Glossary
Browse the IADC Lexicon alphabetically or by category. Get comprehensive definitions of drilling industry terms.
Annular Pressure Buildup (APB)
Definition(s)
Annular pressure buildup (APB)
Pressure generated within an annulus by thermal expansion of wellbore fluids, typically during production. NOTE APB can also occur during drilling operations when trapped annular fluids at cool shallow depths are exposed to high temperatures induced by fluids circulating from deep, hot hole sections. This thermally induced pressure is defined and listed in API 90 as thermal casing pressure. NOTE 2 Can also occur from migration of formation fluids, as defined in API 90. Source: API RP 96, Deepwater Well Design and Construction, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsAnnular Pressure Buildup (APB)
Pressure generated within a sealed annulus by thermal expansion of trapped wellbore fluids typically during production. May also occur during drilling operations when trapped annular fluids at cool shallow depths are exposed to high temperatures from fluids circulating in deep, hot hole sections. This thermally induced pressure is defined and listed in API RP 90 as thermal casing pressure. APB is also referred to as annular fluid expansion (AFE). Source: API STD 65 – Part 2, Isolating Potential Flow Zones During Well Construction, Upstream Segment, Second Edition, December 2010. 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 StandardsAnnular Sealing Device
Definition(s)
Annular Sealing Device
Generally, a torus-shaped steel housing containing an annular packing element which facilitates closure of the annulus by constricting to seal on the pipe or kelly in the wellbore. Some annular sealing devices also facilitate shutoff of the open hole. Source: API RP 64, Recommended Practice for Diverter Systems Equipment and Operations, Second Edition, November 2001 (March 1, 2007). Global StandardsAnnular Space
Definition(s)
Annular space
Space surrounding pipe in the wellbore. The outer wall of the annular space may be open hole or pipe. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsAnnuli
Definition(s)
Annuli
Plural of annulus. A well may contain several annuli formed by multiple casing and liner pipe strings. Source: API STD 65 – Part 2, Isolating Potential Flow Zones During Well Construction, Upstream Segment, Second Edition, December 2010. Global StandardsAnnulus
Definition(s)
Annulus
Space between the inner diameter of pipe A and the outer diameter of pipe B when pipe B is positioned inside pipe A.
Source: API Specification 16Q, Design, Selection, Operation, and Maintenance of Marine Drilling Riser Systems, Second Edition, April 2017. Global StandardsAnnulus
The space between the outer wall of one string of pipe (casing or tubing) suspended in a wellbore and the inner wall of the next larger casing or the borehole wall; i.e., the space between concentric pipe strings. 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 StandardsAnnulus
Space surrounding the pipe in the wellbore. NOTE The outer wall of the annular space may be either surface or casing. Source: API RP 10B-2, Recommended Practice for Testing Well Cements, First Edition, July 2005 (Reaffirmed: July 2010). Global StandardsAnnulus
Any space between concentric tubulars or between the tubular and the wellbore (formation). Source: API RP 96, Deepwater Well Design and Construction, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsAnnulus
The space between two pipes, when one pipe is laterally positioned inside the other. Source: API RP 16Q, Recommended Practice for Design, Selection, Operation and Maintenance of Marine Drilling Riser Systems, First Edition, November 1993 (Reaffirmed August 2001). Global StandardsAnnulus
Space between two concentric plastic sheaths of an unbonded flexible pipe cross-section. Source: API RP 17B, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe, Fourth Edition, July 2008. Global StandardsAnnulus
The space between the drill string and the inside diameter of the hole being drilled, the last string of casing set in the well, or the marine riser. Source: API RP 59, Recommended Practice for Well Control Operations, Second Edition, May 2006. Global Standards Source: API RP 64, Recommended Practice for Diverter Systems Equipment and Operations, Second Edition, November 2001 (March 1, 2007). Global StandardsAnnulus
Space between the internal pressure sheath and outer sheath. NOTE Permeated gas and liquid is generally free to move and mix in the annulus. Source: API SPEC 17J, Specification for Unbonded Flexible Pipe, Third Edition, July 2008. Global StandardsAnnulus
The space between the borehole and tubulars or between tubulars, where fluid can flow. The annulus designation between the production tubing and production casing is the “A” annulus. Outer annuli between other strings are designated B, C, D, etc. as the pipe sizes increase in diameter. Source: API STD 65 – Part 2, Isolating Potential Flow Zones During Well Construction, Upstream Segment, Second Edition, December 2010. Global StandardsAnnulus
“Annulus” means the space between a wellbore and tubulars or between tubulars where fluid can flow. Source: Division of Mineral Resources Management - Oil and Gas, Ohio Administrative Code, Chapter 1501:9, January 2012. RegulationsAnnulus
Space between two pipes when one pipe is inside the other. Source: ISO 13624-1:2009, Petroleum and natural gas industries – Drilling and production equipment – Part 1:Design and operation of marine drilling riser equipment. Global StandardsAnnulus 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 StandardsAnnulus Seal Assembly
Definition(s)
Annulus Seal Assembly
Mechanism that provides pressure isolation between each casing hanger and the wellhead housing. 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 StandardsAnomaly
Definition(s)
Anomaly
Condition that differs from what is expected or typical, or which differs from that predicted by a theoretical model. Source: ISO 16530-1:2017, Petroleum and natural gas industries - Well integrity – Part 1: Life cycle governance, First Edition, March 2017. Global StandardsAnomaly
An in-service survey measurement that is outside the threshold considered acceptable from the design or most recent fitness-for-purpose assessment. Source: API RP 2SIM, Structural Integrity Management of Fixed Offshore Structures, First Edition, November 2014. Global StandardsANS
Definition(s)
ANS
American National Standards Institute. Source: API SPEC 16A, Specification for Drill-through Equipment, Third Edition, June 2004 (Errata/Supplement November 2004). Global StandardsANSI
Definition(s)
ANSI
American National Standards Institute. Source: API STD 521, Pressure-relieving and Depressuring Systems, Sixth Edition, January 2014. Global Standards 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 Standards Source: API RP 49, Recommended Practice for Drilling and Well Servicing Operations Involving Hydrogen Sulfide, Third Edition, May 2001. Global Standards Source: API RP 14G, Recommended Practice for Fire Prevention and Control on Fixed Open-type Offshore Production Platforms: Upstream Segment, Fourth Edition, April 2007. Global Standards Source: API RP 67, Recommended Practice for Oilfield Explosives Safety, Upstream Segment, Second Edition, May 2007. Global Standards Source: API RP 98, Personal Protective Equipment Selection for Oil Spill Responders, First Edition, August 2013. Global Standards Source: API SPEC 16RCD, Specification for Drill Through Equipment—Rotating Control Devices, Upstream Segment, First Edition, February 2005. Global Standards 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 Standards Source: API SPEC 17F, Specification for Subsea Production Control Systems, Second Edition, December 2006 (Reaffirmed April 2011). Global Standards Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global Standards Source: Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Occupational Health & Safety Requirements, Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board, Canada, December 2000. Regulations Source: OGP Report No. 456, Process Safety – Recommended Practice on Key Performance Indicators, International Association of Oil & Gas Producers, November 2011. Global Standards Source: Oil and Gas Occupational Safety and Health Regulations, SOR/87-612, Canada, current to April 29, 2013. Regulations Source: Petroleum Safety Orders--Drilling and Production, Definitions, California Code of Regulations, 8 CCR § 6505, December 2012. Regulations Source: ANSI/ISA–99.00.01–2007, Security for Industrial Automation and Control Systems, Part 1: Terminology, Concepts, and Models, 29 October 2007. National StandardANSI
"ANSI" means American National Standards Institute. Source: API RP 64, Recommended Practice for Diverter Systems Equipment and Operations, Second Edition, November 2001 (March 1, 2007). Global Standards Source: Canada Oil and Gas Occupational Safety and Health Regulations, SOR/87-612, February 2013. Regulations Source: Oil and Gas, New Mexico Administrative Code Title 19, Chapter 15, January 2013. Regulations Source: State of Wyoming Occupational Safety and Health Rules and Regulations for Oil and Gas Well Drilling, Revised January 8, 2013. RegulationsAnti-Collision
Definition(s)
Anti-Collision (ACS)
System that prevents collision between two moving drill floor equipment (zone management system). Source: NORSOK D-001, Drilling facilities, Rev. 3, December 2012. Global StandardsAnti-two-blocking
Definition(s)
Anti-two-blocking
A means to protect hoist ropes, structural components, and machinery from damage that can occur when two sheave groups (e.g. load block and boom tip) come into contact as the hoist cable is drawn in. Source: API RP 2D, Operation and Maintenance of Offshore Cranes, Seventh Edition, December 2014. Global StandardsAnti-Wear Layer
Definition(s)
Anti-Wear Layer
Non-metallic layer, either extruded thermoplastic sheath or tape wrapping, used to minimize wear between structural layers. Source: API SPEC 17J, Specification for Unbonded Flexible Pipe, Third Edition, July 2008. Global StandardsAntispyware Software
Definition(s)
Antispyware Software
A program that specializes in detecting and blocking or removing forms of spyware. Adapted from: NCSD Glossary Source: NICCS™ Portal Cybersecurity Lexicon, National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (https://niccs.us-cert.gov/glossary) as of 11 November 2015, Global StandardsAntivirus Software
Definition(s)
Antivirus Software
A program that monitors a computer or network to detect or identify major types of malicious code and to prevent or contain malware incidents. Sometimes by removing or neutralizing the malicious code. Adapted from: NCSD Glossary Source: NICCS™ Portal Cybersecurity Lexicon, National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (https://niccs.us-cert.gov/glossary) as of 11 November 2015, Global StandardsAOD
Definition(s)
AOD
Argon oxygen decarburization. Source: API SPEC 5CRA, Specification for Corrosion Resistant Alloy Seamless Tubes for Use as Casing, Tubing and Coupling Stock, Upstream Segment, First Edition, February 2010 (Errata August 2011). Global StandardsAOPS
Definition(s)
AOPS
Automatic overload protection system. 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 StandardsAP
Definition(s)
AP
Annulus Pressure. Source: Deepwater Well Control Guidelines. IADC GuidelinesAP
Access Point. Source: ISO/IEC 27032:2015, Information technology — Security techniques — Guidelines for cybersecurity, First Edition, July 2012. Global StandardsAPB
Definition(s)
APB
Annular pressure buildup. Source: API STD 65 – Part 2, Isolating Potential Flow Zones During Well Construction, Upstream Segment, Second Edition, December 2010. Global StandardsAperture
Definition(s)
Aperture (Screen Cloth)
Opening between the wires in a screen cloth. Source: API RP 13C, Recommended Practice on Drilling Fluids Processing Systems Evaluation, Upstream Segment, Fourth Edition, December 2010. Global StandardsAperture (Screen Surface)
Opening in a screen surface. Source: API RP 13C, Recommended Practice on Drilling Fluids Processing Systems Evaluation, Upstream Segment, Fourth Edition, December 2010. Global StandardsApex
Definition(s)
Apex
Opening at lower end of a hydrocyclone. Source: API RP 13C, Recommended Practice on Drilling Fluids Processing Systems Evaluation, Upstream Segment, Fourth Edition, December 2010. Global StandardsAPF
Definition(s)
APF
Workplace level of respiratory protection that a respirator or class of respirators is expected to provide to a population of properly fitted and trained users. NOTE For example, an APF of 10 for a respirator means that a user could expect to inhale no more than one tenth of the airborne contaminant present. Source: API RP 98, Personal Protective Equipment Selection for Oil Spill Responders, First Edition, August 2013. Global StandardsAPF
assigned protection factor Source: API RP 98, Personal Protective Equipment Selection for Oil Spill Responders, First Edition, August 2013. Global StandardsAPI
Definition(s)
API
American Petroleum Institute. 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 RP 781 Security Plan Methodology for the Oil and Natural Gas Industries.1st Ed. September 2016. Global Standards Source: Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, Definitions, Alaska Admin. Code tit. 20, § 25.990, December 7, 2012. Regulations Source: API Standard 2RD, Dynamic Risers for Floating Production Systems, Second Edition, September 2013. 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 Standards Source: API RP 14G, Recommended Practice for Fire Prevention and Control on Fixed Open-type Offshore Production Platforms: Upstream Segment, Fourth Edition, April 2007. Global Standards Source: API RP 49, Recommended Practice for Drilling and Well Servicing Operations Involving Hydrogen Sulfide, Third Edition, May 2001. Global Standards Source: API RP 59, Recommended Practice for Well Control Operations, Second Edition, May 2006. Global Standards Source: API RP 64, Recommended Practice for Diverter Systems Equipment and Operations, Second Edition, November 2001 (March 1, 2007). Global Standards Source: API RP 67, Recommended Practice for Oilfield Explosives Safety, Upstream Segment, Second Edition, May 2007. Global Standards 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 2FB, Recommended Practice for the Design of Offshore Facilities Against Fire and Blast Loading, First Edition, April 2006. Global Standards Source: API SPEC 13A, Specification for Drilling Fluids Materials, Eighteenth Edition, February 2010. Global Standards Source: API SPEC 16A, Specification for Drill-through Equipment, Third Edition, June 2004 (Errata/Supplement November 2004). Global Standards Source: API SPEC 16C, Specification for Choke and Kill Systems, First Edition, January 1993 (Reaffirmed 2001). Global Standards Source: API SPEC 16RCD, Specification for Drill Through Equipment—Rotating Control Devices, Upstream Segment, First Edition, February 2005. Global Standards 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 Standards Source: API SPEC 17F, Specification for Subsea Production Control Systems, Second Edition, December 2006 (Reaffirmed April 2011). Global Standards Source: API STD 53, Blowout Prevention Equipment Systems for Drilling Wells, Upstream Segment, Fourth Edition, November 2012. Global Standards Source: API STD 65 – Part 2, Isolating Potential Flow Zones During Well Construction, Upstream Segment, Second Edition, December 2010. Global Standards Source: Canada Oil and Gas Occupational Safety and Health Regulations, SOR/87-612, February 2013. Regulations Source: Division of Mineral Resources Management - Oil and Gas, Ohio Administrative Code, Chapter 1501:9, January 2012. Regulations Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. 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: 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 Standards Source: ISO 21457:2010, Petroleum and natural gas industries — Materials selection and corrosion control for oil and gas production systems, First Edition,September 2010. Global Standards 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 Standards Source: NOPSEMA Guidance Note: Control Measures and Performance Standards, N-04300 GN0271, Australia, Revision 3, December 2011. Regulatory Guidance Source: 117 OLF, Norwegian Oil and Gas Association recommended guidelines for Well Integrity, No. 117, Revision No. 4, June 2011. Global Standard Source: Offshore Standard DNV-OS-C101, Design of Offshore Steel Structures, General (LRFD Method, Det Norske Veritas, April 2011. Global Standards Source: OGP Report No. 456, Process Safety – Recommended Practice on Key Performance Indicators, International Association of Oil & Gas Producers, November 2011. Global Standards Source: Oil and Gas, New Mexico Administrative Code Title 19, Chapter 15, January 2013. Regulations Source: Oil & Gas UK, Guidelines on subsea BOP systems, Issue 1, July 2012. Global Standards Source: Oil and Gas Occupational Safety and Health Regulations, SOR/87-612, Canada, current to April 29, 2013. Regulations Source: Petroleum Safety Orders--Drilling and Production, Definitions, California Code of Regulations, 8 CCR § 6505, December 2012. Regulations Source: Prevention of Fire and Explosion, and Emergency Response on Offshore Installations, Offshore Installations (Prevention of Fire and Explosion, and Emergency Response) Regulations 1995, Approved Code of Practice and guidance (UK HSE L65), Second Edition, 1997. Regulatory Guidance 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 Standards Source: Rules for Classification – Offshore units, DNVGL-OU-0101, Offshore drilling and support units, DNV GL, July 2015. Global StandardsAPI
American Petroleum Institute. Institute Americana del Petróleo.
Source: Resolución Número 40687 de 18 Jul 2017 Por la cual se establecen los criterios técnicos para proyectos de perforación exploratoria de hidrocarburos costa afuera en Colombia. Columbia Ministerio de Minas y Energia, Regulations