Glossary
Browse the IADC Lexicon alphabetically or by category. Get comprehensive definitions of drilling industry terms.
Floorman
Definition(s)
Floorman
Member of the rig crew whose work station during hoisting is on the rig floor. Also performs numerous other operating and maintenance duties as directed by the supervisor. May also be referred to as rotary helper, roughneck, driller’s helper, or well puller. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsFlow
Definition(s)
Flow
Volume of fluid moving in a given direction per unit of time. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global StandardsFlow Assurance
Definition(s)
Flow assurance
Flow assurance is a term commonly used to cover a wide range of flow-related issues. These issues typically include: hydrate formation, wax formation, asphaltene formation, emulsions, foaming, scale formation, sand production, slugging, materials-related issues. Source: API RP 17A, Design and Operation of Subsea Production Systems—General Requirements and Recommendations, Fourth Edition, Reaffirmed 2011. Global StandardsFlow assurance
Flow assurance is the control or mitigation of the deposition/formation of hydrates, wax, asphaltenes, and scale in the production flow path. Many factors affect flow assurance such as fluid composition, pressure, flow rate and temperature. Fluids in the wellbore can experience significant temperature changes, and plugs can form as a result. Flow assurance is provided by chemical and/or thermal management. Design of the total system should consider the wellhead and tree, which have the highest heat loss. Some methods of prevention used in industry are as follows: VIT; tubing coating or finish; gas-filled “A” annulus near/above the mudline; low heat transfer fluid in the annulus; injection of fluids to minimize/prevent the effects of hydrates, paraffin, scale through “control lines” strapped to the outside of the tubing; placement of SCSSVs below the top of hydrate/wax/asphaltene formation depth. Source: API RP 96, Deepwater Well Design and Construction, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsFlow Back
Definition(s)
Flow Back
The fracture fluids that return to surface after a hydraulic fracture is completed and prior to the well being brought into production. Source: Identifying and assessing water sources: Guidance document for the onshore oil and gas industry, International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA), 2014. Global StandardsFlow Back System
Definition(s)
Flow Back System
Typically consists of flow cross, flow diverter, emergency shut down valve (ESD), flow line, choke manifold, sample catcher, phase separation vessels, shipping pumps, flare line, flare stack. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global StandardsFlow Capacity
Definition(s)
Flow Capacity
Rate at which equipment, such as a shaker, can process drilling fluid and solids. NOTE It is a function of many variables, including shaker configuration, design and motion, drilling fluid rheology, solids loading, and blinding by near-size particles. Source: API RP 13C, Recommended Practice on Drilling Fluids Processing Systems Evaluation, Upstream Segment, Fourth Edition, December 2010. Global StandardsFlow Characteristic
Definition(s)
Flow Characteristic
Describes how the valve operates when opened to different percentages. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global StandardsFlow Chart
Definition(s)
Flow Chart
Diagram that shows logic, choices, and results of each step of a program with symbols and standard English 2) chart showing flow delivery into or out of a line or vessel. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global StandardsFlow Checks
Definition(s)
Flow Checks
An observation, usually by ROV when riserless, of the condition of the well during a non-circulating period to determine if flow is occurring. Source: API RP 65, Cementing Shallow Water Flow Zones in Deepwater Wells, First Edition, September 2002 (August 2003). Global StandardsFlow Computers, Totalizers and Indicators
Definition(s)
Flow Computers, Totalizers and Indicators
Computers and totalizers integrate the functions of flow and temperature measurement, computation, alarms, data acquisition, input and output standardization, and closed loop control. They require external sensor input to function. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global StandardsFlow Control
Definition(s)
Flow Control
Operational limit based on the line or vessel flow rate through a station. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global StandardsFlow Controllers
Definition(s)
Flow Controllers
A controller is a device that operates automatically to regulate a controlled variable. Flow controllers regulate flow direction and velocity. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global StandardsFlow Cross
Definition(s)
Flow Cross
First item of ancillary equipment coupled with the rig’s primary well control equipment. A flanged spool with one or two flanged outlets and is typically located between the rig’s upper spherical preventer and the flow diverter. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global StandardsFlow Diverter
Definition(s)
Flow Diverter
Installed at the top of the BOP above the flow cross. Function is to divert returned fluids away from the drill floor. There are two types of flow diverter.- Passive - creates a friction fit seal between the rubber element and the drill Tension in the rubber element and well pressure maintains the seal.
- Active. Active diversion relies on external hydraulic pressure to create a seal between the element and the drill string. A Hydraulic regulator is required to maintain the seal in the face of changes as different components pass through the element. This method requires an oil regulator, accumulator, charging pump and hydraulic controls.