Glossary
Browse the IADC Lexicon alphabetically or by category. Get comprehensive definitions of drilling industry terms.
Pipe Bonder
Definition(s)
Pipe Bonder
Tradesman able to perform satisfactory and independent work in the installation and joining of composite piping. Source: ISO 14692-1:2017, Petroleum and natural gas industries — Glass-reinforced plastics (GRP) piping — Part 1: Vocabulary, symbols, applications and materials, Second Edition, August 2017. Global StandardsPipe Leg
Definition(s)
Pipe Leg
Modeling term. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global StandardsPipe light
Definition(s)
Pipe light
A condition when the force acting on the drillstring from the wellbore pressure exceeds the weight of the drillstring. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global StandardsPipe Mill
Definition(s)
Pipe Mill
Firm, company or corporation that operates pipe-making facilities. Source: API SPEC 5CT, Specification for Casing and Tubing, Upstream Segment, Ninth Edition, July 2011 (Errata September 2012). Global StandardsPipe Prover
Definition(s)
Pipe Prover
Common device used in the proving of a meter. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global StandardsPipe Racking Board Guylines
Definition(s)
Pipe Racking Board Guylines (Tubing Board Guylines)
Lines (guylines) which run from the racking board to ground anchors; or a special substructure or base that provides a substitute for ground anchors. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsPipe Racking Board Guylines (Tubing Board Guylines)
“Pipe racking board guylines” sometimes called tubing board guylines, means lines that run from racking board to ground anchors or special substructure or base which provides a substitute for ground anchors. [Mich. Admin. Code R 408 (2013)]. Source: Oil and Gas Drilling and Servicing Operations, Michigan Administrative Code R 408, February 8, 2013. RegulationsPipe Ram
Definition(s)
Pipe Ram
A closing and sealing component in a ram blowout preventer that seals around the ouside diameter of a tubular in the wellbore. Source: API STD 53, Blowout Prevention Equipment Systems for Drilling Wells, Upstream Segment, Fourth Edition, November 2012. Global StandardsPipe Ram
A closing and sealing component in a ram blowout preventer that seals around the outside diameter of a specific size tubular in the wellbore. Source: API RP 96, Deepwater Well Design and Construction, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsPipe Rams
Rams whose ends are contoured to seal around pipe to close the annular space. Separate rams are necessary for each size (outside diameter) pipe in use. Source: API RP 59, Recommended Practice for Well Control Operations, Second Edition, May 2006. Global StandardsPipe Ram
Closing and sealing component in a ram blowout preventer that seals around tubulars in the wellbore. Source: API Specification 16A, Specification for Drill-through Equipment, Fourth Edition, April 2017. Global Standards Source: API SPEC 16A, Specification for Drill-through Equipment, Third Edition, June 2004 (Errata/Supplement November 2004). Global StandardsPipe Rams
“Pipe ram” means a large valve which is usually installed above the ram preventers and which forms a seal in the annular space between the pipe and wellbore. [Mich. Admin. Code R 408 (2013)]. Source: Oil and Gas Drilling and Servicing Operations, Michigan Administrative Code R 408, February 8, 2013. RegulationsPipe Ram BOP
Definition(s)
Pipe Ram BOP
A hydraulically operated assembly typically having two opposed ram assemblies that move inward to close on pipe in the wellbore and seal the annulus. 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 StandardsPipe Rams
Definition(s)
Pipe Rams
Rams whose ends are contoured to seal around pipe to close the annular space. 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 StandardsPipe Spool
Definition(s)
Pipe Spool
A section of piping with a flange or other connecting fitting, such as a union, on both ends which allows the removal of the section from the system.
Source: API 570, Piping Inspection Code: In-service Inspection, Rating, Repair, and Alteration of Piping Systems, Fourth Edition, February 2016, with Addendum May 2017. Global StandardsPipe String
Definition(s)
Pipe String
Pipe body and the connection. Source: API RP 5C5, Recommended Practice on Procedures for Testing Casing and Tubing Connections, Third Edition, July 2003 (Reaffirmed August 2010). Global StandardsPipe Support
Definition(s)
Pipe Support
Pipe fixture or structural attachment which transfers the load from the pipe or structural attachment to the supporting structure or equipment.- Note: 1 to entry: Fixtures include hanging-type fixtures such as hanger rods, spring hangers, sway braces, counterweights, turnbuckles, struts, chains, guides and anchors; and bearing-type fixtures such as saddles, bases, rollers, brackets and sliding supports.
- Note: 2 to entry: Structural attachments include elements which are bonded or moulded into the pipe, such as clips, lugs, saddles, rings, clamps, clevises, straps and skirts.
Pipe Tapping
Definition(s)
Hot Tapping (Pipe Tapping)
The act of drilling a hole through the wall of pipe that is under pressure. A special saddle is used to attach a valve and lubricator to the pipe. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsHot Tapping (Pipe Tapping)
The process of drilling a hole through the wall of pipe that is under pressure. A special saddle is used to attach a valve and lubricator to the pipe. Source: API RP 74, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Onshore Oil and Gas Production Operation, First Edition, October 2001 (March 2007). Global StandardsHot Tapping (Pipe Tapping)
“Pipe tapping,” sometimes called hot tapping, means the act of drilling a hole in the side of pipe that is under pressure. [Mich. Admin. Code R 408 (2013)]. Source: Oil and Gas Drilling and Servicing Operations, Michigan Administrative Code R 408, February 8, 2013. RegulationsPipe Work (surface pipe connections)
Definition(s)
Pipe Work (surface pipe connections)
May be threaded, unions, clamps, or flanged. Flanged connections are preferable (not mandatory) especially in the higher pressure applications, unions and clamps are acceptable in low to medium pressure, functions, threaded connections are appropriate in low pressure operations only and care must be taken to avoid galling / thread damage. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global StandardsPipeline Systems
Definition(s)
Pipeline Systems
Pipe with components subject to the same design conditions and typically used to transport fluids between wells and field facilities, field facilities and processing plants, processing plants and storage facilities. Source: ISO 14692-1:2017, Petroleum and natural gas industries — Glass-reinforced plastics (GRP) piping — Part 1: Vocabulary, symbols, applications and materials, Second Edition, August 2017. Global StandardsPipeline Systems
Subsea pipelines and risers that transport hydrocarbons and other fluids, with associated safety systems, valves, chambers, corrosion protection systems, etc. Source: Regulations relating to design and outfitting of facilities, etc. in the petroleum activities (the Facilities Regulations), Norway, April 2010 (amended December 2012). RegulationsPipeline Systems
Pipeline systems mean pipeline systems for landing petroleum from the shelf to onshore facilities as well as pipeline systems that transport other fluids in connection with operation of facilities on the shelf, pipeline systems for export of gas from onshore facilities to the Continent, possibly via a facility on the shelf, and pipeline systems for transport of petroleum between onshore facilities covered by these regulations. Source: Guidelines Regarding the Framework Regulations, Norway, updated December 2012. Regulatory GuidancePipeline Systems
“Pipeline system” means subsea pipelines and risers transporting hydrocarbons and other commodities, with associated safety systems, valves, tool launchers or receivers, manifolds, corrosion protection systems or other accessory equipment Source: Petroleum and Natural Gas (Safety in Offshore Operations) Rules, 2008, India, 18th June 2008. RegulationsPipeline Transportation Facility
Definition(s)
Pipeline Transportation Facility
A facility handling the delivery of flammable or combustible petroleum liquids or flammable gases; may include pump and compressor stations, storage facilities, manifold areas, valve sites, and pipeline right-of-way areas. API RP 500, Recommended Practice for Classification of Locations for Electrical Installations at Petroleum Facilities Classified as Class I, Division 1 and Division 2, Third Edition, December 2012, Global StandardsPiperack Piping
Definition(s)
Piperack Piping
Process piping that is supported by consecutive stanchions or sleepers (including straddle racks and extensions). Source: API 570, Piping Inspection Code: In-service Inspection, Rating, Repair, and Alteration of Piping Systems, Fourth Edition, February 2016, with Addendum May 2017. Global StandardsPiping
Definition(s)
Piping
Assemblies of piping components used to convey, distribute, mix, separate, discharge, meter, control or restrict fluid flows. Source: ISO 14692-1:2017, Petroleum and natural gas industries — Glass-reinforced plastics (GRP) piping — Part 1: Vocabulary, symbols, applications and materials, Second Edition, August 2017. Global StandardsPiping and Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID)
Definition(s)
Piping and Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID)
Diagram showing the sequence of piping and instruments on a section of the line or vessel but not drawn to scale. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global StandardsPiping Circuit
Definition(s)
Piping Circuit
A subsection of piping systems that includes piping and components that are exposed to a process environment of similar corrosivity and expected damage mechanisms and is of similar design conditions and construction material where by the expected type and rate of damage can reasonably be expected to be the same.- NOTE: 1 Complex process units or piping systems are divided into piping circuits to manage the necessary inspections, data analysis, and record keeping.
- NOTE: 2 When establishing the boundary of a particular piping circuit, it may be sized to provide a practical package for record keeping and performing field inspection.
Piping Component
Definition(s)
Piping Component
Mechanical element suitable for joining or assembly into a pressure-tight fluid-containing piping system.- EXAMPLE: Pipe, fittings, flanges, gaskets, bolting, valves, and devices such as expansion joints, flexible joints, pressure hoses, liquid traps, strainers and in-line separators.
Piping Engineer
Definition(s)
Piping Engineere
One or more persons or organizations acceptable to the owner/user who are knowledgeable and experienced in the engineering disciplines associated with evaluating mechanical and material characteristics affecting the integrity and reliability of piping components and systems. The piping engineer, by consulting with appropriate specialists, should be regarded as a composite of all entities necessary to properly address piping design requirements.
Source: API 570, Piping Inspection Code: In-service Inspection, Rating, Repair, and Alteration of Piping Systems, Fourth Edition, February 2016, with Addendum May 2017. Global StandardsPiping System
Definition(s)
Piping System
Interconnected piping subject to the same set or sets of design conditions.- Note: 1 to entry: The piping system also includes pipe supports, but does not include support structures.
Piping System
An assembly of interconnected pipe that typically are subject to the same (or nearly the same) process fluid composition and/or design conditions.- NOTE: Piping systems also include pipe-supporting elements (e.g. springs, hangers, guides, etc.) but do not include support structures, such as structural frames, vertical and horizontal beams and foundations.
Piping System
“Piping system” means an assembly of pipes, pipe fittings, valves, safety devices, pumps, compressors and other fixed equipment that contains a gas, vapour or liquid but does not include a boiler or pressure vessel. Source: Oil and Gas Occupational Safety and Health Regulations, SOR/87-612, Canada, current to April 29, 2013. Regulations Source: Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Occupational Health & Safety Requirements, Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board, Canada, December 2000. RegulationsPit
Definition(s)
Pit
Depression or cavity that can be caused by corrosion or removal of rolled-in or extraneous material. Source: API RP 5A5, Field Inspection of New Casing, Tubing, and Plain-end Drill Pipe, Reaffirmed August 2010. Global StandardsPit
Depression resulting from corrosion or removal of foreign material rolled into the surface during manufacture. Source: API RP 7G-2, Recommended Practice for Inspection and Classification of Used Drill Stem Elements, First Edition, August 2009. Global StandardsPit
Pit―for purposes of this Chapter, a natural topographic depression or man-made excavation used to hold produced water or other exploration and production waste, hydrocarbon storage brine, or mining water. The term does not include lined sumps less than 660 gallons or containment dikes, ring levees or firewalls constructed around oil and gas facilities. Source: Natural Resources, Office of Conservation – General Operations, Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 43, Part XIX, March 2013. RegulationsPit
Pit―an earthen surface impoundment constructed to retain E and P Waste, often referred to as a pond or lagoon. The term does not include lined sumps less than 660 gallons. Source: Natural Resources, Office of Conservation – General Operations, Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 43, Part XIX, March 2013. RegulationsPit
PIT shall mean any natural or man-made depression in the ground used for oil or gas exploration or production purposes. Pit does not include steel, fiberglass, concrete or other similar vessels which do not release their contents to surrounding soils. Source: Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, Practice and Procedure, Code of Colorado Regulations, 2 CCR 404-1, February 2013. RegulationsPit
“Pit” means a surface or sub-surface impoundment, man-made or natural depression or diked area on the surface. Excluded from this definition are berms constructed around tanks or other facilities solely for safety, secondary containment and storm water or run-on control. Source: Oil and Gas, New Mexico Administrative Code Title 19, Chapter 15, January 2013. RegulationsPit Level Indicator
Definition(s)
Pit Level Indicator
Device that constantly monitors the level of drilling fluid in the pits during operations incorporates float devices with sensors that report levels to a recording and alarm device (the pit volume recorder) placed near the driller’s position on the rig floor, the alarm is set to sound if the pit level goes too high or too low. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global StandardsPit Volume Indicator
Definition(s)
Pit Volume Indicator
A device installed in the drilling fluid tank to register the fluid level in the tank. Source: API STD 53, Blowout Prevention Equipment Systems for Drilling Wells, Upstream Segment, Fourth Edition, November 2012. Global StandardsPit Volume Totalizer
Definition(s)
Pit Volume Totalizer
A device that combines all of the individual pit volume indicators and registers the total drilling fluid volume in the various tanks. Source: API STD 53, Blowout Prevention Equipment Systems for Drilling Wells, Upstream Segment, Fourth Edition, November 2012. Global StandardsPitch
Definition(s)
Pitch
Axial distance between successive threads. NOTE In a single start thread, pitch is equivalent to lead. Source: API RP 7G-2, Recommended Practice for Inspection and Classification of Used Drill Stem Elements, First Edition, August 2009. Global StandardsPitch
Nominal distance between two adjacent threads roots or crests. Source: API RP 17G, Recommended Practice for Completion/Workover Risers, Second Edition, July 2006 (Reaffirmed April 2011). Global StandardsPitting
Definition(s)
Pitting
Localized corrosion of a metal surface in a small area and takes the form of cavities called pits. Pitting can be highly localized (including a single pit) or wide spread on a metal surface.
Source: API 570, Piping Inspection Code: In-service Inspection, Rating, Repair, and Alteration of Piping Systems, Fourth Edition, February 2016, with Addendum May 2017. Global Standards