B Class Bulkhead or Deck

B Class Bulkhead or Deck

Definition(s)

B class bulkhead or deck

B class bulkhead or deck means a bulkhead or deck that
  1. Is made of approved noncombustible material;
  2. Prevents flame from passing through it for 30 minutes if subjected to the standard fire test.
Source: Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 46 CFR 107-109 (2013). Regulations
B-Annulus

B-Annulus

Definition(s)

B-Annulus

Designation of an annulus between the production casing and the next outer casing
  • Note 1 to entry: The letter designation continues in sequence for each outer annulus space encountered between casing strings, up to and including the surface casing and conductor casing strings.
[SOURCE: API RP 90, modified] Source: ISO 16530-1:2017, Petroleum and natural gas industries - Well integrity – Part 1: Life cycle governance, First Edition, March 2017. Global Standards

B-Annulus

The annulus designation between the production casing and next outer casing. The letter designation continues in sequence for each and every outer annular space encountered between casing strings up to and including the surface casing and conductor casing strings. Source: API RP 90, Annular Casing Pressure Management for Offshore Wells, Upstream Segment. First Edition, August 2006. Global Standards  

B-Annulus

Annuli between the production casing and the previous casing string. Source: NORSOK D-010, Well integrity in drilling and well operations, Rev. 3, August 2004. Global Standards
BA

BA

Definition(s)

BA

Breathing Apparatus. Source: International Association of Drilling Contractors, Appendix 2 to Health, Safety and Environment Case Guidelines for Offshore Drilling Contractors, Issue 3.3.2, February 2010. IADC Guidelines Source: ISO 13702:2015, Petroleum and natural gas industries — Control and mitigation of fires and explosions on offshore production installations — Requirements and guidelines, Second Edition, August 2015. Global Standards
Back Allowable

Back Allowable

Definition(s)

Back Allowable

“Back allowable” means the authorization for production of an underproduction resulting from pipeline proration. Source: Oil and Gas, New Mexico Administrative Code Title 19, Chapter 15, January 2013. Regulations
Back Pressure

Back Pressure

Definition(s)

Back pressure

Pressure resulting from restrictions to fluid flow downstream.

Source: API Specification 16Q, Design, Selection, Operation, and Maintenance of Marine Drilling Riser Systems, Second Edition, April 2017. Global Standards  

Back Pressure

The pressure resulting from restriction of fluid flow downstream. Source: API RP 16Q, Recommended Practice for Design, Selection, Operation and Maintenance of Marine Drilling Riser Systems, First Edition, November 1993 (Reaffirmed August 2001). Global Standards Source: ISO 13624-1:2009, Petroleum and natural gas industries – Drilling and production equipment – Part 1:Design and operation of marine drilling riser equipment. Global Standards

Backpressure

Pressure that exists at the outlet of a pressure-relief device or depressuring valve as a result of the pressure in the discharge system.
  • NOTE The backpressure is the sum of the superimposed and built-up backpressures.
Source:API STD 521, Pressure-relieving and Depressuring Systems, Sixth Edition, January 2014. Global Standards

Backpressure (casing pressure, choke pressure)

The pressure existing at the surface on the casing side of the drill string/annulus flow system. Source: API RP 59, Recommended Practice for Well Control Operations, Second Edition, May 2006. Global Standards
Back Reflection

Back Reflection

Definition(s)

Back Reflection

Signal received from the back surface of a surface test object. Source: API SPEC 7-1, Specification for Rotary Drill Stem Elements, First Edition, March 2006 (Addendum April 2011). Global Standards
Back Up

Back Up

Definition(s)

Back up

Refers to the act of “backing up” or preventing rotation of one section of pipe or rods while another is screwed out of or into it. Also applied to screwing nuts on or off bolts. A backup wrench refers to any wrench being used to hold the pipe, rods, or bolt. Backup tongs refers to the pipe tongs suspended in the derrick and used to hold a section of pipe while another section is screwed out of or into it by use of other tongs. The backup man is the crew member who operates the backup tongs. The backup position refers to the workstation of the backup man. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global Standards
Back-Pressure Valve (BPV)

Back-Pressure Valve (BPV)

Definition(s)

Back-Pressure Valve

Unidirectional or bidirectional check valve that is installed through the christmas tree, into the tubing hanger, and prevents well fluids from flowing out of the well. Source: API SPEC 6A, Specification for Wellhead and Christmas Tree Equipment, Twentieth Edition, October 2010 (Addendum November 2012). Global Standards  

Back-Pressure Valve

A flow control valve to provide backflow control when running or pulling a string. Source: API SPEC 6A, Specification for Wellhead and Christmas Tree Equipment, Twentieth Edition, October 2010 (Addendum November 2012). Global Standards
Back-up Line

Back-up Line

Definition(s)

Back-up Line

A length of wire rope used for holding the leverage arm or handle of a tong to prevent tong rotation. Source: Petroleum Safety Orders--Drilling and Production, Definitions, California Code of Regulations, 8 CCR § 6505, December 2012. Regulations

 

Back-up Post

Back-up Post

Definition(s)

Back-up Post

A post, column or stanchion to which a back-up line is secured. Source: Petroleum Safety Orders--Drilling and Production, Definitions, California Code of Regulations, 8 CCR § 6505, December 2012. Regulations

 

Back-Wall Reflection

Back-Wall Reflection

Definition(s)

Back-Wall Reflection

Ultrasonic signal received from the back surface of the pipe wall. Source: API RP 5A5, Field Inspection of New Casing, Tubing, and Plain-end Drill Pipe, Reaffirmed August 2010. Global Standards  
Backdriving 〈General〉

Backdriving 〈General〉

Definition(s)

Backdriving 〈General〉

An unplanned movement in the reverse direction of an operation. Source: API SPEC 17D, Design and Operation of Subsea Production Systems—Subsea Wellhead and Tree Equipment, Upstream Segment, Second Edition May 2011 (Errata September 2011). Global Standards
Backdriving 〈Linear Actuator〉

Backdriving 〈Linear Actuator〉

Definition(s)

Backdriving 〈Linear Actuator〉

Condition where the valve drifts from the set position. Source: API SPEC 17D, Design and Operation of Subsea Production Systems—Subsea Wellhead and Tree Equipment, Upstream Segment, Second Edition May 2011 (Errata September 2011). Global Standards
Backdriving 〈Manual/ROV Operated Choke〉

Backdriving 〈Manual/ROV Operated Choke〉

Definition(s)

Backdriving 〈Manual/ROV Operated Choke〉

Condition where the valve changes position after the operator is disengaged. Source: API SPEC 17D, Design and Operation of Subsea Production Systems—Subsea Wellhead and Tree Equipment, Upstream Segment, Second Edition May 2011 (Errata September 2011). Global Standards
Backdriving 〈Rotary Actuator〉

Backdriving 〈Rotary Actuator〉

Definition(s)

Backdriving 〈Rotary Actuator〉

Condition where the valve continues to change position subsequent to the completion of a positional movement. Source: API SPEC 17D, Design and Operation of Subsea Production Systems—Subsea Wellhead and Tree Equipment, Upstream Segment, Second Edition May 2011 (Errata September 2011). Global Standards
Backdriving 〈Stepping-Actuated Choke〉

Backdriving 〈Stepping-Actuated Choke〉

Definition(s)

Backdriving 〈Stepping-Actuated Choke〉

Condition where the valve changes position after the operator is disengaged. Source: API SPEC 17D, Design and Operation of Subsea Production Systems—Subsea Wellhead and Tree Equipment, Upstream Segment, Second Edition May 2011 (Errata September 2011). Global Standards
Backfill

Backfill

Definition(s)

Backfill

Soil material used to refill the cavity above the spudcan due to spudcan penetration.

Source: ABS Guidance Notes on Geotechnical Performance of Spudcan Foundations, January 2017. Global Standards

Backfill

Submerged weight of all of the soil that can be present on top of the spudcan. NOTE Backfilling can occur during or after preloading. WBF,o refers to the submerged weight of the backfilling that occurs up to achieving the preload reaction. WBF,A refers to the submerged weight of the backfilling that occurs after the maximum preload has been applied and held. Both WBF,o and WBF,A can comprise backflow and/or infill. For discussion of the effects, see A.9.3.2.1.4. Source: ISO 19905-1:202, Petroleum and natural gas industries – Site-specific assessment of mobile offshore units – Part 1: Jack-ups. Global Standards
Backflow

Backflow

Definition(s)

Backflow

Soil flows from bottom of spudcan back into the cavity on the exposed top of the spudcan.

Source: ABS Guidance Notes on Geotechnical Performance of Spudcan Foundations, January 2017. Global Standards

Backflow

Soil that flows from beneath the spudcan around the sides and onto the top. NOTE Backflow is part of backfill (3.7). Source: ISO 19905-1:202, Petroleum and natural gas industries – Site-specific assessment of mobile offshore units – Part 1: Jack-ups. Global Standards
Background

Background

Definition(s)

Background

“Background” means, for purposes of ground water abatement plans only, the amount of ground water contaminants naturally occurring from undisturbed geologic sources or water contaminants occurring from a source other than the responsible person’s facility.  This definition does not prevent the director from requiring abatement of commingled plumes of pollution, does not prevent responsible persons from seeking contribution or other legal or equitable relief from other persons and does not preclude the director from exercising enforcement authority under any applicable statute, rule or common law. Source: Oil and Gas, New Mexico Administrative Code Title 19, Chapter 15, January 2013. Regulations  
Background Load

Background Load

Definition(s)

Background Load

Background load means operational discharges from the facility. Source: Guidance Notes on Petroleum and Natural Gas (Safety in Offshore Operations) Rules, 2008, Oil Industry Safety Directorate (India), 2012. Regulatory Guidance
Backing Plate

Backing Plate

Definition(s)

Backing Plate

Support plate attached to the back of screen cloth(s). Source: API RP 13C, Recommended Practice on Drilling Fluids Processing Systems Evaluation, Upstream Segment, Fourth Edition, December 2010. Global Standards  
Backup

Backup

Definition(s)

Backup

An element or system that is intended to be used only in the event that the primary element or system is non-functional. Source: API SPEC 16D, Specification for Control Systems for Drilling Well Control Equipment and Control Systems for Diverter Equipment, Upstream Segment, Second Edition, July 2004. Global Standards  

Backup

Redundant equipment available to complete an operation in the event the primary equipment fails. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global Standards
Backup Gradient

Backup Gradient

Definition(s)

Backup gradient

Hydrostatic gradient of fluid assumed to be on the other side of the tubular string from the design load case being considered. NOTE Typically subtracted from the design pressure load profile in order to calculate a “net” pressure. Source: API RP 96, Deepwater Well Design and Construction, First Edition, March 2013. Global Standards
BACT

BACT

Definition(s)

Best available control technology (BACT)

Best available control technology (BACT) means an emission limitation based on the maximum degree of reduction for each air pollutant subject to regulation, taking into account energy, environmental and economic impacts, and other costs. The Regional Supervisor will verify the BACT on a case-by-case basis, and it may include reductions achieved through the application of processes, systems, and techniques for the control of each air pollutant. Source: Oil and Gas and Sulphur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf, 30 CFR 250 (2013). Regulations  
Baffle

Baffle

Definition(s)

Baffle

Plate or obstruction built into a compartment to change the direction of fluid flow. Source: API RP 13C, Recommended Practice on Drilling Fluids Processing Systems Evaluation, Upstream Segment, Fourth Edition, December 2010. Global Standards  
Bail

Bail

Definition(s)

Bail

A cylindrical steel bar, similar to the handle or band of a bucket, only much larger, that supports the swivel and connects it to the hook. The links that attach the elevators to the hook may also be referred to as bails. Source: Petroleum Safety Orders--Drilling and Production, Definitions, California Code of Regulations, 8 CCR § 6505, December 2012. Regulations

 

Bailer

Bailer

Definition(s)

Bailer

A long cylindrical container, fitted with a valve at its lower end, used to remove water, sand, mud, or oil from a well. Source: Petroleum Safety Orders--Drilling and Production, Definitions, California Code of Regulations, 8 CCR § 6505, December 2012. Regulations

 

Balance

Balance

Definition(s)

Balance

Steady state of flow line or vessel has three critical characteristics:
  1. a single flow rate from node to node;
  2. an even pack throughout the system; and
  3. approximately equal volumes entering and leaving the line or vessel.
Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global Standards
Balanced and Comprehensive Picture

Balanced and Comprehensive Picture

Definition(s)

Balanced and Comprehensive Picture

Balanced and comprehensive picture means all external and internal incidents that the facility is vulnerable to should be identified. Source: Guidance Notes on Petroleum and Natural Gas (Safety in Offshore Operations) Rules, 2008, Oil Industry Safety Directorate (India), 2012. Regulatory Guidance
Balanced Cement Plug

Balanced Cement Plug

Definition(s)

Balanced Cement Plug

The result of pumping cement through drill pipe, workstring, or tubing until the level of cement outside is equal to that inside the drill pipe/ workstring/ tubing. The pipe is then pulled slowly from the Cement slurry, leaving the plug in place. The technique is used in both open hole and cased hole applications when the wellbore fluids are in static equilibrium. Source: API BULLETIN E3, Environmental Guidance Document: Well Abandonment and Inactive Well Practices for U.S. Exploration and Production Operations, First Edition, January 1993 (Reaffirmed June 2000). Global Standards