Glossary
Browse the IADC Lexicon alphabetically or by category. Get comprehensive definitions of drilling industry terms.
Crushing Capacity
Definition(s)
Crushing Capacity
Maximum localized radial compressive load that a flexible pipe can resist. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsCrushing Capacity
Maximum localized radial compressive load that a flexible pipe can resist. Source: API SPEC 17L1, Specification for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsConnector
Definition(s)
Connector
Mechanical device used to connect adjacent components to create a pressure-containing structural joint resisting applied loads and preventing leakage.
Source: API Technical Report 17TR7, Verification and Validation of Subsea Connectors, First Edition, April 2017. Global StandardsConnector
Mechanical device used to connect adjacent components in the riser system to create a structural joint resisting applied loads and preventing leakage.- EXAMPLE (a) threaded types including
(i) one male fitting (pin) and one female fitting (box), or
(ii) two pins, a coupling and seal ring(s),
- (b) flanged types including two flanges, bolts and a gasket/seal ring,
- (c) clamped hub types including hubs, clamps, bolts and seal ring(s),
- (d) dog type connectors.
Connector
Device used to provide a leak-tight structural connection between the end fitting and adjacent piping. NOTE It does not include flexible pipe end fittings. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsConnector
Connectors are used to connect the flexible pipe end fittings on both sides of the flexible pipe to the adjacent piping, providing a both pressure-containing and structural connection. They may consist of a simple flanged arrangement that bolts to the end fitting, a clamped hub, or may be of a more complicated design that allows the connector to lock in place after it has been pulled in. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsConnector
Mechanical device used to connect adjacent components in the riser system to create a structural joint resisting applied loads and preventing leakage. EXAMPLES Threaded types, including (i) one male fitting (pin), one female fitting (integral box) and seal ring(s), or (ii) two pins, a coupling and seal sea ring(s); flanged types, including two flanges, bolts and a gasket/seal ring; clamped hub types, including hubs, clamps, bolts and seal ring(s); dog-type connectors. Source: API RP 17G, Recommended Practice for Completion/Workover Risers, Second Edition, July 2006 (Reaffirmed April 2011). Global StandardsConnector
Device used to provide a leak-tight structural connection between the end fitting and adjacent piping. NOTE It does not include flexible pipe end fittings. Source: API SPEC 17L1, Specification for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsConnector
Device used to provide a leak-tight structural connection between the end fitting and adjacent piping.- NOTE: Connectors include bolted flanges, clamped hubs, and proprietary connectors.
Composite Syntactic Foam
Definition(s)
Composite Syntactic Foam
Composite material consisting of a polymer matrix containing both microspheres and macrospheres. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsComposite Syntactic Foam
Composite material consisting of a polymer matrix containing both microspheres and macrospheres. Source: API SPEC 17L1, Specification for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsComposite
Definition(s)
Composite
Polymeric resin-based composite that is reinforced with glass fibre.- Note: 1 to entry: The predominant glass fibre is E-glass (3.2.22).
- Note: 2 to entry: ISO 14692 (all parts) is restricted to the use of thermosetting resins (3.2.116).
- Note: 3 to entry: GRE, GRUP and GRVE are types of GRP.
Composite
Combination of a polymer material and a reinforcing material that enhances the properties of the polymer. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsClamp Inner Liner
Definition(s)
Clamp inner liner
Part of some clamp bodies consisting of a compliant lining of material in contact with the flexible pipe outer sheath that allows for variations in the flexible pipe external diameter. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsClamp Body
Definition(s)
Clamp Body
Part of a clamp that is in surface contact with the flexible pipe outer sheath. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsClamp Body
Part of a clamp that is in surface contact with the flexible pipe outer sheath. Source: API SPEC 17L1, Specification for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsChinese Finger
Definition(s)
Chinese Finger
Device used during flexible pipe installation that consists of a meshed structure that grips around the flexible pipe outer sheath. NOTE The mesh is configured such that the higher the load applied to it, the tighter its grip. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsChinese Finger
Chinese fingers are typically used when transfer of tension is required from lifting devices to the flexible pipe. The Chinese finger typically consists of a cylindrical mesh of wire rope that wraps around a portion of the flexible pipe length and is connected to lifting equipment. An example of such a configuration is shown in Figure 38. The Chinese finger is designed such that the grip on the flexible pipe increases with increased tension applied to the Chinese finger. The Chinese finger is designed to impart load onto a flexible pipe principally in an axial direction. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsChinese Finger
Device used during flexible pipe installation that consists of a meshed structure that grips around the flexible pipe outer sheath. NOTE The mesh is configured such that the higher the load applied to it the tighter its grip. Source: API SPEC 17L1, Specification for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsChinese Fingers
Woven steel wire or fabric sleeve that can be installed over a flexible pipe and drawn tight to grip it for support or applying tension to the pipe. Source: API RP 17B, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe, Fourth Edition, July 2008. Global StandardsChemical Ageing
Definition(s)
Chemical Ageing
Degradation of a material over time, due to exposure to chemicals, caused by changes at the molecular level. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global Standards Source: API SPEC 17L1, Specification for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsBuoyancy Tank
Definition(s)
Buoyancy Tank
Part of some subsea buoys that consists of a pressure vessel filled with gas at ambient or higher pressure that gives uplift to the subsea buoy. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsBuoyancy Tank
Part of some subsea buoys that consists of a pressure vessel filled with gas at ambient or higher pressure that gives uplift to the subsea buoy. Source: API SPEC 17L1, Specification for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsBuoyancy Module
Definition(s)
Buoyancy Module
Buoys used in significant numbers at discrete points over a section of riser to achieve wave-shape riser configurations. NOTE See 4.4.6. Source: API RP 17B, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe, Fourth Edition, July 2008. Global StandardsBuoyancy Module
Structure of low-mass material, usually foamed polymers strapped or clamped to the exterior of riser joints, to reduce the submerged mass of the riser. Source: API RP 17B, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe, Fourth Edition, July 2008. Global StandardsBuoyancy Module
Discrete component, consisting of a buoyancy element, an internal clamp and any necessary fasteners to secure these components in position, used to provide net uplift to flexible pipes by attaching a series of such components along a length of pipe. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsBuoyancy Modules
Buoyancy modules are used to achieve the wave-shape riser configurations [lazy (Figure 14), steep (Figure 15), pliant (Figure 24) and W-waves (Figure 16)]. A number of modules spaced at intervals along the flexible pipe are required to achieve a wave configuration. The buoyancy modules are typically composed of two components: an internal clamp and a syntactic or composite syntactic foam buoyancy element, as shown in Figure 17 a). Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsBuoyancy Module
Discrete component, consisting of a buoyancy element, an internal clamp and any necessary fasteners to secure these components in position, used to provide net uplift to flexible pipes by attaching a series of such components along a length of pipe. Source: API SPEC 17L1, Specification for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsBuoyancy Element
Definition(s)
Buoyancy element
Part of a buoyancy module or some subsea buoys that gives uplift to the module or buoy. NOTE The buoyancy element comprises a buoyant material that may have a protective external skin. It does not include buoyancy tanks. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsBuoyancy element
Part of a buoyancy module or some subsea buoys that gives uplift to the module or buoy. NOTE The buoyancy element comprises a buoyant material that may have a protective external skin. It does not include buoyancy tanks. Source: API SPEC 17L1, Specification for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsBridle
Definition(s)
Bridle
Load-bearing structure that forms the transition between a subsea buoy frame and its tethers. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsBridle
Rigging components chain, with a Y-shape that may be used to connect a device attached to a flexible pipe (typically a tether clamp) to a fixed point. Source: API SPEC 17L1, Specification for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsBlown Foam
Definition(s)
Blown Foam
Polymer foam containing no microspheres or macrospheres. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsBlown Foam
Polymer foam containing no microspheres or macrospheres. Source: API SPEC 17L1, Specification for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsBending Stress
Definition(s)
Bending Stress
Portion of primary stress proportional to the distance from the centroid of a cross-section, excluding the effects of discontinuities and stress concentrations. NOTE Definition taken from API 2RD. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global Standards Source: API SPEC 17L1, Specification for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsBending Stress
A bending stress is a stress induced by a bending moment. It varies linearly with the distance from the centroid of the section and is calculated using the classical mechanics equation for bending stress (S = Mc/I). Source: API SPEC 16R, Specification for Marine Drilling Riser Couplings, Exploration and Production Department, First Edition, January 1997. Global StandardsBend Stiffener Tip
Definition(s)
Bend Stiffener Tip
End of the bend stiffener body opposite the base. NOTE The bend stiffener tip, for a particular bend stiffener configuration, is shown in Figure 1. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsBend Stiffener Tip
End of the bend stiffener body opposite the base. NOTE The bend stiffener tip, for a particular bend stiffener configuration, is shown in Figure 1. Source: API SPEC 17L1, Specification for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsBend Stiffener Protective Liner
Definition(s)
Bend Stiffener Protective Liner
Polymeric sleeve that internally covers the end fitting recess in an end fitting adjacent interface structure, avoiding contact between flexible pipe’s external sheath and metallic parts of the interface structure. NOTE An example of a bend stiffener protective liner, for a particular bend stiffener configuration, is shown in Figure 1. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsBend Stiffener Protective Liner
Polymeric sleeve that internally covers the end fitting recess in an end fitting adjacent interface structure, avoiding contact between flexible pipe’s external sheath and metallic parts of the interface structure. NOTE 1 An example of a bend stiffener protective liner, for a particular bend stiffener configuration, is shown in Figure 1. NOTE 2 Protective liner may be applied to other equipment, e.g. bend restrictors. Source: API SPEC 17L1, Specification for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsBend Stiffener Cap
Definition(s)
Bend stiffener cap
Structural component of some bend stiffener designs comprising a cylindrical metallic shell that fits externally around part of the bend stiffener length adjacent to the bend stiffener base. NOTE An example of a bend stiffener cap, for a particular bend stiffener configuration, is shown in Figure 1. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsBend Stiffener Body
Definition(s)
Bend Stiffener Body
Polymeric part of a bend stiffener that provides extra stiffness to the flexible pipe to prevent it from overbending. NOTE The bend stiffener body, for a particular bend stiffener configuration, is shown in Figure 1. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsBend Stiffener Body
Polymeric part of a bend stiffener that provides extra stiffness to the flexible pipe to prevent it from overbending. NOTE The bend stiffener body, for a particular bend stiffener configuration, is shown in Figure 1. Source: API SPEC 17L1, Specification for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsBend Stiffener Base
Definition(s)
Bend Stiffener Base
Face of the interface structure on the support structure side at which the bend stiffener begins. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsBend Stiffener Base
Face of the interface structure on the support structure side at which the bend stiffener begins. Source: API SPEC 17L1, Specification for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsVertebra
Definition(s)
Bend restrictor element or vertebra
Unit part of bend restrictor, of which a series are linked together to form the complete length of the bend restrictor. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsBend Restrictor Element
Definition(s)
Bend restrictor element or vertebra
Unit part of bend restrictor, of which a series are linked together to form the complete length of the bend restrictor.1Source(s)
1. API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global Standards
Batch
Definition(s)
Batch
Quantity of product produced during one operation. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsBatch
Quantity of product produced during one operation. Source: API SPEC 17L1, Specification for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsBanding
Definition(s)
Banding
Device used to secure mechanical protection to the flexible pipe. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsBanding
Device used to secure mechanical protection to the flexible pipe. Source: API SPEC 17L1, Specification for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsBallast Module
Definition(s)
Ballast module
Negatively buoyant component of which a number are used at discrete points over a length of flexible pipe to provide added weight. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsAncillary Component
Definition(s)
Ancillary component
Component that is attached to the flexible pipe in order to perform one or more of the following functions:- to control the flexible pipe behavior;
- to provide a structural transition between the flexible pipe and adjacent structures;
- to attach other structures to the flexible pipe;
- to protect or repair the flexible pipe;
- to provide a seal along the flexible pipe length.