Glossary
Browse the IADC Lexicon alphabetically or by category. Get comprehensive definitions of drilling industry terms.
Making a Connection
Definition(s)
Making a connection
Act of screwing a section of pipe or rods onto the string suspended in the wellbore. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsMaking a connection
“Making a connection” means the act of screwing a joint of pipe or rods onto the string suspended in the wellbore. [Mich. Admin. Code R 408 (2013)]. Source: Oil and Gas Drilling and Servicing Operations, Michigan Administrative Code R 408, February 8, 2013. RegulationsSwabbing
Definition(s)
Swabbing
Lifting of well fluids to the surface using a piston-like device installed on a wireline. Swabbing may inadvertently occur due to piston action as pipe or assemblies are pulled from the well. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsSwabbing
The lowering of the hydrostatic pressure in the well bore due to upward movement of tubulars and/or tools. Source: API RP 59, Recommended Practice for Well Control Operations, Second Edition, May 2006. Global StandardsSwabbing
“Swabbing” means the planned lifting of well fluids to the surface using a piston like-like device installed on a wire line. Swabbing may inadvertently occur due to piston action as pipe or assemblies are pulled from the well. [Mich. Admin. Code R 408 (2013)]. Source: Oil and Gas Drilling and Servicing Operations, Michigan Administrative Code R 408, February 8, 2013. RegulationsTour
Definition(s)
Tour
Designates the work period of a rig crew and is usually pronounced as if it were spelled “t-o-w-e-r.” Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsTour
"Tour" means a work shift in the drilling of a well. Source: Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, Definitions, Alaska Admin. Code tit. 20, § 25.990, December 7, 2012. RegulationsTour
“Tour” means the work period of a rig crew and is usually pronounced as if spelled “t-o-w-e-r.” [Mich. Admin. Code R 408 (2013)]. Source: Oil and Gas Drilling and Servicing Operations, Michigan Administrative Code R 408, February 8, 2013. RegulationsTour
Tour—A workshift in drilling of a well. Source: Oil and Gas Wells, Pennsylvania Code, Title 25, Chapter 78, December 2012. RegulationsWire Rope
Definition(s)
Wire rope
Several wire strands helically laid about an axis. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsWire rope
A flexible, multi-wired member usually consisting of a core member around which a number of multi-wired strands are “laid” or helically wound. Source: API RP 2D, Operation and Maintenance of Offshore Cranes, Seventh Edition, December 2014. Global Standards Source: API RP 2D, Operation and Maintenance of Offshore Cranes, Sixth Edition, May 2007. Global StandardsWire Line
Definition(s)
Wire line
A special wire, strand, or wire rope of high strength steel used to convey a tool(s) into a hole (also called “well measuring wire” and “well measuring strand”). An electromechanical cable that is an electrical cable armored with high strength steel wires is also called a wire line. 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\Wire line
“Wire line” means a line that contains a conductor wire and that is used to run survey instruments or other tools in a well (câble). Source: Canada Oil and Gas Drilling and Production Regulations, SOR/2009-315, February 2013. Regulations Source: Drilling and Production Guidelines, The Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board and Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board, Canada, March 31, 2011. Regulatory Guidance Source: Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Drilling and Production Regulations, SOR/2009-317, Canada, current to May 31, 2012. RegulationsWireline
Intervention using a continuous wire or cable. Source: NORSOK D-002, Well intervention equipment, Rev. 2, June 2013. Global StandardsWell Servicing Rig
Definition(s)
Well Servicing Rig
Equipment and machinery assembled primarily for the purpose of any well work involving pulling or running tubulars or sucker rods, to include but not be limited to redrilling, completing, recompleting, workover, and abandoning operations. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsWell Servicing Rig
“Well servicing rig” means a portable rig consisting of a hoist, engine, and a self-erecting mast. [Mich. Admin. Code R 408 (2013)]. Source: Oil and Gas Drilling and Servicing Operations, Michigan Administrative Code R 408, February 8, 2013. RegulationsV-door Ramp
Definition(s)
V-door ramp
A slide-like ramp used to pick up and lay down tools to and from the catwalk/pipe rack area. Also used to pick up drill pipe, drill collars or any other heavy equipment that could not be done safely because of the height of the substructure and close proximity to the blowout preventers, electric and hydraulic lines, and other equipment in the area. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsV-door
Definition(s)
V-door
The opening in the derrick leading from the derrick floor to the catwalk and pipe rack area. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsValve Drilling Operation
Definition(s)
Valve drilling operation
Drilling of a hole through the blocking element of a valve that is stuck in the closed position with pressure on the well side of the valve. The drilling is accomplished through a lubricator assembly that confines the pressure after the blocking element is penetrated. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsValve drilling operation
“Valve drilling operation” means the drilling of a hole through the blocking element of a valve that is struck in the closed position with pressure on the well side of the valve. [Mich. Admin. Code R 408 (2013)]. Source: Oil and Gas Drilling and Servicing Operations, Michigan Administrative Code R 408, February 8, 2013. RegulationsTugger Line
Definition(s)
Tugger Line
Tugger line is a wire rope powered by a winch and used for the controlled moving of light loads around a rig. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsTugger Line
“Tugger line” means a wire rope powered by a winch and used for the controlled moving of light loads around a rig. Source: State of Wyoming Occupational Safety and Health Rules and Regulations for Oil and Gas Well Drilling, Revised January 8, 2013. RegulationsSwingline
Definition(s)
Swingrope (swingline)
A vertically suspended rope knotted on the lower end to provide hand grips, hung above the boat landing on an offshore platform, and used to facilitate personnel transfer between boat and platform and vice versa. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsSwingrope
Definition(s)
Swingrope (swingline)
A vertically suspended rope knotted on the lower end to provide hand grips, hung above the boat landing on an offshore platform, and used to facilitate personnel transfer between boat and platform and vice versa. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsSubstructure
Definition(s)
Substructure
Structure on which the derrick sits. The substructure may provide space for wellhead and well control equipment. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsSubstructure
“Substructure” means a structure that surrounds the wellbore at the surface and provides the working area for certain employees. It may contain the rotary table. [Mich. Admin. Code R 408 (2013)]. Source: Oil and Gas Drilling and Servicing Operations, Michigan Administrative Code R 408, February 8, 2013. RegulationsSubstructure
Refer to Drill Floor Substructure. Source: API RP 64, Recommended Practice for Diverter Systems Equipment and Operations, Second Edition, November 2001 (March 1, 2007). Global StandardsStuck Pipe
Definition(s)
Stuck pipe
A condition in which the pipe sticks or hangs while in the hole and cannot be moved. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsStrand
Definition(s)
Strand
The largest component of the rope, which is twisted, braided, or otherwise assembled together to form the finished rope, and which is formed by twisting or otherwise assembling rope yarns together, generally with an opposite twist direction to that of the yarns. Source: API RP 2SM Design, Manufacture, Installation, and Maintenance of Synthetic Fiber Ropes for Offshore Mooring, Second Edition, July 2014. Global Standards Source: API RP 2SM, Design, Manufacture, Installation, and Maintenance of Synthetic Fiber Ropes for Offshore Mooring, First Edition, July 2014. Global StandardsStrand
Several round or shaped wires helically laid about an axis. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsStand of Pipe
Definition(s)
Stand of pipe
One, two, or three joints of pipe screwed together, and sometimes referred to as a single, double, or triple, respectively. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsStabbing Board
Definition(s)
Stabbing Board
A platform in the derrick on which personnel work while casing is being run to aid in guiding a tubular joint into another tubular joint for makeup. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsStabbing Board
A readily movable platform used in the derrick or on a mast which workmen stand on to perform work of a temporary nature and not normally performed from a fixed inside derrick platform or monkey board, or a fixed working platform on a mast. Source: Petroleum Safety Orders--Drilling and Production, Definitions, California Code of Regulations, 8 CCR § 6505, December 2012. RegulationsStabbing Board
“Stabbing board” means a temporary elevated platform erected in a derrick mast. [Mich. Admin. Code R 408 (2013)]. Source: Oil and Gas Drilling and Servicing Operations, Michigan Administrative Code R 408, February 8, 2013. RegulationsSnubbing
Definition(s)
Snubbing
Pulling or running pipe under pressure through a sealing element where special equipment is used to apply external force to push the pipe into the well, or to control the pipe movement out of the well. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsSnubbing
Conducting tripping operations when the force acting on the drill string or coiled tubing from the wellbore pressure equals or exceeds the drill string or coiled tubing weight. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global StandardsSnubbing
“Snubbing” means pulling or running pipe under pressure through a resilient sealing element where special equipment is used to apply external force to push the pipe into the well or to control the pipe movement out of the well. [Mich. Admin. Code R 408 (2013)]. Source: Oil and Gas Drilling and Servicing Operations, Michigan Administrative Code R 408, February 8, 2013. RegulationsSnubbing
Snubbing units as mentioned in the last subsection, means mobile units that are installed so that forces are transferred directly to the wellhead. Source: Guidelines Regarding the Facilities Regulations, Norway, updated December 2012. Regulatory GuidanceSnubbing
Intervention using jointed pipe and where the primary well control is at surface. Source: NORSOK D-002, Well intervention equipment, Rev. 2, June 2013. Global StandardsSingle
Definition(s)
Single
One joint of drill pipe, rod, or other tubular goods. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsSimultaneous Operations
Definition(s)
Simultaneous operations
Two or more of the following activities: production, drilling, completion, workover, wireline (except routine operations), and major construction operations. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsSimultaneous operations
Two or more of the following activities being performed in close proximity: production, drilling, completion, workover, wireline (except routine operations), major construction operations, well testing and maintenance. Source: API RP 74, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Onshore Oil and Gas Production Operation, First Edition, October 2001 (March 2007). Global StandardsSimultaneous operations
Two or more of the following activities: production, drilling, completion, workover, wireline (except routine operations as defined in 30 CFR 250.91), and major construction operations. Source: API RP 75, Recommended Practice for Development of a Safety and Environmental Management Program for Offshore Operations and Facilities: Upstream Segment, Third Edition, May 2004. Global StandardsSimultaneous operations
Two or more independent operations (such as drilling, workover, wire!ine, facilities construction, etc.) conducted under common operational control in which the activities of any one operation may impact the safety of personnel, equipment and/or the environment of the other(s). NOTE Failure to coordinate can result in the potential clash of activities that can cause an undesired event or set of circumstances. Source: API Bulletin 97, Well Construction Interface Document Guidelines, First Edition, December 2013. Global StandardsStabbing Valve
Definition(s)
Safety valve (stabbing valve)
A full opening valve available for quick installation in the pipe string to prevent flow. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsSafety Valve
Definition(s)
Safety Valve
Spring-loaded pressure-relief valve actuated by the static pressure upstream of the valve and characterized by rapid opening or pop action.- NOTE: A safety valve is normally used with compressible fluids.