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Flow Switches Gas & Liquid Mass

A device with a switch output based on the measured flow of a moving fluid or gas in terms of mass per unit time (e.g. kilograms per hour). Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global Standards

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Flow Straightener

Line or vessel flow straightener that lessens any whorls or eddies in the flow that might decrease the accuracy of the meter measurement. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global Standards

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Flow Meter Gas Volumetric

Gas volumetric flow meters measure the flow or quantity of a moving gas in terms of volume per unit time (ACFM). Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global Standards

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Flow Meters and Sensors

Flow meters and flow sensors are devices used for measuring the flow or quantity of a moving fluid or gas. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global Standards

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Flow Indicators Sight

Sight flow indicators provide a quick, reliable and economical way to verify the flow of fluids through industrial process lines. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global Standards

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Flow Drilling

An underbalance technique where liquid hydrocarbons are returned to surface and separated by a skimmer system. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global Standards

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Flow Diverter

Installed at the top of the BOP above the flow cross. Function is to divert returned fluids away from the drill floor. There are two types of flow diverter.

1. Passive - creates a friction fit seal between the rubber element and the drill Tension in the rubber element and well pressure maintains the seal.
2. Active. Active diversion relies on external hydraulic pressure to create a seal between the element and the drill string. A Hydraulic regulator is required to maintain the seal in the face of changes as different components pass through the element. This method requires an oil regulator, accumulator, charging pump and hydraulic controls.

Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global Standards

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Flow Controllers

A controller is a device that operates automatically to regulate a controlled variable. Flow controllers regulate flow direction and velocity. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global Standards

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Flow Control

Operational limit based on the line or vessel flow rate through a station. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global Standards

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Flow Computers, Totalizers and Indicators

Computers and totalizers integrate the functions of flow and temperature measurement, computation, alarms, data acquisition, input and output standardization, and closed loop control. They require external sensor input to function. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global Standards

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Flow Chart

Diagram that shows logic, choices, and results of each step of a program with symbols and standard English 2) chart showing flow delivery into or out of a line or vessel. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global Standards

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Flow Characteristic

Describes how the valve operates when opened to different percentages. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global Standards

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Flow Cross

First item of ancillary equipment coupled with the rig’s primary well control equipment. A flanged spool with one or two flanged outlets and is typically located between the rig’s upper spherical preventer and the flow diverter. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global Standards

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Flow Back System

Typically consists of flow cross, flow diverter, emergency shut down valve (ESD), flow line, choke manifold, sample catcher, phase separation vessels, shipping pumps, flare line, flare stack. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global Standards

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Flow

Volume of fluid moving in a given direction per unit of time. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global Standards

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Flare Stack

Completes the gas separation process and may be 10 to 100 feet high depending on production rates and gas composition. Careful decisions on height and placement of the flare stack are very important for personnel / equipment safety. May have auto ignition facility. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global Standards

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Flare Line

Leads from pressure vessel, and is sized according to the pressure rating of the vessel. Contains a backpressure valve that maintains desired pressure on the pressure vessel. Manifolding before the flare line allows gas to feed a pipeline compressor. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global Standards

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Flat Characteristic Curve

Head developed at shut-off is only slightly greater than that at the design capacity. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global Standards

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Flashing

When a pressure drop causes the fluid to become gas-liquid mixture that continues to flow within a line or vessel. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global Standards

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Flash Point or Flashpoint

Temperature that a liquid releases sufficient vapor to form a mixture with air igniteable by a flame. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global Standards

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Final Control Element

Part of a control system that actually affects what is happening in the control system. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global Standards

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Feedback Control System

Type of control system, also called a closed loop or bump-less system, where the control system receives or uses the information collected to control the process.. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global Standards

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Feed–in

Fluid flow from formation into well bore. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global Standards