Glossary
Browse the IADC Lexicon alphabetically or by category. Get comprehensive definitions of drilling industry terms.
Sudden Hurricane
Definition(s)
Sudden Hurricane
A hurricane that develops inside the Gulf of Mexico sufficiently close to the relevant platform such that personnel evacuation is not assured. Source: API RP 2SIM, Structural Integrity Management of Fixed Offshore Structures, First Edition, November 2014. Global StandardsSudden Hurricane
Sudden tropical revolving storm that forms near the site and that can affect the jack-up before demanning can be completed within the time required by the emergency evacuation plan. NOTE The intent is that the jack-up be assessed to L1 for the specified sudden tropical revolving storm. Source: ISO 19905-1:202, Petroleum and natural gas industries – Site-specific assessment of mobile offshore units – Part 1: Jack-ups. Global StandardsSudden Typhoon
Definition(s)
Sudden Typhoon
Sudden tropical revolving storm that forms near the site and that can affect the jack-up before demanning can be completed within the time required by the emergency evacuation plan. NOTE The intent is that the jack-up be assessed to L1 for the specified sudden tropical revolving storm. Source: ISO 19905-1:202, Petroleum and natural gas industries – Site-specific assessment of mobile offshore units – Part 1: Jack-ups. Global StandardsSUDU
Definition(s)
SUDU
Subsea umbilical distribution unit. Source: API RP 17A, Design and Operation of Subsea Production Systems—General Requirements and Recommendations, Fourth Edition, Reaffirmed 2011. Global StandardsSufficient Capacity
Definition(s)
Sufficient Capacity
Sufficient capacity means the capacity necessary to supply all firefighting equipment in the facility's largest fire area plus the largest of the adjacent areas. Source: Guidance Notes on Petroleum and Natural Gas (Safety in Offshore Operations) Rules, 2008, Oil Industry Safety Directorate (India), 2012. Regulatory GuidanceSufficient Capacity
Sufficient capacity as mentioned in the second subsection, means the capacity necessary to supply all firefighting equipment in the facility's largest fire area plus the largest of the adjacent areas. On simpler facilities without accommodation, the supply can come from a dedicated water reservoir, from seawater pumps or other available water supply. Source: Guidelines Regarding the Facilities Regulations, Norway, updated December 2012. Regulatory GuidanceSufficient Firewater Supply
Definition(s)
Sufficient Firewater Supply
Sufficient firewater supply as mentioned in the first subsection, means the quantity necessary to supply all fire-fighting equipment in the onshore facility's largest fire area with one fire pump out of operation and necessary additional capacity to ensure that the fire does not spread to other adjacent areas in accordance with the chosen strategy. Source: Guidelines Regarding the Technical and Operational Regulations, Norway, updated December 2012. Regulatory GuidanceSufficient Time
Definition(s)
Sufficient Time
Sufficient time as mentioned in the first subsection, means the necessary time for the authorities to process applications and, if applicable, appeals, before the planned start-up date for the petroleum activity. Normal processing time is nine weeks. Source: Guidelines Regarding the Management Regulations, Norway, updated December 2012. Regulatory GuidanceSuH
Definition(s)
SuH
Shear strength at the back flow depth hc.
Source: ABS Guidance Notes on Geotechnical Performance of Spudcan Foundations, January 2017. Global StandardsSuitable Anchor
Definition(s)
Suitable Anchor
“Suitable anchor” means that it is capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds per employee attached or shall be designed, install ed, and used as follows:- as part of a complete personal fall arrest system which maintains a safety factor of at least two (2);
- under the supervision of a qualified person.
Suitable Crude Oil and Equivalent Substances
Definition(s)
Suitable Crude Oil and Equivalent Substances
“Suitable crude oil and equivalent substances” means those substances that are appropriate for processing in Canadian refineries and that are potentially deliverable to Canadian refineries; pétrole brut et substances assimilées acceptables. Source: Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act, S.C. 1988, c. 28, Canada, current to May 26, 2013. LegislationSuitable Person
Definition(s)
Suitable Person
‘Suitable persons’ may be offshore medics (in the case of regulation 5(1) (a) and (b)) or offshore first-aiders (in the case of regulation 5(1)(a) only). Source: Health Care and First Aid on Offshore Installations and Pipeline Works, Offshore Installations and Pipeline Works (First-Aid) Regulations 1989, Approved Code of Practice and Guidance (UK HSE L123), Second Edition, 2000. Regulatory GuidanceSuitably Qualified
Definition(s)
Suitably Qualified
‘Suitably qualified’ means having knowledge and experience of conditions offshore. Source: Health Care and First Aid on Offshore Installations and Pipeline Works, Offshore Installations and Pipeline Works (First-Aid) Regulations 1989, Approved Code of Practice and Guidance (UK HSE L123), Second Edition, 2000. Regulatory GuidanceSulfate Resistant Cement
Definition(s)
Sulfate Resistant Cement
“Sulfate resistant cement” means a cement-additive blend that resists deterioration in the presence of hydrogen sulfide. Source: Division of Mineral Resources Management - Oil and Gas, Ohio Administrative Code, Chapter 1501:9, January 2012. RegulationsSulfide Stress Cracking
Definition(s)
Sulfide Stress Cracking
Cracking of metallic materials due to exposure to fluid containing hydrogen sulfide. Source: API SPEC 6A, Specification for Wellhead and Christmas Tree Equipment, Twentieth Edition, October 2010 (Addendum November 2012). Global StandardsSulfide Stress Cracking
Cracking of metallic materials due to exposure to hydrogen sulfide containing fluids. Source: API SPEC 16C, Specification for Choke and Kill Systems, First Edition, January 1993 (Reaffirmed 2001). Global StandardsSulfide Stress Cracking
"Sulfide stress cracking" means the cracking phenomenon which is the result of corrosive action of hydrogen sulfide on susceptible metals under stress. Source: Corporation Commission, Oil and Gas Conservation, Oklahoma Administrative Code 165:10, February 2013. RegulationsSulfide Stress Cracking
The cracking phenomenon which is the result of corrosive action of hydrogen sulfide on susceptible metals under stress. Source: Oil and Gas Division, Texas Administrative Code, Title 16, Chapter 3, February 2013. RegulationsSulfide Stress Cracking (SSC)
Definition(s)
Sulfide Stress Cracking (SSC)
Cracking of metal involving corrosion and tensile stress (residual and/or applied) in the presence of water and H2S. NOTE SSC is a form of hydrogen stress cracking (HSC) and involves embrittlement of the metal by atomic hydrogen that is produced by acid corrosion on the metal surface. Hydrogen uptake is promoted in the presence of sulfides. The atomic hydrogen can diffuse into the metal, reduce ductility and increase susceptibility to cracking. High strength metallic materials and hard weld zones are prone to SSC. [ISO 15156-1]. Source: API SPEC 14A, Specification for Subsurface Safety Valve Equipment, Eleventh Edition, October 2005 (Reaffirmed June 2012). Global StandardsSulfide Stress Cracking
Cracking of metal involving corrosion and tensile stress (residual and/or applied) in the presence of water and H2S NOTE SSC is a form of hydrogen stress cracking (HSC) and involves embrittlement of the metal by atomic hydrogen that is produced by acid corrosion on the metal surface. Hydrogen uptake is promoted in the presence of sulfides. The atomic hydrogen can diffuse into the metal, reduce ductility and increase susceptibility to cracking. High strength metallic materials and hard weld zones are prone to SSC. [ISO 15156-1:2009, definition 3.23] 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 StandardsSulfur Dioxide
Definition(s)
Sulfur dioxide
Chemical formula is SO2. A toxic product of combustion of hydrogen sulfide, normally heavier than air. CAUTION: Inhalation at certain concentrations can lead to injury or death. Refer to Appendix B. Source API RP 49, Recommended Practice for Drilling and Well Servicing Operations Involving Hydrogen Sulfide, Third Edition, May 2001. Global StandardsSulphur Deposit
Definition(s)
Sulphur deposit:
Sulphur deposit means a formation of rock that contains elemental sulphur. Source: Oil and Gas and Sulphur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf, 30 CFR 250 (2013). RegulationsSulphur Production Rate
Definition(s)
Sulphur production rate:
Sulphur production rate means the number of long tons of sulphur produced during a certain period of time, usually per day. Source: Oil and Gas and Sulphur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf, 30 CFR 250 (2013). RegulationsSum
Definition(s)
Sum
Shear strength intercept at the layer’s surface.
Source: ABS Guidance Notes on Geotechnical Performance of Spudcan Foundations, January 2017. Global Standards
Summary
Definition(s)
Summary
Summary: a brief and comprehensive presentation of facts or statements; an abstract, compendium, or epitome (The Macquarie Dictionary Online © 2007). Source: NOPSEMA Guidance note: Safety Case Content and Level of Detail, N-04300-GN0106, Australia, Revision 5, December 2012. Regulatory GuidanceSummary of Operation Boundaries
Definition(s)
Summary of Operation Boundaries (SOOB)
A summary of defeating factors (either single or in combination) that have the potential to exceed the tolerability limits of safe operations. These defeating factors are qualitatively determined using experience and establish the boundaries in which operations are carried out. Other Related Terms and Definitions: Shell EP95-0010 (Revision 1 – 25 Jan 2001) – (Manual of Permitted Operations – MOPO) – Manual of Permitted Operations defines the limits of safe operation when barrier effectiveness is reduced. The limit of safe operation permitted during periods of escalated risk in either likelihood or consequence. The limit of safe operations if the barriers are reduced, removed, or purposely defeated. 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 GuidelinesSump
Definition(s)
Sump
Pan or lower compartment below the lowest shale-shaker screen. Source: API RP 13C, Recommended Practice on Drilling Fluids Processing Systems Evaluation, Upstream Segment, Fourth Edition, December 2010. Global StandardsSump
Sump―a container constructed of steel, fiberglass, sealed concrete, or some other impermeable material utilized for temporary storage of E and P Waste, including, but not limited to, wash water and solids (sludge) generated by the removal/cleaning of residual amounts of E and P Waste from storage containers. Source: Natural Resources, Office of Conservation – General Operations, Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 43, Part XIX, March 2013. RegulationsSump
“Sump” means an impermeable vessel, or a collection device incorporated within a secondary containment system, with a capacity less than 500 gallons, which remains predominantly empty, serves as a drain or receptacle for de minimis releases on an intermittent basis and is not used to store, treat, dispose of or evaporate products or wastes. Source: Oil and Gas, New Mexico Administrative Code Title 19, Chapter 15, January 2013. RegulationsSump
A pit or excavation, for holding liquids. Source: Petroleum Safety Orders--Drilling and Production, Definitions, California Code of Regulations, 8 CCR § 6505, December 2012. RegulationsSunlight-resistant
Definition(s)
Sunlight-resistant
Ability to withstand exposure to direct sunlight as defined by UL Std 1581. Source: API Recommended Practice 14FZ, Recommended Practice for Design, Installation, and Maintenance of Electrical Systems for Fixed and Floating Offshore Petroleum Facilities for Unclassified and Class I, Zone 0, Zone 1, and Zone 2 Locations, Second Edition, May 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 StandardsSuperimposed Back Pressure
Definition(s)
Superimposed Back Pressure
Static pressure that exists at the outlet of a pressure-relief device at the time the device is required to operate. NOTE It is the result of pressure in the discharge system coming from other sources and can be constant or variable. Source: API STD 521, Pressure-relieving and Depressuring Systems, Fifth Edition, January 2007 (Addendum May 2008). Global StandardsSuperimposed Backpressure
Definition(s)
Superimposed Backpressure
Static pressure that exists at the outlet of a pressure-relief device at the time the device is required to operate.- NOTE: It is the result of pressure in the discharge system coming from other sources and can be constant or variable.
Superstructure
Definition(s)
Superstructure
any additional structure which is above a baseline EXAMPLE Hull. Source: IEC 61892-6, Mobile and fixed offshore units – Electrical installations – Part 6: Installation, Third Edition, December 2013. Global StandardsSuperstructure
Superstructure (a) A superstructure is a decked structure on the freeboard deck, extending from side to side of the ship or with the side plating not being inboard of the shell plating more than 4% of the breadth (B). (b) An enclosed superstructure is a superstructure with: (i) enclosing bulkheads of efficient construction; (ii) access openings, if any, in these bulkheads fitted with doors complying with the requirements of regulation 12; (iii) all other openings in sides or ends of the superstructure fitted with efficient weathertight means of closing. A bridge or poop shall not be regarded as enclosed unless access is provided for the crew starting from any point on the uppermost complete exposed deck or higher to reach machinery and other working spaces inside these superstructures by alternative means which are available at all times when bulkhead openings are closed. (c) The height of a superstructure is the least vertical height measured at side from the top of the superstructure deck beams to the top of the freeboard deck beams. (d) The length of a superstructure (S) is the mean length of the part of the superstructure which lies within the length (L). (e) Bridge. A bridge is a superstructure which does not extend to either the forward or after perpendicular. (f) Poop. A poop is a superstructure which extends from the after perpendicular forward to a point which is aft of the forward perpendicular. The poop may originate from a point aft of the aft perpendicular. (g) Forecastle. A forecastle is a superstructure which extends from the forward perpendicular aft to a point which is forward of the after perpendicular. The forecastle may originate from a point forward of the forward perpendicular. (h) Full superstructure. A full superstructure is a superstructure which, as a minimum, extends from the forward to the after perpendicular. (i) Raised quarterdeck. A raised quarterdeck is a superstructure which extends forward from the after perpendicular, generally has a height less than a normal superstructure, and has an intact front bulkhead (sidescuttles of the non-opening type fitted with efficient deadlights and bolted man hole covers) (see figure 3.4). Where the forward bulkhead is not intact due to doors and access openings, the superstructure is then to be considered as a poop.
<Chapter I, regulation 3>.
Source: IMO Resolution MSC.143(77), amendments to Annex B to the 1988 Load Lines Protocol, 5 June 2003, International Maritime Organization. LegislationSuperstructure Deck
Definition(s)
Superstructure Deck
Superstructure deck. A superstructure deck is a deck forming the upper boundary of a superstructure. <Chapter I, regulation 3>. Source: IMO Resolution MSC.143(77), amendments to Annex B to the 1988 Load Lines Protocol, 5 June 2003, International Maritime Organization. LegislationSupervise
Definition(s)
Supervise
“Supervise” means the exercise of direct personal control and “supervising” shall be construed accordingly. Source: The Diving at Work Regulations 1997, UK S.I. 1997/2776, 1997. RegulationsSupervisor
Definition(s)
Supervisor
Person who has been given the control, direction, or supervision of work performed by one or more personnel. 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 Source: API RP 74, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Onshore Oil and Gas Production Operation, First Edition, October 2001 (March 2007). Global StandardsSupervisor
“Supervisor” means a person appointed in writing by a diving contractor, pursuant to subsection 9(3), as a diving supervisor or an ADS supervisor to supervise a diving operation (directeur). Source: Canada Oil and Gas Diving Regulations, SOR/88-600, February 2013. Regulations Source: Nova Scotia Offshore Area Petroleum Diving Regulations, SOR/95-189, Canada, current to May 31, 2012. RegulationsSupervisor
“Supervisor” means a person who has charge of a workplace or authority over a worker. Source: Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Occupational Health & Safety Requirements, Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board, Canada, December 2000. RegulationsSupervisor
"Supervisor" means a person who has been given the control, direction and/or supervision of work performed by one or more employees. Source: State of Wyoming Occupational Safety and Health Rules and Regulations for Oil and Gas Well Drilling, Revised January 8, 2013. RegulationsSupervisor
“Supervisor” means a person appointed to supervise under regulation 6(2)(b). Source: The Diving at Work Regulations 1997, UK S.I. 1997/2776, 1997. RegulationsSupervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
Definition(s)
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
A generic name for a computerized system that is capable of gathering and processing data and applying operational controls to geographically dispersed assets over long distances. Adapted from: NCSD Glossary, CNSSI 4009. Source: NICCS™ Portal Cybersecurity Lexicon, National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (https://niccs.us-cert.gov/glossary) as of 11 November 2015, Global StandardsSupervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
Computer and communications system that gathers and analyzes operating data and sends reports to the control center. In addition, the SCADA system carries out commands issued by the operator at the control center. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global StandardsSupervisory Control and Data Acquisition
A computer-based monitoring and control system that collects, displays, and stores information from remotely located data collection units and sensors to support the control of equipment, devices, and facilities.
Source: Canadian Standards Association, Z246.1-09, Security management for petroleum and natural gas industry systems, August 2009, Regional Standa