Glossary of Pump Terms: O

OD: Outside diameter refers to the measurement of the widest part of a cylindrical object, taken from one outer edge to the opposite outer edge.

OEM: OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, which refers to the company that produces the original product or component rather than the company that distributes or resells it.

Oil analysis: Oil analysis is a preventive maintenance procedure that involves analyzing the properties of a lubricant in a laboratory. This analysis helps check for the presence of contaminants, such as particles, water, and wear debris, in the oil.

Oil life: Oil life refers to the duration for which a lubricant can effectively perform its intended function. Under normal conditions and without contamination, oil can maintain its useful properties for approximately 30 years at a temperature of 30 °C.

Oil mist: Oil mist is a system in which oil is atomized with air and then directed into the bearings of a pump. This method provides lubrication and cooling to the bearings.

Oil whirl: Oil whirl is an instability that can occur in hydrodynamically lubricated bearings. It is caused by a sudden external force applied to the shaft supported by the bearing, resulting in an eccentricity of the shaft due to uneven oil distribution.

Open free flow: Open free flow refers to a condition in which the discharge pipe or hose of a system is fully open with no obstructions or restrictions, allowing fluid to flow freely without impedance.

Open impeller: An open impeller is an impeller design that consists of vanes attached directly to the hub, without any front or back shrouds. In some cases, small webs may be present between the vanes for added structural support.

Operating length: Operating length refers to the length of a seal when it is compressed and in its operational state, typically referring to mechanical seals.

Operating point: The operating point of a pump is the specific point on the pump’s performance curve where it operates, corresponding to a particular flow rate and total head.

Operating region: The operating region refers to the range of pump performance in which the pump operates effectively and reliably, as depicted by the pump’s performance curve.

Optical flat: An optical flat is a highly flat and smooth piece of glass, typically with a surface variation of 1/4, 1/10th, or 1/20th of a wavelength. It is used in conjunction with light to measure the flatness of test pieces.

O-ring groove: An O-ring groove is a machined slot or groove on a metal or elastomer component where an O-ring is inserted. The groove holds the O-ring in place and ensures proper sealing.

OSHA: OSHA stands for the Occupational Safety and Health Act, a set of governmental regulations aimed at ensuring the safety and health of workers in the workplace.

Outboard: In relation to the pump coupling, outboard refers to a position that is farther away from the coupling, while inboard refers to a position closer to the coupling.

Overhung impeller: An overhung impeller is an impeller design in which the impeller is supported on only one side of the shaft.

Overhung pump: An overhung pump, also known as a cantilevered pump, is a pump configuration in which the impeller shaft is supported by bearings on one side only, typically extending from a single end of the pump casing.

Overrunning clutch: An overrunning clutch, also known as a freewheel, is a type of clutch that allows rotation in one direction while preventing or limiting rotation in the opposite direction. It is commonly used in applications such as bicycles, where it allows for coasting without engaging the pedals.

Oxidizer: An oxidizer is a chemical substance that reacts with carbon or other materials to promote combustion. In a pump, an oxidizer can attack and degrade metallic components, including seal faces, if present in the fluid being handled.

Ozone: Ozone is a variant of oxygen (O2) in which three oxygen atoms (O3) are combined. Ozone is highly reactive and is typically formed by electric sparking or other processes. Its reactivity can have implications for certain pump components, such as electric motor brushes.

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