Glossary
Browse the IADC Lexicon alphabetically or by category. Get comprehensive definitions of drilling industry terms.
Complement
Definition(s)
Complement
“Complement”, in respect of a vessel or platform from which an offshore geophysical operation is conducted, means all persons on the vessel or platform whose primary duties relate to the operation of the vessel or platform; équipage. Source: Canada Oil and Gas Geophysical Operations Regulations, SOR/96-117, Canada, current to April 29, 2013. Regulations Source: Nova Scotia Offshore Area Petroleum Geophysical Operations Regulations, SOR/95-144, Canada, current to May 31, 2012. RegulationsOutside the Scope of the Petroleum Act
Definition(s)
Outside the Scope of the Petroleum Act
Anyone executing on behalf of the owner the day to day management of the activities. Source: Regulations relating to health, safety and the environment in the petroleum activities and at certain onshore facilities (the Framework Regulations), Norway, February 2010 (amended December 2011). RegulationsNight Work
Definition(s)
Night Work
Work between 2300 hours and 0600 hours or between 0000 hours and 0700 hours is night work. Source: Regulations relating to health, safety and the environment in the petroleum activities and at certain onshore facilities (the Framework Regulations), Norway, February 2010 (amended December 2011). RegulationsHealth, Safety and Environment Legislation
Definition(s)
Health, Safety and Environment Legislation
The underlying acts and decisions made within the scope of application, cf. Section 2, and health legislation applicable pursuant to Section 1-5 of the Petroleum Act. Source: Regulations relating to health, safety and the environment in the petroleum activities and at certain onshore facilities (the Framework Regulations), Norway, February 2010 (amended December 2011). RegulationsHealth-Related Matters
Definition(s)
Health-Related Matters
Matters concerning health services, preparedness in connection with health care and health services, transport of sick and injured persons, matters of hygiene, potable water supply, preparation and presentation of food as well as other matters of importance to health and hygiene. The term also includes qualification requirements for and training of personnel engaged in the above. Source: Regulations relating to health, safety and the environment in the petroleum activities and at certain onshore facilities (the Framework Regulations), Norway, February 2010 (amended December 2011). RegulationsStand-By Vessel
Definition(s)
Stand-By Vessel
Like the Petroleum Act, the Working Environment Act will apply to facilities in the petroleum activities. The term facility is the same as is used in the Petroleum Act, cf. the definition in Section 1-6, litera d of the Petroleum Act. The Working Environment Act has a different, narrower application for vessels than the Petroleum Act, but in the determination of what constitutes a facility and what constitutes a vessel, the same criteria as follow from the petroleum legislation form the basis. Reference is here made to the delimitation in the Petroleum Act in connection with Section 1-4 cf. Section 1-6 litera c, which further limits what vessels can be considered supply and standby vessels, cf. Odelsting Proposition No. 43 (1995-1996), pages 27 and 28. The term includes, in addition to vessels that transport personnel and equipment, crane barges and other service vessels, vessels used to carry out manned underwater operations, pipe-laying vessels, vessels that carry out seismic surveys, etc. On the other hand, e.g. mobile drilling facilities, drilling or production vessels, flotels, etc. will clearly be covered by the term facility. As follows from the second subsection, however, certain restrictions have been set in the actual scope in relation to the Petroleum Act, which entails that the Working Environment Act will have a somewhat more limited application as regards the vessel function. Source: Guidelines Regarding the Framework Regulations, Norway, updated December 2012. Regulatory GuidanceStand-By Vessel
“Standby vessel” means any vessel that is so designated and meets the requirements of section 17.15. Source: Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Occupational Health & Safety Requirements, Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board, Canada, December 2000. RegulationsOther Participants
Definition(s)
Other Participants
Other participants as mentioned in Section 7, first subsection, means everyone participating in the activities without being licensees, owners of onshore facilities or operators. This can be other owners and users of facilities, or of property, buildings or structures, which are not onshore facilities, or those that provide services in connection with the activities, cf. also the comment regarding Section 10-6 of the Petroleum Act in Odelsting Proposition No. 43 (1995-1996), pages 61 and 62. The first subsection thus includes operators, the party responsible for operation, contractors, other owners, lessors, or users of offshore and onshore facilities, etc., and other employers. The employees are, in principle, also among the other participants. Since the Working Environment Act limits the employees' responsibility to a contributory responsibility, it has been appropriate to separate and clarify this responsibility in the fourth subsection. The content of the responsibility of employers and employees mainly follows from Sections 2-1 and 2-3 of the Working Environment Act, respectively. Source: Guidelines Regarding the Framework Regulations, Norway, updated December 2012. Regulatory GuidanceOther Participants
“Other participants” means all others who participate in the petroleum activities without being the licensee, the lessee, or as the case may be, the operator like contractors, service providers. Source: Petroleum and Natural Gas (Safety in Offshore Operations) Rules, 2008, India, 18th June 2008. RegulationsOnshore Facility
Definition(s)
Onshore Facility
The term ”onshore facility” is used as a collective term for onshore petroleum facilities covered by these regulations and supplementary regulations. The term includes both onshore facilities covered by the Petroleum Act and onshore facilities that fall outside the scope of the Petroleum Act. The regulations also cover the actual facility for production and/or utilisation of petroleum and systems, installations and activities integrated with the onshore facility or that have a natural connection to it. The regulations also cover other systems, facilities and activities used for industrial purposes inside the ”fence” of the relevant onshore facilities. Source: Guidelines Regarding the Framework Regulations, Norway, updated December 2012. Regulatory GuidanceOnshore Facility
The petroleum facilities at Kårstø, Sture, Kollsnes, Mongstad, Tjeldbergodden, Melkøya, Nyhamna, Slagentangen and their associated pipeline systems, as well as the gas power plants at Hammerfest, Skogn and Grenland and their associated pipeline systems, including those parts of the onshore facilities that are also covered by the Petroleum Act's definition of a facility, cf. Section 1-6 of the Petroleum Act. Source: Regulations relating to health, safety and the environment in the petroleum activities and at certain onshore facilities (the Framework Regulations), Norway, February 2010 (amended December 2011). RegulationsOnshore Facilities
Onshore facilities or parts thereof also mean temporary equipment. Source: Guidelines Regarding the Technical and Operational Regulations, Norway, updated December 2012. Regulatory GuidanceSimpler Facilities
Definition(s)
Simpler Facilities, with accommodation
Facilities that are normally not manned, and which are equipped with emergency quarters. Source: Regulations relating to design and outfitting of facilities, etc. in the petroleum activities (the Facilities Regulations), Norway, April 2010 (amended December 2012). RegulationsSimpler Facilities, without accommodation
Facilities without accommodation and helicopter deck, and which are a) only manned in connection with maintenance, b) only manned in daylight and during prudent weather conditions so that the personnel can leave the facility in a safe manner after completing work, c) not part of an integrated development concept or do not pose a danger to other facilities in the area or in some other manner affect the operation of other facilities in an unacceptable manner. Source: Regulations relating to design and outfitting of facilities, etc. in the petroleum activities (the Facilities Regulations), Norway, April 2010 (amended December 2012). RegulationsSafety System
Definition(s)
Safety System
Essential system consisting of a series of sub-systems and performing a series of essential functions (i.e. essential safety functions) preventing the use of the gangway outside its operational limitations (e.g. overload systems, break-away system, automatic release, etc.). Source: Offshore Gangways, DNVGL-ST-0358, DNV GL, September 2017. Global StandardsSafety System 3.1.6
System which realizes one or more safety functions. Source: ISO/TR 12489:2013(E). Global StandardsSafety System
A system that realises one or more active safety functions. Source: Regulations relating to design and outfitting of facilities, etc. in the petroleum activities (the Facilities Regulations), Norway, April 2010 (amended December 2012). Regulations Source: Regulations Relating to Technical and Operational Matters at Onshore Facilities in the Petroleum Activities, etc. (The Technical and Operational Regulations) Norway, April 2010 (amended December 2010). RegulationsPipeline Systems
Definition(s)
Pipeline Systems
Pipe with components subject to the same design conditions and typically used to transport fluids between wells and field facilities, field facilities and processing plants, processing plants and storage facilities. Source: ISO 14692-1:2017, Petroleum and natural gas industries — Glass-reinforced plastics (GRP) piping — Part 1: Vocabulary, symbols, applications and materials, Second Edition, August 2017. Global StandardsPipeline Systems
Subsea pipelines and risers that transport hydrocarbons and other fluids, with associated safety systems, valves, chambers, corrosion protection systems, etc. Source: Regulations relating to design and outfitting of facilities, etc. in the petroleum activities (the Facilities Regulations), Norway, April 2010 (amended December 2012). RegulationsPipeline Systems
Pipeline systems mean pipeline systems for landing petroleum from the shelf to onshore facilities as well as pipeline systems that transport other fluids in connection with operation of facilities on the shelf, pipeline systems for export of gas from onshore facilities to the Continent, possibly via a facility on the shelf, and pipeline systems for transport of petroleum between onshore facilities covered by these regulations. Source: Guidelines Regarding the Framework Regulations, Norway, updated December 2012. Regulatory GuidancePipeline Systems
“Pipeline system” means subsea pipelines and risers transporting hydrocarbons and other commodities, with associated safety systems, valves, tool launchers or receivers, manifolds, corrosion protection systems or other accessory equipment Source: Petroleum and Natural Gas (Safety in Offshore Operations) Rules, 2008, India, 18th June 2008. RegulationsPermanently Manned Facilities
Definition(s)
Permanently Manned Facilities
Facilities that are continuously manned, or which are part of an integrated development concept with gangway connections. Source: Regulations relating to design and outfitting of facilities, etc. in the petroleum activities (the Facilities Regulations), Norway, April 2010 (amended December 2012). RegulationsPermanently Manned Facilities
“Permanently manned facilities” means facilities that are continuously manned, or which are incorporated as a part of an integrated development concept with bridge connections Source: Petroleum and Natural Gas (Safety in Offshore Operations) Rules, 2008, India, 18th June 2008. RegulationsLoad-Bearing Structures
Definition(s)
Load-Bearing Structures
Those parts of the facility whose primary task is to transfer loads/actions. Source: Regulations relating to design and outfitting of facilities, etc. in the petroleum activities (the Facilities Regulations), Norway, April 2010 (amended December 2012). RegulationsLoad-Bearing Structures
“Load bearing structures” means those parts of the facility for which the main purpose is transfer of loads. Source: Petroleum and Natural Gas (Safety in Offshore Operations) Rules, 2008, India, 18th June 2008. RegulationsLifting Gear
Definition(s)
Lifting Gear
Components or equipment used between the lifting appliance and the load or to grip the load, and which are not an integrated part of the lifting appliance. Source: Regulations relating to design and outfitting of facilities, etc. in the petroleum activities (the Facilities Regulations), Norway, April 2010 (amended December 2012). RegulationsLifting Appliance
Definition(s)
Lifting Appliance
A composite unit used for hoisting and lowering loads, with or without horizontal movement. Source: Regulations relating to design and outfitting of facilities, etc. in the petroleum activities (the Facilities Regulations), Norway, April 2010 (amended December 2012). RegulationsLifting Appliance
machine or device used for vertical movement of a load, with or without horizontal movement NOTE: Include cranes, hoists, drilling hoisting equipment and launching and recovery appliances for life saving equipment etc. 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 StandardsHigh Pressure and High Temperature Wells (HPHT Wells)
Definition(s)
HPHT Wells
High pressure and high temperature well with expected shut-in pressure exceeding 69 MPa, or a static bottomhole temperature higher than 150 °C. Source: NORSOK D-010, Well integrity in drilling and well operations, Rev. 3, August 2004. Global StandardsHigh Pressure and High Temperature Wells (HPHT Wells)
Wells with an expected shut-in pressure greater than 69 MPa (690 bar), or a temperature higher than 150 °C. Source: Regulations relating to design and outfitting of facilities, etc. in the petroleum activities (the Facilities Regulations), Norway, April 2010 (amended December 2012). RegulationsHigh Pressure or High Temperature (HP/HT) Well
The current definition of high pressure or high temperature or both (HP/HT) wells is as follows: when the wellhead shut-in pressure exceeds 690 bars; the bottom hole static temperature exceeds 150°C. Source: NORSOK D-001, Drilling facilities, Rev. 3, December 2012. Global StandardsDesign Accidental Load/Action
Definition(s)
Design Accidental Load/Action
An accidental load/action that the facility or a function shall be able to withstand for a defined period of time. Source: Regulations relating to design and outfitting of facilities, etc. in the petroleum activities (the Facilities Regulations), Norway, April 2010 (amended December 2012). RegulationsClass H Fire Division
Definition(s)
Class H Fire Division
A division manufactured in incombustible materials that satisfies the following criteria: a) it is sufficiently reinforced, b) it prevents the spread of flames and smoke for at least two hours of the standardised fire test, c) it is designed so that the average temperature and the temperature of any single point on the unexposed side do not rise more than 140°C and 180°C, respectively, above the original temperature within the following timeframes: – class H-120: 120 minutes, – class H-60: 60 minutes, – class H-0: 0 minutes, d) any insulation materials are fire-tested at an institution that is internationally or nationally recognised in the specific discipline. Source: Regulations relating to design and outfitting of facilities, etc. in the petroleum activities (the Facilities Regulations), Norway, April 2010 (amended December 2012). RegulationsClass B Fire Division
Definition(s)
Class B Fire Division
A division manufactured in incombustible materials that satisfies the following criteria: a) it prevents the spread of flames for at least half an hour of the standardised fire test, b) it is designed so that the average temperature on the unexposed side does not rise more than 140°C above the original temperature. In addition, the temperature at any single point shall not rise more than 225°C above the original temperature within the following timeframes: – class B-30: 30 minutes, – class B-15: 15 minutes, – class B- 0: 0 minutes. Source: Regulations relating to design and outfitting of facilities, etc. in the petroleum activities (the Facilities Regulations), Norway, April 2010 (amended December 2012). RegulationsClass A Fire Division
Definition(s)
Class A Fire Division
A division manufactured in incombustible materials that satisfies the following criteria: a) it is sufficiently reinforced, b) it prevents the spread of flames and smoke for at least one hour of the standardised fire test, c) it is designed so that the average temperature and the temperature of any single point on the unexposed side do not rise more than 140°C and 180°C, respectively, above the original temperature within the following timeframes: – class A-60: 60 minutes, – class A-30: 30 minutes, – class A-15: 15 minutes, – class A- 0: 0 minutes, d) any insulation materials are fire-tested at an institution that is internationally or nationally recognised in the specific discipline. Source: Regulations relating to design and outfitting of facilities, etc. in the petroleum activities (the Facilities Regulations), Norway, April 2010 (amended December 2012). RegulationsAnchoring System
Definition(s)
Anchoring System
An anchoring system of the catenary type or a combination of thruster system and catenary-type anchoring. Source: Regulations relating to design and outfitting of facilities, etc. in the petroleum activities (the Facilities Regulations), Norway, April 2010 (amended December 2012). RegulationsSafety Functions
Definition(s)
Safety Functions
Safety functions include a) sectioning of the process, b) fire detection, c) gas detection, d) ignition source disconnection, e) maintaining overpressure in unclassified rooms, f) starting and stopping fire pumps, both manually and automatically, g) active fire-fighting h) active smoke control, i) process safety system, j) securing of wells, k) depressurisation, l) general alarm and evacuation alarm, m) production and distribution of emergency power, n) emergency lighting, o) emergency bilging, p) ballasting for floating facilities, q) maintenance of correct pressure, humidity, temperature and gas composition in diving facilities. Source: Guidelines Regarding the Facilities Regulations, Norway, updated December 2012. Regulatory GuidanceSafety Functions
Physical measures that reduce the probability of a hazard and accident situation occurring, or that limit the consequences of an accident. Source: Regulations relating to design and outfitting of facilities, etc. in the petroleum activities (the Facilities Regulations), Norway, April 2010 (amended December 2012). Regulations Source: Regulations Relating to Technical and Operational Matters at Onshore Facilities in the Petroleum Activities, etc. (The Technical and Operational Regulations) Norway, April 2010 (amended December 2010). RegulationsSafety Functions
Safety functions can be a) process sectionings b) fire detection, c) gas detection, d) ignition source disconnection, e) maintaining overpressure in unclassified rooms, f) starting and stopping fire pumps, both manually and automatically, g) active fire-fighting h) active smoke control, i) securing processes, j) depressurisation, k) general alarm and evacuation alarm, l) production and distribution of emergency power, m) emergency lighting. Source: Guidelines Regarding the Technical and Operational Regulations, Norway, updated December 2012. Regulatory GuidancePLONOR List
Definition(s)
PLONOR List
OSPAR List of Substances/Preparations Used and Discharged Offshore which Are Considered to Pose Little or No Risk to the Environment (PLONOR), www.klif.no. Source: Guidelines Regarding the Activities Regulations, Norway, updated December 2012. Regulatory GuidancePLONOR List
Plonor list: list of substances set out in the Ospar-agreement 2004-10 used and discharged during mining activities at sea and that are deemed to cause no or little harm to the environment. Source: Mining Regulation of the Netherlands, WJZ 02063603, Netherlands,16 December 2002. RegulationsFunctional Load
Definition(s)
Functional Loads
Functional loads are all loads on the pipe in operation, including all loads that act on the pipe in still water except wind, wave or current loads. Source: API SPEC 17J, Specification for Unbonded Flexible Pipe, Third Edition, July 2008. Global StandardsFunctional Loads
Functional loads include permanent and variable loads for load-bearing structures. Source: Guidance Notes on Petroleum and Natural Gas (Safety in Offshore Operations) Rules, 2008, Oil Industry Safety Directorate (India), 2012. Regulatory GuidanceFunctional Loads
Gravity and functional loads are loads which exist due to the unit’s weight, use and treatment in still water conditions for each design case. All external forces which are responses to functional loads are to be regarded as functional loads, e.g., support reactions and still water buoyancy forces. Source: Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Mobile Offshore Units, Part 4, Steel Unit Structures, June 2013, Lloyd’s Register, Global StandardsFunctional Loads/Actions
For load-bearing structures, functional loads/actions as mentioned in the third subsection, mean permanent and variable loads/actions. Source: Guidelines Regarding the Facilities Regulations, Norway, updated December 2012. Regulatory GuidanceFunctional Loads/Actions
Loads/actions caused by the physical existence, use and treatment of the facility. Source: Regulations relating to design and outfitting of facilities, etc. in the petroleum activities (the Facilities Regulations), Norway, April 2010 (amended December 2012). RegulationsDSC
Definition(s)
DSC
Differential scanning calorimetry. Source: ISO 14692-1:2017, Petroleum and natural gas industries — Glass-reinforced plastics (GRP) piping — Part 1: Vocabulary, symbols, applications and materials, Second Edition, August 2017. Global Standards Source: API SPEC 17J, Specification for Unbonded Flexible Pipe, Third Edition, July 2008. Global StandardsDSC
Method for determining the glass transition temperature of a polymer. Source: ISO 14692-1:2017, Petroleum and natural gas industries — Glass-reinforced plastics (GRP) piping — Part 1: Vocabulary, symbols, applications and materials, Second Edition, August 2017. Global StandardsDSC
DSC: a technique (digital selective calling) via which, through the use of digital codes by a radio station, a link is established and information is exchanged with one or more other stations that meets the applicable recommendations of the International Radio Consultative Committee (CCIR). Source: Mining Regulation of the Netherlands, WJZ 02063603, Netherlands,16 December 2002. RegulationsProof Pressure
Definition(s)
Proof Pressure
Maximum test pressure at a level greater than the design pressure. Source: API SPEC 17F, Specification for Subsea Production Control Systems, Second Edition, December 2006 (Reaffirmed April 2011). Global StandardsCIT
Definition(s)
CIT
Chemical injection – tree. 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 StandardsWell
Definition(s)
Well
"Well"- means a hole penetrating the earth, usually cased with steel pipe, and
- from which oil or gas, or both, or geothermal resources, is obtained or obtainable; or
- that is made for the purpose of finding or obtaining oil, gas, or geothermal resources, or of supporting oil, gas, or geothermal resources production; and
- includes a well with multiple well branches drilled to different bottom-hole locations.
Well
“Well” means any borehole, whether drilled or bored, for stratigraphic exploration or for the production, extraction or injection of any gas or liquid mineral, excluding potable water to be used as such, but including natural or artificial brines and oil field waters, sewage, and any liquid used in or resulting from any process of industry, manufacture, trade, business, or agriculture. Source: Division of Mineral Resources Management - Oil and Gas, Ohio Administrative Code, Chapter 1501:9, January 2012. RegulationsWell
“Well” means any borehole, whether drilled or bored, within the state, for production, extraction, or injection of any gas or liquid mineral, excluding potable water to be used as such, but including natural or artificial brines and oil field waters. Source: Division of Mineral Resources Management - Oil and Gas, Ohio Administrative Code, Chapter 1501:9, January 2012. RegulationsWell
“Well" means any opening in the ground (not being a seismic shot hole) that is made, is to be made or is in the process of being made, by drilling, boring or other method,- for the production of petroleum,
- for the purpose of searching for or obtaining petroleum,
- for the purpose of obtaining water to inject into an underground formation,
- for the purpose of injecting gas, air, water or other substance into an under ground formation,
- for any purpose, if made through sedimentary rocks to a depth of at least one hundred and fifty metres.
Well
Well―all wells drilled within the confines of any unit(s) sought to be terminated. Source: Natural Resources, Office of Conservation – General Operations, Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 43, Part XIX, March 2013. RegulationsWell
Well includes all equipment located downhole from a well. Examples:- Equipment leading to a blow-out preventer.
- Equipment leading to a well head.
- Equipment leading to a Christmas Tree.
Well
Well means a hole in the seabed or subsoil made by drilling, boring or any other means in connection with:- exploration for petroleum; or
- petroleum recovery operations; or
- exploration for potential greenhouse gas storage formations; or
- exploration for potential greenhouse gas injection sites; or
- the injection of a greenhouse gas substance into an identified greenhouse gas storage formation; or
- the injection, on an appraisal basis, of a greenhouse gas substance into a part of a geological formation; or
- the injection, on an appraisal basis, of air, petroleum or water into a part of a geological formation;
Well
Well includes well-related equipment associated with a well. Source: Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006, Australia, amended 2012. LegislationWell
WELL when used alone in these Rules and Regulations, shall mean an oil or gas well, a hole drilled for the purpose of producing oil or gas, a well into which fluids are injected, a stratigraphic well, a gas storage well, or a well used for the purpose of monitoring or observing a reservoir. Source: Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, Practice and Procedure, Code of Colorado Regulations, 2 CCR 404-1, February 2013. RegulationsWell
“Well” means a well bore with single or multiple completions, including all horizons and producing formations from the surface to total depth. Source: Oil and Gas, New Mexico Administrative Code Title 19, Chapter 15, January 2013. RegulationsWell
A well drilled for any purpose related to exploration for or production or storage of oil or gas or geothermal resources, including a well drilled for injection of fluids to enhance hydrocarbon recovery, disposal of produced fluids, disposal of waste from exploration or production activity, or brine mining. Source: Oil and Gas Division, Texas Administrative Code, Title 16, Chapter 3, February 2013. RegulationsWell
A well as defined in Texas Natural Resources Code, Chapter 89. Source: Oil and Gas Division, Texas Administrative Code, Title 16, Chapter 3, February 2013. RegulationsWell
a well made by drilling; and a borehole drilled with a view to the extraction of minerals through it or another well Regulation 2, DCR. Source: Oil & Gas UK, Guidelines on subsea BOP systems, Issue 1, July 2012, Global StandardsWell
"Well" means a hole in the ground:- made, or being made, by drilling, boring, or in any other manner, and from which oil or gas is obtained, or is obtainable; or is for the purpose of attempting to obtain oil or gas;
- made, or being made, by drilling or boring for the purpose of obtaining water to inject to an underground formation;
- used, drilled, or being drilled for the purpose of injecting gas, air, water or other substance to an underground formation;
- which is a test-hole, excluding seismic drilling; or
- drilled or being drilled, for any other purpose than listed above using equipment and machinery normally used for oil and gas well drilling.