Jargon Buster - V

Vacuum
Where pressure is lower than atmospheric pressure.
Vacuum breaker
A type of valve which is design to protect plant and equipment from damage when vacuum conditions are experienced. When a system cools some parts of the system may experience vacuum conditions, a vacuum breaker should automatically open and let air in so that the vacuum condition does not cause damage.
Valsteam Adca Engineering SA
A company which manufactures a range of steam products (steam traps and valves etc.). The company is based in Portugal.
Valve
A type of pipe fitting. Valves can be used to stop the flow of a medium or to control it. They come in many different types and sizes depending on the application.
Vent head
A device typically fitted to the top of a vent pipe. Its role is to dissipate the velocity of vapour ejected to atmosphere. It would typically be used on the vents from vented condensate recovery units.
Viscosity
The resistance of a fluid to flow when subjected to a sheer stress.
Viton
Viton is fluorocarbon rubber used for ‘O’ rings, inserts, diaphragms, sleeves, etc. It is a registered trade mark of DuPont Performance Elastomers L.L.C. It is generally specified for higher temperature applications. Advantages are resistance to erosion and corrosion, and the ability to give a leak tight seal. Reference should always be made to manufacturer’s recommendations prior to specifying and use.
Volumetric flowrate
The rate of flow expressed as a volume.