Ho’well Do You Know These Industry Acronyms?
Below are some common terms you might hear in the PVF world. Do you know what the abbreviations stand for?
Click on the acronym to reaveal the correct meaning.
PVF
Pipe, Valve & Fittings
The collective term used to refer to the components and materials used in plumbing, industrial, and construction applications related to fluid and gas handling systems. PVF components are used in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, petrochemicals, oil and gas, construction, water supply, wastewater treatment, and more.
SRL
Single Random Length
A length of pipe between 18 and 22 ft long.
DRL
Double Random Length
A length of pipe between 38 and 40ft long.
ASME
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
ASME is one of the oldest standards-developing organizations in America. Founded as an engineering society focused on mechanical engineering in North America, ASME is now multidisciplinary and global
ISO
International Organization for Standardization
Technically this one’s not an acronym, but it’s still important! Because “International Organization for Standardization” would have different acronyms in different languages (IOS in English, OIN in French for Organisation internationale de normalisation), their founders decided to give it the short form ISO. Whatever the country, whatever the language, they are always ISO.
Howell’s Quality Management System is ISO 9001:2015 certified.
ASTM
American Society for Testing and Materials
An international standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services.
DWV
Drain Waste Vent
Pipe and fittings used for low pressure drain, waste and vent systems.
NPT
National Pipe Thread
US National technical standards for screw threads used on threaded pipes and pipe fittings
BSP
British Standard Pipe
A set of technical standards for screw threads that has been adopted internationally (except in North America) for interconnecting and sealing pipes and fittings by mating an external (male) thread with an internal (female) thread
DIN
Deutsches Institut für Normung
German Institute for Standardisation – The German national organization for standardization and is the German ISO member body. DIN is a German Registered Association headquartered in Berlin. There are currently around 30,000 DIN Standards, covering nearly every field of technology, including PVF.
TBE
Threaded Both Ends
Pipe that has thread on both ends.
TOE
Threaded One End
Pipe that has thread on only one end.
MSS
Manufacturers Standardization Society
Technical association organized for development and improvement of industry, national and international codes and standards for Valves, Valve Actuators, Valve Modification, Pipe Fittings, Pipe Hangers and Pipe Supports, Flanges, & Associated Seals.
CSA
Canadian Standards Association
A Canadian standards organization which develops standards in 57 areas.
CRN
Canadian Registration Number
A number issued by each province or territory in Canada by an authorized safety authority for any boiler, pressure vessel or fitting that operates at a pressure greater than 15 psig (1 barg).
ANSI
American National Standards Institute
A nonprofit organization that oversees the development of voluntary consensus standards for products, services, processes, systems, and personnel in the United States.
NPS
Nominal Pipe Size
A North American set of standard sizes for pipes used for high or low pressures and temperatures.
PVC
Polyvinyl Chloride
One of the most common types of plastic used today. PVC pipes are strong and lightweight, while also being relatively inexpensve.
CPVC
Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride
Similar to PVC, CPVC has added chlorine, allowing it to withstand higher temperatures than PVC pipes.
ERW
Electric Resistance Welded
A welding process where metal parts in contact are permanently joined by heating them with an electric current, melting the metal at the joint.
SAW
Submerged Arc Welded
A welding process that involves creating a fusion between metals using an electric arc that’s generated between a continuously fed consumable electrode and the workpiece.
MTR
Mill Test Report
Mill Test Reports provide information about the quality and specifications of the materials used in a particular product. It’s typically associated with metals and alloys, especially in industries where the material’s properties are crucial for safety and performance.
They provide assurance that the materials are suitable for their intended application and help ensure the quality and safety of the finished product.
Howell has an online system giving customers 24/7 access to MTRs. Sign up here
Thanks for playing!
We hope you enjoyed the industry acronym mini-game, and maybe even learned a little something too!
Remember, our PVF specialists are always ready to answer any Pipe, Valve & Fitting questions you might have. Complete the inquiry form below and we’ll be in touch ASAP.
