General Data
Document Number G101
Glossary of Terms
Affinity LawThe law which states that when the speed
of a centrifugal pump is changed, the capacity varies
directly, the head varies as the square, and the
horsepower varies as the cube of the speed ratio.
AgentManufacturers representative. A person or
persons having contractual agreement with a principal to
represent and sell a product.
Bond FailureClean separation of rubber from core.
Clipper SealA flexible lip-type shaft seal device used
in place of packing.
Critical speedThe resonant frequency of a pump or
pump/piping system. If the natural frequency of the
installation is close to the rotating speed, extreme
vibration may occur.
DeflectionMisalignment of an overhung shaft caused
by unbalanced radial loads on the impeller.
DelaminationSeparation of an elastomer into layers.
DeliveryThe period of time required to process an
order and ship it.
DilatantThe liquid which increases in viscosity as a
result of pressure or agitation.
Discharge headThe reading of a discharge gauge at
the discharge of a pump converted to feet of liquid.
Discharge PressureThe reading of a pressure gauge
at the discharge of a pump, read in psi.
DistributorA firm dealing in the distribution and
reselling of a product.
Drive LinerThe elastomer covered, removable
section of a pump nearest the drive end which protects
the casing from wear and corrosion.
ElastomerAny resilient material.
Expeller VanesVanes which are cast or molded into
the front and/or rear shroud of an impeller to prevent
solids from entering the front seal foace or stuffing box
area (also called pump-out vanes).
Friction LossResistance to flow caused by friction of
liquid in the pumping system.
Froth FactorAn arbitrary number used in sizing a
pump to handle a frothy or aerated liquid (most
commonly used for flotation concentrate).
GlandA piece which compresses packing in the
stuffing box and allows for gradual adjustment for
leakage. (Also commonly used by some instead of term
Stuffing Box)
HeadThe potential and/or kinetic energy content in a
liquid referred to any arbitrary datum. It is usually
expressed in feet, meters or some other units of distance.
Hydrostatic TestA testing procedure wherein a pump
is tested for leaks by sealing the casing, filling it with
water, and applying known pressure for a predetermined
length of time.
ImpellerThe rotating part in a pump that imparts
energy to the liquid. There are different types: Open -
pumping vanes only, Semi-open- Vanes with rear shroud
only, enclosed vanes fully enclosed by a front and rear
shrouds.
Impeller ClearanceThe critical distance between a
pumps impeller and its case. Recommended by the
manufacturer and is necessary for optimum
performance.
Impeller DiameterThe outside diameter of the
pumping vanes. It does not include the extended shroud
with expelling vanes.
Impeller EyeThe area of the impeller where the liquid
enters, which diameter is determined by the inlet of the
pumping vanes.
Lantern RingA ring used in the stuffing box to permit
even distribution of seal water.
Mechanical SealA rotating shaft seal device using a
lapped seal face rotating against a lapped stationary seat.
Mounting PlatePlate used on vertical sump pumps
for supporting the unit. Sometimes used for a sump
cover. On most sizes it is a part of the pedestal.
NPSHNet Positive Suction Head. The absolute
pressure above the vapor pressure of the liquid pumped,
available at the eye of the impeller to accelerate it.
Natural RubberA vulcanized compound of natural
rubber and curing agents. Not to be confused with
general term rubber which quite often includes
synthetic elastomers.
Parallel InstallationThe practice of separating the
flow of a system between two or more pumps. Each
pump must develop equal total head.
Page 1 of 2
2002 Weir Slurry Group. All rights reserved Home

Document Number G101
Pedestal LengthThe distance from the bottom of the
mounting plate to the bottom of the pump casing.
Synonym: pump setting.
Performance TestA test conducted to determine a
pumps hydraulic performance, capacity, head, and
power requirements.
Peripheral SpeedThe speed of the impeller, usually
expressed in feet per minute, at the periphery of the
pumping vanes (does not include the expelling vanes).
Pipeline VelocityThe speed of a liquid in a given pipe,
usually expressed in feet per second.
Pulp - A mixture of liquids and solids usually finer and
softer than slurries.
Pumping ConditionsThe flow rate, total head and
description of fluid, including temperature, specific
gravity, corrosives, abrasives and any other unusual
conditions.
Pumping VanesThose vanes on a pump impeller
which produce the discharge head (not the expelling
vanes).
RubberA general term denoting all elastomer
compounds.
Running TestRunning the pump in air to determine
mechanical competency.
Run-outWhip or distortion noted in a rotating shaft or
impeller caused by misalignment or a bent shaft
resulting in vibration
Seal WaterWater injected into the pumps stuffing box
to flush, cool and lubricate the packing or seal.
Series InstallationTwo or more pumps installed so
the flow goes through each pump successively. Each
pump must handle the total volume but only a
proportionate part of the discharge head.
SlurryA mixture of liquids and solids, usually very
gritty and abrasive.
SolutionA clear liquid with dissolved solids.
Specific SpeedA dimensionless number used to
classify impeller types in pump design. High specific
speed impellers have low head characteristics; and
conversely, low specific speed impellers have high head
characteristics. Expressed by formula:
RPM
N s = ------------
- GPM
H 3 /4
Page 2 of 2
General Data
Static HeadThe vertical distance in feet between the
free level of suction source and the point of free
discharge.
Stocking DistributorA firm dealing in the
distribution of a product with components and/or parts
stocked in his warehouse.
Stuffing BoxThe part of the pump containing packing
or shaft seal.
Suction extensionA means of extending the overall
length of a sump pump by attaching a pipe to the lower
case. Pump must be primed and left running to effect a
suction lift. Also referred to as tail pipe.
Suction HeadThe gauge reading at the pump suction
flange converted to feet of liquid and corrected to the
pump center line (or the eye of the impeller on a vertical
pump). In the case of a suction lift, it is the reading on a
vacuum gauge.
Suction LinerThe elastomer covered, removable
part of a pump nearest the suction end which protects the
case from wear and corrosion.
Total HeadThe measure of energy increase per unit
weight of the liquid, imparted to the liquid by the pump.
This is the head normally specified for pumping
applications since the complete characteristics of a
system determine the total head required. (Previously
referred to as Total Dynamic Head - TDH)
TEFCTotally Enclosed, Fan Cooled. A term used by
motor manufacturers to define a particular type of motor
suitable for operating in hazardous or dusty
environments.
ThixotropicPhenomena noted in some viscous liquids
or gels becoming fluid when agitated. The change is
reversible.
TrimUsed to denote a special impeller
diameter.Term also applied to the type of gland fitting
installed in a pump.
V-DriveThe combination of pump and motor sheaves
to pulleys and V-belts necessary to drive a pump.
Velocity HeadThe kinetic energy of the liquid at a
given cross section. Velocity head is expressed by the
following equation:
V2
H v = ------
2g
Where v is obtained by dividing the flow by the cross
section area at the point of gauge connection.
Home