A movement of ocean water characterized by regularity, either of a cyclic nature, or as a continuous stream flowing along a definable path. Three general classes may be distinguished, by cause: (a) currents associated with horizontal pressure gradients, comprising the various types of gradient current; (b) wind-driven currents, which are those directly produced by the stress exerted by the wind upon the ocean surface; (c) currents produced by long- wave motions. The latter are principally tidal currents, but may also include currents associated with internal waves, tsunamis and seiches. The major ocean currents are of continuous, stream-flow character, and are of first-order importance in the maintenance of the earth’s thermodynamic balance.
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RESTRICTOR
A device for producing a deliberate pressure drop or resistance in a line by reducing the cross-sectional flow area.
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SAFETY CONTROL
Device to stop unit, equipment or system if unsafe pressure and/or temperatures and/or dangerous conditions are reached.
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CONTAMINANT CAPACITY
The weight of a specified artificial contaminant that must be added to the influent to produce a given differential pressure across a filter at specified conditions. Used as an indication of relative service life. Also known as Dirt capacity, Dust capacity
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BUBBLE POINT
The differential gas pressure at which the first steady stream of gas bubbles is emitted from a wetted filter element under specified test conditions.
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CLEAN ROOM
A facility or enclosure in which air content and other conditions (such as temperature, humidity, and pressure) are controlled and maintained at a specific level by special facilities and operating processes and by trained personnel.
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CORROSION INHIBITOR
Additive for protecting lubricated metal surfaces against chemical attack by water or other contaminants. There are several types of corrosion inhibitors. Polar compounds wet the metal surface preferentially, protecting it with a film of oil. Other compounds may absorb water by incorporating it in a water-in-oil emulsion so that only the oil touches the metal surface. Another type of corrosion inhibitor combines chemically with the metal to present a non- reactive surface.
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CRACKING
The process whereby large molecules are broken down by the application of heat and pressure to form smaller molecules.
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COMPRESSED AIR
Air at any pressure greater than atmospheric pressure.
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DEMULSIBILITY
The ability of a fluid that is insoluble in water to separate from water with which it may be mixed in the form of an emulsion.
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HALF-TIDE BASIN
A lock of very large size and usually of irregular shape, the gates of which are kept open for several hours after high tide so that vessels may enter as long as there is sufficient depth over the sill. Vessels remain in the half-tide basin until the ensuing flood tide before they may pass through the gate to the inner harbor. If entry to the inner harbor is required before this time, water must be admitted to the half-tide basin from some external source.
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