Glossary
Browse the IADC Lexicon alphabetically or by category. Get comprehensive definitions of drilling industry terms.
Switch-On Time
Definition(s)
Switch-On Time
"Switch-on time" means the period of time required for reaching 95% of the required luminous intensity after the daylight signalling lamp has been switched on. Source: IMO Resolution MSC.95(72), Recommendation on Performance Standards for Daylight Signalling Lamps, 22 May 2000, International Maritime Organization. Regulatory Guidance.Switchable Three-Way Target Valve
Definition(s)
Switchable Three-Way Target Valve
All natural gas except sour gas and casinghead gas. Source: API RP 64, Recommended Practice for Diverter Systems Equipment and Operations, Second Edition, November 2001 (March 1, 2007). Global StandardsSwitchDeadman
Definition(s)
SwitchDeadman
Control del sistema hombre muerto. Accionador del sistema de preventoras de reventones que permite la desconexión en caso de emergencia asociada a una pérdida de las señales de control (eléctrica y/o acústica).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
Swivel
Definition(s)
Swivel
A load-carrying member with thrust bearings that permit rotation under load in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the load. Source: API RP 2D, Operation and Maintenance of Offshore Cranes, Sixth Edition, May 2007. Global StandardsSwivel
Device at the top of the drill stem which permits simultaneous circulation and rotation. Source: API RP 7G, Recommended Practice for Drill Stem Design and Operating Limits, Upstream Segment, Sixteenth Edition, August 1998 (Addendum 2: September 2009). Global StandardsSwivel
Device at top of the drill stem that permits simultaneous circulation and rotation. 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 SPEC 7-1, Specification for Rotary Drill Stem Elements, First Edition, March 2006 (Addendum April 2011). Global StandardsSwivel
“Swivel” means a device at the top of the drill stem that permits the circulation of fluids and the rotation of the drill string. [Mich. Admin. Code R 408 (2013)]. Source: Oil and Gas Drilling and Servicing Operations, Michigan Administrative Code R 408, February 8, 2013. RegulationsSwivel Flange
Definition(s)
Swivel flange
Swivel flanges, as shown in Figure 39, are a particular type of connector that offers the advantage of relative rotation between the connector and the vessel to aid installation operations. Quick-disconnect and quick connect-disconnect systems may be used as connectors where emergency release is an operational requirement for dynamic riser applications. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsSwivel flange
Swivel flanges, as shown in Figure 39, are a particular type of connector that offers the advantage of relative rotation between the connector and the vessel to aid installation operations. Quick-disconnect and quick connect-disconnect systems may be used as connectors where emergency release is an operational requirement for dynamic riser applications. 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 StandardsSwiveling
Definition(s)
Swiveling
The rotation of the load attachment portion (hook or shackle) of a load block (lower) or hook assembly about its axis of suspension in relation to the load line(s). Source: API RP 2D, Operation and Maintenance of Offshore Cranes, Sixth Edition, May 2007. Global StandardsSWL
Definition(s)
SWL
A load-carrying member with thrust bearings that allows the load to rotate. Source: API RP 2D, Operation and Maintenance of Offshore Cranes, Seventh Edition, December 2014. Global StandardsSWL
Safe working load. Source: API RP 2D, Operation and Maintenance of Offshore Cranes, Seventh Edition, December 2014. Global Standards Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. 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: 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 StandardsSWL
Still water level. Source: ISO 19905-1:202, Petroleum and natural gas industries – Site-specific assessment of mobile offshore units – Part 1: Jack-ups. Global StandardsSXT
Definition(s)
SXT
Surface tree. Source: API RP 17A, Design and Operation of Subsea Production Systems—General Requirements and Recommendations, Fourth Edition, Reaffirmed 2011. Global StandardsSy
Definition(s)
Sy
Yield strength. 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 StandardsSymbol “X”
Definition(s)
Symbol "X"
Symbol used to denote specific conditions of use. Source: IEC 60079-19:2015, Explosive atmospheres – Part 19: Equipment repair, overhaul and reclamation, Edition 3.1, March 2015. Global StandardsSymmetric Encryption Algorithm
Definition(s)
Symmetric Encryption Algorithm
A branch of cryptography in which a cryptographic system or algorithms use the same secret key (a shared secret key). Adapted from: CNSSI 4009, SANS. Source: NICCS™ Portal Cybersecurity Lexicon, National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (https://niccs.us-cert.gov/glossary) as of 11 November 2015, Global StandardsSymmetric Key
Definition(s)
Symmetric Key
A cryptographic key that is used to perform both the cryptographic operation and its inverse, for example to encrypt plaintext and decrypt ciphertext, or create a message authentication code and to verify the code. Extended Definition: Also, a cryptographic algorithm that uses a single key (i.e., a secret key) for both encryption of plaintext and decryption of ciphertext. From: 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 StandardsSynoptic Ship
Definition(s)
Synoptic Ship
A report based on WMO Code FM13 and also described in MANMAR. These reports were formerly referred to as MANMAR reports but the term MANMAR has become obsolete, except where references to the manual are noted. Source: Offshore Physical Environmental Guidelines, The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board, Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board, and National Energy Board, Canada, September 2008. Regulatory GuidanceSyntactic Foam
Definition(s)
Syntactic Foam
Composite material of hollow spherical fillers in a matrix or binder used in the manufacture of buoyancy modules.
Source: API Specification 16Q, Design, Selection, Operation, and Maintenance of Marine Drilling Riser Systems, Second Edition, April 2017. Global StandardsSyntactic Foam
Composite material consisting of a polymer matrix containing microspheres only. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global StandardsSyntactic Foam
Typically a composite material of hollow spherical fillers in a matrix or binder. 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 StandardsSyntactic Foam
Typically, a composite material of spherical fillers in a matrix or binder. 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 StandardsSynthesis Method
Definition(s)
Synthesis Method
Probability approach which addresses the uncertainty and likely values of pipe performance properties by using distributions of geometric and material property values. NOTE These distributions are combined with a limit state equation to determine the statistical distribution of a performance property. The performance distribution in combination with a defined lower percentile determines the final design equation. Source: API TR 5C3, Technical Report on Equations and Calculations for Casing, Tubing, and Line Pipe Used as Casing or Tubing; and Performance Properties Tables for Casing and Tubing, Upstream Segment, First Edition, December 2008. Global StandardsSynthetic Based Mud (SBM)
Definition(s)
Synthetic Based Mud (SBM)
Synthetic based mud (SBM) means a drilling fluid in which the continuous phase is composed of one or more fluids produced by the reaction of specific purified chemical feedstock, rather than through physical separation processes such as fractionation, distillation and minor chemical reactions such as cracking and hydro processing, and which should have a total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentration of less than 10 mg/kg, be relatively nontoxic in marine environments and have the potential to biodegrade under aerobic conditions. Source: Offshore Waste Treatment Guidelines, The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board, Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board, and National Energy Board, Canada, December 15, 2010. Regulatory GuidanceSynthetic Fluid
Definition(s)
Synthetic Fluid
Synthetic fluid: an organic fluid originated at the synthesis of oils of animal, plant or mineral origin. Source: Mining Regulation of the Netherlands, WJZ 02063603, Netherlands,16 December 2002. RegulationsSynthetic Foam Concentrate (S)
Definition(s)
Synthetic Foam Concentrate (S)
Synthetic foam concentrate (S) is a foam concentrate based on a mixture of hydrocarbon surface active agents and which may contain fluorocarbons with additional stabilizers. Source: IMO MSC.1/Circ.1312, Revised Guidelines for the performance and testing criteria, and surveys of foam concentrates for fixed fire-extinguishing systems, 10 June 2009, International Maritime Organization. Regulatory GuidanceSystem
Definition(s)
System
Assembled section of piping consisting of a representative range of pipes, fittings, connections, attachments, supports, penetrations and associated coatings, e.g. for thermal insulation or fire protection, as can be found in service. 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 StandardsSystem
Combination of interacting elements organized to achieve one or more stated purposes. A system can consist of products (tools used to achieve a specific task), equipment, services and/or people. Source: IMO MSC.1/Circ.1512, Guideline on Software Quality Assurance and Human-Centred Design for e-navigation, 8 June 2015, International Maritime Organization. Regulatory GuidanceSystem
A set of interacting or interdependent elements forming an integrated process to manage an activity. The OMS is termed a "framework". It provides a structure to organize all a company's operating systems and other sub-systems, such as procedures. The OMS Framework applies to all levels of an organisation, but each level may add additional systems and sub-systems to manage risks specific to its activities, creating a "local" or "asset" OMS. 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 StandardsSystem
Any combination of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures, and communications integrated for a specific purpose.
Source:API STANDARD 780, Security Risk Assessment Methodology for the Petroleum and Petrochemical Industries, First Edition, May 2013. Global StandardsSystem
Combination of interacting elements organized to achieve one or more stated purposes (ISO 15288).- EXAMPLE: Air transportation system.
System
Integrated composite of people, products, and processes that provide a capability to satisfy a stated need or objective. Source: API RP 98, Personal Protective Equipment Selection for Oil Spill Responders, First Edition, August 2013. Global StandardsSystem
Any combination of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures, and communications integrated for a specific purpose. Sample Usage: The collection of roads, tunnels, and bridges provided the country with the foundation for a useful transit system. Source: DHS Risk Lexicon, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 2010 Edition. September 2010 Regulatory GuidanceSystem
System refers to the fixed hydrocarbon gas detection system. Source: IMO MSC.1/Circ.1370, Guidelines for the design, construction and testing of fixed hydrocarbon gas detection systems, 22 June 2010, International Maritime Organization. Regulatory GuidanceSystem
Interacting, interrelated, or interdependent elements forming a complex whole.
Source: ANSI/ISA–99.00.01–2007, Security for Industrial Automation and Control Systems, Part 1: Terminology, Concepts, and Models, 29 October 2007. National Standard