Glossary
Browse the IADC Lexicon alphabetically or by category. Get comprehensive definitions of drilling industry terms.
Flowline
Definition(s)
Flowline
Piping or trough which directs drilling fluid from the rotary nipple to the surface drilling fluid system. Source: API RP 13C, Recommended Practice on Drilling Fluids Processing Systems Evaluation, Upstream Segment, Fourth Edition, December 2010. Global StandardsFlowline
Production/injection line, service line or pipeline through which fluid flows. NOTE In this part of ISO 13628, the term is used to describe solutions or circumstances of general nature related to a flowline. Source: API RP 17A, Design and Operation of Subsea Production Systems—General Requirements and Recommendations, Fourth Edition, Reaffirmed 2011. Global StandardsFlowline
Any pipeline connecting to the subsea tree assembly outboard the flowline connector or hub. 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 StandardsFlowline
The piping which exits the bell nipple and conducts drilling fluid and cuttings to the shale shaker and drilling fluid pits. Source: API STD 53, Blowout Prevention Equipment Systems for Drilling Wells, Upstream Segment, Fourth Edition, November 2012. Global StandardsFlowline
“Flowline” means a pipeline that is used to transport fluids from a well to a production facility or vice versa, and includes intrafield export and all gathering lines (conduite d’écoulement). Source: Canada Oil and Gas Installations Regulations, SOR/96-111, Canada, current to May 1, 2014. Regulations Source: Canada Oil and Gas Installations Regulations, SOR/96-118, February 2013. Regulations Source: Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Installations Regulations, SOR/95-191, Canada, current to May 31, 2012. RegulationsFlowline Connector Support Frame
Definition(s)
Flowline Connector Support Frame
Structural frame which receives and supports the flowline connector and transfers flowline loads back into the wellhead or seabed anchored 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 StandardsFlowline Connector System
Definition(s)
Flowline Connector System
Equipment used to attach subsea pipelines and/or control umbilicals to a subsea tree. EXAMPLE Tree-mounted connection systems used to connect a subsea flowline directly to a subsea tree, connect a flowline end termination to the subsea tree through a jumper, connect a subsea tree to a manifold through a jumper, etc. 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 StandardsFLS
Definition(s)
FLS
Fatigue limit state. Source: API Standard 2RD, Dynamic Risers for Floating Production Systems, Second Edition, September 2013. Global Standards Source: ISO 19901-7:2013, Petroleum and natural gas industries – Specific requirements for offshore structures – Part 7: Stationkeeping systems for floating offshore structures and mobile offshore units. Global Standards Source: ISO 19905-1:202, Petroleum and natural gas industries – Site-specific assessment of mobile offshore units – Part 1: Jack-ups. Global Standards Source: Offshore Standard DNV-OS-C101, Design of Offshore Steel Structures, General (LRFD Method, Det Norske Veritas, April 2011. Global Standards Source: ISO 19900:2013, Petroleum and natural gas industries – General requirements for offshore structures. Global Standards Source: Verification of Lifting Appliances for the Oil and Gas Industry, DNV-OSS-308, October 2010, Det Norske Veritas AS, Global StandardsFluid
Definition(s)
Fluid
substance that has no fixed shape and yields easily to external pressure- Note 1 to entry: A fluid can be either a gas or a liquid.
Fluid
Gases, liquids and vapour in pure phases as well as mixtures thereof. Source: API RP 17G, Recommended Practice for Completion/Workover Risers, Second Edition, July 2006 (Reaffirmed April 2011). Global StandardsFluid
"Fluid" means any material or substance that flows or moves, whether in a semi-solid, liquid, sludge, gaseous, or other form or state. Source: Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, Definitions, Alaska Admin. Code tit. 20, § 25.990, December 7, 2012. RegulationsFluid
“Fluid” means gas, liquid or a combination of the two fluide. 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. RegulationsFluids
Fluids mean liquids and gases. Source: Guidelines Regarding the Facilities Regulations, Norway, updated December 2012. Regulatory GuidanceFluid Column Barrier
Definition(s)
Hydrostatic barrier or fluid column barrier
Hydrostatic pressure of a fluid column sufficient to prevent formation fluid influx into the wellbore. Source: API RP 96, Deepwater Well Design and Construction, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsFluid Density
Definition(s)
Fluid Density
The unit weight of fluid; e.g., pounds per gallon (lb/gal). Source: API RP 59, Recommended Practice for Well Control Operations, Second Edition, May 2006. Global StandardsFluid Flow
Definition(s)
Fluid Flow
State in fluid dynamics of fluid in motion determined by fluid type, properties, geometry and velocity. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global StandardsFluid Migration Potential
Definition(s)
Fluid Migration Potential
The API inactive well program evaluates the potential for wellbore fluids to migrate through an inactive wellbore. Four fluid migration potential categories are defined in Table 3-1 as minimum, low, moderate, and significant. The appropriate fluid migration potential category for an inactive well is determined by the presence, or absence, of pressured formations and by the number of levels of protection. Concerns in evaluating the fluid migration potential are pressured formations existing as the completion interval or pressured formations existing behind uncemented casing in the same uncemented annulus as a fresh water aquifer that is not completely covered by surface casing. Pressured formations behind cemented casing are isolated and have minimum potential for fluid migration. TABLE 3-1 CATEGORIES OF FLUID MIGRATION POTENTIAL INTO FRESH WATER AQUIFERS Fluid Migration Potential Category Minimum There are no pressured formations, or the only pressured formations are isolated from the fresh water aquifers by cemented production casing, liner, or intermediate casing. Low The well has two or more levels of protection, there is no sustained pressure on the surface casing annulus, and The completion interval is a pressured formation, and all other pressured formations are isolated from the fresh water aquifers by cementing production casing, liner, or intermediate casing, or The completion interval may or may not be a pressured formation, but there are two or more levels of protection between the shallowest uncemented pressured formation and the lowermost fresh water aquifers. Moderate The well has one level of protection, there is no sustained pressure on the surface casing annulus, and The completion interval is a pressured formation, and all other pressured formations are isolated from the fresh water aquifers by cemented production casing, liner, or intermediate casing, or The completion interval may or may not be a pressured formation, but there is one level of protection between the shallowest uncemented pressured formation and the lowermost fresh water aquifer. Significant The well has zero levels of protection, and the completion interval is a pressured formation, or There is sustained pressure on the surface casing annulus, or The Christmas-tree or stuffing-box assembly design and mechanical integrity is not sufficient to provide long-term containment of the wellbore fluids, or A pressured formation and a fresh water aquifer exist in the same uncemented annulus. Source: API BULLETIN E3, Environmental Guidance Document: Well Abandonment and Inactive Well Practices for U.S. Exploration and Production Operations, First Edition, January 1993 (Reaffirmed June 2000). Global StandardsFluid Pumps
Definition(s)
Fluid Pumps
Fluid pumps includes positive displacement pumps, electric or diesel driven, used for well intervention activities such as; flush and test circulation systems, testing of well barriers, circulation through work string, well stimulation and other pumping application that requires high volume or pressure. Pumps may also be used as well kill pumps for well intervention activities. Source: NORSOK D-002, Well intervention equipment, Rev. 2, June 2013. Global StandardsFluid Spacer
Definition(s)
Fluid Spacer
An oil or water based fluid used to separate incompatible drilling fluid from cement. Spacers are compatible with both the drilling fluid and the cement. The purpose of spacers is to minimize cement contamination by drillllig fluid and to displace drilling fluid from the wellbore 60 that the cement can form an effective hydraulic seal. Source: API BULLETIN E3, Environmental Guidance Document: Well Abandonment and Inactive Well Practices for U.S. Exploration and Production Operations, First Edition, January 1993 (Reaffirmed June 2000). Global StandardsFluorescence
Definition(s)
Fluorescence
Emission of visible radiation by a substance as the result of the absorption of ultraviolet light radiation. Source: API RP 5A5, Field Inspection of New Casing, Tubing, and Plain-end Drill Pipe, Reaffirmed August 2010. Global StandardsFluorescent Magnetic Particle Inspection
Definition(s)
Fluorescent Magnetic Particle Inspection
Magnetic particle inspection process employing a finely-divided, fluorescent, ferromagnetic inspection medium that fluoresces when exposed to black light. Source: API RP 5A5, Field Inspection of New Casing, Tubing, and Plain-end Drill Pipe, Reaffirmed August 2010. Global StandardsFLUT
Definition(s)
FLUT
Full-length ultrasonic transverse. Source: API RP 7G-2, Recommended Practice for Inspection and Classification of Used Drill Stem Elements, First Edition, August 2009. Global StandardsFlux Density
Definition(s)
Flux Density
Strength of a magnetic field. NOTE In the Gaussian system, flux density is expressed in gauss. Source: API RP 5A5, Field Inspection of New Casing, Tubing, and Plain-end Drill Pipe, Reaffirmed August 2010. Global StandardsFlux Leakage
Definition(s)
Flux Leakage
Magnetic field forced out into the air by a distortion of the field within the OCTG, caused by the presence of a discontinuity. Source: API RP 5A5, Field Inspection of New Casing, Tubing, and Plain-end Drill Pipe, Reaffirmed August 2010. Global StandardsFlux Lines
Definition(s)
Flux Lines
Imaginary magnetic lines used as a means of explaining the behaviour of magnetic fields. Their conception is based on the pattern of lines produced when iron filings are sprinkled on a piece of paper laid over a magnet. Synonymous with Magnetic Lines of Force. Source: API RP 5A5, Field Inspection of New Casing, Tubing, and Plain-end Drill Pipe, Reaffirmed August 2010. Global StandardsFLVI
Definition(s)
FLVI
Full-length visual inspection. Source: API RP 5A5, Field Inspection of New Casing, Tubing, and Plain-end Drill Pipe, Reaffirmed August 2010. Global StandardsFly Ash
Definition(s)
Fly Ash
Powdered residue from the combustion of coal having pozzolanic properties. NOTE See Clause 17 for further description. Source: API RP 10B-2, Recommended Practice for Testing Well Cements, First Edition, July 2005 (Reaffirmed: July 2010). Global StandardsFlying Lead
Definition(s)
Flying lead
Unarmoured umbilical jumper with a termination plate at either end (incorporating connectors for the various lines) used to connect subsea facilities together. NOTE 1 A flying lead is commonly used to connect e.g. a subsea control module on a subsea tree to a subsea umbilical distribution unit. NOTE 2 This type of umbilical jumper is lightweight and hence can be picked up from a deployment basket on the seabed and manoeuvred into position using a free-flying ROV. Source: API RP 17A, Design and Operation of Subsea Production Systems—General Requirements and Recommendations, Fourth Edition, Reaffirmed 2011. Global StandardsFM
Definition(s)
FM
Factory mutual research corporation. 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 Standards Source: API RP 14F, Design, Installation, and Maintenance of Electrical Systems for Fixed and Floating Offshore Petroleum Facilities for Unclassified and Class 1, Division 1 and Division 2 Locations, Fifth Edition, July 2008. Global StandardsFM
Fracture mechanics. Source: API Technical Report 17TR7, Verification and Validation of Subsea Connectors, First Edition, April 2017. Global Standards Source: API Standard 2RD, Dynamic Risers for Floating Production Systems, Second Edition, September 2013. Global Standards Source: Offshore Standard DNV-OS-C101, Design of Offshore Steel Structures, General (LRFD Method, Det Norske Veritas, April 2011. Global StandardsFM
Leg moment reaction associated with FV.
Source: ABS Guidance Notes on Geotechnical Performance of Spudcan Foundations, January 2017. Global StandardsFMCD
Definition(s)
FMCD
Floating Mud Cap Drilling. Source: ABS Guide for Classification and Certification of Managed Pressure Drilling Systems, September 2017. Global StandardsFMCD
A drilling technique used to drill without returns while sacrificial fluid is continuously pumped down drill string and the annulus to avoid all possibility of formation fluid migrating to the surface. Open-hole formation is taking all injected (sacrificial) fluid and drilled cuttings without surface pressure assistance. Source: ABS Guide for Classification and Certification of Managed Pressure Drilling Systems, September 2017. Global StandardsFMEA
Definition(s)
FMEA
Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) means a systematic analysis of systems and sub-systems to a level of detail that identifies all potential failure modes down to the appropriate sub-system level and their consequences. Source: IMO MSC.1/Circ.1580, GUIDELINES FOR VESSELS AND UNITS WITH DYNAMIC POSITIONING (DP) SYSTEMS, 16 June 2017, International Maritime Organization. Regulatory GuidanceFMEA
Failure mode and effects analysis. Source: IMO MSC.1/Circ.1580, GUIDELINES FOR VESSELS AND UNITS WITH DYNAMIC POSITIONING (DP) SYSTEMS, 16 June 2017, International Maritime Organization. Regulatory Guidance Source: ISO 16530-1:2017, Petroleum and natural gas industries — Well integrity – Part 1: Life cycle governance, First Edition, March 2017. Global Standards Source: API Standard 2RD, Dynamic Risers for Floating Production Systems, Second Edition, September 2013. Global Standards Source: API RP 17A, Design and Operation of Subsea Production Systems—General Requirements and Recommendations, Fourth Edition, Reaffirmed 2011. Global Standards Source: NOPSEMA Guidance Note: Control Measures and Performance Standards, N-04300 GN0271, Australia, Revision 3, December 2011. Regulatory Guidance Source: ISO 17776:2000, Petroleum and natural gas industries – Offshore production installations – Guidelines on tools and techniques for hazard identification and risk assessment. Global Standards Source: ISO 20815:2008, Petroleum, petrochemical and natural gas industries – Production assurance and reliability management. Global Standards Source: ISO 19901-7:2013, Petroleum and natural gas industries – Specific requirements for offshore structures – Part 7: Stationkeeping systems for floating offshore structures and mobile offshore units. Global StandardsFMEA
Technique which identifies failure modes and mechanisms, and their effects. Source: ISO 16530-1:2017, Petroleum and natural gas industries — Well integrity – Part 1: Life cycle governance, First Edition, March 2017. Global StandardsFMEA
Failure mode and effect analysis (see ISO TS 16949). Source: API TR 1PER15K-1, Protocol for Verification and Validation of High-pressure High-temperature Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsFMEA
Failure Modes and Effects Analysis. 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 GuidelinesFMEA
Failure modes and effects analysis. A technique for determining the ways in which equipment can fail and the consequences of the failure on reliability and safety. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global StandardsFailure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
A hazard identification technique in which known failure modes of components or features of a system are considered and undesired outcomes are noted. FMEA is related to Fault Tree and Event Tree Analyses. 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 GuidelinesFMECA
Definition(s)
FMECA
Failure modes effects criticality analysis. Source: API Technical Report 17TR7, Verification and Validation of Subsea Connectors, First Edition, April 2017. Global StandardsFMECA
Failure mode, effects and criticality analysis. Source: ISO 17776:2016, Petroleum and natural gas industries — Offshore production installations — Major accident hazard management during the design of new installations, Second Edition, December 2016. Global Standards Source: API Standard 2RD, Dynamic Risers for Floating Production Systems, Second Edition, September 2013. Global Standards Source: API RP 17G, Recommended Practice for Completion/Workover Risers, Second Edition, July 2006 (Reaffirmed April 2011). Global Standards Source: ISO 20815:2008, Petroleum, petrochemical and natural gas industries – Production assurance and reliability management. Global Standards Source: Oil & Gas UK, Guidelines on subsea BOP systems, Issue 1, July 2012, Global StandardsFMECA
analysis usually performed after an FMEA (3.21) which can be based on the probability that the failure mode will result in system failure, or the level of risk associated with the failure mode, or a risk’s priority Source: ISO 16530-1:2017, Petroleum and natural gas industries — Well integrity – Part 1: Life cycle governance, First Edition, March 2017. Global StandardsFMECA
Failure mode effect and consequence analysis. Source: Rules for Classification – Offshore units, DNVGL-OU-0101, Offshore drilling and support units, DNV GL, July 2015. Global StandardsFMECA
Failure mode, effect and criticality analysis. Source: API RP 17H, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Interfaces on Subsea Production Systems, First Edition, July 2004 (Reaffirmed January 2009). Global Standards Source: API STD 689, Collection and Exchange of Reliability and Maintenance Data for Equipment, First Edition, July 2007. Global Standards 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 Guidelines Source: NOPSEMA Guidance note: Hazard Identification, N-04300-GN0107, Australia, Revision 5, December 2012. Regulatory GuidanceFMU
Definition(s)
FMU
Final make-up specimen condition. Source: API RP 5C5, Recommended Practice on Procedures for Testing Casing and Tubing Connections, Third Edition, July 2003 (Reaffirmed August 2010). Global StandardsFN
Definition(s)
FN
Ferrite Number. Source: API STANDARD 16AR, Standard for Repair and Remanufacture of Drill-through Equipment, First Edition, April 2017. Global StandardsFNA
Definition(s)
FNA
Flow-network analysis. Source: ISO 20815:2008, Petroleum, petrochemical and natural gas industries – Production assurance and reliability management. Global StandardsFoam
Definition(s)
Foam (Phase System)
Two-phase system, similar to an emulsion, in which the dispersed phase is air or gas. Source: API RP 13C, Recommended Practice on Drilling Fluids Processing Systems Evaluation, Upstream Segment, Fourth Edition, December 2010. Global StandardsFoam (Floating Material)
Bubbles floating on the surface of the drilling fluid. NOTE The bubbles are usually air-cut drilling fluid but can be formation gasses. Source: API RP 13C, Recommended Practice on Drilling Fluids Processing Systems Evaluation, Upstream Segment, Fourth Edition, December 2010. Global StandardsFoam
Foam is generally defined as gas dispersed in liquid in a ratio such that its bulk density approaches that of gas rather than liquid. Pure liquids rarely foam when gassed. Source: API RP 17A, Design and Operation of Subsea Production Systems—General Requirements and Recommendations, Fourth Edition, Reaffirmed 2011. Global StandardsFoam
A two-phase system where the dispersed portion is air. Applied to UBD in water sensitive formations. Recyclable foams are available. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global StandardsFoam
Foam is the extinguishing medium produced when foam solution passes through a foam generator and is mixed with air. <fixed foam fire-extinguishing systems>. Source: IMO Resolution MSC.327(90), amendments to the International Code for Fire Safety Systems, 25 May 2012, International Maritime Organization. Regulatory GuidanceFoam
Foam is the extinguishing medium produced when foam solution passes through a foam generator and is mixed with air. Source: IMO MSC.1/Circ.1271, Guidelines for the approval of high-expansion foam using inside air for the protection of machinery spaces and cargo pump-rooms, 4 June 2008, International Maritime Organization. Regulatory GuidanceFootprint
Definition(s)
Footprint
After a jackup unit is removed from a site, depressions are left in the seabed where the spudcans were located. The soil in way of the footprints has modified physical profiles of the seabed and soil properties.
Source: ABS Guidance Notes on Geotechnical Performance of Spudcan Foundations, January 2017. Global Standards