Glossary
Browse the IADC Lexicon alphabetically or by category. Get comprehensive definitions of drilling industry terms.
Bullheading
Definition(s)
Bullheading
A term to denote pumping into closed-in well without returns. Source: API RP 59, Recommended Practice for Well Control Operations, Second Edition, May 2006. Global StandardsBroaching
Definition(s)
Broaching
Venting of fluids to the surface or to the seabed through channels external to the casing. Source: API RP 59, Recommended Practice for Well Control Operations, Second Edition, May 2006. Global StandardsBroaching
Flow of fluids to the surface or to the sea bed through channels outside the casing. Source: API RP 64, Recommended Practice for Diverter Systems Equipment and Operations, Second Edition, November 2001 (March 1, 2007). Global StandardsBorehole Pressure
Definition(s)
Borehole Pressure
Total pressure exerted in the wellbore by a column of fluid and/or backpressure imposed at the surface. Source: API RP 59, Recommended Practice for Well Control Operations, Second Edition, May 2006. Global Standards Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global StandardsBOPE
Definition(s)
BOPE
An abbreviation for blowout preventer equipment. Source: API RP 59, Recommended Practice for Well Control Operations, Second Edition, May 2006. Global StandardsBOPE
"BOPE" means blowout prevention equipment. Source: Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, Definitions, Alaska Admin. Code tit. 20, § 25.990, December 7, 2012. RegulationsBlowout Preventer Drill
Definition(s)
Blowout Preventer Drill
A training procedure to determine that rig crews are completely familiar with correct operating practices to be followed in the use of blowout prevention equipment. A “dry run” of blowout preventive action. Source: API RP 59, Recommended Practice for Well Control Operations, Second Edition, May 2006. Global StandardsBleeding
Definition(s)
Bleeding
Controlled release of fluids from a closed and pressured system in order to reduce the pressure. Source: API RP 59, Recommended Practice for Well Control Operations, Second Edition, May 2006. Global StandardsBelching
Definition(s)
Belching
A slang term to denote flowing by heads. Source: API RP 59, Recommended Practice for Well Control Operations, Second Edition, May 2006. Global StandardsBarite Slurry
Definition(s)
Barite Slurry
A mixture of barium sulfate, chemicals, and water of a unit density between 18 and 22 pounds per gallon (lb/gal). Source: API RP 59, Recommended Practice for Well Control Operations, Second Edition, May 2006. Global StandardsBarite Plug
Definition(s)
Barite Plug
A settled volume of barite particles from a barite slurry placed in the well bore to seal off a pressured zone. Source: API RP 59, Recommended Practice for Well Control Operations, Second Edition, May 2006. Global StandardsWorkplace
Definition(s)
Workplace
Workplace has the meaning given in clause 3 of Schedule 3 to the Act. Source: Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Safety) Regulations 2009 (Select Legislative Instrument 2009 No. 382 as amended), Australia, prepared on 1 January 2012. RegulationsWorkplace
Workplace, in relation to a facility, means the whole facility or any part of the facility. Source: Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006, Australia, amended 2012. LegislationWorkplace
“Work place” means any place where an employee is engaged in work for the employer. Source: Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Occupational Health & Safety Requirements, Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board, Canada, December 2000. RegulationsWorkplace
“Workplace” means any working area, or place, including an installation or marine vessel, where an employee is or is likely to be engaged in any occupation and includes any vehicle or mobile equipment used or likely to be used by an employee in an occupation. Source: Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Occupational Health & Safety Requirements, Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board, Canada, December 2000. RegulationsWorkplace
Workplace shall mean the whole area intended to house workstations, relating to the immediate and ancillary activities and installations of the mineral-extracting industries through drilling, including accommodation, where provided, to which workers have access in the context of their work. Source: Concerning the minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers in the mineral-extracting industries through drilling (eleventh individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16 (1) of Directive 89/391/EEC), Council Directive 92/91/EEC of 3 November 1992. LegislationWorkplace
Any working area, or place, including an installation or marine vessel, where an employee is or is likely to be engaged in any occupation and includes any vehicle or mobile equipment used or likely to be used by an employee in an occupation. Note: OSH (NL) 1.1; C-NLOPB Other Requirements Respecting Occupational Health & Safety; OSH (NS) Element 1, Part 1, Section 1.1. Source: Incident Reporting and Investigation Guidelines, The Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board and Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board, Canada, November 30, 2012. Regulatory GuidanceWorkplace
The whole area of an installation, including accommodation, to which workers have access in the context of their work, (i.e., all areas on the MODU). 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 GuidelinesWorkplace
In this regulation “workplace” has the same meaning as in regulation 2(1) of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. Note: S.I. 1992/3004. Source: The Borehole Sites and Operations Regulations 1995, UK S.I. 1995/2038, 1995. RegulationsWork Place
space within a work area, allocated to one or more persons to complete work tasks related to production, inspection or maintenance work system combination of people and work equipment, acting together in the work process, at the work place, in the work environment, and under the conditions imposed by the work task working environment totality of all physical, chemical, biological and physiological factors at work that may affect the employees’ health and well-being through acute trauma or lasting exposure working environment analysis systematic work process including the following: - definition, limitation and breakdown of the installation, work systems and work areas with respect to one or more parameters to reduce the risk of human error and improve task performance, e.g. area activities during operation, type of equipment, chemical substance. Source: Rules for Classification and Construction, IV Industrial Services, 6 Offshore Technology, 9 Guideline for Personnel Transfers by Means of Lifting Appliances, Edition 2011, Germanischer Lloyd SE, Global StandardsQualified
Definition(s)
Qualified
A person who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate of professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated the ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter and work. Source: API RP 2D, Operation and Maintenance of Offshore Cranes, Seventh Edition, December 2014. Global StandardsQualified
Qualified:- in relation to a medical practitioner — means qualified or entitled, under a law of a State or Territory, to practise as a medical practitioner; and
- in relation to a nurse — means qualified or entitled, under a law of a State or Territory, to practise as a nurse; and
- in relation to a pharmacist — means qualified or entitled, under a law of a State or Territory, to practise as a pharmacist.
Qualified
"Qualified" means one who by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training and experience has successfully demonstrated ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project. Source: State of Wyoming Occupational Safety and Health Rules and Regulations for Oil and Gas Well Drilling, Revised January 8, 2013. RegulationsConfined Space
Definition(s)
Confined space
A tank or space that meets all three of the following requirements:- is large enough and so configured that a responder can bodily enter and perform assigned work;
- has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (e.g. tanks and vessels, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits); and
- is not designed for or meant to be continuously occupied by personnel.
Confined space
A space that:- is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work;
- has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (e.g. tanks, vessels, reactors, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits are spaces that may have limited means of entry); and
- is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.
Confined space
An enclosure with known or potential hazards and restricted means of entrance and exit, which is not normally occupied by people, and is usually not well ventilated. Examples of confined spaces in the petroleum industry include: process vessels, vessel tower skirts, flare stacks, boilers, storage tanks, tank cars and trucks, vaults, large-diameter piping, and under certain circumstances, spaces located below ground level, such as pits (OSHA 1910.146). API RP 2201, Safe Hot Tapping Practices in the Petroleum & Petrochemical Industries, Fifth Edition, July 2003 (Reaffirmed October 2010), Global Standards API RP 2009, Safe Welding, Cutting, and Hot Work Practices in the Petroleum and Petrochemical Industries, Seventh Edition, February 2002 (Reaffirmed, March 2012), Global StandardsConfined space
In this Part, “confined space” means a storage tank, process vessel, ballast tank or other enclosure not designed or intended for human occupancy, except for the purpose of performing work- that has poor ventilation,
- in which there may be an oxygen atmosphere, or
- in which there may be an airborne hazardous substance.
Confined space
Confined space means an enclosed, or partially enclosed, space that:- is not used or intended for use as a regular workplace; and
- has restricted means of entry and exit; and
- has, or may have, inadequate ventilation, contaminated atmosphere or oxygen deficiency; and
- is at atmospheric pressure when occupied.
Confined space
As defined in General Industry Safety Orders, Section 5156. Source: Petroleum Safety Orders--Drilling and Production, Definitions, California Code of Regulations, 8 CCR § 6505, December 2012. RegulationsAnnulus Friction Pressure
Definition(s)
Annulus Friction Pressure
Circulating pressure loss inherent in the annulus between the drill string and casing or open hole. Source: API RP 59, Recommended Practice for Well Control Operations, Second Edition, May 2006. Global StandardsAnnulus Friction Pressure (AFP)
Difference between bottomhole pressure and choke pressure due to friction; a function of flow rate, hole geometry, surface roughness, fluid properties. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global StandardsAnnular Preventer
Definition(s)
Annular Preventer
A device, which can seal around any object in the well bore or upon itself. Compression of a reinforced elastomer packing element by hydraulic pressure effects the seal. Source: API RP 59, Recommended Practice for Well Control Operations, Second Edition, May 2006. Global StandardsAnnular Preventer
A device that can seal around any object in the wellbore or upon itself. Compression of a reinforced rubber/elastomer packing element by hydraulic pressure effects the seal. Source: API RP 64, Recommended Practice for Diverter Systems Equipment and Operations, Second Edition, November 2001 (March 1, 2007). Global StandardsAbnormal Pressure
Definition(s)
Abnormal Pressure
Reservoir pore fluid pressure that is not similar to normal saltwater gradient pressure. The term is usually associated with higher than normal pressure, increased complexity for the well designer and an increased risk of well control problems. Abnormal pressure gradients exceed a 10-ppg equivalent fluid density (0.52 psi per foot). Gradients below normal are called subnormal. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global StandardsAbnormal Pressure
Pore pressure in excess of that pressure resulting from the hydrostatic pressure exerted by a vertical column of water with salinity normal for the geographic area. Source: API RP 59, Recommended Practice for Well Control Operations, Second Edition, May 2006. Global StandardsAbnormal Pressure
Formation pore pressure in excess of that pressure resulting from the hydrostatic pressure exerted by a vertical column of water with salinity normal for the geographic area. Source: API RP 64, Recommended Practice for Diverter Systems Equipment and Operations, Second Edition, November 2001 (March 1, 2007). Global StandardsTDU
Definition(s)
TDU
Tool deployment unit. Source: API Recommended Practice 17H, Remotely Operated Tools and Interfaces on Subsea Production Systems, Second Edition, June 2013 (Addendum 1, October 2014). Global Standards Source: API RP 17H, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Interfaces on Subsea Production Systems, First Edition, July 2004 (Reaffirmed January 2009). Global StandardsMQC
Definition(s)
MQC
Multi quick connect. Source: API Recommended Practice 17H, Remotely Operated Tools and Interfaces on Subsea Production Systems, Second Edition, June 2013 (Addendum 1, October 2014). Global Standards Source: API RP 17H, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Interfaces on Subsea Production Systems, First Edition, July 2004 (Reaffirmed January 2009). Global StandardsCCO
Definition(s)
CCO
Component change-out. Source: API Recommended Practice 17H, Remotely Operated Tools and Interfaces on Subsea Production Systems, Second Edition, June 2013 (Addendum 1, October 2014). Global Standards Source: API RP 17H, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Interfaces on Subsea Production Systems, First Edition, July 2004 (Reaffirmed January 2009). Global StandardsRemotely Operated Vehicle
Definition(s)
Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)
Free-swimming or tethered submersible craft used to perform tasks such as inspection, valve operations, hydraulic functions, and other general tasks. NOTE ROVs can also carry tooling packages for undertaking specific tasks such as pull-in and connection of rigid spools, flexible flowlines, umbilicals, and component replacement. Alternatively modules or tools may be deployed by crane and mated with the ROV subsea. ROVs are grouped within the following main categories: — OBSROV (observation class ROV; MCA Class I and Class II)—These vehicles are small vehicles fitted with cameras/lights and may carry sensors or inspection equipment. They may also have a basic manipulative capability. They are mainly used for inspection and monitoring. — WROV (work class ROV; IMCA Class III)—These vehicles are large ROVs normally equipped with a five-function grabber and a seven-function manipulators. These commonly have multiplexing controls capability that allows additional sensors and tools to be operated without the need for a dedicated umbilical system. WROV are split into two classes: medium WROV and large WROV depending on their defined work scope. WROVs can carry tooling packages to undertake specific tasks such as tie-in and connection function for flowlines, umbilicals, and rigid pipeline spools, and component replacement. Source: API Recommended Practice 17H, Remotely Operated Tools and Interfaces on Subsea Production Systems, Second Edition, June 2013 (Addendum 1, October 2014). Global StandardsRemotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)
Free-swimming submersible craft used to perform tasks such as valve operations, hydraulic functions and other general tasks. NOTE ROVs can also carry tooling packages for undertaking specific tasks such as pull-in and connection of flexible flowlines and umbilicals, and component replacement. Source: API RP 17H, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Interfaces on Subsea Production Systems, First Edition, July 2004 (Reaffirmed January 2009). Global StandardsRemotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)
An unmanned vehicle for offshore subsea use. Source: API RP 59, Recommended Practice for Well Control Operations, Second Edition, May 2006. Global StandardsRemotely Operated Tool
Definition(s)
Remotely Operated Tool (ROT)
Dedicated tool that is normally deployed on lift wires or drill string. NOTE Lateral guidance can be by guide wires, dedicated thrusters or ROV assistance. Source: API RP 17H, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Interfaces on Subsea Production Systems, First Edition, July 2004 (Reaffirmed January 2009). Global StandardsGuideline
Definition(s)
Guideline
Recommendation of recognized practice to be considered in conjunction with applicable statutory requirements, industry standards, standard practices and philosophies. Source: API Recommended Practice 17H, Remotely Operated Tools and Interfaces on Subsea Production Systems, Second Edition, June 2013 (Addendum 1, October 2014). Global Standards Source: API RP 17H, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Interfaces on Subsea Production Systems, First Edition, July 2004 (Reaffirmed January 2009). Global StandardsGuideline
Taut line from the seafloor to the surface for the purpose of guiding equipment to the seafloor structure. 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 StandardsFunctional Requirement
Definition(s)
Functional Requirement
Minimum criterion which shall be satisfied in order to meet a stated objective or objectives. NOTE Functional requirements are performance oriented and are applicable to a wide range of development concepts. Source: API RP 17H, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Interfaces on Subsea Production Systems, First Edition, July 2004 (Reaffirmed January 2009). Global StandardsFunctional Requirements
Functional requirements explain, in general terms, what function the ship should provide to meet the fire safety objectives of SOLAS. Source: IMO MSC.1/Circ.1002, Guidelines on alternative design and arrangements for fire safety, 26 June 2001, International Maritime Organization. Regulatory GuidanceFunctional Requirements
Functional requirements explain, in general terms, what function the system under consideration should provide to meet the safety objectives of SOLAS. Source: IMO MSC.1/Circ.1212, Guidelines on alternative design and arrangements for SOLAS chapters II-1 and III, 15 December 2006, International Maritime Organization. Regulatory GuidanceFunctional Requirements
Minimum criteria which shall be satisfied to meet the stated health, safety, and environmental objectives. 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 StandardsFunctional Requirements
Minimum criteria which should be satisfied to meet the stated health, safety and environmental objectives. Other Related Terms and Definitions: ISO-17776 – Minimum criteria which should be satisfied to meet the stated health, safety and environmental objectives IADC HSE Case Guidelines Issue 02 – (Risk Acceptance Criteria) – A description of the target performance, to satisfy objective corporate policy, with regard to the safe and efficient operability and functionality of the installation, facility or unit as a whole, or major systems within it. IADC HSE Case Guidelines Issue 02 – (Health, Safety and Environmental Performance Criteria) – Standards or benchmarks, quantified where possible, that provide measures against which an organization can determine the degree to which they are succeeding in managing risks, and hence in meeting their objectives. 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 GuidelinesFunctional Requirements
Minimum criteria which should be satisfied to meet the stated health, safety and environmental objectives. Source: ISO 17776:2000, Petroleum and natural gas industries – Offshore production installations – Guidelines on tools and techniques for hazard identification and risk assessment. Global StandardsIntegrity
Definition(s)
Integrity
Minimum structural capability required to enable the piping system to fulfil its function. 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 StandardsIntegrity
The property whereby information, an information system, or a component of a system has not been modified or destroyed in an unauthorized manner. Extended Definition: A state in which information has remained unaltered from the point it was produced by a source, during transmission, storage, and eventual receipt by the destination. Adapted from: CNSSI 4009, NIST SP 800-53 Rev 4, 44 U.S.C., Sec 3542, SANS; From SAFE-BioPharma Certificate Policy 2.5. Source: NICCS™ Portal Cybersecurity Lexicon, National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (https://niccs.us-cert.gov/glossary) as of 11 November 2015, Global StandardsIntegrity
The consistent design, construction and maintenance of assets and activities to achieve safe and reliable operations and products. Source: IOGP Report No. 510, Operating Management System Framework for controlling risk and delivering high performance in the oil and gas industry, International Association of Oil & Gas Producers, June 2014. Global StandardsIntegrity
Property of accuracy and completeness. Source: ISO/IEC 27000:2014, Information technology — Security techniques — Information security management systems — Overview and vocabulary, Third Edition, January 2014. Global StandardsIntegrity
Integrity, for a well, means that the potential producing or injection zone in the well bore:- is under control, in accordance with an accepted well operations management plan; and
- is able to contain reservoir fluids; and
- is subject only to risks that have been reduced to a level that is as low as reasonably practicable.
Integrity
Quality of a system reflecting the logical correctness and reliability of the operating system, the logical completeness of the hardware and software implementing the protection mechanisms, and the consistency of the data structures and occurrence of the stored data [9].- NOTE: In a formal security mode, integrity is often interpreted more narrowly to mean protection against unauthorized modification or destruction of information.
Geometrical Imperfections
Definition(s)
Geometrical Imperfections
Geometrical imperfections are defined as axial misalignment, angular distortion, excessive weld reinforcement and otherwise poor weld shapes. Source: API RP 17G, Recommended Practice for Completion/Workover Risers, Second Edition, July 2006 (Reaffirmed April 2011). Global StandardsWCT-BOP
Definition(s)
WCT-BOP
Wireline/coiled tubing BOP. Source: API RP 17G, Recommended Practice for Completion/Workover Risers, Second Edition, July 2006 (Reaffirmed April 2011). Global StandardsWCT-BOP
Wireline/coil tubing blowout preventer (see ISO 13628-7). 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 StandardsRAO
Definition(s)
RAO
Ratio of a vessel’s motion to the wave amplitude causing that motion and presented over a wide range of wave periods.
Source: API Specification 16Q, Design, Selection, Operation, and Maintenance of Marine Drilling Riser Systems, Second Edition, April 2017. Global Standards