ADS Glossary Sec 05 - 2015

Glossary of Oilfield Terms
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL

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GLOSSARY OF OILFIELD TERMS

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abandon v: to cease producing oil and gas from temperature scale, in which degrees correspond to
a well when it becomes unprofitable. A wildcat degrees Celsius, water freezes at 273 degrees and
well may be abandoned after it has proven boils at 373 degrees. See absolute zero.
non productive. Several steps are involved in
abandoning a well: part of the casing may be absolute zero n: a hypothetical temperature at
removed and salvaged; one or more cement plugs which there is a total absence of heat. Since heat
placed in the borehole to prevent migration of is a result of energy caused by molecular motion,
fluids between the different formations penetrated there is no motion of molecules with respect to
by the borehole. In many countries it is necessary each other at absolute zero.
to secure permission from official agencies before
a well may be abandoned. acceptance criteria n: defined limits placed on
characteristics of materials, products, or services.
abnormal pressure n: pressure exceeding or
falling below the normal pressure to be expected accumulate v: to amass or collect. When oil and
at a given depth. Normal pressure increases gas migrate into porous formations, the quantity
approximately 0.465 psi per foot of depth (10.5 collected is called an accumulation.
kPa per metre of depth). Thus, normal pressure at
10,000 feet is 4,650 psi.; abnormal pressure at this accumulator n: 1. a vessel or tank that receives
depth would be higher or lower than 4,650 psi. See and temporarily stores a liquid used in a continuous
pressure gradient. process in a gas plant. n: 2. on a drilling rig, the
storage device for nitrogen pressurised hydraulic
absolute permeability n: a measure of the fluid, which is used in closing the Blowout
ability of a single fluid (such as water, gas, or oil) to Preventers. See Blowout Preventer control/ unit.
flow through a rock formation when the formation
is totally filled (saturated) with the single fluid. The accumulator bank n: an assemblage of multiple
permeability measure of a rock filled with a single accumulators sharing a common manifold.
fluid is different from the permeability measure
of the same rock filled with two or more fluids. accumulator bank isolator valve n: the
Compare effective permeability. opening and closing device located upstream of
the accumulators in the accumulator pipingwhich
absolute porosity n: percentage of the total stops flow of fluids and pressure in the piping.
bulk volume of a rock sample that is composed of
pore spaces or voids. See porosity. accumulator precharge n: an initial nitrogen
charge in an accumulator which is further
absolute pressure n: total pressure measured compressed when the hydraulic fluid is pumped
from an absolute vacuum. It equals the sum of into the accumulator storing potential energy.
the gauge pressure and the atmospheric pressure
corresponding to the barometer (expressed in accumulator relief valve n:
pound per square inch). the automatic device located in the accumulator
piping that opens when the pre-set pressure limit
absolute temperature scale n: a scale of has been reached so as to release the excess
temperature measurement in which zero degrees pressure and protect the accumulators.
is absolute zero. On the Rankine absolute
temperature scale, in which degrees correspond to acidity n: the quality of being acid. Relative acid
degrees Fahrenheit, water freezes at 492 degrees strength of a liquid is measured by pH. A liquid
and boils at 672 degrees. On the Kelvin absolute with a pH below 7 is acid. See pH value.
ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL 1

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acoustic control system n: a subsea control air gap n: the distance from the normal level of
system that uses coded acoustic signals for the sea surface to the bottom of the hull or base of
communication. An acoustic control system is an offshore drilling platform.
normally used as an emergency backup, having
control of a few selected critical functions. air/gas drilling v: refer to aerated fluid
actuation test, Blowout Preventer n: the air pump/air powered pump n: air driven
closing and opening of a Blowout Preventer unit hydraulic piston pump.
to assure mechanical functionality.
air regulator n:the adjusting device to vary the
actuator n: a device used to open or close a valve amount of air pressure entering any piping lines.
by means of applied manual, hydraulic, pneumatic
or electrical energy. alkali n: a substance having marked basic
(alkaline) properties, such as a hydroxide of an
adapter n: a pressure containing piece of alkali metal. See base.
equipment having API end connections of different
nominal sizes and/or pressure ratings, used to alkalinity n: the combining power of a base, or
connect other pieces of equipment of different API alkali as measured by the number of equivalents of
nominal sizes and/or pressure ratings. an acid with which it reacts to form a salt. Measured
by pH alkalinity is possessed by any solution that
adapter spool n: a joint to connect Blowout has a pH greater than 7. See pH value.
Preventers of different sizes or pressure ratings to
the casing head. Ambient Temperature n: The temperature of
all the encompassing atmosphere within a given
adjustable choke n: a choke in which the area.
position of a conical needle or sleeve may be
changed with respect to its seat, to vary the rate of American Petroleum Institute (API) n: founded
flow; may be manual or automatic. See choke. in 1920, this national oil trade organisation is the
leading standardising organisation for oil field drilling
aerated fluid n: drilling fluid injected with air or and producing equipment. It maintains departments
gas in varying amounts for the purpose of reducing of transportation, refining, and marketing in
hydrostatic head. Washington, DC, and a department of production in
Dallas. adj.: (slang) indicative of a job being properly
air actuated adj.: powered by compressed air, or thoroughly done (as, “His work is strictly API”).
for example, the clutch and the brake system in
drilling equipment. American Petroleum Institute recommended
practice (APIRP)
air drilling n: a method of rotary drilling that uses
compressed air as the circulation medium. The American Society for Testing and Materials
conventional method of removing cuttings from the n: an organisation, based in Philadelphia, which
well bore is to use a flow of water or drilling fluid. sets guidelines for the testing and use of equipment
Compressed air removes the cuttings with equal and materials.
or greater efficiency. The rate of penetration is
usually increased considerably when air drilling is American Society of Mechanical Engineers
used. A principal problem in air drilling, however, n: a New York City based organisation whose
is the penetration of formations containing water, equipment standards are sometimes used by the
since the entry of water into the system reduces the oil industry. Its official publication is Mechanical
ability of the air to remove the cuttings. Engineering.
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ampere n:the unit used for measuring the quantity annular sealing device n: generally, a torus
of an electric current flow. one ampere represents a shaped steel housing containing an annular packing
flow of one coulomb per second. element which facilitates closure of the annulus by
constricting to seal on the pipe or kelly in the well
anchor n: any device that secures or fastens bore. Some annular sealing devices also facilitate
equipment. In down hole equipment, the term often shutoff of the open hole.
refers to the tail pipe. In offshore drilling, floating
drilling vessels are often secured over drill sites by annular space n: 1. the space surrounding a
large metal anchors like those used on ships. cylindrical object within a cylinder. 2. the space
around a pipe in a well bore, the outer wall of
anchor buoy n: a floating marker used in a spread which may be the wall of either the borehole or the
mooring system to position each anchor of a semi casing; sometimes termed the annulus.
submersible rig or drill ship.
annular velocity n: the rate at which fluid is
angle of deflection n: in directional drilling, travelling in the annular space of a drilling well.
the angle, expressed in degrees, at which a well is
deflected from the vertical by a whipstock or other annulus n: also called annular space. See annular
deflecting tool. space.
angle of deviation n: also called drift angle and annulus friction pressure see “annular
angle of drift. See deviation. pressure loss (APL)”
annular blowout preventer n: a large valve anticline n: an arched, inverted trough

with a generally thyroidal shaped steel reinforced configuration of folded and stratified rock layers.
elastomer packing element that is hydraulically
operated to close and seal around any drill pipe size anticlinal trap n: a hydrocarbon trap in which
or to provide full closure of the well bore. Usually petroleum accumulates in the top of an anticline.
installed above the ram preventers, it forms a seal See anticline.
in the annular space between the pipe and the well
antifreeze n: a chemical compound that prevents
bore or, if no pipe is present, on the well bore itself.
the water in the cooling system of an engine from
annular capacity n: the capacity, usually freezing. Glycols are often used as antifreeze
expressed in vol/length of an annulas. agents.
annular packing element n: a rubber/steel API gravity n: the measure of the density or
torus that effects a seal in an annular preventer or gravity of liquid petroleum products, derived from
diverter. The annular packing element is displaced specific gravity in accordance with the following
toward the bore centre by the upward movement of equation:
an annular piston.
artificial lift n: any method used to raise oil to the
annular pressure loss (APL) n:circulating surface through a well after reservoir pressure has
pressure in the annulus between the drill string and declined to the point at which the well no longer
casing or open hole. produces by means of natural energy. Sucker rod
pumps, gas lift, hydraulic pumps, and submersible
annular regulator n: the device located in the electric pumps are the most common forms of
annular manifold header to enable adjustment of artificial lift.
pressure levels which will flow past to control the
amount of closure of the annular preventer.

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astern adv. or adj.: 1. at or toward the stem of a automatic slips n: a device, operated by air or
ship or an offshore drilling rig; abaft. 2. behind the hydraulic fluid, that fits into the opening in the
ship or rig. rotary table when the drill stem must be suspended
in the well bore (as when a connection or trip is
atmosphere n: a unit of pressure equal to the being made). Automatic slips, also called power
atmospheric pressure at sea level, 14.7 pounds per slips, eliminate the need for roughneck’s to set and
square inch (101.325 kPa). One Atmosphere is take out slips manually. See slips.
equal to 14.7 psi or 101.325 kPa.
auxiliary brake n: a braking mechanism,
atmospheres absolute n pl.: total pressure supplemental to the mechanical brake, that
at a depth underwater, expressed as multiples of permits the safe lowering of heavy hook loads at
normal atmospheric pressure. retarded rates, without incurring appreciable brake
maintenance. There are two types of auxiliary
atmospheric pressure n: the pressure exerted brakes the hydrodynamic and the electrodynamic.
by the weight of the atmosphere. At sea level, the In both types, work is converted into heat, which is
pressure is approximately 14.7 psi (101.325 kPa), dissipated through liquid cooling systems.
often referred to as 1 atmosphere.
azimuth n: 1. in directional drilling, the direction
attapulgite n: a fibrous clay mineral that is a of the face of the deviation tool with respect
viscosity building substance, used principally in to magnetic north, as recorded by a deviation
saltwater base drilling fluids. automatic choke instrument. 2. an arc of the horizon measured
n: an adjustable choke that is power operated to between a fixed point (such as true north) and the
control pressure or flow. See adjustable choke. vertical circle passing through the centre of an
object.
automatic control n: a device that regulates
various factors (such as flow rate, pressure, or back off v: to unscrew one threaded piece (such
temperature) of a system without supervision or as a section of pipe) from another.
operation by personnel. See instrumentation.
back off joint n: a section of pipe with left hand
automatic driller n: a mechanism used to threads on one end and conventional right hand
regulate the amount of weight on the bit without threads on the other. In setting a liner, a back off
requiring attendance by personnel. Automatic joint is attached to it so that the drill pipe may be
Drillers free the driller from the sometimes tedious disengaged from the liner by conventional right
task of manipulating the draw works brake in order hand rotation.
to maintain correct weight on the bit. Also called
an automatic drilling control unit. back pressure n: 1. the pressure maintained on
equipment or systems through which a fluid flows.
automatic fill up shoe n: a device that is installed 2. in reference to engines, a term used to describe
on the first joint of casing and that automatically the resistance to the flow of exhaust gas through
regulates the amount of fluid in the casing. The the exhaust pipe.
valve in this shoe keeps fluid from entering the
casing until fluid pressure causes the valve to open, back pressure valve n: a valve that permits
allowing fluid to enter the casing. flow in only one direction.
automatic gauge n: an instrument installed on backup tongs n: the tongs used to back up the
the outside of a tank to permit observation of the drill pipe as it is being made up into or taken out of
depth of the liquid inside. the drill stem.
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baffle plate n: 1. a partial restriction, generally barrel n: a measure of volume for petroleum
a plate, placed to change the direction, guide the products in the United States. One barrel is the
flow, or promote mixing within a tank or vessel. 2. a equivalent of 42 US gallons or 0.15899 cubic
device that is seated on the bit pin, in a tool joint, or metres. One cubic metre equals 6.2897 barrels.
in a drill pipe float, used to centralise the lower end
of a go devil while permitting the bypass of drilling barrels per day n: in the United States, a measure
fluid. The go devil contains a surveying instrument. of the rate of flow of a well; the total amount of oil
and other fluids produced or processed per day.
bail n: a cylindrical steel bar (similar in form to
the handle or bail of a bucket, but much larger) that baryte n: variation of barite. See barite
supports the swivel and connects it to the hook.
Sometimes, the two cylindrical bars that support base n: a substance capable of reacting with
the elevators and attach them to the hook are also an acid to form a salt. A typical base is sodium
called bails or links. v: to recover bottomhole hydroxide (caustic), with the chemical formula
fluids, samples, fluid, sand, or drill cuttings by NaOH. For example, sodium hydroxide combines
lowering a cylindrical vessel called a bailer to the with hydrochloric acid to form sodium chloride (a
bottom of a well, filling it, and retrieving it. salt) and water; this reaction is written chemically
as NaOH + HCl . NaCI + H2O
bailer n: a long cylindrical container, fitted with a
valve at its lower end, used to remove water, sand, basement rock n: either igneous or metamorphic
fluid, drill cuttings, or oil from a well. rock, seldom containing petroleum. Ordinarily it
lies below sedimentary rock. When it is encountered
ball valve n: a valve which employs a rotating in drilling, the well is usually abandoned.
ball to open or dose the flow passage.
basin n: a synclinal structure in the subsurface,
barge n: any one of many types of flat decked, formerly the bed of an ancient sea. Because it is
shallow draft vessels, usually towed by a boat. composed of sedimentary rock and because its
A complete drilling rig may be assembled on a contours provide traps for petroleum, a basin is a
drilling barge, which usually is submersible; that good prospect for exploration. For example, the
is, it has a submersible hull or base that is flooded Permian Basin in West Texas is a major oil producer.
with water at the drilling site. Drilling equipment
and crew quarters are mounted on a superstructure battery n: 1. an installation of identical or nearly
above the water level. identical pieces of equipment (such as a tank battery
or a battery of meters). 2. an electricity storage device.
barite n: barium Sulphate, BaSO4; a mineral
frequently used to increase the weight or density of bed n: a specific layer of earth or rock, presenting
drilling fluid. Its specific gravity or relative density a contrast to other layers of different material lying
is 4.2 (i.e., it is 4.2 times heavier or denser than above, below, or adjacent to it.
water). See Barium Sulphate and fluid.
bedding plane n: the surface that separates
barite plug n: a settled volume of barite particles each successive layer of a stratified rock from its
from a barite slurry placed in the well bore to seal preceding layer.
off a pressured zone.
bell nipple n: a short length of pipe (a nipple)
barium sulphate n: a chemical compound of installed on top of the Blowout Preventer. The
barium, Sulphur, and oxygen (BaSO4). It may top end of the nipple is expanded, or belled, to
form a tenacious scale that is very difficult to guide drill tools into the hole and usually has side
remove. Also called barite. connections for the fill line and fluid return line.

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below rotary table (BRT) blast hole drilling n: the drilling of holes into the
earth for the purpose of placing a blasting charge
bent housing n: a special housing for the (such as dynamite) in them.
positive displacement down hole fluid motor that
is manufactured with a bend of 1 3 degrees to bleed v: to drain off liquid or gas, generally
facilitate directional drilling. slowly, through a valve called a bleeder.
bentonite n: a colloidal clay, composed primarily bleeding v: controlled release of fluids from a
of montmorillonite, that swells when wet. closed and pressurised system in order to reduce
Because of its gel forming properties, bentonite the pressure.
is a major component of drilling fluids. See gel.
bleed off valve n: n: an opening and closing
bent sub n: a short cylindrical device installed in device for removal of pressurised fluid.
the drill stem between the bottom most drill collar
and a down hole fluid motor. The purpose of the blind drilling n: a drilling operation in which
bent sub is to deflect the fluid motor off vertical to the drilling fluid is not resumed to the surface.
drill a directional hole. See drill stem test. Sometimes blind drilling techniques are resorted
to when lost circulation occurs.
bit n: the cutting or boring element used in drilling
oil and gas wells. The bit consists of a cutting blind ram n: an integral part of a Blowout
element and a circulating element. The circulating Preventer that serves as the closing element on an
element permits the passage of drilling fluid and open hole. Its ends do not fit around the drill pipe
utilises the hydraulic force of the fluid stream to but seal against each other and shut off the space
improve drilling rates. In rotary drilling, several below completely. See ram.
drill collars are joined to the bottom end of the drill
pipe column, and the bit is attached to the end of the blind ram preventer n: a Blowout Preventer in
string of drill collars. Most bits used in rotary drilling which blind rams are the closing elements.
are roller cone bits, but diamond bits are also used
extensively. See roller cone bit and diamond bit. blind/shear rams n: blind rams with a built in
cutting edge that will shear tubulars that may be in
bit breaker n: a heavy plate that fits in the rotary the hole, thus allowing the blind rams to seal the
table and holds the drill bit while it is being made hole. Used primarily in subsea systems.
up in, or broken out of, the drill stem. See bit.
block n: any assembly of pulleys, a common
bit gauge n: a circular ring used to determine framework; in mechanics, one or more pulleys, or
whether a bit is of the correct outside diameter. sheaves, mounted to rotate on a common axis. The
Bit gauges are often used to determine whether crown block is an assembly of sheaves mounted
the bit has been worn down to a diameter smaller on beams at the top of the derrick. The drilling
than specifications allow; such a bit is described as line is reeved over the sheaves of the crown block
under gauge. alternately with the sheaves of the travelling block,
which is raised and lowered in the derrick by the
bit sub n: a sub inserted between the drill collar drilling line. When elevators are attached to a hook
and the bit. on the travelling block and drill pipe latched in the
elevators, the pipe can be raised or lowered.
blank casing n: casing without perforations.
block position n: the centre position of a three
blank flange n: a solid disk used to dead end, or position control valve.
close off, a companion flange.
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blooey line n: the discharge pipe from a well blowout preventer test tool n: a tool to allow
being drilled by air drilling. The blooey line is pressure testing of the Blowout Preventer stack
used to conduct the air or gas used for circulation and accessory equipment by sealing the well bore
away from the rig to reduce the fire hazard as well immediately below the stack.
as to transport the cuttings a suitable distance from
the well. See air drilling body n: any portion of API equipment between
end connections, with or without internal parts,
blowout n: an uncontrolled flow of gas, oil, or which contains well bore pressure.
other well fluids into the atmosphere. A blowout,
or gusher, can occur when formation pressure boiling point n: the temperature at which the
exceeds the pressure applied to it by the column vapour pressure of a liquid becomes equal to the
of drilling fluid. A kick warns of an impending pressure exerted on the liquid by the surrounding
blowout. See formation pressure and kick. atmosphere. The boiling point of water is 212˚F
or 100˚C at atmospheric pressure (14.7 psig or
blowout preventer (BOP) n: one of several 101.325 kPa).
valves installed at the wellhead to prevent the
escape of pressure, either in the annular space boll weevil n: (slang) an inexperienced rig or oil
between the casing and drill pipe or in open field worker; sometimes shortened to weevil.
hole (i.e., hole with no drill pipe) during drilling
completion operations. Blowout preventers on boll weevil corner n: (slang, obsolete) the work
land rigs are located beneath the rig at the land’s station of an inexperienced rotary helper, on the
surface; and on floating offshore rigs, on the opposite side of the rotary from the pipe racker.
sea floor. See annular blowout preventer, inside
blowout preventer, and ram blowout preventer. bolting n pl: threaded fasteners (studs, nuts,
bolts and cap screws) used to assemble pressure
blowout preventer control panel n: a set of containing parts or join end or outlet connections.
controls, usually located near the driller’s position
on the rig floor, that is manipulated to open and BOP closing ratio (Ram BOP) n: a dimension
close the Blowout Preventers. less factor equal to the well bore pressure divided
by the operating pressure necessary to dose a Ram
blowout preventer control unit n: a service BOP against well bore pressure. Usually calculated
that stores hydraulic fluid under pressure in special for maximum rated well bore pressure.
containers and provides a method to open and
close the Blowout Preventers quickly and reliably. BOP stack maximum rated well bore
Usually, compressed air and hydraulic pressure pressure n: the pressure containment rating of
provide the opening and closing force in the unit. the ram Blowout Preventer’s in a stack. In the event
that the rams are rated at different pressures, the
blowout preventer drill n: a training procedure Blowout Preventer Stack Maximum Rated Well
to determine that rig crews are familiar with bore Pressure is considered equal to the lowest
correct operating practices to be followed in the rated ram Blowout Preventer pressure. In stacks
use of blowout prevention equipment. A “dry run” which do not contain any ram Blowout Preventer,
of blowout preventive action. the Blowout Preventer stack maximum rated well
bore pressure is considered equal to the lowest
blowout preventer stack n pl: the assembly rated Blowout Preventer pressure.
of well control equipment, including preventers,
spools, valves and nipples connected to the top of bore n: 1. the inside diameter of a pipe or a drilled
the casing head. hole. 2. the diameter of the cylinder of an engine.

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borehole n: the well bore; the hole made by and jack up drilling rigs.
drilling or boring. See well bore.
bourdon tube n: a flattened metal tube bent in
borehole pressure n: total pressure exerted in a curve, which tends to straighten when pressure
the well bore by a column of fluid and/or back is applied internally. By the movements of an
pressure imposed at the surface. indicator over a circular scale, a Bourdon tube
indicates the pressure applied.
bottom hole n: the lowest or deepest part of a
well. adj.: pertaining to the bottom of the well bore. box n: the female section of a connection. See tool
joint
bottom hole assembly (BHA) n: the portion
of the drilling assembly below the drill pipe. It can box and pin n: See tool joint
be very simple composed of only the bit and drill
collars or it can be very complex and made up of Boyle’s law n: a gas law that concerns pressure. It
several drilling tools. states that for any ideal gas or mixture of ideal gases at
any definite temperature, the product of the absolute
bottom hole pressure (BHP) n: 1. the pressure pressure times the volume is a constant (PV = K).
at the bottom of a borehole. It is caused by the
hydrostatic pressure of the drilling fluid in the bradenhead n: (obsolete) casing head.
hole and, sometimes, any back pressure held at the
surface, as when the well is shut in with a Blowout bradenhead flange n: a flanged connection at
Preventer. When fluid is being circulated, bottom the top of the oil well casing.
hole pressure is the hydrostatic pressure plus the
remaining circulating pressure required to move bradenhead squeezing v: the process by which
the fluid up the annulus. 2. the pressure in a well hydraulic pressure is applied to a well to force fluid
at a point opposite the producing formation, as or cement outside the well bore without the use of a
recorded by a bottom hole pressure bomb. packer. The Bradenhead, or casing head, is closed
to shut off the annulus when making a Bradenhead
bottom hole pressure bomb n: an instrument squeeze. Although this term is still used, the term
used to record the pressure in a well at a point Bradenhead is obsolete. See annular space and
opposite the producing formation. casing head and squeeze.
bottom hole temperature n: temperature brake n: a device for arresting the motion of a
measured in a well at a depth at the midpoint of the mechanism, usually by means of friction, as in the
thickness of the producing zone. draw works brake.
bottoms up n: a complete trip from the bottom of brake band n: a part of the brake mechanism,
the well bore to the top. consisting of a flexible steel band lined with
asbestos or a similar material, that grips a drum
bottoms up gas n: gas that has risen to the surface when tightened. On a drilling rig, the brake band
from previously drilled gas bearing formations. acts on the flanges of the draw works drum to
control the lowering of the travelling block and its
bottom supported drilling vessels n pl: load of drill pipe, casing, or tubing.
offshore drilling vessels which float to the desired
drilling location and are either ballasted or jacked brake block n: a section of the lining of a band
up so that the vessel is supported by the ocean brake; it is shaped to conform to the curvature of
floor while in the drilling mode. Rigs of this type the band and is attached to it with countersunk
include platforms, submersibles, swamp barges screws. See brake band.
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break circulation v: to start the fluid pump for brine n: water that has a large quantity of salt,
restoring circulation of the fluid column. As the especially sodium chloride, dissolved in it; salt water.
stagnant drilling fluid has thickened or gelled
during the period of no circulation, a high pump bring in a well v: to complete a well and put it on
pressure is usually required to break circulation. producing status.
breaking strength n: the load under which a broaching v: venting of fluids to the surface or to
chain or a rope breaks. the seabed through channels external to the casing.
break out v: 1. to unscrew one section of pipe bubble point n: 1. the temperature and pressure
from another section, especially drill pipe while at which part of a liquid begins to convert to gas.
it is being withdrawn from the well bore. During For example, if a certain volume of liquid is held at
this operation, the tongs are used to start the constant pressure, but its temperature is increased, a
unscrewing operation. 2. to separate, as gas from a point is reached when bubbles of gas begin to form
liquid or water from an emulsion. in the liquid. That is the bubble point. Similarly,
if a certain volume of liquid is held at a constant
breathe v: to move with a slight, regular rhythm. temperature but the pressure is reduced, the point
Breathing occurs in tanks of vessels when vapours at which gas begins to form is the bubble point. 2.
are expelled and air is taken in. For example, a the temperature and pressure at which gas, held in
tank of crude oil expands because of the rise in solution in crude oil, breaks out of solution as free
temperature during the day and contracts as it cools gas.
at night, expelling vapours as it expands and taking
in air as it contracts. Tubing breathes when it moves buckling stress n: bending of the pipe which
up and down in sequence with a sucker rod pump. may occur due to deviation of the hole. The pipe
may bend because of the angle of the hole or
breather n: a small vent in an otherwise airtight because of an abrupt deviation such as a dog leg.
enclosure for maintaining equality of pressure
within and without. building test n: a test in which a well is shut
in for a prescribed period of time and a bottom
bridge n: 1. an obstruction in the borehole, hole pressure bomb run in the well to record the
usually caused by the caving in of the wall of the pressure. From this data and from knowledge of
borehole or by the intrusion of a larger boulder. 2. pressures in a nearby well, the effective drainage
a tool placed in the hole to retain cement or other radius or the presence of permeability barriers or
material that may later be removed, drilled out, or other production deterrents surrounding the well
left permanently. bore can be estimated
bridge plug n: a down hole tool, composed bullet perforator n: a tubular device that, when
primarily of slips, a plug mandrel, and a rubber lowered to a selected depth within a well, fires
sealing element, that is run and set in casing to bullets through the casing to provide holes through
isolate a lower zone while an upper section is being which the formation fluids may enter the well bore.
tested or cemented.
bullheading v: a term to denote pumping well
bridging material n: the fibrous, flaky or fluids back into a formation in a well kill operation.
granular material added to cement slurry or drilling
fluid to aid in sealing formations in which lost bullhead squeezing v: the process by which
circulation has occurred. See lost circulation and hydraulic pressure is applied to a well to force fluid
lost circulation material. such as cement outside the well bore. Annular flow
(returns) is prevented by a packer set in the casing
above the perforations and/or in open hole.

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bull plug n: a threaded nipple with a rounded case hardened adj.: hardened (as for a ferrous
closed end, used to stop up a hole or close off the alloy) so that the surface layer is harder than the
end of a line. interior.
bumpless transfer v: the transfer from main casing n: steel pipe placed in an oil or gas well as
electrical supply power to an alternate electrical drilling progresses, to prevent the wall of the hole
power supply without losing signal and/or memory from caving in during drilling, to prevent seepage
circuit normally associated with poser interruption. of fluids, and to provide a means of extracting
petroleum if the well is productive.
buoyancy n: the apparent loss of weight of an
object immersed in a fluid. If the object is floating, casing hanger n: a circular device with a
the immersed portion displaces a volume of fluid the frictional gripping arrangement, used to suspend
weight of which is equal to the weight of the object. casing in a well.
bypass valve n: A valve that permits flow around casing head/spool n: a heavy, flanged steel fitting
a control valve, a piece of equipment, or a system. connected to the first string of casing. It provides
a housing for slips and packing assemblies, allows
calibration n: comparison and adjustment to a
suspension of intermediate and production strings
standard of known accuracy.
of casing and supplies the means for the annulus to
be sealed off. Also called a spool.
cap a well v: to control a blowout by placing a
very strong valve on the well head. See blowout.
casing pressure n: the pressure built up in a
cap rock n: 1. impermeable rock overlying an oil well between the casing and tubing or the casing
or gas reservoir that tends to prevent migration of and drill pipe.
oil or gas out of the reservoir. 2. The porous and
permeable strata overlying salt domes that may casing seat test n: a procedure whereby the
serve as the reservoir rock. formation immediately below the casing shoe
is subjected to a pressure equal to the pressure
carbon dioxide n: a colourless, odourless expected to be exerted later by a higher drilling
gaseous compound of carbon and oxygen (CO2). fluid density and back pressure created by a kick.
A product of combustion and a filler for fire
extinguishers, this heavier than air gas can collect casing shoe n: the rounded concrete bottom end
in low lying areas where it may displace oxygen of a string casing.
and present the hazard of anoxia.
casing string n: the entire length of all the joints
carbon monoxide n: a colourless, odourless of casing run in well. Casing is manufactured in
gaseous compound of carbon and oxygen lengths of about 40 feet (12 metres), each length
(CO). A product of incomplete combustion, it is or joint being joined to another as casing is run in
extremely poisonous to breathe. cascade system n: a well.
in respiratory systems, a series connection of air
cylinders in which the output of air from one adds casting n: (1) an object at or near finished shape
to that of the next. obtained by solidification of a substance in a
mould. v: (2) pouring molten metal into a mould to
cased adj.: pertaining to a well bore in which produce an object of desired shape.
casing has been run and cemented.
catalyst n: a substance that alters, accelerates, or
cased hole n: a well bore in which casing has instigates chemical reactions without itself being
been run. affected.
10
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cathode n: 1. one of two electrodes in an Charles’s law n: a gas law that states that at
electrolytic cell, represented as the positive constant pressure the volume of a fixed mass or
terminal of a cell. 2. in cathodic protection systems, quantity of gas varies directly with the absolute
the protected structure that is representative of the temperature.
cathode and is protected by having a conventional
current flow from an anode to the structure through check valve n: a valve that permits flow in one
the electrolyte. direction only. Commonly referred to as a one
way valve. If the gas or liquid starts to reverse,
caustic soda n: sodium hydroxide, used to the valve automatically closes, preventing reverse
maintain an alkaline pH in drilling fluid and in movement.
petroleum fractions. Its formula is NaOH.
chemical analysis n: determination of the
caving n: collapsing of the walls of the well bore, chemical composition of material.
also called sloughing
chert n: a quartzitic rock with hardness equal to or
cavings n pl.: particles that fall off (are sloughed harder than flint.
from) the wall of the well bore. Not the same as
cuttings. choke n: a device with an orifice installed in a
line to restrict the flow of fluids. Surface chokes
celsius scale n. the metric scale of temperature are part of the Christmas tree on a well and contain
measurement used universally by scientists. On a choke nipple, or bean, with a small diameter bore
this scale 0 degrees represents the freezing point that serves to restrict the flow. Chokes are also
of water and 100 degrees its boiling point at a used to control the rate of flow of the drilling fluid
barometric pressure of 760 mm. Degrees Celsius out of the hole when the well is closed in with the
are converted to degrees Fahrenheit by using the Blowout Preventer and a kick is being circulated
following equation: out of the hole.
°F = /5 (°C + 32)
9
The Celsius scale was formerly called the choke and kill valves n pl: BOP stack mounted
centigrade scale, now, however, the term Celsius is valves which are connected below the BOPs to
preferred in the international System of Units (SI). allow access to the well bore to either choke or kill
the well.
cement plug n: a portion of cement placed at
some point in the well bore to seal it. choke line n: a high pressure line connected below
a BOP to direct well fluids from the annulus to the
change rams v: to take rams out of a Blowout choke manifold during well control operations.
Preventer and replace them with rams of a different
size or type. When the size of a drill pipe is changed, choke line pressure losses (CLPL)
the size of the pipe rams must be changed to ensure Pressure loss in a choke line due to frictional
that they seal around the pipe when closed. effects while circulating.
channelling n: the bypassing of oil in a water choke manifold n pl: the arrangement of piping
drive field due to erratic or uncontrolled water and special valves, called chokes, through which
encroachment. The natural tendency toward drilling fluid is circulated when the Blowout
channelling is aggravated by excessive production Preventers are closed and which is used to control
rates, which encourage premature water the pressures encountered during a kick. See
encroachment. Blowout Preventer.

•
christmas tree n: the control valves, pressure achieved for the purpose of removing accumulated
gauges, and chokes assembled at the top of a well debris and drill cuttings.
to control the flow of oil and gas after the well has
been drilled and completed. closed in pressure n: See formation pressure.
circuit breaker n: an electrical switching device close in v: 1. to temporarily shut in a well that
able to carry an electrical current and automatically is capable of producing oil or gas. 2. to close the
break the current to interrupt the electrical circuit Blowout Preventers on a well to control a kick. The
if adverse conditions such as shorts or overloads Blowout Preventers close off the annulus so that
occur. pressure from below cannot flow to the surface.
circulate v: to pass from one point throughout a closed loop circuit n: a hydraulic control circuit
system and back to the starting point. For example, in which spent fluid is returned to the reservoir.
drilling fluid is circulated out of the suction pit,
down the drill pipe and drill collars, out the bit, closing unit (closing system) n pl: the
up the annulus and back to the pits while drilling assembly of pumps, valves, lines, accumulators,
proceeds. and other items necessary to open and close the
Blowout Preventer equipment.
circulate and weight method n: a method
of killing well pressure in which circulation is closing ratio n: the ratio between the pressure in
commenced immediately and fluid weight is the hole and the operating piston pressure needed
brought up gradually, according to a definite to close the rams of a Blowout Preventer.
schedule. Also called concurrent method.
closing unit pump n: term for an electric or
circulating device n: a flow control device hydraulic pump on an accumulator, serving to
such as a sliding sleever or side pocket mandrel, pump hydraulic fluid under high pressure to the
which is run on production/injection tubing for the Blowout Preventers so that the preventers may be
purpose of establishing communications between closed or opened.
tubing and the tubing annulus.
closure bolting n pl: fasteners used to assemble
circulating fluid n: also called drilling fluid. See API Spec 16A equipment other than end and outlet
drilling fluid. connections.
circulating head n: a device attached to the top collapse pressure n: the amount of force needed
drill pipe or tubing to allow pumping into the well to crush the sides of pipe until it caves in on itself.
without use of the kelly. Collapse occurs when the pressure outside the pipe
is greater than the pressure inside the pipe.
circulating pressure n: the pressure generated
by the fluid pumps and exerted on the drill stem. come out of the hole v: to pull the drill stem
out of the well bore. This withdrawal is necessary
clamp connection n: a pressure sealing device to change the bit, change from a core barrel to the
used to join two items without using conventional bit, run electric logs, prepare for a drill stem test,
bolted flange joints. The two items to be sealed are run casing, and so on.
prepared with clamp hubs. These hubs are held
together by a clamp containing two to four bolts. company man n: also called company
representative.
cleanout n: a point in the flow line piping where
access to the internal area of the pipe can be
12
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company representative n: an employee of an held constant while the choke size is reduced and
operating company whose job is to represent the the pump speed slowed. It is not effective because
companies interests at the drilling location. casing pressure increases to the point where the
formation fractures or casing ruptures, and control
compressibility factor n: a factor, usually of the well is lost.
expressed as Z, which gives the ratio of the
actual volume of gas at a given temperature and continental shelf n: a zone, adjacent to a
pressure to the volume of gas when calculated by continent, that extends from the low waterline to
the ideal gas law without any consideration of the the point at which the sea floor slopes off steeply
compressibility factor. to 600 feet (183 m) deep or more.
concentric operations n pl: well operations continuous reeled tubing/coiled tubing

conducted using small diameter tubing inside n pl: tubing stored on a reel that can be run in
conventional tubing or tubing less completion’s, and out of a well without making a connection.
normally with the Christmas tree in place and
using a small rig or hoisting unit. control fluid n: hydraulic oil or water based
fluid which, under pressure, pilots the operation
conductor casing onshore and bottom of control valves or directly operates functions.
supported offshore installations n: a relatively
short string of large diameter pipe which is set to control hose bundle n pl: a group of pilot
keep the top of the hole open and provide a means of and signal hoses assembled into a bundle
resuming the upflowing drilling fluid from the well with an outer protective sheath. For subsea
bore to the surface drilling fluid system onshore and applications it may contain a hydraulic supply line.
bottom supported offshore installations.
control line n: a flexible hose or rigid line that
conductor casing floating installations n: transmits the hydraulic power fluid to a function.
the first string of pipe installed below the structural
casing on which the well head and Blowout control manifold n pl: the assemblage of valves,
Preventer equipment are installed. regulators, gauges and piping used to regulate
pressures and control the flow of hydraulic power
conductor pipe n: 1. a short string of large diameter fluid to operate system functions.
casing used to keep the well bore open and to provide
a means of conveying the up flowing drilling fluid control panel n: an enclosure displaying an array
from the well bore to the fluid pit. 2. a boot. of switches, push buttons, lights and/or valves and
various pressure gauges or meters to control or
conformance n: compliance with specified monitor functions. Control panel types include:
diverter panel, Driller’s panel, master panel and
constant choke pressure method n: a mini or auxiliary remote panel. All of these panels
method of killing a well that has kicked, in which can be pneumatic, electric or hydraulic powered.
the choke size is adjusted to maintain a constant
casing pressure. This method does not work unless a) diverter panel n: a panel that is dedicated
the kick is all or nearly all salt water, it the kick to the diverter and flow line system functions. It
is gas, this method will not maintain a constant is positioned for easy Driller’s access and visual
bottom hole pressure because gas expands as it observation of the activated functions.
rises in the annulus.
b) driller’s panel n: the BOP control panel
constant pit level method n: a method of mounted at the Driller’s position on the rig floor
killing a well in which the fluid level in the pits is

•
c) masterpanel (hydraulic or electric) corrosion inhibitor n: any substance which

n: the panel mounted in close proximity to the slows or prevents the chemical reactions of
main accumulator unit. All control functions are corrosion.
operable from this panel, including all regulators
and gauges. corrosion resistant ring grooves n pl: ring
grooves lined with metal resistant to metal loss
d) mini or auxiliary remote panel a limited corrosion.
function panel mounted in a remote location for
use as an emergency backup. On an offshore rig it crew n: the workers on a drilling or workover
is normally located in the Tool pusher’s office, and rig, including the Driller, Derrickman, and rotary
on a land rig, at least 100 feet from the well centre helpers.
on the leeward side of the prevailing wind.
critical point n: 1. the point at which, in terms
control panel, remote n: a panel containing a of temperature and pressure, a fluid cannot be
series of controls that will operate the valves on the distinguished as being either a gas or a liquid, the
control manifold from a remote point. point at which the physical properties of a liquid
and a gas are identical. 2. one of the places along
control pod n pl: the assemblage of valves the length of drilling line at which strain is exerted
and pressure regulators which respond to control as pipe is run into or pulled out of the hole.
signals to direct hydraulic power fluid through
assigned porting, to operate functions. critical pressure n: the pressure needed to
condense a vapour at its critical temperature.
control valve (surface control system) n: a
valve mounted on the hydraulic manifold which critical temperature n: the highest temperature
directs hydraulic power fluid to the selected function at which a substance can be separated into two
(such as annular BOP close) while simultaneously fluid phases liquid and vapour. Above the critical
venting the opposite function (annular BOP open). temperature, a gas cannot be liquefied by pressure
alone.
control valve (subsea control system) n: a
pilot operated valve in the subsea control pod that crossover sub n: a sub used between two sizes
directs power fluid to operate a function. or types of threads in the drill stem assembly.
conventional operations n pl: well operations crude oil n: unrefined liquid petroleum. It ranges
conducted using a rig equipped with fluid pumps, in gravity from 9˚ API to 55˚ API and in colour
rotary table and other equipment designed to from yellow to black, and it may have a paraffin,
perform well Workovers, re Completions, and other asphalt, or mixed base. If a crude oil, or crude,
work which requires removal of the Christmas tree contains a sizeable amount of sulphur or sulphur
and pulling or manipulation of the tubing. compounds, it is called a sour crude, if it has
little or no sulphur, it is called a sweet crude. In
core n: a cylindrical sample taken from a formation addition, crude oils may be referred to as heavy
for geological analysis. Usually a conventional or light according to API gravity, the lighter oils
core barrel is substituted for the bit and produces a having the higher gravity’s. cubic centimetres n:
sample as it penetrates the formation. v: to obtain a a commonly used unit of volume measurement in
formation sample for analysis. the metric system equal to 10 6 cubic metre, or 1
millilitre. The symbol for cubic centimetre is cm .
core barrel n: a tubular device, usually from 10
to 60 feet long, run at the bottom of the drill pipe in cubic foot n: the volume of a cube, all edges
place of a bit and used to cut a core sample. of which measure 1 foot. Natural gas is usually
14
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measured in cubic feet, with the most common Darcy n: an unit of measure of permeability.
standard cubic foot being measured at 60˚F and A porous medium has a permeability of 1 darcy
14.65 psi. when a pressure of 1 atmosphere on a sample 1
cm long and 1 cm2 in cross section will force a
cubic metre n: a unit of volume measurement in liquid of 1 cp. viscosity through the sample at
the metric system, replacing the previous standard the rate of 1 cm3 per second. The permeability of
unit known as the barrel, which was equivalent to reservoir rocks is usually so low that it is measured
35 imperial gallons or 42 United States gallons. in millidarcy units.
The cubic metre equals approximately 6.2898
barrels. dart type blowout preventer n: an inside
preventer that is installed on top of the drill stem
concurrent method n: also called circulate and when the well is kicking through the drill stem.
weight method. See circulate and-weight method. It is stabbed in the open position and then dosed
against the pressure. The valve that closes is dart
cut drilling fluid n: well control fluid which has shaped, therefore the name.
been reduced in density or unit weight as a result
of entrainment of less dense formation fluids or air. date of manufacture n: the date of manufacturer’s
final acceptance of finished equipment.
cuttings n pl.: the fragments of rock dislodged
by the bit and brought to the surface in the drilling
fluid. They are not the same as cavings, which are dead well n: 1. a well that has ceased to produce
particles that fall off the wall of the hole. Washed oil or gas, either temporarily or permanently. 2. a
and dried samples of the cuttings are analysed well that has kicked and been killed.
by geologists to obtain information about the
formations drilled. de foamer n: any chemical that prevents or
lessens frothing or foaming in another agent.
cylinder n: a device which converts fluid or air
power into linear mechanical force and motion. it degasser n: the device used to remove unwanted
consists of a movable element such as a piston and gas from a liquid, especially from drilling fluid.
piston rod, plunger rod, plunger or ram, operating
within a cylindrical chamber. degree API n: a unit of measurement of the
American Petroleum Institute that indicates the
cylinder head n: the device used to seal the top weight, or density, of oil. See API gravity.
of a cylinder. In modern drilling rig engines, it
also houses the valves and has exhaust passages. dehydrate v: to remove water from a substance.
In four cycle operation, the cylinder head also has Dehydration of crude oil is normally accomplished
intake passages. by emulsion treating with emulsion breakers. The
water vapour in natural gas must be removed to
cylinder liner n: a removable, replaceable sleeve meet pipeline requirements, a typical maximum
that fits into a cylinder. When the sliding of the allowable water vapour content is 7 lb per MMcf.
piston and rings wears out the liner, it can be
replaced without the block having to be replaced. density n: the mass or weight of a substance per
unit volume. For instance, the density of a drilling
daily drilling report (DDR) n: a record made fluid may be 10 pounds per gallon (ppg), 74.8
each day of the operations on a working drilling pounds per cubic foot (lb/ft3). Specific gravity,
rig. relative density, and API gravity are other units
of density. See API gravity, relative density, and
specific gravity.

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Department of Energy & Climate Change pressure at sea level and at 10,000 feet. Also called
(DECC) UK regulatory body pressure differential.
depth n: 1. the distance to which a well is drilled, directional driller n: employed by the directional
stipulated in a drilling contract as contract depth. drilling contractor to supervise rig based operations.
Total depth is the depth after drilling is finished.
2. on offshore drilling rigs, the distance from directional drilling n: intentional deviation of a
the baseline of a rig or a ship to the uppermost well bore from the vertical. Although well bores
continuous deck. 3. the maximum pressure that are nominally drilled vertically, it is sometimes
a diver attains during a dive, expressed in feet necessary or advantageous to drill at an angle from
(metres) of sea water. the vertical. Controlled directional drilling makes it
possible to reach subsurface areas laterally remote
de sander n: a centrifugal device for removing from the point where the bit enters the earth. It
sand from drilling fluid to prevent abrasion of the often involves the use of turbo drills, Dyna Drills
pumps. It may be operated mechanically or by a whipstocks, or other deflecting tools.
fast moving stream of fluid inside a special cone
shaped vessel, in which case it is sometimes called discharge check valve n: the device located in
a hydro cyclone. the expelling line of a pump (air or electric) which
allows fluid to flow out only and thereby prevents
de silter n: a centrifugal device for removing very a back flow of fluid into the pump.
fine particles, or silt, from drilling fluid to keep the
amounts of solids in the fluid at the lowest possible displacement n: the weight of a fluid (such as
point. Usually, the lower the solids content of fluid, water) displaced by a freely floating or submerged
the faster is the rate of penetration. The de sifter body (such as an offshore drilling rig). If the body
works on the same principle as a de sander. floats, the displacement equals the weight of the
body.
deviation n: the inclination of the well bore from
the vertical. The angle of deviation, angle of drift, diverter n: a system used to control well blowouts
or drift angle is the angle in degrees that shows encountered at relatively shallow depths and to
the variation from the vertical as revealed by a protect floating rigs during blowouts encountered
deviation survey. at relatively shallow depths and to protect floating
rigs during blowouts by directing the flow away
diameter n: the distance across a circle, measured from the rig. Diverters differ from Blowout
through its centre. In the measurement of pipe Preventers in that flow is not stopped, but rather
diameters, the inside diameter is that of the interior the flow path is redirected away from the rig.
circle and the outside diameter that of the exterior
circle. diverter control system n: the assemblage of
pumps, accumulators, manifolds, control panels,
differential n: the difference in quantity or degree valves, lines etc., used to operate the diverter system.
between two measurements of units. For example,
the pressure differential across a choke is the diverter housing n: a permanent installation
variation between the pressure on one side to that under the rotary table which houses the diverter
on the other. unit.
differential pressure n: the difference between diverter packer n: refer to Annular Sealing
two fluid pressures, for example, the difference Device .
between the pressure in a reservoir and in a well
bore drilled in the reservoir, or between atmospheric diverter piping n: refer to Vent Line.
16
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diverter unit n: the device that embodies the drill pipe/dynamic positioning (DP) n: heavy
annular sealing device and its actuating means. seamless tubing used to rotate the bit and circulate
the drilling fluid. Joints of pipe approximately 30
doghouse n: 1. a small enclosure on the rig floor, feet (9m) long are coupled together by means of
used as office for the Driller or as a storehouse tool joints.
for small objects. 2. any small building used as an
office, a change house, or a place for storage. drill pipe float n: a valve installed in the drill
stem that allows fluid to be pumped down the drill
dogleg n: 1. a short change of direction in the well stem but prevents flow back up the drill stem, a
bore, frequently resulting in the formation of a key check valve.
seat. See key seat. 2. a sharp bend permanently put
in an object such as a pipe. drill pipe pressure n: the amount of pressure
exerted inside the drill pipe as a result of circulating
dome n: a geologic structure resembling an pressure, entry of formation pressure into the well,
inverted bowl, a short anticline that plunges on all or both.
sides.
drill pipe pressure gauge n: an indicator,
down hole fluid motor n: also called a turbo mounted in the fluid circulating system, that
drill or Dyna Drill. See turbo drill and Dyna Drill. measures and indicates the amount of pressure in
the drill stem.
downtime n: time during which rig operations
are temporarily suspended because of repairs or drill pipe safety valve n: a special valve used to
maintenance. dose off the drill pipe to prevent back flow during
a kick. It has threads to match the drill pipe in use.
Drake well n: the first US well drilled in search
of oil. Some 69 feet deep, it was drilled near drill ship n: a self propelled, ocean going, floating,
Titusville, PA., and completed in 1859. ship shaped vessel, equipped with drilling equipment.
drill v: to bore a hole in the earth, usually to find and drill stem test (DST) n: the conventional method
remove subsurface formation fluids such as oil and gas. of formation testing. The basic drill stem test tool
consists of a packer or packers, valves or ports
drill ahead v: to continue drilling operations. that may be opened and dosed from the surface,
and two or more pressure recording devices. The
drill bit n: the cutting or boring element used for tool is lowered on the drill string to the zone to
drilling. See bit. be tested. The packer or packers are set to isolate
the zone from the drilling fluid column. The valves
drill collar (DC) n: a heavy, thick walled tube, or ports are then opened, to allow for formation
usually steel, used between the drill pipe and the flow while the recorders chart flow pressures,
bit in the drill stem to provide a pendulum effect to and are then dosed, to shut in the formation while
the drill stem and weight to the bit. the recorders chart static pressures. A sampling
chamber traps clean formation fluids at the end
drill collar sub n: a sub used between the drill of the test. Analysis of the pressure charts is an
string and the drill collars. important part of formation testing.
drill floor substructure n: the foundation drill string float n: a check valve in the drill
structure on which the derrick, rotary table, draw string that will allow fluid to be pumped into the
works and other drilling equipment are supported. well, but will prevent flow from the well through
the drill pipe.

•
drilling fluid additive n: any material added to

drill string pressure loss (DSPL) pressure loss drilling fluid to change some of its characteristics
in the drillstring due to friction while circulating. or properties.
drill under pressure v: to carry on drilling drilling fluid balance n: a beam balance
operations while maintaining a seal (usually consisting of a cup and a graduated arm carrying
with a rotating head) to prevent the well fluids a sliding weight and resting on a fulcrum, used to
from blowing out. Drilling under pressure is determine the density or weight of drilling fluid.
advantageous in that the rate of penetration is
relatively fast, however, the technique requires drilling fluid cake n: the sheath of fluid solids
extreme caution. that forms on the wall of the hole when liquid from
fluid filters into the formation; also called wall
driller n: the employee directly in charge of a cake or filter cake.
drilling or workover rig and crew. His main duty
is operation of the drilling and hoisting equipment, drilling fluid circulation n: the process of
but he is also responsible for down hole condition pumping fluid downward to the bit and back up to
of the well, operation of down hole tools, and pipe the surface in a drilling or workover operation. See
measurements. normal circulation and reverse circulation.
driller’s BOP control panel n: also called drilling fluid conditioning n: the treatment
drillers console. and control of drilling fluid to ensure that it has
the correct properties. Conditioning may include
driller’s method n: a well killing method involving the use of additives, the removal of sand or other
two complete and separate circulation’s, the first solids, the removal of gas, the addition of water, and
circulates the kick out of the well and the second other measures to prepare the fluid for conditions
circulates heavier fluid through the well bore. encountered in a specific well.
drilling break n: a sudden increase in the rate of drilling fluid density n: a measure of the density
penetration by the drill bit. It sometimes indicates of a drilling fluid expressed as pounds per gallon
that the bit has penetrated a high pressure zone and (ppg), pounds per cubic foot (lb/ft3), or kilograms
thus warns of the possibility of a blowout. per cubic metre (kg/m3). Fluid weight is directly
related to the amount of pressure the column of
drilling contractor n: an individual or group drilling fluid exerts at the bottom of the hole.
of individuals that own a drilling rig and contract drilling fluid density recorder n: an instrument
their services for drilling wells. in the drilling fluid system which continuously
measures drilling fluid density.
drilling crew n: a Driller, a Derrickman, and two
or more helpers who operate a drilling or workover drilling fluid engineer n: a person whose duty
rig for one tour each day. is to test and maintain the properties of the drilling
fluid that are specified by the operator.
drilling fluid n: circulating fluid, one function of
which is to force cuttings out of the well bore and drilling fluid flow indicator n: a device that
to the surface. Other functions are to cool the bit continually measures and may record the flow rate
and to counteract down hole formation pressure. of fluid returning from the annulus and flowing out
While a mixture of barite, clay, water, and chemical of the fluid return line. If the fluid does not flow at
additives is the most common drilling fluid, wells a fairly constant rate, a kick or lost circulation may
can also be drilled by using air, gas, water, or oil have occurred.
base fluid as the drilling fluid.
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drilling fluid flow sensor n: also called fluid the fluid in the tanks, and the fluid is temporarily
flow indicator. stored there before being pumped back into the well.
Modem rotary drilling rigs are generally provided
drilling fluid level recorder n: a device that with three or more tanks, fitted with built in piping,
measures and records the height (level) of the valves, and fluid agitators. Also called fluid pits.
drilling fluid in the fluid pits. The level of the fluid
in the pits should remain fairly constant during drilling spool n: a connection component with
the drilling of a well. If the level rises, however, ends either flanged or hubbed. It must have an
then the possibility of a kick or a blowout exists. internal diameter at least equal to the bore of the
Conversely, if the level falls, then loss of circulation Blowout Preventer and can have smaller side
may have occurred. See Pit Level Recorder. outlets for connecting auxiliary lines.
drilling fluid logging n: the recording of drive pipe n: a relatively short string of large
information derived from examination and diameter pipe driven or forced into the ground to
analysis of formation cuttings made by the bit and function as conductor pipe.
of fluid circulated out of the hole. A portion of the
fluid is diverted through a gas detecting device. dry hole n: any well that does not produce oil or
Cuttings brought up by the fluid are examined gas in commercial quantities. A dry hole may flow
under ultraviolet light to detect the presence of water, gas or even oil, but not enough to justify
oil or gas. Fluid logging is often carried out in a production.
portable laboratory set up at the well.
duplex pump n: a reciprocating pump having
drilling fluid motor n: See Dyna Drill and two pistons or plungers, used extensively as a fluid
turbodrill. pump on drilling rigs.
drilling fluid pit n: an open pit dug in the ground dyna Drill n: a down hole motor driven by drilling
to hold drilling fluid or waste materials discarded fluid that imparts rotary motion to a drilling bit
after the treatment of drilling fluid. For some connected to the tool, thus eliminating the need
drilling operations, fluid pits are used for suction to turn the entire drill stem to make hole. The
to the fluid pumps, settling of fluid sediments, and Dyna Drill, a trade name, is used in straight and
storage of reserve fluid. Steel tanks are much more directional drilling.
commonly used for these purposes now, but they
are still sometimes referred to as pits. dynamic well kill procedure n: a planned
operation to control a flowing well by injecting
drilling fluid pump n: a large, high pressure fluid of a sufficient density and at a sufficient rate
reciprocating pump used to circulate the fluid on into the well bore to effect a kill without completely
drilling rig. A typical fluid pump is a two cylinder, closing in the well with the surface containment
double acting or a three cylinder, single acting equipment.
piston pump whose pistons travel in replaceable
liners and are driven by a crankshaft actuated by dynamically positioned drilling vessels
an engine or a motor. Also called a slush pump. n pl: drillships and semi submersible drilling
rigs equipped with computer controlled thrusters
drilling fluid return line n: refer to flow line. which enable them to maintain a constant position
relative to the sea floor without the use of anchors
drilling fluid tank n: one of a series of open and mooring lines while conducting floating
tanks, usually made of steel plate, through which drilling operations.
the drilling fluid is cycled to allow sand and fine
sediments to be removed. Additives are mixed with

•
effective permeability n: a measure of the exploitation well n: a well drilled to permit

ability of a single fluid to flow through a rock when more effective extraction of oil from a reservoir.
the pore spaces of the rock are not completely filled Sometimes called a development well.
or saturated with the fluid.
exploration well n: also called a wildcat.
effective porosity n: the percentage of the
bulk volume of a rock sample that is composed fahrenheit scale n: a temperature scale devised
of interconnected pore spaces which allow the by Gabriel Fahrenheit, in which 32 degrees
passage of fluids through the sample. See porosity. represents the freezing point and 212 degrees
the boiling point of water at standard sea level
electric line n: single or multiple electrical pressure. Fahrenheit degrees may be converted to
conductor housed, within a braided wireline. Celsius degrees by using the following formula:
C = 5/9 x (F 32)
electric pump n: an electrically driven hydraulic
pump, usually a 3 piston (triplex) pump. fault n: a break in subsurface strata. Often strata
on one side of the fault line have been displaced
electro hydraulic (EH) system n: a control (upward, downward, or laterally) relative to their
system that uses an electrical signal to actuate a original positions.
solenoid operated hydraulic valve to hydraulically
pilot a control valve to operate a function. fault plane n: a surface along which faulting has
occurred.
end and outlet connections n pl: integral
flanges, studded or open faced, and hub connections fault trap n: a surface hydrocarbon trap created
used to join together equipment that contains or by faulting, which causes an impermeable rock
controls pressure. layer to be moved opposite the reservoir bed.
equipment n: any single completed unit that can feed in (influx, inflow) n: the flow of fluids from
be used for its intended purpose without further the formation into the well bore
processing or assembly.
fill the hole v: to pump drilling fluid into the well
equivalent circulating density (ECD) n: the bore while the pipe is being withdrawn, in order
sum of pressure exerted by hydrostatic head of to ensure that the well bore remains full or fluid
fluid, drilled solids and friction pressure losses in even though the pipe is withdrawn. Filling the hole
the annulus, divided by depth of interest and by lessens the danger of blowout or of caving of the
0.052, if ECD is to be expressed in pounds per wall of the well bore.
gallon (Lbs/gal).
fill up (flood valve) n: a differentially set valve,
equivalent mud weight (EMW) the mud installed on marine risers that automatically permits
weight calculated as a result of static mud weight sea water to enter the riser to prevent collapse under
plus applied surface pressure. hydrostatic pressure after evacuation caused by
lost circulation or by gas circulated into the riser.
equivalent static density (ESW) the density
calculated as a result of static mud weight plus fill up line n: a line usually connected into the bell
applied surface pressure. nipple above, the Blowout Preventers, to allow
adding drilling fluid to the hole while pulling out
erosion n: the process by which material (such as of the hole to compensate for the metal volume
rock or soil) is worn away or removed (as by wind displacement of the drill string being pulled.
or water).
20
•
filter n: a device whose function is the retention of flowline sensor n: a device to monitor rate of
insoluble contaminants from a fluid. fluid flow from the annulus.
filter cake n: 1. compacted solid or semisolid flow meter n: a device which indicates either
material remaining on a filter after pressure filtration flow rate, total flow, or a combination of both, that
of fluid with a standard filter press. Thickness of travels through a conductor such as pipe or tubing.
the cake is reported in thirty seconds of an inch or
in millimetres. 2. the layer of concentrated solids flow rate n: the volume, mass, or weight of a
from the drilling fluid or cement slurry that forms fluid passing through any conductor, such as pipe
on the walls of the borehole opposite permeable or tubing, per unit of time.
formations, also called wall cake or fluid cake.
flow target n: a bull plug or blind flange at the end
filter loss n: the amount of fluid that can be of a t toprevent erosion at a point where change in
delivered through a permeable filter medium after flowdirection occurs.
being subjected to a set differential pressure for a
set length of time. fluid n:a substance that flows and yields to any
force tending to change its shape. liquids and gases
final circulating pressure (FCP) n: drill pipe are fluids.
pressure required to circulate at the selected kill
rate adjusted for increase in kill drilling fluid fluid density n: the unit weight of fluid; e.g.,
density over the original drilling fluid density. pounds per gallon (lbs/gal).
Used from the time kill drilling fluid reaches the
bottom of the drill string until kill operations are fluid weight recorder n: an instrument in the
completed, or a change in either kill drilling fluid fluid system which continuously measures fluid
density or kill rate is effected. density.
fish n: an object that is left in the well bore during formation breakdown n: an event occurring
drilling or workover operations and that must when borehole pressure is of a magnitude that the
be recovered before work can proceed. It can be exposed formation accepts whole fluid from the
anything from a piece of scrap metal to a part of borehole.
the drill stem. v: 1. to recover from a well any
equipment left there during drilling operations, formation competency (formation integrity)
such as a lost bit or drill collar or part of the drill n: the ability of the formation to withstand applied
string. 2. to remove from an older well certain pressure.
pieces of equipment (such as packers, liners, or
screen pipe) to allow reconditioning of the well. formation competency test/formation
integrity test (FIT) n: application of pressure by
fixed choke n: a choke whose opening is one size superimposing a surface pressure on a fluid column
only, its opening is not adjustable. in order to determine ability of a subsurface zone
to withstand a certain hydrostatic pressure.
flammable liquid n: any liquid having a flash
point of 100˚ F (37.78˚ C) or less. These liquids formation fluid n: fluid (such as gas, oil, or
are easily ignited. water) that exists in a subsurface rock formation.
lithologic unit each different formation is given formation fracture gradient n: the hydrostatic
a name, frequently as a result of the study of the value expressed in psi./ft that is required to initiate
formation outcrop at the surface and sometimes a fracture in subsurface formation.
based on fossils found in the formation.

•
formation pressure n: the force exerted by gas buster n. sl.: a slang term to denote a mud
fluids in a formation, recorded in the hole at the gas separator.
level of the formation with the well shut in. Also
called reservoir pressure or shut in bottom hole gas constant n: a constant number,
pressure. mathematically the product of the total volume
and the total pressure divided by the absolute
formation water n: the water originally in place temperature for 1 mole of any ideal gas or mixture
in a formation. of ideal gases at any temperature.
fracture gradient n: the pressure gradient (psi./ gas cut fluid n: a drilling fluid that has entrained
ft) at which the formation accepts whole fluid from formation gas giving the fluid a characteristically
the well bore.
fluffy texture. When entrained gas is not released
before the fluid returns to the well, the weight or
full open safety valve (FOSV) n: a ball valve,
density of the fluid column is reduced. Because a
operated by a key or air pressure used to seal off
the drillstring. A FOSV has a similar ID to the large amount of gas in fluid lowers its density, gas
drillstring attached to it. cut fluid must be treated to reduce the change of a
blowout.
function n: operation of a BOP, choke or kill valve
or other component, in one direction (example, gas drilling n: See air drilling.
closing the blind rams is a function, opening the
blind rams is a separate function). gas reservoir n: a geological formation
containing a single gaseous phase. When produced,
function test v: closing and opening (cycling) the surface equipment may or may not contain
equipment to verify operability. condensed liquid, depending on the temperature,
pressure, and composition of the single reservoir
gallon n: a unit of measure of liquid capacity phase.
that equals 3.785 litres and has a volume of 231
in.3 A gallon of water weighs 8.34 lb at 60˚F. The gate valve n: a valve which employs a sliding
imperial gallon, used in Great Britain, is equal to gate to open or close the flow passage. The valve
approximately 1.2 U.S. gallons. may or may not be full opening.
gallons per minute (GPM) gauge n: an instrument for measuring fluid

pressure that usually registers the difference
gas n: a compressible fluid that completely fills between atmospheric pressure and the pressure of
any container in which it is confined. Technically, the fluid by indicating the effect of such pressure
a gas will not condense when it is compressed and on a measuring element (as a column of liquid, a
cooled, because a gas can exist only above the bourdon tube, a weighted piston, a diaphragm, or
critical temperature for its particular composition. other pressure-sensitive devices).
Below the critical temperature, this form of matter
is known as a vapour because liquid can exist and gauge pressure n: the amount of pressure
condensation can occur. Sometimes the terms gas exerted on the interior walls of a vessel by the
and vapour are used interchangeably. However, fluid contained in it (as indicated by a pressure
the term vapour should be only be used for those gauge), it is expressed in psig (pounds per square
streams in which condensation can occur and inch gauge) or in kilopascals. Gauge pressure plus
which originate from or are in equilibrium with, a atmospheric pressure equals absolute pressure. See
liquid phase. absolute pressure.
22
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gel n: a semisolid, jelly like state assumed by hanger plug n: a device placed or hung in the
some colloidal dispersions at rest. When agitated, casing below the Blowout Preventer stack to form
the gel converts to a fluid state. Also a nickname a pressure tight seal. Pressure is then applied to the
for bentonite. v: to take the form of a gel, to set. Blowout Preventer stack in order to test it for leaks.
gel strength n: a measure of the ability of a hard shut in v: to close in a well by closing a
colloidal dispersion to develop and retain a gel Blowout Preventer with the choke and/or choke
form, based on its resistance to shear. The gel line valve closed.
strength, or shear strength of a drilling fluid
determines its ability to hold solids in suspension. hazardous substance n: a substance which
Sometimes bentonite and other colloidal clays are by reason of being explosive, flammable, toxic,
added to drilling fluid to increase its gel strength.corrosive, oxidising, irritating or otherwise
harmful, has the potential to cause injury, illness
gland n: the metal item which energises stuffing or death.
box packing from force applied manually or
hydraulically. head n: 1. the height of a column of liquid required
to produce a specific pressure. See hydraulic head
glycol n: a group of compounds used to dehydrate 2. for centrifugal pumps, the velocity of flowing
gaseous or liquid hydrocarbons or to inhibit the fluid converted into pressure expressed in feet or
formation of hydrates. Commonly used glycol’s are metres of flowing fluid. Also called velocity head.
ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, and triethylene 3. That part of a machine (such as a pump or an
glycol. engine) that is on the end of the cylinder opposite
the crankshaft.
go in the hole n: to lower the drill stem into the
well bore. heat affected zone (HAZ) n: that portion of the
base metal which has not been melted, but whose
graben n: a block of the earth’s crust that has slid mechanical properties or microstructure has been
downward between two faults, the opposite of a altered by the heat of welding or cutting.
horst.
heat (cast lot) n pl: material originating from
ground n: an electrical term meaning to connect to a final melt. For remelted alloys, a heat shall be
the earth, or another large conducting body to serve defined as the raw material originating from a
as earth, thus making a complete electrical circuit. single remelted ingot.
the conducting connection of a circuit to the earth.
heat treatment (heat treating) n: alternate steps
gunk plug n: a volume of a gunk slurry placed in of controlled heating and cooling of materials for the
the well bore. purpose of changing physical or mechanical properties.
gunk slurry n: a slang term to denote heat treatment load n: that material placed
a mixture of diesel oil and bentonite. on loading or carrying devices moved as a batch
gunk squeeze n: procedure whereby a gunk slurry through one heat treatment cycle.
is pumped into a subsurface zone.
heave v: the vertical motion of a ship or a floating
ground n: an electrical term meaning to connect offshore drilling rig.
to theearth, or another large conducting body to
serve as earth, thus making a complete electrical heave compensator n: a device that moves
circuit. the conducting connection of a circuit to with the heave of a floating offshore drilling rig
the earth. to prevent the bit from being lifted off the bottom

•
of the hole and then dropped back down (i.e., to damage to the tool joint threads. Smaller hooks
maintain constant weight on the bit). It is used without the spring are used for handling tubing and
with devices such as bumper subs. See motion sucker rods.
compensator.
hopper n: a large funnel or cone shaped device
heavyweight drill pipe n: drill pipe having into which dry components (such as powdered clay
thicker walls and longer tool joints than usual and or cement) can be poured in order to uniformly mix
also an integral wear pad in the middle. Several the components with water or other liquids. The
joints of this pipe may be placed in the drill stem liquid is injected through a nozzle at the bottom of
between drill collars and regular drill pipe to the hopper. The resulting mixture of dry material
reduce the chances of drill pipe fatigue or failure. and liquid may be drilling fluid to be used as the
(Also known as heavy wall pipe.) circulating fluid in a rotary drilling operation, or it
may be cement slurry to be used in bonding casing
height of influx (Hi) to the borehole.
the calculated depth at the top of a given volume
of influx. horsepower n: a unit of measure of work done
by a machine. One horsepower equals 33.000 foot
high pressure high temperature (HPHT) pounds per minute.
where the undisturbed bottom hole temperature at
prospective reservior depth or total depth is greater horst n: a block of the earth’s crust that has been
than 1490C (3000F) and the maximum anticipated raised up between two faults, the opposite of a
pore pressure of any porous formation to be drilled graben.
through exceeds 0.8- psi/ft.
hose bundle n: see control hose bundle
high pressure squeeze cementing n: the
forcing of cement slurry into a well at the points to hot working v: deforming metal plastically at
be sealed with a final pressure equal to or greater such a temperature and rate that hardness and
than the formation breakdown pressure. See strength do not increase.
squeeze cementing.
hull n: the framework of a vessel including
hole n: 1. in drilling operations, the well bore all decks, plating, and columns, but excluding
or borehole. See well bore and borehole. 2. an machinery.
opening that is made purposely or accidentally in
any solid substance. hydrafrac n: the copyrighted name of a method
of hydraulic fracturing for increasing productivity.
hole opener n: a device used to enlarge the size
of an existing borehole, having teeth arranged on hydrate n: a hydrocarbon and water compound that
its outside circumference to cut the formation as it is formed under reduced temperature and pressure
rotates. in gathering, compression, and transmission
facilities for gas. Hydrates often accumulate in
hook n: a large, hook shaped device from which troublesome amounts and impede fluid flow. They
the swivel is suspended. It is designed to carry resemble snow or ice. v: to enlarge by taking water
maximum loads ranging from 100 to 650 tons on or in.
(90 to 590 tonnes) and turns on bearings in its
supporting housing. A strong spring within the hydration n: reaction of cement with water.
assembly cushions the weight of a stand (90 feet The powdered cement gradually sets to a solid as
or about 27 metres) of drill pipe, thus permitting hydration continues.
the pipe to be made up and broken out with less
24
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hydraulic connector n: a mechanical connector points, and freezing points increase as their
that is activated hydraulically and connects the molecular weights increase. Although composed of
BOP stack to the wellhead or the LMRP to the only two elements, hydrocarbons exist in a variety
BOP stack. See Lower Marine Riser Package. of compounds because of the strong affinity of the
carbon atom for other atoms and for itself. The
hydraulic control pod n: a device used on smallest molecules of hydrocarbons are gaseous,
offshore drilling rigs to provide a way to actuate the largest are solids. Petroleum is a mixture of
and control subsea Blowout Preventers from the many different hydrocarbons.
rig. Hydraulic lines from the fig enter the pods,
through which fluid is sent toward the preventer. hydrochloric acid n: an acid compound
Usually two pods, painted different colours, are commonly used to acidize carbonate rocks,
used, each to safeguard and back up the other. prepared by mixing hydrogen chloride gas in
water. Also known as muriatic acid. Its chemical
hydraulic controlled remote operated formula is HCI.
value (HCR)
hydrocyclone n: a cone shaped separator for
hydraulic fluid n: a liquid of low viscosity separating various sizes of particles and liquid by
(such as light oil) that is used in systems actuated centrifugal force. See desander end desilter.
by liquid (such as the brake system in a modem
passenger car). hydrodynamic brake n: a device mounted on
the end of the draw works shaft of a drilling rig.
hydraulic fracturing n: an operation in which The hydrodynamic brake serves as an auxiliary to
a specially blended liquid is pumped down a well the mechanical brake when pipe is lowered into
and into a formation under pressure high enough the well. The braking effect of a hydrodynamic
to cause the formation to crack open. The resulting brake is achieved by means of an impeller turning
cracks or fractures serve as passages through which in a housing filled with water. Sometimes called
oil can flow into the well bore. hydraulic brake or Hydromatic (a manufacturer’s
term) brake.
hydraulic head n: the force exerted by a column
of liquid expressed by the height of the liquid hydrogen sulphide (H2S) n: a flammable,
above the point at which the pressure is measured. colourless gaseous compound of hydrogen and
Although head refers to distance or height, it is sulphur (H2S) with the odour of rotten eggs.
used to express pressure, since the force of the Commonly found in petroleum, it causes the
liquid column is directly proportional to its height. foul smell of petroleum fractions. It is extremely
Also called head or hydrostatic head. corrosive and poisonous, causing damage to skin,
eyes, breathing passages, and lungs and attacking
hydraulics n: the branch of science that deals and paralysing the nervous system, particularly
with practical applications of water or other liquid that part controlling the lungs and heart. Also
in motion. called hepatic gas or sulphured hydrogen.
hydril n: the registered trademark of a prominent hydrogen sulphide service n: refers to

manufacturer of oil field equipment, especially the equipment designed to resist corrosion and
annular Blowout Preventer. hydrogen embattlement caused by exposure to
hydrogen sulphide.
hydril drop-in sub (HDIS)
hydrophore n: an underwater listening device
hydrocarbons n pi.: organic compounds of that converts acoustic energy to electric signals.
hydrogen and carbon, whose densities, boiling

•
hydrostatic head n: the true vertical length of inflow n: see feed in

fluid column, normally in feet.
influx n: see feed in
hydrostatic pressure n: the force exerted by a
body of fluid at rest, it increases directly with the inhibitor n: an additive used to retard undesirable
density and the depth of the fluid and is expressed chemical action in a product, added in small
in psi or kPa. The hydrostatic pressure of fresh quantity to gasolines to prevent oxidation and
water is 0.433 psi per foot of depth (9.792 kPa/m). gum formation, to lubricating oils to stop colour
In drilling, the term refers to the pressure exerted change, and to corrosive environments to decrease
by the drilling fluid in the well bore. In a water corrosive action.
drive field, the term refers to the pressure that may
furnish the primary energy for production. initial circulating pressure (ICP) n: drill
pipe pressure required to circulate initially at the
idle v: to operate an engine without applying a selected kill rate while holding casing pressure
load to it. at the closed in value, numerically equal to kill
rate circulating pressure, plus closed in drill pipe
igneous rock n: a rock mass formed by the pressure.
solidification of material poured (when molten)
into the earth’s crust or onto its surface. Granite is injection n: the process of forcing fluid into
an igneous rock. something. In a diesel engine, the introduction of
high pressure fuel oil into the cylinders.
impending blowout n: early manifestation or
indication of a blowout. inland barge rig n: a drilling structure consisting
of a barge upon which the drilling equipment is
impermeable adj.: preventing the passage of constructed. When moved from one location to
fluid. A formation may be porous yet impermeable another, the barge floats, but, when stationed on
if there is an absence of connecting passages the drill site, the barge is submerged to rest on
between the voids within it. See permeability. the bottom. Typically, inland barge rigs are used
to drill wells in marshes, shallow inland bays, and
impression block n: a block with lead or another areas where the water covering the drill site is not
relatively soft material on its bottom. It is made up too deep.
on drill pipe or tubing at the surface, run into a
well, and allowed to set on a tool or other object
inner barrel n: the part of a telescopic slip joint
that has been lost in the well. When the block is
on a marine riser which is attached to the flexible
retrieved the size, shape, and position of the fish are
joint beneath the diverter.
obtained from the examination of the impression
left in the lead, and an appropriate fishing tool may
be selected. insert type packer n: a diverter element
which uses inserts designed to close and
indicated volume n: the change in meter reading seal on specific ranges of pipe diameter.
that occurs during a receipt or delivery of a liquid
product. inside blowout preventer n: a valve installed
in the drill stem to prevent a blowout through
inert gas n: the part of a breathing medium that the stem. Flow is thus possible downward only,
serves as a transport for oxygen and is not used allowing fluid to be pumped in but preventing
by the body as a life support agent. Its purpose is any flow back up the stem. Also called an internal
to dilute the flow of oxygen to the lungs, thereby Blowout Preventer.
preventing oxygen toxicity.
26
•
inspection port n: the plugged openings on the is normally run at the top of long strings in deep
sides of the fluid reservoir of a device which can be operations.
opened to view the interior fluid level and return lines
from the relief, bleeder, control valves, and regulators. International Association of Drilling
Contractors (IADC)
instrumentation n: a device or assembly of
devices designed for one or more of the following international system of units (SI) n: a system
functions: to measure operating variables (such of units measurement based on the metric system,
as pressure, temperature, rate of flow, speed of adopted and described by the Eleventh General
rotation, etc.) to indicate these phenomena with Conference of Weights and Measures. It provides
visible or audible signals, to record them, to an international standard of measurement to be
control them within a predetermined range, and followed when certain customary units, both API
to stop operations if the control fails. Simple (Field Units) and metric, are eventually phased out
instrumentation might consist of an indicating of international trade operations. The symbol Sl
pressure gauge only. In a completely automatic (Le Systeme International d’Unites) designates the
system, desired ranges of pressure, temperature, system, which involves seven base units. (1) metre
and so on are predetermined and preset. for length, (2) kilogram for mass (3) second for
time, (4) Kelvin for temperature. (5) ampere for
integral valve n: a valve embodied in the diverter electric current, (6) candela for luminous intensity,
unit which operates integrally with the annular and (7) mole for amount of substance. From
sealing device. these units others are derived without introducing
numerical factors.
interlock n pl: an arrangement of control system
functions designed to require the actuation of one interval n: a designated portion of a zone.
function as a prerequisite to actuate another.
intrusive rock n: an igneous rock that, while
intermediate casing string n: the string of molten, penetrated into or between other rocks and
casing set in a well after the surface casing is solidified.
set to keep the hole from caving and to seal off
troublesome formations. The string is sometimes invaded zone n: an area within a permeable
called protection casing. rock adjacent to a well bore into which a filtrate
(usually water) from the drilling fluid has passed,
internal blowout preventer n: also called inside with consequent partial or total displacement of
Blowout Preventer. See inside blowout preventer. the fluids originally present in the zone.
internal upset n: an extra thick inside wall on iron roughneck n: manufacturers term for a floor
the end of tubing or drill pipe at the point where it mounted combination of a spinning wrench and a
is threaded to compensate for the metal removed torque wrench. The iron roughneck moves into
in threading. Unlike conventional drill pipe, which position hydraulically and eliminates the manual
has the extra thickness on the outside, drill pipe handling involved with suspended individual tools.
with internal upset has the extra thickness inside
and a uniform, straight wall outside. iron sponge process n: a method for removing
small concentrations of hydrogen sulphide from
internal upset pipe n: tubular goods in which natural gas by passing the gas over a bed of wood
the pipe walls at the threaded end are thickened shavings which have been impregnated with a form
(upset) on the inside to provide extra strength in of iron oxide. The impregnated wood shavings are
the tool joints. Thus the outer wall of the pipe is the called iron sponge. The hydrogen sulphide reacts
same diameter throughout its length. Upset casing with the iron oxide, forming iron sulphide and water.

•
isogonic chart n: a map that shows the isogonic jet bit n: a drilling bit having replaceable nozzles
lines joining point of magnetic declination, which through which the drilling fluid is directed in a
is the variation between magnetic north and true high velocity stream to the bottom of the hole to
north. For example, in Los Angeles, California, improve the efficiency of the bit. See bit.
when the compass needle is pointing toward north,
true north actually lies 15˚ east of magnetic north.joint n: a single length (30 feet or 9m) of drill
pipe, drill collar, casing, or tubing that has threaded
isogonic line n: an imaginary line on a map that connections at both ends. Several joints screwed
joins places on the earth’s surface at which the together constitute a stand of pipe.
variation of a magnetic compass needle from true
north is the same. This variation, which may range Joule n: the unit used to measure heat, work and
from 0 to 30 or more degrees either east or west of energy in the metric system. Its symbol is J. It is
true north, must be compensated for to obtain an the amount of energy required to move an object of
accurate reading of direction. 1 kilogram mass to a height of 1 metre. Also called
a newton metre.
jacket n: tubular piece of steel in a tubing liner
type of sucker rod pump, inside of which is placed Joule Thomson effect n: the change in
an accurately bored and honed liner. In this type gas temperature which occurs when the gas is
of sucker rod pump, the pump plunger moves up expanded adiabatically from a higher pressure to
and down within the liner, and the liner is inside a lower pressure. The effect for most gases, except
the jacket. hydrogen and helium, is a cooling of the gas.
jack up drilling rig n: an offshore drilling junction box (J Box) (electrical) n: an

structure with tubular or derrick legs that support enclosure used to house the termination points
the deck and hull. When positioned over the drilling of electrical cable and components. May also
site, the bottoms of the legs rest on the sea floor. A contain electrical components required for system
jack up rig is towed or propelled to a location with operation.
its leg up. Once the legs are firmly positioned on
the bottom, the deck and hull height are adjusted junction box (J Box) (hydraulic or
and levelled. pneumatic) n: a bolt on plate having multiple stab
type terminal fittings used for quick connection
jar n: a percussion tool operated mechanically or of the multi hose bundle to a pod, hose reel or
hydraulically to deliver a heavy hammer blow to manifold.
objects in the borehole. Jars are used to free objects.
junk n: metal debris lost in a hole. Junk may be
jar accelerator n: a hydraulic tool used in a lost bit, pieces of a bit, milled pieces of pipe,
conjunction with a jar and made up on the fishing wrenches, or any relatively small object that
string above the jar to increase the power of the impedes drilling and must be fished out of the hole.
hammer blow. v: to abandon (as a nonproductive well).
jet n: 1. a hydraulic device operated by pump junk basket n: a device made up on the bottom
pressure to clean fluid pits and tanks in rotary of the drill stem to catch pieces of junk from the
drilling and to mix fluid components. 2. in a bottom of the hole. Fluid circulation forces the
perforating gun using shaped charges, a highly junk into a barrel in the tool, where it is held by
penetrating, fast moving stream of exploded metal projections, or catchers. When the basket is
particles that cuts a hole in the casing, cement, and brought back to the surface, the junk is removed.
formation. Also called a junk sub.
28
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Junk sub n: also called a junk basket. See junk key n: 1. a hook shaped wrench that fits the square
basket. shoulder of a sucker rod and is used when rods are
pulled or run into a pumping oilwell. Usually used
kelly n: the heavy steel member, three , four , six , in pairs; one key backs up and the other breaks out
or eight sided, suspended from the swivel through or makes up the rod. Also called a rod wrench. 2. a
the rotary table and connected to the topmost joint slender strip of metal that is used to fasten a wheel
of drill pipe to turn the drill stem as the rotary or a gear onto a shaft. The key fits into slots in the
table sums. It has a bored passageway that permits shaft and in the wheel of gear.
fluid to be circulated into the drill stem and up the
annulus, or vice versa. key seat n: 1. a channel or groove cut in the side
of the hole of a well and parallel to the axis of the
kelly bushing n: a special device that, when hole. A key seat results from the dragging of pipe
fitted into the master bushing, transmits torque on a sharp bend in the hole. 2. a groove cut parallel
to the kelly and simultaneously permits vertical to the axis in a shaft or a pulley bore.
movement of the kelly to make hole. It may be
shaped to fit the rotary opening or have pins for kick n: an entry of water, gas, oil, or other
transmitting torque. Also called the drive bushing. formation fluid into the well bore during drilling. It
occurs because the pressure exerted by the column
kelly cock n: a valve installed at one or both of drilling fluid is not great enough to overcome
ends of the kelly. When a high pressure back flow the pressure exerted by the fluids in the formation
begins inside the drill stem, the valve is closed to drilled. If prompt action is not taken to control the
keep pressure off the swivel and rotary hose. kick or kill the well, a blowout may occur.
kelly hose n: also called the fluid hose or rotary kick tolerance (KT) n: The maximum increase
hose. See rotary hose. in mud weight allowed by the pressure integrity
test of the casing shoe with no influx (zero gain) in
kelly saver sub n: a sub that fits in the drill stem the wellbore.
between the kelly and the drill pipe. Threads on the
drill pipe mate with those of the sub, minimising kill v: 1. in drilling, to prevent a threatened blowout
wear on the kelly. kelly spinner n: a pneumatically by taking suitable preventive measures (e.g.,
operated device mounted on top of the kelly that, to shut in the well with the Blowout Preventers,
when actuated, causes the kelly to turn or spin. It circulate the kick out, and increase the weight of
is useful when the kelly or a joint of pipe attached the drilling fluid). 2. in production to stop a well
to it must be spun, that is, rotated rapidly for being from producing oil and gas so that reconditioning
made up. of the well can proceed. Production is stopped by
circulating water and fluid into the hole.
kelly valve, lower n: an essentially full opening
valve installed immediately below the kelly, with kill drilling fluid density n: the unit weight, e.g.,
outside diameter equal to the tool joint outside pounds per gallon (Ib/gal) selected for the fluid to
diameter. Valve can be closed to remove the kelly be used to contain a kicking formation.
under pressure, and can be stripped in the hole for
snubbing operations. kill line n: a high pressure line that connects the
fluid pump and the well and through which heavy
kelvin temperature scale n: a temperature drilling fluid can be pumped into the well to control
scale with the degree interval of the Celsius scale a threatened blowout. This line allows fluids to be
and the zero point at absolute zero. On the Kelvin pumped into the well or annulus with the Blowout
scale, water freezes at 273 K and boils at 373 K. Preventer closed.
See absolute temperature scale.

•
kill rate n: a predetermined fluid circulate landing nipple n: a receptacle in a production

rate, expressed in fluid volume per unit time, string with an internal profile to provide for latching
which is to be used to circulate under kick and sealing of various types of plugs or valves.
conditions, kill rate is usually some selected
fraction of the circulating rate used while drilling. latch on v: to attach elevators to a section of pipe
kill rate circulating pressure n: pump pressure to pull it out of or run it into the hole.
required to circulate kill rate volume under non
kick conditions. lay down pipe v: to pull drill pipe or tubing from
the hole and place it in a horizontal position on a
kill rate circulating pressure n: pump pressure pipe rack.
required to circulate kill rate volume.
leak off test (LOT) n: a gradual pressurising of
kill sheet n: a printed form that contains blank the casing after the Blowout Preventers have been
spaces for recording information about killing an installed to permit estimation of the formation
impending blowout, provided to remind personnel fracture pressure at the casing seat.
of the necessary steps to kill a well.
lens type trap n: a hydrocarbon reservoir
kill weight fluid n: a fluid whose density creates consisting of a porous, permeable, irregularly
a hydrostatic pressure equal to or greater than the shaped sedimentary deposit surrounded by
pressure of the formations exposed to the well impervious rock.
bore.
lifting nipple n: a short piece of pipe with a
kinematic viscosity n: the absolute viscosity of pronounced upset, or shoulder, on the upper end,
a fluid divided by the density of the fluid at the screwed into drill pipe, drill collars, or casing to
temperature of viscosity measurement. provide a positive grip for the elevators; also called
a lifting sub or a hoisting plug.
knife valve n: a valve using a portal plate or blade
to facilitate open and close operation. lifting sup n: also called hoisting plug or lifting
nipple.
knockout n: A knockout is a type of separator
which falls into one of two categories: Free water light crude oil n: a crude oil of relatively high
and total liquid knockouts. a. The free water API gravity (usually 40 degrees or higher).
knockout is a vessel used to separate free water
from a flow stream of gas, oil and water. The gas lime n: a caustic solid that consists primarily of
and oil usually leave the vessel through the same calcium oxide (CaO). Many forms of CaO are
outlet to be processed by other equipment. The called lime, including the various chemical and
water is removed for disposal. Physical forms of quicklime, hydrated lime, and
b.The total liquid knockout is normally used to even calcium carbonate. Limestone is sometimes
remove the combined liquids from a gas stream. called lime.
laminar flow n: a smooth flow of fluid in which lime fluid n: a drilling fluid that is treated with
no cross flow of fluid particles occurs between lime to provide a source of soluble calcium in the
adjacent stream lines. filtrate in order to obtain desirable fluid properties
for drilling in shale or clay formations.
land rig n: any drilling rig that is located on dry
land. limestone n: a sedimentary rock rich in calcium
carbonate that sometimes serves as reservoir rock
for petroleum.
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limit switch n: a hydraulic pneumatic or electrical litre n: a unit of metric measure of capacity equal
switch that indicates the motion or position of a device. to the volume occupied by 1 kg of water at 4˚C and
at the standard atmospheric pressure of 760 mm.
liner hanger n: a slip device that attaches the
liner to the casing. location n: the place where a well is drilled; also
called well site.
liquefied natural gas n: a liquid composed
chiefly of natural gas (i.e., mostly methane). locking mechanism n: a support or restraint
Natural gas is liquefied to make it easy to transport device.
if a pipeline is not feasible (as across a body of
water). Not as easily liquefied as LPG, LNG must log n: a systematic recording of data, such as a
be put under low temperature and high pressure or Driller’s log, fluid log, electrical well log, or
under extremely low (cryogenic) temperature and radioactivity log. Many different logs are run in
close to atmospheric pressure to become liquefied. wells to obtain various characteristics of down
hole formations. v: to record data.
liquefied petroleum gas n: a mixture of heavier,
gaseous, paraffinic hydrocarbons, principally logging while drilling (LWD) n: is a technique
butane and propane. These gases, easily liquefied of conveying well logging tools into the well
at moderate pressure, may be transported as liquids borehole downhole as part of the bottom hole
but converted to gases on release of the pressure. assembly (BHA).
Thus, liquefied petroleum gas is a portable source
of thermal energy that finds wide application in longitude n: the arc or portion of the earth’s
areas where it is impractical to distribute natural equator intersected between the meridian of a
gas. It is also used as a fuel for internal combustion given place and the prime meridian (at Greenwich,
engines and has many industrial and domestic uses. England) and expressed either in degrees or in
Principal sources are natural and refinery gas, from time.
which the liquefied petroleum gases are separated
by fractionation. loss of circulation n: See lost circulation.
liquid n: a state of matter in which the shape of thelost circulation n: the quantities of whole fluid
given mass depends on the containing vessel, but lost to a formation, usually in cavernous, fissured,
the volume of the mass is independent of the vessel; or coarsely permeable beds, evidenced by the
a liquid is fluid that is almost incompressible. complete or partial failure of the fluid to return to
the surface as it is being circulated in the hole. Lost
liquid level gauge n: any device that indicates circulation can lead to a blowout and, in general,
the level or quantity of liquid in a container. reduce the efficiency of the drilling operation. Also
called lost returns.
liquid level indicator n: a device connected to
a vessel, coupled with either a float in the vessel lost circulation material (LCM) n: a substance
or directly with the fluid therein and calibrated to added to cement slurries or drilling fluid to prevent
give a visual indication of the liquid level the loss of cement or fluid to the formation. See
. bridging material.
lithology n: 1. the study of rocks, usually
macroscopic. 2. the individual character of a rock lost circulation plug n: cement set across a
in terms of mineral composition, structure, and so formation that is taking excessively large amounts
forth. of drilling fluid during drilling operations.

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lost returns n: loss of drilling fluids into the make and break v: To connect and disconnect.
formation, resulting in a decrease in pit volume.
make hole v: to deepen the hole made by the bit;
lower ball joint n: a device located above a subsea to drill ahead.
Blowout Preventer stack that permits relative
angular movements of marine riser elements to manifold n: an assemblage of pipe, valves and
reduce bending stresses caused by vessel offset, fittings by which fluid from one or more sources
vessel surge and sway, and environmental forces. is selectively directed to various systems or
components.
lower kelly cock n: also called drill stem safety
valve. manifold header n: the piping system which
serves to divide a flow through several possible
lower marine riser package (LMRP) n: the outlets.
upper section of a two section subsea BOP stack,
consisting of the hydraulic connector, annular manipulator valve n: a three position directional
BOP, ball/flex joint riser adapter, flexible choke control valve that has the pressure inlet port
and kill lines, and subsea pods. This interfaces blocked and the operator pods vented in the centre
with the lower subsea BOP stack. position.
lubrication v: alternately pumping a manometer n: a U shaped piece of glass tubing

relatively small volume of fluid into a containing a liquid (usually water or mercury) that
closed well bore system and waiting for the is used to measure the pressure of gases or liquids.
fluid to fall toward the bottom of the well. When pressure is applied, the liquid level in one
arm rises while the level in the other drops. A set of
Iubricator n: a specially fabricated length of calibrated markings beside one of the arms permits
casing or tubing usually placed temporarily above a pressure reading to be taken, usually in inches or
a valve on top of the casing head or tubing head; millimetres.
used to run swabbing or perforating tools into a
producing well; provides method for sealing marine riser connector n: a fitting on top of the
off pressure and thus should be rated for highest subsea Blowout Preventers to which the riser pipe
anticipated pressure. is connected.
macaroni rig n: a workover rig, usually marine riser system n: the extension of the
lightweight, that is specially built to run a string of well bore from the subsea Blowout Preventer stack
3/4 inch or 1 inch in diameter. to the floating drilling vessel which provides for
fluid returns to the drilling vessel, supports the
magnetic brake n: also called an electro dynamic choke, kill and control lines, guides tools into the
brake. well and serves as a running string for the Blowout
Preventer stack.
make a connection v: to attach a joint of drill
pipe onto the drill stem suspended in the well bore marl n: a semisolid or unconsolidated clay, silt, or
to permit deepening the well bore by the length of sand.
the joint added (30 feet or 9 m).
marsh funnel n: a calibrated funnel used in field
make a trip v: to hoist the drill stem out of the tests to determine the viscosity of drilling fluid.
well bore to perform one of a number of operations
such as changing bits, taking a core, and so forth, mast n: a portable derrick that is capable of being
and then to return the drill stem to the well bore. erected as a unit, as distinguished from a standard
32
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derrick that cannot be raised to a working position meridian n: a north south line from which
as a unit. For transporting by land, the mast can be longitudes and azimuths are reckoned.
divided into two or more sections to avoid excessive
length extending from truck beds on the highway. meta centre n: a point located somewhere
on a line drawn vertically through the centre of
master bushing n: a device that fits into the buoyancy of the hull of a floating vessel with the
rotary table. It accommodates the slips and drives hull in one position (e.g., level) and then another
the kelly bushing so that the rotating motion of the (e.g., inclined). When the hull inclines slightly to a
rotary table can be transmitted to the kelly. Also new position, the centre of buoyancy of the hull also
called rotary bushing. moves to a new position. If a second line is drawn
vertically through the new centre of buoyancy, it
master valve n: normally the lower most valve(s) intersects the first line at a point called the meta
in the vertical run of the Christmas tree. centre. Location of the meta centre is important
because it affects the stability of floating vessels
material performance bases n pl: capabilities (such as mobile offshore drilling rigs).
which must be demonstrated, as a minimum, for
material to satisfy the criteria of this standard. metamorphic rock n: a rock derived from
preexisting rocks by mineralogical, chemical, and
maximum allowable working pressure n: the structural alterations caused by processes within
maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) is the earth’s crust. Marble is a metamorphic rock.
the maximum pressure, permissible by the ASME
Code, at the top of the separator in its normal methane n: a light, gaseous, flammable paraffin
operating position for a designated temperature. hydrocarbon, that has a boiling point of 258˚F
and is the chief component of natural gas and an
maximum anticipated surface pressure important basic hydrocarbon for petrochemical
(MASP) n: the highest pressure predicted to be manufacture.
encountered at the surface of the well.
metre n: the fundamental unit of length in the
mean sea level (MSL) n: is a measure of the metric system. Its symbol is m. It is equal to about
average height of the ocean’s surface (such as the 3.28 feet, 39.37 inches, or 100 centimetres.
halfway point between the mean high tide and
mean low tide). metric ton n: a measurement equal to 1000 kg
or 2,204.6 lb avoirdupois. In many oil producing
measured depth (MD) countries, production is reported in metric tons. One
n: is a measure of the total depth of a drilled hole. metric ton is equivalent to about 7.4 barrels (42 US
gal = 1 bbl) of crude oil with a specific gravity of
measuring tank n: a calibrated tank that, by 0.84, or 36˚ API. In the Sl system, it is called a tonne.
means of weirs, float switches, pressure switches, mica n: a silicate mineral characterised by sheet
or similar devices, automatically measures cleavage. Biotite is ferro magnesian black mica, and
the volume of liquid run in and then released. muscovite is potassic white mica. Sometimes mica
Measuring tanks are used in LAS systems. Also is used as lost circulation material in drilling.
called metering tanks or dump tanks.
micron n: one millionth of a metre; a metric unit
measurement while drilling (MWD) n: The of measure of length equal to 0.001 mm.
evaluation of physical properties, usually including
pressure, temperature and wellbore trajectory migration n: the movement of oil from the area
in three-dimensional space, while extending a in which it was formed to a reservoir rock where it
wellbore. can accumulate.

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millidarcy n: one thousandth of a darcy. montmorillonite n: a clay mineral often used as an

additive to drilling fluid. It is a hydrous aluminium
Mine Safety and Health Administration n: a silicate capable of reacting with such substances as
US government agency that evaluates research in magnesium and calcium. See bentonite.
the causes of occupational diseases and accidents.
Head quarters in Arlington, Virginia, MSHA is moon pool n: a walled round hole or well in the
responsible for administration of the certification hull of a drill ship (usually in the centre) though
of respiratory safety equipment. which the drilling assembly and other assemblies
pass while a well is being drilled, completed, or
minimum internal yield pressure n: the abandoned from the drill ship.
lowest pressure at which permanent deformation
will occur. moored vessels n: offshore floating drilling
vessels which rely on anchors, chain, and mooring
mixing system n: a system that mixes a lines extended to the ocean floor to keep the vessel
measured amount of water soluble lubricant and at a constant location relative to the ocean floor.
optional glycol to feed water and delivers it to a
storage tank or reservoir. motion compensator n: any device (such as
a bumper sub or heave compensator) that serves
mixing tank n: any tank or vessel used to mix to maintain constant weight on the bit in spite of
components of a substance (as in the mixing of vertical motion of a floating offshore drilling rig.
additives with drilling fluid).
motor generator rig n: a drilling rig driven by
mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU) n: a electric motors with current supplied by engine
drilling rig that is used exclusively to drill offshore driven generators at the rig.
wells and that floats upon the surface of the water
when being moved from one location to another. mousehole n: an opening through the rig floor,
It may or may not float once drilling begins. The usually lined with pipe, into which a length of drill
drill ship, semi submersible drilling rig, and jack up pipe is placed temporarily for later connection to
drilling rig are all mobile rigs; a platform rig is not. the drill string.
mole n: the fundamental unit of mass of a substance. mud n: See Drilling Fluids
Its symbol is mol. A mole of any substance is
the number of grams or pounds indicated by its mud gas separator (MGS) n: a device that
molecular weight. For example, water, H20, has a separates gas from the fluid coming out of a well
molecular weight of approximately 18. Therefore, when gas cutting has occurred or when a kick is
a gram mole of water is 18 grams of water; a pound being circulated out.
mole of water is 18 pounds of water.
mud hopper n: See hopper.
monel steel n: a nickel base alloy containing
copper, iron, manganese, silicon, and carbon. Non
multiplex n: a system that uses multiple electronic
magnetic drill collars are often made of this material.
signals that are coded and transmitted through a
conductor pair. This eliminates the requirement of
monkey board n: the Derrickman’s working
a dedicated conductor pair for each required signal.
platform. As pipe or tubing is run into or out of the
hole, the Derrickman must handle the top end of
National Association of Corrosion
the pipe, which may be as high as 90 feet (27 m) in
Engineers n: organisation whose function is to
the derrick or mast. The monkey board provides a
establish standards and recommended practices
small platform to raise him to the proper height for
for the field of corrosion control. It is based in
handling the top of the pipe. Houston, Texas.
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natural gas n: a highly compressible, highly nonporous adj.: containing no interstices; having
expandible mixture of hydrocarbons having a low no pores.
specific gravity and occurring naturally in gaseous
form. Besides hydrocarbon gases, natural gas may non retrievable control pod n: a pod that is
contain appreciable quantities of nitrogen, helium, fixed in place on the LMRP and not retrievable.
carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, and water
vapour. Although gaseous at normal temperatures non return valve (NRV)
and pressures, the gases comprising the mixture see back pressure valve.
that is natural gas are variable in form and may be
found either as gases or as liquids under suitable normal circulation n: the smooth, uninterrupted
conditions of temperature and pressure. circulation of drilling fluid down the drill stem, out
the bit up the annular space between the pipe and
natural gas liquids n: those hydrocarbons the hole, and back to the surface.
liquefied at the surface in field facilities or in gas
processing plants. Natural gas liquids include normal formation pressure n: formation fluid
propane, butane, and natural gasoline. pressure equivalent to 0.465 psi per foot of depth
from the surface. If the formation pressure is 4,650
needle valve n: a form of globe valve that contains psi at 10,000 feet, it is considered normal.
a sharp pointed, needle like plug that is driven into
and out of a cone shaped seat to accurately control nozzle n: 1. a passageway through jet bits that
a relatively small rate of flow of a fluid. In a fuelallows the drilling fluid to reach the bottom of the
injector, the fuel pressure forces the needle valve hole and flush the cuttings through the annulus.
off its seat to allow injection to take place. Nozzles come in different sizes that can be
interchanged on the bit to allow more or less flow.
newton n: the unit of force in the metric system; 2. the pad of the fuel system of an engine that has
its symbol is N. A Newton is the force required small holes in it to permit fuel to enter the cylinder.
to accelerate an object of 1 kilogram mass to a Properly known as a fuel injection nozzle. Also
velocity of 1 metre per second in 1 second. called a spray valve. The needle valve is directly
above the nozzle.
newtonian fluid n: a fluid in which the viscosity
remains constant for all rates of shear if constant offset well data n: information obtained from
conditions of temperature and pressure are wells that are drilled in an area close to where a well
maintained. Most drilling fluids behave as non is being drilled or worked over. Such information
Newtonian fluids, as their viscosity is not constant can be very helpful in determining how a particular
but varies with the rate of shear. well will behave or react to certain treatments or
techniques applied to it.
newton metre n: also called a joule. See joule.
offshore n: the geographic area which lies seaward
nipple up v: in drilling, to assemble the Blowout of the coastline. In general, the term coastline
Preventer stack on the well head at the surface. means the line of ordinary low water along that
portion of the coast that is in direct contact with
nominal size n: a designated size that may be the open sea or the line marking the seaward limit
different from the actual size. of inland waters.
non magnetic drill collar n: a drill collar offshore drilling n: drilling for oil in an ocean,
made of an alloy that does not affect the readings gulf, or sea, usually on the continental shelf. A
of a magnetic compass placed within it to obtain drilling unit for offshore operations may be a
subsurface indications of the direction of a deviated mobile floating vessel with a ship or barge hull,
well bore. Used in directional drilling. a semi submersible or submersible base, a self

•
propelled or towed structure with jacking legs tack Because of its lubricating abilities, an oil emulsion
up drilling rig), or a permanent structure used as fluid increases the drilling rate and ensures better
a production platform when drilling is completed. hole conditions than other fluids.
In general, wildcat wells are drilled from mobile
floating vessels or from a jack up vessel, while oil field n: the surface area overlying an oil
development wells are drilled from platforms. reservoir or reservoirs. Commonly, the term
includes not only the surface area, but also the
offshore installation manager (OIM) n: is the reservoir, the wells, and the production equipment.
most senior manager of an offshore platform.
oil sand n: 1. a sandstone that yields oil. 2. (by
offshore platform n: permanently installed extension) any reservoir that yields oil, whether or
bottom supported or connected offshore structure, not it is sandstone.
equipped with drilling and/or production equipment
for drilling and/or development of offshore oil and oil shale n: a formation containing hydrocarbons
gas reservoirs. that cannot be recovered by an ordinary oilwell but
can be mined. After processing, the hydrocarbons
offshore rig n: any of various types of drilling are extracted from the shale. The cost of mining and
structures designed for use in drilling wells in treatment of oil shale has until recently been too
oceans, seas, bays, gulfs, and so forth. Offshore great to compete with the cost of oilwell drilling.
rigs include platforms, jack up drilling rigs, semi
submersible drilling rigs, submersible drill rigs, oil water contact n: the point or plane at which
and drill ships. the bottom of an oil sand contacts the top of a water
sand in a reservoir; the oil water interface.
oil and gas separator n: an item of production
equipment used to separate liquid components of the oilwell pump n: any pump, surface or subsurface,
well stream from gaseous elements. Separators are that is used to lift fluids from the reservoir to the
either vertical or horizontal and either cylindrical surface. See sucker rod pumping and hydraulic
or spherical in shape. Separation is accomplished pumping.
principally by gravity, the heavier liquids falling
to the bottom and the gas rising to the top. A float on suction adj.: of a tank, open to pump suction.
valve or other liquid level control regulates the
level of oil in the bottom of the separator. open circuit regulator n: also called demand
regulator.
oil drilling fluid n: a drilling fluid in which oil
is the continuous phase. Oil base fluid and invert open formation n: a petroleum bearing rock
emulsion fluid are types of oil fluid’s. They are with good porosity and permeability.
useful in drilling certain formations that may be
difficult or costly to drill with water base fluid. open hole n: 1. any well bore in which casing has
not been set. 2. open or cased hole in which no drill
oil base drilling fluid/oil based mud (OBM) pipe or tubing is suspended. 3. the portion of the
n: an oil that contains from less that 2 percent up well bore that has no casing.
to 5 percent water. The water is spread out, or
dispersed, in the oil as small droplets. opening ratio n: the ratio of the well pressure
to the pressure required to open the Blowout
oil emulsion drilling fluid n: a water base Preventer.
fluid in which water is the continuous phase and
oil is the dispersed phase. The oil is spread out, operating company n: See operator.
or dispersed, in the water in small droplets, which
are tightly emulsified so that they do not settle out.
36
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operating pressure n: the operating pressure is larger than the diameter of the bit used to drill it. An
the pressure in the vessel during normal operation. overgauge hole can occur when a bit is not properly
The operating pressure shall not exceed the MAWP, stabilised or does not have enough weight put on it.
and is usually kept at a suitable level below the
setting of the pressure relieving devices to preventovershot n: a fishing tool that is attached to tubing
their frequent opening. or drill pipe and lowered over the outside wall of
pipe or sucker rods lost or stuck in the well bore.
operator n: the person or company, either A friction device in the overshot, usually either a
proprietor or lessee, actually operating an oilwell basket or a spiral grapple, firmly grips the pipe,
or lease. Generally, the oil company by whom the allowing the lost fish to be pulled from the hole.
drilling contractor is engaged.
packed hole assembly n: a drill stem that
organic rock n: rock materials produced by plant consists of stabilisers and special drill collars and
or animal life (coal, petroleum, limestone, etc.). is used to maintain the proper angle and course
of the hole. This assembly is often necessary in
organic theory n: an explanation of the origin crooked hole country.
of petroleum, which holds that the hydrogen and
the carbon that make up petroleum come from
packed pendulum assembly n: a bottom hole
plants and animals of land and sea. Furthermore,
assembly in which pendulum length collars are
the theory holds that more of this organic material
swung below a regular packed hole assembly. The
comes from very tiny creatures of swamp and sea
pendulum portion of the assembly is used to reduce
than comes from larger creatures of land.
hole angle; it is then removed, and the packed hole
out of gauge hole n: a hole that is not gauge, assembly is run above the bit.
that is, of a size smaller or larger than the diameter
packer n: a piece of down hole equipment,
of the bit used to drill the hole.
consisting of a sealing device, a holding or setting
outer barrel n: the part of a telescopic slip joint on a device, and an inside passage for fluids, used to
marine riser which is attached to tension lines.Tension block the flow of fluids through the annular space
is transferred through the outer barrel into the riser. between the tubing and the wall of the well bore
by sealing off the space between them. It is usually
made up in the tubing string some distance above
outside diameter (OD)
a measure of the outside diameter of a component. the producing zone. A sealing element expands
to prevent fluid flow except through the inside
overbalance n: the amount by which pressure bore of the packer and into the tubing. Packers
exerted by the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well are classified according to configuration, use, and
method of setting and whether or not they are
bore exceeds formation pressure.
retrievable (that is, whether they can be removed
when necessary, or whether they must be milled or
overboard (diverter) line n: refer to vent line.
drilled out and thus destroyed)
overburden n: the pressure on a formation due
to the weight of the each material above that packer test n: application of hydraulic pressure
formation. For practical purposes, this pressure either through the tubing or annulus to assure that
the packer is properly set and sealed.
can be estimated at 1 psi/ft of depth.
overburden pressure n: the pressure exerted by packing element n: the annular sealing device
the overburden on the formation targeted for drilling. in an annular Blowout Preventer or diverter.
over gauge hole n: a hole whose diameter is

•
packoff or stripper n: a device with an elastomer permanent guide base n: a structure attached to
packing element that depends on pressure below and installed with the foundation pile when a well
the packing to effect a seal in the annulus. Used is drilled from an offshore drilling rig. It is seated
primarily to run or pull pipe under low or moderate in the temporary guide base and serves as a well
pressures. This device is not dependable for service head housing. Also, guidelines are attached to it
under high differential pressures. so that equipment (such as the Blowout Preventer)
may be guided into place on the well head.
part n: an individual piece used in the assembly of
a singe equipment unit. permeability n: 1. a measure of the ease with
which fluids can flow through a porous rock. 2.
partial pressure n: the pressure exerted by one the fluid conductivity of a porous medium. 3. the
specific component of a gaseous mixture. ability of a fluid to flow within the interconnected
pore network of a porous medium. See absolute
pascal n: the accepted metric unit of measurement permeability, and effective permeability.
for pressure and stress and a component in the
measurement of viscosity. A Pascal is equal to a petroleum geology n: the study of oil and gas
force of 1 Newton acting on an area of 1 square bearing rock formations. It deals with the origin,
metre. Its symbol is Pa. occurrence, movement, and accumulation of
hydrocarbon fuels.
pendulum assembly n: a bottom hole assembly
composed of a bit and several large diameter pH value n: a unit of measure of the acid or
drill collars; it may have one or more stabilisers alkaline condition of a substance. A neutral solution
installed in the drill collar string. The assembly (such as pure water) has a pH of 7; add solutions
works on the principle of the pendulum effect. are less than 7. The pH scale is a logarithmic scale;
a substance with a pH of 9 is more than twice as
pendulum effect n: the tendency of the drill alkaline as a substance with a pH of 8.
stem bit, drill collars, drill pipe, and kelly to hang
in a vertical position due to the force of gravity. piggyback v: (nautical) to install anchors behind
each other in tandem on the same mooring line.
penetration rate n: See rate of penetration.
pilot bit n: a bit placed on a special device called
percussion drilling n: 1. cable tool drilling. 2. a hole opener that serves to guide the device into
rotary drilling in which a special tool called a hammer an already existing hole that is to be opened (made
drill is used in combination with a roller cone bit. larger in diameter). The pilot bit merely guides,
or pilots, the cutters on the hole opener into the
perforate v: to pierce the casing wall and cement existing hole so that the hole opening cutters can
to provide holes through which formation fluids enlarge the hole to the desired size.
may enter or to provide holes in the casing so
that materials may be introduced into the annulus pilot fluid n: hydraulic control fluid that is
between the casing and the wall of the borehole. dedicated to the pilot supply system.
Perforating is accomplished by lowering into the
well a perforating gun, or perforator, that fires pilot line n: a hydraulic line that transmits pilot
electrically detonated bullets or shaped charges fluid to a control valve. Pilot lines are nominally
from the surface. grouped in a common bundle or umbilical.
period of roll n: the time required for a floating pilot response time n: for subsea systems, the
offshore drilling rig to roll from one side to the time it takes when the hydraulic function valve
other and back. is activated on the surface for the signal to travel
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through the pilot line and activate a control valve pipe upset n: that part of the pipe that has an
in the pod. abrupt increase of dimension.
pin drive master bushing n: a master bushing pipe wiper n: a flexible disk shaped device,
that has four drive holes corresponding to the four usually made of rubber, with a hole in the centre
pins on the bottom of the pin drive kelly bushing. through which drill pipe or tubing passes, used to
wipe off fluid, or other liquid from the pipe as the
pinion n: 1. a gear with a small number of teeth pipe is pulled from the hole.
designed to mesh with a larger wheel or rack. 2.
the smaller of a pair or the smallest of a train of pit level n: height of drilling fluid in the fluid pits.
gear wheels.
pit level indicator n: one of a series of devices
pipe n: a long hollow cylinder, usually steel, that continuously monitor the level of the drilling
through which fluids are conducted. Oil field fluid in the fluid tanks. The indicator usually
tubular goods are casing (including liners), drill consists of float devices in the fluid tanks that sense
pipe, tubing, or line pipe. Casing, tubing, and drill the fluid level and transmit data to a recording and
pipe are designated by external diameter. Because alarm device (a pit volume recorder) mounted near
lengths of pipe are joined by external diameter the Driller’s position on the rig floor. If the fluid
couplings threaded by standard tools, an increase level drops too low or rises too high, the alarm
in the wall thickness can be obtained only by sounds to warn the Driller that he may be either
decreasing the internal diameter. Thus, the external losing circulation or taking a kick.
diameter is the same for all weights of the same
size pipe. Weight is expressed in pounds per foot pit level recorder n: See pit level indicator.
or kilograms per metre. Grading depends on the
yield strength of the steel. pit volume recorder n: the gauge at the Driller’s
position that records data from the pit level, indicator.
pipe protector n: a protector that prevents drill
pipe from rubbing against the hole or against the pit Volume Totalizer n: trade name for a type
casing. of pit level indicator that combines all of the
individual pit volume indicators and registers the
pipe rack n: a horizontal support for tubular total drilling fluid volume in the various tanks.
goods.
plastic viscosity (PV) n: an absolute flow
pipe ram n: a sealing component for a Blowout property indicating the flow resistance of certain
Preventer that closes the annular space between types of fluids. Plastic viscosity is a measure of
the pipe and the Blowout Preventer or well head. shearing stress.
Unless special rams accommodating various pipe
sizes are used, separate rams are necessary for each plug n: any object or device that blocks a hole or
size (outside diameter) pipe in use. passageway (as a cement plug in a borehole).
pipe ram BOP n: a hydraulically operated plug and abandon v: to place a cement plug
assembly typically having two opposed ram into a dry hole and abandon it.
assemblies that move radially inward to close on
pipe in the well bore and seal the annular space. plug valve n: a valve whose mechanism consists
of a plug with a hole through it on the same axis
pipe ram preventer n: a Blowout Preventer that as the direction of fluid flow. Turning the plug 90
uses pipe rams as the closing elements. degrees opens or closes the valve. The valve may
or may not be full opening.

•
pneumatic adj.: operated by air pressure. limits for which the valve is set. It is used as a safety
device on pressurised vessels and other equipment
pneumatic control n: a control valve that is to prevent damage fro excessive pressure. It also is
actuated by air. Several pneumatic controls are called a relief valve or a safety valve.
used on drilling rigs to actuate rig components
(clutches, hoists, engines, pumps, etc.). pore n: an opening or space within a rock or mass
of rocks, usually small and often filled with some
pod n: see control pod fluid (water, oil, gas or all three).
poise n: the viscosity of a liquid in which a force pore pressure (formation pressure) n:
of 1 dyne (a unit of measurement of small amounts pressure exerted by the fluids within the pore space
of force) exerted tangentially on a surface of 1 of a formation.
cm2 of either of two parallel planes 1 cm apart will
move one plane at the rate of 1 cm per second in porosity n: the condition of something that
reference to the other plane, with the space between contains pores (such as a rock formation).
the two planes filled with the liquid.
portland cement n: the cement most widely
polymer n: a substance that consists of large used in oil wells. It is made from raw materials
molecules formed from smaller molecules in such as limestone, clay or shale, and iron ore.
repeating structural units. In petroleum refining,
heat and pressure are used to polymerise light positive displacement motor. n: Usually
hydrocarbons into larger molecules, such as those called a Dyna Drill. See Dyna Drill .
that make up high octane gasoline. In oil field
operations, various types of organic polymers are post weld heat treatment n: any heat treatment
used to thicken drilling fluid, fracturing fluid, acid, subsequent to welding, including stress relief.
and other liquids. In petrochemical production,
polymer hydrocarbons are used as the basis for possum belly n: 1. a receiving tank situated at
plastics. the end of the fluid return line. The flow of fluid
comes into the bottom of the device and travels
polymer units n: a drilling fluid to which has over baffles to control fluid flow over the shale
been added a polymer, a chemical that consists shaker. 2. a metal box under a truck bed that holds
of large molecules that were formed from small pipeline repair tools.
molecules in repeating structural units, to increase
the viscosity of the fluid. potable water n: a water supply that is acceptably
pure for human consumption. On an offshore rig,
poppet valve n: a device that controls the rate of it is usually produced by water makers and uses a
flow of fluid in a line or opens or shuts off the flow supply water for mixing control fluid for a subsea
of fluid completely. When open, the sealing surface control system.
of the valve is moved away from a seat; when
closed, the sealing surface contacts the seat to shut pounds per square inch gauge n: the pressure
off flow. Usually, the direction of movement of the in a vessel or container as registered on a gauge
valve is perpendicular to the seat. Poppet valves attached to the container. This pressure reading
are used extensively as pneumatic (air) controls on does not include the pressure of the atmosphere
drilling rigs and as intake and exhaust valves in outside the container.
most internal combustion engines.
power fluid n: pressurised hydraulic fluid
pop valve n. a spring loaded safety valve that dedicated to the direct operation of functions.
opens automatically when pressure exceeds the
40
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power tongs n: a wrench that is used to make up pressure gradient n: a scale of pressure
or break out drill pipe, tubing, or casing on which differences in which there is a uniform variation
the torque is provided by air or fluid pressure. of pressure from point to point. For example, the
Conventional tongs are operated by mechanical pressure gradient of a column of water is about
pull provided by a jerk line connected to a cat head. 0.433 psi/ft of vertical elevation. The normal
precharge n: see accumulator precharge. pressure gradient in a formation is equivalent to the
pressure exerted at any given depth by a column of
pressure n: the force that fluid (liquid or gas) 10 percent salt water extending from that depth to
exerts uniformly in all directions within a vessel, the surface (0.465 psi/ft or 10.518 kPa/m).
pipe, hole in the ground, and so forth, such as
that exerted against the liner wall of a tank or that pressure integrity test (pit) n: application of
exerted on the bottom of the well bore by drilling pressure by superimposing a surface pressure on
fluid. Pressure is expressed in terms of force a fluid column in order to determine the pressure
exerted per unit of area, as pounds per square inch at which the well can withstand before a well
(psi) or grams or kilograms per square centimetre. intervention. this test is less than formation fracture
pressure to prevent formation damage.
pressure containing part(s) or member(s) n pl:
those parts exposed to well bore fluids whose failure to pressure loss n: 1. a reduction in the amount
function as intended would result in a release of well bore of force a fluid exerts against a surface, usually
fluidtotheenvironment,suchasbodies,bonnetsandstems. occurring because the fluid is moving against the
pressure controlling part(s) or member(s) n pl: those surface. 2. the amount of pressure indicated by
parts intended to control or regulate the movement of a drill pipe pressure gauge when drilling fluid is
well bore fluids, e.g. packing elements, rams, replaceable being circulated by the fluid pump. Pressure losses
seats within a pressure containing member or part(s). occur as the fluid is circulated. pressure relief valve
n: a valve that opens at a preset pressure to relieve
pressure differential n: See differential excessive pressures within a vessel or line. Also
pressure. called a relief valve, safety valve, or pop valve.
pressure differentially set valve n: a valve pressure retaining part(s) or member(s)

that is operated when its actuator senses a change n pl: those parts not exposed to well bore fluids
in pressure of a pre set limit. whose failure to function as intended would result
in a release of well bore fluid to the environment
pressure drop n: a loss of pressure, resulting such as closure bolts, clamps.
from friction, sustained by a fluid passing through
a line, valve, fitting, or other device. pressure test, blowout preventer n: the
process of pressure testing internally a Blowout
pressure equalisation valve (dump valve) n: Preventer or Blowout Preventer assemble.
a device used to control bottom riser annulus pressure
by establishing direct communication with the sea. pressure transmitter n: device which sends a
pressure signal to be converted and calibrated to
pressure gauge n: an instrument that measures register the equal pressure reading on a gauge. the
fluid pressure and usually registers the difference air output pressure in proportion to the hydraulic
between atmospheric pressure and the pressure of input pressure.
the fluid by indicating the effect of such pressures
on a measuring element (a column of liquid, a pressure vessel quality n: metallic material
Bourdon tube, a weighted piston, a diaphragm, or whose integrity is such that it can be used to safely
other pressure sensitive device). contain pressure without risk of leakage or rupture.

•
pressure while drilling (PWD) n: utilize a pump (air) n: a device that increases the pressure
combined annulus and pipe pressure module of a fluid or raises it to a higher level by being
to provide the optimum in downhole pressure compressed in a chamber by a piston operated with
measurements. an air pressure motor.
preventer n: shortened form See blowout pump (electric) n: a device that increases the
preventer. pressure of a fluid and moves it to a higher level
using compression force from a chamber and
preventive maintenance n: a system of piston that is driven by an electric motor.
conducting regular checks and testing of equipment
to permit replacement or repair of weakened or pumping unit n: the machine that imparts
faulty pads before failure of the equipment results. reciprocating motion to a string of sucker rods
extending to the positive displacement pump at
primary cementing n: the cementing operation the bottom of a well; usually a beam arrangement
that takes place immediately after the casing has driven by a crank attached to a speed reducer.
been run into the hole; used to provide a protective
sheath around the casing, to segregate the producing pump liner n: a cylindrical, accurately machined,
formation, and to prevent the undesirable migration metallic section that forms the working barrel
of fluids. See secondary cementing and squeeze of some reciprocating pumps. Liners are an
cementing. inexpensive means of replacing worn cylinder
surfaces, and in some pumps they provide a method
primary well control n: prevention of formation of conveniently changing the displacement and
fluid flow by maintaining a hydrostatic pressure capacity of the pumps.
equal to or greater than formation pressure.
pump pressure n: fluid pressure arising from
prime mover n: an internal combustion engine the action of a pump.
that is the source of power for a drilling rig in
oilwell drilling. pump through tubing plug n: a plug set inside
the tubing string which will not permit back flow,
production packer n: a device installed in wells but will permit pumping through from the top side.
to effect a seal between the tubing string(s) and
casing. pup Joint n: a length of drill pipe, tubing, or
casing shorter that 30 feet.
producing zone n: the zone or formation from
which oil or gas is produces. push-button/indicating light n: the control
valve operates with bulbs on the electrical remote
panel which change and indicate the position of
propping agent n: a granular substance (sand
the control valves.
grains, aluminium pellets, or other material) that
is carried in suspension by the fracturing fluid and
qualified personnel n pl: individuals with
that serves to keep the cracks open when fracturing
characteristics or abilities gained through training,
fluid is withdrawn after a fracture treatment.
experience, or both, as measured against the
manufacturers established requirements.
pseudo oil based mud (PODM)
quartz n: a hard mineral composed of silicon
pull it green v: to pull a bit from the hole for dioxide; a common component in igneous,
replacement before it is greatly worn. metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks.
pull out of hole (POH) v: See come out of the hole.
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rabbit n: 1. a small plug that is run through a flow rat hole connection n: the addition of a length
line to clean the line or to test for obstructions. 2. of drill pipe or tubing to the active string. The
any plug left unintentionally in a pipeline during length to be added is placed in the rat hole, made
construction (as, a rabbit that ran into the pipe). up to the kelly, pulled out of the rat hole, and made
up into the string.
rack pipe v: 1. to place pipe withdrawn from the
hole on a pipe rack. 2. to stand pipe on the derrick readback n: an indication of a remote condition.
floor when coming out of the hole.
ream v: to enlarge the well bore by drilling it
ram n: the closing and sealing component on a again with a special bit. Often a rat hole is reamed
Blowout Preventer. One of three types blind, pipe, or opened to the same size as the main well bore.
or shear may be installed in several preventers See rat hole.
mounted in a stack on top of the well bore. Blind
rams, when closed, form a seal on a hole that has records n pl: retrievable information.
no drill pipe in it; pipe rams, when closed, seal
around the pipe; shear rams cut through drill pipe recorder n: an device that records outputs of
and then form a seal. pressure, temperature continually on a chart to
provide continuous reading.
ram blowout preventer n: a Blowout Preventer
that uses rams to seal off pressure on a hole that is reel (hose of cable) n: a reel, usually power
with our without pipe. Also called a ram preventer. driven, that stores, pays out and takes up umbilicals,
either control hose bundles or armoured electrical
ram preventer n: also called a ram Blowout cables.
Preventer.
reference point n: also called gauge point.
rankine temperature scale n: a temperature
scale with the degree interval of the Fahrenheit regulator (pressure) n: a hydraulic device that
scale and the zero point at absolute zero. On the reduces upstream supply pressure to a desired
Rankine scale, water freezes at 491.60˚ and boils (regulated) pressure. It may be manual or remotely
at 671.69˚. See absolute temperature scale. operated and, once set, will automatically maintain
the regulated output pressure unless reset to a
rate of penetration (ROP) n: a measure of the different pressure.
speed at which the bit drills into formations, usually
expressed in feet (metres) per hour or minutes per relative density n: the ration of the mass of a
foot (metre). given volume of a substance to the mass of a like
volume of a standard substance, such as water or
rated working pressure n: the maximum air. In conventional measurement units, specific
internal pressure equipment is designed to contain gravity is similar to relative density.
and/or control. Rated working pressure is not to be
confused with test pressure. relief valve n: a device that is built into a hydraulic
or pneumatic system to relieve (dump) any excess
rat hole n: 1. a hole in the rig floor, 30 35 feet pressure.
(9 11 m) deep, which is lined with casing that
projects above the floor and into which the kelly relief well n: a well drilled near and deflected into
and swivel are placed when hoisting operations are a well that is out of control, making it possible to
in progress. 2. a hole of a diameter smaller than the bring the wild well under control. See wild well.
main hole and drilled in the bottom of the main
hole. v: to reduce the size of the well bore and drill
ahead.

•
remote BOP control panel n: a device, placed the oil; if so, the reservoir is called a gas reservoir.
on the rig floor, that can be operated by the Driller Associated with the gas, in most instances, are
to direct air pressure to actuating cylinders that salt water and some oil. In a condensate reservoir,
turn the control valves on the main BOP control the hydrocarbons may exist as a gas, but, when
unit, located at a safe distance from the rig. brought to the surface, some of the heavier ones
condense to a liquid.
remote choke panel n: a set of controls, usually
placed on the rig floor, that is manipulated to reservoir drive mechanism n: the process in
control the amount of drilling fluid being circulated which reservoir fluids are caused to flow out of
out through the choke manifold. This procedure is the reservoir rock and into a well bore by natural
necessary when a kick is being circulated out of a energy. Gas drives depend on the fact that, as the
well. See choke manifold. reservoir is produced, pressure is reduced, allowing
the gas to expand and provide the driving energy.
remote controlled valve n: a valve which is Water drive reservoirs depend on water pressure
controlled from a remote location to force the hydrocarbons out of the reservoir and
into the well bore.
remote operated vehicle (ROV) n: a tethered
underwater vehicle which are unoccupied, highly reservoir pressure n: the pressure in a reservoir.
maneuverable and operated by a person aboard a
vessel. reservoir rock n: a permeable rock that contains
oil or gas in appreciable quantity.
repeat formation tester (RFT) n: is operated
by an electrically driven hydraulic system so that response time n: the time elapsed between
it can be set and retracted as often as necessary to activation of a function at the control panel and
pressure test all zones of interest on one trip in the complete operation of the function.
well. Two separate fluid tests can also be taken on
one trip. Formation pressures are recorded at the retarder n: a substance added to cement to prolong
surface in both digital and analog form. the setting time so that the cement can be pumped
into place. Retarder’s are used for cementing in
replacement n: the process whereby a volume of high temperature formations.
fluid equal to the volume of steel in tubulars and
retrievable control pod n: a subsea pod that is
tools withdrawn from the well bore is resumed to
retrievable remotely on a wire line.
the well bore.
returns n pi.: the fluid, cuttings, and so forth that
reservoir n: a subsurface, porous, permeable
circulate up the hole to the surface.
rock body in which oil and/or gas is stored.
Most reservoir rocks are limestone’s, dolomites, reverse circulation n: the course of drilling fluid
sandstone’s, or a combination of these. The three downward through the annulus and upward through
basic types of hydrocarbon reservoirs are oil, the drill stem, in contrast to normal circulation in
gas, and condensate. An oil reservoir generally which the course is downward through the drill
contains three fluids gas, oil, and water with oil stem and upward through the annulus. Seldom
the dominant product. In the typical oil reservoir, used in open hole, but frequently used in workover
these fluids occur in different phases because of operations. Also referred to as “circulating the
the variance in their gravity’s. Gas, the lightest, short way”, since returns from bottom can be
occupies the upper part of the reservoir rocks; obtained more quickly than in normal circulation.
water, the lower part; and oil, the intermediate
section. In addition to its occurrence as a cap or reverse circulation junk basket n: a special
in solution, gas may accumulate independently of device that is lowered into the hole during normal
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circulation to a position over the junk to be retrieved. from the well to the vessel. The riser consists of
A ball is then pumped down to cause the drilling several sections of pipe and includes special devices
fluid to exit through nozzles in the tool, producing to compensate for any movement of the drilling rig
reverse circulation and creating a vacuum inside caused by waves. It is also called a marine riser.
the tool so that the junk is sucked into it.
riser spider n: equipment used to support the
rheology n: the study of the flow of gases and marine riser while it is being run or retrieved.
liquids, of special importance to fluid engineers
and reservoir engineers. riser tensioned line n: a cable that supports
the marine riser while compensating for vessel
rig n: the derrick or mast, draw works, and attendant movement.
surface equipment of a drilling or workover unit.
rock n: an aggregate of different minerals. Rocks
rig floor n: the area immediately around the rotary are divided into three groups on the basis of
table and extending to each corner of the derrick or their mode of origin: igneous, metamorphic, and
mast; the area immediately above the substructure sedimentary.
on which the draw works, rotary table, and so forth
rest. Also called derrick floor and drill floor.
rock bit n: also called roller cone bit. See roller
cone bit.
ring joint flange n: a special type of flanged
connection in which a metal ring (resting in a
roller cone bit n: a drilling bit made of two,
groove in the flange) serves as a pressure seal
three, or four cones, or cutters, that are mounted on
between the two flanges.
extremely rugged bearings. Also called rock bits.
The surface of each cone is made up of rows of
riser n: a pipe through which liquid travels
steel teeth or rows of tungsten carbide inserts.
upward; a riser pipe. See riser pipe.
rotary n: the machine used to impart rotational power
riser angle indicator n: an acoustic or electronic
to the drill stem while permitting vertical movement
device used to monitor the angle of the flex joint
of the pipe for rotary drilling. Modern rotary machines
on a floating offshore drilling rig. Usually, a small
have a special component, the rotary bushing, to turn
angle should be maintained on the flex joint to
the kelly bushing, which permits vertical movement
minimise drill pipe fatigue and wear and damage to
of the kelly while the stem is fuming.
the Blowout Preventers and to maximise the ease
with which tools may be run. Also called azimuth
rotary bushing n: also called master bushing.
angle indicator.
See master bushing.
riser connector (LMRP connector) n: a
rotary drilling n: a drilling method in which
hydraulically operated connector that joins the
a hole is drilled by a rotating bit to which a
Lower Marine Riser Package to the top of the
downward force is applied. The bit is fastened to
lower BOP stack.
and rotated by the drill stem, which also provides
a passageway through which the drilling fluid is
riser pipe n: the pipe and special fittings used on
circulated. Additional joints of drill pipe are added
floating offshore drilling rigs to establish a seal
as drilling progresses.
between the top of the well bore, which is on the
ocean floor, and the drilling equipment, located
rotary hose n: a reinforced flexible tube on a rotary
above the surface of the water. A riser pipe serves
drilling rig that conducts the drilling fluid from the
as a guide for the drill stem from the drilling vessel
fluid pump and standpipe to the swivel and kelly;
to the well head and as a conductor of drilling fluid
also called the fluid hose or the kelly hose.

•
rotary line n: also called drilling line. sack n: a container for cement, bentonite, ilmenite,
barite, caustic, and so forth. Sacks (bags) contain
rotary pump n: a pump that moves fluid by the following amounts:
positive displacement, using a system of rotating Cement 94 lb (1 cu ft)
vanes, gears, or lobes. The vaned pump has Bentonite 100 lb
vanes extending radially from a rotating element Ilmenite 100 lb
mounted in the casing. The geared rotary pump Barite 100 lm
uses opposite rotating, meshing gears or lobes.
safety clamp n: a device used to suspend a rod
rotary slips n pi.: also called slips. See slips. string after the pump has been spaced or when
the weight of the rod string must be taken off the
rotary support beams n: the steel beams of pumping equipment.
a substructure which support the rotary table.
safety factor n: a margin added to a figure or
rotary table n: the principal component of a value purely for safety.
rotary, or rotary machine, used to turn the drill stem
and support the drilling assembly. It has a bevelled safety Joint n: an accessory to the fishing tool,
gear arrangement to create the rotational motion placed above it. If the tool cannot be disengaged
and an opening into which bushings are fitted to from the fish, the safety point permits easy
drive and support the drilling assembly. disengagement of the string of pipe above the
safety joint. Thus, part of the safety joint, as well
rotating blowout preventer n: also called as the tool attached to the fish, remains in the hole
rotating head. and becomes part of the fish.
rotating drilling head n: a sealing device used safety valve n: 1. an automatic valve that opens
to close off the annular space around the kelly or closes when an abnormal condition occurs (e.g.,
in drilling with pressure at the surface, usually a pressure relief valve on a separator that opens if
installed above the main Blowout Preventers. the pressure exceeds the set point, or the shutdown
A rotating head makes it possible to drill ahead valve at the well head that closes if the line
even when there is pressure in the annulus that the pressure becomes too high or too low). 2. a valve
weight of the drilling fluid is not overcoming; the installed at the top of the drill stem to prevent flow
head prevents the well from blowing out. It is used out of the drill pipe if a kick occurs during tripping
mainly in the drilling of formations that have low operations.
permeability. The rate of penetration through such
formations is usually rapid. salt dome n: a dome that is caused by an intrusion
of rock salt into overlying sediments. A piercement
rotating stripper head n: a sealing device salt dome is one that has been pushed up so that it
installed above the Blowout Preventers and used penetrates the overlying sediments, leaving them
to close the annular space about the drill pipe or truncated. The formations above the salt plug are
kelly when pulling or running pipe under pressure. usually arched so that they dip in all directions
away from the centre of the dome, thus frequently
round trip n: the action of pulling out and forming traps for petroleum accumulations.
subsequently running back into the hole a string
of drill pipe or tubing. Making a round trip is also salt water flow n: an influx of formation salt
called tripping. water into the well bore.
run in hole (RIH) n: to trip or lower drill pipe sandstone n: a detrital sedimentary rock
into the wellbore. composed of individual grains of sand (commonly
46
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quark) that are cemented together by silica, calcium self elevating drilling unit n: an offshore
carbonate, iron oxide, and so forth. Sandstone is drilling rig, usually with a large hull. It has a mat
a common rock in which petroleum and water or legs that are lowered to the sea floor and a main
accumulate. deck that is raised above the surface of the water
to a distance where it will not be affected by the
saturation n: a state of being filled or permeated waves. Also called a jack up drilling rig.
to capacity. Sometimes used to mean the degree or
percentage of saturation (as, the saturation of the semi submersible drilling rig n: a floating
pore space in a formation or the saturation of gas offshore drilling structure that has hulls submerged
in a liquid, both in reality meaning the extent of in the water not resting on the sea floor. Living
saturation). quarters, storage space, and so forth are assembled
on the deck. Semi submersible rigs are either self
scrubber n: a scrubber is a type of separator propelled or towed to a drilling site and either
which has been designed to handle flow streams anchored or dynamically positioned over the site
with unusually high gas to liquid ratio. These are or both. They are more stable than drill ships and
commonly used in conjunction with dehydrators, are used extensively to drill wells in deep and
extraction plants, instruments or compressors for rough waters.
protection from entrained. sea floor n: the bottom
of the ocean; the seabed. separator n: a separator is a cylindrical or
spherical vessel used in the field to remove well
secondary cementing n: any cementing stream liquid(s) from gas components. The
operation after the primary cementing operation. separator may be either two phase or three phase.
Secondary cementing includes a plug back job, in Two phase separators remove the total liquid from
which a plug of cement is positioned at a specific the gas, while three phase separators also remove
point in the well and allowed to set. Wells are free water from the hydrocarbon liquid.
plugged to shut off bottom water or to reduce the Corrosion consideration for separators shall be
depth of the well for other reasons. for the pressure containing parts of the vessel
only, and as can be identified as falling within
secondary control n: the proper use of blowout the requirements of the applicable sections of
prevention equipment to control the well in the the ASME Code. Corrosion considerations
event primary control is lost. for vessel internals (non pressure parts) is by
mutual agreement between the purchaser and the
sediment n: 1. the matter that settles to the manufacturer.
bottom of a liquid; also called tank bottoms, basic Material selection for corrosive fluids should be
sediment, and so forth. 2. in geology, buried layers selected based on a review of related API or NACE
of sedimentary rocks. publications for materials that conform to ASME
Code. Consideration should be given to material
sedimentary rock n: a rock composed of selection as it relates to weight loss, sulphide
materials that were transported to their present stress cracking, chloride stress cracking, or other
position by wind or water. Sandstone, shale, and forms of corrosion. It is the responsibility of the
limestone are sedimentary rocks. user to determine what consideration for corrosion
should be made to the vessel during its intended
selector valve n: a three position directional life (Reference ASME Code as applicable to
control valve that has the pressure inlet port corrosion).
blocked and the operator ports blocked in the
centre position. serialisation n: assignment of a unique code
to individual parts and/or pieces of equipment to
maintain records.

•
shale n: a fine grained sedimentary rock composed shut in bottom hole pressure (SIBHP)
of consolidated silt and clay or fluid. Shale is the n: the pressure at the bottom of a well when the
most frequently occurring sedimentary rock. surface valves on the well are completely closed.
The pressure is caused by fluids that exist in the
shale shaker n: a vibrating screen used to remove formation at the bottom of the well.
cuttings from the circulating fluid in rotary drilling
operations. The size of the openings in the screen shut in casing pressure (SICP) n: pressure of
should be carefully selected to be the smallest size the annular fluid on the casing when a well is shut
possible that will allow 100 percent flow of the in.
fluid. Also called a shaker.
shut in drill pipe pressure (SIDPP) n:
shear ram n: the components in a Blowout pressure of the drilling fluid on the inside of the
Preventer that cut, or shear, through drill pipe drill stem; used to measure the difference between
and form a seal against well pressure. Shear rams hydrostatic pressure and formation pressure when
are used in mobile offshore drilling operations to a well is shut in after a kick and the fluid pump is
provide a quick method of moving the rig away off.
from the hole when there is no time to trip the drill
stem out of the hole. shut in pressure n: the pressure when the well
is completely shut in, as noted on a gauge installed
shear ram (BOP) (blind/shear rams) n: rams on the surface control valves. When drilling is in
have cutting blades that will shear tubulars that progress, shut in pressure should be zero, because
may be in the well bore, while the rams close and the pressure exerted by the drilling fluid should be
seal against the pressure below. equal to or greater than the pressure exerted by the
formations through which the well bore passes.
sheave n: a wheel or rollers with a cross section On a flowing, producing well, however, shut in
designed to allow a specific size of rope, cable, pressure should be above zero.
wireline or hose bundle to be routed around it at
a fixed bend radius. Normally used to change the shutoff valve n: a valve that closes a hydraulic or
direction of, and support, the line. pneumatic supply line.
shooting nipple assembly n: a fabricated shuttle valve n: a valve with two or more supply
length of pipe equipped with a wireline Blowout pressure ports and only one outlet port. When fluid
Preventer and pack off installed above the is flowing through one of the supply ports the
Blowout Preventer stack to accommodate removal internal shuttle seals off the other inlet port and
of logging or perforating tools and for protection allows flow to the outlet port only.
against unexpected pressure while performing
through casing wireline operations. side track v: to drill around broken drill pipe or
casing that has become lodged permanently in the
shut in v: 1. to close the valves on a well so that hole, using whipstock, turbo drill, or other fluid
it stops producing. 2. to close in a well in which a motor.
kick has occurred. See Hard Shut In, Soft Shut In
silicon controlled rectifier n: a device that
shut in adj.: shut off to prevent flow. Said of a changes alternating current to direct current by
well, plant, pump, and so forth, when valves are means of a silicon control gate. Commonly called
dosed at both inlet and outlet. SCR or Thyristor.
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single n: a joint of drill pipe. floor so that the crew members and the rig floor are
not contaminated with the fluid when stands are
single shot survey n: a directional survey that broken out.
provides a single record of the drift direction and
off vertical orientation of the hole. slurry n: a plastic mixture of cement and water
that is pumped into a well to harden, where it
skid the rig v: to move a rig with a standard supports the casing and provides a seal in the well
derrick from the location of a lost or completed bore to prevent migration of underground fluids.
hole preparatory to starting a new hole. Skidding
the rig allows the move to be accomplished with snubbing v: pulling or running tubulars under
little or no dismantling of equipment. pressure through a resilient sealing element where
special equipment is used to apply external force
slick line n: a smooth, single strand, high strength, to push the pipe into the well or to control pipe
steel wire used in wireline operations. movement out of the well.
slim hole drilling n: drilling in which the size soft shut in v: to close in a well by closing a
of the hole is smaller than the conventional hole Blowout Preventer with the choke and choke line
diameter for a given depth. This decrease in hole
valve open, then closing the choke while monitoring
size enables the operator to run smaller casing,
the casing pressure gauge for maximum allowable
thereby lessening the cost of completion.
casing pressure.
slip ram preventer n: a ram Blowout Preventer
solenoid valve n: an electrically operated valve
with pipe slips which, when engaged, prevents
movement of the pipe but does not control flow. that controls a hydraulic or pneumatic pilot signal
or function.
slips n pi.: wedge shaped pieces of metal with
teeth or other gripping elements that are used to Solution n: a single, homogeneous liquid,
prevent pipe from slipping down into the hole or solid or gas phase that is a mixture in which the
to hold pipe in place. Rotary slips fit around the components (liquid, gas, solid, or combinations
drill pipe and wedge against the master bushing to thereof) are uniformly distributed throughout the
support the pipe. Power slips are pneumatically or mixture. In a solution, the dissolved substance is
hydraulically actuated devices that allow the crew called the solute, the substance in which the solute
to dispense with the manual handling of slips when is dissolved is called the solvent.
making a connection. Packers and other downhole
equipment are secured in position by slips that stored hydraulic fluid volume n: the fluid
engage the pipe by action directed at the surface. volume recoverable from the accumulator system
between the maximum designed accumulator
sloughing n: (pronounced “sluffing”). Also operating pressure and the precharge pressure.
called caving. See caving.
sour adj.: containing or caused by hydrogen
Slow Circulating Rate (SCR) n: a predetermined sulphide or another acid gas (e.g., sour crude, sour
pump rate which can be used to kill a well which gas, sour corrosion).
has experienced a kick.
sour crude oil n: oil containing hydrogen
slug the pipe v: to pump a quantity of heavy sulphide or another acid gas.
fluid into the drill pipe. Before hoisting drill pipe,
it is desirable (if possible) to pump into its top sour gas n: natural gas containing hydrogen
section a quantity of heavy fluid, or a slug, that sulphide
causes the level of the fluid to remain below the rig

•
space out v: procedure conducted to position spud in: v: to begin drilling, to start the hole.
a predetermined length of drill pipe above the
rotary table so that a tool joint is located above the square drill collar n: a special drill collar,
subsea preventer rams on which drill pipe is to be square but with rounded edges, used to control the
suspended (hung off) and so that no tool joint is straightness or direction of the hole, often part of a
opposite a set of preventer rams after drill pipe is packed hole assembly.
hung off.
square drive master bushing n: a master
space out joint n: the joint of drill pipe which is bushing that has a square opening or recess to
used in hang off operations so that no tool joint is accept and drive the square that is on the bottom of
opposite a set of preventer rams. the squaredrive kelly bushing.
special processes n pl: operations which
convert or affect material properties. squeeze n: 1. a cementing operation in which
cement is pumped behind the casing under high
specific gravity (SG) n: the ratio of the weight pressure to re cement channelled areas or to block
of a given volume of a substance at a given off an uncemented zone. 2. the increasing of
temperature to the weight of an equal volume of external pressure upon a diver’s body by improper
a standard substance at the same temperature. For diving technique.
example, if 1 cubic inch of water at 39˚F weighs 1
unit and 1 cubic inch of another solid or liquid at squeeze cementing n: the forcing of cement
39˚ weights 0.95 unit, then the specific gravity of slurry by pressure to specified points in a well
the substance is 0.95. In determining the specific to cause seals at the points of squeeze. It is a
gravity of gases, the comparison is made with the secondary cementing method that is used to isolate
standard of air or hydrogen. a producing formation, seal off water, repair casing
leaks, and so forth.
spent fluid n: hydraulic control fluid that is
vented from a function control port when the squench joint n: a special thread less tool joint
opposite function is operated. for large diameter pipe, especially conductor pipe,
sometimes used on offshore drilling rigs. When
splash zone n: the area on an offshore structure the box is brought down over the pin and weight
that is regularly wetted by seawater but is not is applied, a locking device is actuated to seal the
continuously submerged. Metal in the splash zone joints. Because no rotation is required to make
must be well protected from the corrosive action of up these joints, their use can save time when the
seawater and air. conductor pipe is being run.
spool n: a pressure containing piece of equipment stab v: to guide the end of a pipe into a coupling
having API end connections, used below or or tool joint when making up a connection.
between equipment functioning to space apart,
adapt or provide outlets in a equipment assembly. stabbing board n: a temporary platform erected
When outlet connections are provided, they shall in the derrick or mast, some 20 to 40 feet (6 12m)
be API connections. above the derrick floor. The Derrickman or another
crew member works on the board while casing is
spud v: to move the drill stem up and down in being run in a well. The board may be wooden or
the hole over a short distance without rotation. fabricated of steel girders floored with anti skid
Careless execution of this operation creates material and powered electrically to be raised or
pressure surges that can cause a formation to break lowered to the desired level. A stabbing board
down and results in lost circulation. See spud in. serves the same purpose as a monkey board but is
temporary instead of permanent.
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stabiliser n: 1. a tool placed near the bit, and pumping drilling fluid of increased density at
often just above it, in the drilling assembly and a predetermined pumping rate with Blowout
used to change the deviation angle in a well Preventer(s) closed and simultaneously controlling
by controlling the location of the contact point casing and drill pipe surface pressures by varying
between the hole and the drill collars. Conversely, choke manifold choke settings until the well is
stabilisers are used to maintain correct hole angle. stable and static with zero surface pressure.
See packed hole assembly. 2. a vessel in which
hydrocarbon vapours are separated from liquids. standpipe n: a vertical pipe rising along the side
3. a fractionation system that reduces the vapour of the derrick or mast, which joins the discharge line
pressure so that the resulting liquid is less volatile. leading from the fluid pump to the rotary hose and
through which fluid is pumped going into the hole.
stack n: 1. a vertical pile of blowout prevention
equipment. Also called preventer stack. See Blowout starboard n: (nautical) the right side of a vessel
Preventer. 2. the vertical chimney like installation (determined by looking toward the bow).
that is the waste disposal system for unwanted steel tooth bit n: a roller cone bit in which the
vapour such as flue gases or tail gas streams. surface of each cone is made up of rows of steel
teeth. Also called a milled tooth bit or milled bit.
stack a rig v: to store a drilling rig upon
completion of a job when the rig is to be withdrawn still drilling assembly n: also called packed
from operation for a time. hole assembly. See packed hole assembly.
stand n: the connected joints of pipe racked in the straight hole n: a hole that is drilled vertically.
derrick or mast during a trip. The usual stand is 90 The total hole angle is restricted, and the hole does
feet long (about 27 m), which is three lengths of not change direction rapidly no more than 3˚ per
drill pipe screwed together (a treble). 100 feet (30.48 m) of hole.
standard cubic foot n: a gas volume unit straight through function n: a subsea function
of measurement at a specified temperature and that is directly operated by a pilot signal without
pressure. The temperature and pressure may be interface with a pod mounted pilot operated control
defined in the gas sales contract or by reference to valve. Straight through functions typically require
other standards. Its abbreviation is scf. a low fluid volume to operate and the response
time is not critical.
standard pressure n: the pressure exerted by
a column of mercury 760 mm high; equivalent to stress relief n: controlled heating of material to
14.7 psia. a predetermined temperature for the purpose of
reducing any residual stresses after welding.
standard temperature n: a predetermined
temperature used as a basic measurement. The strip a well v: to pull rods and tubing from a well
petroleum industry uses 60˚F (15.5˚C) as its standard at the same time for example, when the pump is
temperature during measurement of oil. The stuck. Tubing must be stripped over the rods a
volume of a quantity of oil at its actual temperature joint at a time, and the exposed sucker rod is then
(assuming it is not 60˚F) is converted to the volume backed off and removed.
the oil would occupy at 60˚F. Conversion is aided
by the use of API conversion tables. stripper n: see pack-off.
standard well kill procedure n: any of stripper head n: a blowout prevention device
industry’s proven techniques to control a flowing consisting of a gland and packing arrangement
well wherein well control is obtained through bolted to the well head. It is often used to seal the
annular space between tubing and casing.

•
stripping in v: 1. the process of lowering the drill flow when actuated. These devices can be installed
stem into the well bore when the well is shut in on and retrieved by wireline (wireline retrievable) and
a kick. 2. the process of putting tubing into a well pump down methods, or be an integral part of the
under pressure. strip pipe v: 1. to remove the drill tubing string (tubing retrievable).
stem from the hole while the Blowout Preventers
are closed. 2. to pull the drill stem and the wash suction pit n: also called a suction tank, sump
over pipe out of the hole at the same time. pit, or fluid suction pit.
structural casing n: the outer string of large suction tank n: the fluid tank from which fluid is
diameter, heavy wall pipe installed in wells drilled picked up by the suction of the fluid pumps.
from floating installation to resist the bending
movements imposed by the marine riser, and sulphate reducing bacteria n: bacteria that
to help support the well head installed on the digest sulphate present in water, causing the release
conductor casing. of hydrogen sulphide, which combines with iron to
form iron sulphide, a troublesome scale.
stuck pipe n: drill pipe, drill collars, casing, or
tubing having inadvertently become immovable in supercharge v: to supply a charge of air to
the hole. Sticking may occur when drilling is in the intake of an internal combustion engine at
progress, when casing is being run in the hole, or a pressure higher than that of the surrounding
when the drill pipe is being hoisted. atmosphere.
stuck point n: the depth in the hole at which the surface casing n: also called surface pipe.
drill stem, tubing, or casing is stuck.
surface motion compensator n: a heave
studded connections n: connections in which compensator.
thread anchored studs are screwed into tapped
holes. surface pressure n: pressure measured at the
well head.
stuffing box n: a packing gland screwed in the
top of the well head through which the polished surface safety valve n: a Christmas tree
rod operates on a pumping well. It prevents the valve and actuator assembly designed to
escape of oil, diverting it into a side outlet to which prevent uncontrolled well flow when actuated.
is connected the flow line, leading to the oil and
gas separator or the field storage tank. surge n: 1. an accumulation of liquid above a
normal or average level, or a sudden increase in its
subsea blowout preventer n: a Blowout flow rate above a normal flow rate. 2. the motion of a
Preventer placed on the sea floor for use by a mobile offshore drilling rig in a direction in line with
floating offshore drilling rig. the centre line of the rig, especially the front to back
motion of the rig when it is moored in a sea way.
subsea test tree n: a device designed to be
landed in a subsea well head or Blowout Preventer surge effect n: a rapid increase in pressure down
stack to provide a means of dosing in the well hole that occurs when the drill stem is lowered
on the ocean floor so that a drill stem test of an rapidly or when the fluid pump is quickly brought
offshore well can be obtained. up to speed after starting.
subsurface safety valve n: a device installed surging n: a rapid increase in pressure down hole that
in the production tubing in a well below the well occurs when the drill stem is lowered too fast or when
head and designed to prevent uncontrolled well the fluid pump is brought up to speed after starting.
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swab n: a hollow, rubber faced cylinder mounted swivel n: a rotary tool that is hung from the rotary
on a hollow mandrel with a pin joint on the upper hook and travelling block to suspend and permit
end to connect to the swab line. A check valve that free rotation of the drill stem. It also provides a
opens upward on the lower end provides a way to connection for the rotary hose and a passageway
remove the fluid from the well when pressure is for the flow of drilling fluid into the drill stem.
insufficient to support flow. v: to operate a swab
on a wireline to bring well fluids to the surface swivel packing n: special rubberised compounds
when the well does not flow naturally. Swabbing is placed in a swivel to prevent drilling fluid from
temporary operation to determine whether or not leaking out under high pressure.
the well can be made to flow. If the well does not
flow after being swabbed, a pump is installed as tail pipe n: 1. a pipe run in a well below a packer.
a permanent lifting device to bring the oil to the 2. a pipe used to exhaust gases from the muffler of
surface. an engine to the outside atmosphere.
swab valve n: the uppermost valve in vertical take out v: to remove a joint or stand of pipe from
line on the Christmas tree, always above the flow the drill stem.
wing valve.
tally v: to measure and record the total length of
swabbed show n: formation fluid that is pulled pipe, casing, or tubing that is to be run in a well.
into the well bore because of an underbalance
of formation pressure caused by pulling the drill tapered string n: drill pipe, tubing, sucker rods,
string too fast. and so forth with a diameter near the top of the
well larger than the diameter below.
swabbing v: the lowering of the hydrostatic
pressure in the wellbore due to upward movement tar sand n: a sandstone that chiefly contains yew,
of tubulars and/or tools. heavy, tar like hydrocarbons. Tar sands are difficult
to produce by ordinary methods; thus it is costly to
swabbing effect n: a phenomenon characterised obtain usable hydrocarbons from them.
by formation fluids being pulled or swabbed
into the well bore when the drill stem and bit are target n: a bull plug or blind flange at the end of
pulled up the well bore fast enough to reduce the a tee to prevent erosion at a point where change in
hydrostatic pressure of the fluid below the bit. If flow direction occurs.
enough formation fluid is swabbed into the hole, a
kick can result. targeted n pl: refers to a fluid piping system in
which flow impinges upon a lead filled end (target)
sweet crude oil n: oil containing little or no or a piping tee when fluid transits a change in
direction.
sulphur, especially little or no hydrogen sulphide.
telescoping joint n: a device used in the marine
sweet gas n: gas that has no more than the
riser system of a mobile offshore drilling rig to
maximum sulphur content defined by (1) the
compensate for the vertical motion of the rig
specifications for the sales gas from a plant or (2) caused by wind, waves, or weather. It consists of
the definition by a legal body such as the Railroad an inner barrel attached beneath the rig floor and
Commission of Texas. an outer barrel attached to the riser pipe and is an
integrated part of the riser system.
switchable three way target valve n: a device
having an erosion resistant target with changeable
position to enable selection of flow direction of
diverted well fluids.

•
telescopic (slip) joint packer n: a torus shaped thermostat n: a control device used to regulate
hydraulic or pneumatically actuated, resilient temperature.
element between the inner and outer barrels of
the telescopic (slip) joint which serves to retain thief formation n: a formation that absorbs
drilling fluid inside the marine riser. drilling fluid as the fluid is circulated in the well;
also called a thief sand or a thief zone. Lost
telltale hole n: a hole drilled into the space circulation is caused by a thief formation.
between rings of packing material used with a
liner in a fluid pump. When the liner packing fails, thixotropic n: the property exhibited by a fluid
fluid spurts out of the telltale hole with each stroke that is in a liquid state when flowing and in a
of the piston, indicating that the packing must be semisolid, gelled state when at rest. Most drilling
renewed. fluids must be thixotropic so that the cuttings in the
fluid will remain in suspension when circulation is
temporary guide base n: the initial piece stopped.
of equipment lowered to the ocean floor once a
mobile offshore drilling rig has been positioned on tie back string n: casing that is run from the top
location. It serves as an anchor for the guidelines
of a liner to the surface. A tie back string is often
and as a foundation for the permanent guide base
used to provide a production casing that has not
and has an opening in the centre through which
been drilled through.
the bit passes. It is also called a template. tensile
strength n: the greatest longitudinal stress that
a metal can bear without tearing apart. Tensile tight formation n: a petroleum or water
bearing formation of relatively low porosity and
strength of a metal is greater than yield strength.
permeability.
tensioner system n: a system of devices
tight hole n: 1. a well about which information is
installed on a floating offshore drilling rig to
restricted for security or competitive reasons and
maintain a constant tension on the riser pipe
such information given only to those authorised to
despite any vertical motion made by the rig. The
receive it. 2. a section of the hole that, for some
guidelines must also be tensioned, and a separate
reason, is under gauge. For example, a bit that is
tensioner system is provided for them.
worn undergauge will drill a tight hole.
Texas deck n: the main load bearing deck of an
offshore drilling structure and the highest above tight spot n: a section of a borehole in which
the water, excluding auxiliary decks such as the excessive wall cake has built up, reducing the hole
diameter and making it difficult to run the tools in
helicopter landing pad.
and out. Compare key seat.
thermometer n: an instrument that measures
ton n: 1. (nautical) a volume measure equal to
temperature. Thermometers provide a way
100 ft3 applied to mobile offshore drilling rigs.
to estimate temperature from its effect on a
2. (metric) a measure of weight equal to 1000 kg.
substance with known characteristics (such as a
Usually spelled tonne.
gas that expands when heated). Various types of
thermometers measure temperature by measuring
tonne n: a mass unit in the metric system equal to
the change in pressure of a gas kept at a constant
1 000 kg.
volume, the change in electrical resistance of
metals, or the galvanic effect of dissimilar metals
tool Joint n: a heavy coupling element for
in contact. The most common thermometer is the
drill pipe, made of special alloy steel. Tool
mercury filled glass tube that indicates temperature
joints have coarse, tapered threads and seating
by the expansion of the liquid mercury.
shoulders designed to sustain the weight of the
54
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drill stem, withstand strain of frequent coupling transducer n: a device actuated by power from
and uncoupling, and provide a leakproof seal. The one system and supplying power to another
male section of the joint, or the pin, is attached to system, usually in a different form. For example,
one end of a length of drill pipe, and the female a telephone receiver receives electric power and
section, or box, is attached to the other end. The supplies acoustic Dower.
tool joint may be welded to the end of the pipe,
screwed on, or both. A hard metal facing is often tricone bit n: a type of bit in which three cone
applied in a bad around the outside of the tool joint shaped cutting devices are mounted in such a way
to enable it to resist abrasion from the wall of the that they intermesh and rotate together as the bit
borehole. drills. The bit body may be fitted with nozzles, or
jets, through which the drilling fluid is discharged.
torque n: the fuming force that is applied to a shaft A one eyed bit is used in soft formations to drill a
or other rotary mechanism to cause it to rotate or deviated hole.
tend to do so. Torque is measured in units of length
and force (foot pounds, Newton metres). trip n: the operation of hoisting the drill stem from
and resuming it to the well bore. v: shortened form
torque indicator n: an instrument that measures of “make a trip”. See make a trip.
the amount of torque (fuming or twisting action)
trip out of hole (TOH): See trip, tripping
applied to the drill or casing string. The amount
of torque applied to the string is important when
tripping v: the operation of hoisting the drill stem
joints are being made up.
out of and resuming it to the well bore; making a
trip. See tap.
torque recorder n: an instrument that measures
and makes a record of the amount of torque trip gas n: an accumulation of gas which enters
(fuming or twisting action) applied to the drill or the hole while a trip is made.
casing string.
trip margin n: an incremental increase in drilling
total depth (TD) n: the maximum depth reached fluid density to provide an increment of overbalance
in a well. in order to compensate for effects of swabbing.
tour n: (pronounced “tower”) a working shift trip tank n: a small fluid tank with a capacity
for drilling crew or other oil field workers. The of 10 to 15 bbl, usually with 1 bbl divisions,
most common tour is 8 hours long; the three daily used exclusively to ascertain the amount of fluid
tours are called daylight, evening, and graveyard necessary to keep the well bore full with the exact
(or morning). Sometimes 12 hour tours are used, amount of fluid that is displaced by drill pipe. When
especially on offshore rigs; they are called simplythe bit comes out of the hole, a volume of fluid equal
day tour and night tour. to that which the drill pipe occupied while in the
hole must be pumped into the hole to replace the
toxic substance n: a substance or material pipe. When the bit goes back in the hole, the drill
which can be detrimental to human health or the pipe displaces a certain amount of fluid, and a trip
functional capacity of a person having exposure to tank again can be used to keep track of this volume.
it.
true vertical depth (TVD) n: the depth of a
traceability, Job lot n: the ability for parts to well measured from the surface straight down to
be identified as originating from a job lot which the bottom of the well. The true vertical depth
identifies the included hear(s). of a well may be quite different from its actual
measured depth, because wells are very seldom
drilled exactly vertical.

•
tubing n: small diameter pipe that is run into a ullage n: the amount by which a tank or a vessel
well to serve as a conduit for the passage of oil and comes short of being full, especially on ships.
gas to the surface. Ullage in a tank is necessary to allow space for
the expansion of the oil in the tank when the
tubing safety valve n: an essentially full- temperature increases. Also called outage.
opening valve located on therig floor with threads
to match the tubing in use. this valve is used to umbilical n: a line that supplies a diver or
close off the tubing to prevent flow. a diving bell with a lifeline, a breathing gas,
communications, a pneumo fathometer, and if
tubingless completion n: a method of needed, a heat supply.
completing a well in which a small diameter
production casing is set through the producing under balance n: the amount by which formation
zone with no tubing or inner production string presser exceeds pressure exerted by the hydrostatic
employed to bring formation fluids to the surface. head of fluid in the well bore.
tubulars n: drill pipe, drill collars, tubing, and under balanced drilling (UBD) n: is a
procedure used to drill wells where the pressure in
casing.
the wellbore is kept lower than the fluid pressure
in the formation being drilled. As the well is being
tubular goods (tubulars) n pi.: any kind of
drilled, formation fluid flows into the wellbore and
pipe; also called tubulars. Oil field tubular goods
up to the surface.
include tubing, casing, drill pipe, and line pipe.
unconsolidated sandstone n: a sand
tungsten carbide bit n: a type of roller cone bit formation in which individual grains do not adhere
with inserts made of tungsten carbide. Also called to one another. If an unconsolidated sandstone
tungsten carbide insert bit. produces oil or gas, it will produce sand as well, if
not controlled or corrected.
tungsten carbide insert bit n: also called
tungsten carbide bit. See tungsten carbide bit. underground blowout n: an uncontrolled flow
of gas, salt water, or other fluid out of the well bore
turbine motor n: usually called a turbodrill. See and into another formation that the well bore has
turbodrill. penetrated.
turbodrill n: a drilling tool that rotates a bit that is upper kelly cock n: the kelly cock, as
attached to it by the action of drilling fluid on the distinguished from the drill stem safety valve,
turbine blades built into the tool. When a turbodrill sometimes called the lower kelly cock. See kelly
is used, rotary motion is imparted only at the bit; cock.
therefore, it is unnecessary to rotate the drill stem.
Although straight holes can be drilled with the upset v: to forge the ends of tubular products
tool, it is used most often in directional drilling. so that the pipe wall acquires extra thickness
and strength near the end. Usually upsetting is
turbulent flow n: the flow of a fluid in an erratic, performed to provide the thickness needed to form
nonlinear motion, caused by high velocity. threads so that the tubular goods can be connected.
n: the thickened area formed by upsetting of
twist off n: a complete break in pipe caused by tubular goods.
rotational force wrenching damaged pipe apart.
upstream adv.: in the direction opposite the flow
twist off v: to part or split drill pipe or drill collars, in a line. n: the point in a line or system situated
primarily because of metal fatigue in the pipe or opposite the direction of flow.
because of mishandling.
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usable hydraulic fluid n: the hydraulic fluid V door n: an opening at floor level in a side of
volume recoverable from the accumulator system a derrick or mast. The V door is opposite the
between the maximum designed accumulator drawworks and is used as an entry to bring in drill
operating pressure and the minimum operating pipe, casing, and other tools from the pipe rack.
pressure. The name comes from the fact that on the old
standard derrick, the shape of the opening was an
U tube n: a U shaped tube. inverted V.
U tubing n: the action of fluids flowing in a U vent n: an opening in a vessel, line, or pump to
tube (as heavy fluid forcing lighter fluid down the permit the escape of air or gas. vent line n: the
drill stem and up the annulus). conduit which directs the flow of diverted well bore
fluids away from the drill floor to the atmosphere.
vacuum n: 1. theoretically, a space that is devoid
of all matter and that exerts zero pressure. 2. a vent line valve n: a full opening valve which
condition that exists in a system when pressure is facilitates the shut off of flow or allows passage of
reduced below atmospheric pressure. diverted well bore fluids through the vent line.
vacuum degasser n: a device in which gas cut vent outlet n: the point at which fluids exit the well
fluid is degassed by the action of a vacuum inside bore below the annular sealing device via the vent line.
a tank. The gas cut fluid is pulled into the tank,
the gas removed, and the gas free fluid discharged venturi effect n: the drop in pressure resulting
back into the fluid tank. from the increased velocity of a fluid as it flows
through a constricted section of a pipe.
valve, float n: a device that is positioned as either
open or closed, depending on the position of a vertical n: an imaginary line at right angles to the
lever connected to a buoyant material sitting in the plane of the horizon. adj.: of a well bore, straight,
fluid to be monitored. not deviated.
valve, poppet n: the opening and closing device viscosity n: a measure of the resistance of a liquid
in a line of flow which restricts flow by lowering to flow. Resistance is brought about by the internal
a piston type plunger into the valve passageway. friction resulting from the combined effects of
cohesion and adhesion. The viscosity of petroleum
valve, relief n: a valve that opens at a present products is commonly expressed in terms of the
pressure to relieve excessive pressures within a time required for a specific volume of the liquid
vessel or line whose primary function is to limit to flow through an orifice of a specific size. visual
system pressure. examination n: examination of parts and equipment
for visible defects in material and workmanship.
valve, shut-off n: a valve which operates fully
voids n pi.: cavities in a rock that do not contain
open or fully closed to control the flow through
solid material but may contain fluids.
a conduit
volumetric efficiency n: actual volume of fluid
valve, sub-surface safety n: a completion put out by a pump, divided by the volume displaced
safety valve installed at a depth below the surface by a piston or pistons (or other device) in the
according to various criteria. pump. Volumetric efficiency is usually expressed
as a percentage. For example, if the pump pistons
vapour n: a substance in the gaseous state, capable displace 300 cubic inches, but the pump puts only
of being liquefied by compression or cooling. 291 cubic inches per stroke, then the volumetric
efficiency of the pump is 97 percent.

•
volumetric non destructive examination weight on cement (WOC) n:

v: examination for internal material defects by
radiography acoustic emission or ultrasonic testing. weight up v: to increase the weight or density of
drilling fluid by adding weighting material.
wait and weight method n: a well killing method
in which the well is shut in and the fluid weight weld, fabrication n: a weld joining two or more
is raised the amount required to kill the well. The parts.
heavy fluid is then circulated into the well, while at
the same time the kick fluids are circulated out. So weld, non pressure containing n: a weld,
called because one shuts the well in and waits for the absence of which will not reduce the pressure
the fluid to be weighted before circulation begins. containing integrity of the component.
wall cake n: also called filter cake or fluid cake. weld, pressure containing n: a weld, the
See fluid cake. absence of which will reduce the pressure
containing integrity of the component.
wall sticking n: also called differential pressure
sticking. See differential pressure. weld groove n: an area between two metals to
be joined that has been prepared to receive weld
washout n: 1. excessive well bore enlargement filler metal.
caused by solvent and erosive action of the drilling
fluid. 2. a fluid cut opening caused by fluid leakage. weld joint n: a description of the way components
water based hydraulic fluid n: control fluid mixture are fitted together in order to facilitate joining by
composed of water soluble lubricant and water. welding.
water base fluid n: a drilling fluid in which the welding v: the fusion of materials with or without
continuous phase is water. In water base fluids, any the addition of tiller materials.
additives are dispersed in the eater. Compare oil
base fluid. well n: the hole made by the drilling bit, which
can be open, cased, or both. Also called well bore,
watt n: a unit of electromotive force. borehole, or hole.
weight cut n: the amount by which drilling fluid well bore n: a borehole; the hole drilled by the bit.
density is reduced by entrained formation fluids or air. A well bore may have casing in it or it may be open
(uncased); or a portion of it may be cased, and a
weight indicator n: an instrument near the portion of it may be open. Also called borehole or
driller’s position on a drilling rig. It shows both hole.
the weight of the drill stem that is hanging from the
hook (hook load) and the weight that is placed on well control n: the methods used to prevent a
the bit by the drill collars (weight on bit). well from blowing out. Such techniques include,
but are not limited to, keeping the borehole
weighting material n: a material that has a high completely filled with drilling fluid of the proper
specific gravity and is used to increase the density weight or density during all operations, exercising
of drilling fluids or cement slurries. reasonable care when tripping pipe out of the hole
to prevent swabbing, and keeping careful track of
weight on bit (WOB) n: the difference between the amount of fluid put into the hole to replace the
the net weight of the entire drill stem and the volume of pipe removed from the hole during a
reduced weight resulting when the bit is resting on trip.
bottom.
58
•
wellhead n: the equipment installed at the surface of
yield strength n: the stress level measured
the well bore. A well head includes such equipmentat room temperature, expressed in pounds per
as the casing head and tubing head. adj.: pertaining
square inch of loaded area, at which material
to the well head (e.g., well head pressure). plastically deforms and will not return to its
original dimensions when the load is released. All
wellhead connector (stack connector) n: yield strengths specified in this standard shall be
a hydraulically operated connector that joins the considered as being the 0.2% yield offset strength
BOP stack to the subsea well head. per ASTM A370.
wild well n: a well that has blown out of control zone n: a term used to distinguish different rock
and from which oil, water, or gas is escaping with strata (e.g. shale zone, sand zone, pay zone etc.).
great force to the surface; also called a gusher.
wireline operations n pl: operations performed in

a well bore by use of tools which are run and pulled
on small diameter slick, braided or electric wireline.
wireline preventers n pl: preventers installed

on top of the well or drill string as a precautionary
measure while running wireline. The preventer
packing will close around the wireline.
wireline well logging n the recording of

subsurface characteristics by wireline tools.
Wireline well logs include acoustic logs, calliper
logs, radioactivity logs, and resistivity logs.
working pressure n: the maximum pressure

at which an item is to be used at a specified
temperature.
wireline preventer n: preventers installed on

top of the well or drill string as a precautionary
measure while running wireline. The preventer
packing will close around the wireline.
working pressure rating n: the maximum

pressure at which an item is designed for safe
operation.
xmas tree n: the head terminating a completion

with a set of valves to control well flow and well
servicing activities.
yield point n: the maximum stress that a solid

can withstand without undergoing permanent
deformation either by plastic flow or by rupture.
See tensile strength.

•
ABBREVIATIONS, UNITS & SYMBOLS
Abbreviation Description

API American Petroleum Institute LCM lost circulation material
APIRP American Petroleum Institute LMRP lower marine riser package
Recommended Practice LOT leak off test
APL annular pressure loss LWD logging while drilling
BHA bottom hole assembly MASP maximum anticipated surface
BHP bottom hole pressure pressure
BOP blowout preventer MD measured depth
BRT below rotary table MODU mobile offshore drilling unit
Ca annular capacity MSL mean sea level
CLPL choke line pressure losses MWD measurement while drilling
DC drill collar N Newton
DDR daily drilling report NRV non return value
DECC Department of Energy & Climate OBM oil based mud
Change OD outside diameter
DP drill pipe/dynamic positioning OIM offshore installation manager
DSPL drill string pressure loss Pa Pascal
DST drill stem test PODM pseudo oil based mud
EH electro hydraulic POH pull out of hole
EMW equivalent mud weight PPB pounds per barrel
ESD equivalent static density PPG pounds per gallon
FCP final circulating pressure PV plastic viscosity
FIT formation integrity test PWD pressure while drilling
FOSV full open safety valve RFT repeat formation tester
Gfb formation breakdown pressure RIH run in hole
gradient ROP rate of penetration
Gi influx gradient pressure ROV remote operated vehicle
Gmud pressure gradient of mud RPM revolutions per minute
GPM gallons per minute SCR slow circulating rate
HAZ heat affected zone SG specific gravity
HCR hydraulic controlled remote SI international system of units
HDIS hydril drop-in sub SIBHP shut in bottom hole pressure
Hi height of influx SICP shut in casing pressure
HTHP high temperature high pressure SIDPP shut in drill pipe pressure
IADC International Association of TD total depth
Drilling Contractors TOH trip out of hole
ICP initial circulating pressure TVD true vertical depth
J joule UBD under balanced drilling
kg/l kilograms per litre WOB weight on bit
kg/m3 Kilograms per cubic metre WOC weight of cement
KT kick tolerance
60

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Glossary of Oilfield Terms

ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL

GLOSSARY OF OILFIELD TERMS

ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL 1

annular blowout preventer n: a large valve anticline n: an arched, inverted trough

ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL 3

ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL 5

ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL 7

ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL 9

ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL 11

concentric operations n pl: well operations continuous reeled tubing/coiled tubing

ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL 13

c) masterpanel (hydraulic or electric) corrosion inhibitor n: any substance which

ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL 15

ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL 17

drilling fluid additive n: any material added to

ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL 19

effective permeability n: a measure of the exploitation well n: a well drilled to permit

ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL 21

gallons per minute (GPM) gauge n: an instrument for measuring fluid

ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL 23

hydril n: the registered trademark of a prominent hydrogen sulphide service n: refers to

ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL 25

hydrostatic head n: the true vertical length of inflow n: see feed in

ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL 27

jack up drilling rig n: an offshore drilling junction box (J Box) (electrical) n: an

ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL 29

kill rate n: a predetermined fluid circulate landing nipple n: a receptacle in a production

ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL 31

lubrication v: alternately pumping a manometer n: a U shaped piece of glass tubing

ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL 33

millidarcy n: one thousandth of a darcy. montmorillonite n: a clay mineral often used as an

ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL 35

over gauge hole n: a hole whose diameter is

ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL 37

ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL 39

pressure differentially set valve n: a valve pressure retaining part(s) or member(s)

ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL 41

ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL 43

ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL 45

ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL 47

ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL 49

ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL 51

ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL 53

ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL 55

ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL 57

volumetric non destructive examination weight on cement (WOC) n:

wireline operations n pl: operations performed in

wireline preventers n pl: preventers installed

wireline well logging n the recording of

working pressure n: the maximum pressure

wireline preventer n: preventers installed on

working pressure rating n: the maximum

xmas tree n: the head terminating a completion

yield point n: the maximum stress that a solid

ABERDEEN DRILLING SCHOOL 59

ABBREVIATIONS, UNITS & SYMBOLS

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