Glossary
Browse the IADC Lexicon alphabetically or by category. Get comprehensive definitions of drilling industry terms.
Substructure
Definition(s)
Substructure
Structure on which the derrick sits. The substructure may provide space for wellhead and well control equipment. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsSubstructure
“Substructure” means a structure that surrounds the wellbore at the surface and provides the working area for certain employees. It may contain the rotary table. [Mich. Admin. Code R 408 (2013)]. Source: Oil and Gas Drilling and Servicing Operations, Michigan Administrative Code R 408, February 8, 2013. RegulationsSubstructure
Refer to Drill Floor Substructure. Source: API RP 64, Recommended Practice for Diverter Systems Equipment and Operations, Second Edition, November 2001 (March 1, 2007). Global StandardsStuck Pipe
Definition(s)
Stuck pipe
A condition in which the pipe sticks or hangs while in the hole and cannot be moved. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsStrand
Definition(s)
Strand
The largest component of the rope, which is twisted, braided, or otherwise assembled together to form the finished rope, and which is formed by twisting or otherwise assembling rope yarns together, generally with an opposite twist direction to that of the yarns. Source: API RP 2SM Design, Manufacture, Installation, and Maintenance of Synthetic Fiber Ropes for Offshore Mooring, Second Edition, July 2014. Global Standards Source: API RP 2SM, Design, Manufacture, Installation, and Maintenance of Synthetic Fiber Ropes for Offshore Mooring, First Edition, July 2014. Global StandardsStrand
Several round or shaped wires helically laid about an axis. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsStand of Pipe
Definition(s)
Stand of pipe
One, two, or three joints of pipe screwed together, and sometimes referred to as a single, double, or triple, respectively. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsStabbing Board
Definition(s)
Stabbing Board
A platform in the derrick on which personnel work while casing is being run to aid in guiding a tubular joint into another tubular joint for makeup. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsStabbing Board
A readily movable platform used in the derrick or on a mast which workmen stand on to perform work of a temporary nature and not normally performed from a fixed inside derrick platform or monkey board, or a fixed working platform on a mast. Source: Petroleum Safety Orders--Drilling and Production, Definitions, California Code of Regulations, 8 CCR § 6505, December 2012. RegulationsStabbing Board
“Stabbing board” means a temporary elevated platform erected in a derrick mast. [Mich. Admin. Code R 408 (2013)]. Source: Oil and Gas Drilling and Servicing Operations, Michigan Administrative Code R 408, February 8, 2013. RegulationsSnubbing
Definition(s)
Snubbing
Pulling or running pipe under pressure through a sealing element where special equipment is used to apply external force to push the pipe into the well, or to control the pipe movement out of the well. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsSnubbing
Conducting tripping operations when the force acting on the drill string or coiled tubing from the wellbore pressure equals or exceeds the drill string or coiled tubing weight. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global StandardsSnubbing
“Snubbing” means pulling or running pipe under pressure through a resilient sealing element where special equipment is used to apply external force to push the pipe into the well or to control the pipe movement out of the well. [Mich. Admin. Code R 408 (2013)]. Source: Oil and Gas Drilling and Servicing Operations, Michigan Administrative Code R 408, February 8, 2013. RegulationsSnubbing
Snubbing units as mentioned in the last subsection, means mobile units that are installed so that forces are transferred directly to the wellhead. Source: Guidelines Regarding the Facilities Regulations, Norway, updated December 2012. Regulatory GuidanceSnubbing
Intervention using jointed pipe and where the primary well control is at surface. Source: NORSOK D-002, Well intervention equipment, Rev. 2, June 2013. Global StandardsSingle
Definition(s)
Single
One joint of drill pipe, rod, or other tubular goods. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsSimultaneous Operations
Definition(s)
Simultaneous operations
Two or more of the following activities: production, drilling, completion, workover, wireline (except routine operations), and major construction operations. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsSimultaneous operations
Two or more of the following activities being performed in close proximity: production, drilling, completion, workover, wireline (except routine operations), major construction operations, well testing and maintenance. Source: API RP 74, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Onshore Oil and Gas Production Operation, First Edition, October 2001 (March 2007). Global StandardsSimultaneous operations
Two or more of the following activities: production, drilling, completion, workover, wireline (except routine operations as defined in 30 CFR 250.91), and major construction operations. Source: API RP 75, Recommended Practice for Development of a Safety and Environmental Management Program for Offshore Operations and Facilities: Upstream Segment, Third Edition, May 2004. Global StandardsSimultaneous operations
Two or more independent operations (such as drilling, workover, wire!ine, facilities construction, etc.) conducted under common operational control in which the activities of any one operation may impact the safety of personnel, equipment and/or the environment of the other(s). NOTE Failure to coordinate can result in the potential clash of activities that can cause an undesired event or set of circumstances. Source: API Bulletin 97, Well Construction Interface Document Guidelines, First Edition, December 2013. Global StandardsStabbing Valve
Definition(s)
Safety valve (stabbing valve)
A full opening valve available for quick installation in the pipe string to prevent flow. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsSafety Valve
Definition(s)
Safety Valve
Spring-loaded pressure-relief valve actuated by the static pressure upstream of the valve and characterized by rapid opening or pop action.- NOTE: A safety valve is normally used with compressible fluids.
Safety Valve (stabbing valve)
A full opening valve available for quick installation in the pipe string to prevent flow. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsSafety Valve
“Safety valve” means a valve available for quick installation in the pipe string to prevent flow. [Mich. Admin. Code R 408 (2013)]. Source: Oil and Gas Drilling and Servicing Operations, Michigan Administrative Code R 408, February 8, 2013. RegulationsReverse Circulation
Definition(s)
Reverse circulation
Reverse circulation occurs when fluid is pumped down an annular space and returns to the surface through the tubular forming the inner wall of the annular space. This is opposite of normal circulation wherein fluid is pumped down the inner tubular pipe and returns up the annular space. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsReverse circulation
Circulation of drilling fluid down the annulus and up through the drill string. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global StandardsSucker Rod
Definition(s)
Rod (sucker rod)
A length of steel, aluminum, fiberglass, or other suitable material, a number of which are screwed together to make up the mechanical link (rod string) from the surface pumping unit to the pump in the well. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsRod
Definition(s)
Rod (sucker rod)
A length of steel, aluminum, fiberglass, or other suitable material, a number of which are screwed together to make up the mechanical link (rod string) from the surface pumping unit to the pump in the well. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsRod
“Rod,” sometimes called a sucker rod, means a special steel rod, a number of which are screwed together to make up the mechanical link from the surface pumping unit to the pump in the well. [Mich. Admin. Code R 408 (2013)]. Source: Oil and Gas Drilling and Servicing Operations, Michigan Administrative Code R 408, February 8, 2013. RegulationsRacking Pipe or Rods
Definition(s)
Racking pipe or rods
Act of placing stands of pipe or rods in an orderly arrangement in the derrick. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsPumping Unit
Definition(s)
Pumping Unit
Surface equipment used for the purpose of mechanically lifting fluids from a well. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsPumping Unit
Surface equipment used for the purpose of mechanically lifting fluids from a well. See API Spec 11E and API/ANSI 11ER. Source: API RP 74, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Onshore Oil and Gas Production Operation, First Edition, October 2001 (March 2007). Global StandardsPumping Unit
“Pumping unit” means surface equipment assembled for the purpose of mechanically lifting fluids from a well. [Mich. Admin. Code R 408 (2013)]. Source: Oil and Gas Drilling and Servicing Operations, Michigan Administrative Code R 408, February 8, 2013. RegulationsTubing Board Guylines
Definition(s)
Pipe racking board guylines (tubing board guylines)
Lines (guylines) which run from the racking board to ground anchors; or a special substructure or base that provides a substitute for ground anchors. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsPipe Racking Board Guylines
Definition(s)
Pipe Racking Board Guylines (Tubing Board Guylines)
Lines (guylines) which run from the racking board to ground anchors; or a special substructure or base that provides a substitute for ground anchors. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsPipe Racking Board Guylines (Tubing Board Guylines)
“Pipe racking board guylines” sometimes called tubing board guylines, means lines that run from racking board to ground anchors or special substructure or base which provides a substitute for ground anchors. [Mich. Admin. Code R 408 (2013)]. Source: Oil and Gas Drilling and Servicing Operations, Michigan Administrative Code R 408, February 8, 2013. RegulationsRigging Up
Definition(s)
Rigging up
The on-site erection and connection of the components in preparation for drilling or well servicing operations. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsRigging up
“Rigging up” means the on-site erection and connection of the rig components in preparation for drilling or well servicing operations. [Mich. Admin. Code R 408 (2013)]. Source: Oil and Gas Drilling and Servicing Operations, Michigan Administrative Code R 408, February 8, 2013. RegulationsRated Working Pressure
Definition(s)
Rated Working Pressure
Maximum internal pressure that the equipment is designed to contain and/or control on surface. Source: API Specification 16A, Specification for Drill-through Equipment, Fourth Edition, April 2017. Global StandardsRated Working Pressure
The maximum internal pressure that equipment is designed to contain and/or control. Working pressure is not to be confused with test pressure. 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 StandardsRated Working Pressure
Maximum internal pressure that the equipment is designed to contain and/or control. Source: API STANDARD 16AR, Standard for Repair and Remanufacture of Drill-through Equipment, First Edition, April 2017. Global Standards Source: API Technical Report 17TR7, Verification and Validation of Subsea Connectors, First Edition, April 2017. Global Standards Source: API SPEC 6A, Specification for Wellhead and Christmas Tree Equipment, Twentieth Edition, October 2010 (Addendum November 2012). Global Standards Source: NORSOK D-002, Well intervention equipment, Rev. 2, June 2013. Global Standards Source:API SPECIFICATION 7K, Drilling and Well Servicing Equipment, Sixth Edition, December 2015. Global StandardsRated working pressure (RWP)
The maximum internal pressure that equipment is designed to contain or control.- NOTE 1: Indicative of wellbore wetted rated components or systems.
- NOTE 2: Rated working pressure should not be confused with test pressure.
Rated working pressure
Maximum internal or external pressure that the equipment is designed to contain and/or control.- NOTE: The rated working pressure should be defined in terms of applicable loading and environmental conditions.
Rated working pressure <water mist nozzles>
maximum service pressure at which a hydraulic device is intended to operate. Source: Resolution A.800(19), Revised Guidelines for Approval of Sprinkler Systems Equivalent to that Referred to in SOLAS Regulation 11-2/12, 23 November 1995, International Maritime Organization, Regulatory guidanceRated working pressure
The maximum internal pressure equipment is designed to contain and/or control. Working pressure is not to be confused with test pressure. Source API SPEC 16C, Specification for Choke and Kill Systems, First Edition, January 1993 (Reaffirmed 2001). Global StandardsRated working pressure
The maximum internal pressure that equipment is designed to contain or control under normal operating conditions. Source: API SPEC 16D, Specification for Control Systems for Drilling Well Control Equipment and Control Systems for Diverter Equipment, Upstream Segment, Second Edition, July 2004. Global StandardsRated working pressure
The maximum internal pressure that the equipment is designed to contain and/or control. For an RCD, there is no designated rated working pressure since the maximum internal pressure that the equipment is designed to contain and/or control depends on the operation: dynamic—pipe rotating, stripping—pipe reciprocating or tripped but not rotating and static—no pipe movement. Source: API SPEC 16RCD, Specification for Drill Through Equipment—Rotating Control Devices, Upstream Segment, First Edition, February 2005. Global StandardsRabbit
Definition(s)
Rabbit
An instrument or device that is dropped, pulled, or pushed through a section of pipe to ensure that it is free of obstruction. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsPole Mast
Definition(s)
Pole mast
Structure consisting of one or more tubular sections, telescoping or not telescoping, that are the load-bearing members. The structure, when erected to working position, usually requires guylines. It may be attached to a carrier, skid base, or substructure. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsPole mast
“Pole mast” means a structure which consists of 1 or more tubular sections, either telescoping or nontelescoping and which is a load-bearing member. The structure, when erected to working position, usually requires guylines. It may be attached to a carrier, skid base, or substructure. It is used in place of a derrick. [Mich. Admin. Code R 408 (2013)]. Source: Oil and Gas Drilling and Servicing Operations, Michigan Administrative Code R 408, February 8, 2013. RegulationsPFAS
Definition(s)
Personal fall arrest system (PFAS)
A system designed to provide protection to a person from falls. The PFAS should consist of an anchorage, connector and a synthetic webbing full body harness which may include a lanyard and a deceleration device. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsPersonal Fall Arrest System
Definition(s)
Personal fall arrest system (PFAS)
A system designed to provide protection to a person from falls. The PFAS should consist of an anchorage, connector and a synthetic webbing full body harness which may include a lanyard and a deceleration device. 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 StandardsPersonal fall arrest system
“Personal fall arrest system” means a system used to arrest an employee in a fall from a working level. It consists of an anchorage, connectors, a full body harness, and may include a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or suitable combinations of these. Source: State of Wyoming Occupational Safety and Health Rules and Regulations for Oil and Gas Well Drilling, Revised January 8, 2013. RegulationsPerforating
Definition(s)
Perforating
Making holes in pipe, cement, or formation at desired depths usually performed with an explosive device utilizing bullets or shaped charges. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsPerforating
“Perforating” means the act of making holes in pipe, cement, or formation at desired depths. [Mich. Admin. Code R 408 (2013)]. Source: Oil and Gas Drilling and Servicing Operations, Michigan Administrative Code R 408, February 8, 2013. RegulationsOpen Hole
Definition(s)
Open hole
Uncased part of the wellbore. Source: API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Third Edition, August 1999 (2007). Global StandardsOpen hole
“Open hole” means the uncased part of the welbore. [Mich. Admin. Code R 408 (2013)]. Source: Oil and Gas Drilling and Servicing Operations, Michigan Administrative Code R 408, February 8, 2013. RegulationsOpen hole
“Open hole” means that portion of a well bore or lateral that is:- not cased, or
- cased, but the casing is not cemented in place, and is not otherwise isolated from the formation.