system (ESS) and safety shutdown
(SSD).
safety instrumented system
components The parts of a safety instru-
mented system (SIS), such as the field
devices, input modules, output modules,
and logic solvers. [ANSI/ISA-84.01-1996]
safety integrity level (SIL) One of three pos-
sible discrete integrity levels (SIL 1, SIL 2, SIL
3) of safety instrumented systems (SISs). SILs
are defined in terms of their probability of
failure on demand (PFD). [ANSI/ISA-84.01-
1996]
safety life cycle (SLC) The sequence of activ-
ities followed during the implementation of
a safety instrumented system from concep-
tion through decommissioning. [ANSI/ISA-
84.01-1996]
safety limit A limit placed on an important
process variable in order to reasonably pro-
tect the integrity of the physical barriers that
guard against the uncontrolled release of
radioactivity. (See CFR, 50.36[c][l][i][A]).
[ANSI/ISA-67.04.01-2000]
safety plug A nonrecloseable pressure-relief
device containing a fusible element that
melts at a predetermined temperature.
safety relief valve An automatic pressure-
relieving device that is actuated by the pres-
sure upstream of the valve and is character-
ized by an opening pop action. Further
increase in lift is achieved by increasing pres-
sure above the popping pressure.
safety rod / sampling
safety rod See control rod.
safety shut down (SSD) The action of shut-
ting off all fuel and ignition energy to the
burner by means of safety control or controls
such that restart cannot be accomplished
without action by the operator.
safety stop 1. A device on a hoisting appara-
tus to prevent the load from falling. 2. A
device on a hoisting engine that automati-
cally prevents it from overwinding. 3. A
device that prevents mechanical over-travel
on a piece of equipment.
safety switch A switch that is employed for
the purpose of providing protection. Such a
switch may be known as an "interlock." See
interlock.
safety valve A spring-loaded valve that auto-
matically opens when pressure attains the
valve setting. The safety valve is used to pre-
vent excessive pressure from building up in a
boiler.
safe working pressure See design pressure.
salinometer An instrument for measuring
water salinity. It may utilize an electrical con-
ductivity measurement or a hydrometer that
is calibrated to directly read the percentage
of salt content.
sample and hold A device that senses and
stores the value of an analog signal. [ISA-
RP55.1-1975 (R1983)]
sample-and-hold per channel A method for
sampling and holding analog data channels
in advance of a normal multiplex sam-
ple-and-hold A / D encoding process.
sampled-data control That branch of auto-
matic control theory that is concerned with
the control of variables whose current values
are not continuously available for compari-
son with the set point but are instead sam-
pled only at given intervals.
sample draw A method for causing the atmo-
sphere being monitored to flow deliberately
or directly to a gas-sensing element. [S12.15;
ANSI/ISA-12.13.01-2000;ANSI/ISA-
92.02.01, Part 1-1998; ISA-RP92.02.02, Part II-
1998; ISA-92.03.01-1998; and ISA-92.06.01-
1998]
sampled signal A signal that is updated only
at given intervals by a new observation of
the variable.
sample-hold A device that takes a "snap-
shot" of an analog signal so it is held station-
ary for an A / D conversion.
sample/hold amplifier An amplifier that
samples the input signal and holds the value
for the required amount of time before it is
input to an analog-to-digital (A/D) con-
verter.
434
sample interval The time interval between
measurements or observations of a variable.
sample isolation valve The valve that is
nearest the instrument, grab-sample point, or
in-line component and is available to person-
nel during normal plant operation so as to
isolate them (the personnel) from the pro-
cess. The root valve may or may not perform
the function of the isolation valve, depend-
ing on its location. See root valve. [ISA-
67.02.01-1999]
sample lag time An interval of time between
the initiation of a discrete sample (particle,
molecule, or atom) from the sample tap to
the termination at a specific volumetric flow
rate through the sample line. [ISA-67.02.01-
1999]
sample line A piping and/or tubing system
that removes fluid from a process either con-
tinuously or periodically for the purpose of
determining its constituents or physical
properties. The sample line begins at the pro-
cess tap or nozzle that is used for sampling
and terminates where the flow of sample
fluid ends as a discrete and controlled entity.
[ISA-67.02.01-1999]
sample plan The plan designed by a teleme-
try engineer to sample and encode data
incrementally so it may be accurately
decoded and recreated.
sample sink An installed device that has con-
trolled drainage and/or ventilation at which
a grab sample may be obtained. [ISA-
67.02.01-1999]
sample system The mechanism and controls
that are used to obtain a process sample and
transport it to the analyzer in a condition
suitable for analysis but without affecting the
sample's integrity.
sample tap The point at which the sample
line taps into the process line (pipe, duct,
container), and the point where the sample
flow begins. It may also be referred to as
"sample connection," "sample nozzle," or
"process tap." [ISA-67.02.01-1999]
sample vessel An integrally valved, portable
sample container that is designed to obtain
pressurized samples at process pressure.
[ISA-67.02.01-1999]
sampling 1. Obtaining the values of a func-
tion for discrete, regularly, or irregularly
spaced values of the independent variable. 2.
Selecting only part of a production lot or
population for inspection, measurement, or
testing. 3. The removal of a portion of a mate-
rial for examination or analysis. 4. In statis-
tics, obtaining a sample from a population.
 sampling action / Saybolt color scale
sampling action A type of controller action
in which the value of the controlled variable
is measured at intermittent intervals rather
than continuously.
sampling controller A controller that effects
control action by using intermittently
observed values of a signal, such as the set
point signal, the actuating error signal, or the
signal that represents the controlled variable.
See controller, sampling.
sampling period The time interval between
observations in a periodic sampling control
system. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
sampling rate For a given measurement, the
number of times that it is sampled per sec-
ond in a time-division-multiplexed system.
Typically, this rate is at least five times the
highest data frequency of the measurement.
sampling theorem Nyquist's result that equi-
spaced data, that has two or more points per
cycle of highest frequency, allow band-lim-
ited functions to be reconstructed. The theo-
rem states if the rms spectrum/G(t), is
identically zero at all frequencies above W
cycles per second, then g(t) is uniquely deter-
mined by giving its ordinates at a series of
points spaced 1/2W seconds apart, the series
extending through the time domain.
sandblasting Grit blasting, especially when
the abrasive is ordinary sand. See grit blast-
ing.
Sanders 3-D plotting A form of rapid proto-
typing. See rapid prototyping (RP).
sanding Smoothing a surface with abrasive
cloth or paper. Usually implies the use of a
special paper covered with adhesive-bonded
flint or quartz fragments.
sandwich braze A joining technique for
reducing thermal stress in a brazed joint. A
shim is placed between the opposing sur-
faces of the joint to act as a transition layer.
sandwich construction A technique for pro-
ducing composite materials in which hard
outer sheets are glued onto a center layer,
. which is usually made of a foamed or honey-
comb material.
sanitary engineering A field of civil engi-
neering that deals with the construction and
operation of facilities that protect public
health.
sans serif In typesetting, a type style that has
no straight or curved decorative additions.
See serif.
SARA Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act. A U.S. federal law
passed in 1986 that reauthorizes and expands
the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act.
435
SAR Successive Approximation Register. A
type of A / D converter found on board sin-
gle-chip microprocessors. It provides better
speed but less accuracy than the "dual slope"
technique.
SASE Specific Application Service Element.
A protocol of MMS.
satin finish A type of metal finish that is pro-
duced by scratch-brushing a polished metal
surface so as to produce a soft sheen.
saturable core reactor An inductive "valve"
that provides modulating control to a heavy
inductive load such as the heating elements
in furnaces.
saturable-core magnetometer A magnetome-
ter whose output is derived from changes in
magnetic permeability of a ferromagnetic
core as a function of the strength of the mag-
netic field being measured.
saturable-core reactor A device for introduc-
ing inductive reactance into a circuit,
wherein the effective reactance can be varied
by varying the auxiliary direct-current (DC)
excitation of a ferromagnetic core.
saturated air Air that contains the maximum
amount of water vapor it can hold at its tem-
perature and pressure.
saturated steam Steam at the temperature
corresponding to its pressure.
saturated temperature The temperature at
which evaporation occurs at a particular
pressure.
saturated water Water at its boiling point.
saturation 1. A device characteristic that is
exhibited when a further change in the input
signal produces no additional change in the
output. [ANSI/ISA-67.04.01-2000] A charac-
teristic curve exhibits saturation when fur-
ther change of the input variable beyond a
certain value results in a negligible addi-
tional change of the output variable.
saturation current 1. In ionic conduction, the
current that is obtained when the applied
voltage is sufficient to collect all of the ions
present. 2. In an electromagnet, the excitation
current that is required in order to produce
magnetic saturation.
saturation voltage The minimum applied
voltage that produces saturation current.
saturator A device, equipment, or person that
saturates one material with another.
sawtooth wave A type of cyclic direct current
(DC) waveform in which voltage and current
rise gradually from zero to a peak value, then
drop instantaneously to zero and repeat the
cycle.
Saybolt color scale A standardized color
scale that is used primarily in the petroleum
Saybolt Furol viscosimeter / scale-up
and pharmaceutical industries to grade the
yellowness of pale products. It is based on
matching the color of a column of the sample
liquid with one of a set of color-controlled
glass disks. The procedure is described in
ASTM standard D156.
Saybolt Furol viscosimeter An instrument
similar to a Saybolt Universal viscosimeter,
but that has a larger-diameter tube for mea-
suring the viscosity of very thick oils. See
Saybolt Universal viscosimeter.
Saybolt Universal viscosimeter An instru-
ment for determining viscosity by measuring
the time it takes an oil or other fluid to flow
through a calibrated tube.
s-band In telemetry, the portion of the radio
frequency spectrum between 2,200 and 2,300
MHz.
SBE Scan by exception. A way of rapidly
reporting information in large process con-
trol communication systems. The host polls
all devices, but the devices will only commu-
nicate changed data or indicate anomalies—
rather than reporting everything. When there
is nothing to report, the device will send a
brief "all's well" signal.
scab A surface defect on a casting or rolled
metal product consisting of a thin, flat piece
of metal partly detached from the substrate.
scaffold A movable or temporary platform
that allows workers to perform tasks at con-
siderable heights above the ground. It may
be either supported from ground level on a
framework or suspended from above on
ropes or cables.
scalability 1. The ability to vary the informa-
tion content of a program by changing the
amount of data that is stored, transmitted, or
displayed. In a video image, this translates
into creating larger or smaller windows of
video on screens. 2. In terms of a system, the
ability to readily increase capacity and/or
functions (sometimes by adding more
devices to a network).
scalar quantity Any quantity that can be
described by magnitude alone, as opposed to
a vector quantity, which can only be
described by both magnitude and direction.
scale 1. A graduated series of markings that
are usually used in conjunction with a
pointer to indicate a measured value. 2. A
graduated measuring stick, such as a ruler. 3.
A device for weighing objects. 4. A thick
metallic oxide that is usually formed by heat-
ing metals in air. 5. A hard coating or layer of
materials on the surfaces of boiler pressure
parts.
436
scale effects Differences in cavitation coeffi-
cients that occur between the flow test condi-
tions and actual valve operating conditions.
These scale effects result from differences in
valve size and operating pressures. Scaling
equations are used to modify the reference
values of the cavitation coefficients supplied
by valve manufacturers in order to evaluate
equipment at other than reference condi-
tions. [ISA-RP75.23-1995]
scale factor 1. The factor by which the num-
ber of scale divisions indicated or recorded
by an instrument should be manipulated so
as to compute the value of the measured
variable. Note: Deflection factor is a more gen-
eral term than scale factor in that the instru-
ment response may be expressed
alternatively in units other than scale divi-
sions. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)] 2. The
coefficients that are used to multiply or
divide quantities in a problem in order to
convert them so they lie in a given range of
magnitude, for example, plus one to minus
one. 3. A constant multiplier that converts an
instrument reading expressed in scale divi-
sions into a measured value expressed in
standard units. 4. In analog computing, a
proportionality factor that relates the value
of a specified variable to the circuit charac-
teristic that represents it in the computer. 5.
In digital computing, an arbitrary factor that
is applied to some of the numerical quanti-
ties in the computer to adjust the position of
the radix point so that the significant digits
occupy specific positions.
scale length The distance that the pointer of
an indicating instrument, or the marking
device of a recording instrument, travels in
moving from one end of the instrument scale
to the other, measured along the baseline of
the scale divisions.
scale-of-ten circuit A decade scaler.
scale-of-two circuit A binary scaler.
scaler A measuring-circuit or control-circuit
component that produces one output pulse
each time a specific number of input pulses
has been received.
scale span The algebraic difference, mea-
sured in scale units, between the highest
value that can be read from the scale and the
lowest value.
scale units The units of measure that are
stated on an instrument's scale.
scale-up The act of using data from an exper-
imental model or pilot plant to design a
larger ("scaled-up") facility or device, usu-
ally of commercial size.

scaling 1. A misnomer for "descaling." See
descaling. 2. The process of forming a thick
layer of oxide on a metal, especially at high
temperatures. 3. Depositing solid, adherent
inorganic layers on the internal surface of a
boiler tube, process pipe, or vessel, usually
from a very dilute water solution.
scaling circuit An electronic circuit that pro-
duces an output pulse whenever a predeter-
mined number of input pulses has been
received.
scaling factor A factor that is used in
heat-exchange calculations to allow for the
reduced thermal conductivity across a tube
or pipe wall caused by scaling.
scaling measurement A measurement that is
derived from an input signal, which is multi-
plied by a scale factor to produce a specific
output signal.
scalp To remove the surface layer of a billet,
slab, or ingot, thereby removing surface
defects that might persist through later oper-
ations.
scan 1. To sample, in a predetermined man-
ner, each of a number of variables intermit-
tently. The function of a scanning device is
often to ascertain the state or value of a vari-
able. The device may be associated with
other functions such as recording and alarm-
ing. [ANSI/ISA-5.1-1984 (R1992)] 2. The pro-
cess by which a computer collects data,
usually through a multiplexer, from process
sensors for use in calculations. 3. The sequen-
tial interrogation of devices or lists of infor-
mation under a program's control. 4. Same as
scan rate. 5. To examine an area, volume, or
portion of the electromagnetic spectrum,
point by point, in an ordered manner.
scanner 1. An instrument that automatically
samples or interrogates the state of various
processes, files, conditions, or physical states.
It then initiates action in accordance with the
information obtained. 2. Any device that
examines a region or quantity point by point
in a continuous systematic manner. 3. A
device that repeatedly and systematically
samples or measures several quantities in a
predetermined sequence. 4. An electronic
device that is used to make color and tone-
corrected separations of images. Scanners are
usually employed to copy a photo or printed
image into a computer for use in a video
screen image.
scanning limits The action of comparing
input variables against either presorted or
calculated high and/or low limits so as to
determine if an alarm condition is present.
437
scaling / Schmitt trigger
scanning rate (or speed) The speed at which
a computer can select and convert an analog
input variable.
scan rate 1. A single sweep of the program
operation of a PC application. The scan oper-
ates the program's logic based on I/O status,
and then updates outputs and input status.
The time required for this is called the "scan
time." See scan time. 2. The rate at which a
number of variables are sampled, each inter-
mittently, in a predetermined manner.
scan time The time it takes to perform all the
appropriate functions of a (microprocessor-
based) device or a set of specific functions
within that device, such as "I/O scan time."
scattering A collision or other interaction that
causes a moving particle or photon of elec-
tromagnetic energy to change direction.
scattering loss A reduction in the intensity of
transmitted radiation because of internal
scattering in the transmission medium or the
roughness of a reflecting or transmitting sur-
face.
scavenger 1. A reactive metal that is added to
molten metal so as to combine with and
remove dissolved gases or other impurities.
A chemical that is added to boiler water to
remove oxygen.
scavenging 1. The act of removing spent
gases from the cylinder of an internal com-
bustion engine and replacing them with a
fresh charge or with air. 2. The process of
removing dissolved gases or other impurities
from molten metal by way of their reaction
with an additive.
schedule 160 A term that is used to define the
wall thickness of pipe (schedule 40, 80, 160
and others).
scheduled maintenance 1. Maintenance that
is carried out in accordance with an estab-
lished plan. Related to preventive maintenance.
Scheduled maintenance may be scheduled in
terms of hours, uses, sequences, or the calen-
dar.
schedules Schedules define when function
blocks (FBs) execute and when data and sta-
tus are published on the bus.
Schering bridge A type of AC bridge circuit
that is particularly useful for measuring the
combined capacitive and resistive qualities
of insulating materials and high-quality
capacitors.
Schmitt trigger A bistable pulse generator in
which an output pulse or constant amplitude
exists only as the input voltage exceeds a cer-
tain DC value. The circuit can convert a
slowly changing input waveform into an
output waveform with sharp transitions.
Scientific Apparatus Makers Association / screw conveyor
Scientific Apparatus Makers Association
(SAMA) A former industrial association in
the United States. Reorganized under the
name "Measurement Control & Automation
Association" (MCAA). MCAA no longer
writes or supports SAMA standards.
scintillation A flash of light that is produced
as a result of an ionizing event in a phosphor.
scintillation counter A radiation-measuring
instrument that consists of a phosphor, a
photomultiplier tube, and associated elec-
tronic circuitry. The amount of radiation is
measured by counting the number of scintil-
lations it produces in the phosphor per unit
time interval.
scintillation spectrometer A scintillation sys-
tem so designed that it can separate and
determine the energy distribution in hetero-
geneous radiation.
scissor jack A lifting jack whose operating
mechanism consists of parallelogram link-
ages that are driven by a horizontal screw.
sclerometer An instrument that determines
the hardness of a material by measuring the
force needed to scratch or indent the surface
with a diamond point.
scleroscope An instrument that determines
the hardness of a material by measuring the
height to which a standard steel ball
rebounds when it is dropped from a stan-
dard height.
scoring Deep scratches on the surface of a
metal.
Scotch boiler A cylindrical steel shell that has
one or more cylindrical internal steel fur-
naces located (generally) in the lower portion
and a bank or banks (passes) of tubes
attached to both end closures.
Scotch yoke A type of four-bar linkage that is
used to convert uniform rotation into simple
harmonic motion. Also converts linear.
motion into rotary motion.
scouring 1. Physical or chemical attack on the
internal surfaces of process equipment. 2.
The process of mechanical finishing or clean-
ing using a mild abrasive and low pressure.
scrap 1. Solid material or inspection rejects
that are suitable for recycling as feedstock in
a primary operation such as plastic molding,
alloy production, or glass remelting. 2. Nar-
rowly defined, any unusable reject at final
inspection.
scraper ring A piston ring that scrapes oil
from the cylinder wall so as to prevent it
from being burned.
scratch hardness 1. A measure of the resis-
tance of minerals or metals to scratching. For
minerals, scratch hardness is defined by
438
making comparisons with 10 selected miner-
als, which comprise the Mohs scale. 2. A
method for measuring metal hardness in
which a cutting point is drawn across a metal
surface under a specified pressure, and hard-
ness is determined by the width of the result-
ing scratch.
scratch pad An intermediate work file that
stores the location of an interrupted program
and retrieves the program when the inter-
ruption is complete.
scratch pad memory A high-speed, lim-
ited-capacity computer information store
that interfaces directly with the central pro-
cessor unit. It is used to supply the central
processor with data for immediate computa-
tion, thus avoiding the delays that would be
encountered by interfacing with main mem-
ory. (The function of the scratch pad memory
is analogous to that of a pad of paper used
for jotting down notes.)
scratch register The addresses of scratch pad
storage locations, which can be referenced by
the use of only one character.
screen In data processing, the plane surface
of a CRT that is visible to the user.
screen analysis A method for finding the
particle size of any loose, flowing aggregate
by sifting it through a series of standard
screens that have holes of various sizes and
determining the proportion that passes each
screen.
screen grid An internal electron tube element
that is positioned between a control grid and
an anode. It is usually maintained at a fixed
positive potential so that the electrostatic
influence of the anode is reduced in the
region between the screen grid and the cath-
ode.
screening 1. The process of separating an
aggregate mixture into two or more portions
according to particle size by passing it
through one or more standard screens. 2.
Removing solids from a liquid-solid mixture
by means of a screen. 3. Graded material that
has passed through a screen. 4. The process
of eliminating defective items from a lot by
inspecting for specific defects and setting
aside any items that have those defects.
screw 1. A cylindrical machine element that
has a helical groove cut into its surface. 2. A
type of fastener that has threads cut into a
cylindrical or conical shank and a slitted,
recessed, flat or rounded head that is usually
larger in diameter than the shank.
screw conveyor A device for moving bulk
material that consists of a helical blade or
auger rotating within a stationary trough or
screwed ends / sealed reference differential -pressure transducer
casing. A "screw elevator" moves material in
a vertical direction. A "screw feeder" moves
material into a process unit. A screw con-
veyer is also known as an "auger conveyor,"
a "spiral conveyor," or a "worm conveyor."
screwed ends A nonstandard term for end
connections, threaded. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-
2000]
screw thread Any of several forms of helical
ridges that are formed on or cut into the sur-
face of a cylindrical or conical member. Stan-
dard thread designs are used to connect
pipes to fittings or to construct threaded fas-
teners.
scriber A sharp, pointed tool for drawing
lines on metal or plastic workpieces.
scroll To move all or part of the material on a
video screen up or down or left or right, so as
to allow new information to appear.
scroll bars Bars adjacent to a window in a
workstation screen view that allow the user
to scroll the contents within that window so
as to display more information than can nor-
mally be shown.
scroll box A small box within the scroll bar
for moving the view by dragging it with the
cursor.
scrubber 1. A device for removing entrained
dust or moisture from a process gas stream.
2. A device for washing out or otherwise
removing an undesirable gaseous compo-
nent from a process gas stream. 3. An appa-
ratus for removing solids from gases by
entrainment in water.
scuffing 1. A dull mark or blemish, some-
times caused by abrasion, on a smooth or
polished surface. 2. A form of mild adhesive
wear that is generally exhibited as a dulling
of the worn surface.
scum 1. A film of impurities floating on the
surface of a liquid. 2. A slimy film on a solid
surface.
SDLC Synchronous Data Link Control. A bit-
oriented standard protocol developed by
IBM that supersedes bisynchronous trans-
mission. A uniform discipline for transfer-
ring data between stations in a point-to-
point, multipoint, or loop arrangement using
synchronous data transmission techniques.
seal 1. Any device or system that creates a
nonleaking union between two mechanical
components. 2. A perfectly tight closure or
joint. 3. A device for closing openings
between structures so as to prevent leakage.
seal, explosion-proof cable A cable termina-
tion fitting that is filled with compound and
designed to contain an explosion in the
enclosure to which it is attached or to mini-
439
mize the passage of flammable gases or
vapors from one location to another. A con-
duit seal combined with a cable termination
fitting may also be used as a cable seal. [ISA-
12.01.01-1999]
seal, explosion-proof conduit A sealing fit-
ting, filled with a poured potting compound,
that is designed to contain an explosion in
the enclosure to which it is attached and to
minimize the passage of flammable gases or
vapors from one location to another. [ISA-
12.01.01-1999]
seal, factory A construction in which the
components that are capable of initiating an
internal explosion as a result of arcing, spark-
ing, or thermal effects under normal condi-
tions are isolated from the wiring system.
This isolation is achieved by means of a fac-
tory-installed flameproof seal or joint that
eliminated the need for an external, field-
installed conduit seal and, in some cases, a
field-installed cable seal. [ISA-12.01.01-1999]
seal chambers Enlarged pipe sections in mea-
surement impulse lines that provide (a) a
high area-to-volume displacement ratio so as
to minimize error caused by hydrostatic
head difference when large-volume displace-
ment-measuring elements are used. Seal
chambers also (b) prevent the loss of seal
fluid by displacement into the process.
seal coat 1. A layer of bituminous material
that is flowed onto macadam or concrete so
as to prevent moisture from penetrating the
surface. 2. A preliminary coating for sealing
the pores in a material such as wood or
unglazed ceramic.
sealed apparatus An apparatus that is
designed and constructed so as to prevent
(for example, by means of an expansion ves-
sel) the ingress of an external atmosphere
when the liquid contained within it expands
and contracts during normal operation.
[ANSI/ISA-12.26.01-1998]
sealed device A device so constructed that it
cannot be opened during normal operational
conditions or for operational maintenance. It
has a free internal volume of less than 100
cubic centimeters (6.1 cubic inches) and is
sealed to restrict the entry of an external
atmosphere. [ANSI/ISA-12.12.01-2000] This
type of protection is referred to as "nC."[ISA-
12.01.01-1999]
sealed reference differential -pressure
transducer A transducer that measures the
pressure difference between an unknown
pressure and the pressure of a gas contained
in an integral sealed reference chamber. [ISA-
37.6-1982 (R1995); ISA-37.3-1982 (R1995)]
sealing / secondary circuit
sealing 1. The process of impregnating cast-
ings with resins in order to fill regions of
porosity. 2. Immersing anodized aluminum
parts into boiling water in order to reduce
porosity in the anodic oxide film.
sealing ring A ring that is used in a cable or
conduit entry to ensure the seal between the
entry and the cable or conduit. [ISA-12.00.01-
1999 (IEC 60079-0 Mod)]
sealing voltage The voltage that is required
to move the armature of a magnetic relay
from the position at which the contacts first
touch to its fully closed position. A similar
term applies to current.
seal leg The piping that extends from the
instrument to the top elevation of the seal
fluid in the impulse line.
seal on disk A seal ring that is located in a
groove in the disk circumference. The body is
unlined in this case. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-
2000]
seal pot See seal chambers.
seal weld A weld that is used primarily to
obtain tightness and prevent leakage.
seal welded bonnet A bonnet welded to a
body, at assembly, to provide a zero leakage
joint. This construction consists of a
low-strength weld with the bonnet retained
to the body by other means to withstand the
body pressure load acting on the bonnet
area. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
seam 1. An extended length weld. 2. A
mechanical joint, especially one made by
folding the edges of sheet metal together so
they interlock. 3. A mark on ceramic or glass
parts that corresponds to the mold parting
line. 4. An unwelded fold that extends
inward from the surface of a metal casting or
wrought product. In nondestructive testing it
appears as a crack, but when examined met-
allographically it exhibits an oxide layer
along the free surface.
seamless tubing Tubular products that are
made by piercing and drawing a billet, or by
extrusion.
search In data processing, to seek out data
that meet specific criteria.
search engine A web application that helps
you find information on the Internet by
searching indexed portions of the World
Wide Web for the words or phrases you type.
season cracking Usually describing the
stress-corrosion cracking of copper or copper
alloys that occurs in an environment contain-
ing ammonium ions.
seat The fixed area of a valve into which the
valve's moving part rests when the valve is
440
closed in order to retain pressure and pre-
vent flow.
seat, spring-loaded A seat utilizing a spring
that exerts a force at the point of contact with
the closure member so as to improve the
sealing characteristics. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-
2000]
seat angle The angle between the axis of the
seat orifice and the seating surface. [ANSI/
ISA-75.05.01-2000]
seating, downstream A seating that is
assisted by the pressure differential across
the closure component in the closed position.
This differential moves the closure compo-
nent slightly downstream into tighter contact
with the seat ring seal that is supported by
the body.
seating, upstream A seat on the upstream
side of a ball that is designed so that the pres-
sure of the controlled fluid causes the seat to
move toward the ball.
seating surface The line of contact between
the closure member and its mating surface. It
establishes valve shutoff. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
seat joint The area of contact between the clo-
sure member and the valve seat. It estab-
lishes the sealing action. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
seat leakage The quantity of fluid that passes
through a valve when the valve is in the fully
closed position with a pressure differential
across the trim. Refer to ANSI/FCI 70-2 for
the specification of the leakage classifica-
tions. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
seat load The net contact force between the
closure member and seat. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
seat ring A part of the valve body assembly
that may provide part of the flow control ori-
fice. The seat ring may have special material
properties and may provide the contact sur-
face for the closure member.
second A unit of time in the metric and
English systems.
secondary air 1. The air that is supplied by the
forced draft fan to the burners for combustion.
[ISA-77.41-1992] 2. The combustion air that is
introduced on the edge of the burning zone
to supplement the primary air for support of
the combustion process. [ANSI/ISA-77.44-
1995]
secondary cell The assembly of electrodes
and electrolyte that constitutes the basic unit
of a battery. [ANSI/ISA-12.16.01-1998 (IEC
79-7 Mod)]
secondary circuit The part of an electrical cir-
cuit that conducts the current output from a
 secondary combustion / Seebeck effect
transformer in order to perform the circuit's
function.
secondary combustion Combustion that
occurs as a result of ignition at a point
beyond the furnace. [ISA-77.41-1992] See also
delayed combustion.
secondary device The part of a flowmeter
that receives a signal from the primary
device and displays, records, and/or trans-
mits it as a measure of the flow rate.
secondary electron An energetic electron that
is set in motion by the transfer of momentum
from the primary electromagnetic or particu-
late radiation.
secondary emission The emission of elec-
trons from a substance as a direct result of
being bombarded by a stream of electrons or
ions.
secondary hardening The hardening of cer-
tain alloy steels by precipitation hardening
that occurs during tempering. The hardening
that occurs during this stage supplements
the hardening that is achieved by controlled
cooling from above the critical temperature
in a step that precedes tempering.
secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) A
technique for analyzing sample surfaces by
mass analyzing ions that are sputtered from
the surface by a low-energy (1-5 keV) ion
beam.
secondary loop The inner loop of a cascade
system.
secondary (radiant or final) superheater A
heating surface that receives steam from
either the primary or intermediate super-
heater. [ANSI/ISA-77.44-1995]
secondary standard A standard of unit
measurement that is derived from a primary
standard. See primary standard.
secondary station A station in a communica-
tions system that has been selected to receive
a transmission from a primary station. The
assignment of secondary status may be tem-
porary and continues for the duration of a
transmission.
secondary storage The storage facilities that
are not integral parts of the computer but
that are directly connected to and controlled
by the computer. Examples include the mag-
netic drum and magnetic tapes.
secondary treatment The treatment of boiler
feed water or the internal treatment of boiler
water after the primary treatment.
secondary winding The output winding of a
transformer or similar electrical device.
SECS Semiconductor Equipment
Communications Standard. A standard
designed in the early 1980s to be a fully
441
dynamic, nonfixed, variable-length, self-
defining protocol for messaging between
equipment and the host control computer.
The intent of the standard was to allow inde-
pendent manufacturers of both equipment
and host computers to connect to each other
without specific knowledge of each other, a
goal never achieved. Now being replaced by
Computer Integrated Manufacturing Appli-
cation Framework (CIM-AF).
sectional conveyor A belt conveyor that can
be made shorter or longer by removing or
adding interchangeable sections.
sectional header boiler A horizontal boiler of
the longitudinal or cross-drum type in which
the tube bank is comprised of multiple paral-
lel sections. Each section is made up of a
front and rear header that is connected by
one or more vertical rows of generating tubes
as well as with the sections or groups of sec-
tions that have a common steam drum.
sector 1. In a magnetic information storage
medium, a defined area of a track or band. 2.
The smallest addressable portion of storage
on some disk and drum storage units.
sector gear A toothed machine component
that looks like the part of a gear wheel that
contains the bearing and part of the rim and
its teeth.
sector link In an elastic-chamber pressure
gauge, the connecting link between the elas-
tic chamber and the sector gear that positions
the pointer.
sediment 1. Matter in water that can be
removed from suspension by gravity or
mechanical means. 2. A noncombustible
solid matter that settles out at the bottom of a
liquid. A small percentage is present in resid-
ual fuel oils.
sedimentation 1. The process of classifying
metal powders according to the rate at which
they settle out of a fluid suspension. 2. The
removal of suspended matter either by qui-
escent settling or by continuous flow at high
velocity and extended retention time to
allow the matter to deposit out.
sediment trap 1. A device for measuring the
rate at which sediment accumulates on the
floor of a body of water. 2. A device that is
used to remove sediment from an instru-
ment-sensing line on a boiler.
Seebeck coefficient The derivative (rate of
change) of thermal electromotive force (emf)
with respect to temperature. It is normally
expressed in millivolts per degree.
Seebeck effect The development of a voltage
as a result of the differences in temperature
Seebeck emf / self-contained instrument
between two junctions of dissimilar metals in
the same circuit.
Seebeck emf An open-circuit voltage that is
caused by the difference between the hot and
cold junctions of a circuit made with two dis-
similar metals.
seed A small, single crystal of semiconductor
material that is used to start the growth of a
single large crystal. This large crystal is used
to cut semiconductor wafers.
seek To position the access mechanism of a
direct-access storage device at a specified
location.
seek time The time taken to execute an oper-
ation.
segment 1. The section of a fieldbus that is
terminated in its characteristic impedance.
Segments are linked by repeaters to form a
complete fieldbus. [ANSI/ISA-50.02, Part 2-
1992] 2. In computer software programming,
the division of a routine.
segmentation The process of outlining an
image area on a specimen for the purpose of
performing pattern-recognition image analy-
sis.
segmented ball A closure member that is a
segment of a spherical surface. The surface
may have one its edges contoured in order to
yield a desired flow characteristic. [ANSI/
ISA-75.05.01-2000]
segregation 1. Keeping process streams
apart. 2. The nonuniform distribution of
alloying elements and impurities in a cast
metal microstructure. 3. A series of close,
parallel, narrow, and sharply defined wavy
lines of color on the surface of a molded plas-
tics part that differ in shade from surround-
ing areas and make it appear as if the
components have separated. 4. The tendency
of refuse of varying compositions to deposit
selectively in different parts of the unit.
seismic Referring to inertial space.
seismic detector An instrument that registers
seismic impulses.
seismic profiler A continuous seismic reflec-
tion system that is used to study geologic
structure beneath the oceans' floor to depths
of 10,000 ft or more. The reflections are
recorded on a rotating drum.
seismochronograph A device for precisely
determining the time at which an earthquake
shock arrives at the instrument's location.
seismograph An instrument that detects and
records vibrations in the earth, such as an
earthquake.
seismoscope A device that records the occur-
rence or time of occurrence of an earthquake,
442
but does not record the frequency or ampli-
tude of earthquake shocks.
seizure See freeze-up.
selection The action of addressing a terminal
and/or a component on a selective calling
circuit. See also lockout and polling.
selective-ion electrode A type of oxida-
tion-reduction-potential electrode that
involves the use of a metal-metal-salt com-
bination as the measuring electrode. This
combination makes the electrode particularly
sensitive to the solution activities of the
anion in the metal salt.
selective plating Any of several methods for
electrochemically depositing a metallic sur-
face layer at only localized areas of a base
metal. The remaining unplated areas are
masked with a nonconductive material dur-
ing the plating step.
selectivity The characteristic of an electronic
receiver that determines the extent to which
it can differentiate between a desired signal
and electronic noise or the undesired signals
of other frequencies.
selector 1. A device for choosing objects or
materials according to predetermined
attributes. 2. A device for starting or stop-
ping a mechanism at predetermined posi-
tions or locations. 3. A gearshift lever for
operating an automatic transmission in a
motor vehicle. 4. The part of a gearshift in a
motor vehicle transmission that selects the
required gearshift bar. 5. A converter that
separates purified copper from residue in a
single operation. 6. A device that selects one
of a plurality of signals.
self-absorption The attenuation of radiation
as a result of absorption within the substance
that emits the radiation.
self-adapting Pertaining to the ability of a
system to change its performance character-
istics in response to its environment.
self-checking code The same as error-detect-
ing code.
self-cleaning A descriptor for any device that
is fitted with a mechanism that removes
accumulated deposits from its interior with-
out requiring disassembly.
self-contained apparatus An apparatus that
is not necessarily connected to equipment in
the nonhazardous area. (It usually therefore
is self-powered.) A self-contained apparatus
is normally portable, for example,
walkie-talkie radios, but it need not be.
self-contained instrument An instrument in
which all of its component parts are con-
tained within a single case or enclosure or in
 self-correcting memory / semiconductors, II-VI
which they are incorporated into a single
assembly.
self-correcting memory (code,
transmission) Software that looks for spe-
cific rules of construction, detects expres-
sions that do not conform to them, and
substitutes an equivalent form. Sometimes
used to mean error detection and correction.
self-documenting language A language that
permits comments to be interspersed with
the commands. These comments become
documentation. Such languages are gener-
ally very readable.
self-extinguishing Describes a material that
stops burning once the source of the flame is
removed.
self-generating Providing an output signal
without applied excitation, for example,
piezoelectric, electromagnetic, and thermo-
electric transducers. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
self-heating 1. Internal heating that results
from the electrical energy that is dissipated
within the transducer. [ISA-37.1-1975
(R1982)] 2. Internal heating that results from
the electric energy dissipated within a
device. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
self-limiting property A property of a resis-
tance-heating device in which the device's
thermal output at its rated voltage decreases
as the temperature of its surroundings
increases until the device reaches a tempera-
ture at which the value of its thermal output
is so reduced that the temperature rises no
further. [ANSI/ISA-12.16.01-1998 (IEC 79-7
Mod)]
self-operated controller See controller,
self-operated (regulator). [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)]
self-organizing environment A class of
equipment that may be characterized loosely
as containing a variable network in which
the elements are organized by the equipment
itself, without external intervention, so as to
meet criteria for successful operation.
self-quenched counter tube A type of radia-
tion counter tube in which internal interac-
tions inhibit the re-ignition of electron
discharge.
self-regulation (inherent regulation) The
property of a process or machine that per-
mits equilibrium to be attained after a distur-
bance without the intervention of a
controller. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
self-supporting steel stack A steel stack of
sufficient strength to require no lateral sup-
port.
self-tapping screw A threaded fastener with
specially designed and hardened threads
443
Self Regulation
that as the screw is driven form internal
threads in a hole in sheet metal or in soft
materials.
self-test A circuit that is used by a computer
to check its own operation when power is
first turned on.
self-tuning The technique of automatically
modifying control algorithm constants based
upon process conditions.
semantics The relationships between sym-
bols and their meanings.
semaphore A mechanism for synchronizing
tasks. See synchronization of parallel computa-
tional processes.
semiautomatic controller A control device in
which some of the basic functions are per-
formed automatically.
semiconductor 1. Materials that are used for
sensing elements or transduction elements
whose resistivity falls between that of con-
ductors and insulators (e.g., germanium, sili-
con, etc.). Examples of useful phenomena
associated with these materials are the Hall
effect, the temperature coefficient of resis-
tance, photo-resistivity, the photovoltaic
effect, piezoresistance, and so on. [ISA-37.1-
1975 (R1982)] 2. An electronic device, such as
an integrated circuit or transistor, that uses a
semiconducting material.
semiconductors, III-V Semiconductors that
are composed of atoms of group II and V of
the periodic table. Examples include gallium
(III) and arsenic (V), which form gallium ars-
enide.
semiconductors, II-VI Semiconductors that
are composed of elements from group II and
VI of the periodic table. The category is
sometimes extended to cover elements with
valances of 2 and 6. Typical II-VI compounds
are cadmium telluride and cadmium
selenide.
semiconductor strain gauge / sensitivity stability
semiconductor strain gauge A type of strain-
measuring device that is particularly well
suited for use in miniature transducer ele-
ments. It consists of a piezoresistive element
that is either bonded to a force-collecting dia-
phragm or beam or diffused into its surface.
semiconductor temperature sensor See ther-
mistor (thermal resistor).
semigraded index An optical fiber that has a
refractive index profile intermediate between
step-index and graded-index. Strictly speak-
ing, this might be considered a type of
graded index fiber with a somewhat steeper
than normal refractive index profile.
semikilled steel Steel that is partly deoxi-
dized during teeming so that only a small
amount of dissolved gas is evolved as the
metal solidifies.
semirigid plastic Any plastics material that
has an apparent modulus of elasticity of
10,000 to 100,000 psi.
sense 1. To examine, particularly relative to a
criterion. 2. To determine the present
arrangement of some element of hardware,
especially a manually set switch. 3. To read
punched holes or other marks.
sense switch See alteration switch.
sensibility reciprocal A balance characteris-
tic that is equal to the change in load
required to vary the equilibrium position by
one scale division at any load.
sensible heat Heat that causes a temperature
change.
sensing, mark A technique for detecting spe-
cial pencil marks entered in special places on
a punch card and automatically translating
those marks into a punched hole. [ISA-
RP55.1-1975 (R1983)]
sensing element That part of the transducer
that responds directly to the measurand.
Note: This term is preferred to "primary ele-
ment," "primary detector," or "primary
detecting element." [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
See primary element (detector) and element,
sensing.
sensing element elevation The difference in
elevation between the sensing element and
the instrument. Note: The elevation is con-
sidered positive when the sensing element is
above the instrument. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)]
sensing line 1. A pipe or tube of relatively
static fluid that connects the process being
sensed to the sensor (transducer) and is
either filled with the process fluid or is a
fluid-filled capillary. [ISA-67.02.01-1999] 2.
For the purpose of the ISA-67.02.01-1999
standard, a sensing line is a pipe or tube, or
444
both, of relatively static fluid that connects
the process being sensed to the sensor (trans-
ducer). [ISA-67.02.01-1999]
sensing mode of transduction element The
method that is used to stress the transduction
element, such as compression, bending, or
shear. [ISA-RP37.2-1982 (R1995)]
sensitive time A characteristic of a cloud
chamber that is equal to the amount of time
after expansion when the degree of supersat-
uration is sufficient to allow a track to form
and be detected.
sensitivity 1. The ratio of the change in the
transducer's output to a change in the value
of the acceleration. Note: Where one sensitiv-
ity under defined conditions is the basis for
determining deviations in performance, use
"reference sensitivity." See reference sensitivity
(charge or voltage). [ISA-RP37.2-1982 (R1995)]
2. The ratio of the change in output magni-
tude to the change of the input that causes it
after the steady state has been reached.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000] Note 1: sensitiv-
ity is expressed as a ratio in which the units
of measurement of the two quantities are
stated. (The ratio is constant over the range
of a linear device. For a nonlinear device, the
applicable input level must be stated.) Note
2: Sensitivity has frequently been used to
denote the dead band. However, this usage is
discouraged since it does not accord with
accepted standard definitions of the term.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)] 3. The ratio of
the change in transducer output to a change
in the value of the measurand. Note: In the
sense of the smallest detectable change in
measurand use the term threshold. See thresh-
old. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)] 4. The ratio of
change of the output to the change of the
input. 5. Sensitivity is also defined as the
least signal input that is capable of causing
an output signal that has the desired charac-
teristics. 6. The smallest change in the actual
value of a measured quantity that will pro-
duce an observable change in an instru-
ment's indicated or recorded output. 7. The
minimum value of an observed quantity that
can be detected by a specific instrument. 8.
The degree to which a process characteristic
can be influenced or changed by a small
change in some physical or chemical stimu-
lus.
sensitivity shift A change in the slope of the
calibration curve as a result of a change in
sensitivity. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
sensitivity stability A measure of the irre-
versible change in a transducer's sensitivity
level after it has been exposed to temperature

and/or pressure extremes or over time. [ISA-
37.1-1975 (R1982)]
sensitometer An instrument for determining
the sensitivity of light-sensitive materials.
sensitometry Technology that measure the
way photographic film responds to light
under specified conditions of exposure and
development.
sensor 1. That part of a loop or instrument
that first senses the value of a process vari-
able and that then assumes a corresponding,
predetermined, and intelligible state or out-
put. The sensor may be separate from or inte-
gral with another functional element of a
loop. The sensor is also known as a detector or
primary element. [ANSI/ISA-5.1-1984
(R1992)] 2. That portion of a channel that
responds to changes in a plant variable or
condition and converts the measured process
variable into an instrument signal. [ISA-
67.06-1984; ANSI/ISA-67.04.01-2000] 3. That
portion of a device that is directly responsive
to the value of the measured quantity. It may
include case protection of the sensitive por-
tion. 4. The portion of a channel that
responds to changes in a plant variable or
condition and converts the measured process
variable into an instrument signal. 5. A
device that produces a voltage or current
output that is representative of some physi-
cal property being measured (speed, temper-
ature, flow, etc.). 6. Generally, the output of a
sensor requires further processing before it
can be used elsewhere. 7. A generic name for
a device that detects either the absolute value
of a physical quantity or a change in value of
the quantity and converts the measurement
into a useful input signal for an indicating or
recording instrument. Also known as "pri-
mary element" or detector" and "sensing ele-
ment." 8. A device that reacts to changes in
process parameters. See transducer.
separable flanges Nonintegral loose flanges
that are held to the vessel/valve by mechani-
cal means such as retaining rings or swaged
rims.
separately powered device A device that
does not receive its operating power from the
fieldbus signal conductors. [ANSI/ISA-
50.02, Part 2-1992]
separation 1. An action that disunites a mix-
ture of two phases into the individual
phases. 2. The partition of aggregates into
two or more portions of different particle
size, as by screening. 3. The degree, in deci-
bels, to which right and left channels of a ste-
reophonic radio or sound system are isolated
from each other. 4. The parting of two con-
445
sensitometer / sequence monitor
nected members of a structure or system, as
occurs at preplanned times after the launch
of a multistage rocket. 5. The removal of dust
from a gas stream. [Safe] 6. The use of multi-
ple devices or systems to segregate control
from safety functions. Separation can be
implemented by identical elements (identical
separation) or by diverse elements (diverse
separation). [ANSI/ISA-84.01-1996]
separator 1. Any machine for dividing a mix-
ture of materials according to some attribute
such as size, density, or magnetic properties.
2. A device for using water or air to separate
materials of different specific gravity. 3. A
cage in a ball-bearing or roller-bearing
assembly. See cage.
separator-filter A piece of process equipment
that removes solids and entrained liquid
from a fluid stream by passing the fluid both
through a set of baffles or a coalescer and
through a screen.
sequence The chronological series of actions
and states of an annunciator after an abnor-
mal process condition or manual test initia-
tion occurs. [ANSI/ISA-18.1-1979 (R1992)]
sequence action A signal that causes the
sequence to change from one sequence state
to another. Examples of sequence actions
include process condition changes and the
manual operation of push buttons. [ANSI/
ISA-18.1-1979 (R1992)]
sequence-checking routine A routine that
checks every instruction executed and prints
out certain data, for example, a routine to
print out the coded instructions with
addresses and the contents of each of several
registers. Alternatively, the routine may be
designed to print out only selected data, such
as transfer instructions and the quantity
actually transferred.
sequence control A system of control in
which a series of machine movements occurs
in a desired order. The completion of one
movement initiates the next, and the extent
of the movements is not specified by numeri-
cal input data.
sequence diagram A graphic presentation
that describes sequence actions and sequence
states. [ANSI/ISA-18.1-1979 (R1992)]
sequence module See alarm module (point or
sequence module).
sequence monitor The computer monitoring
of the step-by-step actions that should be
taken by the operator during a start-up and/
or shutdown of a power unit. As a minimum,
the computer would check that certain mile-
stones have been reached in the operation of
the unit. The maximum coverage would
sequencer / serial I/O
have the computer check that each required
step is performed, that the correct sequence
is followed, and that every checked point
falls within its prescribed limits. Should an
incorrect action or result occur, the computer
would record the fault and notify the opera-
tor.
sequencer A mechanical or electronic control
device that not only initiates a series of
events but also makes them follow each
other in an ordered progression.
sequence state The condition of the visual
display and audible device that is provided
by an annunciator to indicate the process
condition or push-button actions, or both.
Sequence states include normal, alarm
(alert), silenced, acknowledged, and ring-
back. [ANSI/ISA-18.1-1979 (R1992)]
sequence table A presentation that describes
sequence actions and sequence states by lines
of statements arranged in columns. [ANSI/
ISA-18.1-1979 (R1992)]
sequential access A data access method in
which records or files are read one at a time
in the order in which they appear in the file
or volume.
sequential control 1. A mode of computer
operation in which instructions are executed
in consecutive order by the ascending or
descending addresses of storage locations,
unless otherwise specified by a jump. 2. A
class of industrial process control functions
in which the objective of the control system is
to sequence the process units through a
series of discrete states (as distinct from con-
tinuous control). See sequence monitor.
sequential files A collection of related
records that is stored on secondary storage
devices such as magnetic tapes and disks.
The records are physically stored in the same
order as the key number, and it is not neces-
sary to use any index or algorithms to locate
a particular record.
sequential function charts (SFCs) A way of
graphically representing a control system as
a flow-chart sequence of alternating steps
and transitions so the system can be better
understood by all engineering disciplines.
Originally formulated by Telemecanique
under the name GRAFCET and standardized
under IEC848 and NFC-03-190. SFCs gener-
ally offer improved organization, modular-
ity, and readability over free-form
programming. See function block diagram,
instruction list, ladder logic, and structured text.
sequential logic A logic circuit in which the
output depends on the inputs to the circuit
and the internal states of the circuit.
446
Sequential Function Charts
sequential manipulation control An
advanced process control strategy whereby
manipulated variables are managed in a pre-
scribed order and on an "as-needed" basis.
sequential sampling A method of inspection
that involves testing an undetermined num-
ber of samples one by one until enough test
results have been accumulated to allow an
accept/reject decision to be made.
SERCOS Serial real-time communication
system. A digital interface standard for dis-
tributed, multiaxis motion control.
serial 1. Pertaining to the time sequencing of
two or more processes. [ISA-RP55.1-1975
(R1983)] 2. Pertaining to the time sequencing
of two or more similar or identical processes
in which the same facilities are used for the
successive processes. [ISA-RP55.1-1975
(R1983)] 3. Pertaining to the time-sequential
processing of the individual parts of a whole,
such as the bits of a character or the charac-
ters of a word, using the same facilities for
successive parts. [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)]
4. In reference to digital data, the presenta-
tion of data as a time-sequential bit stream,
one bit after another. 5. In PCM telemetry, the
transfer of information on a bit-by-bit basis.
See pulse code modulation (PCM). 6. In data
transfer operations, a procedure that handles
the data one bit at a time, in contrast to paral-
lel operations.
serial access See access, serial.
serial computer 1. A computer that has a sin-
gle arithmetic and logic unit. 2. A computer,
some specified characteristic of which is
serial. An example is a computer that manip-
ulates all bits of a word serially. Contrast
with parallel processing.
serial data transmission A method of data
transmission in which each bit is sent
sequentially on a single channel.
serial I/O A method of data transmission in
sequential mode, one bit at a time. Only one
line is needed for the transmission. However,
it takes longer to send/receive the data than
when using parallel I/O.

serial operation A mode of computer opera-
tion in which information flows sequentially
in time using only one digit, word, line, or
channel at any given time.
serial output In data processing, program-
ming that instructs the computer to send
only one bit at a time between interconnect-
ing devices.
serial port An I/O socket that is used for
serial I/O. Serial ports often make use of the
RS232 standard.
serial-to-parallel converter In PCM teleme-
try, the circuitry that converts a serial bit
stream into bit-parallel data outputs. Each
transfer represents one measurement.
serial transmission 1. In telemetering, send-
ing bits of information from different sensors
or devices over a single channel in sequence.
Each bit of information is coded to identify
its source as well as its value. 2. See serial data
transmission.
series cascade action A type of control sys-
tem interaction whereby the output of each
controller in a series (except the last one)
serves as an input signal to the next control-
ler.
series element Any of a number of two-ter-
minal electronic elements that form a path
from one node of a network to another in
such a way that only elements of the path
terminate at intermediate nodes along the
path. Alternatively, any of a number of
two-terminal elements that are connected in
such a way that any mesh containing one of
the elements also contains the others.
series heating cable Heating elements that
are electrically connected in series with a sin-
gle current path and have a specific resis-
tance at a given temperature for a given
length. [ANSI/ISA-12.16.01-1998 (IEC 79-7
Mod)]
series resistor A resistive element of the volt-
age circuit of an instrument that adapts the
instrument to operate on some designated
voltage.
series (universal) motor A noninduction-
type of motor utilized for small equipment.
Its speed will decrease as its load increases.
server A system that provides a network ser-
vice when that service is requested by a sys-
tem using a client program. See client.
service access point (SAP) The connection
point between a protocol in one OSI layer
and a protocol in the layer above. SAPs pro-
vide a mechanism by which a message can
be routed through the appropriate protocols
as it is passed up through the OSI layers.
447
serial operation / servomotor
service factor 1. For a facility such as a chem-
ical processing plant or electric-generating
station, the proportion of time that the facil-
ity is operating. Service factor is calculated
by dividing actual operating time in hours
by total elapsed time in hours, expressed as a
percentage. 2. In electric motors, a factor in
which a motor can be operated above rated
current without damage. For example, an
electric motor with a service factor of 1.15
can be operated up to 115 percent of rated
current without damage.,
service idlers Those idlers in the weighing
area, including scale-borne idlers and several
idlers on either side of the scale-borne idlers.
Service idlers must be of the same type and
grade as weigh idlers and receive the same
maintenance. [ISA-R74.01-1984] See idlers.
service life The length of time in which a
mechanism or piece of equipment can be
used before it becomes either unreliable or
economically impractical to maintain in good
working order.
service temperature The temperature
reached when an apparatus is operating at
its rating. [ISA-12.00.01-1999 (IEC 60079-0
Mod)]
service water General-purpose water that
may or may not have been treated for a spe-
cial purpose.
servicing time Same as engineering time.
servo A shortened form of servomechanism.
[ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)] See servomechanism.
servo brake 1. A motor vehicle brake in
which vehicle motion is used to increase the
pressure on one of the brake shoes. 2. A
power-assisted braking device.
servomechanism 1. A transducer type in
which the output of the transduction element
is amplified and fed back so as to balance the
forces applied to the sensing element or its
displacements. The output is a function of
the feedback signal. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982).
2. An automatic feedback control device in
which the controlled variable is mechanical
position or any of its time derivatives.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)] 3. A feedback
control system in which at least one of the
system signals represents mechanical
motion. 4. An automatic control system
incorporating feedback that governs the
physical position of an element by adjusting
either the values of the coordinates or the
values of their time derivatives. 5. Any feed-
back control system.
servomotor A power-driven mechanism that
supplements the primary control operated
session / SFM
by much weaker force, as in a servomecha-
nism. See servomechansm.
session 1. Layer 5 of OSI. See session layer.
2. The time period during which the user
engages in dialog with an interactive com-
puter.
session layer Layer 5 of the OSI reference
model. It provides protocols for assembling
physical messages into logical messages.
set 1. A collection. 2. To place a storage device
into a specified state, usually a state other
than the state denoting zero or blank. 3. To
place a binary cell into the state that denotes
one. 4. In simulation theory, a set consists of
entities that have at least one common
attribute. Additionally, entities may own any
number of sets. Sets may be arranged (topo-
logically ordered) on a "first-in, first-out,"
"last-in, last-out," or ranked basis. [Eng] 5. A
combination of units, assemblies, or parts
that are connected together or used together
to perform a single function, as in a televi-
sion or radar set. 6. A group of tools in which
at least some of the individual tools often dif-
fer from others only in size. 7. In plastics pro-
cessing, the conversion of a liquid resin or
adhesive into a solid material. 8. The process
of hardening of cement, plaster, or concrete.
9. A permanent strain in a metal or plastics
material.
set point 1. An input variable that sets the
desired value of the controlled variable. Note
1: The input variable may be manually set,
automatically set, or programmed. Note 2:
Set point is expressed in the same units as the
controlled variable. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)] 2. A predetermined level at which a
bistable device changes state in order to indi-
cate that the quantity under surveillance has
reached the selected value. [ISA-67.06-1984]
3. The desired operating value of the process
variable. [ANSI/ISA-77.44-1995]
set point control A control technique in
which a computer supplies a calculated set
point to a conventional analog instrumenta-
tion control loop.
set pressure The inlet pressure at which a
safety-relief valve opens. Usually a pressure
that is established by specification or code.
set screw A small, headless machine screw
that is used for holding a knob, gear, or collar
on a shaft. A set screw usually has a sharp or
cupped point on one end and a slot or
recessed socket on the other.
settling The partial or complete separation of
heavy materials from lighter ones by gravity.
448
setting accuracy The ability of equipment
(controllers, timers, etc.) to be set within tol-
erance of a selected value.
settling time The time interval between the
step change of an input signal and the instant
when the resulting variation of the output
signal does not deviate more than a specified
tolerance from its steady-state value. See also
time, settling.
setup 1. An arrangement of data or devices
so as to solve a particular problem. 2. In a
computer that consists of an assembly of
individual computing units, the arrangement
of interconnections between the units and
the adjustments that are needed for the com-
puter to solve a particular problem. 3. Pre-
liminary operations—such as control
adjustments, the installation of tooling, or
filling process fluid reservoirs—that prepare
a manufacturing facility or piece of equip-
ment to perform specific work.
setup driver A routine that is capable of
accepting raw setup and control information,
converting this information to static stores,
dynamic stores, or control words, and load-
ing or transmitting the converted data to the
associated module, in order to achieve the
desired effect.
seven-twenty four (7-24) Seven days per
week, twenty-four hours per day. A reference
to operating around the clock every day.
Also stated as "24-7."
severe-duty valve A mission-critical valve,
typically one that sees high-pressure drop
service, that may see cavitating or flashing
fluids. If not properly designed, a severe-
duty valve may see early trim erosion, vibra-
tion, or excess noise. [ANSI/ISA-77.13.01-
1999]
sexadecimal number A number, usually of
more than one figure, that represents a sum
in which the quantity represented by each
figure is based on a radix of sixteen. Synony-
mous with "hexadecimal number."
SFC Sequential function chart; shop floor
control. Not a stand-alone language, rather a
language that pervades all of the IEC 1131
standard languages. See function block dia-
gram, instruction list, ladder logic, and struc-
tured text. A way of organizing programs
written in these languages so as to accom-
plish sequential control by partitioning them
into sets of steps and transitions that are
interconnected by directed links. See sequen-
tial function charts (SFCs).
SFM Scanning force microscopy. More pow-
erful than scanning electron microscopes in

locating the defects on integrated circuits.
Measures in angstroms.
SGC Solid ground curing. A form of rapid
prototyping. See rapid prototyping.
S-glass In the construction of glass bulb-type
pH sensors, S-glass is a low ohmic glass that
is used for the membranes of electrodes in
processes where measurements are to be
made in acid media and at lower tempera-
tures. At higher pH values alkaline error
may be significant. See E-glass, G-glass, L-
glass.
shackle An open or closed link that has
extended arms, each of which has a hole for
accommodating a single pin that spans the
gap between the arms.
shaded pole motor A low-starting torque
motor that depends on induced current to
create the magnetic field necessary to start
that motor.
shading Controlling the phase distribution
and amplitude distribution of transducer
action at the active face in order to control its
directionality.
shaft 1. A component of circular cross-section
that is used for transmitting rotary motion.
[ANSI/ISA-12.22.01-1998 (IEC 79-1 Mod)] 2.
The mechanical member that is used to sup-
port and move a rotary closure member.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000] 3. The mechanical
input element of the transducer. [ISA-37.12-
1982 R1995)] 4. A cylindrical metal rod that is
used to position, and sometimes to drive or
be driven by, rotating parts such as gears,
pulleys, or impellers, which transmit power
and motion.
shaft balancing A method for reducing the
vibrations in rotating equipment by redis-
tributing the mass in order to eliminate
asymmetrical centrifugal forces.
shaft bearings Devices that are used in rotary
valves to support the shaft and guide the clo-
sure member through its travel. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
shaft encoder A device for indicating the
angular position of a cylindrical member. See
Gray code and cyclic code.
shaft horsepower 1. The power output of an
engine, turbine, or motor. 2. The power input
to a pump or compressor.
shaft position An indication of the position
of the wiper relative to a reference point.
[ISA-37.12-1982 (R1995)]
shakedown test An equipment test that is
made during installation or prior to the
equipment's initial production operation.
shake table See vibration machine.
449
SGC / sharpness
shake table test A durability test in which a
component or assembly is clamped to a table
or platen and subjected to vibrations of pre-
determined frequencies and amplitudes.
shall, should, and may In process control
standards, the word shall is to be understood
as a requirement, the word should as a recom-
mendation, and the word may as a permis-
sive, neither mandatory nor recommended.
[ANSI/ISA-77.42.01-1999]
shank The end of a tool that fits into a collet,
chuck, or other holding device.
shaping A machining process in which a
reciprocating, single-point tool cuts a flat or
simply contoured surface.
shareable program A (reentrant) program
that can be used by several users at the same
time.
shared controller 1. A controller that contains
preprogrammed algorithms that are usually
accessible, configurable, and assignable. It
permits a number of process variables to be
controlled by a single device. [ANSI/ISA-
5.1-1984 (R1992)] 2. A control device that
contains a plurality of preprogrammed algo-
rithms, which are user retrievable, config-
urable, and connectable. It also allows user-
defined control strategies or functions to be
implemented. Control of multiple process
variables can be implemented by sharing the
capabilities of a single device of this kind.
[ISA-5.3-1983]
shared display 1. The operator interface
device (usually a video screen) that is used to
display process control information from a
number of sources at the command of the
operator. [ANSI/ISA-5.1-1984 (R1992)] 2.
The operator interface device that is used to
display signals and/or data on a time-
shared basis. The signals and/or data (that
is, alphanumeric and/or graphic) that reside
in a database from which selective accessibil-
ity for display purposes is at the command of
a user. [ISA-5.3-1983] 3. A visual display unit
(VDU).
shared time control See control, shared time.
shared-use resource A common resource that
can be used by more than one user at a time.
[ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995]
shareware Computer software that can be
freely copied. Payment to the program
author is expected from those who find fre-
quent use for the program.
sharpen To impart a keen edge or acute point
to a cutting or piercing tool.
sharpness In video displays, the crispness of
screen displays, as in focus. Sharpness is gen-
erally caused by the convergence of red,
shaving / shield
blue, and green electron beams into single
white "dot" on the screen.
shaving 1. The process of cutting a thin layer
of material off the surface of a workpiece,
such as to bring gear teeth to final shape. 2.
Trimming thin layers or burrs from forgings,
stampings, or tubing so as to smooth parting
lines, uneven edges, or flash.
shear 1. A tool that cuts plate or sheet mate-
rial by the action of two opposing blades that
move along a plane approximately at right
angles to the surface of the material being
cut. 2. A type of stress that tends to separate
solid material by moving the portions on
opposite sides of a plane through the mate-
rial in opposite directions.
shearing The separation of material by the
cutting action of shears, or by similar action
in a punch-and-die set.
shear lip A characteristic of ductile fractures
in which the final portion of the fracture sep-
aration occurs along the direction of the prin-
cipal shear stress. This characteristic is
exhibited in the cup and cone fracture of a
tensile-test specimen made of relatively duc-
tile material.
shear modulus The ratio of shear stress and
angular shear distortion.
shear pin 1. A pin or wire that is designed to
hold parts in a fixed relative position until
sufficient force is applied to the assembly to
cut through the pin. 2. A pin through the hub
and shaft of a power-train member that is
designed to fail in shear at a predetermined
force, thereby protecting the mechanism
from being overloaded.
shear spinning A metal-forming process in
which sheet metal or light plate is formed
into a part that has rotational symmetry. A
tool is pressed against a rotating blank, and
the metal is deformed in shear until it comes
into contact with a shaped mandrel. The wall
of the resulting part is thinner than the origi-
nal blank thickness.
shear stress Where normal stress is
perpendicular to a designated plane, shear
stress is parallel to that plane.
shear test Any of various tests that are
intended to measure the shear strength of a
solid.
shear wave A wave in an elastic medium in
which any element of the medium along the
wave changes its shape without changing its
volume.
sheathed thermocouple A thermocouple that
has its thermoelements, and sometimes its
measuring junction, embedded in mineral-
450
oxide insulation that is compacted within a
metal protecting tube. [ANSI-MC96.1]
sheave A pulley or wheel that has a grooved
rim to guide a rope, cable, or belt.
sheet Any flat material intermediate in thick-
ness between film or foil and plate. Specific
thickness limits for sheet depend on the type
of material involved, and sometimes also on
other dimensions such as width.
sheet metal A flat-rolled metal product that
is generally thinner than about 0.25 in.
shell 1. A thin metal cylinder. 2. The outer wall
of a tank or pressure vessel. 3. A mold wall
that is made of sand and a thermosetting plas-
tics material. It is used in certain casting pro-
cesses. 4. A cast tube that is used as starting
stock for certain types of drawn seamless tub-
ing. 5. The metal tube that remains when a bil-
let is extruded using a dummy block of
smaller diameter than the billet. 6. A hollow,
pierced forging. 7. The outer member of a pul-
ley block that surrounds the sheave. [Comp]
7. A program or function that is created
around some central kernel or core program
and relies upon it to operate properly. Com-
pare with kernel.
shellac A flammable resinous material pro-
duced by a species of insect found in India. It
is used to make a water-resistant coating for
wood by dissolving the resin in alcohol.
shell-and-tube heat exchanger A device for
transferring heat from a hot fluid to a cooler
one. One fluid passes through the inside of a
bundle of parallel tubes while the other fluid
passes over the outside of the tubes but
inside the vessel shell. Heat is transferred by
conduction across the walls of the tubes.
sheltered area See area, sheltered.
sheltered locations Locations where neither
air temperature nor humidity is controlled
and where equipment is protected against
direct exposure to such climatic elements as
direct sunlight, rainfall and other precipita-
tion, and full wind pressure. Indoor locations
that are neither heated nor cooled are consid-
ered sheltered locations. [ISA-82.03-1988]
Shewhart chart A time plot in which control
limits are set at three standard deviations
above and below the target value. This was
one of the earliest control charts.
shield 1. An earthed, metallic layer surround-
ing a cable that confines the electric field
within the cable and protects the cable from
external electrical influence. Note: Metallic
sheaths, armors, and earthed concentric con-
ductors may also serve as a shield. [ANSI/
ISA-50.02, Part 2-1992] 2. Any barrier to the
passage of interference-causing electrostatic

Shewhart Chart
or electromagnetic fields. An electrostatic
shield is formed by a conductive layer, like a
foil, surrounding a cable core. 3. An electro-
magnetic shield is a ferrous metal cabinet or
wire way. 4. An attenuating body that blocks
radiation from reaching a specific location in
space or that allows only radiation of signifi-
cantly reduced intensity to reach the specific
location.
shielded conductor An insulated conductor
encased in one or more conducting enve-
lopes. The conductor is usually made of
woven wire mesh or metal foil. Similar prod-
ucts that contain one or more insulated con-
ductors are known as "shielded cable,"
"shielded conductor cable," or "shielded
wire."
shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) An
industrial process in which metals are heated
through an electric arc formed between a
covered metal electrode and the metal work-
piece. Shielding is provided by the decompo-
sition of the electrode's covering. No
pressure is applied, and filler metal is
obtained from the electrode.
shielding 1. The process of surrounding an
electronic circuit or signal transmission cable
with a ground plane, such as a foil or
woven-metal sheath, so that capacitive cou-
pling between the circuit and ground plane
remains stable. 2. A protective covering that
reduces electromagnetic (EMI) and radio fre-
quency interference (RFI) or leakage in a
cable or device. 3. Interposing a radiation-
absorbing material between a source of ion-
izing radiation and personnel or equipment
so as to reduce or eliminate radiation dam-
age.
shift register A data storage location in
which data is stored and moved (shifted)
from one position to another in the register.
The purpose of this shifting is usually to per-
451
Next Page
shielded conductor / short
form some logic or arithmetic operation on
the stored data.
shim A thin piece of usually metal material
that is placed between two surfaces in order
to compensate for slight variations in the
dimensions between two mating parts and to
bring about a proper alignment or fit.
ship auger A wood-boring tool that consists
of a spiral body with a single cutting edge,
instead of two, and with no spur at the outer
end of the cutting edge. It may or may not
have a central feed screw.
shock 1. A substantial disturbance that is
characterized by a rise and decay of accelera-
tion from a constant value in a short period
of time. [ISA-RP37.2-1982 (R1995)] 2. An
impact and the resulting transient pulse.
shock absorber A component that is con-
nected between a piece of equipment and its
frame or support in order to damp out rela-
tive motion between them and to reduce the
effect of acceleration forces. A shock absorber
normally consists of a dashpot or a combina-
tion of a dashpot and a spring.
shock motion A sudden transient motion of
large relative displacement.
shock mount A supporting structure that iso-
lates sensitive equipment from the effects of
mechanical shock or relatively high-ampli-
tude vibrations.
shock resistance The ability to absorb
mechanical shock without cracking, break-
ing, or excessively deforming.
shock wave An extremely thin wave in an
elastic or compressible medium that is char-
acterized by a sharp wave front and high
intensity. It is typically generated by super-
sonic flow in a fluid, by an explosion, by a
sudden intense pressure transient, or by a
sharp intense blow on the surface of an elas-
tic solid.
shoe 1. A renewable friction element whose
contour fits that of a drum and stops it from
turning when lateral pressure is applied.
Also known as a "brake shoe." 2. A metal
block that is used as a form or support dur-
ing the bending of tubing, wire, rod, or sheet
metal. 3. A generic term for machine ele-
ments that provide support or that separate
two members, while allowing relative sliding
motion.
shop fabrication Making components and
assemblies in a workshop for later transpor-
tation to the job site for installation.
shop weld A weld made during shop fabrica-
tion.
short An electrical short circuit. An electrical
circuit that has nearly zero resistance.
Previous Page
spiral welded pipe A pipe that is made by
forming steel plate into long helical strips,
fitting the strips together, and welding the
spiral seams.
splash lubrication A method of lubricating a
piston engine in which the connecting-rod
bearings dip into troughs filled with oil,
splashing the oil onto other engine parts.
Notoriously inefficient.
splash screen On the Internet, the main
menu screen or the opening graphic to a Web
page. The same definition applies in com-
puter systems as well, but there may also be
a point for entering a security code, showing
copyright and revision-level information,
and so. Splash screens are usually used only
upon initial start-up.
splice 1. To connect two pieces so as to form a
single longer piece, as in connecting the ends
of wire, rope, or tubing. The connection may
be made by any of several methods, includ-
ing weaving and welding, and may be made
with or without a connector. 2. A permanent
junction between two optical fiber ends. It
can be a mechanical splice, formed by gluing
or otherwise attaching the ends together
mechanically, or a fusion splice, formed by
melting the ends together.
splice housing A housing designed to pro-
tect a splice in an optical fiber from damage
such as from the application of stress on the
fiber.
splice plate A piece of flat-rolled stock that is
used to connect together the webs or flanges
of two girders.
spline 1. One of a set of axial keyways or gear-
like ridges on the end of a shaft or the interior
of a hub. In use, the splined shaft fits into a
mating splined hub to transmit rotational
power and motion, while permitting limited
axial play between the two members. 2. A
term used to describe the irregular curve
concept in conventional drafting. In drafting,
a spline is often performed with a French
curve tool to assure that the curve passes
through a series of defined points.
split-beam colorimeter An instrument for
determining the difference in radiation
absorption by the sample at two wave-
lengths in the visible or ultraviolet region.
split-beam ultraviolet analyzer An instru-
ment for monitoring the concentration of a
specific chemical substance in a process
stream or coasting. It measures the amount
of ultraviolet light absorbed at one wave-
length and compares it to the amount at a
reference wavelength that is only weakly
absorbed by the sample
469
spiral welded pipe / spooling
split bearing A journal bearing that consists
of two semicylindrical pieces bolted together.
split body A valve body design in which the
seat and gaskets are secured between two
segments of a valve body. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
split clamp ends Valve end connections of
various proprietary designs that use split
clamps to apply gasket loading. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
splitnut A nut that is cut in half lengthwise
and hinged so that it can be rapidly engaged,
on closing, and rapidly disengaged, on open-
ing.
split-phase motor An inexpensive AC motor
that is generally used for easy-starting loads.
It features two sets of windings, one for start-
up and one for running the motor. Once the
motor has attained full speed, the current to
the starting windings is switched off.
split ranging See signal amplitude sequencing
(split ranging).
splitter Plates spaced in an elbow of a duct
that are disposed so as to guide the flow of
fluid through the elbow with uniform distri-
bution and minimized pressure drop.
splitter vanes A set of curved, parallel strips
of metal that are placed along the flow direc-
tion in a gas conduit in order to guide gas
flow around a sharp bend in the conduit.
spoke A bar, rod, or wire that connects the
hub of a wheel to its rim.
spokeshave A small tool for planning con-
cave or convex surfaces.
sponge metal Any metal mass that is pro-
duced by decomposition or chemical reduc-
tion of a compound at a temperature below
the metal's melting temperature.
spontaneous combustion The ignition of
combustible materials following slow oxida-
tion without applying high temperature
from an external source.
spontaneous emission The light emitted
when a photon that is emitted from one body
(e.g., electron-hole pair) is independent of
other bodies. Typical of common sources and
light-emitting diodes. See stimulated emission.
spool 1. The drum of a hoist. 2. The movable
member of a slide-type hydraulic valve. 3. A
reel or drum for winding up thread or wire.
4. A relatively short transition member (also
known as a "spool piece") for making a
welded connection between two lengths of
pipe.
spooler See buffer memory.
spooling The technique by which output to
low-speed devices is placed into queues on
spot check / spring rate
faster devices to await transmission to the
slower devices.
spot check A type of random inspection in
which only a very small percentage of total
production is checked to verify that a process
remains within its control limits.
spot drilling Drilling a small, shallow hole in
a surface to act as a centering guide in a sub-
sequent machining operation.
spot face A machined annular surface
around a bolt hole on the side of a through-
bolted flange, opposite the gasket face. It is
provided for nut seating. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
spot welding A form of resistance welding in
which a weld nugget is produced along the
interface between two pieces of metal, usu-
ally sheet metal. This is done by passing elec-
tric current across the joint, which is clamped
between two small-diameter electrodes or
between an electrode and an anvil or plate.
spray A mechanically produced dispersion of
liquid drops in a gas stream. The larger the
drops, the greater must be the gas velocity to
keep the drops from separating out by grav-
ity.
spray angle The angle included between the
sides of the cone that is formed by the liquid
fuel discharged from mechanical, rotary
atomizers and by some forms of steam or air
atomizers.
sprayer plate A metal plate that is used to
atomize the fuel in the atomizer of an oil
burner.
spray nozzle A nozzle from which a liquid
fuel is discharged in the form of a spray.
spray painting A process in which com-
pressed air atomizes paint and carries the
resulting spray to the surface to be painted.
spray tower A duct through which liquid
particles descend, counter current, to a col-
umn of gas. A fine spray is used when the
objective is to concentrate the liquid, a coarse
spray when the objective is to clean the gas
by entraining the solid particles in the liquid
droplets.
spread (data processing) In some perfor-
mance measures, the total dispersion or
spread of readings required. The spread S
may be defined as, S = R1 + R2, where R1
and R2 refer to the maximum deviation of
the readings from either side of the mean
value of the distribution. See repeatability.
[ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)]
spreadsheet A computer program that
arranges data and formulas in a matrix of
cells. It can be considered as the electronic
equivalent of an accountant's ledger, with
470
instant updating one particularly useful fea-
ture. When one entry is changed, all depen-
dent entries are immediately altered to
reflect the change.
spread spectrum radio technology A digital
communication technique in which the sig-
nal is created by modulating the radio fre-
quency signal with a spreading sequence
code or by "hopping" the frequency of the
carrier signal. Developed for the U.S. mili-
tary to prevent jamming.
spring A machine element whose chief pur-
pose is to store mechanical energy or to
induce mechanical force through elastic
deformation of the element's material. The
element may be shaped in the form of a
plate, leaf, flat-wound helix, coil, or washer.
It may be made of almost any relatively hard
metal or alloy; it may be stressed in tension,
compression, bending, or torsion. In most
spring designs the amount of deflection is
directly proportional to the applied load. If
the load is released, the element returns to its
normal, unstressed shape or position.
springback 1. The movement of a part
toward recovering its original size or shape
when elastic stress is released. 2. The amount
of elastic deflection that occurs in
cold-formed material when the forming force
is released. The direction of the movement is
opposite the direction of plastic flow. 3. In
flash, upset, or pressure welding, the amount
of deflection in the welding machine that is
caused by the upsetting pressure.
spring clip 1. A U-shaped fastener that
attaches a leaf spring to an axle. 2. A fastener
used chiefly in electrical connections that
grips a part by elastic force.
spring coupling A flexible coupling with
resilient parts.
spring hook A hook-shaped device with a
spring-loaded member that spans the gap to
form an eye. The spring-loaded member
allows a bight of rope or cable to be quickly
inserted into the eye and prevents the rope
from slipping off the hook unless the mem-
ber is deliberately depressed toward the cen-
ter of the eye.
spring-loaded seat A seat design that utilizes
a mechanical means, such as a spring, to
exert a greater force at the point of ball con-
tact so as to improve the sealing characteris-
tics, particularly at low pressure differential.
The spring action may be accomplished by a
metal spring arrangement or a compressed
elastomer. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
spring rate The force change per unit change
in length. This is usually expressed as

pounds per inch or Newtons per millimeter.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
spring steel Carbon or low-alloy steel that is
cold-worked or heat-treated to give it the
high yield strength normally required in
springs. If it is a heat-treatable composition,
the springs may be formed prior to heat
treatment (hardening).
spring temper A level of hardness and
strength for nonferrous alloys and some fer-
rous alloys that corresponds approximately
to a cold-worked state two-thirds of the way
from full hard to extra spring temper.
sprite In digital graphic displays, an individ-
ual component of animation, such as a char-
acter, icon, or graphic, that moves
independently.
sprocket A tooth on the periphery of a wheel
or spool for engaging the links of a chain or
the perforations in computer paper or
motion picture film, or some other similar
device. This allows the chain, paper, or film
to be driven without slippage or to traverse
the wheel without lateral movement, or both.
sprocket chain A flat chain, usually with
pinned links, that meshes with the teeth of a
sprocket in order to transmit motion and
mechanical power from one sprocket (the
driving sprocket) to another (the driven
sprocket).
sprocket hole Any of a series of perforations
along the edge of motion picture film, paper
tape, computer paper, or continuous statio-
nery that engage the teeth of a sprocket
wheel or spool so the material can be driven
through a mechanical device such as a cam-
era, projector, printer, or recording instru-
ment.
sprung arch An arch in the form of a segment
of a circle that is supported by skew blocks at
the two ends.
SPST Single pole single throw. An electrical
switch action that is used to interrupt flow
through a wire; on/off.
SP Set point. In a process control loop, a set
point determines the desired value at which
the process will operate.
spur 1. Branch line (i.e., a link connected to a
larger one at a point on its route) that is a
final circuit. NOTE—This definition is taken
from IEEE Std 100-1984. [ANSI/ISA-50.02,
Part 2-1992] 2. A spur is an H1 branch line
connecting to the trunk that is a final circuit.
A spur can vary in length from 1 m (3.28 ft.)
to 120 m (394 ft.).
spur gear A toothed wheel whose teeth run
parallel to the axis of the hub.
471
spring steel / squeeze roll
spurious trip The shutdown of the process
for reasons not associated with a problem in
the process that the safety instrumented sys-
tem is designed to protect (such as a hard-
ware fault, software fault, electrical fault,
transient, ground plane interference, etc.).
Other terms used include "nuisance trip"
and "false shutdown." [ANSI/ISA-84.01-
1996]
sputter-ion pump See getter-ion pump.
SQC Statistical quality control. SQC employs
the laws of probability and statistical proce-
dures to conduct offline analysis in order to
maintain an acceptable level of product qual-
ity. SQC often achieves this by using prede-
termined discrete samples over a period of
time in order to specify aims, goals, and
quality parameters.
SQE Signal quality error. In the CSMA/CD
communication media access method, SQE is
a test conducted between the transceiver/
MAU and the DTE so as to ensure that the
collision detection circuit in the transceiver/
MAU is working. Also known as heartbeat.
SQL Structured Query Language (pro-
nounced "see quill"). An ISO database access
standard for communicating (querying,
updating, and managing) with various rela-
tional databases. SQL allows the client to
access only that data that is required to sat-
isfy a specific request, which reduces net-
work traffic and improves performance.
Derived from an IBM research project that
created Structured English Query Language
in the 1970s. Now an accepted standard in
database products.
square mesh A weave in wire cloth or textile
fabric in which the number of wires or
threads per inch is the same both with the
weave and in the cross-weave direction.
square thread A machine thread with a
square cross section. The widths of land and
groove are each equal to one-half the pitch.
square wave A wave in which the dependent
variable assumes one fixed value for one-half
of the wave period, then assumes a second
fixed value for the other half. There is negli-
gible transition time between the two fixed
values at each transition point.
squeegee A tool for spreading liquids onto a
surface or scraping them off. It consists of a
simple handle and a transverse blade with a
flexible scraping edge usually made of rub-
ber.
squeeze roll One of two opposing rollers that
are designed to exert pressure on a material
passing between them.
squeeze time / stagnation
squeeze time In resistance welding, the time
from the initial application of pressure to the
moment when welding current begins to
flow.
SSI Small-scale integration. A multifunction
semiconductor, such as a microprocessor,
that has fewer than twelve equivalent gates.
stable element Any device, such as a gyro-
scope, that is used to maintain a stable spa-
tial position for devices such as
instrumentation or ordnance mounted in a
ship or aircraft.
stability 1. The ability of a transducer to
retain its performance characteristics for a
relatively long period of time. Note: Unless
otherwise stated, stability is the ability of a
transducer to reproduce output readings
obtained during its original calibration, at
room conditions, for a specified period of
time. It is then typically expressed as "within
[number] percent of full scale output for a
period of [number] months." [ISA-37.1-1975
(R1982)] 2. In data processing, a measure of
the ability of a device to maintain constant
volumes for one or more parameters that
describe its operation. [ISA-RP55.1-1975
(R1983)] 3. Freedom from undesirable devia-
tion. 4. A measure of the controllability of a
process. 5. The relative ability of a substance
to retain its mechanical, physical, and chemi-
cal properties during service. 6. The relative
ability of a chemical to resist decomposition
during storage. 7. The ability of an electronic
device or circuit to maintain specified operat-
ing characteristics over extended periods of
service. 8. The ability of a machine element to
retain its original dimensions when exposed
to heat, humidity, or other environmental
conditions. 9. The relative ability of a body
such as an aircraft or missile to maintain an
attitude or to resist displacement from its
flight path as well as to restore its attitude or
flight path if displaced. 10. The relative abil-
ity of a waterborne vessel to remain upright
in a moving sea. 11. The state of a system if
the magnitude of the response produced by
an input variable, either constant or varied in
time, is limited and related to the magnitude
of the input variable.
stability of a linear system A linear system is
stable if, having been displaced from its
steady state by an external disturbance, it
returns to that steady state when the distur-
bance cease.
stabilized design A concept by which the
temperature of the resistance heating device
or unit will, by design and use, stabilize
below the limiting temperature, under the
472
most unfavorable conditions, without need-
ing a protective system to limit the tempera-
ture. [ANSI/ISA-12.16.01-1998 (IEC 79-7
Mod)]
stabilizer 1. A single unit consisting of an air-
foil or combination of airfoils whose princi-
pal function is to maintain stable flight for an
aircraft or missile. 2. Any chemical that is
added to the formulation of a substance for
the chief purpose of maintaining mechanical
or chemical stability throughout the useful
life of the substance.
stabilizing treatment Any of various treat-
ments—mechanical or thermal—that are
intended to promote dimensional or micro-
structural stability in a metal or alloy.
stack 1. The portion of a chimney above roof
level. 2. Any structure that contains flues for
discharging waste gases to the atmosphere.
3. A vertical conduit in which the difference
in density between internal and external
gases creates a draft at the conduit's base.
[Comp] 4. An area of memory that is set
aside for temporary storage or for procedure
and interrupt linkages. A stack uses the
last-in, first-out (LIFO) concept. As items are
added to ("pushed on") the stack, the stack
pointer decrements. As items are retrieved
from ("popped off") the stack, the stack
pointer increments.
stack draft The magnitude of the draft that is
measured at inlet to the stack.
stack effect That portion of a pressure differ-
ential that results from the difference in ele-
vation of the points of measurement.
stack effluent Gas and solid products dis-
charged from stacks.
stacker A machine for lifting goods on a plat-
form or fork and placing them in tiered stor-
age, such as in a warehouse.
stacker, card An output device that accumu-
lates punched cards in a deck. [ISA-RP55.1-
1975 (R1983)]
stack pointer (SP) A memory location that
contains the address of the top (lowest)
address of the processor-defined stack. See
stack.
stage In electronics, that portion of a circuit
between the control tap of one tube or tran-
sistor and the control tap of another.
staging test A comprehensive checkout in
which all feasible components of the pro-
grams of a system, along with the field trans-
mitter and valve, are electrically or
pneumatically simulated.
stagnation The condition of being free from
movement or lacking circulation.
 stagnation pressure / standard function block (F6)
stagnation pressure A theoretical pressure
that could be developed if a flowing fluid
could be brought to rest without loss of
energy (isentropically).
stagnation temperature The temperature
that would be attained if all of the kinetic
energy of a moving stream of fluid were con-
verted into heat.
stain 1. A nonprotective liquid coloring agent
that is used to bring out the grain in decora-
tive woods. 2. A permanent or semiperma-
nent discoloration on wood, metal, fabric, or
plastics caused by a foreign substance. 3.
Any colored organic compound that is used
to prepare biological specimens for micro-
scopic examination.
stainless alloy Any member of a large, com-
plex group of alloys that contain iron, at least
5 percent chromium, and often other alloying
elements, whose principal characteristic is
resistance to atmospheric corrosion or rust-
ing. Also known as "stainless steel."
stamping Virtually any metal-forming opera-
tion that is carried out in a press.
standard An accepted reference sample that
is used to establish a unit for the measure-
ment of a physical quantity.
standard air Dry air that weighs 0.075 lb per
cu ft at sea level (29.92 in. barometric pres-
sure) and at 70°F.
standard antenna An open single-wire
antenna (including the lead-in wire) that has
an effective height of 4 meters.
standard atmospheric pressure A reference
pressure that is approximately equal to the
mean atmospheric pressure at sea level.
Because atmospheric pressure varies with
elevation and is not constant with time, stan-
dard atmospheric pressure is defined arbi-
trarily as an absolute pressure of 14.695 psi,
30.0 in. of mercury, or 760 mm Hg (using
mercury of density 13.595 g/cm 3 ).
standard capacitator A capacitator con-
structed in such a way that its capacitance
value is not likely to vary with temperature
and is known to a high degree of accuracy.
Also known as "capacitance standard."
standard cell A primary cell whose voltage is
accurately known and remains sufficiently
constant for instrument calibration purposes.
The Weston standard cell has a voltage of
1.018636 volts at 20°°C
standard condition 1. A temperature of 0°C
and a pressure of 1 atmospheres (760 torr).
Also known as "normal temperature and
pressure (NTP)" and "standard temperature
and pressure (STP)." 2. According to the
American Gas Association (AGA), a temper-
473
ature of 60°F (15-5/9°C) and a pressure of 30
inches of mercury (762 mm). 3. According to
the Compressed Gas Institute (CGI), a tem-
perature of 20°C (68°F) and a pressure of 1
atmosphere.
standard deviation The positive square root
of the expected value of the square of the dif-
ference between a random variable and its
mean.
Normal Distributions with
Different Standard Deviations
standard electrode potential The reversible
or equilibrium potential of an electrode in an
environment where reactants and products
are at unit activity.
standard error A measure of the variability
any statistical constant would be expected to
show in taking repeated random samples of
a given size from the same universe of obser-
vations.
standard fit Any fit between mating parts
whose allowance and tolerance have been
standardized.
standard flue gas Gas that weighs 0.078 lb
per cu ft at sea level (29.92 in. barometric
pressure) and 70°F.
standard frequency signal One of the highly
accurate signals that are broadcast by gov-
ernment radio stations for testing and cali-
brating radio equipment all over the world.
In the United States, such signals are broad-
cast by the NIST's radio stations: WWV,
WWVH, WWVB, and WWVL.
standard function block (FB) Standard func-
tion blocks (FBs) are built into fieldbus
devices as needed in order to achieve the
desired control functionality. The automation
functions provided by standard FBs include
analog input (AI), analog output (AO), and
proportional-integral-derivative (PID) con-
trol. The Fieldbus Foundation has released
specifications for 21 types of standard FBs.
The order and definition of standard FB
standard gauge / standby battery
parameters are fixed and defined by these
specifications.
standard gauge 1. A highly accurate gauge
that is used only as a reference standard for
checking or calibrating working gauges. 2. A
set span across tracks of a railroad that mea-
sures 4 ft 8-1/2 in. (1.44 m).
standard gravity A value of the acceleration
of gravity that is equal to 9.80665 meters per
second per second.
standard inductor An inductor (coil) with an
air or iron core that has high stability of
inductance value, with little variation of
inductance with current or frequency and a
low temperature coefficient. It is used as a
primary standard in laboratories and as a
precise working standard for impedance
measurements.
standard interface 1. A joining place for two
systems or subsystems that has a previously
agreed-upon form, so that the two systems
may be readily connected together. 2. In par-
ticular, a system of uniform circuits and
input/output channels that connect the cen-
tral processing unit of a computer with vari-
ous units of peripheral equipment.
standardization 1. The adoption of generally
accepted uniform procedures, dimensions,
materials, or parts that directly affect the
design of a product or a facility. 2. The process
of establishing by common agreement engi-
neering criteria, terms, principles, practices,
materials, items, processes, and equipment
parts and components. 3. In pH measure-
ment, a method for compensating for the
inaccuracy of the pH electrode. The meter is
"standardized" or adjusted to give an ideal
response to the standardizing solution
(buffer) so that the pH of other solutions can
then be more accurately measured.
standardized product A product that con-
forms to specifications resulting from the
same technical requirements.
standardized test statistic A test statistic that
has been reduced to standardized units.
standardized units A random variable Z has
been reduced to standardized units when it
has zero expected value and a standard devi-
ation of 1. This is accomplished by dividing
the difference of Z and the expected value of
Z by the standard deviation of Z.
standard leak A controlled, finite amount of
tracer gas that has been allowed to enter a
leak detector during adjustment and calibra-
tion.
standard noise temperature The standard
reference temperature used for noise mea-
surements: 290°K.
474
standard performance The performance of
an instrument when it meets a standard out-
put.
standard potential The potential of an elec-
trode that is composed of a substance in its
standard state, in equilibrium with ions in
their standard states compared to a hydro-
gen electrode.
standard pressure 1. The arbitrarily selected
atmospheric pressure of 1,000 millibars to
which adiabatic processes are referred in def-
initions of potential temperature, equivalent
potential temperature, and so on. 2. A pres-
sure of 1 atmosphere (101.325 Newtons per
square meter). The value to which measure-
ments of quantities that are dependent on
pressure, such as the volume of a gas, are
often referred. Also known as "normal pres-
sure."
standard propagation The propagation of
radio waves over a smooth spherical earth of
specified dielectric constant and conductiv-
ity, under conditions of standard refraction
in the atmosphere.
standard refraction The refraction that
would occur in an idealized atmosphere in
which the index of refraction decreases uni-
formly with height at a rate of 39 x 10"6 per
kilometer. Standard refraction may be
included in ground-wave calculations by
using an effective earth radium of 8.5 x 106
meters, or 4/3 the geometrical radius of the
earth.
standard sphere gap The maximum distance
between the surfaces of two metal spheres
(measured along a line connecting their cen-
ters) at which spark-over occurs when a
dynamically variable voltage is applied
across the spheres under standard atmo-
spheric conditions. This value is a measure of
the crest value of an alternating current (AC)
voltage.
standard state The stable and pure form of a
substance at standard pressure and ordinary
temperature.
standard subroutine In computers, a subrou-
tine that is applicable to a class of problems.
standard test-tone power One milliwatt (0
decibels above one milliwatt) at 1,000 Hz.
standard volume The volume of 1 mole of a
gas at a pressure of 1 atmosphere and a tem-
perature of 0°C.
standard wire rope Wire rope that is made of
six wire strands laid around a sisal core.
standby battery A storage battery that is held
in reserve as an emergency power source in
the event regular power fails. Part of a unin-
 standby computer / static connection
terruptible power supply (UPS) system. Some-
times referred to as "battery backup."
standby computer A computer in a duplex
system that takes over when the need arises.
standing wave A wave in which, for any of
the dependent wave functions, the ratio of its
instantaneous value at one point on the wave
to its instantaneous value at any other point
does not vary with time.
standing wave meter An instrument for mea-
suring the standing-wave ratio in an electri-
cal transmission line.
standpipe A vertical tube filled with a liquid
such as water.
staple A fastener that consists of a U-shaped
piece of wire with pointed ends. The fastener
may be driven into a solid material such as
wood as if it were a double-pointed nail.
Alternatively, it may be driven through thin
sheets of paper or fabric and the ends folded
over to hold the sheets together.
star A wiring technique in which devices are
interconnected via a central hub or wiring
closet.
star coupler A coupler in which many fibers
are brought together to a single optical ele-
ment in which their signals are mixed. The
mixed signals are then transmitted back
through all the fibers.
starLAN A proposed standard for 1 Mbit
CSMA/CD on a twisted-pair medium. It is
wired as a star with active hubs and is
designed to use existing wiring. See telephone
twisted pair (TIP).
star network A set of three or more branches
in an electronic network, where one terminal
of each branch is connected at a common
node.
start bit The first bit in any asynchronous
serial data transmission. Start bits are used to
wake up the system. It carries none of the
message information.
starter 1. An electric motor and gear that is
used to turn the crankshaft of an internal
combustion engine until its operation
becomes self-sustaining. 2. In some chemical
processes, starter is a reactive mixture used
to initiate a reaction between less reactive
chemicals. Also known as "starting mix."
starting current ratio IN /I N The ratio
between initial starting current IA and rated
current IN. [ANSI/ISA-12.16.01-1998 (IEC 79-
7 Mod)]
starting resistance The force that is needed to
produce an oil film in a set of journal bear-
ings that support a shaft when that shaft first
begins to turn.
475
start of header (SOH) A control character
used in synchronous transmissions to indi-
cate the start of the header block.
start of text (STX) A control character used in
synchronous transmissions which precedes a
block of data that is treated as an entity and
transmitted through to its destination.
state 1. The condition of a circuit, system, and
so on. For example, the condition at the out-
put of a circuit that represents logic 0 or logic
1 is a state. 2. A description of the process in
terms of its measured variables, or a descrip-
tion of the condition of a circuit or device as
in "logic state 1." 3. A minimum set of num-
bers that contain enough information about a
system's history to enable its future behavior
to be computed. 4. The condition of an
equipment entity or of a procedural element
at a given time. Note: The number of possi-
ble states as well as their names vary for
equipment and for procedural elements.
[ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995]
state logic An alternative to ladder logic as
an implementation format, developed by
Adatek, Inc., of Sand Point, Idaho. Its advan-
tages include expedited program develop-
ment, the ability to implement multiple tasks
simultaneously, and virtually automatic pro-
gram documentation. It is gaining popularity
and may be more efficient for process control
because it is event or time driven, rather than
sequence driven or rule based.
statement A software instruction to a com-
puter that tells it to perform some sequence
of operations.
state variable 1. The output of the memory
element of a sequential circuit. 2. One of a
minimum set of numbers that contain
enough information about a system's history
to enable computation of its future behavior.
static burn-in A method of applying a DC
bias to a device at an elevated temperature
range (usually 125°C) for the purpose of
either forward-biasing or reverse-biasing as
many junctions as possible. Also called "high
temperature reverse bias (HTRB) burn-in."
static calibration 1. A calibration that is per-
formed under room conditions and in the
absence of any vibration, shock, or accelera-
tion (unless one of these is the measurand).
[ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)] 2. A calibration pro-
cedure during which the quantity of liquid is
measured while the liquid is not flowing into
or out of the measuring vessel. [ISA-37.1-
1975 (R1982)]
static connection A pipe tap on a manifold
that is used to connect process pressure to an
instrument.
static efficiency / statistical process control (SPC)
static efficiency The mechanical efficiency
multiplied by the ratio of static pressure dif-
ferential to the total pressure differential,
from fan inlet to fan outlet.
static error band The error band in ambient
conditions.
static friction See stiction (static friction).
static gain See gain, static (zero-frequency gain).
static-head liquid-level meter A pres-
sure-sensing device, such as a gauge, so con-
nected in the piping system that any
dynamic pressures in the system cancel each
other and the only the pressure difference
registered is that caused by liquid head
above the gauge position.
static model See steady-state model.
static pressure 1. The pressure of a fluid that
is independent of the kinetic energy of the
fluid. 2. The pressure exerted by a gas at rest
or the pressure measured when the relative
velocity between a moving stream and a
pressure-measuring device is zero. See also
pressure, static.
static pressure gauge An indicating instru-
ment for measuring pressure.
static pressure tube See static tube.
static RAM Random access memory that
requires continuous power but does not need
to be refreshed, as with dynamic RAM.
Memory density is not as high as for
dynamic RAM.
static register A computer register that
retains information in static form.
static seal See gasket.
static stability The property of a physical
system that maintains constancy in its static
and dynamic responses despite changes in
its internal conditions and variations in its
environment. Compare with dynamic stability.
static stores Digital registers in telemetry
devices that hold the setup instructions from
the computer.
static subroutine A subroutine that involves
no parameters other than the addresses of
the operands. Contrasted with dynamic sub-
routine.
static temperature The temperature of a fluid
as measured under conditions of zero rela-
tive velocity between the fluid and the tem-
perature-sensitive element, or as measured
under conditions that compensate for any
relative motion.
static test 1. Any measurement that is taken
in a normally dynamic system under static
conditions. An example would be a pressure
test of a hydraulic system under no-flow
conditions. 2. Specifically, a test to verify the
structural characteristics of a rocket or to
476
determine rocket-engine thrust, while a
rocket is in a stationary or hold-down posi-
tion.
static tube A device that is used to measure
static pressure in a stream of fluid. Normally,
a static tube consists of a perforated, tapered
tube combined with a branch tube for con-
necting it to a manometer. A related device,
called a "static pressure tube," consists of a
smooth tube with radial holes, which lies
behind a rounded nose.
static unbalance The net force that is pro-
duced on the valve stem by the fluid pres-
sure acting on the closure member and stem
when the fluid is at rest and with stated pres-
sure conditions. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
static weighing A method in which the net
mass of the liquid collected is deduced from
the tare (empty tank) and gross (full tank)
weighings that are made before the flow is
diverted into the weighing tank and after it is
diverted to the bypass, respectively.
stationary A gas-detection instrument that is
intended to be permanently installed in a
fixed location. [ANSI/ISA-12.13.01-2000]
stationary instrument A gas-detection
instrument that is intended for permanent
installation in a fixed location. [ANSI/ISA-
92.02.01, Part 1-1998; ISA-RP92.02.02, Part II-
1998; ISA-92.03.01-1998; and ISA-92.06.01-
1998]
stationary wave A standing wave in which
the energy flux is zero at all points on the
wave.
station management The portion of network
management that applies to the lowest two
OSI layers.
statistical error 1. Generally, any error in
measurement that results from statistically
predictable variations in the response of the
measurement system. 2. Specifically, an error
in the response of a radiation counter that
results from the random time distribution of
photon-detection events.
statistically significant number of
readings A sample whose statistics closely
approximate the true statistics of the parame-
ter under consideration. That is, increasing
the number of readings or repeatedly per-
forming the data collection procedure will
not result in substantially different calculated
statistical parameters such as the mean and
deviation. [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)]
statistical multiplexer A device that allows a
single channel to carry information from
more than one device simultaneously.
statistical process control (SPC) The use of
statistical techniques to control the quality of a
 statistical quality control (SQC) / steam jacket
product or process. Usually, SPC is an open-
loop form of control: it often follows a statis-
tical quality control (SQC) analysis for qual-
ity control. See statistical quality control (SQC).
statistical quality control (SQC) 1. Feedback
on the test results of statistical information in
order to fine-tune a manufacturing process.
2. Any method for controlling the attributes
of a product or the characteristics of a pro-
cess that is based on statistical methods of
inspection.
[ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)]
statistics 1. Numerical data relating to sets 2.
The science of collecting, summarizing, and
interpreting such data. 3. Quantities that are
derived from data in order to summarize the
properties of a sample (e.g., the mean and
standard deviation).
stator The stationary portion of a machine
that interacts with a rotor to produce power
or motion.
statoscope 1. A barometer for recording small
changes in atmospheric pressure. 2. An
instrument for indicating small changes in
the altitude of an aircraft.
statuary bronze Any of several copper alloys
that are used chiefly for casting ornamental
objects such as statues. A typical composi-
tion is 90 percent Cu, 6 percent Sn, 3 percent
Zn, and 1% Pb.
status words Sixteen-bit words, available to
be input into a computer, that tell the status
of telemetry or magnetic tape equipment.
stay A tensile stress member for holding
material or other members rigidly in posi-
tion.
staybolt A bolt that is threaded through or
welded at each end into two spaced sheets of
a firebox or box header for the purpose of
supporting flat surfaces against internal
pressure.
STC Self-tuning controller. Makes it possible
to automatically retune PID controllers in
changing environments, for slowly changing
process conditions, and during the dynamics
of start-ups.
steady flow A flow in which the flow rate in
a measuring section does not vary signifi-
cantly with time.
steady state 1. System response as time
approaches infinity. 2. A characteristic of a
condition, such as value, rate, periodicity, or
amplitude, that exhibits only negligible
change over an arbitrarily long period of
time. Note: Steady state may describe a condi-
tion in which some characteristics are static,
others dynamic. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993); ANSI/ISA-77.42.01-1999] 3. A sys-
477
tem in equilibrium, when all the potential
opposing forces are at rest or balanced. In
fiber optics, equilibrium mode distribution.
steady-state deviation The system deviation
after transients have expired. See offset. See
also deviation, steady-state.
steady-state model A mathematical model
that represents the process at equilibrium
(infinite time) conditions.
steady-state optimization A method of opti-
mizing some criterion function of a process,
usually by using a steady-state model of the
process. Linear programming is frequently
the optimization method used, and a typical
optimizing criterion is a function approxi-
mating the profit of the process. Contrast
with dynamic optimization.
steady-state power Conditions that persist
for more than 200 milliseconds. [ISA-71.02-
1991]
steady-state vibration A condition within a
vibrating system in which the velocity of
each moving particle can be described by a
periodic function.
steam The vapor phase of water, substan-
tially unmixed with other gases.
steam atomizing oil burner A burner for fir-
ing oil that is atomized by steam. It may be of
the inside or outside mixing type.
steam attemperation Reducing the tempera-
ture of superheated steam by injecting water
into the flow or passing the steam through a
submerged pipe.
steam binding A restriction in circulation
that is caused by a steam pocket or a rapid
steam formation.
steam cock A valve for admitting or releasing
steam.
steam cure To hasten the curing cycle of con-
crete or mortar by using heated water vapor,
at either atmospheric or higher pressure.
steam dryer A device for removing water
droplets from steam. See steam scrubber.
steam-free water Water that contains no
steam bubbles.
steam gauge A device for measuring the
pressure in a steam system.
steam generating unit A unit to which water,
fuel, and air are supplied and in which steam
is generated. It consists of a boiler furnace
and fuel-burning equipment, and may
include as component parts water walls, a
superheater, a reheater, an economizer, an air
heater, or any combination of these.
steam jacket A casing around the cylinders
and heads of a steam engine, or around some
other mechanism or space, in order to keep
the surfaces hot and dry.
steam jacketed valve / step gauge
steam jacketed valve See jacketed valve.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
steam-jet blower A device that utilizes the
energy of steam flowing through a nozzle or
nozzles to induce the supply of a flow of air
for combustion.
steam purity The degree of contamination,
usually expressed in ppm.
steam quality The ratio of the vapor's mass
to the mixture's mass. [ANSI/ISA-77.13.01-
1999]
steam scrubber A series of screens, wires, or
plates through which steam is passed in
order to remove entrained moisture.
steam separator A device for removing the
entrained water from steam.
steam trace The technique of preventing
freezing in a pipe or tubing line by using an
adjacent steam line, usually, 1/4-in. to1/2-in.
copper tubing. See heat tracing.
steam tracing An arrangement for heating a
process line or instrument air line to keep liq-
uids from freezing or condensing. Often, a
piece of pipe or tubing carrying live steam is
simply run alongside or coiled around the
line to be heated.
steam trap A device that automatically col-
lects condensate in a steam line and drains it
away. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
steel Any alloy of iron with up to 2 percent
carbon content that may or may not contain
other alloying elements to enhance its
strength or other properties.
STEL "short-term exposure limit." A 15-
minute time-weighted-average (TWA) expo-
sure that should not be exceeded at any time
during a workday, even if the 8-hour TWA is
within the threshold limit value-time-
weighted average (TLV-TWA). Exposures
above the TLV-TWA up to the STEL should
be no longer than 15 minutes and should
occur no more than four times per day. There
should be at least 60 minutes between suc-
cessive exposures in this range. An average
period of other than 15 minutes may be rec-
ommended when this is warranted by
observed biological effects. [ANSI/ISA-
92.02.01, Part 1-1998; ISA-RP92.02.02, Part II-
1998; ISA-92.03.01-1998; and ISA-92.06.01-
1998]
stellite Any of a family of cobalt-containing
alloys that are known for their wear resis-
tance, corrosion resistance, and resistance to
softening at high temperature.
stem 1. The rod, shaft, or spindle that con-
nects the valve actuator with the closure
member. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000] 2. The
part (usually a rod or shaft) that connects to
478
the valve stem and transmits motion (force)
from the actuator to the valve. The actuator
stem that delivers an output thrust may or
may not be the same stem as that on the
power unit stem. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
3. A rod that connects a knob or handwheel
to the moving part it operates.
stem, actuator The port that connects the
actuator to the valve stem or shaft and trans-
mits motion (force) from the actuator to the
valve. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
stem anti-rotation device A mechanical
means for preventing the rotation of the lin-
ear actuator stem and/or valve stem. [ANSI/
ISA-75.05.01-2000]
stem boot A protective device similar to a
flexible bellows that is used outside the bon-
net to protect the valve stem from the sur-
rounding atmosphere. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-
2000]
stem connector The device that connects the
actuator stem to the valve stem. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
stem guide A guide bushing that is closely
fitted to the valve stem and aligned with the
seat. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
stem rotation A phenomenon that occurs in
linear motion valves when the hydraulic
forces from the process fluid cause the clo-
sure member to rotate about the stem axis.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
stem seals See bellows stem seal and packing.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
stem valve In a linear motion valve, the part
that connects the actuator stem with the clo-
sure component. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
step 1. One operation in a computer routine.
2. To cause a computer to execute one opera-
tion. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
step bearing A bearing that supports the
lower end of a vertical shaft. Also known as a
"pivot bearing."
step brazing The process of making a series
of brazed joints in a single assembly by
sequentially making up individual joints.
Each joint is heated at a lower temperature
than the previous joint to maintain the joint
integrity of earlier joints. The process
requires a lower-melting brazing alloy for
each successive joint in the assembly.
step change The change from one value to
another in a single increment in a negligible
amount of time.
step gauge 1. A plug gauge that consists of a
series of cylindrical gauges of increasing
diameter mounted on the same axis. 2. A
gauge for measuring the height of a step or

shoulder. It consists of a gauge body and a
sliding blade.
step index A type of optical fiber that has a
uniform refractive index at its core and a
sharp decrease in refractive index at its core/
cladding interface.
step-index fiber An optical fiber in which
there is a discontinuous change in refractive
index at the boundary between the fiber core
and cladding. Such fibers have a large
numerical aperture (light-accepting angle)
and are simple to connect. However, they
also have lower bandwidth than other types
of optical fibers.
Step-index Fiber
stepping motor A motor that is useful for
low-torque applications and suitable for
interfacing with a computer. The input of a
pulse results in a precise rotary step, typi-
cally, 0.8° per pulse or 1.6° per pulse. A step-
ping motor is often operated in open-loop
mode.
step response 1. Of a system or component,
the time required for an output to go through
a specified percentage of the total excursion
either before or (in the absence of overshoot)
as a result of a step change to the input. Note:
This is usually stated for 90,95, or 99 percent
change. [ISA-67.06-1984] 2. The time
response of a device or process when it is
subjected to an instantaneous change in
input from one steady-state value to another.
See also response, step.
step response time See time, step response.
step soldering The process of making a series
of joints by soldering them sequentially at
successively lower temperatures.
479
step index / stitch bonding
step voltage test A test method that applies
several stepped voltages for equal periods of
time to the unit being tested.
steradian The solid angle subtended at the
center of a sphere by an area on the surface
that is equal to a square whose sides are
equal in length to the radius of the sphere.
stereophonic Reproducing or reinforcing
sound by using two or more audio channels
so that the sound provides a three-dimen-
sional sensation similar to that of the sound
sources.
stick gauge A vertical rod or stick with a
graduated scale or markings that is fixed in
an open tank or vessel so that liquid-level
changes can be observed directly.
stiction (static friction) Resistance to the start
of motion. It is usually measured as the dif-
ference between the driving values that are
required to overcome static friction upscale
and downscale. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)]
stiffener A plate, angle, channel, or similar
structural element that is attached to a slen-
der beam or column to increase its stiffness
and thus prevent it from buckling.
stiffness In process instrumentation, the ratio
of change of force (or torque) to the resulting
change in deflection of a spring-like element.
Note: Stiffness is the opposite of compliance.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
stilb A unit of luminescence that is equal to
one candela per cm2. It is rarely used, as the
candela per m2 is preferred.
stilling basin An area ahead of the weir plate
that is large enough to pond the liquid so it
approaches the weir plate at low velocity.
Also called a "weir pond."
STIM Smart Transducer Interface Module. A
module defined by IEEE-P1451 to perform its
own control or data manipulation task
within a processor-based (smart) transducer-
located closest to the actuator. See NCAP.
stimulate To cause an occurrence or action
artificially, rather than to wait for it to occur
naturally.
stimulated emission The light that is emitted
when a photon emitted from one body (e.g.,
electron-hole pair) is synchronized with pho-
tons from other bodies. The emission typical
of lasers. See spontaneous emission.
stimulus See measurand.
stimulus/response compare A design test
method that matches device test results to
known good patterns.
stitch bonding A method of making wire
connections on an integrated circuit board.
Impulse welding or heat and pressure are
stitching / storage buffer
used to bond a connecting wire at two or
more points while the wire is fed through a
hole in the welding electrode.
stitching 1. The process of making a seam in
fabric by using a sewing machine. 2. The pro-
gressive welding of thermoplastics by suc-
cessively pressing two small
induction-heated electrodes against the
material along a seam in a manner that
resembles the action of a sewing machine.
stitch welding The process of making a
welded seam by using a series of nonover-
lapping spot welds.
STL Standard Template Library. An emerg-
ing international ANSI/ISO standard for the
C++ programming language. Originally
designed by Alexander Stepanov and Meng
Lee of Hewlett-Packard.
stochastic Pertaining to direct solution by
trial and error, usually without following a
step-by-step approach. A stochastic
approach usually involves analysis and the
evaluation of progress made, as in a heuristic
approach to trial-and-error methods. In a sto-
chastic approach to solving a problem, intui-
tive conjecture or speculation is used to
select a possible solution, which is then
tested against known evidence, observations,
or measurements. Intervening or intermedi-
ate steps toward a solution are omitted. Con-
trast with algorithm and heuristic.
stochastic screening In electronic publishing
and video screen displays, a digital screening
process that converts images into very small
dots (14-40 microns) of equal size and vari-
able spacing. Second-order screened images
have variably sized dots and variable spac-
ing. Also called "frequency modulated (FM)
screening."
stock Material, parts, or components that are
kept in storage until needed.
stockpile A reserve stock of supplies in
excess of normal usage.
Stoddard solvent A specific type of petro-
leum naphtha that is used chiefly in dry
cleaning, but also in small quantities for
cleaning soiled surfaces by hand.
stoichiometric conditions In chemical reac-
tions, the point at which equilibrium is
reached, as calculated from the atomic
weights of the elements taking part in the
reaction. Stoichiometric equilibrium is rarely
achieved in real chemical systems but is,
rather, empirically reproducible. Equivalence
points are used to closely approximate sto-
ichiometric conditions.
480
stoke A unit of kinematic viscosity (dynamic
viscosity divided by sample density). The
centistoke is more commonly used.
stoker A mechanized means for feeding coal
or other solid combustibles into a furnace,
burning them under controlled conditions,
and carrying away the solid combustion
products.
stoneware Glazed ceramic ware that is used
in certain laboratory and industrial applica-
tions involving corrosive chemicals.
stop band In digital signal processing (DSP),
a frequency band in filters that is attenuated
more than a certain amount. See pass band.
stop bit The last bit in an asynchronous serial
transmission. Like the start bit, it is used for
timing control and carries none of the mes-
sage information.
stop cock A small valve for roughly control-
ling or shutting off the flow of fluid in a pipe.
stop nut 1. A nut that is positioned on an
adjusting screw to restrict its travel. 2. A nut
in which an insert made of a compressible
material keeps the nut tight without requir-
ing a lock washer.
storage 1. In data processing, a device in
which data can be stored and from which it
can be obtained at a later time. The means of
storing data may be chemical, electrical, or
mechanical. 2. A device into which data may
be entered and from which it may be
obtained when needed. [Comp] 3. The eras-
able storage in any given computer. Synony-
mous with memory.
storage, main See main storage.
storage address register A portion of a com-
puter's core memory that contains the
address of a storage location to be activated,
either for reading the contents of the location
or for storing information at the location.
storage allocation The process of reserving
storage for specified information.
storage block A contiguous area of main or
secondary storage.
storage buffer 1. A synchronizing element
between two different forms of storage, usu-
ally between internal and external. 2. An
input device in which information is assem-
bled from external or secondary storage and
then stored, ready for transfer to internal
storage. 3. An output device into which
information is copied from internal storage
and held for transfer to secondary or external
storage. Computation continues while trans-
fers between buffer storage and secondary or
internal storage (or vice versa) take place. 4.
Any device that stores information tempo-
rarily during data transfer. Clarified by buffer.

storage calorifier See cylinder.
storage capacity The amount of data that can
be contained in a storage device.
storage cell An elementary unit of storage,
for example, a binary cell or a decimal cell.
storage conditions The conditions to which
an instrument may be subjected before it is
installed or during shutdown. Under the
ANSI/ISA-71.03-1996 standard, no perma-
nent physical damage or impairment of
operating characteristics may take place
under storage conditions. [ANSI/ISA-71.03-
1996]
storage cycle A periodic sequence of events
that occurs when information is transferred
to or from the storage device of a computer.
Storing, sensing, and regeneration constitute
parts of the storage sequence.
storage device A device into which data can
be inserted, in which it can be retained, and
from which it can be retrieved.
storage dump A listing of the contents of a
storage device, or selected parts of it. Synon-
ymous with "memory dump." Also known
as "core dump."
storage key An indicator associated with a
storage block or blocks that requires that
tasks have a matching protection key in
order to use the blocks.
storage location A storage position that
holds one machine word and usually has a
specific address.
storage protection An arrangement for pre-
venting access to storage for the purpose of
either reading or writing, or both. See mem-
ory protect.
storage register A register in the storage area
of the computer as opposed to any other
units of the computer.
storage specifications Environmental condi-
tions in which equipment or systems can be
stored without degrading their ultimate
operating performance or life span. See
extreme (operating) specifications and operating
specifications.
store 1. To enter data into a storage device. 2.
To retain data in a storage device.
stored program See stored routine.
stored program computer A computer con-
trolled by internally stored instructions that
can synthesize, store, and in some cases alter
instructions as though they were data as well
as subsequently execute those instructions.
stored routine A series of instructions placed
in storage for directing the step-by-step oper-
ation of the machine. Also called a "stored
program."
481
storage calorifier / strain gauge
storyboard In the development process for
video and other presentation media, a visual-
ization of the order or chronology of a piece,
in which representative frames from each
shot or sequence are used to show a visual
skeleton or outline of that piece. A useful
concept in the development of operator
screen sequences for various process actions.
STP Standard temperature and pressure;
spanning tree protocol; standard text pro-
gramming; shielded twisted pairA routing
specification for IEEE 802.1. Wiring for sig-
nals. It has at least two conductors twisted
together, six twists per inch, to minimize the
effects of electromagnetic radiation between
the conductors. It is covered with metal-
backed Mylar, plastic, PVC, or a metal-
woven sleeve to protect the signals from
external EMI and RFI. Compare with UTP.
STR Self-tuning regulator. Generally refers to
a class of self-adaptive control systems that
in the 1970s were forerunners of the self-tun-
ing controller (STC).
straightening vanes The horizontal vanes
inside a fluid conduit or pipe for reducing
turbulent flow ahead of an orifice or venturi
meter.
straight polarity Arc welding in which the
electrode is connected to the negative termi-
nal of the power supply.
straight-tube boiler See boiler.
strain The deformation per unit length that is
produced in a solid as a result of stress. [ISA-
37.1-1975 (R1982)]
strain aging A change in the properties of a
metal or alloy that occurs at room or slightly
elevated temperature following cold work-
ing.
strainer A screen or porous medium that is
positioned in a flowing stream of fluid (such
as a water intake) to separate out harmful
objects or particles before the fluid enters
process equipment.
strain error The error that results when a
strain is imposed on a surface to which the
transducer is mounted. Notes: 1. This term is
not intended to relate to strain transducers
(strain gauges). 2. Also see mounting error.
[ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
strain foil A type of strain gauge that is made
by photoetching a resistance element out of
thin foil.
strain gauge When used as a third modifier
as per ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982), strain gauge
means: 1. Converting a change of measurand
into a change or resistance as a result of
strain. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)] 2. A device
that can be attached (usually with an adhe-
strain hardening / stress-corrosion cracking
sive) to a surface to indicate strain magni-
tude in a given direction based on changes in
the electrical resistance of fine wire. Strain
gauges may be used to measure the strain
caused by static or dynamic applied loading,
in tension or compression (or both), depend-
ing on design of the gauge, the bonding tech-
nique, and the type of instrumentation used
to determine resistance changes in the strain
element. 3. A high-resistance, fine-wire, or
thin-foil grid for measuring a bridge circuit.
When the grid is securely bonded to a speci-
men, it will change its resistance as the speci-
men is stressed. These devices are used in
many forms of transducers. 4. A transducer
that converts information about the deforma-
tion of solid objects, called the strain, into a
change of resistance.
Strain Gauges
strain hardening The increase in tensile and
yield strengths, and the corresponding
reduction in ductility, that is associated with
the plastic deformation of a metal at temper-
atures below its recrystallization range.
strain rosette An assembly of two or more
strain gauges that is used to determine biax-
ial stress patterns. Also known as a "rosette
strain gauge."
strain sensitivity 1. The sensitivity to the
strains applied to the base by bending, in the
absence of any rigid-body motion of the
transducer. Strain sensitivity is expressed as
10 -6 times the equivalent acceleration level in
g's for a strain in the plane of the base. [ISA-
RP37.2-1982 (R1995)] 2. A characteristic of a
conductor that describes its resistance
change in relation to a corresponding length
change. Strain sensitivity can be calculated as
R/R divided by L/L. When referring to a
specific strain gauge material, strain sensitiv-
ity is commonly known as the "gauge fac-
tor." See gauge factor. ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)
482
strand 1. One of several wires that are twisted
together to form wire rope, cable, or electri-
cal conductors. 2. One of the fibers or fila-
ments that is used to produce yarn, thread,
rope, or cordage. 3. A piece of cable, rope,
string, thread, wire or yarn of specified
length. 4. A bar, billet, bloom, or slab that is
produced by continuous casting.
strap bolt 1. A bolt with a hook or flattened
extension instead of a head. 2. A dou-
ble-ended bolt with a flattened, nonthreaded
center section that can be bent around an
object so as to form a U-bolt.
stratification Nonhomogeneity existing
transversely in a gas stream.
stray current corrosion The galvanic corro-
sion of a metal or alloy that is induced by
electrical leakage currents passing between a
structure and its service environment.
stream An input data path to the computer
from a single telemetry source, as pulse code
modulation (PCM), pulse amplitude modu-
lation (PAM), and so on.
stream, path See path. [ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995]
streamline flow A type of fluid flow in
which the flow lines within the bulk of the
fluid remain relatively constant with time.
streamlining The process of contouring the
exterior shape of a body so as to reduce the
drag caused by relative motion between the
body and a surrounding fluid.
stream tube In the characterization of fluid
flow, an imaginary tube whose wall is gener-
ated by streamlines passing through a closed
curve.
street elbow A pipe elbow that has an exter-
nal thread at one end and an internal thread
at the other end.
strength member That part of fiber-optic
cable that is composed of Kevlar aramid
yarn, steel strands, or fiberglass filaments so
as to increase the tensile strength of the cable.
strength weld A weld that is capable of with-
standing a design stress.
stress amplitude One half of the algebraic
difference between the maximum and mini-
mum stress in one cycle of repeated variable
loading.
stress-corrosion cracking Deep cracking in a
metal part caused by the synergistic action of
tensile stress and a corrosive environment.
Such cracking causes failure in less time than
could be predicted by simply adding
together the effects of stress and the corro-
sive environment. The tensile stress may be a
residual or applied stress. The corrosive
environment need not be severe but only

must contain a specific ion that the material
is sensitive to.
stress raiser A discontinuity or change in
contour that induces a local increase in the
stress in a structural member.
stress relieving The process of heating to a
suitable temperature, holding long enough
to reduce residual stress, and then cooling
slowly enough to avoid inducing new resid-
ual stresses.
stretcher leveling The process of removing
the warp and distortion in a piece of metal by
gripping it at both ends and subjecting it to
tension loading at stresses that are higher
than the yield strength.
stretch forming Shaping a piece of sheet
metal or plastics sheet by applying tension
and then wrapping the sheet around a die
form. The process may be performed cold, or
the sheet may be heated first. Also known as
"wrap forming."
striation technique A method of making
sound waves in air visible by using their
individual ability to refract light.
strike 1. A thin electroplated film that is to be
followed by other plated coatings. 2. A plat-
ing solution of high covering power and low
efficiency that is used for electroplating very
thin metallic films. 3. A local crater or
remelted zone that is caused by accidental
contact between a welding electrode and the
surface of a metal object. Also known as "arc
strike."
string 1. A linear sequence of entities, such as
characters or physical elements. [Comp] 2. A
set of consecutive, adjacent items of similar
type; normally, a string of bits or characters.
string lines Wires, piano wires, or monofila-
ment lines of suitable tensile strength and
visibility that are strung over each of the
three rolls of the weigh idlers to confirm the
idlers' alignment and elevation (three-wire
line alignment). [ISA-R74.01-1984]
string manipulation The handling of string
data by various methods, generally in terms
of bits, characters, and substrings.
string-shadow instrument An indicating
instrument in which the measured value is
indicated by means of the shadow of a fila-
mentary conductor whose position in an
electric or magnetic field depends on the
magnitude of the quantity being measured.
strip 1. A flat-rolled metal product of approx-
imately the same range of thickness as sheet
but a narrower width range. 2. To remove
insulation from the end of a wire or cable. 3.
To mine stone, coal, or ore without tunneling,
483
stress raiser / stroke time
but by removing broad areas of the earth's
surface to relatively shallow depths.
strip chart A hardware device that records
analog data (generally, six or eight channels)
on a continuous chart.
strip-chart recorder Any instrument that uses
one or more pens or a print wheel to print a
trace or series of data points on a grid over a
continuously moving roll of paper. The
paper is moved at a uniform rate in a perpen-
dicular direction to the motion of the instru-
ment's indicating mechanism. The resulting
trace is a graph of the measured variable as a
function of time.
stripper A distillation column that has no rec-
tifying section. In such a column, the feed
enters at the top, and there is no other reflux.
stripping section That section of a distillation
column below the feed. This section strips
the light components from the liquid that is
moving down the column.
strip printer A device that prints the output
from a computer, telegraph, or recording
instrument on a very narrow, continuous
length of paper tape.
strobe pulse A pulse of light whose duration
is less than the period of a recurring event or
periodic function that can be used to render a
specific event or characteristic visible so it
can be closely observed.
stroboscope A device for intermittently
viewing or illuminating moving bodies so
they appear to be motionless. This is done by
either placing an intermittent shutter
between the object and an observer or by
repeatedly flashing a brilliant light on the
object. In this manner, a vibrating or rotating
object can be made to appear stationary by
adjusting the stroboscope's frequency. The
indicated frequency of the stroboscope is
equal to the object's vibrational or rotational
frequency.
stroboscopic tachometer A stroboscopic
lamp and variable-flashing-rate control cir-
cuit that enable the frequency of a rotating
object to be adjusted until it appears to stand
still. The frequency is read from a calibrated
dial and represents either the fundamental
rotational speed in cycles per unit time or
one of its harmonics. Sometimes, a patterned
disk centered on the axis of rotation is used
to make it easier to determine fundamental
frequency.
stroke See travel. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
stroke cycle See travel cycle. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
stroke time See travel time. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
strongly typed language / subcarrier oscillator
strongly typed language A high-level pro-
gramming language in which the type of
each variable must be declared at the begin-
ning of the program. The language itself then
enforces rules concerning the manipulation
of variables according to their types.
Strouhal number A nondimensional param-
eter defined as S = fh/V, where/is frequency,
V is velocity, and h is reference length. Used in
designing vortex meters.
structural analysis The process of determin-
ing the stresses and strains in a structural
member that are caused by combined gravi-
tational and applied service loading.
structural steel Hot-rolled steel that is pro-
duced in standard sizes and shapes for con-
structing load-bearing structures, supports,
and frameworks. Some of the standard
shapes are angles, channels, I-beams,
H-beams, and Z-sections.
structural testing [Comp] In process valida-
tion, the process of examining the internal
structure of source code. Includes low-level
and high-level code review, path analysis,
the auditing of the programming procedures
and standards actually used, inspection for
extraneous dead code, boundary analysis,
and other techniques. Generally, structural
testing requires expertise in specific com-
puter science and programming.
structured query language (SQL) An ISO
database access standard for communicating
(querying, updating, and managing) with
various relational databases. SQL allows the
client to access only the data required to sat-
isfy a specific request, which reduces net-
work traffic and improves performance.
Derived from an IBM research project in the
1970s SQL is now the accepted standard in
database products.
structured text A high-level, block-structure
language for programmable logic controllers
(PLCs) whose syntax resembles Pascal.
Structured text is used to express complex
statements involving variables that represent
a wide range of different types of data, from
analog and discrete values to the manage-
ment of time, dates, and durations. One of
five languages accepted under the IEC 1131
standard for PLCs. See function block diagram,
instruction list, ladder logic, and SFC.
stud 1. A headless bolt that is threaded at
both ends. 2. A threaded fastener with one
end that is intended for welding to a metal
surface. 3. A rivet, boss, or nail with a large
ornamental head. 4. A projecting pin that
serves as a support or means of attachment.
484
stud arc welding (SW) A process in which
metals are heated through an arc between a
metal stud, or similar part, and the work.
Once the surfaces to be joined are properly
heated, they are brought together under
pressure.
stud welding The technique of producing a
joint between the end of a rod-shaped fas-
tener and a metal surface. Stud welding is
usually done by drawing an arc briefly
between the two members, then forcing the
end of the fastener into a small weld puddle
produced on a metal surface.
stuffing See packing.
stuffing box A cavity around a rod or shaft
that penetrates a pump casing, valve body, or
other portion of a pressure boundary. The
stuffing box can be filled with packing mate-
rial and compressed to form a leak-tight seal
that still permits the axial or rotary motion of
the shaft.
stylus 1. Genetically, any device that pro-
duces a recorded trace by making direct con-
tact with a chart or similar recording
medium. 2. A needle-shaped device that fol-
lows the grooves in a vinyl phonograph
record and converts the resulting mechanical
vibrations into an audio frequency signal.
subassembly An assembled group of parts
that is intended to be incorporated into a
device or mechanism as a unit. Often, a sub-
assembly performs a specific function either
independently or in conjunction with other
subassemblies, and it can be removed from
the device for maintenance or repair without
completely disassembling the device itself.
subcarrier A carrier that is applied as a mod-
ulating wave to another carrier or an inter-
mediate subcarrier.
subcarrier band A band (of frequencies) that
is associated with a given subcarrier and
specified in terms of maximum subcarrier
deviation.
subcarrier channel The channel that is
required in order to convey telemetry infor-
mation that involves a subcarrier band.
subcarrier discriminator In FM telemetry, the
device that is tuned in order to select a spe-
cific subcarrier and demodulate it to recover
the data.
subcarrier oscillator The basic subcarrier fre-
quency generator whose output frequency is
used as the transmission or carrier medium
for the desired signal information. In teleme-
try, the desired signal information is most
often used to modulate the frequency of the
subcarrier for transmission.

subclass A class that inherits from one or
more classes known as "parent" or "super"
classes. [ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-2000]
subcommutation The commutation of a
number of channels where the output is
applied to an individual channel of the pri-
mary commutator. Subcommutation is syn-
chronous if its rate is a submultiple of that of
the primary commutator. A unique identifi-
cation must be provided for the subcommu-
tation frame pulse.
subcommutation frame In PCM systems, a
recurring integral number of subcommutator
words, which includes a single subcommuta-
tion frame synchronization word. The num-
ber of words in the subcommutation frame is
equal to an integral number of primary com-
mutator frames. The length of a subcommu-
tation frame is equal to the total number of
words or bits that are generated as a direct
output of the subcommutator.
subdirectory A directory file that is stored in
another directory. See root directory.
subframe A multiplex that is generated at a
slower rate than a frame and is input to the
frame through one of the channels.
subharmonic A sinusoidal function whose
frequency is a submultiple of some other
periodic function to which it is related.
subhead In the typographical composition of
screen displays and printing, subheads are
usually located beneath the headline as sec-
ondary information or as a summarizing
phrase between sections of text.
sublayer A subdivision of an OSI layer. For
example, the IEEE 802 standard divides the
link layer into the LLC and MAC sublayers.
See Open System Interconnection (OSI), logical
link control (LLC), and media access control
(MAC).
submergence The distance measured from
the crest level to the downstream water sur-
face when the flow is submerged, that is, no
air is contained beneath the nappe.
submersible pump A pump and electric
motor that are housed together in a
water-tight enclosure so that the unit may
operate when submerged.
submultiplexer boundary See submultiplexer
group.
submultiplexer group In the construction of
analog signal multiplexers, it is common to
separate the analog input channels into
groups of, typically, 4 to 64 channels. The
outputs of the channels included in any sin-
gle group are bussed together and provide
an input to another (second level) multi-
plexer. The output of this second-level multi-
485
Next Page
subclass / subroutine call
plexer is commonly connected to the
subsystem amplifier or analog-to-digital con-
verter (ADC). The group of input channels
that are connected together to form a single
group in such a multilevel multiplexer is
called a "submultiplexer group" in the ISA-
RP55.1-1975 (R1983) standard. The submulti-
plexer boundary for such a group is the elec-
trical boundary that is defined by the
second-level multiplexer's switching device,
which is connected to the common output of
the submultiplexer group. [ISA-RP55.1-1975
(R1983)]
submultiplexing See block switching.
subnetwork access protocol (SNAP) A pro-
tocol that provides a mechanism for
uniquely identifying private protocols above
logical link control (LLC).
suboptimization The process of fulfilling or
optimizing some chosen objective, which is
an integral part of a broader objective. Usu-
ally, the broad objective and lower-level
objective are different.
subprogram A part of a larger program that
can be converted into machine language
independently.
subroutine 1. The set of instructions that are
necessary to direct the computer to carry out
a well-defined mathematical or logical oper-
ation. 2. A subunit of a routine. A subroutine
is often written in relative or symbolic cod-
ing even when the routine to which it
belongs is not. 3. A portion of a routine that
causes a computer to carry out a
well-defined mathematical or logical opera-
tion. 4. A routine that is arranged so that con-
trol may be transferred to it from a master
routine and so that, at the conclusion of the
subroutine, control reverts to the master rou-
tine. Such a subroutine is usually called a
"closed subroutine." 5. A single routine may
simultaneously be both a subroutine with
respect to another routine and a master rou-
tine with respect to a third. Usually, control is
transferred to a single subroutine from more
than one place in the master routine, and the
reason for using the subroutine is to avoid
having to repeat the same sequence of
instructions in different places in the master
routine. Clarified by routine. 6. Any of several
branches in a computer program or repeti-
tive task that are used to perform a specific
function when certain defined conditions are
encountered during the execution of the
main process routine.
subroutine call In object coding, the subrou-
tine that performs the call functions.
 w T table [Mfg] 1. A flat plate,
ith or without legs, used
primarily to support work-
pieces or other items at a
given vertical height. 2. The
flat portion of a machine
tool such as a grinder that
directly or indirectly sup-
ports and positions the work. [Comp] 3. A
collection of data in a form suitable for ready
reference, frequency as stored in sequenced
machine locations or written in the form of
an array of rows and columns for ready
entry and in which an intersection of labeled
rows and columns serves to locate a specific
piece of data or information. 4. In data pro-
cessing, any group of data organized as an
array.
table lookup A procedure for obtaining the
function value that corresponds to an argu-
ment from a table of function values.
tableting A method for compacting pow-
dered or granular solids that involves using
a punch and die. Tableting is used to make
certain food products, dyes, and pharmaceu-
ticals.
tachometer An instrument for measuring
speed of rotation, usually in revolutions per
minute.
TACHOMETER
tack 1. A small, sharp nail with a broad head.
2. The quality of an adhesive, paint, varnish,
or lacquer of remaining sticky to the touch
for a prolonged time.
tackiness agent An additive that imparts
adhesive qualities to a nonadhesive material.
tackle Any arrangement of ropes and pulleys
that is used to produce a mechanical advan-
tage.
tack weld 1. Any small, isolated arc weld,
and especially one that does not bear load
but rather merely holds two pieces in a fixed
relationship. 2. A weld joint that is made by
arc welding at small, isolated points along a
seam.
495
tag 1. From a data compressor, a unique six-
teen-bit word, preselected by the operator,
that precedes each data output word and
identifies it. 2. A unit of information whose
composition differs from that of other mem-
bers of the set such that it can be used as a
marker or label. Also called a "flat" or "senti-
nel." [Cont] 2. An alphanumeric code that
identifies each instrument device in a sys-
tem. 3. In a supervisory control and data
acquisition (SCADA) system for power dis-
tribution, a tag is a flag or icon on the video
screen that identifies that a person is work-
ing on a power line. This should prevent that
line from being activated. [Comp] 4. An
ACSII text indicator with which the user sur-
rounds text and images so as to designate
certain formats or styles.
tagged item An item that has been assigned a
unique identification. Items appearing on
piping and instrument diagrams (P&IDs) are
usually tagged in accordance with ANSI/
ISA-ANSI/ISA-5.1-1984 (R1992)-1984
(R1992), "Instrumentation Symbols and
Identification." Items that do not appear on a
P&ID may be assigned unique identifications
that do not conflict with previously assigned
tag numbers. [ISA-RP60.6-1984]
tag name In computing, the name that is
assigned to some variable in a database.
Also, in process control, the identification of
an element in a control loop.
tag number The identification number for an
instrument loop.
Tag-Robinson colorimeter A laboratory
device that is used to compare shades of
color in oil products by varying the thickness
of a column of the oil until its color matches
that of a standard.
tags A market that is used to display specific
information about item being identified.
[ISA-RP60.6-1984]
tail circuit A feeder circuit or access line to a
network node.
tail pulley The pulley at the opposite end of
the conveyor extending from the head pul-
ley. [ISA-RP74.01-1984]
takeup (gravity) A device that is combined
with a calculated quantity of dead weight so
as to provide sufficient tension in a conveyor
belt to ensure that the belt will be positively
driven by the drive pulley. A
counter-weighted takeup consists of a hori-
zontal pulley that is free to move in either the
vertical or horizontal direction. Dead
weights are applied to the pulley shaft to
provide the required tension. [ISA-RP74.01-
1984]
tandem networks / tappet
tandem networks An arrangement of
two-terminal-pair networks such that the
output terminals of one network are directly
connected to the input terminals of the other.
tang 1. The slim, tapered end of a hand file
that fits into a handle. 2. A tonguelike projec-
tion on the shank end of a drill that fits into
the spindle of a drill press and ensures that
torque is transmitted to the drill body.
tangent galvanometer A galvanometer that
consists of a small compass mounted hori-
zontally in the center of a large vertical coil of
wire. The current through the coil is propor-
tional to the tangent of the angle that the
compass needle makes with its rest (no cur-
rent) position. See galvanometer.
tank A large container, either covered or
open, for holding, storing, or transporting
liquids.
tank circuit A resonant electronic circuit that
consists of a capacitor and an inductor con-
nected in parallel.
tap 1. A digital filter circuit that multiplies a
coefficient by a data sample. 2. In cable-
based LANs, a connection to the main trans-
mission medium. 3. A connection to a poten-
tiometric element along its length, frequently
at the element's center. It is used to provide
bidirectional output. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982);
ISA-37.6-1982 (R1995)] 4. A threaded plug,
whose threads are of accurate form and
dimensions and that have cutting edges that
form internal threads in a hole as the plug is
screwed into the hole. 5. A small, usually
threaded hole in the wall of a pipe or process
vessel, where an instrument, control device,
or sampling device is attached. 6. A coupler
in which part of the light carried by one fiber
is split off and inserted into another fiber.
Essentially, the same thing as a tee coupler. 7.
To withdraw a quantity of molten metal from
a refining or remelting furnace.
tap drill A drill that is used to make a small,
precise hole for tapping.
tape 1. A graduated steel ribbon that is used
to measure lengths, as in surveying. 2. A rib-
bon made of plastic, metal, paper, or other
flexible material that is suitable for recording
data by means of electromagnetic imprint-
ing, punching or embossing patterns, or
printing. 3. An adhesive-backed ribbon that
is used to seal packages, attach labels, and
for various other purposes.
tape-and-plumb-bob liquid-level gauge See
plumb-bob gauge.
tape-controlled machine A machine tool that
is operated automatically by means of con-
496
trol signals read off a length of magnetic or
punched paper tape.
tape drive A device that moves magnetic
tape past a head that can "read" the tape.
tape formatter A device, including buffers
and controls, for recording ordered data on
magnetic tape in gapped form and in a for-
mat recognized by a computer.
tape header data Several recorded characters
at the beginning of a magnetic tape. Used to
identify the content of the tape.
taper A dimensional feature in which thick-
ness, height, diameter, or some other mea-
surement varies linearly with the distance
along a given axis.
tapered-roller bearing A roller bearing with
tapered rollers that run in conical races. It
can support both radial and thrust loads.
tapered-tube rotameter A type of vari-
able-area flowmeter in which a float that has
greater density than the fluid rides inside a
tapered tube in such a way that fluid flowing
upward through the tapered section carries
the float with it until the upward force
exerted by the flowing fluid just balances the
downward force caused by the float weight.
As the float rides upward, the annular area
around it becomes larger, and the force on
the float decreases. If the tube is made of
glass, it can be graduated so that flow rate is
read directly by observing the float's posi-
tion. Otherwise, flow rate must be deter-
mined from an indirect indication of float
position.
tapered waveguide A waveguide section
that has a continuous change in cross section.
tape search A hardware process by which an
operator or computer can cause an instru-
mentation tape to be searched automatically
for specific start and stop times for the pur-
pose of reducing data.
tape speed compensation signal A signal
that is recorded on instrumentation tape
along with the data (preferably on the same
track as the data) so as to correct electrically
for tape speed errors during playback.
tape-type liquid-level gauge A liquid-level
gauge that consists of a tape wound around a
drum. The drum is attached to a pointer or
other level indicator, with one end of the tape
attached to a float and the other counter-
weighted in order to keep the tape taut.
taphole A hole in the side or bottom of a fur-
nace or ladle for draining off molten metal.
tappet An oscillating part such as a lever,
which is operated by a cam or push rod and
is used to tap or push another machine ele-
ment such as a valve.

tappet rod A pivot rod that carries one or
more tappets and acts as a fulcrum for their
motion.
tapping See dither.
tare weight In any weighing operation, the
residual weight of any containers, scale com-
ponents, or residue that is included in the
total indicated weight. It must be subtracted
to determine the weight of the live load.
target 1. A goal or standard against which
some quantity such as productivity is com-
pared. 2. A point of aim or object to be
observed by visual means, electromagnetic
imaging, radar, sonar or similar noncontact
method.
target computer 1. The computer in which
the target program is used. 2. A computer
that has as its programs prepared by a host
processor. Same as object machine.
target flowmeter A device for measuring
fluid flow rates by means of the drag force
that is exerted on a sharp-edged disk cen-
tered in a circular flow path. The drag force is
the result of the differential pressure created
by the fluid flowing through the annulus.
Usually, the disk is mounted on a bar whose
axis coincides with the tube axis, and the
drag force is measured by a secondary device
attached to the bar.
target language The language into which
some other language is to be translated.
target program An object program that has
been assembled or compiled by a host pro-
cessor for a target computer.
target system The microcomputer system
that is to be used in the final product.
target-type flowmeter An instrument for
measuring fluid flow in which the fluid
exerts force on a small circular disk that is
suspended in the center of the flow conduit
by means of a pivoted bar. The force that is
exerted on the bar by a force-balance trans-
mitter to counteract the fluid force on the tar-
get is an indication of the flow rate.
tarnish Discoloration of a finished surface by
a thin film of corrosion products.
task 1. A unit of work for the computer's cen-
tral processing unit from the standpoint of
the executive program. 2. A specific "run-
time" execution of a program and its subpro-
grams. See run time. 3. In the MULTICS
sense, a virtual processor. (A single processor
may be concurrently simulating many vir-
tual processors.) See MULTICS. 4. The execu-
tion of a segment on a virtual processor. See
virtual processor. 5. In general, any discrete
operation performed by a program.
497
tappet rod / TDR
task control block (TCB) The consolidation
of the control information related to a task.
task dispatcher The control program that
selects and gives control to the task from the
task queue that is to have control of the cen-
tral processing unit.
task management Those functions of the con-
trol program that regulate how tasks use the
central processing unit and other resources,
with the exception of input/output devices.
task queue A queue of all the task control
blocks that are present in the system at any
one time.
task/surround lumination ratio The lumi-
nance ratio between the keyboard and screen
(task) and the workplace (surround) within
the operator's field of view. [ISA-5.5-1984]
taut-band ammeter An instrument for mea-
suring electric current. A moving coil is
mounted on a taut metal band that is held
rigidly at the ends. When current flows
through the coil, it deflects within the gap of
a permanent magnet, twisting the metal
band. The magnitude of current is indicated
by a pointer attached to the coil when the
torque that is exerted by magnetic field inter-
action is balanced by restoring torque in the
twisted band.
T-bolt A bolt that is shaped like the letter T. It
is used primarily in conjunction with a dog
or other holddown device to secure work-
pieces against a machine bed or table that
contains a number of T-shaped slots into
which the bolt head fits.
TCF Totally chlorine free. A consideration in
EPA (U.S.) regulations.
TCLP Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Proce-
dure. A test required under the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (U.S.) to
determine the toxicity and characteristics of
hazardous waste and their potential for
migration.
TCP Transmission Control Protocol. Layer 4
of the ISO model.
TCP/IP "Transmission Control Protocol/
Internet Protocol." The collection of commu-
nication protocols used by the Internet.
TDEL Thick dielectric electroluminescent. A
display medium that produces bright, true-
blue light by using a purer strontium sulfide
and a combination of thick-film and thin-
film. Its advantages over LCD including a
broader temperature range and wider view-
ing angle, without fading or color loss across
the whole spectrum.
TDR Time domain reflectometry. A method
for finding cable faults by sending out high-
tear-down time / temper
frequency pulses. When the signal reaches a
problem point, it bounces back to the tester.
tear-down time The amount of time it takes
to disassemble a machine setup after a pro-
duction run and before setting up the jigs
and fixtures for the next order.
Technical and Office Protocol (TOP) A spec-
ification for a suite of communication stan-
dards for use in office automation.
Developed under the auspices of Boeing
Computer Services, the further development
of this specification is being assumed by the
MAP/TOP Users Group under the auspices
of CASA/SME. See Computer and Automated
Systems Association of the Society of Manufac-
turing Engineers (CASA/SME).
technical characteristics Those attributes of
equipment that pertain to the engineering
principles that govern its functions.
technical evaluation An investigation to
determine the suitability of materials, equip-
ment, or systems to perform a specific func-
tion.
technical specifications A description of the
technical characteristics of an item or system
that is detailed enough to form the basis for
design, development, production, and, in
some cases, operation.
technician 1. An expert in a technical process.
2. A person whose occupation requires train-
ing in a specific technical process.
tee coupler A fiber-optic coupler in which the
three fiber ends are joined together, and a
signal transmitted from one fiber is split
between the other two.
tee joint A junction, such as in piping or a
weldment, in which a branch member is con-
nected at one end to a cross member that
runs at right angles to the branch.
teeming Pouring molten metal into an ingot
mold. A process most often used in steel pro-
duction.
teldata The common parallel interface for
telemetry data, as from a frame synchronizer
to a buffered data channel.
telecommunications Pertaining to the trans-
mission of signals over long distances, such
as by telegraph, radio, or television.
telemetering 1. The transmission of a mea-
surement over long distances, usually by
electromagnetic means. 2. Using radio
waves, wires, or other means in order to
transmit instrument readings to a remote
location. Also known as "remote metering"
and "telemetry."
telemetry 1. The science of measuring quanti-
ties; transmitting the results to a distant sta-
tion; and interpreting, indicating, and/or
498
recording the quantities measured. 2. The
transmission of coded analog data, often
real-time parameters from some remote site.
Today, telemetry is usually in digital formats.
telemetry front end (TFE) Hardware devices
that accept multiplexed data and time; estab-
lish synchronization; convert into parallel
data; and provide timing pulses, status, and
the like for computer entry.
telemetry input channel A device that pre-
pares telemetry data for input into a
real-time computer.
telephone twisted pair (TTP) A network
medium that uses existing telephone wiring.
Work is in progress on a TTP standard for
IEEE 802.3 StarLAN and IEEE 802.5 Token
Ring.
teleran An aircraft navigation system that
combines radar position information with a
television image. Both a ground-plan posi-
tion indicator and map and weather informa-
tion are displayed together in the aircraft.
telescoping gauge An adjustable gauge for
measuring inside dimensions, such as hole
diameters. It consists of a spring-loaded
member that extends until it touches both
sides of a hole. It is then locked in place to
prevent further extension when it is with-
drawn from the hole. An outside micrometer
or vernier calipers is used to measure the
length of the locked gauge member.
teletypewriter A once-popular device for
producing hard copy.
telltale A marker on the outside of a tank that
indicates the water level on the inside of the
tank.
TELSET The common parallel interface for
telemetry setup, as from a buffered data
channel.
temper 1. The relative hardness and strength
of flat-rolled steel or stainless steel that can-
not be further hardened by heat treatment. 2.
The relative hardness and strength of nonfer-
rous alloys that have been produced by
mechanical or thermal treatment (or both)
and are characterized by a specific structure,
range of mechanical properties, or reduction
of area during cold working. 3. In the pro-
duction of casting molds, to moisten mold
sand with water. 4. In the heat treatment of
ferrous alloys, to reheat after hardening for
the purpose of decreasing hardness and
increasing toughness without causing a
eutectoid phase change to occur. 5. In tool
steels, an imprecise shop term that is some-
times used to denote carbon content. 6. In
glass manufacture, to anneal or toughen by
heating below the softening temperature. 7.
 temperature / temperature range, operating
To moisten and mix clay, mortar, or plaster to
a consistency suitable for use. 8. A master
alloy that is added to tin to make the finest
pewter.
temperature A property of an object that
determines the direction of heat flow when
the object is placed in thermal contact with
another object. Temperature is measured
either by an empirical temperature scale that
is based on some convenient property of a
material or instrument, or by a scale of abso-
lute temperature, for example, the Kelvin
scale.
temperature, ambient 1. The temperature of
the medium surrounding a device. Note 1:
For devices that do not generate heat ambi-
ent temperature is the same as the tempera-
ture of the medium in which the device is
located when the device is absent. Note 2:
For devices that do generate heat ambient
temperature is the temperature of the
medium that surrounds the device when the
device is present and dissipating heat. Note
3: A device's allowable ambient temperature
limits are based on the assumption that the
device is not exposed to significant radiant
energy sources. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)] 2. The temperature of the air or
other media where an electrical apparatus is
to be used. [ISA-12.01.01-1999]
temperature, process The temperature of the
process medium at the sensing element.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
temperature apparatus As specified by NEC,
Article 501-5(a)(l), an apparatus in which the
maximum operating temperature (including
ambient temperature effect) exceeds 80 per-
cent of the autoignition temperature in
degrees Celsius (°C) of the relevant gas or
vapor. [ISA-12.01.01-1999]
temperature bath A relatively large volume
of a homogeneous substance that is held at
constant temperature, so that an object
placed in thermal contact with it is main-
tained at that same constant temperature.
temperature coefficient The rate of change of
some physical property—electrical resis-
tance, for instance—with temperature. The
coefficient may be constant or nearly con-
stant, or it may vary itself with temperature.
For instruments, it may be expressed in % /
°C or ppm /°C.
temperature compensation 1. Any construc-
tion or arrangement that enables a measure-
ment device or system to be substantially
unaffected by changes in ambient tempera-
ture. 2. The process of correcting for the influ-
499
ence of temperature on a measurement to a
standard temperature reference.
temperature error 1. The maximum change
in output at any measurand value within the
specified range when the temperature of a
transducer is changed from room tempera-
ture to specified temperature extremes. [ISA-
37.1-1975 (R1982)] 2. An error in an instru-
ment reading that is caused by a difference
between the ambient temperature of the
instrument and some desired standard tem-
perature.
temperature error band The error band that
is applicable over stated environmental tem-
perature limits. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
temperature gradient error The transient
deviation in the output of a transducer at a
given measurand value when the ambient
temperature or the measured fluid tempera-
ture changes at a specified rate between
specified magnitudes. [ISA-37.1-1975
(R1982)]
temperature identification number (T Code/
Temperature Class) A system of classifica-
tion by which one of 14 temperature identifi-
cation numbers (for zones, six temperature
classes) is allocated to an apparatus. The
temperature identification number repre-
sents the maximum surface temperature of
any part of the apparatus that may come in
contact with the flammable gas or vapor
mixture. [ISA-12.01.01-1999]
temperature range, compensated See temper-
ature range, operating.
temperature range, fluid The range of tem-
perature of the measured fluid, when it is not
the ambient fluid, within which a transducer
is intended to operate. Notes: 1. Within this
range of fluid temperature, all the tolerances
that are specified for temperature error, tem-
perature error band, temperature gradient
error, thermal zero shift, and thermal sensi-
tivity shift are applicable. 2. When a fluid
temperature range is not separately speci-
fied, it is intended to be the same as the oper-
ating temperature range. [ISA-37.1-1975
(R1982)]
temperature range, operating 1. The interval
of temperatures in which the transducer is
intended to be used, as specified by the limits
of this interval. [ISA-RP37.2-1982 (R1995)] 2.
The range of ambient temperatures, given by
their extremes, within which a transducer is
intended to operate. Within this range of
ambient temperature, all the tolerances that
are specified for temperature error, tempera-
ture error band, temperature gradient error,
temperature range of the compound / termination rack
thermal zero shift, and thermal sensitivity
shift are applicable. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
temperature range of the compound The
range of temperatures within which the
properties of the compound, in either opera-
tion or storage, permit it to comply with the
requirements of this standard. [ANSI/ISA-
12.23.01-1998 (IEC 79-18 Mod)]
temperature sensitivity error The change in
the sensitivity of a transducer from its refer-
ence sensitivity as a result of changes in its
ambient temperature over a specified operat-
ing temperature range. Note: If changes in
voltage sensitivity are specified, the total
associated capacitance must be stated. [ISA-
RP37.2-1982 (R1995)]
tempering 1. The process of heating hard-
ened ferrous alloys below the transformation
temperature so as to reduce hardness and
improve toughness. 2. Adding moisture to
molding sand, clay, mortar, or plaster. 3.
Heating glass below its softening tempera-
ture.
tempering air Air at a lower temperature that
is added to a stream of preheated air in order
to modify its temperature.
tempilstick A crayon made of a material that
reacts sharply at a specific temperature. This
crayon is used to mark the surface of a metal
to be heated. Confirmation that the intended
temperature was reached or exceeded is pro-
vided when the mark changes color.
template 1. A guide or pattern that is used to
lay out parts to be manufactured. 2. A guide
used to draw standard shapes on an engi-
neering or architectural drawing.
template matching A machine-vision inspec-
tion technique that compares a digitized
image of the part being tested to stored tem-
plates that represent an acceptable part.
temporal coherence The coherence of light
over time. Light is temporally coherent when
the phase change during an interval T
remains constant regardless of when the
interval is measured.
tensile specimen A bar, rod, or wire of speci-
fied dimensions that is used in a tensile test.
Also known as "tensile bar" or "test speci-
men."
tensile strength The maximum load per unit
area that a material can withstand before
fracture. It is usually computed as maximum
load divided by the original cross-sectional
area of a standard specimen that has been
pulled to fracture through uniaxial tension.
tensile test A method for determining the
mechanical properties of a material by load-
ing a machined, cast, or molded specimen of
500
specified cross-sectional dimensions with
uniaxial tension until it breaks. The test is
used principally to determine tensile
strength, yield strength, ductility, and modu-
lus of elasticity. Also known as a "pull test."
teraflop A trillion (1012) floating-point opera-
tions per second.
terminal 1. An I/O device that includes a
keyboard and a display mechanism and
serves as the primary communication device
between a computer system and a person. A
terminal can be dumb, with no processing
capability, or intelligent, when it includes
some processing capability. 2. The connec-
tion points at which the field wiring is
brought to the I/O modules. 3. A component
that is provided so a device (equipment) can
be connected to external conductors. [IEV
151-01-03] Note: A terminal may contain one
or several terminal contacts. [ANSI/ISA-
82.02.01-1999 (IEC 1010-1 Mod)]
terminal-based conformity See conformity,
terminal-based.
terminal-based linearity See linearity, termi-
nal-based.
terminal board A structural component that
provides one or more electrical terminals,
which are electrically insulated from the
chassis or mounting and almost always from
each other.
terminal compartment A separate compart-
ment or part of a main enclosure that may or
may not communicate with the main enclo-
sure and that contains connection facilities.
[ISA-12.00.01-1999 (IEC 60079-0 Mod)]
terminal device A part that is used to facili-
tate the establishment of external connec-
tions.
terminal line A theoretical slope for which
the theoretical end points are 0 percent and
100 percent of both the measurand and the
output. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
terminal pair A set of two associated termi-
nals that are arranged so a pair of associated
leads can be connected to them.
terminal server A device that allows one or
more terminals or other devices to connect to
a common bus.
terminated line A circuit that has resistance
at its far end that is equal to the characteristic
impedance of the line so that no reflections
or standing waves are present when a signal
is entered at the near end of the line.
termination The placement of a connector on
a cable.
termination rack An equipment rack that
contains field-wiring terminals and associ-
ated signal-conditioning equipment. A ter-

mination rack provides the termination
interface between a computer control system
and field-mounted instrumentation.
terminator 1. An impedance-matching mod-
ule that is used at or near each end of a trans-
mission line. Only two terminators can be
used on a single H1 segment. See H1. 2. Elec-
tronic hardware that is used at the end of
some digital signal lines so as to provide bal-
anced resistance, which prevents those
reflections or standing waves that can cause
errors in data.
terrain clearance indicator An instrument for
measuring absolute altitude. Also known as
an "absolute altimeter."
tertiary air 1. The air that is supplied to cer-
tain types of burners for the purpose of cool-
ing the burner metal or improving the
combustion process. [ISA-77.41-1992] 2. Air
for combustion that is supplied to the fur-
nace so as to supplement the primary and
secondary air.
tesla The metric unit for magnetic flux den-
sity.
test 1. An annunciator sequence that is initi-
ated by operating the test push button so as
to reveal a lamp or circuit failure. [ANSI/
ISA-18.1-1979 (R1992)] 2. A standard proce-
dure for determining an attribute or the per-
formance characteristic of a material, part,
component, assembly, or system. A test may
be used to determine basic properties, verify
a function or condition, establish a response
characteristic or calibration, or provide infor-
mation about operating behavior.
test, lamp A test of the visual display lamps
(of an annunciator panel). [ANSI/ISA-18.1-
1979 (R1992)]
test, operational (functional) The test of the
sequence, visual display lamps, audible
devices, and push buttons (of an annunciator
panel). [ANSI/ISA-18.1-1979 (R1992)]
test-block fan requirements The operating
conditions for which a fan is designed. They
are proven by test, following the procedure
outline by the Test Code of the National
Association of Fan Manufacturers.
test chain A calibrating device that consists
of a series of rollers or wheels that are linked
together to ensure that their weight is uni-
form and that they move freely (so that chain
weight loss due to wear is minimized). [ISA-
RP74.01-1984]
test fixture 1. A device that provides mechan-
ical support and electrical connections to a
unit under test. 2. A device for closing off the
pipe connections and/or moving stem seal
areas of the control valve in order to allow
501
terminator / text
pressurization for hydrostatic shell testing.
[ISA-75.19.01-2001]
test gas 1. A gas that contains a percentage of
oxygen that is known to be within 0.25 per-
cent in nitrogen or other inert gas(es) at one
normal atmosphere at reference temperature.
[ANSI/ISA-92.04.01-1996] 2. Toxic gas that is
diluted with clean air or inert gas and to a
known concentration within the test gas tol-
erance stated in Annex B, Item 9 of ISA-92.02,
03, 04 and 06.01-1998.
test gauge A pressure gauge that is specially
built for test service or for other types of
work and that requires a high degree of accu-
racy and repeatability.
test interval (TI) 1. The elapsed time between
the performance of individual tests. [ISA-
67.06-1984] 2. The elapsed time between the
initiation (or successful completion) of tests
on the same sensor, channel, load group,
safety group, safety system, or other speci-
fied system or device. (See ANSI/IEEE, Stan-
dard 338) [ANSI/ISA-67.04.01-2000] 3. The
time between functional tests. [ANSI/ISA-
84.01-1996]
test point A process connection to which no
instrument is permanently connected, but
that is intended to connect an instrument
temporarily or intermittently. [ANSI/ISA-
5.1-1984 (R1992)]
test ports The calibration connection points
on the manifold between the manifold block
valves and the instrument.
test program A group of instructions that are
written in a programming language that
directs the testing of a device or system.
test stand A framework, rig, or table that is
equipped with the instrumentation, power
sources, and auxiliary equipment necessary
to perform an operating test on a machine,
electronic device, engine, or instrument.
test uncertainty ratio (TUR) A measure of
calibration accuracy—the ratio of the obser-
vation uncertainty of a unit being calibrated
to the output uncertainty of the calibration
source.
text 1. In data processing, any information that
has a specific meaning. 2. The sequence of
characters forming part of a transmission
that is sent from a data source to a data sink
and that contains the information to be con-
veyed. Text may be preceded by a header
and followed by an "end-of-text" signal. 3. In
ASCII as well as in general communications
usage, text is a sequence of characters that is
treated as an entity if it is preceded by a
"start-of- text" and followed by an "end-of-
text" control character.
text box / thermal converter
text box A view box on a workstation screen
in which the user can type information or a
command that has been requested by the
application. The text box usually appears
within a dialog box.
text editor In data processing, a function that
is used to process textual instructions rather
than other program language.
TFT Thin film technology; thin film transis-
tor. Makes possible low-power operator
interfaces that are resistant to shock and
vibration, immune to electrical fields and X-
rays, diminutive in size, and highly portable.
They also have bright, high-color-intensity
VGA resolution. TFT interfaces are as good
as CRTs but an expensive alternative to them.
theodolite An optical instrument for accu-
rately measuring horizontal and vertical
angles, used in surveying and road building.
theoretical air The amount of air required to
completely burn a given amount of a com-
bustible material.
theoretical curve The specified relationship
(table, graph, or equation) of the trans-
ducer's output to the applied measurand
over the range. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
theoretical cutoff frequency Disregarding
any dissipation effects, the characteristic fre-
quency at which the image attenuation con-
stant of a transducer changes from zero to a
positive value, or vice versa.
theoretical draft The draft that would be
available at the base of a stack if there were
no friction or acceleration losses in the stack.
theoretical end points The specified points
between which the theoretical curve is estab-
lished and to which no end point tolerances
apply. The points can be other than 0 percent
and 100 percent of both the measurand and
the output. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
theoretical flame temperature See adiabatic
temperature.
theoretical plate A hypothetical device for
bringing two streams of material into such
perfect contact that they leave the device in
equilibrium with each other.
theoretical slope The straight line between
the theoretical end points. [ISA-37.1-1975
(R1982)]
theoretical (stoichiometric) combustion
air The chemically correct amount of air
that is required for the complete combustion
of a given quantity of a specific fuel. [ISA-
77.41-1992]
therm A unit of heat applied, especially to
gas. One therm equals 100,000 Btu.
thermal-agitation voltage The electrical
potential difference that is induced in circuits
502
by the agitated motion of electrons in the cir-
cuit conductors.
thermal analysis The process of determining
the transformation temperatures and other
characteristics of materials or physical sys-
tems by making detailed observations of the
time-temperature curves obtained during
controlled heating and cooling.
thermal-arrest calorimeter A device for mea-
suring heats of fusion, in which a sample is
frozen under vacuum at subzero tempera-
tures and thermal measurements are taken as
the calorimeter warms to room temperature.
thermal bulb A device for measuring tem-
perature, in which the liquid in a bulb
expands and contracts with changes in tem-
perature. This causes a Bourdon tube ele-
ment to elastically deform, thereby moving a
pointer in direct relation to the temperature
at the bulb.
thermal coefficient of resistance The relative
change in resistance of a conductor or semi-
conductor per unit change in temperature
over a stated range of temperature. It is
expressed in ohms per ohm per degree F or
C. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
thermal compensation See compensation.
thermal conductivity The heat flow per unit
cross section per unit temperature gradient.
Thermoconductivity
thermal conductivity gauge A device for
measuring pressure in a high-vacuum sys-
tem by observing the changes in thermal
conductivity of an electrically heated wire
that is exposed to the low-pressure gas in the
system.
thermal converter A device that consists of
one or more thermoelectric junctions in con-
tact with or integral with an electric heater.
The output of the thermoelectric component

thermal cutout / thermionic tube
is directly related to the current flowing in
the electric heater.
thermal cutout A device for protecting a cir-
cuit or electrical device from excessive cur-
rent. It consists of a heater element and a
replaceable fusible link, which melts and
opens the circuit when too much current
flows through the heater element.
thermal delay timer A timing device that
relies on the movement of a heated bimetal
to actuate a set of contacts.
thermal detector See bolometer.
thermal diffusion The spontaneous move-
ment of solvent atoms or molecules for the
purpose of establishing a concentration gra-
dient as a direct result of the influence of a
temperature gradient.
thermal electromotive force The electromo-
tive force that is developed across the free
ends of a bimetallic couple when heat is
applied to a physical junction between the
opposite ends of the couple. Also known as
thermal emf.
thermal emf The electrical potential that is
generated in a conductor or circuit due to
thermal effects, usually differences in tem-
perature between one part of the circuit and
another.
thermal energy Energy that flows between
bodies because of a difference in tempera-
ture. The same as heat.
thermal expansion 1. The increase in a vol-
ume of liquid because of an increase in tem-
perature. [ISA-RP31.1-1977] 2. A physical
phenomenon whereby raising the tempera-
ture of a body causes it to change dimensions
(usually increasing) in a manner that is char-
acteristic of the material of its construction.
thermal gradient The distribution of a
differential temperature through a body or
across a surface.
thermal instrument Any instrument that
measures a physical quantity by relating it to
the heating effect of an electric current, such
as in a hot-wire instrument.
thermal neutron A free (uncombined) neu-
tron with a kinetic energy that is approxi-
mately equivalent to the kinetic energy of its
surroundings.
thermal noise The usually electrical noise
that results from thermally induced random
fluctuation in the current in the receiver's
load resistance.
thermal power plant A facility or system for
converting thermal energy into electric
power.
thermal printer A printer that prints charac-
ters on paper by using a high-speed heating
503
Next Page
element, which activates chemicals in the
paper, forming an image.
thermal radiation 1. Electromagnetic radia-
tion that transfers heat out of a heated mass.
2. Electromagnetic radiation that results from
thermal agitation.
thermal sensitivity shift The sensitivity shift
that is caused by changes of the ambient tem-
perature from room temperature to the speci-
fied limits of the operating temperature
range. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
thermal shock An abrupt temperature
change applied to a device. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-
1979 (R1993)]
thermal shock testing A method for testing
the reliability of a device by subjecting it to
hot and cold thermal cycles.
thermal spraying A method of coating a sub-
strate by introducing finely divided refrac-
tory powder or droplets of atomized metal
wire into a high-temperature plasma stream
from a special torch, which propels the coat-
ing material against the substrate.
thermal transducer Any device that converts
thermal energy into electric power or other
useful measuring medium. An example is a
thermocouple.
thermal-type flowmeter An apparatus in
which heat is injected into a flowing fluid
stream, and flow rate is determined from the
rate of heat dissipation. It measures either
the rise in temperature at some point down-
stream of the heater or the amount of ther-
mal or electrical energy that is required to
maintain the heater at a constant tempera-
ture.
thermal-type liquid-level meter Any of sev-
eral devices that indicate the position of liq-
uid level in a vessel by means of a thermally
activated property such as an abrupt change
in temperature, evaporation or condensation
effects, or thermal expansion effects.
thermal variable A characteristic of a mate-
rial or system that derives from its thermal
energy temperature, thermal expansion, cal-
orific value, specific heat or enthalpy, for
instance.
thermal zero shift The zero shift that is
caused by changes of the ambient tempera-
ture from room temperature to the specified
limits of the operating temperature range.
[ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
thermionic emission The spontaneous ejec-
tion of electrons from an emitter as a result of
a temperature effect.
thermionic tube An electron tube in which at
least one of its electrodes is heated in order to
induce electron or ion emission.
 I vacuum A low-pressure
V
gaseous environment whose
pressure is lower than the
ambient atmospheric pres-
sure.
vacuum brake A type of
power-assisted vehicle
brake. Its released position
is maintained by maintaining a pressure
below atmospheric in the actuating cylinder.
Its actuated position is obtained by admitting
air at atmospheric pressure into one side of
the cylinder.
vacuum breaker A device used in a water
supply line to relieve a vacuum and prevent
backflow. Also known as a "backflow pre-
venter."
vacuum degassing To remove dissolved or
trapped gases in a metal by melting or heat-
ing it under high vacuum.
vacuum deposition A process for coating a
substrate with a thin film of metal by con-
densing it on the substrate in an evacuated
chamber. See also vacuum plating.
vacuum filtration A process for separating
solids from a suspension or slurry by admit-
ting the mixture into a filter at atmospheric
pressure (or higher) and then drawing a vac-
uum on the outlet side to help the liquid pass
through the filter element.
vacuum forming A method of forming sheet
plastics. The sheet is clamped to a stationary
frame. It is then heated and drawn into a
mold by pulling a vacuum in the space
between the sheet and mold.
vacuum fusion A laboratory technique for
determining the dissolved gas content of
metals by melting them in vacuum and mea-
suring the amount of hydrogen, oxygen, and
sometimes nitrogen released during melt-
ing. The process can be used on most metals
except reactive elements such as alkali and
alkaline-earth metals.
vacuum gauge Any of several devices for
measuring pressures below ambient atmo-
spheric.
vacuum-gauge control circuit An electric cir-
cuit that energizes the tube of an electrically
operated vacuum gauge, controls and mea-
sures the gauge's currents or voltages, and
sometimes supplies and regulates power that
degases tube elements.
vacuum-gauge tube An enclosed portion of a
pressure-measuring system that is connected
to an evacuated chamber or system. Its
essential component is the pressure-sensing
element, but it also includes the envelope
and any support structure as well as the
531
means for connecting the gauge to the evacu-
ated space.
vacuum-jacketed valve See jacketed valve.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
vacuum photodiode A vacuum tube in
which the light incident on a photoemissive
surface (cathode) frees electrons, which are
collected by the positively biased anode.
vacuum plating A process for producing a
thin film of metal on a solid substrate by
depositing a vaporized compound on the
work surface, or by reacting a vapor with the
surface, in an evacuated chamber. Also
known as "vapor deposition."
vacuum pump A device similar to a com-
pressor whose inlet is attached to a chamber
in order to remove noncondensable gases
such as air and to maintain the chamber at a
pressure below atmospheric.
vacuum system A system that consists of one
or more chambers that can withstand atmo-
spheric pressure without completely collaps-
ing and that has an opening for pumping gas
out of the enclosed space.
vacuum tube A device for use in an elec-
tronic circuit to amplify DC, audio, or micro-
wave frequencies or to rectify radio
frequency signals. It consists of an arrange-
ment of metal emitters, grids, and plates that
are enclosed in a thin, evacuated glass enve-
lope. The envelope has a molded plastic base
that contains pin connectors that are attached
to the tube internals.
valence A positive number that characterizes
the combining power of an element with
other elements. This combining power is
measured by the number of bonds to other
atoms that one atom of the given element
forms upon chemical combination. Hydro-
gen is assigned valence 1, and the valence is
the number of hydrogen atoms, or their
equivalent, with which an atom of the given
element combines.
valence band In semiconductors, the range of
energies in which free holes are allowed. See
conduction band and band gap.
validity The correctness, and especially the
degree of closeness, by which iterated results
approach the correct result.
validity check A check of a system that is
based upon known limits or upon given
information or computer results. For exam-
ple, a calendar month will not be numbered
greater than 12, and a week does not have
more than 168 hours. See also check, validity.
value, desired In process instrumentation,
the value of the controlled variable that is
wanted or chosen. Note: The desired value
value, ideal / valve positioner/controller
equals the ideal value in an idealized system.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
value, ideal In process instrumentation, the
value of the indication, output, or ultimately
controlled variable of an idealized device or
system. It is assumed that an ideal value can
always be defined even though it may be
impossible to achieve. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)]
value, measured The numerical quantity that
results at the instant under consideration
from the information obtained by a measur-
ing device. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
value, rms (root mean square value) The
square root of the average of the square of
the instantaneous values. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-
1979 (R1993)]
value engineering 1. The systematic use of
engineering principles to identify the func-
tions of a product or service and to provide
these functions reliably at lowest cost. Also
known as "value analysis" and "value con-
trol." 2. A total approach to design that
achieves improved performance and quality
by stressing simplicity and the integration of
design and manufacturing techniques.
value referred to the input The value that is
obtained by dividing an output value by the
nominal gain of the subsystem. [ISA-RP55.1-
1975 (1983)]
valve 1. A device for controlling fluid flow. It
consists of a fluid-retaining assembly, one or
more ports between end openings, and a
movable closure member that opens,
restricts, or closes the ports. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]. 2. An in-line device in a
fluid-flow system that can interrupt flow,
regulate the rate of flow, or divert flow to
another branch of the system. 3. A British
term for a vacuum tube, since valve action is
the way a vacuum tube operates with a
stream of electrons.
valve, ball A valve that has a rotary motion
closure component consisting of a full ball or
a segmented ball.
valve, diaphragm A flexible member that is
moved into the fluid-flow passageway of a
body in order to modify the rate of flow
through the valve. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
valve, diaphragm-type A valve that has a
flexible linear-motion closure component,
which is moved into the body's fluid-flow
passageway to modify the rate of flow
through the valve.
valve, floating-ball A valve that has a full
ball positioned within it that contacts either
of two seat rings. To effect shutoff, the ball is
free to move toward the seat ring opposite
532
the pressure source when in the closed posi-
tion.
valve, fuel-control An automatically or man-
ually operated device that essentially con-
sists of a regulating valve and an operating
mechanism. It is used to regulate fuel flow
and is usually used in addition to the safety
shutoff valve. A fuel-control valve may be of
the automatic or manually opened type.
valve, globe A valve that has a linear motion
closure component, one or more ports, and a
body that is distinguished by a globular
shaped cavity around the port region.
valve, manual gas shutoff A manually oper-
ated valve in a gas line that is used to com-
pletely turn on or shut off the gas supply.
valve, manual oil shutoff A manually oper-
ated valve in the oil line that is used to com-
pletely turn on or shut off the oil supply to
the burner.
valve, manual reset safety shutoff A manu-
ally opened, electrically latched, electrically
operated safety shutoff valve that is
designed to automatically shut off fuel when
it is deenergized.
valve, motor driven reset safety shutoff An
electrically operated safety shutoff valve that
is designed to automatically shut off fuel
flow when it is deenergized. The valve can
be opened and reset automatically but only
by an integral motor device.
valve, raised-face, flanged, globe-style angle
control A valve design in which one port is
collinear with the valve stem or actuator, and
the other port (usually the inlet) is at right
angles to the valve stem. [ANSI/ISA-75.22-
1999]
valve body assembly An assembly that con-
sists of a body, bonnet assembly, bottom
flange and trim elements. The trim includes a
valve plug that opens, shuts, or partially
obstructs one or more ports.
valve flow coefficient (Cv) The number of
U.S. gallons per minute of 60°F water that
will flow through a valve with a one-pound-
per-square-inch pressure drop.
valve follower A linkage that transmits
motion from a cam totikepush rod of a
valve, especially in an internal combustion
engine.
valve hand A valve that has a manual actua-
tor.
valve plug See closure member. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
valve positioner/controller A signal-oper-
ated device that is installed in order to con-
trol valve operation. It is designed to assure
that a given signal obtains the desired action
 valve stem / vapor pressure thermometer
regardless of changes in friction or process
pressures. That is, when a controller outputs
a signal that represents a specific valve open-
ing to a positioner, a physical measure on the
valve stem determines the actual position
and changes the positioner signal to the actu-
ator until that position matches the request.
valve stem The mechanical member in a lin-
ear motion valve that connects the actuator
stem with the closure member. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]
valve travel The distance over which a valve
is moved between its full-closed and full-
opened positions.
VAN Value-Added Network. A network
whose services go beyond simple switching.
These additional services often include store
and forward (mailbox) services for managing
high-volume message traffic and the provi-
sion of leased high-bandwidth networks
between different geographical locations.
Van de Graaf generator An electrostatic
device that uses a system of belts to generate
electric charges and carry them to an insu-
lated electrode, which becomes charged to a
high potential.
vane 1. A flat or curved machine element that
is attached to a hub or rotor and is acted
upon by a flowing stream of fluid in order to
produce rotary motion. 2. A fixed or adjust-
able plate inserted in a gas or air stream that
is used to change the direction of flow.
Vane Shaves
vane actuator A fluid-powered device in
which the fluid acts upon a pivoted member,
the vane, in order to provide rotary motion.
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
vane control A set of movable vanes in the
inlet of a fan for the purpose of regulating air
flow.
vane guide A set of stationary vanes for gov-
erning the direction, velocity, and distribu-
tion of air or gas flow.
vane passing frequency The number of
vanes, or blades, multiplied by the rotational
speed.
533
Van Stone nipples (flanges) A pipe nipple
that is made with one enlarged integral end
held against another face, with a loose flange
around the nipple.
vapor The gaseous product of evaporation.
vapor barrier A sheet or coating of low gas
permeability that is applied to a structural
wall in order to prevent the condensation
and absorption of moisture.
vapor deposition See vacuum plating.
vapor-filled thermometer A type of
filled-system thermometer in which temper-
ature is determined from the vapor pressure
that is developed from the partial vaporiza-
tion of a volatile liquid contained within the
system.
vapor generator A container of liquid (other
than water) that is vaporized by the absorp-
tion of heat.
vaporimeter 1. An apparatus in which the
volatility of oils is estimated by heating them
in a current of air. 2. An instrument that is
used to determine alcohol content by mea-
suring the vapor pressure of the substance.
vaporization The change from liquid or solid
phase to the vapor phase.
vaporization cooling A method for cooling
hot electronic equipment by spraying it with
a volatile, nonflammable liquid of high
dielectric strength. The liquid absorbs heat
from the electronic equipment, vaporizes,
and carries the heat to enclosure walls or to a
radiator or heat exchanger. Also known as
evaporative cooling.
vapor pressure 1. The pressure of a vapor
that corresponds to a given temperature at
which the liquid and vapor are in equilib-
rium. Vapor pressure increases with temper-
ature. [ISA-RP31.1-1977] 2. The pressure (for
a given temperature) at which a liquid is in
equilibrium with its vapor. As a liquid is
heated, its vapor pressure will increase until
it equals the pressure above the liquid. At
this point, the liquid will begin to vaporize.
3. The pressure, for a specified fluid tempera-
ture, at which both the liquid and vapor
phases of a fluid exist in equilibrium. The
vapor pressure is more commonly thought of
as the thermodynamic saturation pressure.
[ISA-RP75.23-1995]
vapor pressure, Reid The vapor pressure of a
liquid at 100°F (311 K) as determined by
ASTM Designation D 323-58, "Standard
Method of Test for Vapor Pressure of Petro-
leum Products (Reid Method)." [ISA-RP31.1-
1977]
vapor pressure thermometer A temperature
transducer for which the pressure of vapor in
vaporware / variable-inductance accelerometer
a closed system of gas and liquid is a func-
tion of temperature.
vaporware Computer software that is
announced or advertised but never shipped.
var A unit of measure for reactive power. It is
calculated by taking the product of voltage,
current, and the sine of the phase angle.
variable 1. The symbolic representation of a
logical storage location that can contain a
value that changes during a discrete process-
ing operation. See also measurand. 2. A soft-
ware entity that may assume any one of a set
of values. The values of a variable are usually
restricted to a certain data type. [ISA-
TR50.02, Part 9-2000]
variable address See indexed address.
variable reluctance proximity sensor A
device that senses the position (presence) of
an actuating object by detecting the voltage
that is generated across the terminals of a
coil. The coil surrounds a pole piece that
extends from one end of a permanent mag-
net. Coil voltage is proportional to the rate of
change of magnetic flux as the object passes
through the field near the pole piece.
variable reluctance tachometer A type of
tachometer that is designed to measure rota-
tional speeds of 10,000 to 50,000 rpm. It
detects electrical pulses generated as an actu-
ating element integral with the rotating body
repeatedly passes through the magnetic field
of a variable-reluctance sensor. The pulses
are amplified and rectified, then used to con-
trol direct current to a milliammeter, which is
calibrated directly in rpm.
variable speed drive A mechanism that
transmits motion from one shaft to another
and allows the velocity ratio of the shafts to
be varied continuously. Often used for flow
control.
Flow Control with Variable Speed Drive
variable transformer An iron-core trans-
former that can vary its output voltage over a
limited range or continuously from zero to
maximum output voltage. It generally does
this by means of a contact arm that moves
534
along exposed turns of the secondary wind-
ing.
variable word length Refers to the property
of a machine word that may have a variable
number of characters. The term may be
applied either to a single entry whose infor-
mation content may be changed from time to
time or to a group of functionally similar
entries whose corresponding components
are of different lengths.
variable, directly controlled In a control loop,
the variable whose value is sensed so as to
originate a feedback signal. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-
1979 (R1993)]
variable, indirectly controlled A variable
that does not originate a feedback signal but
is related to, and influenced by, the directly
controlled variable. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)]
variable, manipulated A quantity or condi-
tion that is varied as a function of the actuat-
ing error signal so as to change the value of
the directly controlled variable. [ANSI/ISA-
51.1-1979 (R1993)]
variable, measured 1. A quantity, property,
or condition that is measured. Note 1: It is
sometimes referred to as the measurand. Note
2: Typical measured variables are tempera-
ture, pressure, rate of flow, thickness, speed,
and the like. 2. The part of the process that is
measured so as to determine the actual con-
dition of the controlled variable. See measur-
and.
variable, ultimately controlled The variable
whose control is the end purpose of the auto-
matic control system. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979
(R1993)]
variable-area track A motion picture sound
track that is divided laterally into transpar-
ent and opaque areas and where the line of
demarcation is an oscillographic trace that
corresponds to the wave shape of the
recorded sound.
variable-density track A motion picture
sound track of constant width, where the
photographic density varies along the length
of the track in accordance with a defined
wave parameter of the recorded sound. The
track is usually, but not always, of uniform
density in the transverse direction at any
point along the direction of travel.
variable-inductance accelerometer An
instrument for measuring the instantaneous
acceleration of a body. It consists of a differ-
ential transformer that has a center coil
which is excited from an external AC signal.
The magnitude of the AC signal is propor-
tional to the displacement of a ferromagnetic
 variable-inductance pickup / vehicle
core mass suspended on springs in the center
of the three coils.
variable-inductance pickup A transducer
that converts mechanical oscillations into
audio-frequency electrical signals by varying
the inductance of an internal coil.
variable-length record format A file format
in which records are not necessarily the same
length.
variable-reluctance pickup A transducer
that converts mechanical oscillations into
audio-frequency electrical signals by varying
the reluctance of an internal magnetic circuit.
variable-reluctance transducer A transducer
in which a slug of magnetic material is
moved between two coils by the displace-
ment being monitored. This movement
changes the reluctance of the coils, thereby
changing their impedance.
variable-resistance accelerometer An instru-
ment that measures acceleration by deter-
mining the change in electrical resistance in a
measuring element. Examples of such ele-
ments include a strain gauge or slide wire
whose dimensions are changed mechanically
under the influence of acceleration.
variable-resistance pickup A transducer that
converts mechanical oscillations into
audio-frequency electrical signals by varying
the electrical resistance of an internal circuit.
variance The square of the standard devia-
tion.
variometer A form of variable inductance
that consists of two coils connected in a
series and arranged one inside the other. The
inner coil is equipped to rotate and, thereby,
vary the mutual inductance between coils.
This device was principally used in the early
days of radio communications, but has
found continued application in electronics.
varmeter An instrument for measuring the
electric power drawn by a reactive circuit.
Also known as "reactive volt-ampere
meter."
varnish A transparent coating material that
consists of a resinous substance, which is dis-
solved in an organic liquid vehicle.
VAX Virtual address extension. A product
series from Digital Equipment Corp.
VBX Visual Basic extension. Specialized
applications that are typically written in C or
C++. They embed themselves into the Visual
Basic (VB) environment and allow a VB pro-
grammer to plug another software compo-
nent into an application without needing to
understand the inner workings of that com-
ponent. Its limitations include memory
access, platform dependency, and speed.
535
VCG Voltage-controlled generation. A mode
of function generator.
VCP Video control panel. A term of reference
from the operator interfaces of programma-
ble logic controllers (PLCs).
VDE Verband Deutscher Electrotechniker
(Germany). An association of German elec-
trical engineers that also acts as a European
regulation and standards agency focused on
electrical and electronic products. A member
of the IEC as VDE-Verlag GmbH.
VDI Virtual device interface; Verein Deut-
scher Ingenieure (Germany). An association
of German engineers that represents engi-
neers from different fields of study for the
purpose of promoting positive cross-disci-
plinary interaction.
vectopluviometer A rain gauge, or a circular
array of four or more rain gauges, that mea-
sures the direction and inclination of falling
rain.
vector 1. A specification of a single test step
for automatic test equipment, including the
states of all the input signals to the device 2.
A quantity that has magnitude and direction,
as contrasted to a scalar, which has quantity
only. 3. A one-dimensional matrix. See
matrix.
vectored interrupt An interrupt that carries
the address of its service routine.
vector-oriented drawing An approach in
drawing and layout programs that treats
graphics as line and arc segments rather than
as individual dots. Also called object-oriented
drawing.
vector quantity A property or characteristic
that is completely defined only when both
magnitude and direction are given.
vectorscope In analog video development,
equipment that is used to precisely analyze
various parts of a video signal.
vector voltmeter A two-channel, high-fre-
quency sampling voltmeter that can be con-
nected to two input signals of the same
frequency so as to measure not only their
voltages but also the phase angle between
them.
vee orifice A V-shaped flow control orifice
that allows a characterized flow control as
the gate moves in relation to the fixed "vee"
opening. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
vehicle 1. A body such as an aircraft or rocket
that is designed to carry a payload aloft. 2. A
self-propelled machine for transporting
goods or personnel. 3. A solvent or other car-
rier for the resins and pigments in paint, lac-
quer, shellac, or varnish.
velocimeter / venturi tube
velocimeter An instrument for measuring the
speed of sound in gases, liquids, or solids.
velocity The rate of change of a position vec-
tor with respect to time at any given point in
space. The first derivative of distance with
respect to time.
velocity algorithm The most commonly used
algorithm for digitally executing PID control.
It is the result of taking the difference
between two successive iterations of the
position algorithm. The calculated variable is
the change in output between iterations. This
change, divided by the time interval between
iterations, is the rate of change, or velocity, of
the output. The velocity algorithm form is
preferred because it makes it easy to execute
bumpless transfer and output limiting. See
proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control
and position algorithm.
velocity head The pressure, measured in the
heighth of the fluid column, that is needed to
create a fluid velocity. Numerically, velocity
head is the square of the velocity divided by
twice the acceleration of gravity (V2 + 2g).
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
velocity limit A limit that the rate of change
of a specified variable may not exceed.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
velocity-limiting control See control, velocity-
limiting.
velocity meter A flowmeter that measures
the rate of flow of a fluid by determining the
rotational speed of a vaned rotor inserted
into the flowing stream. The vanes may or
may not occupy the entire cross section of the
flow path.
velocity of approach A factor (F) that is
determined by the ratio (m) of the valve ori-
fice area to the inlet pipe area.
velocity pressure The measure of the kinetic
energy of a fluid.
velocity transducer A transducer that is used
to monitor vibration velocity. One common
type has a cylindrical coil within the case that
surrounds a magnet suspended by springs.
When attached to a vibrating surface, the rel-
ative motion between the stationary magnet
and the vibrating coil produces a voltage that
is proportional to the velocity of vibration.
Sometimes called a "velocity pickup."
velocity-type flowmeter A flow-measure-
ment device in which the fluid flow causes a
wheel or turbine impeller to turn, producing
a volume-time readout. Also known as a cur-
rent meter and rotating meter.
vena contracta 1. The minimum area of a
flow stream. It is smaller than the area that
causes the flow constriction because the
536
streamlines continue to converge for a short
distance beyond the constriction. Average
flow velocity is highest and mean static pres-
sure is lowest in the vena contracta. How-
ever, local vortex pressures in separation
regions and turbulent boundary layers can
be lower than the vena contracta pressure.
[ISA-RP75.23-1995] 2. The portion of a flow
stream in which fluid velocity is at its maxi-
mum, and fluid static pressure and the cross-
sectional area are at their minimum. In a con-
trol valve, the vena contracta normally
occurs just downstream of the actual physi-
cal restriction. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
Venn diagram A graphical representation in
which sets are represented by closed areas.
The closed regions may bear many kinds of
relations to one another, such as partially
overlapped, completely separated from one
another, or contained totally within another.
All members of a set are considered to lie
within or be contained within the closed
region that represents the set. The Venn dia-
gram is used to help determine whether sev-
eral sets include or exclude the same
members.
vent Any opening or passage that allows
gases to escape from a confined space so as
to prevent the buildup of pressure or the
accumulation of hazardous or unwanted
vapors.
venturi A constriction in a pipe, tube, or
flume that consists of a tapered inlet, a short
straight constricted throat, and a gradually
tapered outlet. A fluid's velocity is greater
and pressure is lower in the throat area than
in the main conduit upstream or down-
stream of the venturi. A venturi it can be
used to measure flow rate or to draw another
fluid from a branch into the main fluid
stream.
venturi meter A type of flowmeter that mea-
sures flow rate by determining the pressure
drop through a venturi constriction.
venturi tube A primary differential-pressure-
producing device that has a cone section
approach to a throat and a longer cone dis-
 verification / vibrating reed tachometer
charge section. It is used for high-volume
flow at low- pressure loss applications.
Venturi Tube Flowmeter
verification The process of confirming for
certain steps of the safety life cycle that the
objectives are met. [ANSI/ISA-84.01-1996]
verify 1. To determine whether a transcrip-
tion of data or other operation has been
accomplished accurately. 2. To check the
results of keypunching.
vernier A short auxiliary scale that slides
along a main instrument scale and permits
the accurate interpolation of fractional parts
of the least division on the main scale.
vertical boiler A fire-tube boiler that consists
of a cylindrical shell, in which tubes are con-
nected between the top head, and the tube
sheet forms the top of the internal furnace.
The products of combustion pass from the
furnace directly through the vertical tubes.
vertical firing An arrangement of a burner
such that air and fuel are discharged into the
furnace in practically a vertical direction.
vertical orifice installation An orifice plate
that is used in a vertical pipeline. Also called
"vertical orifice run" and "vertical meter
run.
very-high level language (VHLL) A highly
application-oriented computer programming
language in which the burden on the user is
shifted away from understanding computers
and learning codes to simply understanding
the problem to be solved. While VHLLs are
dramatically faster and easier to use and
facilitate "top-down" thinking, they gener-
ally work well for only a narrow class of
problems. For example, the VHLL-based
spreadsheet for an accountant is not a useful
word processing package for a fiction writer.
vessel A container or structural enclosure in
which materials--especially liquids, gases,
and slurries—are processed, stored, or
treated.
V/F (vapor flow and feed flow) boi-
lup-to-feed ratio. A quantity that is used to
537
analyze the operation of a distillation col-
umn.
VFD Variable frequency drive; vacuum fluo-
rescent display; virtual field device. VFD
helps save energy and provide variable
speed control in standard three-phase
motors. These motors cut down on the
inrush of current and mechanical stress dur-
ing starting and can improve the power fac-
tor. Displays that emit fluorescent glow
when excited with a small voltage. A type of
liquid crystal display (LCD).
VGA Video Graphics Adapter (Array). A
video standard introduced in 1987 for IBM
PS/2 series of PCs that can emulate CGA and
EGA modes and additionally provide 640 x
480 pixels with 16 colors and 320 x 200 pixels
with 256 colors. See CGA, EGA, PGA, SVGA,
UXGA, and XGA.
via A plated hole that is used to electrically
connect layers of a printed circuit board.
vibrating density sensor Any of several
devices in which a change in the natural
oscillating frequency of a device element—
cylinder, single tube, twin tube, U-tube, or
vane—is detected and related to the density
of the process fluid flowing through the sys-
tem.
vibrating quartz crystal moisture sensor A
device for detecting the presence of moisture
in a sample gas stream by dividing the
stream into two portions, one of which is
dried. The two streams are then alternately
passed across the face of a hygroscopically
sensitized quartz crystal whose wet and dry
vibrational frequencies are continuously
monitored and compared to the frequency of
an uncoated sealed reference crystal.
vibrating reed electrometer An instrument
that uses a vibrating capacitor to measure
small electrical charges, often in combination
with an ionization chamber.
vibrating reed tachometer A device that con-
sists of an extended series of reeds of various
lengths that are mounted on the same base.
The device is placed on a vibrating surface,
vibration / virtual block
such as the enclosure of rotating equipment,
and the frequency is determined by observ-
ing which of the reeds is vibrating at its natu-
ral frequency.
vibration A periodic motion or oscillation of
an element, device, or system. Notes: 1.
Vibration is caused by any excitation that
displaces some or all of a particular mass
from its position of equilibrium. The result-
ing vibration is the attempt of the forces, act-
ing on and within the mass, to equalize. 2.
The amplitude and duration of any vibration
is dependent on the period and amplitude of
the excitation and is limited by the amount of
damping that is present. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-
1979 (R1993)]
vibration damping Any method for convert-
ing mechanical vibrational energy into heat.
vibration error The maximum change in out-
put at any measurand value within the speci-
fied range when vibration levels of specified
amplitude and range of frequencies are
applied to the transducer along specified
axes. [ISA-37.1-1975 (R1982)]
vibration machine A device for determining
the effects of mechanical vibrations on the
structural integrity or function of a compo-
nent or system—especially electronic equip-
ment. Also known as a "shake table."
vibration meter A device for measuring
vibrational displacement, velocity, and accel-
eration. It consists of a suitable pickup, elec-
tronic amplification circuits, and an output
meter.
vibration sensitivity See vibration error.
[ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
vibration-type level detector A device for
detecting the level of solids in a bin or hop-
per. A tuning fork driven by a piezoelectric
crystal vibrates freely when the level is
below the sensor position and is inhibited
from vibrating when bulk material sur-
rounds the sensor.
vibratory separation A technique for separat-
ing or classifying particulate solids using
screens that are subjected to vibratory or
oscillating motion.
vibrograph An instrument for making an
oscillographic recording of the amplitude
and frequency of a mechanical vibration,
such as by producing a trace on paper or film
using a moving stylus.
vibrometer A device for measuring the
amplitude of a mechanical vibration. Also
known as a vibration meter.
vibronicisolation Systems that minimize the
transfer of vibrations from the floor and sur-
rounding environment to the surface of an
538
optical table or other equipment mounted on
them.
vibronic transition A simultaneous change
in both the vibrational and electronic energy
state of a molecule. The amount of energy
involved is similar to that entailed in elec-
tronic transitions.
video In radio telemetry, a term generally
applied to a telemetry multiplex that is out-
put from a radio receiver.
video card In data processing, a plug-in cir-
cuit board that controls the display of data
on the monitor.
videodisk An optical storage medium for
storing high-quality audio information with
random access capability.
video display unit (VDU) Any one of several
types of shared human interface devices that
use digital video technology.
Video for Windows In a digital graphics dis-
play, a multimedia architecture and applica-
tion suite that provides an outbound
architecture that lets application developers
access audio, video, and animation from
many different sources through one inter-
face. As an application, it primarily handles
video capture and compression, as well as
video and audio editing.
video RAM Random access memory that fea-
tures parallel-to-serial conversion in order to
generate video display signals.
video receiver The data output of a telemetry
receiver; the multiplex of telemetry measure-
ments.
video terminal An operator terminal that has
a cathode ray tube (CRT) display instead of a
printer. See CRT display.
view A data structure that has an associated
mapping to a subset of block parameters.
[ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-2000]
viewing area That part of a video screen dis-
play that can be used in a given application.
It is sometimes called a workspace.
virtual address space A set of memory
addresses that are mapped into physical
memory addresses by the paging or reloca-
tion hardware located at the point where a
program is executed.
virtual block One of a collection of blocks
that comprise a file (or the memory image of
that file). The block is virtual only in that its
block number refers to its position relative to
other blocks on the volume. That is, the vir-
tual blocks of a file are numbered sequen-
tially beginning with one, while their
corresponding logical block numbers can be
any random list of valid volume-relative
block numbers.
 virtual circuit / visual engineering
virtual circuit In packet switching, a network
facility that gives the appearance to the user
of being an actual end-to-end circuit. A
dynamically variable network connection in
which sequential data may be routed differ-
ently during the course of a "virtual connec-
tion." Virtual circuits enable transmission
facilities to be shared by many users simul-
taneously. Also called a "logical circuit."
virtual communication relationship
(VCR) Configured application layer chan-
nels that enable data to be transferred
between applications. The Fieldbus Founda-
tion describes three types of VCRs: Pub-
lisher/Subscriber, Client/Server, and
Source/Sink.
virtual communication relationships In the
context of the Fieldbus Foundation, applica-
tion- layer communications channels.
virtual field device (VFD) A virtual field
device (VFD) that is used to remotely view
local device data described in the object dic-
tionary. A typical device will have at least
two virtual field devices (VFDs).
virtual instrumentation Microcomputers
that interactively perform a number of gen-
eral test and measurement functions.
virtual leak A gradual release of gas by des-
orption from the interior walls of a vacuum
system in a manner that cannot be accurately
predicted. Its effect on system operation
resembles that of an irregularly variable
physical leak.
virtual memory The set of storage locations
in physical memory and on disk that are
referred to by virtual addresses. From the
programmer's viewpoint, the secondary stor-
age locations appear to be locations in physi-
cal memory. The size of virtual memory in
any system depends on the amount of physi-
cal memory available and the amount of disk
storage used for nonresident virtual memory.
virtual page number The virtual address of a
page of virtual memory.
virtual processor Software that allows an
individual user to consider that a computer's
resources are dedicated entirely to his or her
needs. A computer can simulate several vir-
tual processors simultaneously.
virus A self-replicating program that fre-
quently has destructive side-effects.
viscometer An instrument that measures the
viscosity of a fluid.
viscometer gauge An instrument that deter-
mines the pressure in a vacuum system by
measuring the viscosity of residual gases.
viscosity A measure of the internal friction of
a fluid or its resistance to flow.
539
viscosity, absolute The property by which a
fluid in motion offers resistance to shear.
Usually expressed as newton-seconds/
meter2. [ISA-RP31.1-1979]
viscosity, kinematic The ratio of absolute vis-
cosity to density. The SI unit is the meter 2 /s.
[ISA-RP31.1-1979]
viscous damping A method for converting
mechanical vibration energy into heat by
means of a piston attached to the vibrating
object. The object moves against the resis-
tance of a fluid—usually a liquid or air—that
is confined in a cylinder or bellows attached
to a stationary support.
viscous-drag-type density meter A type of
meter that determines gas density by com-
paring the drag force on linked impellers,
which are driven by the flow of a standard
gas and the test gas. The balance point is a
function of gas density, and the instrument
can be calibrated to read directly in density
units.
viscous flow See laminar flow.
visibility meter An instrument for directly or
indirectly determining visual range in the
earth's atmosphere.
VISRD Virtual interrupt service routine
driver. Drivers that reduce interrupt latencies
as a very effective means of avoiding perfor-
mance degradation in Windows.
Visual Basic (VB) A software program that
provides a macro-type language and graphi-
cal environment. VB was originally designed
by Microsoft as an application-development
environment that allows a standard GUI to
be bolted to some existing library.
visual display That part of an annunciator or
lamp cabinet that indicates the sequence
state. A visual display usually consists of an
enclosure that contains lamps behind a trans-
lucent window. The lamps can be off, flash-
ing, or on. [ANSI/ISA-18.1-1979 (R1992)]
visual display unit (VDU) A generic term
used for display units that are based on tech-
nologies such as cathode ray tubes (CRTs),
plasma display panels (PDPs), electrolumi-
nescent devices (ELs), liquid crystal displays
(LCDs), and the like. [ISA-5.5-1985]
visual engineering The process of creating
photorealistic images and animations from
geometric and analytical data. Visual engi-
neering is used for product design, testing,
and manufacturing directions; for analyzing
complex mathematics or physics such as
thermal dissipation and stress; and for ergo-
nomic studies of human interaction with
designs.
visual slope / voltage-type telemeter
visual slope A forward-sloping top section of
a control center.
Viton A A fluorocarbon rubber manufac-
tured by DuPont.
vitreous enamel A coating that is applied to
metal by covering the surface with pow-
dered alkaliborosilicate glass frit. The glass
frit is then fused onto the surface by firing at
a temperature of 800 to 1,600°F (425 to 875 C).
Also known as "porcelain enamel."
vitreous silica See silica glass.
vitreous slag Glassy slag.
vitrified wheel A grinding wheel that is
made by compacting a mixture of abrasive
particles and glass frit, then firing it to pro-
duce a bonded mass.
v-mail (or video mail) A video counterpart to
email. A method of transmitting video as
well as text messages and files (brochures,
presentations, etc.) digitally over communi-
cation links, such as the phone system.
VOC Volatile organic compounds. A
consideration in EPA (U.S.) regulations that
contributes to the formation of smog. A
highly evaporative organic material that is
frequently found in paints, solvents, and
similar products.
vocabulary A list of operating codes or
instructions that are available to the pro-
grammer for writing the program for a given
problem, for a specific computer, or for a spe-
cific language.
voice frequency The audio frequency range
that is essential for the transmission of com-
mercial-quality speech (i.e., 300 - 3,400 Hz).
voice-grade channel A channel used to trans-
mit speech, usually with an audio frequency
range of 300 to 3,400 Hz. Voice-grade chan-
nels are also used to transmit analog and dig-
ital data, up to 10,000 bps.
voice-grade line A channel that is capable of
carrying voice frequency signals
voice print An acoustic spectrograph that can
be used to analyze sound patterns, especially
the harmonic patterns that distinguish one
person's voice from another's.
volatile [Sci] 1. Of a liquid, the quality of hav-
ing appreciable vapor pressure at room or
slightly elevated temperature. [Comp] 2. Of
memory devices in computing, the character-
istic of not being able retain information
when the power is interrupted.
volatile matter Those products that are given
off by a material as gas or vapor. They can be
determined by definite prescribed methods.
volatile memory Memory whose contents are
lost when the power is switched off.
540
volatile storage 1. A storage device in which
stored data are lost when the applied power
is removed (for example, an acoustic delay
line). 2. A storage area for information that is
subject to dynamic change.
volatization See vaporization.
volt A unit of electromotive force that will
produce a current of one ampere when
steadily applied to a conductor whose resis-
tance is one ohm.
voltage amplification The ratio of the volt-
age of an output signal to the voltage of the
corresponding input signal.
voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) An
oscillator in which the output frequency is
dependent upon the input voltage. [ANSI/
ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
voltage divider An electronic network that
consists of multiple impedance elements that
are connected in series. For a given voltage
impressed across the network, one or more
lower output voltages can be obtained by
tapping across one or more node pairs in the
network.
voltage ratio For potentiometric transducers,
the ratio of output voltage to excitation volt-
age, usually expressed as a percentage. [ISA-
37.1-1975 (R1982)]
voltage standing-wave ratio (VSWR) In a
wave guide, the ratio of the amplitude of the
electric field at a voltage that is minimum to
the amplitude at an adjacent voltage maxi-
mum.
voltage, common-mode (CMV) 1. That
amount of voltage common to both input
lines that is of the same polarity and phase.
Common-mode voltage can be caused by
magnetic induction, capacitive coupling, and
resistive coupling. [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)]
2. A voltage of the same polarity on both
sides of a deferential input relative to
ground. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
voltage, normal-mode 1. The actual voltage
difference between input signal lines. [ISA-
RP55.1-1975 (1983)] 2. A voltage that is
induced across the input terminals of a
device. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
voltage-range multiplier A separate device
that is installed externally to an instrument
so that its voltage range can be extended
beyond the upper limit of the instrument
scale. A voltage-range multiplier consists
principally of a special type of series resis-
tance or impedance element.
voltage-type telemeter A system for trans-
mitting information to a remote location by
using the amplitude of a single voltage as the
telemeter signal.
 volt-ampere meter / vortex shedding
volt-ampere meter An instrument for mea-
suring apparent power—the product of volt-
age and current—in an AC power circuit. In
high-power applications, the scale is usually
graduated in kilovolt-amperes.
voltmeter An instrument for determining the
magnitude of an electrical potential. It gener-
ally is constructed as a moving-coil instru-
ment that has high internal series resistance.
If the high internal resistance is replaced
with a low-resistance shunt connected in
parallel with the instrument terminals, the
voltmeter can function as an ammeter.
voltmeter-ammeter An instrument that con-
sists of a voltmeter and an ammeter located
in the same housing but with separate elec-
trical connections.
volt-ohm-milliammeter A test instrument
that has different ranges for measuring the
voltage, resistance, and current flow (in the
milliampere range) in electrical or electronic
circuits. Also known as a "circuit analyzer,"
"multimeter," and "multiple-purpose
meter."
volume The total internal volume of the
enclosure, except where the enclosure and its
contents are inseparable in use, in which
case, the volume is the free volume. Note:
For luminaires, the volume is determined
without the lamps fitted. [ANSI/ISA-
12.22.01-1998 (IEC 79-1 Mod)]
volume Abbreviated vol.1. The magnitude of
a complex audio frequency current as mea-
sured in standard volume units on a gradu-
ated scale. 2. The three-dimensional space
occupied by an object. 3. A measure of capac-
ity for a tank or other container in standard
units. 4. A mass storage media that can be
treated as file-structured data storage.
volume control A device or system that regu-
lates or varies the output-signal amplitude of
an electronic circuit, such as for varying the
loudness of a reproduced sound.
volume flow rate (Q) Calculated by multi-
plying the cross-sectional area of the pipe or
full closed conduit (A) by the average veloc-
ity of the fluid (V). Note: The pipe must be
full of the measured fluid.
volume indicator A standard instrument for
indicating the magnitude of a complex wave
such as an electronic signal used to repro-
duce speech or music. The magnitude in vol-
ume units equals the number of decibels
above a reference level that is established by
connecting the instrument across a 600-ohm
resistor that is dissipating 1 mW of power at
100 Hz.
541
volume meter Any flowmeter in which the
actual flow of a fluid is determined by mea-
suring a characteristic associated with the
flow.
volume of air The number of cubic feet of air
per minute expressed at fan outlet condi-
tions.
volumetric efficiency For a reciprocating
engine or gas compressor, the ratio of vol-
ume of admitted working fluid (at a speci-
fied temperature and pressure) divided by
piston displacement.
volumetric flow rate (Q) The volume of fluid
moving through a pipe, conduit, or channel
within a given period of time. Note: The
pipe, conduit, or channel must remain full of
the measured fluid for most meters to mea-
sure accurately.
volute A spiral casing for a centrifugal pump
or fan. A volute allows the speed developed
at the rotor vanes to be converted into pres-
sure without hydraulic shock.
vortex 1. The swirling motion of a liquid in a
vessel at the entrance to a discharge nozzle.
2. The point in a cyclonic gas path at which
the outer spiral converges to form an inner
spiral and at which the two spirals change
general direction by 180°.
vortex flowmeter A device that measures
flow by sensing the movement of vortices in
a pipe or conduit. The instrument usually is
constructed with a bluff body (vortex shed-
der) inserted perpendicular to the flow to
allow formation of vortices, and sensor(s)
downstream to detect the passing vortices.
The vortices are shed from one side of the
shedder and then the other side as the fluid
flows around the shedder. The shedding fre-
quency (f), flow velocity (v) and the shedder
width (d) can be expressed with the formula:
f =Stxv/d.
St is a dimensionless constant called the
Strouhal number. Sensing techniques uti-
lized include piezoelectric, thermistor, strain
gage, torque tube and ultrasonic technolo-
gies. If the frequency of vortex generation
can be sensed, then the velocity of the fluid
can be calculated.
vortex shedding A phenomenon that occurs
when fluid flows past an obstruction. The
shear layer near the obstruction has a high
velocity gradient, which makes it inherently
unstable. At some point downstream of the
immediate vicinity of the obstruction, the
shear layer breaks down into well-defined
vortices. These vortices are captured by the
vortex-type flowmeter / V.xx standards

lates a private network but on a nondedi-

cated (not leased) public phone system.
VPNs are typically used for video conferenc-
ing (which normally needs dedicated lines).
VR Virtual reality. A three-dimensional (3-D)
computer simulation of real-world activities
and events that allows the user to "walk-
through" various proposed designs or situa-
tions. VR becomes a 3-D doorway in contrast
to the 2-D window (video screen).
VSI Virtual Socket Interface. An industry-
standard methodology for making possible
various predictable and preverified intellec-
tual properties (IPs). Generally, these proper-
ties take the form of software available so as
to interconnect to create various systems,
usually on chips, for specific user require-
ments.
vulcanize To produce a hard, durable, flexi-
ble rubber product by steam curing a plasti-
cized mixture of natural rubber, synthetic
elastomers, and certain chemicals.
W I Variable voltage input. A type of vari-
able frequency drive.
V.xx standards A series of standards estab-
lished by CCITT that govern data communi-
cations over telephone circuits.

Karman Vortex Sheet Pattern

vortex-type flowmeter A device that uses the

variations in differential pressure associated
with the formation and shedding of vortices
in a stream of fluid flowing past a standard
flow obstruction (usually a circular element
with a T-shaped cross section) to actuate a
sealed detector at a frequency that is propor-
tional to the vortex shedding. This, in turn,
provides an output signal that is directly
related to flow rate.
vortices The plural of vortex. Whirlpools of
fluid flow; a. reas of lower pressure in which
fluid flows in a circular motion.
votator A device that is used principally in
food-processing industries to simultaneously
chill and mechanically work a continuous
emulsified stream, such as in the production
of margarine.
voting system A redundant system (e.g., "m"
out of "n"; one out of two [loo2] to trip; two
out of three [2oo3], etc.) that requires at least
"m" of the "n" channels to be in agreement
before the safety instrumented system can
perform an action. [ANSI/ISA-84.01-1996]
VPN Virtual private network.A software-
defined, switched-based network that emu-

542
 X.21 A CCITT standard
X
that governs the interface
between data terminal
equipment (DTE) and data
communications equipment
(DCE) for synchronous
operation mode on public
data networks.
X.25 A CCITT standard that governs the
interface between data terminal equipment
(DTE) and data communications equipment
(DCE) for terminals that operate in the
packet mode on public data networks.
X.400 An ISO standard for session layer. A
CCITT standard for messaging and docu-
ment distribution protocol. X.400 is also used
to connect different e-mail systems.
x-axis The horizontal axis on a coordinate
plane.
XbarR chart In statistical process control
(SPC), a plot that shows the range of sample
values as well as the arithmetical mean of the
average for the sample of data.
XGA Extended Graphics Adapter (Array). A
video display technology that is faster than
VGA and causes less eyestrain but works
only on Micro Channel 386SX PCs or better.
XGA resolution is 1024 x 768 pixels, and 256
colors are supported. See CGA, EGA, PGA,
SVGA, VGA, and UXGA.
xerography A dry copying process that
involves the photoelectric discharge of an
electrostatically charged plate. The copy is
made by tumbling a resinous powder over
the plate. The remaining electrostatic charge
is discharged, and the resin is transferred to
paper or to an offset printing master.
X-height In the typographical composition of
screen displays and printing, the height of
lowercase letters, not including ascenders
and descenders. See ascender and descender.
XIP Execute in place. A technique by which
software placed on a PCMCIA-compatible
ROM card can be executed directly from the
card itself rather than having to be first
loaded into RAM.
XML Extensible Markup Language. A com-
puter authoring language for publishing
documents through the World Wide Web on
the Internet. It provides significantly greater
flexibility and automation potential vis-a-vis
HTML.
X-ray diffraction analyzer Any of several
devices for detecting the positions of mono-
chromatic X-rays that are diffracted from the
characteristic scattering planes of a crystal-
line material. This analyzer is used primarily
553
to detect and characterize phases in crystal-
line solids.
X-ray diffractometer An instrument that is
used in X-ray crystallography to measure the
diffracted angle and intensity of the X-radia-
tion that is reflected from a powdered, poly-
crystalline, or single-crystal specimen.
X-ray emission analyzer An apparatus for
determining the elements that are present in
an unknown sample (usually a solid). The
sample is bombarded with electrons, and
X-ray diffraction techniques are used to
determine the wavelengths of the character-
istic X-rays emitted from the sample. Wave-
length is used to identify the specific atomic
species that is responsible for the emission.
Relative intensity at each strong emission
line can be used to quantitatively or semi-
quantitatively determine composition.
X-ray fluorescence analyzer An apparatus
for analyzing the composition of materials
(solid, liquid, or gas). The materials are
excited with strong X-rays and the wave-
lengths and intensities of secondary X-ray
emissions are determined.
X-ray goniometer An instrument for measur-
ing the angle between the incident and
refracted beams of radiation in X-ray analy-
sis.
X-ray microscope An apparatus for produc-
ing greatly enlarged images by projection
using X-rays from a special ultrafine-focus
X-ray tube, which acts essentially as a point
source of radiation.
X-ray monochromator A device for produc-
ing an X-ray beam that has a narrow range of
wavelengths. The monochromator usually
consists of a single crystal of a selected sub-
stance that is mounted in a holder, which can
be adjusted to give proper orientation.
X-rays Short-wavelength electromagnetic
radiation that has a wavelength shorter than
about 15 nanometers. It is usually produced
by bombarding a metal target with a stream
of high- energy electrons. Wavelengths are in
the same range as gamma rays, longer than
cosmic rays, but shorter than ultraviolet rays.
Like gamma rays, X-rays are very penetrat-
ing and can damage human tissues, induce
ionization, and expose photographic films.
X-ray thickness gauge A device that is used
to continually measure the thickness of mov-
ing cold-rolled sheet or strip during the roll-
ing process. It consists of an X-ray source on
one side of the strip and a detector on the
other. Its thickness is proportional to the loss
in intensity as the X-ray beam passes through
the moving material.
X terminal / X-Y recorder

X terminal A dedicated platform (terminal)

that is transparent to the user and designed
to run X-server software. It used with power-
ful machines that run 680x0 processors such
as RISC computers. X is a standard base-level
windowing architecture for UNIX machines
and their terminals.
X-value A term that is sometimes used to
designate the inductive or capacitative reac-
tance of an AC electrical device or circuit.
X Windows (A trademark of the Massachu-
setts Institute of Technology). A major ele-
ment of the open systems concept. X
Windows is a technique that allows video
terminals in one vendor system to present
views and operate as if they were video ter-
minals in other vendor systems that reside
on the same network.
X-Y plot A plot that reveals how a parameter
changes over a range of measurement condi-
tions.
X-Y plotter A device that is used in conjunc-
tion with a computer to plot coordinate
points in the form of a graph.
X-Y recorder 1. An instrument that records
the amplitude of one signal as a function of
another signal on paper. 2. A recorder for
automatically drawing a graph of the rela-
tionship between two experimental vari-
ables. The position of a pen or stylus at any
given instant is determined by signals from
two different transducers that drive the
pen-positioning mechanism in two direc-
tions at right angles to each other.

554
 Y2K Year 2000. Usually

Y
refers to the clock rollover at
midnight of the new millen-
nium, which it was feared
could cause older computer
programs to "bomb"
because they could not dis-
tinguish between the years
1900 and 2000. In early programs, only the
last two digits of the year were used to
implement the date code because of memory
limits. The feared major disasters did not
occur.
y-axis The vertical axis on a coordinate plane.
Y/C Video Y (luminance) and C (color) video
information on separate signals. Y/C video
is of higher quality than composite video but
not as high quality as component RGB video.
Y/C video is available on prosumer and
some consumer-grade video products. Same
as S-video. See composite video and component
RGB video.
yield The quantity of a substance that is pro-
duced in a chemical reaction or other process
from a specific amount of incoming material.
yield stress The force per unit area at the
onset of plastic deformation. This force is
determined through a standard mechani-
cal-property test such as a uniaxial tension
test.
yoke 1. A clamping device for embracing and
holding two other parts. 2. A slotted cross-
head that is used in some steam engines
instead of a connecting rod. 3. The frame-
work that surrounds the rotor of a DC gener-
ator or motor. It supports the field coils and
provides magnetic linkage between them. 4.
The structure that rigidly connects the actua-
tor power unit to the valve. [ANSI/ISA-
75.05.01-2000]

555
Standards
ISA-RP2.1-1978 -- Manometer Tables
ISA-5.1-1984 - (R1992) -- Instrumentation Sym-
bols and Identification
ISA-5.2-1976 - (R1992) -- Binary Logic Dia-
grams For Process Operations
ISA-5.3-1983 - Graphic Symbols for Distrib-
uted Control/Shared Display Instrumenta-
tion, Logic, and Computer Systems
ISA-5.4-1991 -- Instrument Loop Diagrams
ISA-5.5-1985 -- Graphic Symbols for Process
Displays
ANSI/ISA-7.0.01-1996 -- Quality Standard for
Instrument Air
ISA-12.00.01-1999 -- Electrical Apparatus for
Use in Class I, Zone 0 and 1 Hazardous
(Classified) Locations General Requirements
ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999 -- Definitions and
Information Pertaining to Electrical Instru-
ments in Hazardous Classified) Locations
ISA-12.02.01-1999 - (IEC 60079-11 Mod) -- Elec-
trical Apparatus for Use in Class I. Zones 0,
1, & 2 Hazardous (Classified) Locations -
Intrinsic Safety 'i'
ANSI/ISA-RP12.06.01-1995 (R2002) -- Wiring
Practices for Hazardous (Classified) Loca-
tions Instrumentation Part 1: Intrinsic Safety
ANSI/ISA-TR12.06.01-1999 -- Electrical Equip-
ment in a Class I, Division 2/Zone 2 Hazard-
ous Location
ISA-12.10-1988 -- Area Classification in Haz-
ardous (Classified) Dust Locations
ANSI/ISA-12.12.01-2000 -- Nonincendive Elec-
trical Equipment for Use in Class I and II,
Division 2 and Class III, Divisions 1 and 2
Hazardous (Classified) Locations
ISA-RP12.12.03-2002 -- Recommended Practice
for Portable Electronic Products Suitable for
Use in Class I and II, Division 2, Class I Zone
2 and Class III, Division 1 and 2 Hazardous
(Classified) Locations
ANSI/ISA-TR12.13.01-1999 -- Flammability
Characteristics of Combustible Gases and
Vapors
ANSI/ISA-12.13.01-2000 -- Performance
Requirements for Combustible Gas Detectors
ANSI/ISA-TR12.13.02-1999 -- Investigation of
Fire and Explosion Accidents in the Chemi-
cal, Mining, and Fuel-Related Industries - A
Manual by Kuchta
ANSI/ISA-12.16.01-1998 - (IEC 60079-7 Mod) --
Electrical Apparatus for Use in Class I, Zone
579
1 Hazardous (Classified) Locations: Type of
Protection - Increased Safety 'e'
ISA-RP12.2.02-1996 -- Recommendations for
the Preparation, Content, and Organization
of Intrinsic Safety Control Drawings
ISA-TR12.2-1995 -- Intrinsically Safe System
Assessment Using the Entity Concept
ANSI/ISA-12.22.01-1998 - (IEC 60079-1 Mod) --
Electrical Apparatus for Use in Class I, Zone
1 Hazardous (Classified) Locations: Type of
Protection - Flameproof 'd'
ANSI/ISA-12.23.01-1998 - (IEC 60079-18 Mod)
-- Electrical Apparatus for Use in Class I,
Zone 1 Hazardous (Classified) Locations:
Type of Protection - Encapsulation 'm'
ANSI/ISA-TR12.24.01-1998 - (IEC 60079-10
Mod) -- Recommended Practice for Classifi-
cation of Locations for Electrical Installations
Classified as Class I, Zone 0, Zone 1, or Zone
2
ANSI/ISA-12.25.01-1998 - (IEC 60079-5 Mod) --
Electrical Apparatus for Use in Class I, Zone
1 Hazardous (Classified) Locations: Type of
Protection - Powder Filling 'q'
ANSI/ISA-12.26.01-1998 - (IEC 60079-6 Mod) --
Electrical Apparatus for Use in Class I, Zone
1 Hazardous (Classified) Locations: Type of
Protection - Oil-Immersion 'o'
ISA-RP12.4-1996 -- Pressurized Enclosures
ISA-RP2.1-1978 -- Manometer Tables
ISA-RP16.1,2,3-1959 -- Terminology, Dimen-
sions and Safety Practices for Indicating Vari-
able Area Meters (Rotameters) - RP16.1 Glass
Tube, RP16.2 Metal Tube, RP16.3 Extension-
Type Glass Tube
ISA-RP16.4-1960 -- Nomenclature and Termi-
nology for Extension-Type Variable Area
Meters (Rotameters)
ISA-RP16.5-1961 -- Installation, Operation, and
Maintenance Instructions for Glass Tube
Variable Area Meters (Rotameters)
ISA-RP16.6-1961 -- Methods and Equipment
for Calibration of Variable Area Meters (Rot-
ameters)
ISA-18.1-1979 - (R1992) -- Annunciator
Sequences and Specifications
ISA-TR20.00.01-2001 -- Specification Forms for
Process Measurement and Control Instru-
ments Part 1: General Considerations
ISA-20-1981 -- Specification Forms for Process
Measurement and Control Instruments, Pri-
mary Elements, and Control Valves
ISA-26-1968 / ANSI/ISA-72.02-1993
ISA-26-1968 -- Dynamic Response Testing of
Process Control Instrumentation
ISA-RP31.1-1977 -- Specification, Installation,
and Calibration of Turbine Flowmeters
ISA-37.1-1975 - (R1982) -- Electrical Transducer
Nomenclature and Terminology
ISA-RP37.2-1982 - (R1995) -- Guide for Specifi-
cations and Tests for Piezoelectric Accelera-
tion Transducers for Aerospace Testing
ISA-37.3-1982 - (R1995) -- Specifications and
Tests for Strain Gage Pressure Transducers
ISA-37.5-1982 - (R1995) -- Specifications and
Tests for Strain Gage Linear Acceleration
Transducers
ISA-37.6-1982 - (R1995) -- Specifications and
Tests for Potentiometric Pressure Transduc-
ers
ISA-37.8-1982 - (R1995) -- Specifications and
Tests for Strain Gage Force Transducers
ISA-37.10-1982 - (R1995) -- Specifications and
Tests for Piezoelectric Pressure and Sound-
Pressure Transducers
ISA-37.12-1982 - (R1995) -- Specifications and
Tests for Potentiometric Displacement Trans-
ducers
ISA-RP42.00.01-2001 -- Nomenclature for
Instrument Tube Fittings
ANSI/ISA-50.1-1982 - (R1992) -- Compatibility
of Analog Signals for Electronic Industrial
Process Instruments
ANSI/ISA-50.02, Part 2-1992 -- Fieldbus Stan-
dard for Use in Industrial Control Systems
Part 2: Physical Layer Specification and Ser-
vice Definition
ANSI/ISA-50.02, Part 3-1997 -- Fieldbus Stan-
dard for Use in Industrial Control Systems
Part 3: Data Link Service Definition
ANSI/ISA-50.02, Part 4-1997 -- Fieldbus Stan-
dard for Use in Industrial Control Systems
Part 4: Data Link Protocol Specification
ANSI/ISA-50.02, Part 5-1998 -- Fieldbus Stan-
dard for Use in Industrial Control Systems
Part 5: Application Layer Service Definition
ANSI/ISA-50.02, Part 6-1998 -- Fieldbus Stan-
dard for Use in Industrial Control Systems
Part 6: Application Layer Protocol Specifica-
tion
ISA-TR50.02, Part 9-2000 -- Fieldbus Standard
for Use in Industrial Control Systems: User
Layer Technical Report
ISA-TR50.02, Parts 3 & 4-2000 -- Fieldbus Stan-
dard for Use in Industrial Control Systems,
Parts 3 & 4: Technical Report for Fieldbus
Data Link Layer — Tutorial
ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 - (R1993) -- Process
Instrumentation Terminology
ISA-RP52.1-1975 -- Recommended Environ-
ments for Standards Laboratories
580
ISA-RP55.1-1975 - (R1983) -- Hardware Testing
of Digital Process Computers
ISA-RP60.1-1990 -- Control Center Facilities
ISA-RP60.2-1995 -- Control Center Design
Guide and Terminology
ISA-RP60.3-1985 -- Human Engineering for
Control Centers
ISA-RP60.4-1990 -- Documentation for Control
Centers
ISA-RP60.6-1984 -- Nameplates, Labels, and
Tags for Control Centers
ISA-RP60.8-1978 -- Electrical Guide for Control
Centers
ISA-RP60.9-1981 -- Piping Guide for Control
Centers
ISA-RP60.11-1991 -- Crating, Shipping, and
Handling for Control Centers
ANSI/ISA-67.01-1994 -- Transducer and Trans-
mitter Installation for Nuclear Safety Appli-
cations
ANSI/ISA-67.02.01-1999 -- Nuclear Safety-
Related Instrument Sensing Line Piping and
Tubing Standard for Use in Nuclear Power
Plants
ISA-67.03-1982 -- Standard for Light Water
Reactor Coolant Pressure Boundary Leak
Detection
ANSI/ISA-67.04.01-2000 -- Setpoints for
Nuclear Safety-Related Instrumentation
ISA-RP67.04.02-2000 - Methodologies for the
Determination of Setpoints for Nuclear
Safety-Related Instrumentation
ANSI/ISA-TR67.04.08-1996 -- Setpoints for
Sequenced Actions
ISA-67.06-1984 -- Response Time Testing of
Nuclear Safety-Related Instrument Chan-
nels in Nuclear Power Plants
ANSI/ISA-67.14.01-2000 -- Qualifications and
Certification of Instrumentation and Control
Technicians in Nuclear Facilities
ISA-71.01-1985 -- Environmental Conditions
for Process Measurement and Control Sys-
tems: Temperature and Humidity
ISA-71.02-1991 -- Environmental Conditions
for Process Measurement and Control Sys-
tems: Power
ANSI/ISA-71.03-1995 -- Environmental Condi-
tions for Process Measurement and Control
Systems: Mechanical Influences
ISA-71.04-1985 -- Environmental Conditions
for Process Measurement and Control Sys-
tems: Airborne Contaminants
ISA-72.01-1985 -- PROWAY-LAN Industrial
Data Highway
ANSI/ISA-72.02-1993 -- Manufacturing Mes-
sage Specification: Companion Standard for
Process Control (Identical to ISO/IEC 9506-
6)
 ISA-RP74.01-1984 / ISA-TR84.00.02
ISA-RP74.01-1984 -- Application and Installa-
tion of Continuous-Belt Weighbridge Scales
ANSI/ISA75.01.01-2002 (60534-2-1 Mod) -
Flow Equations for Sizing Control Valves
ANSI/ISA-75.02-1996 -- Control Valve Capac-
ity Test Procedures
ISA-75.03-1992: Face-to-Face Dimensions for
Integral Flanged Globe-Style Control Valve
Bodies (ANSI Classes 125, 150, 250, 300, and
600)
ANSI/ISA-TR75.04.01-1998 -- Control Valve
Position Stability
ANSI/ISA-75.04-1995 -- Face-to-Face Dimen-
sions for Flangeless Control Valves (ANSI
Classes 150, 300, and 600)
ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000 -- Control Valve Ter-
minology
ISA-75.07-1997 -- Laboratory Measurement of
Aerodynamic Noise Generated by Control
Valves
ANSI/ISA-75.08-1999 -- Installed Face-to-Face
Dimensions for Flanged Clamp or Pinch
Valves
ANSI/ISA-75.08.03-2001 -- Face-to-Face
Dimensions for Socket Weld-End and
Screwed-End Globe-Style Control Valves
(Classes 150, 300, 600, 900, 1500, and 2500)
ANSI/ISA-75.08.04-2001 -- Face-to-Face
Dimensions for Buttweld-End Globe-Style
Control Valves (Class 4500)
ANSI/ISA-75.08.07-2001 -- Face-to-Face
Dimensions for Separable Flanged Globe-
Style Control Valves (Classes 150, 300, and
600)
ANSI/ISA-75.11-1985 - (R1997) -- Inherent
Flow Characteristics and Rangeability of
Control Valves
ISA-75.13-1996 -- Method of Evaluating the
Performance of Positioners with Analog
Input Signals and Pneumatic Output
ANSI/ISA-75.15-1993 -- Face-to-Face Dimen-
sions for Buttweld-End Globe-Style Control
Valves (ANSI Classes 150, 300, 600, 900, 1500,
and 2500)
ANSI/ISA-75.16-1993 -- Face-to-Face Dimen-
sions for Flanged Globe-Style Control Valve
Bodies (ANSI Classes 900, 1500, and 2500)
ISA-75.17-1989 -- Control Valve Aerodynamic
Noise Prediction
ANSI/ISA-75.19.01-2001 -- Hydrostatic Testing
of Control Valves
ISA-RP75.21-1989 - (R1996) -- Process Data Pre-
sentation for Control Valves
ANSI/ISA-75.22-1999 -- Face-to-Centerline
Dimensions for Flanged Globe-Style Angle
Control Valve Bodies (ANSI Classes 150, 300,
and 600)
581
ISA-RP75.23-1995 -- Considerations for Evalu-
ating Control Valve Cavitation
ANSI/ISA-75.25.01-2000 -- Test Procedure for
Control Valve Response Measurement from
Step Inputs
ANSI/ISA-TR75.25.02-2000 -- Control Valve
Response Measurement from Step Inputs
ISA-RP76.0.01-1998 -- Analyzer System Inspec-
tion and Acceptance
ANSI/ISA-77.13.01-1999 -- Fossil Fuel Power
Plant Steam Turbine Bypass System
ANSI/ISA-77.20-1993 -- Fossil Fuel Power
Plant Simulators - Functional Requirements
ISA-77.41-1992 -- Fossil Fuel Power Plant Boiler
Combustion Controls
ANSI/ISA-77.42.01-1999 -- Fossil Fuel Power
Plant Feedwater Control System - Drum-
Type
ANSI/ISA-77.43.01-1994 (R2002) -- Fossil Fuel
Power Plant Unit/Plant Demand Develop-
ment - Drum Type
ANSI/ISA-77.44.01-2000 -- Fossil Fuel Power
Plant Steam Temperature Control System
(Drum-Type)
ANSI/ISA-77.44.02-2001 -- Fossil Fuel Power
Plant Steam Temperature Control System —
Once-Through Type
ISA-RP77.60.02-2000 -- Fossil Fuel Power Plant
Human-Machine Interface: Alarms
ISA-TR77.60.04-1996 -- Fossil Fuel Power Plant
Human-Machine Interface-CRT Displays
ISA-RP77.60.05-2001 -- Fossil Fuel Power Plant
Human-Machine Interface: Task Analysis
ANSI/ISA-77.70-1994 -- Fossil Fuel Power
Plant Instrument Piping Installation
ANSI/ISA-TR77.81.05-1995 -- Standard Soft-
ware Interfaces for CEMS Relative Accuracy
Test Audit Data
ANSI/ISA-82.02.01-1999 - (IEC 61010-1 Mod) --
Safety Standard for Electrical and Electronic
Test, Measuring, Controlling, and Related
Equipment - General Requirements
ANSI/ISA-82.02.02-1996 - (IEC 61010-2-031) --
Safety Requirements for Electrical Equip-
ment for Measurement, Control and Labora-
tory Use
ANSI/ISA-82.02.04-1996 - (IEC 61010-2-032) --
Safety Requirements for Electrical Equip-
ment for Measurement, Control, and Labora-
tory Use
ISA-82.03-1988 -- Safety Standard for Electrical
and Electronic Test, Measuring, Controlling,
and Related Equipment (Electrical and Elec-
tronic Process Measurement and Control
Equipment)
ISA-TR84.00.02 -- Safety Instrumented Func-
tions (SIF) - Safety Integrity Level (SIL) Eval-
uation Techniques Part 1: Introduction
ISA-TR84.00.02 / ISA-MC96.1-1982

ISA-TR84.00.02 -- Safety Instrumented Func- Oxygen-Deficient/Oxygen-Enriched Atmo-

tions (SIF) - Safety Integrity Level (SIL) Eval- spheres
uation Techniques Part 2: Determining the ISA-RP92.04.02, Part II-1996 -- Installation,
SIL of a SIF via Simplified Equations Operation, and Maintenance of Instruments
ISA-TR84.00.02 -- Safety Instrumented Func- Used to Detect Oxygen-Deficient/Oxygen-
tions (SIF) - Safety Integrity Level (SIL) Eval- Enriched Atmospheres
uation Techniques Part 3: Determining the ISA-92.06.01-1998 -- Performance Require-
SIL of a SIF via Fault Tree Analysis ments for Chlorine Detection Instruments
ISA-TR84.00.02 -- Safety Instrumented Func- (0.5-30 ppm Full Scale)
tions (SIF) - Safety Integrity Level (SIL) Eval- ISA-RP92.06.02-1999 -- Installation, Operation,
uation Techniques Part 4: Determining the and Maintenance of Chlorine Detection
SIL of a SIF via Markov Analysis Instruments (0.5-30 ppm - Full Scale)
ISA-TR84.00.02 -- Safety Instrumented Func- ANSI/ISA-TR92.06.03-1999 - Feasibility of
tions (SIF) - Safety Integrity Level (SIL) Eval- Chlorine Detection Instrument Testing
uation Techniques Part 5: Determining the ANSI/ISA-93.00.01-1999 -- Standard Method
PFD of SIS Logic Solvers via Markov Analy- for the Evaluation of External Leakage of
sis Manual and Automated On-Off Valves
ISA-TR84.00.03 -- Guidance for Testing of Pro- ANSI/ISA-95.00.01-2000 -- Enterprise-Control
cess Sector Safety Instrumented Functions System Integration - Part 1: Models and Ter-
(SIF) Implemented as or Within Safety minology
Instrumented Systems (SIS) ANSI/ISA-95.00.02-2001 -- Enterprise-Control
ANSI/ISA-84.01-1996 -- Application of Safety System Integration Part 2: Object Model
Instrumented Systems for the Process Indus- Attributes
tries ISA-MC96.1-1982 -- Temperature Measurement
ISA-TR88.0.03-1996 -- Possible Recipe Proce- Thermocouples
dure Presentation Formats
ANSI/ISA-88.00.02-2001 -- Batch Control Part
2: Data Structures and Guidelines for Lan-
guages
ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995 -- Batch Control Part 1:
Models and Terminology
ANSI/ISA-91.00.01-2001 -- Identification of
Emergency Shutdown Systems and Controls
that are Critical to Maintaining Safety in Pro-
cess Industries
ISA-92.0.01, Part I-1998 -- Performance
Requirements for Toxic Gas-Detection Instru-
ments: Hydrogen Sulfide (Replaces ISA-
S12.15, Part I-1990)
ISA-RP92.0.02, Part II-1998 -- Installation,
Operation, and Maintenance of Toxic Gas-
Detection Instruments: Hydrogen Sulfide
ANSI/ISA-92.02.01, Part I-1998 -- Performance
Requirements for Carbon Monoxide Detec-
tion Instruments (50-1000 ppm Full Scale)
ISA-RP92.02.02, Part II-1998 -- Installation,
Operation, and Maintenance of Carbon Mon-
oxide Detection Instruments (50-1000 ppm
Full Scale)
ISA-92.03.01-1998 -- Performance Require-
ments for Ammonia Detection Instruments
(25-500 ppm)
ISA-RP92.03.02-1999 -- Installation, Operation,
and Maintenance of Ammonia Detection
Instruments (25-500 ppm - Full Scale)
ANSI/ISA-92.04.01, Part I-1996 -- Performance
Requirements for Instruments Used to Detect

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